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Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma, 2 liang), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, 3 qian), Liangjiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma, 2 qian), Fuling (Poria, 1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 1 qian), Guanzhong (Asparagus Fern Rhizome, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

Some people experience abdominal pain and diarrhea between summer and autumn, which transforms into dysentery. The stool resembles fish mucus; over time, it becomes a mixture of red and white. This is due to Liver Wood overcoming Spleen Earth. During summer and autumn, cold and heat inevitably mix. When the Liver encounters cool wind, its Qi fails to flow freely. Unable to disperse upward, it necessarily attacks downward. Meanwhile, the Spleen and Stomach are affected by the summer heat. They bully the withering Liver Wood and contend with it. Provoked, the Liver Wood becomes angry and overcomes Earth even more severely. The injured Spleen Earth cannot hold food and fluids, leading to abdominal pain and diarrhea. After prolonged diarrhea, when the residue is exhausted, the Spleen transmits the abnormal Qi of Liver Wood to the Kidney. Seeing its "child" organ's Qi in distress, the Kidney assists in the pathology, forgetting that its own maternal essence has been damaged. The red color appears because the Liver fails to store blood; the white color appears because the Kidney fails to store essence. Since Liver blood is limited and Kidney essence is finite, how can they flow continuously like pouring water or gushing springs? It is unknown that the Six Fu Organs fear the rampant Liver Wood, while the Five Zang Organs exacerbate the Kidney's dilemma, mutually reinforcing this condition. The treatment principle urgently requires calming the anger of Liver Qi and slightly adding herbs to remove turbidity. Then, Liver Qi descends, and Kidney Qi is instantly contained. There is no need to specifically stop dysentery; once Spleen Earth is at peace, why fear dysentery? Use Pinggan Zhili Tang (Liver-Calming Dysentery-Stopping Decoction):
Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 5 qian), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus, 2 qian), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 1 qian), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 2 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, dysentery lightens; after two doses, it lightens further; after three doses, full recovery occurs.
This formula does not directly treat dysentery but stops it by calming the Liver. The onset of dysentery begins in the Liver; its formation stems from the Kidney. Calming the Liver calms Liver Qi; calm Liver Qi leads to calm Kidney Qi. With calm Liver and Kidney Qi, how could the Spleen and Stomach be uncalm? Modern practitioners only treat the Spleen and Stomach, hence dysentery does not stop quickly.
For this syndrome, He Fu Tang (Abdomen-Harmonizing Decoction) is also suitable:
Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 5 qian), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 3 qian), Guangmuxiang (Vladimiriae Root, 2 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

Some people suffer from diarrhea preceding dysentery between summer and autumn, with severe abdominal pain and extreme tenesmus (feeling of incomplete defecation). They feel the urge to defecate but cannot, accompanied by thirst and difficult urination, and distension in the small intestine. People assume this is severe Fire Pathogen, but it is actually excessive Damp-Heat. Summer heat causes excessive drinking; although heat dissipates temporarily, dampness remains in the intestines and stomach. In autumn, cold wind attacks the skin and hair, trapping heat within the organs. Heat desires to escape outward but cannot, so it combines with dampness. However, dampness and heat are not compatible; their conflict generates pain. Heat wants to exit downward, while dampness tries to retain it, causing tension in the large intestine and resulting in tenesmus. Heat trapped inside burns upward, seeking relief from water. But dampness stays in the lower jiao, and fire fears water, preventing water from entering the bladder. Water and fire battle, exiting through the large intestine, causing lower abdominal distension. The treatment principle is to separate dampness and heat, directing turbid matter to the large intestine and clear matter to the small intestine. Astringents should not be used to stop dysentery. Use Fenjie Shire Tang (Damp-Heat-Separating Decoction):
Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 1 liang), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 3 qian), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 1 qian), Binglang (Arecae Semen, 1 qian), Huashi (Talcum Powder, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, tenesmus disappears; after two doses, pain and distension cease; after three doses, thirst resolves, and dysentery is fully cured.
This formula uses Cheqianzi to promote urination, Huanglian to clear heat, and Houpo to distinguish clear from turbid. Other herbs remove turbidity and stagnation, harmonizing between pathogenic factors and healthy Qi. With proper coordination of Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Envoy herbs, rapid efficacy is assured.
For this syndrome, Erhuang Tang (Two-Yellow Decoction) is also effective:
Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma, 2 qian), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 5 qian), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Binglang (Arecae Semen), Huashi (Talcum Powder) (each 2 qian), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 0.5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Cured in two doses.

