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Li Gao created Pingwei San (Cinnamon Twig and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) to bring the low-lying Spleen Earth back to balance. By nourishing its deficient state to achieve equilibrium, it does not mean to flatten it. This is similar to how Wendan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction) uses cooling agents; the intent is to gently harmonize, not to use warming methods. Later commentators on Materia Medica stated: For high-piled Earth, Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) should be used to level it; for low-lying Earth, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) should be used to nourish it. If one considers damp Earth as high-piled, would one consider dry Earth as low-lying? Failing to examine the meaning that high-piled belongs to dryness and low-lying belongs to dampness leads to a misunderstanding of the principle of Pingwei San. (Ke Yunbo)

Zhizhu Wan (Immature Bitter Orange and Atractylodes Macrocephala Pill)
In Zhizhu Wan, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) serves as the sovereign herb; the Spleen obtains its drying property and thus becomes robust. Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) acts as an assistant; its bitter and harsh flavor has the power to demolish walls. This is a formula that incorporates attack within defense, suitable only for cases where Spleen Qi is unclear and stagnation prevails. If Spleen Qi is already deficient, it is not appropriate. Modern practitioners fail to investigate this, mistakenly believing it to be a Spleen-tonifying medicine. Allowing emaciated children to take it regularly only damages their Qi and exacerbates their emaciation. (Zhang Jingyue)

Shenling Baizhu San (Ginseng, Poria, and Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder)
The herbs in Shenling Baizhu San are mostly cloying and inactive. Adding Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) and Sharen (Amomum Fruit) makes all the herbs active and non-cloying. ○ After taking major tonifying medicines, no formula is better for regulation than Shenling Baizhu San; after taking major heating medicines, no formula is better for regulation than Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasure Decoction). (Zhou Shenzhai)

Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction)
Erchen Tang is an excellent remedy for Phlegm, suitable for conditions affecting the upper, lower, left, and right. However, it can only treat the branch symptoms of Phlegm, not its root. The root of Phlegm lies in the Spleen and Kidney; physicians must examine this carefully. (Li Shicai)

Wendan Tang (Warm the Gallbladder Decoction)
The Gallbladder is the official of justice and clarity, a pure and quiet residence. It prefers tranquility and abhors disturbance; it prefers gentleness and dislikes congestion and depression. This corresponds to the virtue of Wood in the East and the mild Qi of Shaoyang. After severe illness, chronic illness, or when cold and heat have just subsided, if residual heat remains in the chest and diaphragm, damaging the harmonious Qi of Shaoyang, symptoms such as deficiency irritability and palpitations occur because the official of justice is agitated by steaming. Symptoms like hot vomiting and bitter taste arise because the pure and quiet residence is disturbed by郁 heat. Symptoms of rebellious Phlegm-Qi occur because damp-heat from the Spleen-Stomach overacts, preventing Wood from ascending. In such cases, one must first clear heat and resolve the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). When the Sanjiao is peaceful, Shaoyang is peaceful; when the Sanjiao is upright, Shaoyang is upright. How could the Gallbladder not be clear, peaceful, and harmonized? "Harmonizing" here means "warming." To warm it is actually to cool it. If the Gallbladder truly fears cold and feels timid due to decline of Mingmen Fire (Gate of Life Fire), treatment should follow the principle of Yi-Gui Tong-Yuan (Liver and Kidney sharing the same source). (Luo Dongyi)

Jinshui Liujun Jian (Metal-Water Six Ingredient Decoction)
Erchen Tang is a general formula for expelling Phlegm. The root of Phlegm is Water. Fuling (Poria) promotes urination to treat the root. The movement of Phlegm is caused by Dampness. Fuling leaches out Dampness to control its movement. Among the herbs in this formula, only this one ingredient is the true medicine for treating Phlegm. Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) directs rebellious Qi downward, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) regulates Qi, and Gancao (Licorice Root) harmonizes the Middle Jiao; they are taken merely as assistants to Fuling. Therefore, in Zhang Zhongjing's writings, whenever there is much Phlegm, Fuling is added; whenever there is vomiting, Banxia is added. This is an unchangeable method of ancient sages. Zhang Jingyue took Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root) for its cold and moistening nature, and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) for its pungent and moistening nature, adding these two ingredients to create a formula for Lung-Kidney deficiency-cold with water overflowing as Phlegm. He did not realize that for Lung cold, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) and Xixin (Asarum) must be combined; for Kidney cold, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) and Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) must be used heavily. Using the cold-damp nature of Danggui and Shudi would assist the fluid retention, causing yin-cold to spread everywhere and water to surge upward, worsening the disease of rebellious Qi, cough, and asthma daily. (Commentary on Jingyue's New Formulas)

