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The use of exterior-releasing medicines for treating Shanghan (Cold Damage) is indeed a standard practice. However, I alone am particularly cautious and apprehensive about it. Why? Because drug properties vary between rigid (acrid/warm) and soft (mild/cool), and human constitutions differ in robustness and frailty. If the medicine suits the patient, health prospers; if not, danger ensues. This is no trivial matter. Taking Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) as an example: its flavor is light and floating, excelling at expelling cold, but it errs on being too hot. Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo, 羌活) and Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (Duhuo, 独活) are superior for benefiting joints, but they err on being overly drying. For instance, Atractylodis Rhizoma (Cangzhu, 苍术) for Taiyin disease, Angelicae Dahuricae Radix (Baizhi, 白芷) for Yangming disease, Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong, 川芎) and Evodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu, 吴茱萸) for Jueyin disease, Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin, 细辛) for Shaoyin disease, and Libanodendroni Resina (Ben, 本) for Taiyang disease—all possess pungent and fierce aromas, exhibiting similar characteristics. Therefore, Zhang Zhongjing formulated Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), using Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xingren, 杏仁) for its moistening property and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草) to harmonize. Is this truly sufficient to counteract the pungent-heat of Mahuang and Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi, 桂枝)? Wang Haogu’s Jiwei Qianghuo Tang (Nine-Ingredient Notopterygium Decoction) aggregates various drying flavors, monitored by Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin, 黄芩) and Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shengdi, 生地). Yet, few cannot overcome many; is this not a flawed method of formulation? I disagree. I casually established a formula to replace it with mildness: Perillae Folium (Zisu, 紫苏) has a pungent-warm nature, sufficient to dispel cold; Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng, 防风) and Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie, 荆芥) have pungent-dispersing natures, sufficient to expel wind; Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu, 柴胡) has an ascending nature, capable of relieving exterior heat; Puerariae Radix (Gegen, 葛根) has a moistening nature, excelling at resolving muscle-layer pathogens; Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi, 广皮) is acrid-bitter, capable of both dispersing and descending; Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng, 桔梗) and Gancao combined with Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang, 生姜) create a pungent-sweet combination that disperses. In such a manner, how could cold fail to be removed or wind fail to be resolved? How could there be depletion of body fluids, damage to true Yin, or loss of primal Yang?

If the pulse is tight and there is no sweat, add Mahuang and Qianghuo. If the pulse is fine and dampness prevails, use Cangzhu and Duhuo. As for Evodiae Fructus, Xixin, Baizhi, and Ben, if they match the syndrome, temporary administration is acceptable. Otherwise, for mild colds, those with frail constitutions, and after illness, exertion, postpartum, or sexual indulgence/alcohol consumption, even if chills and fever occur, how can one fail to examine carefully and blindly adhere to ancient formulas for reckless administration? Even my prescribed formula may not hit the mark precisely.

Zisu Yin (Perilla Decoction)
Perillae Folium (1.5 qian) Saposhnikoviae Radix Schizonepetae Spica Bupleuri Radix Puerariae Radix Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Platycodonis Radix (each 1 qian) Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (roasted, 0.3 qian) Crataegi Fructus (1.5 qian)
Decoct with three slices of fresh ginger. For headache, add Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma (0.5 qian). For food stagnation, add prepared Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (1 qian) and fried Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (1 qian). For cough, remove Bupleuri Radix and add Peucedani Radix (1 qian).
Note: Although this formula is mild and gentle, it is still too strong for deficient patients. Do not use it indiscriminately or excessively. Stop taking it once sweating occurs.