Some people suffer from damp-heat dysentery with intense thirst, drinking yet feeling unsatisfied, mental restlessness (Ao Nu), difficult urination, and stools mixed with red and white resembling pus and blood. This is due to unresolved heat and dampness. Extreme damp-heat forms dysentery, varying in dominance of dampness or heat. Such cases indicate heavy damp-heat. Eliminating water alone leaves heat; clearing fire alone leaves dampness. Both must be drained simultaneously. However, draining heat damages Yang, and draining dampness damages Yin. The treatment principle requires supplementing Yin while assisting in draining heat and dampness, preserving both Yin and Yang. Although drainage harms Yin and Yang, supplementation should address both. Why just supplement Yin without harming Yang? Because Yin and Yang are mutually rooted. Heat-draining herbs act on the large intestine; damaging Yang there also damages Yin. Supplementing Yin protects it, thus sparing Yang. Hence, supplementing Yin suffices. Use Ziyin Zhili Dan (Yin-Nourishing Dysentery-Stopping Pill):
Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 1 liang), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 5 qian), Binglang (Arecae Semen, 2 qian), Luobozhi (Brassicae Semis, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, pus and blood decrease; after two doses, restlessness vanishes; after three doses, thirst resolves, and dysentery stops suddenly.
This formula is unique for combining Dahuang and Luobozhi to expel stasis and turbidity rapidly. Used within Baishao and Danggui, it nourishes while attacking, gaining benefits without harm.
For this syndrome, Tongkuai Yin (Unblocking and Speeding Infusion) is also good:
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Fuling (Poria) (each 3 qian), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (each 2 qian), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

Some people suffer from extreme damp-heat dysentery with vomiting, inability to eat, continuous diarrhea, inability to drink even a spoonful of water, and chest stuffiness. People call this Jin Kou Li (Jammed-Mouth Dysentery), but it is actually toxic damp-heat in the Stomach. Dysentery should descend; if it ascends as vomiting, it indicates Stomach Fire combined with dampness, blocking the appetite. Stomach Fire stems from Heart Fire. Heart Fire hates dampness; dampness traps fire, stopping it at the Stomach entrance. Combined fires create solidified heat and stagnant dampness in the chest, causing confusion. Treatment must open the door of constrained fire. Direct opening is hard; guiding fire out is faster. Use Yingwei Tang (Stomach-Guiding Decoction):
Renshen (Ginseng Radix, 1 qian), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 3 qian), Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus, 0.3 qian), Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma, 0.3 qian). Grind into fine powder. Mix with Fuling powder (approx. 5 qian) using boiling water to form a thin paste. Swallow spoon by spoon. Initially, vomiting may occur; continue swallowing until the medicine settles. This opens upper and lower passages. Then use Jingluan Tang (Chaos-Pacifying Decoction):
Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang), Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 5 qian), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, 1 qian), Mutong (Akebiae Caulis, 1 qian), Guangmuxiang (Vladimiriae Root, 0.5 qian), Fuling (Poria, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Dysentery stops in two doses; three doses are unnecessary.
The previous Yingwei Tang was used because Heart Fire prefers dryness. Huanglian is cold but dry. Using dryness for dryness is acceptable. Wuzhuyu is hot and dry; combining fire with fire avoids rejection. Added to Renshen and Changpu, it guides properly. Stomach Fire is evil fire; Heart Fire is righteous fire. Between them, righteous herbs disperse evil. Renshen tonifies Stomach Qi, opening the gate like a general storming a fortress. Jingluan Tang follows up with troops to eliminate pathogens. With water-promoting, turbidity-expelling, and Liver-calming herbs, success is guaranteed.
For this syndrome, Qiguan San (Gate-Opening Powder) is also effective:
Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Fuling (Poria) (each 2 qian), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix, 0.3 qian), Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus, 0.5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally slowly. Recovery follows immediately.

