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Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Zhimu (Caulis Anemarrhenae, stir-fried with wine), Zhuling (Polyporus), Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) (each 1 qian), Zhigancao (Honey-fried Licorice Root), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root, stir-fried with wine), Qianghuo (Rhizoma Notopterygii), Yinchen (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae) (each 1 liang), Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Kushen (Cortex Phellodendri, stir-fried with wine), Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Gegen (Puerariae Radix), Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Lanceae) (each 2 qian).

This formula is the primary treatment for Hongjiaojiao (Gouty Arthritis/Charcot Foot) characterized by pain and swelling, and jaundice caused by damp-heat accumulation.

The internal stagnation of pathogenic factors in Hongjiaojiao causes pain and swelling. The inability of damp-heat to vent and diffuse outward leads to jaundice. In this formula, Qianghuo, Fangfeng, Shengma, Gegen, and Cangzhu are acrid and dispersing agents that can vent and resolve the stagnation of Hongjiaojiao within. Kushen, Huangqin, Yinchen, and Zhimu are bitter and cold substances that can resolve the internal damp-heat stagnation. Ze Xie, Zhuling, and Baizhu are bland and permeating herbs that can guide and drain dampness from the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner). Danggui, Renshen, and Gancao nourish blood after depletion and tonify qi after the venting of pathogens.

Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Caodoukou (Fructus Cardamomi Rotundus), Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae, white pith removed), Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) (each 1 qian), Huangqi (Astragali Radix) (4 fen), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Renshen (Radix Ginseng) (each 3 fen), Gancao (Licorice Root).

This formula is the primary treatment for Qi edema of the dorsum pedis caused by Spleen Qi deficiency and Stomach Qi sinking downward.

Although the Spleen possesses the stillness of Kun (Earth), it also has the vigorous movement of Qian (Heaven). Thus, when Spleen Qi is harmonious, it ascends the clear and descends the turbid, preventing edema of the dorsum pedis. When Spleen Qi becomes deficient, Earth fails to control Water, causing the Qi of water and grain in the Stomach to sink downward. Following the meridians downwards, this leads to edema of the dorsum pedis. In this formula, Banxia and Gancao benefit the Spleen. Renshen and Huangqi tonify Qi. Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) and Caodoukou digest food stagnation. Shengma and Chaihu lift the sinking Stomach Qi. Danggui directs other herbs to the Spleen, and Chenpi regulates Qi in the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner). Bopi (Cortex Phellodendri, here referring to Huangbai/Huangpin) has a strong flavor, guiding Shengma and Chaihu to descend to the dorsum pedis, thereby lifting the sunken Yang.

Shanjie (Nodes of Cunninghamia Branches, one large sheng), Juye (Leaves of Citrus reticulata, one sheng; use peel if leaves are unavailable), Binglang (Arecae Semen, seven pieces, fire-roasted and crushed), Tongbian (Urine of a young boy, three large sheng).

Boil together until one and a half sheng remains. Divide into two doses. If loose stools occur freely, stop taking the remaining dose.

Liu Zongyuan's *Jiusi Fang* (Prescriptions for Saving Lives) states: "In the second month of the 12th year of Yuanhe, I suffered from dry Hongjiaojiao. At night, it developed into obstruction and closure. A mass as hard as a stone appeared in my left hypochondrium, and I was near death. Due to severe cold, I was unconscious for three days while my family wept. Zheng Xunmei from Xingyang transmitted the Shanmu Tang. After consuming half the meal time, I had three episodes of profuse diarrhea, Qi flowed freely, and the mass dispersed. My illness was nearly fatal, but due to rescue efforts, I survived. Fearing others might suffer similarly, I transmit this formula." Wu Kun comments that "dry Hongjiaojiao" refers to the disease entering the abdomen without being able to vent or excrete. If Hongjiaojiao affects the Liver, a mass forms in the left hypochondrium; if it affects the Spleen, it causes fullness and obstruction; if it affects the Heart, it causes collapse. Collapse occurring at night is because nighttime Yin Qi assists the Yin pathogen. Unconsciousness due to severe cold indicates that Yin has advanced while Yang is constrained. In this formula, Shanmu Jie is heavy in substance and fragrant in aroma; heaviness allows it to reach the lower body, and fragrance allows it to disperse stagnation. Juye is bitter and strong, stronger than Qingpi. Binglang is solid and heavy, like iron or stone; its strong flavor drains, and its heaviness descends, allowing pathogens to be expelled heavily via stool. Tongbian is salty and cold; salt guides pathogens toward turbid Yin, and cold calms heat to prevent upward counterflow. The Classics state: "For distant paths, prepare large doses," hence the quantity reaches five sheng.