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Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum (Banxia) [Prepared Pinellia Tuber]
Chenpi (Chenpi) [Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae, peeled of white pith]
Poria (Fuling) [Poria Cocos,去皮 removed outer skin], each 1.5 qian
Gancao (Gancao) [Radix Glycyrrhizae uralensis, honey-fried], 0.7 qian

When pathological phlegm-dampness is the cause, this formula is the primary treatment.
Phlegm-dampness refers to phlegm whose origin lies in dampness. When water and fluids enter the stomach, they invariably transform into dampness. If the Spleen is weak and unable to control dampness, it stagnates between the diaphragm. The qi of the Middle and Lower Jiao steams and condenses the fluids; when thin, it is called "Yin" (fluid retention); when thick, it is called "Tan" (phlegm). Since phlegm is born from dampness, it is termed Phlegm-Dampness. In this formula, Banxia (Pinellia Tuber), with its acrid and hot nature, can dry dampness; Fuling (Poria), with its sweet and bland nature, can leach out dampness. Once dampness is removed, there is no source for phlegm to generate, which is what is meant by "treating the disease requires seeking its root." Chenpi (Citrus Peel), with its acrid and warm nature, can regulate Qi; Gancao (Licorice Root), with its sweet and neutral nature, can tonify the Spleen. Tonifying the Spleen ensures that Earth is sufficient to control Dampness; regulating Qi prevents phlegm from stagnating. Tonifying the Spleen treats the root, while regulating Qi treats the branch. It is also said: if there is phlegm accompanied by thirst, Banxia is not suitable; one should remove the drying property of Banxia and replace it with the moistening properties of Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) or Gualou (Trichosanthes Fruit). I say: there is a further key principle. If one is thirsty and desires to drink water, Banxia should be replaced; if one is thirsty but cannot drink water, even though there is thirst, Banxia should still be used. This is because Dampness is the root and Heat is the branch. Thus, the appearance of thirst is due to extreme dampness generating a transformation that overcomes its controlling element, which is not a true manifestation of heat, only those who are perceptive understand this. For Qi deficiency, add Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), named Liu Junzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction).

Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) (7 pieces)
Zaojiao (Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit) (1 cun, roasted)
Gancao (Licorice Root) (1 cun, roasted)

When phlegm-saliva surges upward, causing sounds in the throat, without thirst, this formula is the primary treatment.
Damp-Earth generates phlegm, so Banxia is used to dry dampness; Qi obstruction causes phlegm stagnation, so Zaojiao is used to promote Qi flow; the Lung dislikes Qi rebelling upward, so Gancao is used to relieve urgency. Furthermore, Gancao can tonify the Spleen, Zaojiao can remove filth, and Banxia can break rebellious Qi. The name Qianmin Tang implies the weightiness of its efficacy.

Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) (4 qian, prepared)
Chenpi (Citrus Peel) (peeled of white pith)
Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (bran-fried)
Dan Nansing (Arisaema cum Bile)
Chi Fuling (Red Poria)
Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root) (each 1 qian)

When Wind-Phlegm surges abundantly, this formula is the primary treatment.
Wind-Phlegm arises from Damp-Earth generating phlegm, phlegm generating heat, and heat generating wind. Banxia, Chenpi, Fuling, and Gancao constitute the previously mentioned Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction). Adding Nansing (Arisaema Rhizome) treats Wind-Phlegm; adding Zhike removes phlegm as effectively as overturning a wall.