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In formulas where the dosage of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) is doubled that of Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi), it is to simultaneously tonify Middle Qi and harmonize the three herbs. This refers to Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang (Aucklandiae and Macleaya Decoction with Cinnamon Twig). "Xiongbi" (Chest Bi Syndrome) is a disease name; the following text details its symptoms because Xiongbi presents differently. When Qi stagnation reaches its limit and chest fullness becomes severe, the power of Allii Tuberosi (Xiebai) and Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou) is insufficient. Therefore, Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) is added to assist Allii Tuberosi (Xiebai) in dissipating nodulation, and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo) is added to assist Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou) in draining fullness. Zizyphi Fructus (Zhishi) serves as the Sovereign herb to pacify rebellious Qi in the hypochondrium.

This refers to Zhuye Tang (Bamboo Leaf Decoction). This is a syndrome of Wind-Stroke transforming from Cold to Heat, about to transmit from the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel to the Yangming (Bright Yang) channel, while the True Yang happens to be deficient. Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) releases the exterior and transforms Qi, thereby eliminating the root of Cold pathogenic factors. Only one liang is used because the underlying condition involves no sweating; excessive use would encroach upon the dispersing authority of Puerariae Radix (Gege) and Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng).

Formulas using two liang of Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) include Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction). Wherever Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) reaches, Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) also reaches. Since both Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) and Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) are used, I have briefly explained this in my discussion on Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang); let me elaborate further: The pathogenic factor of Shanghan (Cold Damage) binds and closes Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels, leading to headache, body pain, lower back pain, and joint pain. The onset is violent and widespread; only Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang), which charges forward relentlessly, is sufficient to quell the turmoil. Only Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi), which acts calmly and composedly, is sufficient to hunt down residual pathogens. Moreover, Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) has a rigid nature, while Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) has a soft nature. Meeting rigidity with softness allows them to slightly moderate each other's properties, preventing reckless advance without regard for consequences. Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) is used in a small dose (two liang) because reliance is placed primarily on Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang).

This refers to Guizhi Jia Huangqi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Astragalus). The description of Huanghan (Yellow Sweat) syndrome here is very complex, and commentators have been quite muddled. Generally, between Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels, Water and Heat steam each other and obstruct their flow. This does not occur unless accompanied by Cold or Deficiency. To warm the meridians, transform Qi, drain Yellow Sweat, and obtain normal sweating, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is naturally the most appropriate. However, Guizhi Tang treats "Wei Excess," whereas this case involves "Wei Deficiency." Therefore, Astragali Radix (Huangqi) is added to tonify and disperse Wei Qi. The dosages of Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) and Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) are reduced to restrain their inward direction and facilitate outward communication with Wei Qi, so that pathogens cannot reside and Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) can recover. Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), and Astragali Radix (Huangqi) are essential herbs for treating Yellow Sweat. In Shaoyao Guizhi Jiu Tang (Peony and Cinnamon Twig Wine Decoction), the quantities are increased and Vinegar (Ku Jiu) is heavily added because a deep pulse requires these to drain pathogens.

This refers to Houpo Qiwu Tang (Magnolia Bark Seven-Ingredient Decoction). Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) is used in two liang, while Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma (Shengjiang) is used up to five liang, making the cold-dispersing power superior and preventing pathogen retention due to Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi). This treats both exterior and interior, so Jujubae Fructus (Dazao) is used to calm the Middle, and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) to harmonize. Gancao is unroasted because Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Yang Decoction) attacks the interior, making it unsuitable to be too retaining. More Ginger and fewer Dates are used because the condition is not spontaneous sweating, so it is not treated by tonifying the exterior.

