消渴之病，有气喘痰嗽，面红虚浮，口舌腐烂，咽喉肿痛，得水则解，每日饮
水约得一斗，人以为上消之病也，谁知是肺消之症乎。夫肺属金，金宜清肃，何火
炽如此？盖心火刑之也，肺为心火所刑，则肺金干燥，又因肾水之虚，欲下顾肾，
肺气既燥，肺中津液自顾不遑，安得余津以下润夫肾乎。肺既无内水以润肾，乃索
外水以济之。然救其本宫之火炎，而终不能益肾中之真水，肾又不受外水，而与膀
胱为表里，即将外水传于膀胱，故饮水而即溲也。治法似宜泻心中之火，以救肺金
之热矣。然而肺因火热发渴，日饮外水，则水停心下者有之。水日侵心，则心火留
于肺而不归，心中已成虚寒之窟，是寒凉之药，反为心之所恶。且寒凉之药，不能
上存，势必下趋于脾胃。夫肺火之盛而不解者，正苦于脾胃之虚，土不能生金之故。
苟再用寒凉，必至损伤脾胃之气，肺金何以养哉。必须仍治肺金，少加补土之味，
则土旺而肺气自生，清肃之令行，而口渴自止。方用清上止消丹∶
麦冬（二两） 天冬（一两） 人参（三钱） 生地（五钱） 茯苓（五钱） 金银花（一两）
水煎服。十剂渴尽减，二十剂全愈。
此方重治肺，而轻治胃与脾。治肺而不损金，清火而不伤土。土生金而金生水，
又何疑乎。惟方中加入金银花者，火刑金而多饮凉水，则寒热相击，热虽暂解于片
刻，而毒必留积于平时，用清金之药，以解其热，不能解其毒也。与其日后毒发而
用散毒之品，何若乘解热之时，即兼解其毒，先杜其患哉。况金银花不特解毒，且
善滋阴，一味而两用之也。
此症用二冬苓车汤亦效。
麦冬（三两） 天冬（一两） 茯苓（五钱） 车前子（三钱） 水煎服。
消渴之病，大渴恣饮，一饮数十碗，始觉胃中少快，否则胸中嘈杂如虫上钻，
易于饥饿，得食渴减，不食渴尤甚，人以为中消之病也，谁知是胃消之病乎。胃消
之病，大约成于膏粱之人者居多。燔熬烹炙之物，肥甘醇浓之味，过于贪饕，酿
成内热，津液干涸，不得不求济于外水，水入胃中，不能游溢精气，上输于肺，而
肺又因胃火之炽，不能通调水道，于是合内外之水建瓴而下，饮一溲二，不但外
水难化，且平日素酝，水精竭绝，而尽输于下，较暴注、暴泄为尤甚，此竭泽之火，不
尽不止也。使肾水未亏，尚可制火，无如膏粱之人，肾水未有不素乏者也，保火之
不烁干足矣，安望肾水之救援乎。内水既不可制，势必求外水之相济，而外水又不
可以济也，于是思食以济之。食入胃中，止可解火于须臾，终不能生水于旦夕，不
得不仍求水以救渴矣。治法宜少泻其胃中之火，而大补其肾中之水，肾水生而胃火
息，肾有水，而关门不开，胃火何从而沸腾哉。方用闭关止渴汤∶
石膏（五钱） 玄参（二两） 麦冬（二两） 熟地（二两） 青蒿（五钱） 水煎服。二
剂而渴减，四剂而食减，十剂消渴尽除，二十剂全愈。
此方少用石膏、青蒿以止胃火，多用玄参、熟地以填肾水，重用麦门冬以益肺
气，未尝闭胃之关门也。然而胃火之开，由于肾水之开；肾水之开，由于肾火之动
也；而肾火之动，又由于肾水之乏也。今补其肾水，则水旺而肾火无飞动之机，火
静而肾水无沸腾之患。肾水既安守于肾宅，而胃火何能独开于胃关哉。此不闭之闭，
真神于闭也。
此症用止消汤亦效。
石膏 人参 茯神（各五钱） 玄参（一两） 生地（二两） 知母 麦芽 谷芽 神曲
（各三钱） 水煎服。
消渴之症，小便甚多，饮一斗溲一斗，口吐清痰，投之水中，立时散开，化为
清水，面热唇红，口舌不峭，人以为下消之病也，谁知是肾水泛上作消乎。夫肾水
泛上，水升于咽喉口舌之间，宜乎不渴，何以渴之甚也？盖下寒之极，逼其火于上
焦，故作渴耳。此火乃肾中之火，即龙雷之火也。一发而不可制，宜引而不宜逐，
可于水中引之。论此等消渴，仲景张夫子肾气丸最妙。世传肾气丸，乃张夫子定之，