Fangfeng Huangqi Tang (Saposhnikovia and Astragalus Decoction)
Wind is the leader of a hundred diseases. When pathogenic wind arrives, it is swift as wind and rain. A skilled physician treats at the skin and hair level, hence Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) is used to expel exterior pathogens. Wherever pathogens gather, Qi must be deficient; hence Huangqi (Astragalus Root) is used to encourage healthy Qi. Huangqi works better with Fangfeng because one attacks and one tonifies, following the principle of mutual necessity and harmony. Modern practitioners treat wind diseases solely with dispersing methods and forbid the use of Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Huangqi. They do not know that blindness and inability to see, or lockjaw and inability to speak, are caused by insufficient Yuan Qi (Primal Qi). Who understands that tonifying Qi can defend against wind, and that when Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) is strong, pathogens retreat? (Ke Yunbo)

Shengyang Yizhe Tang (Raise Yang and Benefit Stomach Decoction)
Note: Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Huangqi (Astragalus Root) are tonifying herbs. However, if they are made sovereign among Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) and Houpo (Magnolia Bark), they become a formula for tonifying the center while purging excess. Qianghuo (Notopterygium Root) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) are dispersing herbs. However, if they are assistants among Renshen and Huangqi, they become a formula for tonifying the center while raising Yang. Physicians of recent times, upon seeing Qianghuo and Fangfeng, immediately say these are dispersing herbs and cannot be used lightly, without examining which herbs they are paired with. This is due to incomplete study and ignorance of the subtle principles of creation. (Medical Mirror Golden Standard)

Magu Yin and Dawenzhong Yin (Ephedra and Cinnamon Drink and Great Warm the Center Drink)
These are variations of Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction) and Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). For patients suffering from Yin-deficiency Cold Damage, or cold epidemic, or Yin-summerheat, where the body is hot but still aversion to cold exists, or preference for hot drinks, or accompanying vomiting and diarrhea, and the six pulses are powerless, this indicates severe deficiency of Yuan Yang (Primal Yang). Healthy Qi cannot overcome pathogens, and pathogens cannot reach the exterior. Warming the center naturally dispels cold; this refers to that principle. ○ I have observed that in treating Cold Damage, only Zhang Zhongjing knew the method of warming and dispersing, such as Mahuang Tang and Guizhi Tang; he also knew the method of tonifying and dispersing, such as Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). As for the subtlety that Yang roots in Yin, and sweat transforms from fluids, akin to clouds rising to produce rain, this had not yet been addressed. My creation of this formula is based on the primary principle of resolving pathogens from the Ying (Nutritive) level. (Zhang Jingyue)

Liyin Jian and Huiyang Yin (Regulate Yin Decoction and Restore Yang Decoction)
These are variations of Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction). For Spleen-Kidney deficiency-cold conditions requiring pungent-dry herbs, Lizhong Tang should be used; for those requiring warm-moistening herbs, Liyin Jian should be used. In cases of true Yin insufficiency, labor-induced contraction of cold pathogens, inability to resolve, fever, body pain, red face, dry tongue, thirst without desire for cold drinks, or aversion to cold in the back and limbs, provided the pulse is powerless, all are false heat. Quickly use this decoction to warm-tonify and support the expulsion of pathogens. As Yin Qi gradually fills, sweat will emerge from the Yin level, and cold pathogens will naturally dissipate. ○ This is the second method for warming-dispersing cold pathogens. Only Zhang Zhongjing uniquely understood this principle. However, Zhang Zhongjing's warming-dispersion started with Mahuang Tang and Guizhi Tang; my warming-dispersion starts with Liyin Jian and Dawenzhong Yin. Although these two formulas operate from the Yang level and Yin level respectively, appearing different, one expels outward and one supports inward, both utilize warmth. ○ Adding Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) to this formula creates Fuzi Liyin Jian; adding further Renshen (Ginseng Root) creates Liuwei Huiyang Yin (Six-Ingredient Restore Yang Decoction). It treats conditions like Mingmen Fire decline and Yang absence within Yin. (Complete Works of Jingyue)

