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[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Tang (Rhubarb and Coptis Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium): This is a formula used to treat epigastric fullness and stuffiness without pain, where there is no phlegm-fluid retention.
(2) Banxia Xiexin Tang (Pinellia Decoction to Drain the Epigastrium): This is a formula used to treat epigastric fullness and stuffiness without pain, characterized by a mixture of cold and heat deficiency with phlegm-fluid retention.

Da Xianxiong Tang Formula No. 53
[Formula Rationale]
This formula treats the mutual binding of phlegm-fluid retention and pathogenic heat in the chest-diaphragm region and abdomen; it is a harsh purgative.
[Indications]
Major Jie-Xiong Syndrome (Condensed Chest Syndrome), presenting with hardness, fullness, and pain in the chest-diaphragm region and below the diaphragm, with tenderness to palpation. In severe cases, from the epigastrium down to the lower abdomen, the area is so tender that it cannot be touched. However, it must present signs of excess syndrome due to the mutual binding of phlegm-fluid and pathogenic heat, such as a deep, slippery, and forceful pulse, coughing up salivary phlegm, and constipation.
Note: If this syndrome lacks phlegm-fluid and chest-diaphragm fullness/pain, it is Chengqi Syndrome. If it lacks pathogenic heat, it is Cold-Excess Jie-Xiong Syndrome.
[Ingredients]
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 1–3 qian
Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) 1–2 qian
Gansui (Kansui Radix, ground into fine powder) 0.5–1 qian
[Decoction and Administration Method]
Add two tea cups of water. First decoct Dahuang until one tea cup remains. Strain out the dregs. Add Mangxiao and dissolve it. Continue boiling until half a tea cup remains. Then add Gansui powder. Take warm. Stop taking after achieving smooth bowel movements.
[General Principle of Medication]
Dahuang and Mangxiao purge dryness and heat; Gansui expels phlegm-fluid.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated if the pulse is floating and large; contraindicated if the tongue coating is white and slippery; not applicable if there is no accompanying phlegm-fluid syndrome or no accompanying heat syndrome.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Da Xianxiong Wan (Major Condensed Chest Pill): A formula for Jie-Xiong Syndrome accompanied by chest symptoms.
(2) Dachengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction): A formula for abdominal distension, fullness, hardness, pain, and tenderness without phlegm-fluid phenomena.
(3) Baisan (White Powder): A formula for Cold-Excess Jie-Xiong Syndrome.
(4) Goudisan (Melon Stem Powder): A formula for phlegm-heat condensed in the chest, suitable for treatment via emesis.

Da Xianxiong Wan Formula No. 54
[Formula Rationale]
This formula treats the mutual binding of phlegm-fluid and pathogenic heat above and below the chest-diaphragm, or extending to the stomach and intestines; it is a mild purgative.
[Indications]
Major Jie-Xiong Syndrome, presenting with distending pain and tenderness to palpation above and below the chest-diaphragm, or accompanied by panting and urgency. It must present signs of phlegm-heat mutual binding, such as inability to lie flat due to panting, preference for cold, and dry stool.
[Ingredients]
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 1–2 qian
Tinglizi (Lepidii Semen, stir-fried) 1–2 qian
Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) 1–2 qian
Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum, peeled, tips removed, stir-fried until black) 1–2 qian
Gansui (Kansui Radix) 0.5–1 qian
[Pill Preparation Method]
Grind all ingredients into fine powder. Mix with refined honey to form pills, each weighing 2.5–3 qian. Take one pill per dose, washed down with boiled water.
[General Principle of Medication]
Tinglizi, Xingren, and Gansui expel phlegm-fluid above and below the chest-diaphragm and treat panting urgency; Dahuang and Mangxiao cleanse dryness-heat in the stomach and intestines. They also alleviate distending pain in the lower chest-diaphragm.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated if the tongue coating is white or if exterior pathogens are present; contraindicated if there is no phlegm-fluid or dryness-heat.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Da Xianxiong Tang: A formula for Major Jie-Xiong Syndrome leaning towards the lower part.
(2) Goudisan: A formula for phlegm-heat in the chest, suitable for emesis.
(3) Xiao Qinglong Jia Shigao Tang (Minor Green Dragon Decoction plus Gypsum): A formula for phlegm-panting caused by exterior cold, where phlegm-heat in the chest is suitable for dispersal via the exterior.
(4) Maxing Shigan Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Gypsum, and Licorice Decoction): A formula for phlegm-panting caused by exterior heat.