以治汉帝之消渴者也。然而肾气丸止可治消渴已痊之症，不能治消渴初起之症也。
当年汉帝乍患下消之时，张夫子实别有神方，未传于世，今独传于铎，铎何敢隐秘
而不出，以救万世乎。方用引龙汤∶
玄参（三两） 肉桂（三钱） 山茱萸（四钱） 北五味（一钱） 麦冬（一两）
水煎服。一剂渴减半，三剂全愈。
龙火浮游干燥之极，非玄参三两，断不能止其焰，非肉桂三钱，必不能导其归。
山茱萸、北五味非用之以益精，实取之以止渴。益之麦冬者，以龙火久居于上游，
未免损肺，得麦冬以生其气，则肺金生水，火得水而易归也。或谓多用玄参是欲止
焰矣，既恐少用不足以止之，何多用肉桂以增焰乎？盖用肉桂者，正引火归源也。
引火而少用肉桂，又何不可？不知玄参善消浮游之火，但其性太凉，非多用肉桂则
不足以制其寒，制其寒则寒变为温，而又非大热，正龙雷之所喜也。盖龙雷之性，
恶大寒而又恶大热，大寒则愈激其怒，而火上炎；大热则愈助其横，而火上炽。今
用肉桂三钱，入于玄参三两之中，则寒居其九，热居其一，调和于水火之中；又有
山茱、五味、麦冬之助，正不见其热，惟见其温也。龙雷喜温，所以随之直归于肾
脏。火归于肾，命门不寒，蒸动肾水，下温而上热自除。此方较肾气丸治下消之症
效更神速。铎不惜传方，又阐扬其义，以见铎之论症，非无本之学也。
此症用丹桂止氛汤亦效。
熟地（三两） 肉桂（二钱） 茯苓 丹皮（各一两） 麦冬（二两） 水煎服。
消渴之症，口干舌燥，吐痰如 涎白沫，气喘不能卧，但不甚大渴，渴时必须
饮水，然既饮之后，即化为白沫，人亦以为下消之病也，谁知是肾火上沸之消症乎。
夫肾中有火，乃水中之火也。火生水中，亦火藏于水内。火无水不养，亦无水不藏，
明是水之制火也。然而水之不足，必至火之有余，而火反胜水，火欺水之不能相制，
于是越出于肾宫，上腾于咽喉、口齿之间。火与水原不能离者也，火既上升，水必
随之而上升矣。水即不欲上升，釜底火燃，安得不腾沸哉。惟是水涸以致沸腾，而
烈火日炊，自成焦釜，不以外水济之得乎。然焦釜而沃之以水，仍沸腾而上，故吐
如之涎沫耳。治法不必泻火，而纯补其水，使阴精之寒，自足以制阳光之热也。
方用宁沸汤∶
麦冬（三两） 山茱萸（三两） 茯苓（一两） 水煎服。一剂渴少止，再剂渴又止，
饮半月全愈。
此方用山茱萸三两，以大补肾水，尽人知之。更加入麦冬三两者，岂滋肺以生
肾乎。不知久渴之后，日吐白沫，则熬干肺液。使但补肾水，火虽得水而下降，而
肺中干燥无津，能保肺之不告急乎。肺痈肺痿之成未必不始于此。故补其肾而随滋
其肺，不特子母相生，且防祸患于未形者也。加入茯苓者，因饮水过多，膀胱之间，
必有积水，今骤用麦冬、山萸至六两之多，不分消之于下，则必因补而留滞，得茯
苓利水之药，以疏通之，则补阴而无腻隔之忧，水下趋而火不上沸，水火既济，消
渴自除矣。
此症用解沫散亦神。
熟地（二两） 麦冬（二两） 山萸 丹皮（各一两） 车前子（五钱） 水煎服。
人有素健饮啖，忽得消渴疾，日饮水数斗，食倍而溺数，服消渴药益甚，人以
为虫消也，谁知是脾气之虚热乎。夫消渴之症，皆脾坏而肾败。脾坏则土不胜水，
肾败则水难敌火。二者相合而病成。倘脾又不坏，肾又不败，宜无消渴之症矣。不宜
消渴而消渴者，必脾有热乘之，得之饮啖酒果而致之者也。夫酒能生热，热甚则饥，
非饱餐则不能解其饥，然多食则愈动其火矣。火盛非水不能相济，饮水既多，不得
不多溺也。此似消渴而非消渴之症。治法平脾中之虚热，佐之解酒消果之味，则火
毒散，而消渴之病自除。方用蜜香散∶
木蜜（二钱） 麝香（三分） 酒为丸。更用∶黄连（一钱） 茯苓（三钱） 陈皮（五分）
神曲（一钱） 人参（三钱） 煎汤送丸药。日用三丸，丸尽而愈。
