Library

There is a unique formula for body heat caused by blood deficiency. In ancient times, there was Danggui Buxue Tang (Danggui Decoction for Tonifying Blood). The ratio of Huangqi to Danggui is five to one. ("Fen" is pronounced with the falling tone. Huangqi 30g [1 liang], Danggui 7.5g [2 qian 5 fen], decocted in water.) This formula primarily governs Yang through the moistening and spreading action of True Yin.

Chen Xiuyuan stated: Any medicinal material that is light and clear belongs to the Qi aspect; any medicinal material with a sweet taste can tonify the Middle Jiao. Huangqi is light in texture and slightly sweet in taste, thus it can slightly tonify. According to the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), its main indication is severe wind disorders, which reveals its nature. This formula takes Danggui's blood-nourishing effect as the principal agent, and uses the heavy dosage of Huangqi's light, clear, and exterior-wandering property as a guide. This allows the heat generated by blood deficiency, which is stagnant in the skin and hair follicles and unresolved, to be released through slight sweating. Therefore, although the symptoms resemble those of Baihu Tang syndrome (intense fever, profuse sweating, extreme thirst, and surging pulse), the heat disappears without even two doses. Yuan dynasty physicians had not read the *Shennong Bencao Jing*; this formula was effective because they intuitively grasped the underlying principles, achieving unparalleled results. Ultimately, it was Heaven's benevolence towards the people that specially created this formula, using Yuan physicians as instruments, rather than being within the scope of their own insight or capability. Wu Hegao explained it using the concept of "Yang generating Yin," which is also a mediocre view; therefore, I have detailed it specifically.

This is the general formula for treating Qi and Blood deficiency. It is most suitable for infantile convulsions and for patients with smallpox who are extremely deficient.

Among all nourishing decoctions, Baoyuan Tang (Preserve Origin Decoction) comes first. Ginseng, Guizhi, Gancao, and four other ingredients remain. (Huangqi 9g [3 qian], Renshen 3g [1 qian], Gancao 3g [1 qian], Rougui adjusted according to the seasonal Qi of spring/summer or autumn/winter.)

Ke Yunbo stated: "Baoyuan" means preserving the Primordial Qi. Qi is singular in essence but differs in function. The Qi governing the Kidney is the Pre-Heaven True Primordial Qi; the Qi governing the Stomach is the Post-Heaven Grain-derived Qi; this refers to their origin. Furthermore, the essence of grain and water that flows through the meridians is called Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi); the fierce Qi of grain and water that flows outside the vessels is called Wei Qi (Defensive Qi); the Great Qi accumulated in the chest that governs respiration is called Zong Qi (Gathering Qi). Thus, the Post-Heaven operational Primordial Qi is divided into three. Additionally, the Qi that externally corresponds to the skin and hair, cooperates with Ying and Wei Qi, and governs the exterior of the whole body is the Taiyang Bladder Qi; the Qi that internally connects to the Five Zang organs, governs regulation, and controls the interior of the whole body is the Taiyin Lung Metal Qi; the Qi that connects inside and outside, corresponds to the interstices, and governs the half-exterior/half-interior of the whole body is the Shaoyang Sanjiao Qi. Thus, the Pre-Heaven operational Primordial Qi is also divided into three. This formula uses Huangqi to harmonize the exterior, Renshen to consolidate the interior, and Gancao to harmonize the Middle Jiao. When these three Qi mechanisms are regulated, the Primordial Qi becomes sufficient. Previously, Li Dongyuan believed that these three herbs could purge fire, tonify Metal, and cultivate Earth, serving as a holy medicine for eliminating irritability and heat, effectively calming infantile convulsions like the rapid response of striking a drum. Wei Guiyan applied this method to treat smallpox patients with Yang deficiency causing depressed pustule tops, Blood deficiency causing thin pus, thin and itchy skin, and difficulty in filling and healing. He consistently used this formula, believing that when Blood is lost, Qi must be tonified, and when Yang generates, Yin grows, achieving the miracle of bringing the dead back to life. Hence, it is named Baoyuan. A small amount of Rougui is added as an assistant, adjusted according to the four seasons' Qi, stating that Guizhi treats Blood by pushing toxins out, supporting Yang and benefiting Qi to fill the entire body. If Blood is internal, guiding it to the surface causes Qi to support from within; if Blood disperses outward, guiding it to return to the root causes Qi to protect from without. Renshen cannot establish its merit alone without Guizhi's guidance; Rougui cannot organize its effects without Gancao's ability to harmonize Blood and Qi. This is certainly not something that someone with shallow knowledge can glimpse. In the Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), Baizhu is omitted to avoid dryness, and Fuling is omitted to prevent leakage. Rougui is used instead of Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) because one dislikes the acrid dispersion of Xiongqiong, the dampness of Danggui, the bitter cold of Shaoyao, and the cloying stagnation of Dihuang. If dryness is suitable, add Fuling and Baizhu; if moisture is suitable, add Danggui; to eliminate irritability, add Shaoyao; to disperse the exterior, add Xiongqiong. These points require further understanding.