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This is a formula for benefiting the source of fire (Yi Huo Zhi Ji). For conditions where Mingmen Yang Qi is deficient and Yin Cold prevails, this formula with modifications is appropriate. This formula can be used interchangeably with Da Bu Yuan Jian; for instance, in treating conditions such as Yin excess repelling Yang or true cold with false heat, it is advisable to add Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) two qian. After decoction, cool the liquid by immersing it in cold water before administration, which yields excellent results.

Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), usage as above; Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) two qian, stir-fried; Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit) one qian; Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) two qian; Gan Cao (Licorice Root) one to two qian, honey-fried; Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) two qian, salt-processed; Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark) one to two qian; Fu Zi (Aconite Lateral Root) one to three qian.

Decoct with two cups of water until reduced to seven-tenths. Take warm, well after meals. If there is Qi deficiency and blood collapse, manifesting as cold limbs or coma, sweating or dizziness, or false mania or shortness of breath, add Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), selecting according to circumstances. If Fire deficiency fails to warm Earth (Spleen/Stomach), leading to vomiting, hiccupping, or acid regurgitation, add Pao Jiang (Charred Ginger) two to three qian. If Yang deficiency with middle Jiao cold causes diarrhea and abdominal pain, add Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) and Rou Dou Kou (Nutmeg Seed), selecting according to circumstances. If there is frequent pain in the lower abdomen, add Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit) five to seven fen. If dribbling urine and leukorrhea persist, add Po Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit) one qian. If blood deficiency and blood stasis cause softness and pain in the waist and knees, add Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) two to three qian.

This treats insufficiency of True Yin and Kidney Water, which fails to nourish Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi), gradually leading to physical decline. Symptoms may include alternating deficiency fever, spontaneous sweating or night sweats, mental confusion, blood failing to return to its origin, injury to Yin from deficiency, enuresis or involuntary urination, Qi deficiency causing faintness, blurred vision or deafness, dry mouth and tongue, or soreness and weakness of the waist and legs. For all conditions involving internal depletion of essence and marrow, and withered and dried-up body fluids, it is urgent to employ the method of strengthening the master of water (nourishing Kidney Yin) to cultivate the primal Yin of the left Kidney, thereby ensuring the natural sufficiency of essence and blood. This formula is indicated.

Da Huai Shu Di Huang (Large Huai Prepared Rehmannia Root) eight liang; Shan Yao (Chinese Yam) four liang, stir-fried; Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) four liang, processed; Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit) four liang; Chuan Niu Xi (Cyathula Root) washed in wine and steamed until cooked; Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed) soaked in wine and steamed until cooked; Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue) crushed; Gui Ban Jiao (Tortoise Shell Glue) crushed.

First, steam the Shu Di Huang until soft and mash it into a paste. Add refined honey and form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take more than one hundred pills before each meal, delivered with boiling water or light salt water. If True Yin deficiency leads to flaring of deficient fire upward, a pure Yin and extremely tranquil formula is suitable; remove Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) and Lu Jiao Jiao (Deer Antler Glue) from this base formula, and add Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustrum Fruit) three liang and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) three liang. If fire scorches Lung Metal, causing dryness and frequent coughing, add Bai He (Lily Bulb) three liang. If night fever with bone-steaming sensation occurs, add Di Gu Pi (Lycium Bark) three liang. If urination is difficult and unclear, add Fu Ling (Poria) three liang. If stool is dry and constipated, remove Tu Si Zi (Cuscuta Seed) and add Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche Stem) three liang. If Qi is deficient, add Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) three to four liang. If blood is deficient with slight stagnation, add Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) four liang. If there is soreness and pain in the waist and knees, add Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark) stir-fried with salt water three liang. If the zang organs are peaceful without fire but Kidney Qi is insufficient, add Po Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit) three liang, Qu Xin Lian Rou (Lotus Seed without plumule) and Hu Tao Rou (Walnut Kernel) four liang each, and Gui Ban Jiao (Tortoise Shell Glue) need not be used. The five fluids are governed by the Kidney; any medicine belonging to the category of nourishing Yin can enter the Kidney. Those who claim that guidance exercises (Dao Yin) are strictly necessary demonstrate a lack of clear understanding.