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Fang Yuezhi stated: When a woman is pregnant, the Spleen's transport and transformation functions are obstructed, leading to sluggish digestion and the generation of Dampness. Prolonged Dampness generates Heat. Mr. Danxi considered Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) as the holy medicines for calming the fetus. This is because Baizhu strengthens the Spleen and dries Dampness, while Tiao Qin (Huangqin, Scutellariae Radix) clears Heat. However, since pregnant women rely on Blood to nourish the fetus, removing Chuanxiong from Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) and combining it with these two herbs makes the prescription more comprehensive.

Zhang Feichou stated: The ancients used Huangqin to calm the fetus because the fetal Qi was excessively hot and restless, so bitter-cold herbs were used to pacify it. The Spleen is the hub of fluids throughout the body and governs all internal and external Qi mechanisms. The mechanism of fetal respiration and transformation relies entirely on Spleen Earth, hence Baizhu is used to assist it. However, this is only suitable for cases where the physique is thin, there is Blood-Heat, Ying (Nutritive) blood circulates too rapidly, the fetus frequently pushes upward causing distress and restlessness. If the physique is robust but Qi is deficient, and the fetus frequently sinks downward, it cannot be stabilized without Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to lift it. If the physique is solid and Qi is abundant, and the fetus frequently stagnates and fails to move, it cannot be stabilized without Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma) and Sharen (Amomi Fructus) to dissipate stagnation. If there is Blood deficiency with flourishing Fire, causing frequent acute abdominal pain, it cannot be stabilized without Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix) to nourish and soften the Liver. If the body is fat with excessive Phlegm-Dampness, accompanied by vomiting, retching, dizziness, and vertigo, it cannot be stabilized without Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Fuling (Poria) to resolve Phlegm and drain Dampness. These are all methods for treating the excessiveness of the mother's Qi. If the fetus is unsettled due to invasion of Wind-Cold, then Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), Xiangsu San (Fragrant Perilla Powder), or Congbai Xiangchi Tang (Green Onion and Fermented Soybean Decoction) would likely be appropriate. In cases of latent pathogens or seasonal epidemics, purgatives should be used urgently. This is the key secret of calming the fetus. Among purgatives, Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) must absolutely not be used. If external pathogens are present but Baizhu is mistakenly used, it causes the Heat pathogen to linger unresolved, which反而 (instead) damages the fetus.

Zhao Yangkui stated: Someone asked whether Baizhu and Huangqin, being the holy medicines for calming the fetus, are indispensable during pregnancy. I replied: Not necessarily. The fetus is attached to the Spleen via its stalk, just as a wine vessel is attached to a beam. If the main pillars are not firm, the beams will surely bend. Therefore, to calm the fetus, one must first secure the Two Kidneys, making the Kidney Qi harmonious and warm, so that the Spleen gains vital energy. Why must one insist on using Baizhu and Huangqin to calm the fetus? Whenever there is Heat in the abdomen causing fetal unrest, cooling herbs are indeed used. Whenever there is Cold in the abdomen causing fetal unrest, warming herbs must be used; this is the routine method. However, one does not realize that the Two Kidneys are the source of Water and Fire, the root of the Chong and Ren vessels, and the critical attachment point of fetal vitality, which cannot be stabilized by Baizhu and Huangqin alone. If there is no Water in the Kidneys causing fetal unrest, Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) is used to strengthen Water. If there is no Fire in the Kidneys, Bawei Dihuang Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) is used to benefit Fire. Therefore, when regulating menstruation, one should use Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex), Xuduan (Dipsaci Radix), Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla), Aye (Mugwort Folium), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), flexibly adding them into Liuwei Dihuang Wan or Bawei Dihuang Wan for rapid results. In short, one principle runs through everything. This is what other medical books have not covered; I specially highlight and expound upon it.