山药(姜汁炒)二两 人参 黄 远志(炒) 茯神 茯苓一两 桔梗三钱 甘草
二钱 木香二钱五分 麝香一钱 辰砂二钱(另研)
为末,每服二钱。酒下。
此方颇有作意,但参 之固,终不敌麝香之开,诚恐耗散心气,神不能藏,君火不安,
相火亦动。以之开解惊悸郁结则有余,以治梦遗失精则不足。不如减去,加沉香、琥珀等为
佳。
黄 (炙) 防风一两 白术(炒)二两
为末,每服三钱。
此固表去风药,用以实表则可,若云加减即可代桂枝、麻黄等汤,则表实而邪无出路,
断断不可。此等议论,误人不浅,必不可从。
人参 白术(土炒) 茯苓二钱 甘草一钱
姜三片、枣二枚煎。本方加陈皮名异功散,再加半夏名橘半六君子汤,本方加木香、藿
香、干葛名七味白术散,本方除人参加白芍名三白汤,本方合四物名八珍汤,又加黄 、肉
桂名十全大补汤。
四君子汤中正和平,为补方中之金科玉律。至加减有法者,如异功散之理气,橘半六君
之去痰,香砂六君之温胃,加竹沥、姜汁之治半身不遂,七味白术散之去热治泻,均极妥善。
三白汤治内伤尚可,若谓治外感亦为奇方,则吾不信也。至于合四物为八珍,增黄 、肉桂
为十全大补,用各有当,皆不可磨灭之良方也。
Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, stir-fried with ginger juice) 2 liang, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix, stir-fried), Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Fu Ling (Poria) 1 liang, Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) 3 qian, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 2 qian, Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix) 2.5 qian, She Xiang (Moschus) 1 qian, Chen Sha (Cinnabar) 2 qian (separately ground).
Grind into fine powder. Take 2 qian per dose. Administer with wine.
This formula is quite ingenious; however, the consolidating effects of Ren Shen and Huang Qi cannot ultimately counteract the dispersing power of She Xiang. There is a genuine fear that it will consume Heart Qi, causing the Spirit to fail to reside, leading to unrest of the Ministerial Fire and stirring up the Defending Fire. It is sufficient for resolving palpitations due to fright and relieving depression/stagnation, but insufficient for treating nocturnal emission and spermatorrhea. It is better to remove She Xiang and add Chen Xiang (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum) and Hu Po (Fossilia Succinum) instead.
Huang Qi (Astragali Radix, honey-fried) 1 liang, Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) 1 liang, Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, stir-fried) 2 liang.
Grind into fine powder. Take 3 qian per dose.
This is a formula for consolidating the exterior and dispelling wind. It is suitable for strengthening the exterior; however, if one claims that through modifications it can replace formulas like Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) or Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), this would result in an exterior excess where pathogenic factors have no outlet. This is absolutely inadmissible. Such discussions mislead people significantly and must not be followed.
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, stir-fried with soil), Fu Ling (Poria) 2 qian, Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian.
Decoct with 3 slices of Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and 2 dates (Da Zao). Adding Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) to this base formula creates Yi Gong San (Yi Gong Powder); adding Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) further creates Ju Ban Liu Jun Zi Tang (Tangerine Peel and Pinellia Six Gentlemen Decoction). Adding Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Huo Xiang (Agastaches Herba), and Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) creates Qi Wei Bai Zhu San (Seven-Ingredient Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder). Removing Ren Shen and adding Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) creates San Bai Tang (Three Whites Decoction). Combining this base with Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) creates Ba Zhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction). Further adding Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) and Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex) creates Shi Quan Da Bu Tang (Ten Complete Great Tonifying Decoction).
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) is central, balanced, and mild, serving as the golden rule among tonifying formulas. Regarding methodical modifications: Yi Gong San regulates Qi; Ju Ban Liu Jun Zi Tang eliminates phlegm; Xiang Sha Liu Jun Zi Tang (Aucklandia and Amomum Six Gentlemen Decoction) warms the Stomach; adding Zhu Li (Bambusae Sap) and Jiang Zhi (Ginger Juice) treats hemiplegia; Qi Wei Bai Zhu San clears heat and treats diarrhea—all are extremely appropriate. San Bai Tang is acceptable for treating internal injury; however, I do not believe it is a miraculous formula for treating external contraction. As for combining with Si Wu Tang to form Ba Zhen Tang, and increasing Huang Qi and Rou Gui to form Shi Quan Da Bu Tang, each has its proper application and they are all enduring excellent formulas.