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A person contracts wind-cold, resulting in sudden swelling and pain of the throat. The condition develops rapidly, evolving into *Shuang E* (Double Swallowtail, referring to swollen tonsils resembling silkworm moths). Symptoms include thick and turbid phlegm and saliva, thirst with a desire to drink, and unbearable pain; in severe cases, even one spoonful of water cannot be swallowed. This is caused by Yang Fire obstructing the throat. Although the presentation appears severe, the actual pathology is relatively mild. "Yang Fire" refers to the fire of the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel. The fire of the Taiyang channel is the fire of the Bladder channel, which stands in an exterior-interior relationship with the Kidney channel. When Bladder fire agitates, the Shaoyin (Lesser Yin) fire of the Kidney channel assists it, rushing directly to the throat. Simultaneously, the fire of the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach channels rises along with it, utilizing the phlegm and saliva of these three channels to block the throat completely, forming toxic heat that is difficult to resolve. The treatment method seems to require addressing multiple channels simultaneously. However, the root cause lies in the Taiyang channel; if the Bladder fire is drained, the fire in all other channels will naturally settle. Nevertheless, the throat is close to the Lung. Since the Taiyang channel passes through the Lung channel, the Lung's territory becomes a critical battlefield. How can one abandon this strategic battlefield without relieving the siege, only to attack the enemy's homeland (the Kidneys) first? Therefore, the value lies in a comprehensive treatment approach. Use Po Ai Tang (Break the Pass Decoction): Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, 3 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix, 1 qian), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 5 qian), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 3 qian), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 1 qian), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 3 qian), Shandougen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, the throat feels relaxed; after two doses, the *Shuang E* completely disappears. In this formula, herbs dispersing Taiyang pathogenic factors account for one part; those dispersing pathogenic factors from various channels account for five parts. Special attention is paid to dispersing Lung pathogenic factors, dispersing distant pathogens from nearby sources.

This condition also responds miraculously to San E Tang (Disperse Moth Decoction).
Yegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma, 1 qian each), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 1 qian each), Zuye (Perillae Folium, 1 qian each), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1 qian each), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, 3 qian), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 3 qian), Shandougen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix, 8 fen), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 5 fen). Decoct in water and take orally. One dose leads to recovery.

A person experiences sudden swelling and pain of the throat, with profuse expectoration of phlegm, thirst seeking water, slight relief upon swallowing, followed quickly by fever and renewed craving for water. The throat grows into *Shuang E*, large and red, resembling a rooster's comb. This is *Hou Bi* (Throat Obstruction), commonly known as *Chan Feng* (Coiling Throat Wind). It is caused by the simultaneous blazing of Yin and Yang fires: one is the Ministerial Fire of Shaoyang (Lesser Yang), and the other is the Sovereign Fire of Shaoyin (Lesser Yin). With both fires erupting together, the momentum is even more violent. The throat tube is narrow, preventing the fire from venting immediately, so it gets suppressed within, causing initial swelling that later forms moth-like structures. There are two types of moths: *Shuang E* (Double) and *Dan E* (Single). *Shuang E* produces two toxic swellings that press against each other, leaving a narrow gap in the middle through which tea, water, or medicine can still pass. If it is *Dan E* (Single), it forms independently, blocking the passage for food and fluids entirely; often, not even a spoonful of water can be swallowed. Since neither medicine nor food can be ingested, how can treatment be administered? The method should initially use acupuncture/bleeding therapy. Pricking points like Shaoshang is somewhat distant; instead, use a knife to prick directly into the swollen area of the throat to a depth of one *fen*. The swelling will then subside slightly, allowing the application of blowing powder. Blowing Powder Formula: Danfan (Chalcanthite, 1 fen), Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis, 1 fen), Saojiao (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina, burnt to ash, 1 fen), Shexiang (Moschus, 3 li), Bingpian (Borneolum Syntheticum, 1 fen). Grind into an extremely fine powder, mix evenly, and blow into the throat. This will induce massive vomiting of phlegm, leading to recovery. Subsequently, administer a decoction named Jiu Hou Tang (Save the Throat Decoction): Yegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma, 1 qian), Shandougen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix, 2 qian), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 liang), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 5 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. One dose results in complete recovery.

If it is *Shuang E*, bleeding therapy is unnecessary; use this formula directly. Xuanshen serves as the sovereign herb, sufficiently draining the Sovereign and Ministerial fires of the Heart and Kidney. Assisted by Shandougen, Yegan, and Tianhuafen to dispel pathogens and eliminate phlegm, the fire returns to its proper channel, and the gates of the throat become orderly and calm.

This condition also responds miraculously to Liang Di Tang (Two Earths Decoction) with modifications.
Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 1 liang each), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 1 liang each), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 liang each), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 3 fen), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 3 qian each), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 3 qian each). Decoct in water and take orally. Recovery occurs upon ingestion; a second dose is unnecessary.

