Library

Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian), Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin), Fructus Gardeniae (Shanzhi), Cortex Phellodendri (Huangbai), or add processed Rhizoma Rhei (Zhi Dahuang), made into honeyed pills.
"Toxin" refers to the state where pathogenic fire is extremely hyperactive. Conditions such as accumulated heat in the upper and lower parts, causing pain and swelling of the head and eyes, dry mouth with ulcerated tongue, constipation of both stool and urine, skin macules accompanied by delirious speech, as well as malignant sores, Xiao Ke disease (wasting-thirst syndrome), and Gan Shi (infantile malnutrition with oral ulcers) fall into this category. The pulse is large and rapid, striking the fingers when pressed heavily. Without using strongly bitter and cold herbs specifically for detoxification, it is insufficient to suppress its fierce nature. In this formula, Huangqin is bitter and drying; being drying, it is light and floating, capable of draining fire from the upper jiao. Huanglian is bitter and desiccating; being desiccating, it has a dispersing and resolving action, capable of draining fire from the middle jiao. Huangbai and Shanzhi are bitter and promoting; being promoting, they tend towards dampness, capable of draining fire from the lower jiao. Adding Dahuang and making honeyed pills treats both upper and lower, completing the strategy to preserve Yin. Nevertheless, the medicinal properties are cold to the extreme, representing a desperate situation. If the diagnosis is not accurate, do not administer lightly. The ancients made pills from Huangqin, Huanglian, and Huangbai, called San Bu Wan (Three Tonifying Pills). Using only Huangbai alone is called Da Bu Wan (Great Tonifying Pill). The names are already incorrect; commentators added many superfluous elements, making the explanation illogical. Consequently, those who rely on hearsay mistake it for a "tonic" for deficiency and engage in medical practice. I know that patients will be at a loss.
Poem: Huangqin, Huanglian, Zhizi, Huangbai, Dahuang, five flavors generally strong; although the formula is named Detoxification, do not take it again after the illness is cured.

Radix Gentianae Longdancao (Caolongdan), Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian), Radix Ginseng (Renshen), Tuber Ophiopogonis (Maidong), Fructus Schisandrae (Wuweizi), Radix Bupleuri (Chaihu), Radix Scutellariae (Huangqin), Semen Gardeniae (Zhiren), Radix Anemarrhenae (Zhimu), Tuber Asparagi (Tian dong), Radix Glycyrrhizae (Gancao).
For excessive worry without decisiveness, eye pain, and greenish ocular discharge, this formula is indicated.
The Liver governs planning and deliberation; the Gallbladder governs decision-making. Excessive worry causes fire to arise in the Liver, hence eye pain; indecision causes fire to arise in the Gallbladder, hence greenish discharge. To treat Gallbladder fire, one should directly subdue it, thus using Huangqin, Huanglian, Chaihu, Zhizi, and Longdancao; to treat Liver fire, one should restrain it, thus using Tian Dong, Maidong, Renshen, Gancao, Wuweizi, and Zhimu.
Poem: Huanglian and Longdan have always been bitter; Zhizi, Huangqin, and Chaihu obtain sweetness; cleverly adding Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder); Zhimu endures the summer heat.

Rhizoma Coptidis (Huanglian) (6 liang), Fructus Evodiae (Wuzhuyu) (1 liang, soaked in wine, stir-fried together with Huanglian), plus Radix Aucklandiae (Muxiang) 5 qian to treat dysentery due to stagnation and heat.
For left-eye disorders and pain in the left hypochondrium, this formula is indicated.
What is "Left"? It is the position of the Liver. What does "Zuo Jin" (Left Metal) mean? It means that the Metal command directly occupies its position. Why does Metal get the command? Because Huanglian drains Heart Fire, so the Lung is not constrained; then the clear and descending authority moves to the left, thereby restraining the Liver. Why use Wuzhuyu? Because its flavor is pungent and its odor is fishy/foul; the foul odor enters the Liver, and the pungency promotes free flow, serving as an adverse assistant (fan zuo). What is the meaning of adding Muxiang to treat dysentery? To utilize its aromatic and warm nature, combining with the previous herbs to open up stagnation and allow Qi and fluids to circulate freely. The Classics say: Assist with what is beneficial, harmonize with what is suitable, and no disease cannot be cured.
Poem: Zuo Jin Wan consists of Huanglian and Wuzhuyu; Yi Yuan San consists of Talcum (Huashi) and Gancao; Blood-tonifying formulas include Danggui; generally, the proportions of Liu Yi San (Six-to-One Powder) are skillfully matched.