This refers to Fuling Gancao Tang (Poria and Licorice Decoction). In Shanghan (Cold Damage), if there is sweating and thirst, Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) is the primary treatment. Sweating indicates incomplete resolution of exterior pathogens; thirst indicates that the Taiyang pathogen has transmitted from the Biao (Mark) to the Ben (Root). Wuling San resolves both exterior and interior, implying urinary difficulty. This is identical to the previous case of floating pulse, urinary difficulty, slight fever, and thirst treated with Wuling San. The text below states, "If there is no thirst, Fuling Gancao Tang is used," clearly indicating that exterior pathogens remain. No thirst means the Stomach is not hot, and Water accumulates in the Upper Jiao. This resembles the syndromes of Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) and Fuling Guizhi Baizhu Gancao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes Macrocephala, and Licorice Decoction) involving sweating, fluid deficiency, and Kidney Water rising, differing only in severity. The latter is severe, this one is mild. Thus, only Poria (Fuling) is used to eliminate Water under the heart, while Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), and Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma (Shengjiang) resolve exterior pathogens, leaving no other concerns. Small doses of Guizhi and Gancao assist in supporting Heart Yang to treat palpitations. Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao) is absent because the pathogen has transmitted to the interior; further astringency would prevent exterior resolution. Jujubae Fructus (Dazao) is absent because a small amount of Poria does not injure the Kidney, so nourishing fluids is unnecessary.

This refers to Fuling Zexie Tang (Poria and Alisma Decoction). Weifan (Stomantic Regurgitation) is caused by Cold deficiency in the Stomach. Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) assists Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma (Shengjiang) in dispersing Cold and assists Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) in warming the Middle. Because the pathology is in the Upper Jiao, only two liang of Guizhi are used. For details, see Poria.

This refers to Taoheng Chengqi Tang (Peach Kernel Decoction to Order the Yang). This is used after the exterior is resolved. Is Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) for releasing the exterior? Assuming Taiyang transmits to the interior, Heat and Blood bind causing urgency and binding in the lower abdomen, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel), Dahuang (Rhubarb), and Mangxiao (Mirabilite) are used to attack. Qi is the commander of Blood; when Qi moves, Blood moves. Thus, Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) enters the Bladder meridian to transform Qi. Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) uses its sweet property to relieve urgency. Why does two liang of Guizhi enter the Bladder? Because Da Huang (Rhubarb) and similar herbs descend with it, and excessive use would assist Bladder Heat.

This refers to Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Kudzu Root). Gegen (Kudzu Root) treats stiffness and tension in the neck and back; principles are detailed under Gegen. Gegen Tang differs from this formula only by the presence or absence of Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang). The former is for no-sweating aversion to wind; this one is for sweating aversion to wind.

For Taiyang disease with sweating and aversion to wind, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is appropriate. Adding Gegen (Kudzu Root) to treat neck/back stiffness prioritizes releasing the muscle layer and raising Yin Qi, with harmonizing Ying and Wei as secondary. Thus, Guizhi and Baishao are each reduced by one liang compared to standard Guizhi Tang.

This refers to Wenjing Tang (Warming the Meridians Decoction). A small dose of Guizhi unblocks meridians; combined with Baishao, it enters the Lower Jiao to transform Qi. Shengjiang is used instead of Dazao because it is not for tonifying the exterior. See Evodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu) for details.

This refers to Mufangji Tang (Stephania Tetrandra Decoction). The Diaphragm is traversed by meridians of the Lung, Stomach, Kidney, and Sanjiao. Zhiyin (Fluid Retention in the Diaphragm) obstructs Lung and Stomach Qi, causing wheezing, fullness, and epigastric hardness. Downward interaction with the Kidney causes Kidney Qi to rise, resulting in dark complexion. A deep, tight pulse indicates the disease is not solely in the upper part. Fangji (Stephania Tetrandra) is white outside and yellow inside with black radial lines, has a pungent and neutral taste, and can move Water in the diaphragm, transporting it via Sanjiao to the Kidney, calming Qi. Assisted by Guizhi, one bitter and one pungent to dissipate nodulation, epigastric hardness resolves. However, fluid retention lasting dozens of days causes Lung and Stomach stagnation turning into Heat; without clearing Heat, wheezing and fullness persist, hence Shigypsum Fibrosum (Shigao) is added. After vomiting and purging, Middle Qi and Body Fluids are severely depleted, hence Renshen (Ginseng) is added. "Deficient cases heal, excess cases relapse in three days": Deficiency and Excess refer to Kidney Qi. Kidney Deficiency allows Lung Qi to descend and Kidney Qi to settle; Excess requires salty-cold to drain and bland-leaching to attack, otherwise Qi will rebound upward. Commentators fail to recognize the Kidney connection, offering vague theories incompatible with the formula.

