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This is the premier formula for treating edema. However, it is essential that the pulse at both wrists (Cun, Guan, Chi positions) is floating and slow, and the pulse at the foot's Duyang position (located on the dorsum of the foot) is floating and rapid. The diagnostic method must be precise without any error. One dose yields immediate results; five doses lead to complete recovery. Otherwise, this secret formula should not be used lightly. The Great Dao is impartial, and formulas should not be kept secret. Yet, the Yellow Emperor had the Lan Tai archives (imperial secret library), and Chang Sang Jun (Bian Que’s teacher) feared the errors caused by rash experimentation and the leaking of heavenly and earthly secrets. I present this formula awaiting those who can infer other cases from one example, not claiming that this single formula can cure all diseases.

Tianniong (Gongura Radix Preparata, 1 qian), Mugui (Cinnamomi Cortex, peeled, 2 qian), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 1.5 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, honey-fried, 1 qian), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 2 qian), Dazao (Jujubae Fructus, 2 pieces), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, peeled, 2 qian). Use two and a half cups of water. First decoct Mahuang, blow away the foam, then add the remaining herbs. Decoct until eight-tenths of the liquid remains. Take orally, divided into three doses throughout day and night. Sweating should occur; if one feels as if insects are crawling under the skin, the disease will be cured. ○ For severe edema, add Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, 2 qian).

Tianniong tonifies the Yang Qi of the Upper Jiao and descends into the Kidney, resembling Heaven descending its brightness. Yet, fearing that the descending Qi might remain latent without returning, we use Xixin, which grows straight upward in a single stem, to lift it. Mugui warms the Water-Dampness of the Lower Jiao and ascends to connect with the Heart, resembling the Earth’s axis rotating upwards. Yet, fearing that its ascending application might remain latent without returning, causing Qi to fail to moisten externally and collateral vessels to become deficient, we use Shengjiang, Dazao, and Gancao to transform Qi and generate fluids, thereby nourishing the collateral vessels. If the medicinal force stops and does not ascend, Qi aggregates into Fire, leading to difficult urination; thus, we use Zhimu to nourish Yin and transform Yang, thereby promoting urination. Moreover, Zhimu’s treatment of swelling is recorded in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, and in the *Jingui Yaolue*, it is used with Mahuang and Fuzi to treat Lijie Feng (joint pain syndrome) with feet swelling as if detached. This analogy clarifies the principle. This formula is essentially Zhongjing’s Guizhi Gancao Jiangzao Mahuang Tang, with the addition of one herb, Zhimu. The primary indications are completely different, demonstrating that the variations of classical formulas are as miraculous as dragons.

An old man over eighty years old transmitted a miraculous formula to me: use raw Jinyingen Gen (Chrysobalanus icaco Root), remove the coarse bark, 1.5 liang; Wu Feng Cao (Osmunda japonica, also known as Luxian Cao), 3 qian; very small and compact Xiangjun (Agaricus species mushrooms), 7 pieces. Decoct in water and take one dose. Urination becomes patent immediately, and edema resolves. ○ Upon careful reflection, this formula is extremely ingenious. Mahuang induces profuse sweating, yet its root can stop sweating; Tangerine pulp generates phlegm and obstructs Qi, yet its peel transforms phlegm and regulates Qi; Silkworms stiffen due to wind, yet they can dispel wind miraculously. This embodies the principle of great opening and closing. From the strong astringency of Jinyingzi (Chrysobalani Fructus) on urination, one can infer that its root strongly promotes urination. Wu Feng Cao, originally named Luxian Cao, can drain damp-heat; thus, in the *Suwen*, it is used with Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) to treat Jiufeng (wind syndrome caused by alcohol consumption), which is even more exquisite. As for the single herb Xiangjun, this substance is transformed from damp-heat. Used to drain dampness, clear heat, and descend turbidity, it resonates with similar energies, guiding medicinal power to the site of pathology. Once the properties of the other herbs are activated, there is no room for damp-heat to hide; everything drains out through urination. This was likely passed down by an extraordinary person, illustrating the saying "When rites are lost, seek them in the wild." Regrettably, I have not tested it myself.