Some people suffer from damp-heat dysentery. After several days, abdominal pain ceases, but pus and blood pass spontaneously in waves. Hands and feet are cold, and Yuan Qi (Original Qi) is nearly exhausted. This is Fire transforming into Cold with Yin exhaustion. Ancient texts say dysentery has no stopping method, but this is not absolute. Some require immediate stopping; others do not. Not stopping leads to chronic illness; stopping risks unpredictable changes. Thus, dysentery should not be lightly stopped. However, in this case, stopping is necessary. Pain indicates pathogen; absence of pain suggests no pathogen. Spontaneous passage of pus and blood without pain indicates Qi collapse. Cold extremities indicate Qi failure to circulate. Check the tongue: dryness indicates extreme heat; slipperiness indicates extreme cold. Heat turning to cold shows a slippery tongue. Stop dysentery first to save collapse; do not purge to attack pathogen. Use Zhituo Jiuli Tang (Collapse-Stopping Dysentery-Saving Decoction):
Renshen (Ginseng Radix, 2 liang), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 2 liang), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 1 liang), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 3 qian), Fuling (Poria, 1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 2 qian), Chishizhi Powder (Kaolinite Powder, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, hands and feet warm; after two doses, pus and blood stop; after three doses, dysentery cures. Reduce all herbs by half, remove Chishizhi, take ten more doses to restore Yuan Qi.
Such dysentery is rare. Do not rigidly apply this formula. I record this method to save lives.
For this syndrome, Jiawei Sijun Tang (Modified Four Gentlemen Decoction) is also effective:
Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (each 2 liang), Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 3 qian), Beiweizi (Schisandrae Fructus, 3 qian), Fuling (Poria, 1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

Some people contract summer-damp toxicity, evacuating food and water violently, 70-80 times a day, with thick sticky pus and blood, intense thirst, and unquenchable drinking. People think intestinal heat toxins attack, but it is actually Bladder heat binding with failed Qi transformation. Water-damp exits via the Bladder, guided by Lung Qi descending. Now, Stomach heat steams the Lung, which transfers heat to the Large Intestine, causing pressure that blocks the Bladder. Bladder heat binding prevents Qi transformation, leading to scanty dark urine. Pathogenic heat and damp rush to the Large Intestine, flowing fiercely like bursting water. Treatment must clear Bladder heat to promote urination. Since Lung and Large Intestine are exterior-interior pairs, clearing Lung heat is preferable. Use Qingyuan Zhili Tang (Source-Clearing Dysentery-Stopping Decoction):
Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, 3 qian), Fuling (Poria, 5 qian), Zishen (Bistortae Radix, 3 qian), Helile (Terminalia Chebulae Fructus, 3 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix, 3 qian), Diyü (Sanguisorbae Radix, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Half reduction after one dose; dysentery stops after three doses.
This formula clears Lung Metal and its source. Huangqin and Diyü cool the Lung, thereby cooling the Large Intestine. Zishen treats intestinal heat and removes accumulation. Helile secures the intestines. Combined with Fuling and Gancao, it balances unblocking and securing, achieving miraculous results.
For this syndrome, Xunxing Tang (Swift-Action Decoction) is also effective:
Wangbuliuxing (Vaccariae Semen), Fuling (Poria), Zhuling (Polyporus, Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix)) (each 3 qian), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

