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The lungs are invaded by wind-cold, causing nasal congestion, coughing, headache, and heavy voice and breath. If accompanied by qi stagnation and fever, sweating may or may not occur; in severe cases, there is pain throughout the bone and joints. Jiawei Xiangsu Yin (Modified Fragrant Su Decoction) can be used to rapidly eliminate the pathogen. Additionally, there are Shenru Yin (see Cough section) and Xiangsu San (see Cold Damage section).

My discussion: Wind-cold illness seems mild, yet many people suffer from it. Even those with robust spirit may recover spontaneously, but the root of the disease remains hidden within the body. It is better to disperse it early.

From the Frost Descent solar term until the Spring Equinox, contracting cold and falling ill immediately is called Cold Damage (Shanghan). In spring, it transforms into Warm Disease; in summer, it transforms into Summerheat. The syndromes of the Six Meridians must be distinguished separately. Head and neck pain, stiffness and rigidity of the waist and spine.

Yangming meridian syndrome presents as dry nose, headache, orbital pain, aversion to cold, insomnia, and fever. What formula should be used? Chai Ge Jie Ji Tang (Bupleurum and Kudzu Decoction to Resolve the Muscle Layer) is effective, containing Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root).

If there is fever, thirst, and spontaneous sweating, this is a Yangming syndrome with a slightly surging pulse. Renshen Baihu Tang (Ginseng White Tiger Decoction) is the first choice, containing Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Jing Mi (Rice), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root). Alternatively, Chaihu Shuangjie Yin (Bupleurum Dual-Resolution Decoction) is specifically for Shaoyang meridian disorders, containing Xia Ku Cao (Prunella Spike), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Ge Gen (Kudzu Root), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Fu Ling (Poria), boiled first with Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) and Da Zao (Jujube), then Bai He (Lily Bulb) is added. Adjustments can be made according to symptoms.

Taiyin syndrome presents as abdominal pain, dry throat without saliva, slightly warm hands and feet, and a deep, solid pulse. The heat pathogen originally transmitted from the Taiyang meridian can be treated with Guizhi Dahuang Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Rhubarb Decoction), containing Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Shao Yao (Peony Root), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root). If Taiyin syndrome involves abdominal pain, red urine and stool, dryness and thirst, delirium, and a forceful pulse, and yellowing due to warm-heat requires thorough treatment, Yinchén Jiangjun Tang (Artemisia Capillaris General Decoction) can be used, containing Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Shan Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), and Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root).

Heat binding in the Bladder causes difficult urination; Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) modified should be used, containing Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome), Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Fu Ling (Poria), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root), assisted by Qu Mai (Dianthus Herb), Hua Shi (Talcum), Zhi Zi Ren (Gardenia Seed), and Deng Xin Cao (Juncus Effusus). If jaundice is prominent, add Yin Chen Hao (Artemisia Capillaris); if thirsty, add Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root).

When Cold Damage heat transmits inward, Shaoyin and Jueyin syndromes appear. Hardness and fullness of the heart and abdomen, periumbilical pain, irritability, dry throat, and delirium, or eruption of macules, jaundice, and mania.

Yangdu (Yang Toxin) with deep heat and a surging pulse is best treated quickly with Sanhuang Shigao Tang (Three-Yellow and Gypsum Decoction), containing Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit), Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark), Chi Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean), and Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem), decocted with Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Da Zao (Jujube), and Cha Ya (Tea Bud). Removing Ma Huang and Chi Dou Shi and adding Mang Xiao (Mirabilite) and Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) creates Tao Ren Chengqi Tang (Peach Kernel Draining-the-Epigastric Decoction), corresponding to a variation of Guizhi Tang, containing Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Mang Xiao (Mirabilite), Da Huang (Rhubarb Root), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Qing Cao (likely referring to a specific herb contextually), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), two Da Zao (Jujubes), three slices of Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), crushed with one qian of Su Mu (Sappan Wood), which can remove... (text missing/unclear).

Although Cold Damage heat is intense, it is not fatal; however, Lianggan Shanghan (Dual-Infection Cold Damage) is difficult to manage. On the first day, Taiyang and Shaoyin diseases present with abdominal pain, dry mouth, irritability, and desire to drink water. On the second day, Yangming and Taiyin combine... (text missing). Adjuvant herbs include Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), paste, Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome); if stool is hard, use Jiang Jun (Rhubarb). Decoct with water, ginger, and jujube; mix with vinegar when taking. For persistent epistaxis, use Qinlian Tang (Scutellaria and Coptis Decoction).

