Library

Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) one liang and seventeen zhu, Shaoyao (Peony Root) one liang and six zhu, Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 麻黄) (devoid of nodes) sixteen zhu, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 甘草) one liang and two zhu, Xingren (Prunus Armeniaca Seed, 杏仁) (devoid of skin and tips) sixteen pieces, Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 生姜) (sliced) one liang and six zhu, Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, 大枣) (split open) five pieces.
The above seven ingredients are boiled in five sheng of water. First, boil Mahuang for one or two boils, remove the foam on the surface, then add the remaining herbs. Boil until two sheng of liquid remain, remove the dregs, and take one sheng warm. Take twice a day.
[Collected Explanations]
Zhang Lu said: A detailed examination of the medicinal composition of this formula reveals no difference from Ge Ban Tang (Half-and-Half Decoction), except for slight variations in dosage. This distinction in symptoms and treatment demonstrates that Zhang Zhongjing was meticulous even in minor differences.
@@@
Taiyang Bing (Disease of the Taiyang Channel) occurring after eight or nine days presents with symptoms resembling malaria, including fever and aversion to cold, with more heat than cold. The patient does not vomit, and bowel movements and urination are relatively normal. If these episodes occur two or three times a day and the pulse is slightly slow and moderate, it indicates impending recovery. If the pulse is faint and accompanied by aversion to cold, it signifies deficiency of both Yin and Yang; sweating, purging, or vomiting should not be induced further. If the facial complexion appears reddish due to heat, the condition has not yet resolved because slight perspiration cannot be achieved, leading to body itching. Guizhi Mahuang Ge Ban Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Ephedra Half-and-Half Decoction) is appropriate.
[Annotation]
This condition involves injury to both Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) and Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) of the Taiyang channel, characterized by predominant wind pathogen and scanty cold pathogen. After eight or nine days, chills and fever resembling malaria occur, with more heat than cold. The absence of vomiting and clear urine indicate harmonious interior conditions free from pathogenic invasion. Although this suggests impending recovery, one must observe if the chills and fever occur lightly two or three times daily. A slightly slow and moderate pulse indicates declining pathogenic factors and recovering healthy qi, suggesting harmony between interior and exterior, marking true recovery. If the pulse is faint but not slow, healthy qi has not yet recovered, and persistent aversion to cold indicates lingering pathogens unable to resolve spontaneously. If previous treatments with sweating, vomiting, or purging have weakened the interior and exterior, further induction of sweating, purging, or vomiting is contraindicated. Faint pulse and aversion to cold indicate dual deficiency of interior and exterior, typically presenting with pale complexion. However, a reddish face indicates residual pathogens stagnating at the exterior, preventing slight perspiration and the dissemination of Yang Qi, resulting in facial redness and body itching without resolution. Guizhi Mahuang Ge Ban Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Ephedra Half-and-Half Decoction) should be used to induce mild sweating, harmonize Ying and Wei Qi, and ensure recovery.
[Collected Notes]
Wu Renju stated: This formula does not exclusively rely on Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) but combines it with Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 麻黄). This is because the facial heat and body itching indicate pathogens located in superficial and deficient areas, which only Mahuang can reach effectively.