赤石脂理腻粘苦缀唇，鲜红桃花色者为上品，近年佐渡州所产者是也。凡方有桃花名者，
以
柴胡桂枝干姜汤证曰∶渴而不呕。
小柴胡去半夏加栝蒌汤证曰∶发渴者。
上二方，栝蒌根各四两。
栝蒌桂枝汤，证不具。
栝蒌瞿麦丸证曰∶其人若渴。
上二方，栝蒌根各二两。
栝蒌牡蛎散证曰∶渴不差者。
牡蛎泽泻散证不具。
上二方，栝蒌根诸药等分。
据此诸方，则栝蒌根治渴明矣。凡渴有二证。烦渴者，石膏主之，但渴者，栝蒌根主之。
是宜分别而治之。按栝蒌根者，盖兼治口中燥渴及粘者，然是非栝蒌根一味之主治也。合用
而后见其妙，要宜考之于柴胡桂枝干姜汤，栝蒌桂枝汤二方。
栝蒌桂枝汤证，不具。然太阳病，其证备云，则是全备桂枝汤证之谓也。但身体强几几
然云者，岂独栝蒌根所主乎？几几然，是项背强急之状也。故桂枝加葛根汤证曰∶此方盖于
桂枝加葛根汤证曰∶项背强，几几然，则几几然，是为葛根之证明矣，余故曰∶此方盖于桂
枝加葛根汤方内，加栝蒌根二两，煮法水率，亦皆根据桂枝加葛根汤法，而不根据桂枝汤法也。
岂不其征乎？然则益知此方者，是桂枝加葛根汤证全备而渴者主之。《类聚方》不载此方，
水率煮法者误也。
牡蛎泽泻散，证不具。此方七味等分之剂，而不知何以为主药也？然今此谓大病瘥后，
从腰以下有水气，则必有渴证明矣。故有栝蒌根也。
Red halloysite (Chishizhi, 赤石脂) has a greasy, sticky texture and a bitter taste; it stains the lips with a fresh red color resembling peach blossoms. The best quality is produced in Sado Province in recent years. For any formula with "Peach Blossom" (Taohua, 桃花) in its name, [the naming reason] is that it mainly treats thirst.
The syndrome of Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Dried Ginger Decoction) states: "Thirst without vomiting."
The syndrome of Xiao Chaihu Tang Banxia removed plus Gualou Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction with Banxia removed and Gualou added) states: "Those who develop thirst."
In the above two formulas, Gualou Gen (Trichosanthes Root) is used in amounts of four liang each.
The syndrome description for Gualou Guizhi Tang (Trichanthes and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is incomplete.
The syndrome of Gualou Qumai Wan (Trichanthes and Rumex Pill) states: "If the person has thirst."
In the above two formulas, Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root) is used in amounts of two liang each.
The syndrome of Gualou Muli San (Trichanthes and Oyster Shell Powder) states: "When thirst does not resolve."
The syndrome description for Muli Zexie San (Oyster Shell and Alisma Powder) is incomplete.
In the above two formulas, Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root) and other herbs are used in equal proportions.
Based on these formulas, it is clear that Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root) mainly treats thirst. Generally, there are two types of thirst syndromes: thirst accompanied by vexation is treated mainly by Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum); simple thirst is treated mainly by Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root).
They should be treated separately. Examining Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root), it seems to also treat dryness and thirst in the mouth as well as a sticky sensation; however, this is not the exclusive main indication of Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root) alone. Its efficacy is revealed only when combined with other herbs; thus, it is essential to examine the Chaihu Guizhi Ganjiang Tang (Bupleurum, Cinnamon Twig, and Dried Ginger Decoction) and Gualou Guizhi Tang (Trichanthes and Cinnamon Twig Decoction).
The syndrome description for Gualou Guizhi Tang (Trichanthes and Cinnamon Twig Decoction) is incomplete. However, since the symptoms of Taiyang disease (Taiyang Disease) are complete, this refers to having all the symptoms of Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). But regarding the statement "body stiffness and shu-shu-ran (stiffness and discomfort)," is this solely indicated by Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root)? "Shu-shu-ran" describes the state of stiffness and tension in the neck and back. Therefore, the syndrome of Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Pueraria) states: "Stiffness and tension in the neck and back, shu-shu-ran." Thus, "shu-shu-ran" is the proof that Gegen (Puerariae Radix) is the main herb. Hence, I say: this formula is likely based on Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Pueraria), with the addition of two liang of Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root). The decoction method and water ratio follow the principles of Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Pueraria), not those of Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction). Is this not evidence? This further confirms that this formula is indicated for patients who fully present the syndrome of Guizhi Jia Gegen Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction plus Pueraria) and have thirst. The *Leiju Fang* (Collected Formulas) does not record this formula, and the records regarding water ratio and decoction method are erroneous.
The syndrome description for Muli Zexie San (Oyster Shell and Alisma Powder) is incomplete. This formula consists of seven herbs in equal proportions, so it is unknown which serves as the main herb. However, it is now stated that this is for after a major illness has resolved, with fluid accumulation below the waist; thus, there must be proof of thirst. Therefore, Gualou Gen (Trichanthes Root) is included in the formula.