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The therapeutic effects of Shengsanzi (Holy Mixture Decoction) in treating diseases are manifold. Last spring, countless people in Hangzhou suffering from illness were saved by taking this medicine. The ingredients used were mostly of medium to low grade; roughly calculated, one thousand cash could procure a thousand doses, benefiting over a thousand people. In the past, the Venerable Bhadanta Kapila gave only one Chebli (Terminalia chebula, 诃子) to a sick bhikshu, thereby gaining a blessed body free from various illnesses.

Zhu Gong was a native of Wuxing and particularly proficient in Shanghan (Cold Damage). When the Prefect of Nanyang, Sheng Cizhong, fell ill, Zhu Gong was summoned to examine him. Zhu Gong said, "This is a Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) pattern." He requested that three doses be administered consecutively. By evening, the patient felt chest fullness. Upon re-examination and inquiry about the remaining medication, it was found to be Xiao Chaihu San (Minor Bupleurum Powder). Zhu Gong stated, "In ancient times, herbs were 'fujū' (crushed or chewed), cut into sizes resembling hemp seeds or beans, boiled to extract clear juice, and drunk; this is called 'Tang' (decoction), which allows entry into the meridians to attack the pathogen quickly. Now, however, it has been made into a powder, which stagnates above the diaphragm, causing chest fullness while the disease persists." Consequently, he prepared fresh decoctions and administered two doses, after which the patient recovered. (From *Yijian Zhi*)

When Liu Xi governed Xiangyang, his maternal relative died suddenly from Shanghan. Most physicians claimed the pulse had vanished and treatment was impossible; others suggested using the unique skills of Xu Daoren, a medicine seller in the market. Xu Daoren was summoned and said, "This is Han Jue (Cold Reversal); the patient will not die." He then instructed thirty strong soldiers to dig a pit quickly, place several hundred jin of hot charcoal mixed with firewood inside, and burn until extremely hot. Mats were laid over the hot pit, and the patient was carried onto it and covered with felt and bedding. Shortly afterward, heat rose like steam, causing profuse sweating throughout the body until clothes and bedding were soaked. The patient soon regained consciousness. Several types of medicine were then administered for further treatment, and the patient recovered on the same day. (Ibid.)

Discussion on why Fengshi (Wind-Dampness) should not be treated with sweating or purging methods: During the transition between spring and summer, people may fall ill with symptoms resembling Shanghan, but they sweat spontaneously, experience heaviness and pain in the limbs, find turning difficult, and have difficulty urinating. This is named Fengshi, not Shanghan. After rainy weather, living in damp lowlands or drinking excessive water often leads to such patterns. Simply taking more Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Poria Powder) to promote urination will resolve the dampness and cure the condition. One must strictly avoid purging or inducing sweating; any error here is incurable. Chu Yushi stated that if physicians fail to recognize this condition and treat it as Shangfeng (Wind-Cold), inducing sweating leads to death, and purging also leads to death. In the year Jiwei, a major epidemic broke out in the capital, caused precisely by this condition. Since understanding this theory, I have saved many lives. In the year Renchen, while serving as an official in Hongzhou, a colleague's wife presented with this pattern. I advised her to take Wuling San immediately, but she refused. The physician administered sweating drugs, and she died within one night. Caution is essential. Generally, Wuling San promotes fluid metabolism and removes dampness. It is most effective for patients with retained fluids in the chest or infants vomiting who are about to develop epilepsy. Chu Jun's explanation was already detailed; I have expanded upon this theory to convince others. (From *Xinxiao Fang*)