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Dysentery severe enough to seem as if sucking out the marrow, malaria and plague severe enough to seem as if peeling off the skin; after administering this [decoction], when excreted into the toilet, people's lives are instantly saved. A compilation of purgative formulas follows:

Rhubarb (2 liang 5 qian) Talcum Stone (Huashi) Pharbitis Seed (Qianniu) (each 1 liang 5 qian) Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu) (1 liang) Notopterygium Root (Qianghuo) (5 qian) Scutellaria Root (Huangqin) Angelica Dahurica Root (Baizhi) (each 8 qian).

When Qi stagnation causes obstruction, and middle-jiao excess causes difficulty in defecation, if not treated, hyperactive Yang will surge upward, which is a precursor to harming the eyes. Therefore, the acrid and penetrating nature of Baizhi and Qianghuo is used to unblock stagnation in various segments; the cold-natured properties of Huangqin and Huashi are used to overcome heat and eliminate excess; the bitter-purgative action of Dahuang and Qianniu is used to facilitate both bowel movements and urination to drain the middle jiao. This is also a method of "counter-attack" (Ni Gong). These are indeed fierce medicines. Although Baizhu harmonizes the Stomach, if taken continuously even after the disease is cured, it would be like trying to support a collapsing mansion with a single piece of wood. Another formula uses 1 liang of powdered white Pharbitis Seed (Bai Qianniu), 5 qian of Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma) processed by four methods, and 2 qian of Licorice Root (Gancao), formed into pills with rice paste. The dosage is determined by the deficiency or excess of the condition. All types of accumulations and masses are dispelled upon taking it. Moreover, the herbs are very mild and do not damage the Primordial Spirit (Yuan Shen); its efficacy surpasses that of Lizhong Tang and Chengqi Decoctions. Yet another formula uses equal parts of prepared Rhubarb (Zhi Dahuang) and raw Pharbitis Seed (Sheng Bai Qianniu), mixed with Coix Seed Powder (Yiyiren Fen) and a concentrated decoction of Soap Pod (Zaojiao), steamed until cooked, then pounded into pills, which is also excellent.
Poem says: Huangqin dazzles, Dahuang is potent, Baizhi emits fragrance, Qianniu passes south past Huashi's pavilion, laughing at Qianghuo as but a drink in the cup, while Baizhu is used year after year, turning temples starry gray.

Bupleurum Root (Chaihu) Pinellia Tuber (Banxia) Rhubarb (Dahuang) Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi) Scutellaria Root (Huangqin) Peony Root (Shaoyao) Ginger (Jiang) and Jujube (Zao) assist in decoction.

When Yang pathogenic factors transmit inward, exterior symptoms have not yet resolved, and interior symptoms are urgent, this formula is indicated.
Exterior symptoms unresolved means alternating chills and fever, along with hypochondriac pain and bitter taste in the mouth persisting. Thus, Chaihu, Banxia, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and Dazao (Jujube) are used to resolve the exterior. Interior symptoms being urgent means dry stool and difficult defecation. Thus, Dahuang, Zhishi, Huangqin, and Shaoyao are used to attack the interior excess.
Poem says: In Da Chaihu Tang there are Huangqin and Shaoyao, dignified Dahuang paired with Banxia and small Zhike, exterior pathogens not yet ceased while interior pathogens urge on, measure the dosage, decoct and pour, and the illness will be repelled.

Rhubarb (Dahuang) Mirabilite (Mangxiao) Licorice Root (Gancao)

Swelling and pain of the eyelids (Flesh Wheel), constipation, delirious speech, pulse large and long with force, headache located at Juyang acupoints (referring to Taiyang meridian head points or generally head/neck stiffness), aversion to cold absent but aversion to heat present, toothache, and thirst. This is precisely a syndrome of excess pathogenic factors in the Yangming channel.
Initially, sweating should have been induced; due to mismanagement, the pathogen transmitted to this channel, where heat has confined for several days. If not purged, the disease will inevitably change. Mangxiao and Dahuang, being greatly cold, can sweep away excess; roasted Gancao, being sweet and neutral, can harmonize the Middle Jiao. The soup form acts swiftly, regulating the Stomach and allowing exterior Qi to follow smoothly, hence it is called Tiaowei Chengqi Tang. It also treats Zhongxiao (Middle Wasting-Thirst) in Yang syndromes, characterized by good appetite but frequent urination. In summary, sweating should not be delayed too late, lest it lead to upper-jiao syndromes; purging should not be done too early, lest it cause complications such as Jie Xiong (Chest Binding) or Pi Qi (Epigastric Fullness).