Library

[Herbs]
Polyporus (Zuling), Alisma (Zexie), Poria (Fuling), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu): each 1.5 to 2.5 qian.

[Preparation and Administration]
Grind the above herbs into a fine powder. Take 1.5 qian each time, washed down with boiled water. After taking the medicine, frequently drink warm water until sweating occurs, which indicates recovery. It can also be prepared as a decoction: use two teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Poria and Polyporus, along with Alisma, promote diuresis and leach out dampness; Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome tonifies Spleen Qi; Cinnamon Twig warms and disperses cold pathogenic factors.

[Contraindications]
Patients without symptoms of difficult urination, or those who exhibit a preference for cold drinks and food, must not take this formula.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Zhuling Tang (Polyporus Decoction): This is a cold-natured diuretic formula used for cases accompanied by a preference for cold drinks/food and difficult urination.
(2) Fuling Gancao Tang (Poria and Licorice Decoction): This is a formula that dispels cold and promotes diuresis, used when the cold syndrome is severe but the fluid retention syndrome is mild.
(3) Zhenwu Tang (True Warrior Decoction): This is a formula to restore Yang and suppress water qi.

Gancao Ganjiang Tang Formula No. 41

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to restore Yang in conditions of deficiency of both Yin and Yang.

[Indications]
Taiyang disease presenting with Guizhi pattern combined with deficiency of both Yin and Yang. Misuse of Guizhi Tang leads to cold extremities (phenomenon of Yang collapse) or dry throat with irritability (phenomenon of Yin deficiency with heat).

[Herbs]
Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhigancao): 2 to 4 qian; Dried Ginger (Ganjiang, roasted black): 1 to 2 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use two teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Dried Ginger warms the middle and treats cold extremities. Roasting it black changes its acrid nature to bitter, allowing it to restore Yang without damaging Yin. Doubling the amount of Licorice helps control the condition from the Middle Jiao.
Note: For this syndrome, Dried Ginger is indispensable, yet its excessive dryness and heat are concerning, as it is indeed unfavorable for the Yin deficiency phenomena of dry throat and irritability. Therefore, it must be used after roasting black to ensure safety.

[Contraindications]
Cold extremity syndromes without manifestations of Yin deficiency heat such as dry throat and irritability should not use this formula. The medicinal power is too weak to handle the task.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Sini Tang (Reverse Cold Decoction): This is a formula for treating cold extremities due to Yang deficiency.
(2) Ganjiang Fuzi Tang (Dried Ginger and Aconite Decoction): This is a formula for treating irritability due to Yang deficiency.
(3) Fuling Sini Tang (Poria and Reverse Cold Decoction): This is a formula for treating irritability caused by Qi deficiency, Yang deficiency, and concurrent water qi disturbance.

Shaoyao Gancao Tang Formula No. 42

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to nourish Yin and blood, treating leg and foot cramps. It is also a formula that harmonizes the Spleen and Liver simultaneously.

[Indications]
Leg and foot cramps due to Yin and Blood deficiency, accompanied by dry throat and irritability. However, there must be manifestations of internal heat due to Yin deficiency, such as rapid and forceless pulse, and preference for cold drinks.
Note: Based on clinical experience, this formula can coordinate the Liver and Stomach, preventing mutual interference, and has certain efficacy for gastric ulcers and liver cirrhosis.

[Herbs]
Raw Hangshao (White Peony Root, Sheng Hangshao): 3 to 4 qian; Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhigancao): 3 to 4 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use three teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Honey-fried Licorice Root tonifies and harmonizes the middle, serving as the source for generating blood; Peony Root astringes Yin and harmonizes the Liver, while expelling blood stasis to facilitate blood circulation. Thus, obstacles in blood circulation are removed, and cramps in the four limbs are resolved.

[Contraindications]
Cramp syndromes accompanied by cold extremities, deep and slow pulse, and preference for warmth/fear of cold are contraindicated. This is a cold syndrome, as stated in the *Neijing*: "All cold causes contraction and pulling."