Dryness desiring to rinse the mouth but unable to swallow indicates terrifying blood stasis mania; Jiawei Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Modified Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) is used, containing Xuan Shen (Scrophularia Root), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), and Hong Hua (Safflower).

After recovery, lethargy, fever, thirst, confused speech, loss of spirit, and relapse upon exertion can be treated with Chaihu Baihe Tang (Bupleurum and Lily Decoction), containing Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Bie Jia (Turtle Shell), and one spoonful of Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) juice.

Cold pathogen directly entering the Yin meridians and blood vessels presents without headache or fever, only aversion to cold wind, fatigue, lying down, abdominal pain, and cold limbs, vomiting, diarrhea, no thirst, and a deep, slow pulse. Huiyang Jijiu Tang (Restoring Yang Emergency Rescue Decoction) is used, containing Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fu Zi (Aconite Root), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root). For true cold, this is excellent; decoct with water and ginger juice, optionally adding rice wash water.

Yin excess repelling Yang causes occasional restlessness with a deep, hidden pulse. Huiyang Fanben Tang (Restoring Yang Returning to Origin Decoction) is used, containing Fu Zi (Aconite Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Fu Ling (Poria), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Tong Nan Niao (Urine of Healthy Boy), Gui Xin (Cinnamon Heart), Guo Lao (Licorice Root), She Gan (Belamcanda Rhizome), and Pao Jiang (Processed Ginger), taken cold with honey.

Excessive sweating and purging leading to muscle twitching and deficiency of Wei Qi and Yang with a forceful pulse is stopped by Wenjing Yiyuan Tang (Warming Meridians and Enriching Origin Decoction), containing Huang Qi (Astragalus Root), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Fu Zi (Aconite Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), decocted with dates, ginger, and rice.

For Spasm Syndrome, Rusheng Yin (Decoction Like the Sage) contains Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root) as guides, along with Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica), and Xiong Diao (Ligusticum Chuanxiong). Assess sweating carefully. If sweating, remove Zhi Ke and add Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig); if no sweating, increase Ma Huang (Ephedra) and decrease Bai Zhu (Atractylodes). For locked jaw, add Da Huang (Rhubarb); for limb spasms, add Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) and Gao Ben (Ligusticum Wallichii). This syndrome involves phlegm in the chest; Jiang Zhi (Ginger Juice) and Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) are effective.

In March, contracting Cold Epidemic presents with headache, fever, forceful pulse, aversion to cold, body pain, and thirst, named Late-Onset. Liushen Tang (Six-God Decoction) contains seven herbs: Ma Huang (Ephedra), Gan Cao (Licorice), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea), Shi Gao (Gypsum), Ze Xie (Alisma), and Xi Xin (Asarum). For exterior syndrome, decoct with Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Cong Bai (Green Onion White), Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean), and Da Dou (Soybean); for interior syndrome, add Bing Lang (Areca Seed). Add Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) for severe headache, Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome) for body pain, and Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root) for extreme thirst; adjust according to symptoms.

Jiawei Lizhong Tang (Modified Regulate the Middle Decoction) targets Cold Damage with food retention, presenting with headache, fever, no aversion to cold, and tight, prominent Qi Kou pulse. It contains Sha Ren (Amomum Fruit), Shi Pu (Costus Root), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Ju Hong (Tangerine Pith), Cao Guo (Black Cardamom), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea), and Gan Cao (Licorice Root), decocted with water, ginger, and Lai Fu Zi (Radish Seed); also suitable for Cholera-Restless Disorder.

Shaoyin syndrome resembling Taiyang has a deep, slow pulse; prevent it. Fever, aversion to cold, no headache; urgently administer Mafu Xigan Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, Asarum, Licorice Decoction), with Shao Yao (Peony Root), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), and seven Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berries) crushed and decocted.

Cold Damage with hypochondriac pain, chest fullness, palpitations, cough with phlegm, and deep, slippery pulse is treated with Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction) boiled with Shi Lu (Reed Juice), Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark), and Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), plus Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb), Fu Ling (Poria), Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), and several Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) taken hot.

