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Zhang Zhongjing treated cases of recurrence due to overexertion (Lao Fu) after a major illness had subsided, prescribing Zhishi Zhizi Chitang (Immature Bitter Orange and Gardenia Fermented Soybean Decoction). The standard formula adds Congbai (Scallion White), Sumi (Millet), and Xiong Shufen (Male Rat Feces). Fan Wang’s formula added Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Dahuang (Rhubarb), and Mahuang (Ephedra); another variant removed Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) and Chishao (Fermented Soybean), adding Gancao (Licorice Root), Guixin (Cinnamon Bark), Dahuang (Rhubarb), and Mangxiao (Mirabilite). *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) added Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Shufen (Rat Feces). Cui Shi used only Shufen (Rat Feces) as a single herb. *Gujin Luyan* added Mahuang (Ephedra) and Dahuang (Rhubarb); some variants added Shufen (Rat Feces) and Dahuang (Rhubarb); others removed Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) and Chishao (Fermented Soybean), adding Shufen (Rat Feces); some added Shufen (Rat Feces) and Mahuang (Ephedra); yet others removed Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit), adding Gancao (Licorice Root), Dahuang (Rhubarb), and Mangxiao (Mirabilite). Xu Renze further added Congbai (Scallion White), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), Gange (Kudzu Root), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), and Shengdi (Rehmannia Root). Some formulas targeted the exterior syndrome, some the interior syndrome, some both, some combined with nourishment, some with moistening, and some employed simultaneous exterior-interior resolution and nourishment. There were more than ten variations, exhausting the methods derived from Zhizi Chitang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction).

"The treatment for heat rampant within is salty and cold," this is the principle of *Neijing* (The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon). Zhang Zhongjing, when treating Shanghan (Cold Damage), added Mangxiao (Mirabilite) to bitter-cold herbs. Wenzhong further added Mangxiao (Mirabilite) to sweet-cold herbs. His formula consisted of Sheng Maidong (Fresh Ophiopogon Tuber, 1 sheng), Sheng Dihuang (Fresh Rehmannia Root, 1 sheng), Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome, 2 liang), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger, 2.5 liang), and Mangxiao (Mirabilite, 2.5 liang), boiled in water and divided into five doses, taken until bowel movement was achieved. Thus, the application of salty-cold substances became extensive.

Yuan Henan treated Tianxing Re (Epidemic Heat) by using Du Jie (Detoxification) agents such as Ku Jiu (Vinegar), Zhu Dan (Pig Gallbladder), Sheng Ai Zhi (Fresh Mugwort Juice), Kushen (Sophora Root), Qingxiangzi (Celosia Seed), and Tingli (Descurainia Seed). *Waitai Miyao* (Essential Prescriptions of the Imperial Library) used Kushen (Sophora Root, 1 liang) alone, boiled in wine and taken all at once, inducing vomiting of a substance resembling melted glue, which resulted in cure. Zhang Wenzhong treated Shanghan (Cold Damage) and Wenbing (Warm Diseases) that had persisted for three days or more, presenting with chest fullness, using Ban Sheng Ku Jiu (Half a sheng of vinegar) and one Zhu Dan (Pig Gallbladder), mixed and taken to induce vomiting. This likely aligns with the *Neijing* principle of "sour and bitter inducing vomiting and purging." However, few people use this method nowadays.

Regarding illnesses of Wuzhu Guiqi (Five Sticking Ghost Qi), some treatments support Zhengqi (Upright Qi) to repel the pathogen, such as Suhe Xiang Wan (Styrax Pill); others borrow the Guiqi (Ghost Qi) to draw it out, using items like Siren Zhen (Dead Man's Pillow) or Tianlinggai (Skull Cap). Xu Sibai and Liu Dayong frequently employed these methods. Sibai stated: "Ghost qi lies dormant and does not rise, causing lethargy; obtaining a dead man's pillow causes the Hun Qi (Soul Qi) to fly away, leaving no place to attach to the body, thus Shizhu (Corpse Sticking) can be cured." Liu treated a woman who, upon entering a temple, was possessed by evil ghosts, causing her Jingcai (Essence and Spirit) to dissipate. He gave her decoction made from a dead man's pillow to drink; she suffered several episodes of diarrhea and recovered. This shows that the dead man's pillow guides the ghost qi, expelling it either upwards or downwards, according to what is beneficial, which differs from the inherent ascending, descending, floating, and sinking properties of herbal flavors and aromas. Nowadays, few have heard of using such methods.
*Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) provides a formula for Shizhu (Corpse Sticking): Hair ash and Xingren (Apricot Kernel) are roasted until purple, equal parts, pounded into a paste, mixed with Zhugao (Pork Fat), and taken with wine. Formed into pills the size of tung tree seeds, taken three times daily, it is highly effective. I consider this an excellent formula for treating blood deficiency leading to meridian obstruction and consumptive disease. It also embodies the intent of Bailao Chong (Hundred Consumptions Worm), with harmonious properties and no adverse effects. Taoren (Peach Kernel) may be substituted for Xingren (Apricot Kernel) with equal efficacy.