Formulas using two and a half liang of Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) include Shuyu Wan (Dioscorea Pill). Fengqi Baiji (Wind Pathogens causing Hundred Diseases) refers to Wind-Deficiency syndromes lingering in muscles and joints, not initial exterior patterns resolvable by sweating. Xu Lao Zhu Bu Zu (Various Deficiencies of Chronic Debility) is the root cause. The formula focuses on tonifying deficiency,其次 on dispelling wind. Shuyu (Dioscorea), Renshen (Ginseng), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala), Gancao (Licorice), Dihuang (Rehmannia), Maidong (Ophiopogon), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), and Dazao (Jujube) fill deficiencies. The remaining thirteen herbs resolve stasis, regulate Yin and Yang, tonify deficiency, and dispel wind. The true Wind-dispelling herb is only Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia). Among filling herbs that also dispel wind, Shuyu (Dioscorea) is best, serving as the Sovereign.

Formulas using three liang of Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) include Guizhi Shengjiang Zhishi Tang (Cinnamon Twig, Ginger, and Aucklandia Decoction). Epigastric blocking and hanging pain differ from Xiongbi pain, hence Gualou (Trichosanthes) and Xiebai (Allium) are not used. Hanging pain is caused by rebellious Qi from below preventing pain from descending, like a suspended object. This indicates Heart Yang failure allowing Yin pathogens to occupy. Thus, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) and Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) at three liang each extend Yang and disperse pathogens. Rebellious Qi relates to the Liver; Zhishi (Zizyphi Fructus) enters the Liver via sourness and descends via bitterness. Descending rebellious Qi removes pain and restores Heart Yang.

This refers to Fangji Fuling Tang (Stephania and Poria Decoction). Guizhi combined with Fangji and Huangqi moves Water in the skin. Heavy use of Fuling (Poria) guides the three herbs downward for excretion via urine. Water in the skin, if attacked too quickly, leaves pathogens; thus Gancao (Licorice) is added to moderate.

This refers to Linggui Zhugan Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Atractylodes, and Licorice Decoction). Phlegm-Fluid is Cold-Fluid. Insufficient Heart Yang allows Phlegm-Fluid to occupy the diaphragm, causing chest fullness. Wood encountering water generates Wind; Earth fails to contain it, causing hypochondriac fullness and dizziness. "Zhi" (supporting) fullness indicates origin from the Liver. Guizhi and Gancao tonify Heart Yang and transform Qi; Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala) strengthens Spleen Earth and dries Dampness; Fuling (Poria) drains Fluid from below the heart. This is the main formula for Cold-Fluid.

This refers to Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Jia Shuji Longgu Muli Jiuni Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction minus Peony plus Coscinium, Dragon Bone, and Oyster Shell Rescue Decoction). Similar to Guizhi Longgu Muli Tang, but Jingkuang (panic and mania) and restlessness are more severe than Fanza (irritability). Thus, Guizhi, Gancao, Longgu (Dragon Bone), and Muli (Oyster Shell) are doubled. The former lacks exterior pathogens; this one has a floating pulse, so Shuji (Coscinium) is added with Guizhi to disperse pathogens. After resolving the exterior, the exterior must be tonified, so Shengjiang (Ginger) and Dazao (Date) harmonize Ying and Wei. Shaoyao (Peony) is removed because there is no sweating.

