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Decoction (Tangji). It refers to the clear liquid obtained after boiling. For tonifying herbs, they must be thoroughly cooked; for purgative herbs, it is not a concern if they are undercooked. This mainly involves pre-determining the amount of water to observe the differences in evaporation during boiling. It is used to treat acute diseases.
Because decoctions easily ascend and disperse, and readily circulate through the meridians, it is said that "Tang" (decoction) means "to sweep away" or "to cleanse." When treating diseases located at the highest part of the body, add wine for boiling; to remove dampness, add fresh ginger for boiling; to tonify Yuan Qi (Primary Qi), add Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) for boiling; to dispel wind-cold, add scallion white for boiling; to treat diseases of the diaphragm, add honey for boiling; to relieve pain, add vinegar for boiling. For all kinds of tonifying decoctions, combine the dregs of two doses, add the original amount of water, and boil again. Drink it when cooked; its effect is equivalent to taking a new dose. As for those used for releasing the exterior (Fabiao) and attacking the interior (Gongli), even if the previous medication has taken effect, there is no need to boil the dregs again. This is due to the difference between treating conditions gradually or urgently.

Paste (Gaoji). It refers to the thick paste boiled down. Although the quantity of herbs may be large, the time for boiling with water to make paste should be long. The dregs should be boiled repeatedly several times, squeezed to obtain concentrated juice, and then further boiled until formed into paste. It is used for chronic diseases. Because the initial potency of paste is strong and its nourishing action is solid and lasting, it is said that "Gao" (paste) means "glue-like" or "adhesive." For any edible paste, whether boiled with water or wine along with the dregs, it is similar to brewing wine for drinking. For pastes used for external application and massage, whether boiled with wine or vinegar along with the dregs, they should be crushed and applied to the affected area. This is done to fully utilize the medicinal power.

Powder (Sanji). It refers to herbs ground into fine powder. It is suitable for immediate preparation and mixing, and should not be stored for a long time, lest the aroma and flavor dissipate, rendering it ineffective upon consumption. It is used for urgent diseases. Powders do not follow the meridians but only remove accumulations in the stomach and intestines. Therefore, it is said that "San" (powder) means "to scatter" or "to disperse." Powders with strong aroma and flavor are taken mixed with decoction; those with weak aroma and flavor are taken boiled and mixed with wine.

Pill (Wanji). It refers to pills made into granules. For diseases of the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), they are sized like sophora seeds (Wuzi); for diseases of the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), like mung beans; for diseases of the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), like rice grains. Since diseases cannot be eliminated quickly, this form is chosen for its slow-acting nature, achieving results gradually. Thus, it is said that "Wan" (pill) means "slow." Pills made with water, or using steamed dough as a稀糊 (thin paste) binder, are chosen because they dissolve easily, thus treating Upper Jiao diseases. Pills made with thick flour paste or rice paste are chosen because they dissolve slightly slower, reaching the Middle Jiao. Pills made with wine or vinegar are chosen for their intent to gather or disperse. For prepared Pinellia (Banxia) and Arisaema (Nanxing), intending to remove damp-phlegm, use fresh ginger juice to make a thin paste pill, also choosing the property of easy dissolution. Pills made with Medicated Leaven (Shenqu) are chosen for their food-digesting properties; those made with Chinese Yam (Shanyao) paste are chosen for their astringent nature; those made with refined honey are chosen for slow dissolution and ease of circulation through meridians; those made with wax are chosen for difficult dissolution, firmly protecting the drug's flavor and qi, ensuring full potency, passing directly through the diaphragm to take effect.

Steeped Wine (Zijiu). It refers to medicinal wine steeped and boiled. Herbs must be finely chopped, placed in a silk bag, put into wine, sealed tightly in a jar, and cooked according to standard methods. Bury it underground for a long time so that the qi becomes potent and the flavor rich. Swallow frequently morning and evening; the medicinal power reaches the meridians rapidly. Whether attacking pathogens or tonifying deficiency, it achieves remarkable results. Filter out the dregs, dry them in the sun, grind into powder, and steep separately. Although the potency is slightly slower, it is still beneficial to consume. Making it into powder is also good; do not discard it.

For treating deficiency and damage syndromes, drink sparingly to achieve effects slowly; for treating wind-dampness syndromes, drink more to achieve effects quickly. Whenever making honey pills, for every jin (500g) of herb powder, use 12 liang (approx. 375g) of honey. Refine over gentle heat, skim off the foam, until the color turns yellow, stopping when a drop forms a bead (in water test). Add another 4 liang of water and mix evenly. Only then can the pills be dried in the sun and preserved for a long time without spoiling. Alternatively, refining them into beads using a double-boiler method is even better.