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The etiology of this condition stems from wind-dampness and toxic factors entering the interior from the feet, where they contend with the qi of the zang-fu organs. This contention leads to stagnation and accumulation that fails to disperse, resulting in abdominal distension and urgency. (Excerpted from Volume XIII)

Su Gong: For patients suffering from Hongjiaojiao (a disease characterized by swelling and weakness of the lower legs), who experience abdominal fullness and inability to eat at specific times during their episodes, this formula may be taken in all four seasons to direct qi downward and reduce distension.

Kunbu (Laminariae Thallus, 8 liang), Shegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma, 4 liang), Fuling (Poria, 2 liang), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 2 liang), Lingyangjiao (Saigae Tataricae Cornu, crushed, 3 fen), JuPi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 3 fen), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 5 fen, skin and tips removed), Bibo (Long Pepper Fruit, 6 fen), Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus, 6 fen), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 6 fen; add Dahuang if there is constipation or difficult urination, as it is invariably effective; omit if no obstruction exists).

Crush and sieve the above ten ingredients. Mix with honey to form pills the size of wutong seeds. Take fifteen pills with warm water. If diarrhea occurs frequently, reduce the dose to seven pills. Adjust according to the patient's condition. If the patient cannot eat, add Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 6 fen) and Qu Mo (Medicated Leaven Powder, 10 fen). If the qi remains unsettled after taking the pills, suppress the condition with a decoction of Binglangpi (Arecae Pericarpium). Avoid vinegar, plums, peaches, and sparrow meat.

Another Formula:

Binglang (Arecae Semen, 7 pieces, crushed), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 3 liang, sliced), JuPi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 2 liang), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, 30 pieces).

Cut the above four ingredients. Boil in four sheng of water until one sheng five he remains. Divide into two doses. The interval between doses should be approximately the distance traveled in seven to eight li, or one may take half the dose at once. Administer when abdominal distension due to qi stagnation arises; discontinue when cured.

For the sensation of cold qi attacking the throat:

Simply hold three to five grains of Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus) in the mouth, and the cold qi will dissipate.

Regarding Hongjiaojiao, which flares up in summer and subsides in autumn: although the toxic factors have receded, wind pathogens remain. If other symptoms have resolved but the patient suffers from postprandial abdominal distension and discomfort due to qi stagnation in the throat—manifesting as an inability to expectorate or swallow, chest oppression, phlegm-fullness, and vomiting of sour fluid after eating—the Kunbu Wan (Laminaria Pill) is indicated. This may be taken concurrently with previously used medicines, decoctions, or medicated wines without conflict.

Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus), Bibo (Long Pepper Fruit), Fuling (Poria), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Qu (Medicated Leaven), Tinglizi (Descurainiae Semen seu Lepidii Semen, stir-fried), Kunbu (Laminariae Thallus, washed, each 4 liang), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, skin and tips removed, stir-fried), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, roasted), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, each 3 liang), Xuanjinhua (Inulae Flos, 1.5 liang), JuPi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 3.5 liang).

Crush and sieve the above thirteen ingredients. Mix with honey to form pills the size of wutong seeds. Take ten pills with warm water (another version states twenty pills). Take twice daily. Reduce the dose if loose stools occur; increase the dose if constipation persists.