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Tang (Decoction): Refers to the clear liquid obtained after boiling. For tonification, it is required to be thoroughly cooked; for purgation or promoting fluid metabolism, a less thorough cooking is acceptable. The difference between raw and cooked usage lies mainly in the amount of water used and the degree of evaporation during boiling. It is used for acute diseases because its medicinal properties are easy to ascend, disperse, and circulate through the meridians. Hence it is said: "Tang means to sweep away," indicating that decoctions can cleanse pathogens.
To treat diseases located in the upper part of the body, add wine for boiling to guide the medicine upward. To dispel dampness, add fresh ginger for boiling to enhance the dispersion of dampness. To tonify Yuan Qi (Original Qi), add Jujube (Ziziphus jujuba) for boiling to assist in replenishing Qi. To disseminate wind-cold, add scallion white (Allium fistulosum) for boiling to aid in releasing the exterior. To treat diseases in the chest and diaphragm, add honey for boiling to moisten dryness and relieve pain. To relieve pain, add vinegar for boiling to astringe and alleviate pain. For all kinds of tonifying decoctions, the dregs from two doses can be combined, added with the original amount of water, and boiled again. Drinking this after it is cooked is also equivalent to the effect of one dose of new medicine. As for formulas for releasing the exterior (Releasing the Exterior) and attacking the interior (Attacking the Interior), only the first decoction needs to be taken for efficacy; there is no need to boil the dregs again, due to the differences in the urgency of the conditions.

Gao (Paste/Electuary): Refers to the thick paste formed by prolonged simmering. The dosage of herbs must be large, and the boiling time in water should be long. The dregs are boiled several more times, filtered to concentrate the juice, and finally simmered into a paste. It is used for chronic diseases because of its sticky texture like maltose, its powerful medicinal force, and its solidifying and nourishing effects. Hence it is said: "Gao means glue/adhesion."
Pastes for internal use may be prepared with water or wine according to the prescription. The remaining dregs can still be boiled in wine and drunk. Pastes for external application may be prepared with oil or vinegar according to the prescription. The remaining dregs should be pounded and applied to the affected area. This is done to fully utilize the medicinal power.

San (Powder): Refers to fine powder ground from herbs. It should be prepared freshly and not stored for long periods, lest the aroma and flavor volatilize, rendering it ineffective when taken. It is used for acute diseases because the powder does not strictly follow the meridian pathways but instead clears accumulations in the stomach and viscera. Hence it is said: "San means to scatter/disperse," indicating that powders can dissipate accumulations.
Herbs with strong flavors and aromas are taken mixed with warm water. Herbs with weak flavors and aromas are boiled until cooked and taken together with the dregs.

Wan (Pill): Refers to round granules made from herbs. For diseases of the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner), they are sized like Sophora japonica seeds (Wutongzi). For diseases of the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), they are sized like mung beans. For diseases of the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), they are sized like rice grains. Because diseases cannot be eliminated quickly, pills are used for their slow-acting nature, achieving gradual success. Hence it is said: "Wan means slow/gentle."
Pills made with water, or using thin paste from steamed dough as a binder, are chosen for their ease of dissolution, suitable for treating Upper Jiao diseases. Pills made with thick wheat flour paste or rice paste are chosen for their slower dissolution, capable of reaching the Middle Jiao. Pills made with wine or vinegar are chosen for their intention to gather and restrain scattered Qi. If the formula contains Pinellia Rhizome (Banxia) or Aconitum carmichaelii lateral root processed with ginger and alum (Nanxing), and the goal is to remove phlegm-dampness, fresh ginger juice is used to make a thin paste for pill formation, also taking advantage of its ease of dissolution. Pills made with Medicated Leaven (Shenqu) paste are chosen for their ability to digest food. Pills made with Chinese Yam (Shanyao) paste are chosen for their astringent and stopping effects. Pills made with refined honey are chosen for their slow dissolution, allowing the medicinal qi to circulate through the meridians. Pills made with beeswax are chosen for their difficulty in dissolving, which firmly protects the medicinal aroma and flavor, ensuring complete potency, passing directly through the diaphragm to take effect.

Jiu (Medicated Wine): Refers to soaking or boiling medicinal ingredients in wine. The herbs must be finely chopped, placed in a silk bag, and sealed in a wine jar. Cooked according to standard methods and buried in the ground for a long time, the medicinal qi becomes potent and the flavor rich. Taken frequently morning and night, the medicinal force reaches the meridians rapidly.
Whether for attacking pathogens or tonifying deficiency, remarkable results can be achieved. The dregs are filtered out, dried in the sun, slightly pounded into powder, and soaked separately. Although the medicinal force is slightly weaker, they should not be discarded. For treating deficiency and damage syndromes, small amounts should be drunk to obtain effects promptly; for treating wind-dampness syndromes, larger amounts should be drunk to obtain effects quickly.