Wenge San Formula No. 55
[Formula Rationale]
This is a light formula for clearing heat and promoting urination, treating heat constrained by cold.
[Indications]
Heat diseases that should have been treated with sweating, but were mistakenly sprayed with water, covered with ice, or bathed in cold water, leading to increased body temperature, mental restlessness, pruritic skin (goosebumps), desire to drink but no actual thirst (internal heat is not severe, hence no thirst).
Note: The method of spraying water is no longer commonly used here (Taiyuan), but the method of cold packs has similar drawbacks and requires attention to prevention and treatment.
[Ingredients]
Wenge (Veneris Concha, uncalcined) 1 liang
[Pill Preparation Method]
Grind into fine powder. Take 1–2 qian per dose, washed down with boiled water.
[General Principle of Medication]
Wenge clears heat and promotes urination, though its effect is weak. It may be effective for mild cases of heat constrained by cold. For severe cases, it is advisable to follow Ke’s advice and use Wenge Tang from *Jingui Yaolue*.
[Contraindications]
Except for Cold-Damp syndromes which are unsuitable, all dampness-combined-with-heat syndromes are not contraindicated. Due to its mild nature, it has no other side effects.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Wenge Tang: Equivalent to Da Qinglong Tang minus Guizhi plus Wenge. It is a heavy formula for resolving exterior and clearing interior to treat internal constraint of damp-heat. It should only be used when symptoms like fever, thirst, and preference for cold are present.
(2) Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria): A warm formula for promoting urination and resolving the exterior. Used for this syndrome leaning towards dampness.

Baisan Formula No. 56
[Formula Rationale]
This formula opens the lungs, expels phlegm, discharges pus, breaks stagnation, and acts as a warm purgative.
[Indications]
Cold-Excess Jie-Xiong Syndrome, acute laryngitis, lung abscess, etc., presenting with blockage and discomfort in the chest, throat, or epigastrium, accumulation of salivary phlegm, and difficulty breathing. It can be tried only if there are no signs of heat, and the pulse is forceful or there is constipation.
[Ingredients]
Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix)
Chuanbeimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus)
Badou (Crotonis Fructus)
Each in equal parts.
[Pill Preparation Method]
First, remove the skin of Badou, stir-fry until black, and remove the oil. Grind together with the other two medicines into fine powder. For robust individuals, take 0.1–0.5 fen per dose; reduce dosage for weaker individuals. Wash down with rice soup. If there is no vomiting or diarrhea, drink hot water; if vomiting or diarrhea is severe, drink cold boiled water to stop the effect.
[General Principle of Medication]
Jiegeng discharges pus and expels phlegm; Beimu removes phlegm and resolves nodules; both are key herbs for thoracic diseases. Badou is acrid and hot, breaking hard accumulations in the chest and abdomen. Together, they form an excellent formula for Cold-Excess Jie-Xiong Syndrome.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated for those with a deficient pulse or preference for cold; contraindicated for those with normal bowel movements.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Goudisan: A formula for fullness and phlegm in the chest or epigastrium, treating via emesis.

Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Tang Formula No. 57
[Formula Rationale]
This bitter-cold formula drains fire and clears heat, treating Heat Pi (Epigastric Stuffiness).
[Indications]
Pi Syndrome presenting with epigastric fullness and stuffiness, hard upon palpation, or soft upon palpation but with difficult defecation. It must present bitter taste in the mouth, preference for cold food/drink, or subjective sensation of internal heat.
[Ingredients]
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) 1–2 qian
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 1 qian
Note: Some believe, based on Fuzi Xiexin Tang, that Huangqin should be included in this formula, which seems reasonable. However, I believe the decision should depend on the specific syndrome.
[Decoction and Administration Method]
Steep one tea cup of boiling water with the herbs for 15 minutes to half an hour. Strain and take warm.
Note: The steeping time depends on the location of the disease (upper/lower) or severity. For upper locations or milder conditions, steep less; otherwise, steep more. This is because clear and light substances rise, while heavy and turbid substances sink.
[General Principle of Medication]
Both herbs utilize their bitter-cold properties to drain fire and resolve stuffiness.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated if accompanied by aversion to cold, as aversion to cold may indicate an exterior syndrome or Yang deficiency, neither of which suits bitter-cold formulas. Contraindicated for those who prefer hot drinks, as this indicates a cold syndrome, making "treating cold with cold" inappropriate.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Xiao Chengqi Tang: A formula for excess-type abdominal distension and fullness, differing from Pi Syndrome in location and nature.