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Danggui Sini Jia Wuzhuyu Shengjiang Tang (Angelica Sinensis Decoction for Reversal Cold plus Evodia and Fresh Ginger): This is a formula for treating hand and foot cramps due to cold invading the Jueyin channel.

Zhigancao Tang Formula No. 43

[Formula Meaning]
This is a warming and tonifying formula for deficiency of both Qi and Blood in the Heart channel.

[Indications]
Palpitations due to Shanghan (cold damage), with knotted or intermittent pulse. However, there must be concomitant manifestations of Yang deficiency cold syndrome, such as no preference for cold drinks/food.

[Herbs]
Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhigancao): 2 to 3 qian; Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang): 0.5 to 1 qian; Ginseng (Renshen): 1 to 2 qian; Rehmannia Root (Shengdi): 3 to 5 qian; Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi): 0.5 to 1 qian; Donkey-hide Gelatin (Ejiao): 1 to 2 qian; Ophiopogon Tuber (Maidong): 1 to 2 qian; Sesame Seed (Maziren): 1 to 2 qian; Jujube (Dazao): 2 to 4 pieces.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use three teacups of water and one small cup of white wine. Boil until reduced to half a cup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Licorice Root, Jujube, and Ginseng tonify the middle and strengthen the heart; Ophiopogon, Rehmannia, and Donkey-hide Gelatin nourish blood; Sesame Seed moistens dryness; Cinnamon Twig and Fresh Ginger dispel cold; White wine unblocks the vessels.

[Contraindications]
Palpitations with knotted/intermittent pulse characterized by preference for cold and aversion to heat are contraindicated. Warm-tonifying medicines are unsuitable for febrile diseases.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Jiajian Fumai Tang (Modified Pulse-Recovering Decoction): This is a formula for treating knotted/intermittent pulse and palpitations belonging to febrile diseases with preference for cold drinks/food.

Gancao Tang Formula No. 44

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to clear heat, purge fire, and resolve toxicity, treating sore throat.

[Indications]
Most suitable for mild sore throat at the initial stage. However, it is only appropriate if there are no exterior signs of cold-heat conflict, no interior signs of constipation, and no severe symptoms where food cannot be swallowed.

[Herbs]
Licorice Root (Gancao): 3 to 5 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use one and a half teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Licorice Root is sweet and neutral in nature, possessing the function of clearing heat and relieving urgency.

[Contraindications]
(1) Sore throat due to True Cold and False Heat in Shaoyin (symptoms include faint and thin pulse, cold extremities, phlegm, and local non-redness) is contraindicated. This requires warm medicines to guide fire back to its origin, not heat-clearing and fire-purging methods.
(2) Sore throat accompanied by exterior/interior syndromes or severe swelling and pain is not suitable. The medicinal power is too light to bear the heavy responsibility.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Jiegeng Tang (Platycodon Decoction): This is a formula for treating severe throat pain, resolving phlegm, and discharging pus.
(2) Yangyin Qingfei Tang (Nourish Yin and Clear Lung Decoction): This is a formula for treating sore throat due to Yin deficiency with heat, specifically worse dry/painful throat at night without exterior signs.
(3) Kiju Tang (Bitter Egg Decoction): This is a formula for treating sores in the throat, inability to speak, loss of voice, clearing heat and reducing swelling.
(4) Banxia San Ji Tang (Pinellia Powder and Decoction): This is a formula for treating sore throat due to external cold pathogen.
(5) Tongmai Sini Tang (Unblock Vessels Reverse Cold Decoction): This is a formula for treating true cold false heat sore throat.
(6) Sanhuang Tang (Three Yellows Decoction): This is a formula for treating red and swollen sore throat due to excess fire.

