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In the treatment of dysentery, when Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Binglang (Arecae Semen), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), and Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) are used, it is because these herbs possess extremely bitter and astringent flavors and have a strongly descending nature. Dysentery is caused by damp-heat pathogenic factors and toxins infiltrating the fine collaterals and mesenteric membranes of the intestines and stomach. The bitter and astringent flavors can absorb these pathogens, which then descend along with the fecal matter. Therefore, in cases of tenesmus (里急后重), heavy use of such drugs expels turbid saliva and pathogens, leading to recovery as the turbid qi in the intestinal and gastric collaterals and membranes is exhausted. If Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) are used, they damage healthy qi while retaining pathogens, often resulting in untreatable conditions; if Yingkesu (Papaveris Pericarpium) and Wumei (Mume Fructus) are used, they consolidate and stop leakage but retain pathogens, frequently leading to chronic dysentery (Xixie), where one aspect is addressed while the other is neglected. Qian Yiyuan treated pediatric convulsive epilepsy using Qingfen (Calomel), Badou (Crotonis Fructus), and Qianniu (Pharbitidis Semen) together, employing one method to astringe and another to purge, thereby capturing phlegm-saliva and driving it downward. There are many such ancient prescriptions.

To induce sweating, one must nourish the source of sweat. This is not only to prevent injury to yin, but also because if body fluids are insufficient, there is no carrier for the pathogen, making expulsion impossible. Thus, in Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) is used, or Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) is added; in Mahuang Tang (Ephedra Decoction), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) is used, or Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is added: this is not merely to clear internal heat, but to ensure sufficient gastric juices so that pathogens have a basis to gather; once gathered, they can be completely expelled. Hence, in *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), cases of fever with spontaneous sweating that do not resolve are cured by administering Guizhi Tang at the appropriate time to induce sweating; by replenishing Ying (Nutritive Qi), Wei (Defensive Qi) cannot harbor pathogens. Zhang Lu stated: In warm-heat diseases, when restlessness and thirst persist, drinking water or taking cold herbs like Huangqin or Shigao often leads to resolution through profuse sweating. This occurs because dry-heat in the intestines and stomach lacks the strength to overcome the pathogen; the cold and clearing properties help generate stomach fluids. For all acrid-dispersing agents, assisting them with sweet and sour substances follows this principle. The Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) in Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction), Shigao in Da Qinglong Tang (Major Blue Dragon Decoction), and Baishao in Guizhi Tang are most worthy of careful study.

Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) is used to warm and unblock blood vessels obstructed by cold. In hematemesis (vomiting blood), there is a type caused by kidney cold and deficiency of primal yang, or stomach cold and weakness of middle qi, both of which prevent smooth blood flow, causing blood to overflow and act recklessly. As stated in *Neijing* (The Inner Canon), "blood leakage" refers to vessel constriction where blood has nowhere to go. Such symptoms occur at regular intervals with predictable timing. For example, in women's menstruation, when the pulse is unsmooth, blood accumulates until it is discharged. Treating this primarily with Guizhi often yields immediate results. Zhang Xu also highly praised Guizhi for its ability to unblock cold obstruction in blood vessels. If coughing up blood without vomiting, it is undoubtedly due to cold obstruction. However, people generally claim that Guizhi moves blood, and upon seeing any blood disorder, they routinely prohibit its use. This is a mistake!