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Formula for treating edema caused by water qi, characterized by generalized swelling of the body, weakness in the four limbs, or arising from Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome) or Huang Dan Zhi Yin (jaundice with fluid retention in the branches), internal deficiency and insufficiency, unsmooth circulation of Ying Wei (nutritive and defensive qi), failure of Qi to transform and metabolize, manifesting as restless panting within the skin, abdominal borborygmus and distension/fullness, and inability of the eyes to see.

Ze Qi Gen (Radix Phytolaccae, 10 liang), Li Yu (Cyprinus carpio, 5 jin), Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens, 8 liang), Chi Xiao Dou (Semen Phaseoli Angularis, 2 liang), Fu Ling (Poria, 3 liang), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis).

The above eight ingredients are cut into small pieces. Boil with 17 sheng of water. First decoct the fish and beans until the volume reduces by 7 sheng. Remove the fish and beans, add the remaining herbs, and decoct to obtain 4.5 sheng of liquid. Take 3 he as a single dose, three times a day. For those with weak constitutions, take twice a day. After administration, the rebellious Qi descends and panting stops. The dosage may be increased to 4 he per dose. At this time, urination becomes smooth, swelling subsides, or loose stools are passed. If urination remains obstructed, increase the dose by one he until urination is free. If fresh carp is unavailable, other fish may be used. If the water qi is severe such that the patient cannot lie flat or turn over in bed, add an additional 1 jin of Ze Qi. For thirst, add Gua Lou Gen (Radix Trichosanthis, 2 liang). For cough, add Zi Wan (Herba Asteris Tatarici, 2 liang), Xi Xin (Radix Asari, 1 liang), Kuan Dong Hua (Flos Farfarae, 1 liang), Gui Xin (Cortex Cinnamomi, 3 liang), and increase the fish juice by 2 sheng. (Hu Qia's formula lacks Chi Xiao Dou and Mai Dong, but contains Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis, 5 liang) and Xing Ren (Semen Armeniacae Amarum, 1 liang). The "Lu Yan" formula lacks Chi Xiao Dou. It treats water qi residing in the five zang organs, causing coughing, reverse flow of Qi, panting, abdominal distension with borborygmus, swelling of both feet, puffy bags under the eyes resembling silkworms, slight thirst, inability to sleep peacefully, shortness of breath with sudden onset and recovery, difficult urination which is scanty yet frequent, chest fullness and hidden pain due to lung disease. It is appropriate to promote diuresis. When water qi is excessive causing swelling, accompanied by alternating chills and fever.)

Formula for treating deficiency-type distension and generalized edema, promoting the San Jiao (Triple Burner) and unblocking water pathways.

Zhu Ling (Polyporus, Ting Li (Semen Lepidii seu Descurainiae), Ren Shen (Radix Ginseng), Yuan Shen (Radix Scrophulariae), Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae), Fang Feng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Ze Xie (Rhizoma Alismatis), Gui Xin (Cortex Cinnamomi), Ye Lang Du (Radix Euphorbiae Lathyris), Jiao Mu (Semen Capsici), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Gan Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Secatum), Da Ji (Radix Euphorbiae Humifusae), Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) [each 2 liang], Cong Rong (Herba Cynomorii, 2.5 liang), Qu Shen (Massa Medicata Fermentata, 3 he), Chi Xiao Dou (Semen Phaseoli Angularis, 2 he).

The above seventeen ingredients are processed and sifted into powder. Take one fang cun bi (a square-inch measure) with wine, three times a day and once at night. Elderly and children take one fang cun bi. Continue until urination becomes smooth.