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A general formula for treating thirst.

Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome), Xiao Zhong (Middle Wasting Syndrome), and Xiao Shen Bing (Kidney Wasting Disease) arise from deficient heat generated in the San Jiao (Triple Burner) and the five Zang organs; however, the Bladder is cold as ice, while there is an incessant desire to drink water in the mind; urination occurs continuously day and night without count, bones feel cold, skin is dry and withered, and the Heart and Lungs feel as if torn apart; this is originally caused by excessive consumption of alcohol and roasted or fried foods, leading to gradual depletion of the limbs and skin/muscles; one must avoid stools becoming clear like rice washings, nor should there be bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, or a tongue resembling blood; if such symptoms appear, the condition becomes critical; encountering this state reveals the true miraculous secret passed down by immortals.

Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Bai Fu Ling (Poria with Peel Removed), Mu Li Fen (Oyster Shell Powder), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Tie Yin Fen (Iron Oxide Powder), Ku Shen (Sophora Root), Chen Sha (Cinnabar) (each half liang above); Bai Bian Dou (White Hyacinth Bean) (20 slices). Poria may be omitted.

To treat Xiao Ke, where drinking reaches the volume of a Shi Dou (ancient liquid measure), even in extreme cases, this formula can be taken for immediate recovery.

Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Wu Mei Rou (Mume Fruit Flesh), Pi Pa Ye (Loquat Leaf), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Gua Lou Shi (Trichosanthes Fruit), Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Gan Ge (Kudzu Root) (each one liang above).
Grind the above into fine powder, mix with water, and take at will, anytime.

To treat the three types of Xiao Ke syndrome: either drinking much with little urination, or no drinking but spontaneous diarrhea, emaciated skin and muscles, flaccid limbs. Chang Fu Bu San Tang (Regularly Take Bu San Decoction). Xiao Ke belongs to the Heart; internally accumulated vexation and sorrow cause Heart Fire to flare upwards, moving in concert with summer-heat or diet; Xiao Zhong belongs to the Spleen; "Zhong" refers to conditions where Yin cannot overcome Yang resulting in Heat-Zhong, or where Hyperactive Yin fails to interact with Jing (Essence) causing leakage, known as Qiang Zhong (Strong Middle); Xiao Shen belongs to the Kidney; Kidney decline, often triggered by long-term use of Dan Shi (Elixir Stones), leads to dry lips, exhausted throat, spontaneous seminal emission, and frequent urination without increased intake, also called Nei Xiao (Internal Wasting).

Tong Gen Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark, remove coarse bark, sun-dry without roasting), Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber, remove heart), Bai Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Ge (Kudzu Root), Shan Yao (Dioscorea Rhizome), Gui Xin (Cinnamon Twig Center).
Chop the above ingredients finely, add one and a half bowls of water, decoct until seven-tenths remain, strain, and take warm at any time.

To treat Xiao Ke.

Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root) (each one liang above); Mian Huang Qi (Astragalus Root soaked in salt water, stir-fried), Bai Shao Yao (White Peony Root) (each two liang).
Chop the above ingredients finely, take four qian per dose, add one and a half bowls of water, decoct until eight-tenths remain, take four times daily, retain the dregs for combined decoction. Another version includes Gan Ge (Kudzu Root), Mu Gua (Chaenomeles Fruit), and Wu Mei (Mume Fruit).