Fangtong Tongsheng San (Saposhnikovia and Unblocking Vitality Powder)
Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) and Mahuang (Ephedra Stem) are exterior-releasing herbs; Wind-Heat residing in the skin is expelled through sweat. Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike) and Bohe (Mint Leaf) are upper-clearing herbs; Wind-Heat residing at the vertex is expelled through the nose. Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) and Mangxiao (Mirabilite) are purgative herbs; Wind-Heat residing in the intestines and stomach is expelled through stool. Huashi (Talcum) and Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) are water-pathway herbs; Wind-Heat residing in the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) is expelled through urine. When Wind invades internally, affecting the Lung and Stomach, Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) clear the Lung and Stomach. Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit) and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) dispel wandering fire in various meridians. Wind disorders are governed by Liver Wood; Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome), Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), and Shaoyao (Peony Root) harmonize Liver Blood. Gancao (Licorice Root) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) harmonize Stomach Qi and strengthen the Spleen. Liu Wansu (Zishou) excelled in treating Fire; the purport of this formula is detailed and comprehensive. (Wu Hegao)

Baidu San and Qianghuo Tang (Eliminate Poison Powder and Notopterygium Decoction)
The term "Cold Damage" implies that Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) is injured internally, while Han (Cold) pathogen resides externally. There is no case of external contraction without internal injury. Thus, contracting Cold Damage is entirely due to insecure Yuan Qi and loose cuticle pores. Ancients said Cold Damage is a sweating disease, so the sweating method is paramount. However, sweat originates from Yang but stems from Yin. Yang deficiency leads to disharmony of Ying and Wei, preventing sweat production; Yin weakness leads to dried-up fluids, preventing sweat nourishment. Can one attack the exterior while ignoring the interior? For releasing the exterior, nothing surpasses Baidu San or Qianghuo Tang. These formulas add Qianghuo (Notopterygium Root), Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens Root), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Ge Gen (Kudzu Root), Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome), Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower), and Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica Root). This group of pungent-warm herbs is indeed dispersing, but without the strong support of Renshen (Ginseng Root) or Shengdi (Rehmannia Root) in the center, those with inherent deficiency of form and Qi will suffer Yang collapse, and those with blood deficiency harboring heat will suffer Yin collapse. Thus, the Renshen in Baidu San and Shengdi in Chonghe Tang are not merely tonifying methods, but methods of supporting the interior. Tonifying while dispersing prevents pathogens from lingering; dispersing while tonifying prevents depletion of True Yuan. This is the subtlety of ancient formula creation. (Zhao Yuhuang)

Dashun San (Great Harmony Powder)
This formula treats injuries from consuming frozen/cold drinks during summerheat, not summerheat itself. However, Gancao (Licorice Root) is used eight times more than other herbs. Making forty-two jin of medicine but only taking two qian—what is the intention? This formula is fundamentally flawed. Later mediocre physicians used it to treat dry-fire summerheat diseases, killing countless people. Recording this proves its error. (Xu Lingtai)

Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder)
Zhang Zhongjing treated Cold Damage with two methods: Tongmai (Unblocking Pulse) and Fumai (Restoring Pulse). For Shaoyin disease with interior cold and exterior heat, diarrhea with undigested food, and faint pulse nearing extinction, he created Tongmai Sini Tang (Unblocking Pulse Four Counterflow Decoction) to warm-tonify and support Yang. For Jueyin disease with exterior cold and interior heat, palpitations, and knotted/intermittent pulse, he created Fumai Tang (Restore Pulse Decoction) to cool-tonify and nourish Yin. Both are Cold Damage, both involve pulse abnormalities, yet treatments differ for cold and heat: one rescues escaping Kan Yang (Water Fire), the other clears blazing Xiang Huo (Ministerial Fire). Shengmai San was originally based on the legislation of Fumai Tang. Since there is no exterior cold, Jiang (Ginger) and Gui (Cinnamon) are not used for their pungent dispersion. Heat injures formless Qi but not formed Blood, so Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), Ejiao (Donkey-Hide Gel), Huma Ren (Hemp Seed), and Dazao (Jujube) are not used, nor are they allowed to clog the diaphragm and obstruct the pulse channel. The Heart governs the pulse and dislikes laxity; sour flavors are eaten urgently to astringe. Hence, Gancao is removed and Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) is added. Pulses originate in the Kidney, are sustained by the Stomach, and converge in the Lung. Zhang Zhongjing’s two formulas heavily relied on Gancao, depending entirely on Middle Jiao Grain Qi to unblock and restore them, not relying on generation. Here, we seek to generate using the Yuan Qi of Tian Gui (Heavenly Water) from the Lower Jiao, so we do not rely on the slowing effect of Gancao but must take the astringent nature of Wuweizi. (Ke Yunbo)
This formula is used to preserve fluids after summerheat injury. Mediocre physicians use it to treat summerheat disease, which is very mistaken! Looking at the indications under the formula, there is not a single word treating summerheat pathogens. This formula simply takes Renshen and Maidong from Fumai Tang to stop sweating, hence adding Wuweizi. Modern practitioners use this formula indiscriminately for any disease to trap outgoing pathogens, killing countless people. (Xu Lingtai)

Da and Xiao Ganlu Yin (Great and Little Sweet Dew Decoction)
This formula was created by Jiegu Laoren. It uses Guben Wan (Solidify Root Pill) as the main component, adding other herbs. The reason is that damp-heat in the Stomach flows downward into Kan (Water), turbidifying the water source, leading to such manifestations. The intent of the formula is actually to save the Kidney. Clearing the Stomach clears the Stomach, but saving the origin saves the origin. Danxi only mentioned Heart, Lung, and Stomach, which is incomplete. Whenever I encounter郁 fire in the Liver meridian, I use this formula with Mudanpi (Tree Peony Bark) and Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit), removing Shihu (Dendrobium Stem), Gancao, and Pipaye (Loquat Leaf), and it is invariably effective. This confirms the principle that Water and Wood share the same source. If there is original Stomach Fire compounded by Liver Wood momentum, using the original formula unchanged, only adding Mudanpi and Shanzhi, is also invariably effective. When transformed into Xiao Ganlu Yin, removing Pipaye, Shudi, Er Dong (Tian Dong and Mai Dong), and Zhike (Bitter Orange), and adding Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), Jiegeng, and Zhizi, the meaning of treating fullness syndromes of the Hand Yangming becomes fully apparent. Add Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) for severe fire and thirst; add Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) for rapid gangrene; add Renshen for prolonged fire erosion and deficient Yuan Qi. It is truly a divine agent for dry-fire in the Stomach. (Self-Reliance Compilation)

Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction)
Xijiao Dihuang Tang is the specific formula for epistaxis (nosebleed). Xi (Rhino horn, now substituted) is a water animal. It can divide water and connect to heaven. Blood from epistaxis travels from the Ren and Du meridians to the vertex and enters the nose. Only Xijiao can descend into Kidney Water, guiding Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) and other Yin-nourishing herbs up via the Du Meridian, making it symptomatic. For Yin deficiency with fire agitation causing hematemesis (vomiting blood) or hemoptysis (coughing blood), it can be borrowed for success. For Yang deficiency and Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold, it is not suitable. (Zhao Yangkui)

Daochi San (Directing Red Powder)
Xiexin Tang uses Huanglian (Coptis Rhizoma) to treat excess pathogens. Excess pathogens blame the surplus of Wood; clearing the child organ clears the mother organ. Daochi San uses Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) to treat deficiency pathogens. Deficiency pathogens blame the insufficiency of Water; strengthening Water controls Fire. This formula is cooling yet tonifying, far superior to using bitter-cold herbs that damage the Stomach and injure vital Qi. (Ji Chuchong)

Xiebai San (Draining White Powder)
Fire-heat injuring Qi requires three treatments for the Lung: For Cold Damage pathogenic heat insulting the Lung, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) is used to remove irritability; this treats the branch. For internal deficiency fire scorching Yin, Shengmai San is used to benefit Yin; this treats the root. If healthy Qi is not injured but郁 fire is severe, Xiebai San’s clearing of the Lung and regulating the middle treats both branch and root, supplementing the deficiencies of the previous two formulas. (Ji Chuchong)