This refers to Gualou Guizhi Tang (Trichosanthes and Cinnamon Twig Decoction). Zhang Zhongjing noted "reverse sweating and aversion to wind" in Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang. Here, "reverse deep and slow pulse" emphasizes the word "reverse." Taiyang syndrome typically presents with fever, headache, and sweating; a deep/slow pulse is abnormal, hence "reverse." Roujing (Soft Spasm) inherently has a deep/slow pulse, explaining the diagnosis. The syndrome matches Guizhi Tang, so the full formula is used. Body stiffness indicates spasm. Adding Gualou instead of Gegen distinguishes body stiffness from neck stiffness. Both nourish sinews to treat stiffness.

This refers to Wutou Guizhi Tang (Aconite and Cinnamon Twig Decoction). Hanhan (Cold Cramp), abdominal pain, cold limbs, numbness, and body pain: "Ruo" (if/also) indicates inclusion, not possibility. Body pain is an exterior sign, distinguished by "Ruo." This is severe Cold damaging both interior and exterior. Wutou (Aconite) drives out Cold from both; Guizhi Tang transforms Qi from both. Honey-cooked Wutou reduces toxicity and moderates nature. Guizhi Tang treats abdominal pain and disperses exterior pathogens, so Shaoyao is not added. Guizhi Tang and Wutou are decocted strongly with honey for sweetness and moistening, tonifying the Middle and relieving urgency seamlessly. The patient feels drunk, and pathogens are vomited out, surpassing moxibustion or other drugs.

This refers to Huangqi Guizhi Wuwu Tang (Astragalus and Cinnamon Twig Five-Ingredient Decoction). Xuebi (Blood Bi) involves deficiency of both Yin and Yang. Guizhi Tang regulates Yin/Yang excess but lacks efficacy for Bi obstruction. Huangqi (Astragalus) disperses Wei Qi; extra Shengjiang (Ginger) promotes Yang. The principle addresses deficiency; excessive tonification suits Blood Bi poorly, so Gancao is removed. No exterior pathogens mean no sweating or warming covers. This differs from Guizhi Jia Huangqi Tang.

This refers to Zeqi Tang (Codonopsis Decoction). Like Houpo Mahuang Tang, this treats cough from exterior Cold and interior Fluid conflict. Floating pulse indicates strong exterior pathogens, requiring heavy exterior release. This cough has a deep pulse, indicating mild exterior pathogens. The former uses Mahuang/Xingren; this uses Guizhi/Shengjiang, distinguishing Shanghan/Windstroke like Mahuang/Guizhi Tangs. Fluid retention is heavier in the former (Banxia 6 sheng vs. 0.5 sheng). Heat in Lung uses Shigao; lower heat uses Huangqin (Scutellaria). Former uses Jiang/Xin/Wuweizi (Xiao Qinglong method) for upper Fluid retention. This uses Zeqi, Zishen, Baiqian to direct Fluid downward, stopping cough. Zou's interpretation that Zeqi returns Water Qi to the Kidney is similar to Wuweizi. Why no Renshen in the former? It treats dispersed Qi; Renshen is for post-cough recovery, not Cold/Fluid dispersion. This formula targets both interior/exterior and upper/lower, requiring Renshen for harmony.

This refers to Baihu Jia Guizhi Tang (White Tiger Plus Cinnamon Twig Decoction). You's explanation is apt. Viewing Guizhi as a cause is muddled; Zhao's view on treating joint Bi is better. Without clarifying Fuqi (Latent Pathogen), it remains superficial. Cold latent in the Kidney emerges in Spring/Summer. Though only Heat remains, joint pain indicates unresolved roots. Liver governs sinews connected to joints; Guizhi enters the Liver, searching latent pathogens from joints. Otherwise, Baihu Tang alone won't cure malaria.

This refers to Houshi Heisan (Marquis Hou's Black Powder). Large Wind is handled by Juhua (Chrysanthemum) and Fangfeng. Guizhi, with Chuanxiong and Danggui, treats coldness in the heart.

