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Treats unilateral pain in the hypochondrium accompanied by fever, with a tight and string-taut pulse; this is due to Cold. The following formula employs warm purgatives.
Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 3 liang) Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, 3 pieces) Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, 2 liang)
The above three herbs are coarsely crushed, boiled in five sheng of water until two sheng remain, and divided into two doses for administration.

Discussion: A chi-kou (radial artery at the wrist) pulse that is string-taut and tight indicates that Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) fails to circulate properly; when Wei Qi does not circulate, aversion to cold occurs. A tight pulse indicates loss of appetite. When string-taut and tight pulses combine, it constitutes Han Shan (Cold Spasm). A fu-yang (dorsalis pedis artery) pulse that is floating and slow indicates Wind deficiency (floating) and Cold Spasm (slow). In thin individuals, periumbilical pain invariably stems from Wind-Cold. If Gu Qi (Grain Qi) is obstructed and purgatives are incorrectly administered, Qi will rebel upward. If it does not rebel, Pi (Glomus/Fullness) will form in the epigastrium.

Formula for Han Shan (Cold Spasm) characterized by severe periumbilical pain, spontaneous sweating upon onset, cold extremities, and a deep, string-taut pulse (named Er Wu Wu Tou Jian by Zhang Zhongjing). Five large Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix), roasted black without cutting, are boiled in three sheng of water until one sheng remains. The dregs are removed, and two jin of Bai Mi (White Honey) are added. The mixture is further decocted until all moisture evaporates, yielding two sheng. Robust individuals take seven he; frail individuals take five he. If ineffective after one dose, administer again the next day. Only one dose per day is permitted; do not repeat.

Formula for Han Shan (Cold Spasm) presenting with abdominal pain, counterflow cold, numbness in the hands and feet, or generalized body pain, which cannot be treated by moxibustion, acupuncture, or various medications.
Qiu Gan Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix, dried in autumn; five pieces of solid texture, with corners removed) Bai Mi (White Honey, 1 jin)
The above two ingredients are decocted together in honey. When reduced by half, remove the dregs. Add five he of Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to dissolve the residue, bringing the total volume to approximately one sheng. Initial dose: two he. If no effect is felt, increase by three he. If still no effect, increase to five he. Sensation resembling intoxication or vomiting indicates that the disease has been addressed (Zhong Bing).
Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is found in the Shang Han Men section. (The Fang Yi Wai Tai formula boils Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) in two and a half sheng of water, extracts one sheng, mixes with honey, and decocts to about one sheng for administration.)

Discussion: Patients suffering from extreme Heat must have their pulses examined. For extreme Heat, one cannot rigidly adhere to fixed formulas but must tailor treatment to the specific pathology. If extreme Heat is resistant, double or triple the dosage. For severe cases, tenfold dosages may be required to subdue it. Some suffer from intractable heat due to the ingestion of Stone Medicines (Shi Yao). Various herbal regimens fail to control it; only Pu Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) decoction can resolve it. (During the Wu De era, a nobleman named Shi Nu referred to this as Jin Shi Ling, which is incorrect. This formula should directly use Er Xiao (Saltpeter), Han Shui Shi (Borax), and Shi Gao (Gypsum); gold is unnecessary. If gold is included, it was an addition by the nobleman.)