此丸用麝香者，取麝能散酒也。且麝香最克瓜果，瓜果闻麝香之气，即不结子，
非明验耶。木蜜乃枳 也，酿酒之房，苟留木蜜，酒化为水。故合用二味，以专
消酒果之毒也。酒果之毒既消，用参、苓、连、曲之类，以平脾中之虚热，则腹
中清凉，何消渴之有哉。
此症用消饮散亦佳。
人参 天花粉 茯苓（各三钱） 枳壳 浓朴（各一钱） 山楂（二十粒） 麦冬（二两）
甘草（一钱） 水煎服。
消渴病，出现气喘、痰多咳嗽，面色红赤且虚浮，口舌生疮溃烂，咽喉肿痛，喝水后症状缓解，每天饮水大约一斗（古代容量单位），人们认为这是上消病，谁知道这其实是肺消症呢。肺在五行中属金，金性宜清肃下降，为什么会有如此炽盛的火热之邪？这是因为心火克制了肺金。肺被心火所克，导致肺金干燥；再加上肾水虚弱，肺气想要下行去顾护肾脏，但肺气已经燥热，肺中的津液自身都照顾不过来，哪里还有多余的津液可以下行滋润肾脏呢？肺既然没有内部的水来滋润肾脏，便索取外部的饮水来济助它。然而，如果只救治本宫（心脏）的火热炎上，终究不能增加肾脏中的真阴之水，肾脏又不接受这种外来的水，而肾与膀胱互为表里，于是将外来的水直接传入膀胱，所以表现为喝水后立即排尿。治疗方法似乎应该泻除心中的火，以拯救肺金的燥热。然而，肺因为火热而发渴，每日饮用大量的外部冷水，会导致水饮停聚在心下（胃脘部）。水气日益侵扰心脏，使得心火留滞于肺而不能回归本位，心中反而形成了虚寒的窟窿，这时候使用寒凉药物，反而会遭到心脏的厌恶。而且寒凉药物不能在上方停留，势必会向下流向脾胃。肺火旺盛而不能解除，正是因为苦于脾胃的虚弱，土（脾）不能生金（肺）的缘故。如果再使用寒凉药物，必定会损伤脾胃之气，肺金又靠什么来滋养呢？必须仍然治疗肺金，少量加入补益脾胃的药物，那么脾胃强健后肺气自然滋生，清肃的功能得以恢复，口渴自然停止。方用清上止消丹：麦冬（二两）、天冬（一两）、人参（三钱）、生地（五钱）、茯苓（五钱）、金银花（一两），水煎服。服用十剂后口渴明显减轻，二十剂后完全痊愈。
这个方子重在治肺，轻于治胃和脾。治肺而不损伤肺金，清火而不伤害脾胃。土能生金，金能生水，又有什么可怀疑的呢？只是在方中加入金银花的原因，是因为火克金且大量饮用凉水，导致寒热相互搏击，热邪虽然暂时得到缓解，但毒邪必然留积在平时，只用清金的热药，不能解除其毒邪。与其日后毒邪发作再用散毒的药物，不如趁解热的时候，同时解除其毒邪，预先杜绝祸患。况且金银花不仅解毒，而且善于滋阴，一味药具有两种功效。
此症使用二冬苓车汤也有效。
麦冬（三两）、天冬（一两）、茯苓（五钱）、车前子（三钱），水煎服。
消渴病，极度口渴肆意饮水，一次喝几十碗，才觉得胃中稍微舒适，否则胸中嘈杂难受如虫钻，容易饥饿，吃东西后口渴减轻，不吃东西时口渴更严重，人们认为这是中消病，谁知道这其实是胃消病呢。胃消病，大多是由于喜好肥甘厚味的人引起的。烧烤烹炸的食物，肥腻甘甜浓烈的味道，过于贪吃，酿成内热，津液干涸，不得不向外部水源求助。水进入胃中，不能游溢精气，向上输送到肺，而肺又因为胃火的炽盛，不能通调水道，于是内外之水像从高处置物一样直线下行，喝一份尿两份，不但外来的水难以化生利用，而且平日素日酝酿的水精枯竭殆尽，全部输注于下焦，比暴注（急性腹泻）和暴泄更为严重，这是竭泽而渔之火，不烧尽不止。假如肾水没有亏损，还可以制约火势，无奈那些喜好膏粱厚味的人，肾水没有不素来匮乏的，保住火不烧干身体就足够了，哪里还指望肾水的救援呢？内部的水既不能制约火势，势必寻求外部水的济助，而外部水也不能起到济助作用，于是想着通过进食来济助。食物进入胃中，只能暂时解火，终究不能在短时间内生水，不得不仍然求水来救渴。治疗方法应当稍微泻除胃中的火，而大补肾中的水，肾水充足则胃火平息，肾中有水，关门（指肾的气化功能）不开闭失常，胃火从哪里沸腾起来呢？方用闭关止渴汤：石膏（五钱）、玄参（二两）、麦冬（二两）、熟地（二两）、青蒿（五钱），水煎服。服用两剂后口渴减轻，四剂后食欲减退（指因火旺导致的异常亢进食欲恢复正常），十剂后消渴病完全消除，二十剂后完全痊愈。
