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In summer, polydipsia (excessive thirst) is mostly caused by Summerheat pathogen invading the Pericardium Collateral (Xin Bao Luo), and it is appropriate to use Moslae Herba (Xiangru) as the sovereign drug.

People of wealth and status often consume large amounts of vinegar sauces and seafood with alcohol. Alcohol can scorch the True Yin, and salty flavors can deplete the True Fluids, thus frequently leading to Polydipsia.
However, wine becomes strong through fermentation and dilute when mixed with water; saltiness becomes hard when dry and dissolves when wet. Therefore, eating northern pears and sugarcane can relieve alcohol intoxication and also neutralize the effects of excessive saltiness.

Thirst occurring after sweating, vomiting, or purging treatments is due to insufficiency of Stomach fluids, and it is appropriate to tonify with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), because Qi has the function of steaming and moistening.

Preface: Water flowing within the earth follows its natural course, which is compliant. Floodwaters surmounting hills represent a deviation from the norm. The healer who manages affairs by following natural principles without unnecessary interference demonstrates great wisdom. Thus, treating Edema (Shuizhong) also involves guiding the pathological trend appropriately, whether through diaphoresis (sweating), catharsis (purging), diuresis (seeping/draining), clearing heat, or drying dampness. Using medicines that are suitable for the condition represents the highest wisdom in medicine.

Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu), Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin), Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baizhi), Rehmanniae Radix Recens (Sheng Dihuang), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao).
For Water Disease (Shuibing) characterized by edema above the waist, this formula induces mild sweating, leading to recovery.
Edema affecting the entire area above the waist refers to involvement of the head and face. The *Neijing* states: "Excess in the upper region is Wind; excess in the lower region is Damp." Therefore, edema above the waist must be treated by addressing Wind. Without Wind, Dampness cannot descend from the high, clear Yang regions. In this formula, Qianghuo, Fangfeng, Cangzhu, Xixin, Chuanxiong, and Baizhi are all acrid and sweet substances that can disperse Wind and clear Heat. It is said that acrid herbs disperse Wind, and Wind-dispersing herbs overcome Dampness. When Wind and Dampness struggle together, internal Heat inevitably arises; thus, the cooling properties of Sheng Dihuang and Huangqin are used. Gancao serves to harmonize Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi, ensuring their coordination without conflict.

Acanthopanacis Cortex (Wujia Pi), Lycii Cortex (Diguo Pi), Zingiberis Recens Cortex (Shengjiang Pi), Arecae Pericarpium (Dafupi), Poria (Fuling Pi), Curcumae Longae Rhizoma (Jianghuang), Chaenomelis Fructus (Mugua).
This formula is the primary treatment for Water Disease presenting with edema below the waist.
Edema below the waist reflects the nature of Water flowing downward. The principle of herbal medicine is: Acrid and light substances can travel to the exterior; dry and bland substances can promote seepage and urination; bitter and cold substances can eliminate Heat; heavy and dense substances can travel downward. The seven ingredients in this formula possess either individual or combined properties, allowing them to drain water from the skin and regulate Qi and Blood.