Shenxiao Anshen Yizhi (Divine Effect Calming Spirit and Wisdom) eliminates post-recovery irritability and palpitations, slight fever preventing peace, fatigue, heaviness in limbs, lethargy after six-seven days, with deep pulses. It contains Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), and Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) stir-fried with ginger juice, taken hot.

Manic speech, irritability, no fever, distinct spirit compared to normal people; do not treat as mania with cold herbs. This is "Like-Mania" syndrome, treated with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed), Gan Cao (Licorice Root)... Bladder, Ze Xie (Alisma), Deng Xin Cao (Juncus Effusus). Add ginger and take for health. Nu Laofu (Female Labor Relapse) and Yin Yang Yi (Yin-Yang Exchange) present with high fever, confusion, lower abdominal cramping, lethargy, inability to move legs or lift head, visual disturbances, joint loosening, and rising heat in chest. Men have swollen genitals and painful urination; women have lower back pain and tenesmus. Occurs after recent recovery from illness through intercourse.

Nu Laofu due to early exertion is treated with Xiaoyao Tang (Free and Easy Wanderer Decoction) to drain the disease, containing Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn - substitute with Buffalo Horn), Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Fu Ling (Poria), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Jiu Cai (Chinese Chive), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Zhu Qing (Bamboo Leaf), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Hua Shi (Talcum), three slices of ginger, two dates, two cups of water, and half a qian of burned Ku Dan (Underpants Ash).

Cold Damage with pure clear water diarrhea, heart pain, fever, thirst, and delirium indicates dry intestines and bladder binding, not internal cold diarrhea. Self-medication leads to loose stools; quack doctors call this "Leaky Bottom." For solidified diarrhea, Huanglong Tang (Yellow Dragon Decoction) is used, containing Ren Shen (Ginseng), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Mang Xiao (Mirabilite), Da Huang (Rhubarb Root), Guo Lao (Licorice Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), and Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), decocted quickly and taken hot with rust water.

Labor injury damaging Qi and Blood, followed by external contraction of wind-cold, presents with headache, fever, leg soreness, slight thirst, aversion to cold, spontaneous sweating, floating and weak pulse. Releasing the exterior is difficult; harmonizing Ying and Wei is required. Ren Shen (Ginseng), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower), Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Cong Bai (Green Onion White) are decocted with ginger and dates; adjust according to symptoms.

Clutching clothes, delirium, lethargy, hand covering heart, Liver Wind and Lung Fire interact, causing grasping at empty air. Qingjin Sanhuo Tang (Clear Metal and Dispel Fire Decoction) contains Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Ju Hong (Tangerine Pith), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Yi Shan Gen (Root of Dioscorea Hypoglauca), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Jiang Zao (Ginger and Date), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle). If internal phlegm exists, Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber) fried with ginger is sought; for dry hot stool and incoherent speech, Jiang Jun (Rhubarb) is excellent.

Aversion to cold, stiff spine, headache, fever; repeated exterior release fails to sweat. Ignorance of Yang deficiency leads to reckless sweating using fire therapy. Zaizao Yinzi (Decoction for Reconstruction) contains Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Fu Zi (Aconite Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong), Chao Bai Shao (Stir-fried White Peony Root), dates, ginger, and Tong Bian (Child's Urine). Remove Fu Zi in summer; add Shi Gao (Gypsum) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome).

Internal injury with blood stasis in Liver and Spleen presents with fever, thirst, delirium, coma, no aversion to cold, no headache. Do not mistakenly use cold herbs; the disease often involves blood like possessing spirits... (text missing).

Seven emotions internal injury with phlegm-Qi stagnation blocks the Heart orifice when phlegm is abundant. Hallucinations, asthma, foam, and saliva appear. Jiawei Daotan Tang (Modified Phlegm-Draining Decoction) drains it, containing Erchen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Tian Nan Xing (Arisaema Rhizome), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit), water, and ginger, finished with Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) and Jiang Zhi (Ginger Juice).

Cold Damage heat transmits to the Heart; Heart Fire flares up suppressing Lung Metal. Coma like drunkenness, inability to speak, or solitary muttering. No epigastric fullness or abdominal distension, red eyes, scorched lips, normal urination and defecation, no body chills or fever. Drinks water willingly; refuses otherwise. This is Yuejing Zheng (Cross-Meridian Syndrome); Xiexin Daochi Tang (Drain Heart and Guide Out Redness Decoction) is appropriate, containing Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome), Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Fu Ling (Poria), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Hua Shi (Talcum), Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Deng Xin Cao (Juncus Effusus), Jiang Zao (Ginger and Date), and three spoons of fresh ginger juice.