Houpo Shengjiang Banxia Gancao Renshen Tang Formula No. 45

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to reduce distension, dispel cold, direct rebellious Qi downward, and tonify deficiency, treating abdominal distension due to Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold.

[Indications]
After sweating treatment for Shanghan, the exterior syndrome has resolved. The Yang Qi of the Spleen and Stomach is damaged, causing Qi stagnation and obstruction, leading to abdominal fullness. However, there must be manifestations such as preference for pressure/warmth, or concomitant phlegm-saliva, vomiting/rebellious Qi, and a weak pulse.

[Herbs]
Magnolia Bark (Houpo): 1 to 2.5 qian; Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang): 1 to 2 qian; Pinellia Tuber (Banxia): 1 to 2 qian; Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhigancao): 1 to 1.5 qian; Ginseng (Renshen): 1 to 2 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use three teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm. Alternatively, decoct Ginseng separately and mix.

[Principles of Medication]
Magnolia Bark reduces distension, Fresh Ginger dispels cold, Pinellia directs rebellious Qi downward and stops vomiting, Honey-fried Licorice Root and Ginseng tonify deficiency.
Note: Magnolia Bark combined with Ginseng is most effective for treating deficiency-type distension.

[Contraindications]
Abdominal distension with refusal to press and strong pulse are contraindicated; this is an excess syndrome, requiring purgation rather than tonification. Preference for cold drinks is also contraindicated; this is a heat syndrome, requiring cooling rather than warming.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction): This is a formula for treating excess-heat abdominal distension with refusal to press after sweating.
(2) Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction): This is a formula for treating deficiency-cold abdominal fullness with vomiting and diarrhea in Taiyin disease.

Zhizi Chi Tang Formula No. 46

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to clear deficient heat in the interior and exterior, and pathogenic heat in the Yangming channel.
Note: Many scholars consider this formula an emetic, but clinical practice proves otherwise.

[Indications]
Febrile disease after sweating, vomiting, or purging, presenting with mental restlessness (Aonao), irritability and insomnia, chest oppression, or chest pain. However, the stool must not be loose, there must be a preference for cold, and the abdomen must not refuse pressure.
Note: This syndrome is most often discovered after sweating or purging, though it can occur without them, known as pathogenic heat in the Yangming channel.

[Herbs]
Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi): 2 to 3 qian; Fermented Soybean (Chidouchi): 2 to 3 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Old method: decoct Gardenia first, then add Fermented Soybean. Experiments show simultaneous decoction yields the same effect. Therefore, use two teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Gardenia clears interior heat, Fermented Soybean resolves exterior heat.

[Modifications]
(1) Add Licorice Root for shortness of breath (Zhizi Gancao Chidouchi Tang).
(2) Add Fresh Ginger for vomiting (Zhizi Shengjiang Chidouchi Tang).
(3) Remove Fermented Soybean and add Dried Ginger for diarrhea (Zhizi Ganjiang Tang).
(4) Remove Fermented Soybean and add Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi) and Magnolia Bark (Houpo) for abdominal fullness and restlessness (Zhizi Houpo Tang).
(5) Add Immature Bitter Orange for relapse due to overwork or diet; add Rhubarb (Dahuang) if stool is difficult (Zhishi Zhizi Chidouchi Tang).

[Contraindications]
Loose stools are a contraindication. If unavoidable, it must be combined with Dried Ginger.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Zhizi Ganjiang Tang (Gardenia and Dried Ginger Decoction): This is a formula for treating irritability and insomnia with diarrhea.

Zhizi Gancao Chidouchi Tang Formula No. 47

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to clear deficient heat in the interior and exterior and tonify Middle Qi.

[Indications]
Mental restlessness, empty irritability and insomnia, accompanied by Qi insufficiency.
Note: This is a mild case of heat pathogen damaging Qi. If Qi damage is severe with fatigue and deft pulse, consider adding Ginseng to tonify Qi. If heat pathogen is severe with thirst and preference for cold, consider adding Raw Gypsum (Shigao) to clear heat.