This refers to Danggui Sini Tang (Angelica Decoction for Cold Extremities). Jueyin disease with Blood Deficiency and Cold invasion causes cold extremities and faint pulse. When pathogens reach the Kidney, Xixin (Asarum) drives Kidney Cold, similar to Shaoyin using Liver herbs. Guizhi Tang without Shengjiang avoids dispersing and injuring Yin.

This refers to Zhigancao Tang (Roasted Licorice Decoction). Jiedai (knotted and intermittent) pulse indicates Ying Blood deficiency. Heart governs Ying and generates pulse, causing palpitations. Dihuang, Maidong, Ejiao, and Mahuang nourish Ying Yin. Guizhi and Gancao support Heart Yang. Renshen generates pulse. Shengjiang and Dazao harmonize Ying and Wei. Gancao with Renshen/Dazao tonifies the Middle. Shengjiang with Guizhi/Gancao unblocks congestion. More Dates/Licorice than Ginger prevents excessive dispersal injuring Shen. Cooking with Qingjiu (Clear Wine) guides herbs to unblock collaterals.

This refers to Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Plus Aconite Decoction). Differs from Guizhi Qu Shaoyao Jia Fuzi Tang only by Shaoyao. The latter removes Shaoyao for post-purging rapid pulse and chest fullness, adding Fuzi for slight aversion to cold. This case has stiff limbs and difficulty bending, indicating Yang Deficiency requiring Fuzi. Unceasing sweating and difficult urination indicate incomplete exterior resolution and fluid depletion. Guizhi Tang treats spontaneous sweating and harmonizes Ying/Wei; Shaoyao is crucial and should not be removed.

This refers to Guizhi Jia Houpo Xingzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Plus Magnolia Bark and Apricot Seed Decoction). See Xingzi for details.

This refers to Fangji Dihuang Tang (Stephania and Rehmannia Decoction). See Fangji for details.

This refers to Guizhi Jia Shaoyao Tang (Cinnamon Twig Plus Peony Decoction). Commentators cling to "Taiyang disease incorrectly purged" and view Guizhi Tang solely as an exterior-releasing formula. Views vary (not Spleen Cold, harmonizing Taiyin, releasing Taiyang, etc.), missing the point. Post-purging abdominal fullness and periodic pain indicate transmission to the Taiyin Zang. Taiyin is extreme Yin, incapable of ascending. Addressing the error first is necessary. Guizhi Tang applications vary widely; one cannot insist on Taiyang exterior principles. Exterior release with Guizhi excludes Shaoyao in no-sweat cases. Doubling Shaoyao here abandons exterior concepts. Adding Dahuang treats excess pain, confirming interior transmission rather than expelling exterior pathogens. Thus, this formula is not for exterior release. Comparing to Xiaojianzhong Tang (which adds Yitang/Maltose) and Neibu Danggui Jianzhong Tang (adding Danggui), neither releases the exterior. Taiyin is a Yin Zang governing Blood. Purging causes Yin Qi stagnation, abdominal fullness/pain. Although Shaoyao is cold, it breaks Qi stagnation in Spleen Blood, treating abdominal pain. Without Guizhi, recovery is impossible. Guizhi acts outwardly; heavy Shaoyao directs it inward to the Spleen. Guizhi with Ginger disperses Cold; with Gancao/Dazao tonifies the Middle. Shaoyao leads this process, necessitating double dosage. Breaking stagnation while tonifying restores Yang, curing fullness/pain. Acute pain requires Xiaojianzhong Tang because Yitang relieves urgency but may increase fullness; formulas have specific indications. Xu Zhongke's mastery of Guizhi in Jin Gui is remarkable.

This refers to Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang (Cinnamon Twig Plus Dragon Bone and Oyster Shell Decoction). This treats Kun/Dong/Wei/Jin pulses, seminal emission in men, and nocturnal emissions in women. Using original Guizhi Tang implies matching its indications. These pulses indicate Yin-Yang discordance. Guizhi Tang harmonizes Yin-Yang; discordance causes loss of Essence and Spirit. Longgu and Muli gather Yang, astringe Yin, secure Essence, and calm Spirit.

