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Zou’s discussion on the properties and uses of Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Lateralis Radix), Tianxiong (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata), and Wutou (Radix Aconiti) is quite refined. He summarized his view as follows: Wutou is the product of Old Yin after its reproductive function has been completed; Tianxiong is the form of Solitary Yang that cannot reproduce; Fuzi is the seed of both Wutou and Tianxiong, containing Yin within and encompassing Yang externally. The one where Old Yin has completed reproduction is hollow inside and functions through Qi (Vital Energy); the one where Solitary Yang cannot reproduce is solid inside and functions through Jing (Essence). Qi primarily governs dispersion, while Jing primarily governs storage. The dispersive nature can reach outward to the Cou Li (interstitial spaces of the skin and muscles), and the storing nature can penetrate inward to the sinews and bones. Fuzi possesses both these energies; it is solid internally and robust externally. Moreover, this herb does not rely on external attachment but grows through the continuity of Qi, thus reaching everywhere from top to bottom and interior to exterior. Precisely because it accumulates the essence of both aforementioned herbs, it excels in both their strengths, making its scope of application broader than either alone.

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* records that Fuzi treats cough, counterflow qi, evil qi, and pathogenic factors caused by Wind-Cold. Later generations, based on this, often regarded it as a medicine for treating Wind diseases. In fact, the scriptural meaning is profound, with a different implication. Wind diseases are distinguished into "injury" (Shang) and "penetration" (Zhong). Injury refers to damage to Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi); penetration refers to pathogens entering the meridians and zang-fu organs. When Ying and Wei are injured, Cold stagnates at the exterior and easily transforms into Heat; Mahuang Tang or Guizhi Tang are appropriate, and Fuzi is strictly contraindicated. When meridians and zang-fu organs are penetrated, Cold roots in the interior and Yang is inherently deficient; using Mahuang Tang or Guizhi Tang requires the addition of Fuzi. Fuzi is not specifically a Wind-dispelling drug, yet the *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats Wind-Cold; here, "Wind" refers to Zhong Feng (Wind Stroke/Invasion of Organs), not Shang Feng (Common Cold/Injury of Surface).

The *Waitai Miyao* states that Zhong Feng often originates from Heat, so Zhong Feng can be either Cold or Heat patterns. Fengyin Tang is a formula for Heat patterns; Heat patterns do not use Fuzi, which goes without saying. Xiaoxuting Tang is a formula for Cold patterns. If Fuzi were a Wind-dispelling drug, why are there few Wind-dispelling herbs in formulas containing Fuzi? There are cases with Fuzi but no Wind-dispelling herbs, such as Jinxiao Shufu Tang treating Wind-Deficiency, but it is unheard of that it can disperse exogenous Wind pathogens. Zou stated that Fuzi treats Wind-Cold because Yang Qi fails to nourish, allowing Wind-Cold to invade; when Yang is revitalized, Wind-Cold recedes naturally. This seems to indicate an understanding of the principle behind Fuzi's treatment of Wind-Cold. However, he further claimed that all Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas using raw Fuzi involve exterior syndromes, whereas the Baitong Tang and Fuzi Tang he cited have no unresolved exterior pathogens. The reason Congbai (Scallion White) is used in Baitong Tang is that Shaoyin syndrome with unceasing diarrhea loses the virtue of Earth’s ascending function; Congbai enters the Shaoyin meridian to lift Qi, not to induce sweating for exterior release. The Fuzi Tang syndrome involves Shaoyin meridian cold invasion where Yang Qi cannot circulate throughout the body. Where is the Wind on the exterior? A deep pulse definitely does not warrant sweating. Furthermore, the formula combines the tonifying properties of Renshen and Baizhu with the descending properties of Fuling and Shaoyao; how could it suffice for the task of releasing the exterior? Regarding Zhang Zhongjing’s use of raw Fuzi, if not after sweating, then it is for diarrhea with a deep pulse. After sweating, tonifying exterior Yang is indicated; for diarrhea with a deep pulse, rescuing Qi is indicated. Raw usage naturally surpasses cooked usage.

A skeptic asked: "Adding Fuzi for aversion to wind—does not Yueshi Tang serve as clear proof? What is your explanation?" I replied: "For Da Qinglong Tang syndrome, if sweating and aversion to wind occur, it must not be taken. In Yueshi Tang plus Fuzi, the symptoms are already sweating and aversion to wind. If Fuzi were to induce further sweating, would one not fear Jue Ni (cold extremities) and Jin Ti Rou Yu (muscle twitching)? Adding Fuzi is precisely because sweating has already occurred. Zhao stated: 'Aversion to wind indicates Yang deficiency, hence Fuzi is added to warm Yang.' If so, abandoning Fuzi leads to Wang Yang (collapse of Yang); is this truly merely for dispelling Wind?"