Qingzao Jiufei Tang (Clear Dryness and Save the Lung Decoction)
Qi stagnation belonging to the Lung belongs to Lung dryness. Ancient and modern formulas for Qi stagnation use pungent-aromatic Qi-moving herbs; not a single one treats Lung dryness. Atrophy, wheezing, and vomiting belonging to the upper jiao also belong to Lung dryness. Ancient and modern treatments attribute atrophy and vomiting to Yangming, and wheezing to the Lung; thus vomiting and atrophy belong to the middle/lower, and only wheezing to the upper. Hence, no formula addresses Lung dryness. Even wheezing belonging to the Lung is either exterior-releasing or purgative, Qi-moving or Qi-draining. Rarely are moistening agents used, and when they are, they miss the key point. I propose this formula named Qingzao Jiufei, focusing mainly on the Stomach, because Earth is the mother of Metal. Tiandong (Asparagus Tuber) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizoma) can clear Metal and nourish Water, but due to their bitter-cold nature, they are not used. Bitter-cold fire-draining drugs are especially contraindicated. Because Lung Metal reaching dryness leaves only a thread of Yin Qi remaining. If bitter-cold Qi-draining drugs that injure the Stomach are used further, will the person still have life? (Yu Jiayan)

Wenfei Tang (Warm the Lung Decoction)
Wenfei Tang embodies the principle of Metal floating and Water rising. Xixin (Asarum), Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry), and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) all warm the Kidney. When Kidney Water is warm, Qi ascends. Qi is Metal within Water; this is Metal floating, described as clouds rising from the earth. Ascending Qi steams into the Lung, condenses into fluids, and transforms back into water; this is Water rising, described as water descending from heaven. ○ Wenfei Tang also embodies Wood sinking and Fire descending. Warming the Lung strengthens Metal; strengthened Metal pacifies Wood. Wood, fearing restraint, converges and descends; this is Wood sinking. Once Wood sinks, Fire naturally descends. (Zhou Shenzhai)

Renshen Qingfei Tang, Renshen Dingchuan Tang, Renshen Xiefei Tang (Ginseng Clear Lung, Ginseng Calm Wheezing, Ginseng Drain Lung Decoctions)
The Classics state: Wherever pathogens gather, Qi must be deficient. Furthermore, the Lung is a delicate organ, clearly incapable of being damaged or depleted. Since the theory of Lung heat injuring the Lung became popular, everyone praised preserving and tonifying the Lung; everyone agreed with clearing and draining the Lung. Did they realize that ancient formulas for clearing and draining the Lung were always named with Renshen (Ginseng Root)? This makes it clear that Lung Qi must not be depleted and Renshen is essential. The Lung body is pure and follows Heaven, descending to regulate the commanding function. All turbid qi must not ascend; this is due to the vigorous operation of Qi. If Lung Qi slackens even slightly, the descending command fails, and turbid qi rebels upward, causing cough, asthma, lung lobe distension, chest tightness, heat transferring to the Large Intestine, and difficult defecation. These seemingly excessive symptoms are actually signs of deficiency. Therefore, regardless of internal injury or external contraction, heat or cold, the priority is to stabilize Lung Qi with Renshen. Then, use Gupi (Phellodendron Bark), Zhimu, or Ejiao to nourish it; Wumei (Black Plum), Wuweizi, or Yingsuke (Poppy Shell) to astringe it; Banxiaqu (Pinellia Fermented Paste) or Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) to direct it downward; Xingren (Apricot Seed), Sangbaipi (Mulberry Bark), Zhike, or Jiegeng to promote flow; Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), or Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit) to cool it; Mahuang (Ephedra Stem) or Bohe (Mint Leaf) to release the exterior; Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) to purge it. Relying entirely on the great strength of Renshen to grasp the pivot and operate, incoming pathogens exit easily, and future pathogens cannot enter. Lung pathogens exit with the herbs, but Lung Qi does not exit with them. So, how does Renshen injure the Lung, yet people fear and dare not use it? (Wang Youyuan)