[Herbs]
Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi): 2 to 3 qian; Licorice Root (Gancao): 1 to 2 qian; Fermented Soybean (Chidouchi): 2 to 3 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use two teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Gardenia and Fermented Soybean clear deficient heat in the interior and exterior; Licorice Root tonifies insufficient Middle Qi.
Note: Licorice Root in this formula can be raw or honey-fried. Both have value for treating shortness of breath, clearing heat, and tonifying the middle. Use with discretion. In my experience, raw Licorice is used more often.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Zhizi Chidouchi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction): This is a formula for treating irritability and insomnia with deficient heat in the interior and exterior.

Zhizi Shengjiang Chidouchi Tang Formula No. 48

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to clear heat and stop vomiting.

[Indications]
Irritability and insomnia with vomiting. However, there must be mixed cold and heat phenomena.
Note: "Mixed cold and heat" means irritability belongs to heat, while vomiting without preference for cold belongs to cold.

[Herbs]
Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi): 2 to 4 qian; Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang): 1 to 3 qian; Fermented Soybean (Chidouchi): 2 to 4 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use two teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Gardenia and Fermented Soybean clear deficient heat in the interior and exterior; Fresh Ginger stops vomiting due to Stomach cold.
Note: "Vomiting" refers to nausea and urge to vomit; sound without matter is vomiting. This is caused by cold Qi in the Stomach rebelling upward. Fresh Ginger warms the Stomach and dispels cold, being the holy medicine for treating vomiting. One must distinguish cold and heat when using it.

[Contraindications]
Loose stools are a contraindication; preference for cold drinks is also a contraindication. The former indicates heavier cold pathogen, the latter indicates pure heat syndrome.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Zhizi Chidouchi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction): This is a purely heat-clearing formula for treating irritability and insomnia.
(2) Zhizi Ganjiang Tang (Gardenia and Dried Ginger Decoction): This is a formula for treating irritability and insomnia with loose stools, mixed cold and heat, and heavier cold pathogen.

Zhizi Houpo Tang Formula No. 49

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to clear heat in the chest and diaphragm and unblock stagnation in the intestines and stomach.

[Indications]
Irritability and abdominal fullness. However, there must be manifestations of heat syndrome such as abdominal refusal to press and preference for cold.
Note: Abdominal fullness without refusal to press should not use Immature Bitter Orange and Magnolia Bark; lack of preference for cold should not use Gardenia.

[Herbs]
Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi): 2 to 3 qian; Magnolia Bark (Houpo): 2 to 3 qian; Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi): 2 to 3 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use two and a half teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Gardenia treats irritability; Immature Bitter Orange and Magnolia Bark remove abdominal fullness.

[Contraindications]
Loose stools are a contraindication; inability to eat cold foods/drinks is also a contraindication.
Note: Loose stools and lack of preference for cold foods/drinks are manifestations of cold in the intestines and stomach.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Zhizi Chidouchi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction): This is a formula to clear deficient heat in the interior and exterior.
(2) Zhishi Zhizi Chidouchi Tang (Immature Bitter Orange, Gardenia, and Fermented Soybean Decoction): This is a formula for treating relapse due to overwork/diet, deficient heat in interior/exterior, and epigastric refusal to press.
(3) Zhizi Dahuang Tang (Gardenia and Rhubarb Decoction): From *Jinkui Yaolue*, this is a formula for treating jaundice due to alcohol with irritability, abdominal refusal to press, and difficult defecation.

Zhizi Ganjiang Tang Formula No. 50

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to clear heat in the chest/diaphragm and warm cold in the intestines/stomach, using both cold and heat properties. It is also a modification of Zhizi Chidouchi Tang.

