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Indicated for external contractions during the three seasons. Fever caused by cold pathogen internally injuring from raw and cold food, as well as Spleen diarrhea (Pi Xie) and intestinal wind bleeding (Chang Feng).
Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) are commonly used by patients with dampness. (Cangzhu 3 qian, Fangfeng 2 qian, Gancao 1 qian, decocted together with Congbai [Allii Fistulosi Bulbus] and Shengjiang [Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens]. It is said that if there is no sweating, Cangzhu can be used to replace Mahuang Tang [Ephedra Decoction]; if there is sweating, Baizhu [Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma] can be used to replace Guizhi Tang [Cinnamon Twig Decoction].) Shen Zhu Tang (Divine Atractylodes Decoction) is a formula that captures the essence; its theory surpasses Mahuang Tang and Guizhi Tang. It is known that the author has never dreamed of (the profound realm of Zhang Zhongjing).
Chen Xiuyuan says: Zhang Zhongjing's Mahuang Tang, Guizhi Tang, Gegen Tang [Puerariae Radix Decoction], Chaihu Tang [Bupleuri Decoction], etc., follow the laws step by step, with the main principle lying in "nourishing body fluids" (Yang Jin Ye). Wang Haicang's formula here is drying and acrid, damaging Yin fluids, depleting the source of sweat first, often leading to lingering pathogenic heat. This is contrary to Zhang Zhongjing's principles. It is claimed that it can replace Mahuang Tang and Guizhi Tang, appearing stable and worthy of emulation, but in reality, it causes significant harm. One must know that this formula is not related to the Yangming, Taiyang, or Shaoyang syndromes (San Yang); it is only applicable to Wind-Dampness of the Taiyin (Spleen). The *Neijing* states that if one is injured by wind in spring, the pathogen lingers causing severe diarrhea (Dong Xie); when summer arrives and one suffers from meal-induced diarrhea and intestinal wind, such a drying agent is suitable. Otherwise, do not let it touch the lips.

Treats excessive dampness within, where the Spleen and Stomach cannot control it, resulting in retained fluids, epigastric fullness, chest oppression, and abdominal distension.
Ping Wei San (Peaceful Stomach Powder) uses Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Cangzhu, and Gancao. (Cangzhu soaked in rice water 2 qian, Houpo stir-fried with ginger juice, Chenpi and Zhi Gancao [Honey-fried Licorice Root] each 1 qian, decocted with Shengjiang and Dazao [Jujubae Fructus].) This formula removes dampness, broadens the chest, drives away miasma, and harmonizes Stomach Qi.
Ke Yunbo says: The *Neijing* states that excessive Earth transport is called "Dun Fu" (Piled High), with symptoms of abdominal fullness; insufficient Earth transport is called "Bei Jian" (Low Monitor), with symptoms of stagnation, fullness, and blockage. Zhang Zhongjing formulated the Three Chengqi Decoctions [Three Draining-Heat Formulas] to regulate the "Dun Fu" of the Stomach Earth; Li Dongyuan formulated Ping Wei San to level the "Bei Jian" of the Stomach Earth. This is cultivating its lowliness to make it peaceful, not reducing its lowliness. Cangzhu is bitter and warm, moves Spleen Qi, excels at inducing sweating, and rapidly dispels dampness, thus serving as the Sovereign herb. Houpo is red, bitter, and warm, assists the "Shao Huo" (Minister Fire) to generate Qi, thus serving as the Minister herb. Dampness arises from Qi stagnation, thus Chenpi, which moves Qi, serves as the Assistant herb. The Spleen becomes healthy and active through supplementation, thus Gancao, which tonifies the Spleen, serves as the Envoy herb. Named Ping Wei (Leveling the Stomach), it actually regulates the Spleen.