Fuzi Xiexin Tang Formula No. 58
[Formula Rationale]
This formula drains Stomach heat, tonifies Kidney Yang, and treats Pi Syndrome accompanied by Yang deficiency. It represents another method of combining cold and heat treatments.
[Indications]
Pi Syndrome with hardness, accompanied by aversion to cold and sweating. It must present bitter taste, irritability, difficult defecation, sensation of heat in the stomach, or inability to eat despite preference for cold food. Crucially, there must be a history of chronic Yang deficiency, and absence of exterior signs like headache, fever, or floating pulse.
[Ingredients]
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, wine-steeped) 1–2 qian
Chao Huanglian (Stir-fried Coptidis Rhizoma) 1 qian
Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 1–2 qian
Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) 2 qian (decocted separately)
[Decoction and Administration Method]
Steep the three yellows (Dahuang, Huanglian, Huangqin) in half a tea cup of boiling water for 15 minutes, then strain to obtain the liquid. Simultaneously, decoct Fuzi in two tea cups of water until half a tea cup remains, then strain to obtain the liquid. Mix the two liquids evenly and divide into two doses to take warm.
[General Principle of Medication]
The three yellows drain Stomach heat to treat Heat Pi; Fuzi warms Kidney Yang to treat aversion to cold and sweating.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated for exterior cold syndrome with aversion to cold and no sweating; contraindicated for Guizhi Syndrome with aversion to cold, sweating, and floating pulse; contraindicated if there is no Yang deficiency with aversion to cold/sweating, or no internal heat with bitter taste/preference for cold.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Tang: A formula for Heat Pi.

Banxia Xiexin Tang Formula No. 59
[Formula Rationale]
This formula regulates cold and heat in the stomach and intestines and tonifies deficiency.
[Indications]
"Epigastric fullness, vomiting, and diarrhea" occurring after mistaken treatment of Taiyang syndrome or even without mistaken treatment. It must present bitter taste, irritability, non-tenderness in the gastrointestinal tract, weak pulse, or ineffectiveness of warm-tonifying medicines, indicating a mixed syndrome of cold, heat, and deficiency.
[Ingredients]
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 1–3 qian
Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 1–1.5 qian
Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) 1–1.5 qian
Zhi Cao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 0.5–1 qian
Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 1–1.5 qian
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 0.5–1 qian
Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) 1–2 pieces
Note: Increase Banxia if vomiting is prominent; increase Ganjiang, Renshen, Dazao, and Zhi Cao if diarrhea is prominent; increase Huangqin and Huanglian if Pi is severe with heat.
[Decoction and Administration Method]
Add three tea cups of water, decoct until half a tea cup remains, strain, and take warm.
Note: Old texts mention re-decocting after straining, but trials show no significant difference in efficacy, so this step is omitted.
[General Principle of Medication]
Huangqin, Huanglian, and Ganjiang regulate stomach/intestine cold and heat to resolve cold-heat binding Pi; combined with Banxia, it stops vomiting. Renshen, Dazao, and Zhi Cao tonify deficiency caused by mistaken purgation; combined with Ganjiang, they stop diarrhea.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated for Pi, fullness, vomiting, or diarrhea without mixed cold-heat symptoms.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Guizhi Renshen Tang: A formula for Deficient-Cold Pi Syndrome.
(2) Shengjiang Xiexin Tang: A formula for Disharmonious Cold-Heat Deficient Pi Syndrome leaning towards vomiting.
(3) Gancao Xiexin Tang: A formula for Disharmonious Cold-Heat Pi Syndrome leaning towards diarrhea.
(4) Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Tang: A formula for Excess-Heat Pi Syndrome.

Gancao Xiexin Tang Formula No. 60
[Formula Rationale]
This formula tonifies deficiency and regulates cold/heat in the stomach and intestines. It treats Pi Syndrome, focusing primarily on stopping diarrhea.
[Indications]
Hard epigastric fullness and diarrhea heavier than vomiting following repeated mistaken purgation. It must present bitter taste or irritability, non-tenderness in the GI tract, weak pulse, or ineffectiveness of warm-tonifying medicines alone, indicating mixed cold-heat-deficiency.
[Ingredients]
Zhi Cao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 2–3 qian
Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 1–1.5 qian
Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) 1–2 qian
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 1–1.5 qian
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 0.5 qian
Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) 2–4 pieces
Note: Based on various commentaries and practice, Renshen 1–2.5 qian should be added to this formula.
[Decoction and Administration Method]
Add three tea cups of water, decoct until half a tea cup remains, strain, and take warm.
[General Principle of Medication]
Zhi Cao, Renshen, and Dazao tonify deficiency from repeated purgation; combined with Ganjiang, they stop diarrhea. Huangqin, Huanglian, and Ganjiang combine cold and heat to resolve cold-heat binding Pi; combined with Banxia, they stop vomiting.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated if there is no mixing of cold, heat, and deficiency.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Guizhi Renshen Tang: A formula for Deficient-Cold Pi Syndrome.
(2) Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Tang: A formula for Excess-Heat Pi Syndrome.
(3) Banxia Xiexin Tang: A formula for Disharmonious Cold-Heat Pi Syndrome with equal emphasis on vomiting and diarrhea.
(4) Shengjiang Xiexin Tang: A formula for Disharmonious Cold-Heat Pi Syndrome leaning towards vomiting.