[Indications]
After mistaken purging in Shanghan, fever and irritability with loose stools. However, there must be a contradictory phenomenon of preferring cold food but daring not to eat it.
Note: In this syndrome, taking cold-natured medicines often relieves irritability but worsens loose stools; taking hot-natured medicines may lighten loose stools but aggravate irritability. Therefore, combining cold and heat medicines is necessary for efficacy.

[Herbs]
Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi): 1 to 3 qian; Dried Ginger (Ganjiang): 1 to 3 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use two teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Gardenia is bitter and cold to clear heat in the chest/diaphragm; Dried Ginger is acrid and warm to warm cold in the intestines/stomach.
Note: For this syndrome, if diarrhea persists after purging, Dried Ginger is needed; if fever persists, Gardenia is needed.

[Contraindications]
If there is no mixed phenomenon of upper heat and lower cold, it must not be used.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Zhizi Chidouchi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction): This is a purely heat-clearing formula.
(2) Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction): This is a purely formula for treating deficiency-cold of the intestines and stomach.
(3) Lianli Tang (Coptis and Regulate the Middle Decoction): Although this is also a formula for mixed cold-heat syndromes, its tonifying nature is stronger.
(4) Zhufu Tang (Pig Skin Decoction): This is also a formula for treating irritability with diarrhea, but focuses on moistening.
(5) Zhuling Tang (Polyporus Decoction): This is also a formula for treating irritability with diarrhea, but focuses on promoting diuresis.

Zhizi Baipi Tang Formula No. 51

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula to clear heat and dry dampness, treating jaundice.

[Indications]
Jaundice without exterior signs suitable for sweating (e.g., fever, no sweat, aversion to cold), without interior signs suitable for purging (e.g., abdominal fullness with refusal to press, difficult defecation), but only with internal heat and preference for cold.

[Herbs]
Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi): 3 to 5 qian; Phellodendron Bark (Huangbai): 2 to 3 qian; Honey-fried Licorice Root (Zhigancao): 1 to 2 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use two and a half teacups of water, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Gardenia and Phellodendron Bark clear heat and dry dampness; Honey-fried Licorice Root harmonizes the middle and supports healthy Qi.

[Contraindications]
Exterior signs of fever and no sweat are contraindicated; interior signs of abdominal pain with refusal to press and constipation are contraindicated. Because this formula lacks actions to release the exterior and purge the interior.

[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Mazi Lianqiao Chixiaodou Tang (Ephedra, Platycodon, and Red Bean Decoction): This is a formula for treating jaundice with exterior signs, requiring sweating.
(2) Yinchen Hao Tang (Artemisia Capillaris Decoction): This is a formula for treating jaundice with interior signs, requiring purging.

Xiao Xianxiong Tang Formula No. 52

[Formula Meaning]
This is a formula for minor Chest Bi syndrome, with functions of clearing heat, descending phlegm, and opening the chest and diaphragm.

[Indications]
Minor Chest Bi syndrome, fullness in the epigastrium (lower chest/stomach area), pain upon pressure, floating and slippery pulse. However, there must be manifestations of bitter taste, phlegm-fluids, and interlocking of heat and phlegm.

[Herbs]
Trichosanthes Fruit (Gualou Shi): 3 to 5 qian; Coptis Rhizome (Huanglian): 1 to 2 qian; Pinellia Tuber (Banxia): 1 to 3 qian.

[Decoction and Administration]
Use two and a half teacups of water. First decoct Trichosanthes Fruit until reduced to one and a half teacups, strain the dregs, add Coptis Rhizome and Pinellia Tuber, boil until reduced to half a teacup, strain the dregs, and take warm.

[Principles of Medication]
Coptis Rhizome clears internal heat, Pinellia Tuber removes phlegm-fluids, Trichosanthes Fruit opens the chest and diaphragm.

[Contraindications]
Deficiency syndromes with fullness and pain in the epigastrium that prefer pressure are contraindicated. Syndromes without heat-phlegm manifestations, or cold syndromes with non-floating/slippery pulses, are contraindicated.