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(This formula is also known as Qianghuo Chonghe Tang, established by Zhang Yuansu.)

Indicated for cold damage (Shanghan) or wind strike (Shangfeng), presenting with aversion to cold and high fever, headache and body ache, stiffness of the neck and spine, vomiting and thirst, Taiyang syndrome without sweating, as well as warm diseases and heat diseases caused by pathogenic factors of the four seasons that are out of harmony. Specifically, "vomiting" refers to expelling matter with sound due to rebellious Qi; "spitting" refers to expelling matter without sound, which may result from stomach cold or stomach heat. When pathogenic heat is in the exterior, there is no thirst; when it transmits to the interior, thirst occurs. "Pathogenic factors out of harmony with the four seasons" refers to climatic anomalies, such as extreme cold when heat is expected, or extreme warmth when cold is expected, occurring at inappropriate times.

[Composition] Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) - 1.5 qian each; Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) - 0.5 qian; Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma); Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix); Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix); Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix); Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) - 1 qian each.
Decoction method: Add Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus) and decoct. For wind syndromes accompanied by spontaneous sweating, remove Cangzhu (as it induces sweating strongly), and add Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) and Huangqi (Astragali Radix). These two herbs release the exterior while consolidating the defensive surface, akin to closing the gates after driving away bandits.

This formula serves as the representative prescription for the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, intended to replace Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction), Da Qinglong Tang (Major Blue Dragon Decoction), and Guizhi Mahuang Gemi Tang (Guizhi and Ephedra Half-Volume Decoction). Herbs with pungent properties belong to Metal in the Five Phases, corresponding to the virtue of Righteousness (Yi) in humans, thus enabling them to support the upright and expel pathogens. Qianghuo, Fangfeng, Cangzhu, Xixin, Chuanxiong, and Baizhi are all pungent herbs. Qianghuo enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian and acts as the principal herb to restore order (eliminate joint pain; double the dose for severe pain without sweating). Cangzhu enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, dispelling evil and removing dampness (it removes dampness, directs Qi downward, and stabilizes the Taiyang meridian to prevent pathogenic transmission to the Foot-Taiyin Spleen). Baizhi enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, treating headaches in the forehead. Chuanxiong enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, treating headaches in the brain. Xixin enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, treating headaches specific to this meridian. All these herbs can disperse wind and cold, move Qi, and invigorate blood. Additionally, Huangqin is added to enter the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian to drain heat from the Qi level; Shengdihuang is added to enter the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian (Note: Classical theory usually associates Shengdihuang with Heart, Liver, and Kidney meridians, but translated here according to the source text) to drain heat from the Blood level. (Huangqin is bitter and cold, and Shengdihuang is cold and cloying; these two are appropriate if used after fever has set in, but should be considered for reduction if fever has not yet occurred). Fangfeng acts as the vanguard among wind-dispelling herbs, reaching all parts of the body guided by the directing herbs, serving as the envoy herb to treat generalized body aches (double the dose if there is no sweating). Gancao is sweet and neutral, used to harmonize the various herbs.

This formula covers the Six Meridians and treats diseases across the four seasons. Practitioners should modify it according to symptoms and must not adhere rigidly to its use. (Zhang Yuansu stated: "Those with sweating should not use Mahuang Tang; those without sweating should not use Guizhi Tang. If taken incorrectly, the resulting complications are incalculable. Therefore, this formula was established to avoid contraindications of the Three Yang meridians, becoming a divine formula for releasing the exterior. It can treat cold in winter, heat in summer, warmth in spring, and dampness in autumn. It serves as a versatile reinforcement, making it a safe substitute for Mahuang Tang and others. However, it is contraindicated for individuals with Yin deficiency and Qi weakness.")