Shengjiang Xiexin Tang Formula No. 61
[Formula Rationale]
This formula regulates cold/heat in the stomach and intestines and tonifies deficiency. It treats Pi Syndrome, focusing primarily on stopping vomiting.
[Indications]
Disharmony of cold/heat in the stomach and intestines after mistaken sweating, presenting with epigastric fullness, vomiting heavier than diarrhea, dry belching with food odor, fluid retention under the hypochondrium, or borborygmus. It must present bitter taste, irritability, non-tenderness in the GI tract, weak pulse, or ineffectiveness of warm-tonifying medicines, indicating mixed cold-heat-deficiency.
[Ingredients]
Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 2–3 qian
Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 1–1.5 qian
Zhi Cao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1–2 qian
Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 1–1.5 qian
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 0.5–1 qian
Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) 1 qian
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) 0.5–1 qian
Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) 1–2 pieces
[Decoction and Administration Method]
Add three tea cups of water, decoct until half a tea cup remains, strain, and take warm.
[General Principle of Medication]
Shengjiang and Banxia stop vomiting and treat dry belching with food odor and fluid retention under the hypochondrium. The warmth of Ganjiang and the cold of Huangqin/Huanglian resolve cold-heat binding Pi. Renshen, Dazao, and Zhi Cao tonify stomach/intestine deficiency; combined with Ganjiang, they stop diarrhea.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated if there is no mixing of cold and heat.
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
(1) Guizhi Renshen Tang: A formula for Deficient-Cold Pi Syndrome.
(2) Dahuang Huanglian Xiexin Tang: A formula for Excess-Heat Pi Syndrome.
(3) Banxia Xiexin Tang: A formula for Disharmonious Cold-Heat Pi Syndrome with equal emphasis on vomiting and diarrhea.
(4) Gancao Xiexin Tang: A formula for Disharmonious Cold-Heat Pi Syndrome leaning towards diarrhea.

Yuyuliang Wan Formula (Missing)

Chishizhi Yuyuliang Tang Formula No. 62
[Formula Rationale]
This is a neutral formula for consolidating collapse and stopping diarrhea.
Note: This "li" refers to diarrhea (xie xie), not dysentery (li ji). However, it can be borrowed for long-standing dysentery presenting with sliding collapse and incontinence.
[Indications]
Sliding collapse of diarrhea. It must be chronic diarrhea that has not healed, with Qi deficiency and weak pulse, truly presenting with involuntary loss. Do not mistake frequent bowel movements, inability to endure the urge to defecate, or inability to delay defecation as sliding collapse. Specific manifestations include patients who dare not speak loudly because speaking triggers defecation, or unconscious defecation.
[Ingredients]
Chishizhi (Halloysit Rubrum, crushed) 3–5 qian
Taiyi Yuyuliang (Halloysit Alba, crushed) 3–5 qian
[General Principle of Medication]
Chishizhi and Yuyuliang are astringents and consolidants, thus treating deficiency-collapse from diarrhea. Yuyuliang is slightly colder in nature than Chishizhi.
[Contraindications]
Contraindicated at the onset of diarrhea, as sliding collapse does not exist at this stage. More importantly, contraindicated at the onset of dysentery, as its use may lead to chronic/recurrent dysentery (xiu xi li).
[Reference for Similar Formulas]
Taohua Tang: A warm formula for consolidating collapse and treating dysentery.
Note: This "li" refers to dysentery, not diarrhea, but it can sometimes be borrowed to treat sliding collapse in diarrhea.

Xuanshu Daizheshi Tang Formula No. 63
[Formula Rationale]
This formula suppresses rebellion, eliminates phlegm, tonifies deficiency, and dispels cold.
[Indications]
After the exterior syndrome of Taiyang has resolved, presenting with hiccup/belching (ai qi), vomiting, hiccups (e ni), or accompanied by epigastric fullness. It must present expectoration, dislike of cold food/drink, weak or slippery pulse, to be appropriate.
[Ingredients]
Xuanshu Hua (Inulae Flos) 3–5 qian
Sheng Daizheshi (Oolithum, raw) 3 qian–1 liang
Renshen (Ginseng Radix) 1–2 qian
Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) 2–4 pieces
Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 2–3 qian
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) 2–3 qian
Zhi Cao (Prepared Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1–2 qian
[Decoction and Administration Method]
Add three tea cups of water, decoct until half a tea cup remains, strain, and take warm. Take twice to three times daily. If vomiting is present, take small amounts frequently to avoid vomiting out the medicine.