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Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix).

Contracting the abnormal Qi of the four seasons leads to Shiqi Bing (Seasonal Epidemic Disease), characterized by aversion to cold with high fever, headache and body ache, and thirst. When symptoms are similar among many people, this formula is indicated.

It refers to situations where spring should be warm but is excessively cold, summer should be hot but is excessively cool, autumn should be cool but is excessively hot, and winter should be cold but is excessively warm; this is having the climate of one season in another. Therefore, throughout the year, illnesses among people of all ages tend to be similar. The nature of herbs: those with a pungent flavor receive the Metal Qi of Heaven and Earth, which corresponds to "Righteousness" in humans, thus enabling them to support upright Qi and expel pathogenic factors. Qianghuo, Fangfeng, Cangzhu, Xixin, Chuanxiong, and Baizhi are all pungent substances, each governing specific meridians: for pathogens in Taiyang Jing (Taiyang Meridian), treat with Qianghuo; for pathogens in Yangming Jing (Yangming Meridian), treat with Baizhi; for pathogens in Shaoyang Jing (Shaoyang Meridian), treat with Huangqin; for pathogens in Taiyin Jing (Taiyin Meridian), treat with Cangzhu; for pathogens in Shaoyin Jing (Shaoyin Meridian), treat with Xixin; for pathogens in Jueyin Jing (Jueyin Meridian), treat with Chuanxiong; while Fangfeng serves as the vanguard for these herbs. Shengdihuang is used to clear heat from the blood; Gancao harmonizes the various herbs and clears heat from the Qi. Ziyi Lao (Zhang Yuansu) stated in his preface: This formula can treat cold in winter, heat in summer, warmth in spring, and dampness in autumn; it is an army ready to respond on all fronts. Using it to treat epidemics of the four seasons is indeed prudent, but it is contraindicated for individuals with Yin deficiency or weak Qi!

Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 1 liang 5 qian, raw), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, stir-fried), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, stir-fried), Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex, 5 qian each), Shanzhi (Gardeniae Fructus, 30 pieces, stir-fried until black).
Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, nodes removed), Danshi (Sojae Semen Praeparatum, 2 liang each).

For Wendu (Plague Toxin) where both exterior and interior are full of excess, presenting with five-palm heat (heat sensation in palms, soles, and chest), eyes burning like fire, dry nose and red face, extreme thirst and dry tongue, this formula is indicated.
Cold toxin hides in the skin and muscles, transforming into Heat Disease in summer; if Heat Disease is not resolved and is further exposed to warm-heat, it is named Wendu. This is the most severe type of heat disease. Cold can control heat, hence Shigao is used; Bitter flavor can drain heat, hence Huangqin, Huanglian, Shanzhi, and Huangbai are used; assisted by the dispersing action of Mahuang and Danshi, because warm-heat pathogens have penetrated deeply, making both exterior and interior solid. Pure draining causes stagnation, pure raising exacerbates the fire. Stagnation leaves heat intact; combining raising and dispersing extinguishes the blazing momentum. This strategy dissipates the pathogenic potential internally and externally, akin to troops attacking from different directions.