Excessive sweating and purging in Cold Damage exhausts Primordial Yang, leaving it rootless. Pulse is deficient, rapid, and incoherent speech occurs with fever, thirst, and red flush on cheeks. This is Daiyang Evil Syndrome (Floating Yang), treated miraculously by Yiyuan Tang (Enriching Origin Decoction), containing Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Fu Zi (Aconite Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Fu Ling (Poria), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), and Tong Bian (Child's Urine), decocted with dates, ginger, living water, and scallion head juice.

Correct Syndromes of Six Meridians in Cold Damage: Taiyang presents with headache, fever, stiff spine; Yangming with eye pain, dry nose, insomnia; Shaoyang with deafness, hypochondriac pain, alternating chills and fever, bitter taste; Taiyin with abdominal fullness and spontaneous diarrhea, deep pulse at Cun and Chi with fluids failing to reach the throat; Shaoyin with dry tongue and bitter dryness; Jueyin with irritability, fullness, and testicular retraction.

Cold Damage Pulse Mantra: Examine the Six Meridians thoroughly. Floating, surging, tight, and choppy belong to Taiyang. Remember transmission patterns. Shaoyang is string-tight; Yangming is long. Taiyin enters the interior with deep-slow pulse... (text missing).

Taiyang without sweating: Ma Huang (Ephedra) is best. Taiyang with sweating: Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) comes first. Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is the key herb for Shaoyang; Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) resolves Yangming obstruction... (text missing).

Day 1-2 of Cold Damage: Release exterior and scatter. Day 3-4: Harmonize and resolve. Day 5-6: Consider purging. Day 7-8 if unresolved, transmission recurs.

General Mantra for 72 Syndromes of Three Yangs: Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens), Qian Hu (Peucedanum Root), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), He Ye (Lotus Leaf), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Ge Gen (Kudzu Root), Xiong Diao (Ligusticum Chuanxiong), Fu Ling (Poria), plus Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea) decocted in water calms the 72 syndromes of Three Yangs.

General Mantra for 72 Syndromes of Three Yins: Xiong Diao (Ligusticum Chuanxiong), Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Shao Yao (Peony Root), Fu Zi (Aconite Root), Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Ma Huang (Ephedra), Qing Pi (Green Tangerine Peel), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Jiang (Ginger), and Zao (Date) bring health to the 72 syndromes of Three Yins.

General Treatment Method for Three Yangs and Three Yins: For Cold Damage regardless of exterior/interior, use Baidu San (Deficiency-Toxin Powder) and Wuji San (Five-Accumulations Powder), one dose each. Spring: add Xiangsu San (Fragrant Su Powder). Summer: add Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria). Autumn: add Jin Fei Cao San (Boiling Grass Powder). Winter: add Shishen Tang (Ten-God Decoction) or Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). Mix added herbs with main formula, take 3 qian, decoct with 1.5 cups water, 3 slices ginger, 2 dates, reduce to 0.8 cup, strain, and take hot. Any time. This formula was obtained from a wise doctor, considering Three Yin/Yang syndromes to save lives. Treats epidemic Cold Damage regardless of Yin/Yang severity, age, gender, or pregnancy. Gui (Angelica Sinensis) included for common treatment (omit if sweating).

Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica) 1 liang, Sheng Gan Cao (Raw Licorice Root) 5 qian, 3 slices Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), 3 Cong Bai (Green Onion Whites), 2 Da Zao (Jujubes), 50 Dou Chi (Prepared Soybeans). Decoct with 2 bowls water to induce sweating; if no sweat, repeat... (text missing). As decocted... (text missing).

Also treats Cold Damage dual-toxins and epidemic plagues.

Use Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea) 1 jin (cleaned, dried), Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 4 liang (raw). Pound and sieve into powder, take 2 qian with hot green onion soup to induce... (text missing).

