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Astragali Radix (Huangqi) 2 liang, Ginseng Radix (Renshen), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) roasted, Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia) 1 liang (use when the pulse is choppy), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) stir-fried, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo), Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Duhuo), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) 5 qian, Chenpi 4 qian, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) soil-stir-fried, Poria (Fuling), Alismatis Rhizoma (Zexie), Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 3 qian, Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) 2 qian. Decoct with Zingiberis Rhizoma (Shengjiang) and Jujubae Fructus (Dazao).

Li Dongyuan discussed that due to irregular diet and overwork, Yang Qi sinks into Yin, presenting with sallow complexion, weak Qi, and fever; in such cases, one should raise the Yang Qi and treat it with sweet-warm herbs. This is truly an insightful and accurate discussion, opening a major method for treating fever due to Yang deficiency. However, the frequent use of Shengma and Chaihu in this formula may exacerbate wheezing and chest fullness in patients with excess above and deficiency below. Li Dongyuan himself would certainly have distinguished the conditions and prescribed accordingly. Later practitioners who rigidly adhere to this method and apply it indiscriminately will cause significant harm.

Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu) soaked in rice water and stir-fried, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) roasted, Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo) 1 liang, Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma) 8 qian, Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu) 1.5 liang, Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) wine-stir-fried 5 qian, Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin) stir-fried, Ginseng Radix (Renshen) 7 qian, Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) a small amount. Take 3 qian or 5 qian per dose.

Among the "Ten Books of Dongyuan," I hold the highest regard, as it emphasizes the spleen and stomach as the core principle. In this formula, herbs such as Shengma, Chaihu, Huanglian, Huangqin, and Shigao are not to be used lightly. Later practitioners should learn its intent without being bound by its specific prescription.

Ginseng Radix (Renshen), Astragali Radix (Huangqi) honey-roasted, Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi) stir-fried, Asteris Radix (Ziwan) 1 qian, Morus Albae Cortex (Sangbaipi) honey-roasted, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shudihuang) 2 qian. Mix with a small amount of honey before taking.

This formula is specifically designed for coughs caused by long-term deficiency of Lung Qi. Other types of coughs are numerous and varied, and they must not be treated interchangeably. The formula contains both tonifying and draining herbs, showing good intention. However, the mild nature of Sangbaipi and Ziwan cannot counteract the cloying and stagnating effects of Renshen, Huangqi, and Shudihuang. Is there no concern that they might promote phlegm and cause disease? While it is acceptable to say that Shudihuang strengthens Water to prevent the "child from stealing from the mother" (Kidney draining Spleen/Lung), calling it a "wonderful product for resolving phlegm" is incorrect regarding its role as an assistant or guide herb.

Rehmanniae Radix Recens (Shengdihuang) 1 qian, Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shudihuang) 3 qian, Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong) 1.5 qian, Liliis Bulbus (Baihe), Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao) stir-fried, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) raw 1 qian, Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen), Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng) 0.8 fen.

This formula promotes the mutual generation of Metal and Water and also nourishes Blood. It is most suitable for treating lung injury manifesting as sore throat and hemoptysis. Li Shicai stated: "After clearing Metal, one must urgently protect the Mother [Earth/Spleen]," which shows particularly excellent insight. I argue that once sore throat is confirmed, one must urgently strengthen Earth to generate Metal (tonify the Spleen to benefit the Lung).