Maimai Dong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction)
In all Lung diseases, life depends on Stomach Qi; death occurs without it. Stomach Qi is the mother Qi of the Lung. In Materia Medica, Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizoma) is named so because the Lung relies on its coolness, knowing coolness is the mother of the Lung. Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) is named so because the Lung relies on its phlegm-resolving action, knowing phlegm-resolution is the mother of the Lung. However, applied to conditions of rebellious Qi due to fire and unfavorable throat, it often fails, making the name inappropriate. Who knows Zhang Zhongjing’s brilliant method? In Maimai Dong Tang, among Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Renshen, Gancao, Dazao, and Jingmi (Rice) which greatly tonify Middle Qi to generate fluids, Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) with its pungent-warm flavor is added to open the Stomach, move fluids, and assist moistening the Lung. Is it merely for benefiting the throat and directing Qi downward? No, its ability to benefit the throat and direct Qi downward is not the merit of Banxia itself, but the merit of skillfully using Banxia. (Yu Jiayan)

Digupi Yin (Baik Tree Bark Decoction)
Yin deficiency causes Yang to invade, resulting in fever. Treatment should be differentiated by the Three Yin meridians: If Yang pathogens invade the Taiyin Spleen, Buyi Zhongqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Boost Qi Decoction) should be used to raise it; when clear Yang returns to its position, fire extinguishes itself. If invading the Shaoyin Kidney, Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) should be used to strengthen the master of Water; when Water is strong, fire levels itself. If invading the Jueyin Liver, Digupi Yin should be used to cool-tonify; when Blood is stored, fire settles itself. Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) is a formula for nourishing Yin and regulating Blood in the Liver. Adding Digupi (Baik Tree Bark) clears fire in the Zhi (Will) to calm the Kidney, tonifying its mother. Adding Mudanpi (Tree Peony Bark) clears fire in the Shen (Spirit) to cool the Heart, draining its child. The two barks are cooling but not moistening, clearing only Liver fire without injuring the Spleen and Stomach. This differs from Siwu Tang plus Zhimu and Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), which are moistening and bitter-cold. (Ke Yunbo)

Gengyi Wan (Changing Clothes Pill)
The Stomach is the foundation of the post-heaven. Insufficiency causes disease, but excess also causes disease. Excess is distinguished between Yang excess and Yin deficiency. When Two Yangs combine to brighten and the Stomach House is full, Zhang Zhongjing created the Three Chengqi Decoctions to purge it. When Water and Fire do not interact and fluids are lost, former sages created Gengyi Wan to moisten it. Ancients changed clothes before entering the toilet, hence the name of this pill. (Ke Yunbo)

Beiji Wan (Emergency Preparation Pill)
Constipation should be differentiated into Yang knotting and Yin knotting. Yang knotting has Chengqi and Gengyi formulas; Yin knotting has Beiji and Baisan formulas. However, Baisan treats cold knotting in the chest, using Jiegeng assisted by Badou (Croton Seed) for simultaneous vomiting and purging. This pill treats cold knotting in the intestines and stomach, using Dahuang assisted by Shengjiang and Badou to directly attack the cold. The world only knows warming-tonification methods, not warming-purgation methods; discussing only cold-deficiency, not cold-excess. (Ke Yunbo)
Huanhun Tang treats the exterior of cold knotting in the chest, dispersing formless pathogens; Baisan treats the interior of cold knotting in the chest, attacking formed Phlegm-fluids; Beiji Wan treats cold knotting in the intestines and stomach, attacking indigestible residue. (Medical Mirror Golden Standard)

Dahuang Zhechong Wan (Rhubarb and Ground Beetle Pill)
In consumption-injury syndromes, rough skin resembling scales and dark eyes indicate internal blood stasis. Long-standing stasis generates heat; heat dries fluids, causing blood to dry in the collaterals. The drier it gets, the hotter it becomes; the hotter it becomes, the drier it gets, damaging new blood. The nourishment of the hundred bones and the luster of the skin depend solely on this blood. When blood is injured, it cannot irrigate the skin, hence scales; the eyes see because of blood; when blood is dry, they cannot be nourished, hence darkness. Zhang Zhongjing saw through this syndrome. Tonification is impossible, cooling is useless, so he established this formula. The Classic states: Blood moistens. Hence, Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) is the sovereign. Hardness is削 (scraped away); hence, Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) is the minister. The Spleen controls blood; the Spleen desires relaxation; urgent administration of sweet flavors relaxes it; and sour...