Seven Formulas for Treating Cold Damage: Fever, aversion to cold, body pain, floating pulse, no sweating: Shishen Tang (Ten-God Decoction), Wuji San (Five-Accumulations Powder), Xiangsu San (Fragrant Su Powder). Sweating wind-cold: Gui Zhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). Days 4-5: dry mouth/tongue, fever, body pain, restless sleep: First take Renshen Baibu San (Ginseng Deficiency-Toxin Powder), then Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). Days 7-8: heat inside, thirst, irritability, abdominal fullness, scanty red urine, difficult stool: Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) promotes drainage. Fever, dry mouth, diarrhea, scanty red urine, irritability: Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) combined with Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria), plus Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) is superb. After sweating/purging, illness persists with fever/thirst: Jiedu Tang (Detoxification Decoction) combined with Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) handles various febrile diseases. Post-Cold Damage relapse: Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), Ju Hong (Tangerine Pith), Ren Shen (Ginseng), Jing Mi (Rice), Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings), Jiang Zao (Ginger and Date) are effective. Post-illness deficiency is worrying: Siwu Tang (Four-Substance Decoction) plus Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Gan Cao (Licorice Root), decocted with ginger and dates, avoids worry.

These mantras were experienced teachings from Li Junbin. I collected ancient formulas below to show the origin of prescription formulation.

Shishen Tang (Ten-God Decoction) treats Dual-Infection and epidemic plague without sweating. Zi Su (Perilla Leaf), Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Gan Ge (Kudzu Root), Chi Shao (Red Peony Root), Sheng Ma (Cimicifuga Rhizome), Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong), Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem) each 5 fen. Decoct with ginger and green onion.

Xiangsu San (Fragrant Su Powder) treats four-season cold contraction with headache and fever. Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome), Zi Su (Perilla Leaf) each 2 qian; Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel) 1 qian; Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 5 fen. Decoct with ginger and green onion to induce sweating. Severe headache: add Xiong Diao (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) and Bai Zhi (Angelica Dahurica). No sweating: add Ma Huang (Ephedra Stem).

Renshen Baibu San (Ginseng Deficiency-Toxin Powder): Treats headache, high fever, nasal congestion, heavy voice, wind-phlegm cough, four-season plague, and various sores. Ren Shen (Ginseng), Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong), Fu Ling (Poria), Zhi Ke (Bitter Orange), Qian Hu (Peucedanum Root), Chai Hu (Bupleurum Root), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium Rhizome), Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens) equal parts. Take 1 liang, decoct with fresh ginger and mint. Cough: add Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber). Dry mouth: add Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root). Heat toxin: add Lian (Coptis), Qin (Scutellaria), Zhi (Gardenia), Bo (Phellodendron). Wind-heat: add Jing (Schizonepeta), Fang (Saposhnikovia), Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome). Sores: add Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle) and Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit).

Gua Di San (Melon Tip Powder): Treats Cold Damage with food retention and phlegm blocking chest/diaphragm requiring emesis. Tian Gua Di (Sweet Melon Tip), Chi Xiao Dou (Red Bean) each 1 qian. Divide into two doses, take with Dan Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean) decoction. Emesis removes diaphragmatic phlegm and retained food, bringing peace.

Wuji San (Five-Accumulations Powder) (see Internal Cold), Zhengqi San (Righteous Qi Powder) (see Cholera-Restless Disorder), Jin Fei Cao San (Boiling Grass Powder) (see Cough), Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) (see Fever). Also Four-Season Cold Contraction Single Formula: Raw Cong Bai (Green Onion White) with roots, five stalks, pounded and taken with boiling wine.

Appendix: Treating Plague. Left pulse larger than right, slow and vigorous, weak upon pressure, everyone sick similarly.

Ersheng Jiuku Wan (Two-Sage Rescue-Bitter Pill): Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) 4 liang (wine-steamed), Ya Zao (Gleditsia Spine) 2 liang. Pound into powder, form pills with flour like mung beans. Take 40 pills with mung bean soup; profuse sweating indicates efficacy. Wuyou San (No-Worry Powder)... (text missing).

My Discussion: Sweating indicates not Cold Damage; body pain indicates not Cold Damage. From Spring Equinox to Winter Solstice, none are Cold Damage. Summerheat, Hongjiaojiao (Charley Horse/Gout), and epidemic plagues resemble Cold Damage greatly; careful differentiation is essential. Do not hastily use Ma Huang Tang (Ephedra Decoction); the stakes are high, hence this clarification.

Four-Season Cold Contraction Formula: Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Lancea) soaked in rice water 3 qian, Gan Cao (Licorice Root) 3 fen, 5 large slices Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), 5 Cong Bai (Green Onion Whites) with roots. Spring/Summer: add Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepeta Tail)... (text missing).