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[Recipe for Zhigancao Tang]
Zhi Gancao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 4 liang, Shengjiang (Fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma, sliced) 3 liang, Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) 3 liang, Maimendong (Ophiopogonis Radix) half sheng, Maziren (Cannabis Semen) half sheng, Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, split) 12 pieces, Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 2 liang, Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla) 2 liang, Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) 1 sheng.
The above nine herbs are decocted with 7 sheng of clear wine and 8 sheng of water. First, decoct the first eight herbs to obtain 3 sheng of liquid, remove the dregs, add Ejiao, and melt it completely by heating. Take 1 sheng warm each time, three times a day. This recipe is also known as Fumai Tang (Pulse-Recovering Decoction).

[Collected Explanations]
Zhang Lu said: For individuals with withered fluids, one should prevent the risk of constipation in both bowels. Maimendong and Shengdihuang widely nourish the source of Qi transformation in the Bladder; Maziren and Ejiao specifically treat the dryness and constriction of the Large Intestine. This prevents Yin deficiency leading to exhaustion of the spring source, fire dryness, and blood depletion. This is Zhang Zhongjing's wonderful method for rescuing Yin and retreating Yang.
Ke Qin said: Whenever Zhang Zhongjing encountered deficient pulses, he used Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) to benefit Yin for Yin weakness, and Guizhi to unblock Yang for Yang deficiency. In severe cases, he added Renshen to generate pulse Qi. He never used Maimendong. Was it because the treatment of Shanghan (Cold Damage) emphasizes supporting Yang? Or was it that there is no sudden tonification method for Yin? In contrast, here, due to middle Jiao deficiency presenting with knotted and intermittent pulse (Jie Dai Mai), Shengdihuang is used as the sovereign herb, and Maimendong as the minister herb, to vigorously tonify True Yin. This indeed opened the path for later scholars to nourish Yin. However, although Dihuang and Maimendong are sweet in taste, they are cold in nature, not suitable for promoting growth and flourishing. They must rely on Renshen and Guizhi to unblock Yang channels, Shengjiang and Dazao to harmonize Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive levels), Ejiao to tonify blood, Suanzaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) to calm the spirit, the moderating effect of Gancao to prevent rapid descent, and the potent nature of Qingjiu (Clear Wine) to facilitate rapid ascent. With internal and external harmony, palpitations can be calmed, and the pulse can recover. Using 7 sheng of wine and 8 sheng of water to yield only 3 sheng indicates that prolonged decoction makes the action less vigorous. This is the method of using wine for deficient patients, showing knowledge that Dihuang and Maimendong work better with wine. For this condition, Suanzaoren should be used; for Feiwei (Lung Withering), Maziren can be used. If genuine Ejiao is unavailable, Guibanjiao (Chinensis Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum Colla) can substitute.

Before taking the pulse, the patient crosses their hands over the heart region. The physician instructs them to try to cough; if they do not cough, they will certainly be deaf in both ears. The reason for this is excessive sweating, which causes deficiency, hence this condition.

[Annotation]
Before taking the pulse, the patient crosses their hands over the heart region. The physician instructs them to try to cough; if they do not cough, they will certainly be deaf and unable to hear. The simultaneous occurrence of deafness and crossing hands over the heart indicates that this is not due to Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) pathogenic factors, but rather due to excessive sweating causing Yang deficiency.

[Collected Notes]
Yu Chang said: This demonstrates one aspect of inferring Yang deficiency. Deafness due to Yang deficiency requires urgent consolidation of Yang, which is distinctly different from deafness caused by excess pathogens transmitting through the Shaoyang channel.
Cheng Yingmao said: All Yang Qi gathers in the chest, and essence-Qi connects upwards to the ears. Now, excessive sweating has depleted Yang Qi. Where Yang Qi cannot reach, essence-Qi no longer flows through, resulting in deafness.

When sweating is excessive, and the patient crosses their hands over the heart, experiences palpitations in the epigastrium/heart region, and desires pressure, Guizhi Gancao Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Licorice Decoction) is the primary treatment.

[Annotation]
This supplements the previous clause, detailing the symptoms and clarifying the treatment. Excessive sweating leads to the loss of fluids on the exterior and deficiency of Qi internally. With both Qi and fluids deficient, the interior becomes empty and unsupported, causing palpitations in the heart region, fearfulness, and lack of self-control. Thus, the patient crosses their hands over the heart, desiring self-pressing to seek protection and stability. Therefore, Guizhi Gancao Tang is used to tonify Yang Qi and generate fluids, leading to recovery.

[Collected Notes]
Fang Youzhi said: Excessive sweating damages Blood; damaged Blood leads to Heart deficiency. Heart deficiency causes trembling and palpitations, so the patient crosses their hands over the heart and desires manual pressure. Guizhi moves to the exterior, consolidates fluids, and anchors the Heart, securing the loose exterior; Gancao harmonizes the interior, tonifies the Middle and benefits Qi, adjusting the deficient center. Combining these two herbs forms a prescription, representing a method of consolidating Yin and tonifying Yang.
Cheng Zhi said: This is a method for tonifying Yang after sweating when the Heart is deficient. Yang Qi receives Qi in the chest; when chest Yang Qi is weak, the patient crosses hands over the heart and desires pressure for palpitations.
Cheng Yingmao said: Sweat is the fluid of the Heart. Not only mistaken sweating is inadvisable, but even appropriate sweating with incorrect dosage is unacceptable. Crossing hands over the heart and desiring pressure occurs because Yang deficiency prevents self-control, leading to palpitations. Palpitations can arise from Heart Qi deficiency or Water-Qi encroachment. Water encroachment stems initially from Heart deficiency. Current palpitations result from Yang deficiency causing fearfulness, desiring pressure to defend against it. Thus, Guizhi and Gancao are used to carry and return Upper Jiao Yang Qi, allowing it to circulate in the chest.
Wei Litong said: This clause serves as a warning against excessive sweating. Wind damaging the Wei (Defensive) level should not induce sweating like flowing water. Even if Cold damages the Ying (Nutritive) level requiring sweating, it should stop once the exterior is resolved. One must not allow continuous heavy sweating, which leads to complications of Yang deficiency. Zhang Zhongjing’s description of the patient crossing hands over the heart and desiring pressure for palpitations illustrates the image of Yang collapse due to excessive sweating.