A person suffers from throat swelling and pain, lighter during the day and heavier at night. The throat also develops moth-like structures, resembling a Yang syndrome, but the pain is not severe. Instead, there is extreme dryness in the throat. Drinking water provides slight relief, but once the water enters the abdomen, abdominal discomfort arises. Profuse watery saliva is expectorated; when thrown into clear water, it instantly disperses. People assume this is throat pain with moth formation and use fire-draining drugs, but they yield no effect and worsen the condition. Some cannot swallow even a spoonful of water. This is actually *Yin E* (Yin Moth). *Yin E* presents with daytime lightness and nighttime heaviness, whereas *Yang E* presents with daytime heaviness and nighttime lightness. This occurs because the Shaoyin Kidney fire has nowhere to hide below, so it rushes upward and flares in the throat. The treatment method should greatly tonify Kidney Water and add herbs that tonify Fire to guide the fire back to its source. Use Yin Huo Tang (Guide Fire Decoction): Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 3 liang), Bajitian (Morindae Officinalis Radix, 1 liang), Fuling (Poria, 5 qian), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 1 liang), Bei Wuwei (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, the fire descends and returns to its source, and throat swelling and pain disappear completely; after two doses, full recovery is achieved.

In this formula, Shudi is the sovereign herb, greatly tonifying Kidney Water. Maidong and Wuweizi are minister herbs, heavily nourishing Lung Metal. Metal and Water support each other, creating abundant joy between mother and child; sufficient Water controls Fire. Adding the warmth of Bajitian achieves mutual interaction between Water and Fire. Water tends downward, and Fire inevitably follows. With Fuling guiding them, Water and Fire move together and rest peacefully in the Kidney palace, harmonious as lute and zither. Why use hot herbs like Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) to guide fire back to the source? Guizhi and Fuzi are sage medicines for guiding fire back to the source; why discard them? These diseases arise because insufficient Water causes Fire to boil. Now, while tonifying Water, using strongly heating drugs may guide Fire temporarily but depletes Water subsequently. I do not use Guizhi and Fuzi but choose Bajitian because it guides Fire while tonifying Water, avoiding dryness in the Kidneys and benefiting the throat with clarity and purity. This is why Bajitian surpasses Guizhi and Fuzi.

This condition also responds miraculously to Shou Huo Tang (Collect Fire Decoction).
Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 3 liang), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 1 liang), Fuling (Poria, 5 qian), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 3 qian). Decoct in water to obtain one bowl, cool and sip. One dose eliminates the condition.

A person experiences chronic throat dryness progressing to pain. People attribute this to Lung Heat, unaware that it is due to the depletion of Kidney Water. Lung Metal generates Kidney Water; when Lung Qi is clear and pure, it naturally generates Kidney Water downwards. Only when Lung Qi is deficient does Lung fluid suffice for self-nourishment, unable to meet the great consumption of Kidney Water, which draws from it daily. This skin-peeling pain, how can it be avoided? Consider parents who invariably support their children. In times of poverty, lacking rice, how can one stop the crying of a hungry child? If the child becomes independent and supports the family, parents gain resources and avoid the distress of being begged; if the child is destitute and incompetent, the child's poverty makes the parents poorer, leading to an indescribable state of withering. Are Lung and Kidney any different? Thus, to save the Lung from dryness, one must first save the Kidney from depletion. Treat with Zi Mu Liang Fu Tang (Mother and Child Both Rich Decoction).
Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 3 liang), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 3 liang). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, dryness subsides slightly; after three doses, pain subsides slightly; after ten doses, both dryness and pain are completely eliminated.

Shudi nourishes Kidney Water, saving the withered Lung (Child); Maidong nourishes Lung Metal, saving the depleted Kidney (Mother). Treating both upper and lower, Kidney Water enjoys moistening, so Lung Metal faces no scorching pressure. Just as a child without haggard features brings peace to parents, treating Lung and Kidney jointly allows Shudi and Maidong to work in synergy for remarkable effects.

This condition is also well-treated by Jin Shui Tang (Metal and Water Decoction).
Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 1 liang each), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 1 liang each), Tiandong (Asparagi Radix, 3 qian each), Digupi (Lycii Cortex, 3 qian each), Danpi (Moutan Cortex, 3 qian each), Shashen (Glehniae Radix, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

A person develops *Hou Xuan* (Throat Tinea/Lichen) between the throat gates, causing throat pain. Symptoms begin with itching, unbearable facial redness and ear heat. Later, swallowing saliva feels dry, requiring repeated swallowing for relief. Over time, it takes shape and causes pain, transforming into red nodules resembling yam berries, becoming tinea characterized by pain or itching. Tinea implies the presence of parasites; how can parasites exist in the throat? Many people suffer from this disease, ignoring it until it becomes untreatable, then regretting delayed treatment—isn't it too late? This disease results from Kidney Water depletion leading to Kidney Fire rushing up, while Lung Metal becomes dry. The clearing and descending function fails; Water and Fire lack mutual interaction, and Metal and Water exhibit conflict. They battle at the gateway, causing this condition. Treatment must still tonify Kidney Water and benefit Lung Qi to greatly nourish the source of transformation, while adding anti-parasitic herbs to treat the tinea. This ensures righteousness is solidified and pathogens disperse, sweeping away parasites. Use Hua Xuan Shen Dan (Transform Tinea Divine Pill): Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 liang), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 1 liang), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, 1 qian), Baiwei (Cynanchi Atrati Radix, 1 qian), Niuzibei (Arctii Fructus, 1 qian), Baibu (Stemonae Radix, 3 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Ziwan (Asternis Radix, 2 qian), Baijiezi (Sinapis Semen, 2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After two doses, pain heals slightly; after four more doses, parasites in the tinea die completely.