Formulas using four liang of Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) include Guiling Wudi Gancao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Schisandra, and Licorice Decoction). Zhiyin soaking the Lung causes cough, stirring Kidney Qi to rush upward and flow down to the inner thighs. Symptoms include salivation, dry mouth, urinary difficulty, and dizziness. Fuling drains Fluid; Guizhi directs downward rebellion; Gancao supports Earth to prevent Kidney Water ascent; Wuweizi secures Kidney Yin to call Lung Qi down. Complex syndrome, simple prescription, grasping the key. Zhang Zhongjing always uses Jiang/Xin/Wuweizi for Cold-Fluid cough. Here, only Wuweizi is used because Jiang/Xin aggravate facial heat, while Wuweizi treats weak Chi pulse. Guizhi is specific for rebellion; although it aids Yang, it is indispensable. If rebellion subsides but cough/fullness return, Guizhi should treat fullness. Instead, Guizhi is removed and Jiang/Xin added. Jiang/Xin and Wuweizi are complementary; treating cough treats fullness. Jiang/Xin aid Wuweizi in cough. Facial heat contraindicates Guizhi; removing it after rebellion subsides is convenient. Fuling and Wuweizi remain essential.

This refers to Guizhi Fuzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Decoction). After 8-9 days of Shanghan, Wind-Cold remains. In Yang-deficient constitutions, Interior Dampness and Exterior Wind collide, causing painful body stiffness. Floating pulse indicates Wind; choppy/deficient pulses indicate Yang Deficiency with Dampness. No vomiting/thirst confirms Yang Deficiency without other causes. Guizhi Tang is essential for exterior release. Fuzi is needed to support Yang and drive Wind-Damp. Floating pulse without sweating precludes astringents, so Shaoyao is removed. Increasing Guizhi by one liang enhances downward action and diuresis.

This refers to Gancao Fuzi Tang (Licorice and Aconite Decoction). Guizhi and Fuzi treat Wind-Cold/Damp, but Fuzio excels in supporting Yang. Severe Wind-Damp with extreme Yang Deficiency requires Fuzio. The formula highlights Fuzio over Guizhi. Gancao heads the formula because Ren Shen is unsuitable for Dampness, and Jiang/Dazao are unsuitable for edema. Gancao tonifies the Middle and moderates the exterior. Fuzio transforms but doesn't repel Dampness; Baizhu strengthens Earth to repel Dampness. Guizhi is increased to promote urination.

This refers to Guizhi Renshen Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Ginseng Decoction). This is Lizhong Tang plus Guizhi. Lizhong Tang treats Huoluan with predominant Cold. Frequent purging causes deficiency; despite heat, the pulse is weak, treated as Cold-dominant. Ganjiang, Gancao, Baizhu warm and tonify the Middle. Vomiting cases use raw Gancao to harmonize the Stomach; diarrhea cases use roasted Gancao in larger doses for retaining tonification. Guizhi is decocted last in four liang to release the exterior and dissipate epigastric hardness. Huoluan is Upper/Lower disharmony; this is Exterior/Interior disharmony, requiring Renshen for harmony.

This refers to Guizhi Gancao Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Licorice Decoction). Excessive sweating damages Heart Qi, causing hand-over-heart palpitations needing pressure. Unlike Zhenwu Tang's Kidney Water rising with other signs, this requires only Heart Qi tonification. Guizhi and Gancao are effective. Four liang of Guizhi is used not for diuresis but because severe Heart Qi deficiency requires large doses; its light nature rises to the deficient upper jiao naturally.

This refers to Fuling Guizhi Gancao Dazao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Licorice, and Date Decoction). Guizhi Gancao Tang treats post-sweating palpitations needing pressure; this treats post-sweating umbilical palpitations. Same cause, different syndrome. The former implies chronic Heart Qi deficiency.