Using Fuzi for Zhong Feng or Wind-Cold need not be excessive; thus, Sansheng Yin contains no Wind-dispelling herbs, as once Yang Qi is充盈 (replenished), pathogens dissipate spontaneously. For other Wind-Cold syndromes, distinct treatments are required. Zou also juxtaposed Fuzi with exterior-releasing drugs, subtly implying that besides Fuzi, there are exterior drugs; the eight formulas he cited, such as Guizhi Jia Fuzi Tang, are examples. Among them, Guizhi Fuzi Tang, Baizhu Fuzi Tang, and Gancao Fuzi Tang are formulas for treating Wind-Dampness; Guizhi Gancao Jiangzao Maxing Fuzi Tang (referring to a variation involving Ma Huang, Xi Xin, etc.) is a formula for treating Qi Fen (Qi Division/Water-Cold accumulation). Wind is a Yang pathogen, and Fuzi is a Yang drug. Because the patient has Yang deficiency and severe Cold, if Yang is not supported, Wind cannot be driven away merely by dispersing; thus, supporting Yang and dispelling Wind proceed together. Cold is a Yin pathogen, and Dampness is also a Yin pathogen. The "Wind" in Wind-Dampness differs significantly from the "Wind" in common cold; unless there is Yang deficiency, this pattern does not arise, hence Fuzi is needed. Qi Fen disease refers to Water-Cold Qi knotting below the heart, originating from Shaoyin Yang deficiency. Therefore, Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang warms Shaoyin and induces sweating; Guizhi Gancao Jiangzao Tang transforms Upper Jiao Yang to open knots, resolving from the exterior. Zhizhu Tang drains from the middle; although the disease is similar, the treatment differs. Zhao’s mention of "caused by water retention" in both upper and lower sections is highly accurate. Additionally, Mahuang Fuzi Tang uses Mahuang to release the exterior while the Shaoyin pulse is deep; this relies entirely on Fuzi warming Shaoyin. Otherwise, there is no rationale for sweating with a deep pulse.

Fuzi is the dedicated drug for warming Shaoyin. For any Shaoyin syndrome requiring warming, it indeed yields rapid results. However, formulas like Lizhong Tang for abdominal fullness, Huangtu Tang for hematochezia, Fuzi Xie Xin Tang for epigastric stuffiness, and even Yiyi Fuzi Baijiang San for intestinal abscess—all these prove effective. It is solely due to its pure Yang nature and immense power that Yin-Cold dissolves upon contact; no other method achieves this.

Tianxiong: Zhang Zhongjing only has one formula, Tianxiong San, appended after Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang, without stating its primary indication. Considering the transition between the previous section, there must be textual corruption. Careful analysis suggests that from "those prone to seminal emission" to "clear stool, blood loss, and seminal emission," Tianxiong San should be the primary treatment, followed by Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang, which is appropriate. Why? Both formulas can generally be used for those prone to seminal emission. But if the pulse is extremely deficient, knotted, and slow, and symptoms include clear stool, blood loss, and seminal emission, Kidney damage has extended to Spleen. Without tonifying Spleen, the source of Essence generation is cut off. Hence, Baizhu is used up to eight liang. For various Kidney diseases such as tension in the lower abdomen, cold in the genital area, dizziness, and hair loss, no other Kidney-tonifying drug can胜任 (handle) this case. Thus, Tianxiong, whose essence is solid and does not leak, is selected, and the formula is named after it. The assistant ministers Guizhi and Longgu are particularly subtle. In Guizhi Tang, Guizhi is only three liang, but here it is doubled to ensure it reaches both the Taiyang meridian and fu organs to transform Qi. Since Yin leaks downward, Yang floats upward; the Yang of both Spleen and Kidney, being deficient, should not be anchored with salty-cold Muli. With Longgu, Fire returns to Earth without damaging Yang. Furthermore, Guizhi assisting Tianxiong enters the Kidney to resolve Yin; assisting Baizhu enters the Spleen to warm Earth. Longgu assisting Tianxiong secures the Kidney and astringes Essence; assisting Baizhu secures the Spleen and expels Dampness. Classifying Tianxiong San under this syndrome is truly precise and accurate. If the pulse shows knotted, moving, fine, and tight qualities, Tianxiong San may still be taken, but Guizhi Jia Longgu Muli Tang is more targeted. Knotted and moving pulses indicate Yang; fine and tight pulses indicate Yin. Conflict between Yin and Yang Qi leads to disharmony between interior and exterior. Treating with this formula, Guizhi, Shengjiang, Gancao, and Dazao are Yang; Shaoyao is Yin; Longgu is Yang; Muli is Yin. Within dispelling pathogens and astringing Essence, there is the subtlety of interior-exterior harmony and mutual support of Yin and Yang. These two formulas represent another excellent method alongside Xiaojianzhong Tang and Shenqi Wan.

Regarding Tianxiong and Wutou treating Wind, they are suitable only for Yang deficiency with accompanying Cold and Dampness. Because they are hollow inside and function through Qi, their ability to open Cou Li exceeds that of Fuzi. Therefore, ancient formulas for Wind stroke used Wutou more frequently than Fuzi; for breaking stagnation and unblocking Bi obstruction, Wutou also surpasses Fuzi. Thus, Zhang Zhongjing used Wutou instead of Fuzi for Lijie syndrome (painful joint disease with immobility), and for cold extremities, numbness, body pain, and conditions unresponsive to moxibustion and acupuncture. Although Wutou and Fuzi are both Shaoyin drugs, Fuzi is superior for tonification, while Wutou excels in dispersion. Hence, Shenqi Wan contains Fuzu but no Wutou, while Dawutou Jian contains Wutou but no Fuzi. Because Wutou’s Qi scatters and does not retain, in formulas not intended for exterior release, the dregs are removed, honey is added, and it is boiled again to moderate its properties. Zhang Zhongjing’s use of Wutou and Fuzi was truly masterful. Wu Tou Chi Shi Zhi Wan uses both substances together to treat chest pain radiating to the back and back pain radiating to the chest, utilizing the mutual influence of mother and child elements to eliminate internal and external pathogens. This transcends ordinary reasoning.