Some people have pure blood dysentery, resembling old roof leaks, with an open anus that cannot close, flushed face, and red lips. People consider this a fatal sign. However, with correct treatment, survival is possible as Qi is not yet exhausted. For pure red dysentery, start with Yin-nourishing herbs. Many believe dysentery cannot be tonified, leading to such conditions. Yang-tonics are sometimes suitable; Yin-tonics are always suitable. If one sees red-white stool and uses attacking herbs regardless of deficiency, white turns to red, then to old-leak color. Pure blood dysentery is Yang excess and Yin deficiency. Not nourishing Yin to control Yang, but aiding Yang to attack Yin, worsens Yin deficiency. Extreme deficiency leads to descent without ascent. An open anus proves descent without ascent. Flushed face and red lips prove Yang rising and Yin sinking. If Yang rises instead of descending and Yin sinks instead of ascending, Yin and Yang do not interact, leading to death. Survival indicates Yin is low but not extinct. Treatment urgently nourishes Yin to guide Yang down and supplements Yang to lift Yin. Use Buyin Shengti Tang (Yin-Supplementing Lifting Decoction):
Renshen (Ginseng Radix, 1 liang), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata, 1 liang), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 3 liang), Fuling (Poria, 1 liang), Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, 2 qian), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma, 1 liang), Beiweizi (Schisandrae Fructus, 3 qian), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 1 liang), Helile (Terminalia Chebulae Fructus, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Half reduction after one dose; stops after two doses. If symptoms persist, Yin is extinct and Yang cannot interact; stop medication.
This formula is a miracle for saving Yin and lifting Qi. If Yin is not extinct, it can be restored. Do not discard it due to initial failure. Apply halved dose immediately for pure red dysentery to avoid death.
For this syndrome, Xuéjue Tang (Continuing Extinction Decoction) is excellent:
Renshen (Ginseng Radix, 5 qian), Shudi (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), Qianshi (Euryales Semen) (each 1 liang), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Beiwei (Schisandrae Fructus, 2 qian). Decoct in water and take orally.

Some people indulge in alcohol for years, accumulating damp-heat, leading to dysentery. Though lacking violent evacuation, they suffer loose stools year-round. People attribute this to Spleen wine accumulation, but it is actually Kidney leakage caused by damp-heat wine vapor. Wine vapor intoxicates the Kidney. Damp-heat invasion occurs due to Kidney weakness. The Kidney transfers damp-heat to the Spleen, which suffers long-term, failing to store,酿成酒积 (brewing wine accumulation) and dysentery. Though accumulation is in the Spleen, the root is in the Kidney. Treating the Spleen alone fails; treating the Kidney alone fails. One must resolve wine toxicity and separate damp-heat. Then dysentery stops naturally. Use Huajiu Zhili Tang (Wine-Resolving Dysentery-Stopping Decoction):
Renshen (Ginseng Radix, 3 qian), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, 1 liang), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 5 qian), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 qian), Fuling (Poria, 5 qian), Zuozhizhi (Quercus Ramulus, 5 qian), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba, 5 qian), Binglang (Arecae Semen, 0.5 qian), Yiren (Coicis Semen, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Take four doses consecutively for self-cure; do not overdose. Avoid alcohol after cure, or it will recur.
This formula resolves wine toxicity but only currently, not preventatively. Wine vapor deeply poisons the Kidney. While it revives Spleen and Stomach, continued drinking worsens damage. Alcohol accumulators often suffer prematurely; caution is advised.
For this syndrome, Yushu Duozhe Tang (Cornus-Atractylodes-Douglas Fir Branch Decoction) is also good:
Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (each 1 liang), Zuozhizhi (Quercus Ramulus), Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex) (each 1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Cured in ten doses.

Some people suffer from tenesmus and dysentery for years, fluctuating without rest. People call this Resting Dysentery, but it is actually residual pathogen after healthy Qi recovery. Dysentery should not be arbitrarily stopped; follow the trend. If pathogenic fire and water are not cleared, sudden tonification and astringency trap pathogens in the abdomen, causing intermittent flare-ups. Combined with rich diet and overwork, resting dysentery forms. Treatment should prioritize promoting urination or defecation. Promoting bowel movement is better than promoting urination since healthy Qi has recovered and Bladder Qi can separate clear and turbid. Residual pathogen is fire in the Large Intestine; promoting Large Intestine movement expels it. However, Large Intestine-purging herbs pass through Stomach and Spleen, potentially harming them before reaching the Large Intestine. Use Jinhui Dan (Exhausting Turbidity Pill):
Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian), Huashi (Talcum Powder, 1 qian), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex, 1 qian), Diyü (Sanguisorbae Radix, 2 qian), Binglang (Arecae Semen, 1 qian). Grind into fine powder. Boil honey to make pills. Take all at once. Eat a meal immediately after to suppress gastric retention. Aim for mild purgation; one passage cures dysentery.
This formula specifically drains Large Intestine damp-heat. Since pathogen is in the Large Intestine, it works instantly. If fearing Spleen/Stomach damage, take with Renshen decoction. Suitable only for weak constitutions, not robust ones.
For this syndrome, Huangong Tang (Slow-Attack Decoction) is also effective.