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The *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon) states: The binding of one Yin (Jueyin) and one Yang (Shaoyang) qi is called Hou Bi (Throat Bi syndrome, involving Jueyin Wind-Wood and Shaoyang Minister-Fire). It further states: The pharynx (Yan) is the pathway for food and drink; the larynx (Hou) is the channel through which Qi ascends and descends; the epiglottis (Huiyan) is the gatehouse for voice production. The Foot-Shaoyin Kidney meridian connects upward to the root of the tongue, links to the transverse bone, and terminates at the epiglottis.

Hou Bi arises from phlegm generating heat, heat generating wind, and fire causing swelling. Thus, when heat pathogens lodge in the Upper Jiao, it results in soreness and swelling of the throat and pharynx. Regarding the relationship between the pharynx/larynx and the epiglottis, the *Neijing* refers to them as the Xi Men (Suction Gate). The pharynx primarily governs Qi reception, corresponds to the Lung, belongs to Metal, and is light and clear, not allowing foreign objects; the larynx primarily receives food, corresponds to the Stomach, belongs to Earth, and accepts all things. The epiglottis sits in the middle, controlling opening and closing, capable of closing the pharynx during eating. If small particles are accidentally swallowed in haste, coughing expels them before stopping. Only respiration passes through the pharynx, making it a critical passageway of the human body. Suddenly, if fluids cannot enter the mouth and speech is lost, life hangs in the balance. Hou Bi is equivalent to modern Ru E (Tonsillitis/Angina). There are eighteen types of throat syndromes, such as Dan E (Unilateral Tonsillitis), Shuang E (Bilateral Tonsillitis), and Chan Hou Feng (Wind-Entangling Throat). Although names and manifestations differ, their source is identical: Minister-Fire. These are often caused by dietary factors like alcohol, fishy/meaty foods, spicy and rich flavors, as well as emotional disturbances, phlegm, and fire. Upon onset, pain extends to the neck and temples, with swelling of the head and face. Ancient texts recommend pricking to bleed. However, cases of injury from pricking are now common; therefore, inducing vomiting to expel phlegm and saliva is safer and infallible. The pulse should be Floating and Surging; a Fine and Hidden pulse is contraindicated. Additionally, one must distinguish Shaoyin Sore Throat from Cold Damage and pain due to Lower Deficiency in Yin Syndromes. If differentiation is difficult, treat initially according to the Main Formula.

Main Formula: Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, 4 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian), Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba, 1.5 qian), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Swallow slowly while lying in bed.

If detailed pulse and syndrome analysis indicates Heat, gradually add Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Tianfenn (Puerariae Radix), Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus), Shegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma), Shandougen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix), Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Lianlian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), and Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), selecting as appropriate.

For constipation, add Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma); for dysuria, add Mutong (Akebiae Caulis).

Qingxin Liyi Tang (Clear Heart and Benefit Throat Decoction): Treats soreness and swelling of the throat with abundant phlegm and saliva.
Ingredients: Jiegeng, Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Huangqin, Bohe, Jingjie, Fangfeng, Zhizi (each 1.5 qian); Gancao, Xuanshen, Lianqiao (each 1 qian); Dahuang, Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas), Niubangzi (each 0.7 qian).
Prepare as one dose, decoct in water, and take after meals. Also use Bixue (see Tongue Syndromes chapter).

Toushui Tian (Penetrating Water Heaven Pill): Treats all types of Wind-Heat Hou Bi, sores on the mouth and tongue, unclear head and eyes, and abundant phlegm and saliva.
Ingredients: Huanglian, Boheye (Menthae Folium), Binglang (Arecae Semen), Puhuang (Typhae Pollen), Jingjiesui (Schizonepetae Spica), Gancao, Huangbai (each powdered, 5 fen); Bingpian (Borneolum Syntheticum, 3 fen); Shishuang (Diospyros Fructus Frost, 5 qian. If unavailable, use white sugar).
Mix with honey to form pills, and hold in the mouth for dissolution as needed.

Yuxue San (Jade Snow Powder): Treats soreness and swelling of the throat; effective for all eighteen syndromes including unilateral and bilateral tonsillitis.
Ingredients: Jiangcan (washed, those that are firm and bright, 1 qian); Shandougen (from Guangxi, peel powdered, 5 fen); Xionghuang (Realgar, purified); Xuanmingfen (Mirabilite, or substitute with mild Yanxiao/Niter); Pengsha (Borax, bright ones, each 3 fen).
Grind into an extremely fine powder, mix evenly with 2 fen of Bingpian. First press down the tongue with chopsticks, then blow the powder into the affected area using a reed tube. Keep the mouth closed for a moment. If the jaw is locked, blow the powder into the nose. Alternatively, add Bohe, Gancao, and Jiegeng, grind into powder, make into honey pills, and hold in the mouth.

Xixian San (Thin Saliva Powder): Treats tonsillitis and throat swelling, facial edema with closed eyes, locked jaw, and inability to eat.
Ingredients: Zaojiao (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus, powdered, Zhu Ya variety is best); Mingfan (Alumen, ground, each 1 qian).
Mix with warm water and administer forcibly. If the jaw is locked, administer via the nose. If vomiting does not occur, dip a goose feather in raw Tung oil (or lamp wick oil) and stir inside the mouth to induce vomiting. One person supports the patient's forehead, another inserts a finger to draw out approximately a basin of phlegm and saliva. Pain stops and swelling subsides immediately, voice returns, and eating resumes. If not fully recovered, induce vomiting again.
Alternatively, using only Alumen or only oil can also induce vomiting.
Or use Tubinxigen (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae, also known as Guchui Cao or Funiangzi; red stem, large leaves, thick nodes bearing spiny fruit), crush and extract juice, mix with Alumen, and administer.
Or use Malantou (Indigofera tinctoria, spring shoots edible, autumn flowers small and purple like chrysanthemum), crush and extract juice, mix with a little Sesame Oil, and administer.
Or use Danfan (Chalcanthite, 5 fen), mix with water to induce vomiting, leading to recovery. Or drink two bowls of salt water to induce vomiting.

Simple Prescription: Treats Hou Bi.
True Shandougen, soak thoroughly in water, hold in the mouth and swallow the juice.

Acute Hou Bi: Badou (Crotonis Fructus, shelled), press between paper to remove oil, make into a wax taper, ignite, blow out, and smoke into the nostrils. Saliva flows, and the jaw opens.
Another method: Zaojiao (roasted, skin and seeds removed), powder. Dip the tip of a chopstick into the powder and apply to the lesion. Mix with rice vinegar and apply to the lower neck. It will spontaneously ulcerate; bleeding brings relief.
Another method: Crush Sydney (plant name) and drink the juice; effective.

Zouma Hou Bi (Running Horse Throat Bi): Jiegeng (2 liang), decoct in water, divide into two doses.

Hou Bi with Toxic Gas: Mix fresh Ginger Juice and Honey in a ratio of one bowl total. Simmer until reduced to six-tenths. Take three to five times daily.

Chan Hou Feng (Wind-Entangling Throat): Raw Baifan (Alumen, 2 qian), take with water. Or crush Chive and apply to the upper neck; or drink Radish Juice mixed with Zaojiao powder to induce vomiting of phlegm; or hold Pengsha in the mouth for dissolution.