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Ganmai Dazao Decoction (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction)

30. Patients with Zang Dryness (a syndrome characterized by emotional instability and dryness of the internal organs) weep and feel sorrowful for no apparent reason, appearing as if possessed by spirits. This condition is treated with Ganmai Dazao Decoction from *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), which consists of Licorice Root (*Gancao*), Wheat (*Xiaomai*), and Jujube Fruit (*Dazao*). Its efficacy is extraordinary.
[Annotation] When a pregnant woman feels frequent sadness and grief without cause, appearing as if possessed by spirits, this condition is named Zang Dryness. It is appropriate to administer Ganmai Dazao Decoction from *Jingui Yaolue*. The formula consists of only three ingredients: Licorice Root (*Gancao*), Wheat (*Xiaomai*), and Jujube Fruit (*Dazao*). Decocted and taken orally, its therapeutic effect is remarkable.

31. Ghost Pregnancy (*Guotai*) arises from evil thoughts or emotional constraints; the abdomen enlarges resembling pregnancy. Is it due to sexual intercourse with ghosts and deities? No, it is formed by the coagulation of one's own Qi and Blood.
[Annotation] "Ghost Pregnancy" occurs because the patient's thoughts are unfulfilled and emotions are disturbed, leading to the coagulation of Qi and Blood within the body. Consequently, the abdomen gradually enlarges, taking on the shape of pregnancy. Ancient texts claim that actual sexual intercourse with ghosts and deities causes this; such claims appear to lack evidence. Women suffering from Shi Jia (Stone Mass) and Chang Qun (Intestinal Polyp/Mass) also present with appearances similar to pregnancy, both resulting from the coagulation of Qi and Blood. Thus, it can be deduced that the notion of ghostly intercourse is unfounded.

Xiang Leng Wan (Fragrant Triangle Pill)

32. Chang Qun and Shi Jia differ in their involvement of Qi and Blood. Cold pathogens lodge outside the intestines and at the Zi Men (Os Uteri/Cervical Orifice). Both conditions manifest as abdominal enlargement resembling pregnancy; the distinction lies in whether menstruation occurs regularly. For Shi Jia, Wuzhuyu Tang (Evodia Decoction) is most effective; for Chang Qun, Xiang Leng Wan is miraculous. Xiang Leng Wan comprises Clove (*Dingxiang*), Costus Root (*Muxiang*), Fennel Seed (*Huixiang*), Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit (*Chuanlianzi*), Green Tangerine Peel (*Qingpi*), Ezhu (*Guangmao*), and Burreed Tuber (*Sanleng*).
[Annotation] The medical classics state: When cold pathogens lodge outside the intestines and contend with Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), Qi fails to nourish properly, becoming bound and forming a mass that adheres internally. Evil Qi arises, and polyps (masses) grow. Initially the size of a chicken egg, they gradually enlarge to resemble pregnancy. They are firm upon palpation but movable upon pushing. Menstruation proceeds at its regular time. Shi Jia originates in the Bao Zhong (Uterus); cold pathogens lodge at the Zi Men, causing closure and blocking Qi flow. Bad blood should descend but does not, remaining stagnant and enlarging daily, resembling pregnancy, yet menstruation does not occur at its regular time. Both conditions occur in women and can be treated with methods to guide out stagnation. From the classic text, although both conditions resemble pregnancy, Chang Qun involves Qi pathology without Blood pathology, hence menstruation occurs regularly. Shi Jia involves Qi pathology first, followed by Blood pathology, hence menstruation ceases. Shi Jia is suitable for Wuzhuyu Tang; Chang Qun is suitable for Xiang Leng Wan. Xiang Leng Wan is made from Costus Root (*Muxiang*), Clove (*Dingxiang*), Fennel Seed (*Huixiang*), Sichuan Chinaberry Fruit (*Chuanlianzi*), Green Tangerine Peel (*Qingpi*), Ezhu (*Guangmao*), and Burreed Tuber (*Sanleng*), processed into pills using vinegar-boiled wheat paste.
Wuzhuyu Tang (Evodia Decoction) Formula is found in the first volume.