柴胡（半斤，去节） 黄芩（三两，炒） 芍药（三两，炒） 半夏（半升，泡七次） 生
姜（五两） 枳实（四两，面煨） 大黄（二两，酒浸） 大枣（十二枚）
伤寒，阳邪入里，表证未除，里证又急者，此方主之。
表证未除者，寒热往来、胁痛、口苦尚在也；里证又急者，大便难而燥实也。表证未除
，故用柴胡、黄芩以解表；里证燥实，故用大黄、枳实以攻里。芍药能和少阳，半夏能治呕
逆，大枣、生姜，又所以调中而和荣卫也。
大黄（四两，酒浸） 芒硝（半升） 甘草（二两）
伤寒，阳明证俱，大便秘，谵语，脉实者，此方主之。
阳明证俱者，不恶寒，反恶热、作渴是也。传至阳明，则热经数日矣。热久则五液干涸
，故大便秘；液亡则无水以制火，故谵语。谵语者，呢喃而语，妄见妄言也。邪入于里，故
脉实。大黄苦寒，可以荡实，芒硝咸寒，可以润燥；甘草甘平，可以和中。此药行，则胃中
调而里气承顺，故曰调胃承气。然犹有戒焉，表证未去而早下之，则有结胸、痞气之患，此
大、小陷胸汤之所以作
大黄（四两，酒浸） 浓朴（二两，炒） 枳实（三枚，麸炒）
伤寒，腹胀满，潮热，狂言而喘者，此方主之。
邪在上焦则作满，邪在中焦则作胀，胃中实则作潮热。曰潮热者，犹潮水之潮，其来不
失时也！阳乘于心则狂，热干胃口则喘。枳、朴去上焦之痞满，大黄荡胃中之实热。此其里
证虽成，病未危急，痞、满、燥、实、坚犹未全俱，以是方主之，则气亦顺矣；故曰小承气。
Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri, half jin, remove nodes) Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae, three liang, stir-fried) Shao Yao (Radix Paeoniae Alba, three liang, stir-fried) Ban Xia (Rhizoma Pinelliae, half sheng, soaked seven times) Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, five liang) Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, four liang, baked with flour) Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, two liang, soaked in wine) Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae, twelve pieces)
In Taiyang disease (disease of the Taiyang channel), when yang pathogenic factors have entered the interior, the exterior syndrome has not yet resolved, and the interior syndrome is urgent, this formula is indicated.
The term "exterior syndrome has not yet resolved" refers to the persistence of alternating chills and fever, hypochondriac pain, and bitter taste in the mouth; the term "interior syndrome is urgent" refers to difficult defecation accompanied by dryness and accumulation. Since the exterior syndrome persists, Chai Hu and Huang Qin are used to release the exterior; since the interior syndrome presents with dryness and accumulation, Da Huang and Zhi Shi are used to purge the interior. Shao Yao can harmonize the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) channel, Ban Xia can treat vomiting and rebellious qi, while Da Zao and Sheng Jiang serve to harmonize the middle jiao (middle burner) and harmonize Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) qi.
Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, four liang, soaked in wine) Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas, half sheng) Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Uralensis, two liang)
In Taiyang disease, when all symptoms of Yangming disease (disease of the Yangming channel/stomach-intestine) are present, including constipation, delirium, and a forceful pulse, this formula is indicated.
"All symptoms of Yangming disease are present" means there is no aversion to cold, but rather an aversion to heat and thirst. Once transmitted to the Yangming channel, the heat has persisted for several days. Prolonged heat dries up the body's fluids, leading to constipation; loss of fluids means there is no water to control fire, leading to delirium. Delirium refers to muttering speech, hallucinations, and nonsensical talking. Pathogenic factors entering the interior result in a forceful pulse. Da Huang, being bitter and cold, can purge accumulation; Mang Xiao, being salty and cold, can moisten dryness; Gan Cao, being sweet and neutral, can harmonize the stomach. As these medicines act, the stomach is harmonized and the interior qi becomes compliant, hence it is called Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang (Stomach-Regulating Qi-Bearing Decoction). However, caution is still advised: if purgatives are used prematurely while the exterior syndrome remains unresolved, complications such as Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) or Pi Qi (Pi Syndrome) may arise. This is the reason why Da Xian Xiong Tang (Major Chest-Binding Decoction) and Xiao Xian Xiong Tang (Minor Chest-Binding Decoction) were created.
Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei, four liang, soaked in wine) Hou Po (Cortex Magnolia Officinalis, two liang, stir-fried) Zhi Shi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, three pieces, bran-fried)
In Taiyang disease, presenting with abdominal fullness and distension, tidal fever, manic speech, and wheezing, this formula is indicated.
Pathogenic factors in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) cause a sensation of fullness; those in the Middle Jiao cause abdominal distension; excess heat in the stomach causes tidal fever. Tidal fever is likened to the tide of the sea, arriving punctually! When Yang overacts upon the Heart, mania occurs; when heat harasses the Stomach opening, wheezing results. Zhi Shi and Hou Po eliminate pi (stagnation) and man (fullness) in the Upper Jiao, while Da Huang purges excess heat in the stomach. Although the interior syndrome has formed here, the condition is not yet critical, and the five signs of Pi (stagnation), Man (fullness), Zao (dryness), Shi (excess), and Jian (hardness) are not fully present. Using this formula will ensure the smooth flow of qi; hence it is called Xiao Cheng Qi Tang (Minor Qi-Bearing Decoction).