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Xuanming Renshen Baizhu San (Ginseng and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction of Xuanming) is used to treat conditions where dryness and dampness struggle against each other throughout the body, causing the Xuanku (pores/sweat orifices) to become dense and closed. This leads to palpitations (Xiongji), thirst, reduced appetite, and emaciation. The formula uses Ginseng and Licorice for their sweet nature to tonify deficiency; Rehmannia Root for its moistening nature to nourish dryness; Gypsum, Scutellaria Root, and Talcum for their cold nature to clear heat; Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome and Poria for their drying nature to remove dampness. The specific intent lies in addressing damp-heat; therefore, the dosages of Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome, Talcum, and Gypsum are particularly high. The use of Ginseng, Rehmannia Root, and Licorice is because accumulated heat consumes true Qi, and accumulated dampness generates hardness and dryness. What is especially ingenious is the use of Mint and Patchouli to circulate exterior Qi, and Amomum Fruit to circulate interior Qi. Once the Qi of the interior and exterior is unblocked, warmth can be promoted, and heat can be eliminated; this is the "finishing touch" method. The discussion on the Baizhu Tang (Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) is similar to this; students should study it carefully.

For wind-lao (wind-related consumptive disease) with bone-steaming fever, accompanied by chronic cough and hemoptysis, and a wiry and rapid pulse, Chaihu Meilian San (Bupleurum, Sour Plum, and Coptis Powder) is the primary treatment. Since pathogenic factors have long been accumulated between the exterior and interior without receding, they cannot be expelled by a single sweating therapy. Therefore, the acrid-dispersing nature of Bupleurum must be combined with the sour-astringent nature of Sour Plum. Furthermore, wind that has long been accumulated and harbored within the marrow has transformed from the nature of wind into heat; thus, the bitter-cold nature of Picrorhiza Rhizome (Huhuanglian) is suitable for clearing it. However, just as an army without a guide cannot reach the enemy's territory, medicine without guiding herbs cannot reach the site of the disease. This applies even to new diseases, let alone latent pathogens. Therefore, using Gallbladder-targeting agents to harmonize the Gallbladder, and marrow-targeting agents to harmonize the bones, along with the Yang-unblocking property of Shallot Stalk and the downward-guiding property of Child's Urine, allows the pathogens in the exterior, interior, muscles, and bones to be largely expelled!

Luo Shi Qinjiao Biejia San (Qin Jiao and Turtle Shell Decoction by Master Luo) shares the same intent as Chaihu Meilian San and is also used to treat symptoms of wind-lao, bone-steaming fever, and muscular heat. However, it reduces the Qi-draining effect of Peucedanum Root, adds Angelica Sinensis Root to harmonize blood, removes the bitter-cold Coptis Rhizome, and uses Artemisia Annua for its acrid-cool nature, resulting in a milder flavor and nature. For patients with chronic illness, a gentle treatment method may well be appropriate.

In cases of Yang deficiency, Qi tends to sink and fail to rise; therefore, Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Decoction to Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi) uses Codonopsis, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome, and Licorice, employing sweet-warm properties to tonify Qi, while using Cimicifuga Rhizome and Bupleurum Root (with acrid-ping properties) to assist in ascending. In cases of Yin deficiency, Qi often floats upward and fails to descend; therefore, Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) uses cooked Rehmannia Root, Cornus Fruit, and Chinese Yam—substances with rich flavors and heavy weights—to tonify Yin and benefit essence, while using Alisma Rhizome and Alisma Fruit (with sweet-bland properties) to assist in descending. Those with sinking Qi often experience stagnation; the acrid nature of Tangerine Peel helps harmonize stagnant Qi. Those with floating Qi often have heat; the cold nature of Moutan Bark helps clear floating heat. Thus, the presence of Alisma Rhizome and Alisma Fruit in Liuwei Dihuang Wan is analogous to the presence of Cimicifuga Rhizome and Bupleurum Root in Buzhong Yiqi Tang; the presence of Tangerine Peel in Buzhong Yiqi Tang is analogous to the presence of Moutan Bark in Liuwei Dihuang Wan. The Codonopsis, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome, Angelica Sinensis Root, and Licorice in Buzhong Yiqi Tang correspond to the Rehmannia Root, Cornus Fruit, and Chinese Yam in Liuwei Dihuang Wan. Although the methods differ, the underlying principles are interconnected.