Even if this formula is no longer used, switch to Run Hou Tang (Moisten Throat Decoction):
Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 1 liang), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 4 qian), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 1 liang), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 3 qian), Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex, 3 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Beimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, 1 qian), Yiren (Coicis Semen, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Take continuously for ten doses, and itching and pain are removed. Add Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 1 qian) to the formula; take cold on an empty stomach. This is truly an excellent post-treatment strategy, ensuring absolute safety.

Previously, many mildly cold herbs were used, fearing damage to the Spleen and Stomach. Adding Rougui to tonify Fire ensures Water does not freeze with Fire, and Earth enjoys growth with Fire. Lower Jiao heat resolves, and Upper Jiao naturally cools.

For this condition, Baiwei Tang (Cynanchum Decoction) can be used for ten doses first, followed by Gai Hou Tang (Irrigate Throat Decoction) for thirty doses, which also yields results.
Baiwei Tang:
Baiwei (Cynanchi Atrati Radix, 2 qian), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 3 qian), Kudonghua (Dendranthemi Flos, 3 fen each), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, 3 fen each), Baibu (Stemonae Radix, 2 fen), Beimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, 5 fen), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 3 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 fen). Decoct in water to make soup, gargle and swallow. Take one dose daily; after ten doses, parasites die.

Gai Hou Tang:
Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 2 liang), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Baiwei (Cynanchi Atrati Radix, 5 fen). Decoct in water and take orally. Full recovery after one month.

A person consumes rich foods and drinks excessively, overworks the mind, leading to foul-smelling and painful throat. People attribute this to Lung Qi injury, unaware that it is excessive Heart Fire transferring heat to the Lung. Alcohol damages the Stomach; Stomach Qi steams upward, theoretically causing Lung Heat. However, Stomach Fire steaming the Lung means Stomach Earth is substantial, generating Lung Metal. Thus, alcohol does not harm the Lung; only excessive mental labor causes Fire to rise from the Heart, punishing the Lung. Compounded by Stomach Fire assisting, Fire nature flares upward, making the throat a path of burning. Naturally, saliva and mucus become thick and sticky, mouth and tongue dry, breath foul and smelly, and pain symptoms form. The Heart governs the five odors; entering the Lung, it becomes fishy and foul—what doubt remains? Use Jie Xing Dan (Resolve Fishy Odor Pill): Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, 2 qian), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 5 qian), Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex, 3 qian), Kuqin (Scutellariae Radix, dried, 1 qian), Tiandong (Asparagi Radix, 3 qian), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 3 qian), Beimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, 5 fen), Danpi (Moutan Cortex, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Take continuously for two doses, pain stops; take four more doses, odor removes.

This formula treats the Lung while simultaneously treating the Heart, and treats the Heart while simultaneously treating the Stomach. For those consuming rich foods, Heart and Lung Qi and Blood are originally deficient. Without nourishing Qi and Blood in these two channels, merely draining Fire will damage Stomach Qi and Blood, increasing the flame of heat. Now, tonifying Lung to cool Lung, tonifying Heart to cool Heart, tonifying Stomach to clear Stomach, Fire naturally retreats. Not only does throat pain cease, but pain stabilizes itself.

This condition can also be treated with Xi Yan Tang (Extinguish Inflammation Decoction).
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 qian each), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian each), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, 1 qian each), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 5 qian), Tiandong (Asparagi Radix, 3 qian each), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 3 qian each), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 3 qian each), Ziwan (Asternis Radix, 2 qian each), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 2 qian each), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 2 qian each), Zhuye (Bambusae Folium, 30 leaves), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 3 fen). Decoct in water and take orally. Recover in four doses.

A person suffers from throat swelling and pain, inability to eat, body chills and fever, headache and heaviness, and constipation. People assume it is Heat, unaware that it is caused by contracting Cold. People dare not believe it is Cold. Theoretically, apply Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) to disperse Cold pathogens, resolving throat pain. Although people doubt it is Cold and refuse cold-dispelling herbs, can external therapy not distinguish Cold from Heat? Method: Mutong (Akebiae Caulis, 1 liang), Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus, 10 stalks). Decoct in water and bathe in a heated room.

If it is a Heat disease, the body will surely sweat, and throat pain will not decrease. If it is contracted Cold, despite hot water and intense heat, prolonged washing will absolutely not produce sweat. At this point, administering Xiao Yao San will definitely induce sweating, and throat pain will immediately vanish. This method most accurately distinguishes Cold from Heat, applicable not only to cold-contracted throat pain.

This condition is also excellently treated by Zi Bai Yin (Purple and White Drink).
Zisu (Perillae Folium, 3 qian each), Fuling (Poria, 3 qian each), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, 1 qian), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 5 fen), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Recover in one dose.