这个方子少量使用石膏、青蒿以制止胃火，大量使用玄参、熟地以填补肾水，重用麦门冬以益肺气，并没有真正关闭胃的“关门”。然而，胃火的开泄，是由于肾水的开泄；肾水的开泄，是由于肾火的扰动；而肾火的扰动，又是由于肾水的匮乏。现在补充肾水，那么水旺而肾火就没有飞动的机会，火静而肾水就没有沸腾的隐患。肾水既然安守于肾宅，胃火怎么能独自在胃关开泄呢？这就是不闭之闭，真是神奇于闭啊。
此症使用止消汤也有效。
石膏、人参、茯神（各五钱）、玄参（一两）、生地（二两）、知母、麦芽、谷芽、神曲（各三钱），水煎服。
消渴症，小便非常多，喝一杯尿一杯，口中吐出清稀痰液，投入水中，立即散开，化为清水，面部发热嘴唇红，口舌不僵硬麻木，人们认为这是下消病，谁知道这是肾水泛溢上行导致的消渴呢。肾水泛溢上行，水升到了咽喉口舌之间，按理说不应该渴，为什么渴得这么厉害呢？这是因为下焦寒极，逼迫虚火上浮至上焦，所以故作口渴。这种火是肾中之火，也就是龙雷之火（相火）。一发而不可控制，适宜引导而不适宜驱逐，可以在水中引导它。论述这种消渴，张仲景先生的肾气丸最妙。世间流传的肾气丸，是张仲景先生制定的，用来治疗汉帝消渴病的。然而肾气丸只可治疗消渴病已痊愈后的调理，不能治疗消渴病初起的阶段。当年汉帝刚患下消时，张仲景先生确实另有神方，未流传于世，如今唯独传给了我陈士铎，我怎敢隐瞒而不出来，以拯救万世之人呢？方用引龙汤：玄参（三两）、肉桂（三钱）、山茱萸（四钱）、北五味子（一钱）、麦冬（一两），水煎服。服用一剂后口渴减半，三剂后完全痊愈。
龙火浮游于极度干燥之中，不用三两玄参，绝不能止住其火焰；不用三钱肉桂，一定不能引导其归源。山茱萸、北五味子不是用来益精的，实际上是取它们来止渴。加入麦冬，是因为龙火长久居于上游，未免损伤肺脏，得到麦冬以生肺气，那么肺金生水，火得水而易于回归。有人会说多用玄参是想止焰，既然担心少用不足以止住，为什么多用肉桂来增加火焰呢？大概使用肉桂，正是为了引火归源。引导火邪而少用肉桂，有什么不可以？不知道玄参善于消除浮游之火，但其性质太凉，如果不大量使用肉桂，就不足以制约其寒性，制约其寒性则寒变为温，而又不是大热，这正是龙雷之火所喜欢的。龙雷之火的特性，既厌恶大寒又厌恶大热，大寒则会更加激发它的愤怒，使火上炎；大热则会更加助长它的横行，使火上炽。现在使用三钱肉桂，放入三两玄参之中，那么寒占十分之九，热占十分之一，调和于水火之中；又有山茱萸、五味子、麦冬的帮助，正看不出其热性，只看到其温性。龙雷喜温，所以跟随它直接归于肾脏。火归于肾，命门不寒，蒸动肾水，下温而上热自然消除。这个方子比肾气丸治疗下消病的效果更神速。我不惜传授此方，又阐扬其义理，以显示我的论症并非无本之学。
此症使用丹桂止氛汤也有效。
熟地（三两）、肉桂（二钱）、茯苓、丹皮（各一两）、麦冬（二两），水煎服。
消渴症，口干舌燥，吐痰如涎白沫，气喘不能平卧，但不怎么大渴，渴时必须饮水，然而喝完水之后，即化为白沫吐出，人们也以为这是下消病，谁知道这是肾火上沸导致的消症呢。肾中有火，乃是在水中的火。火生于水中，也是火藏于水内。火无水则不养，也无水则不藏，明明白白是水在制约火。然而水不足，必至火有余，而火反而胜过水，火欺负水不能制约它，于是越出肾宫，上腾于咽喉、口齿之间。火与水原本是不能分离的，火既上升，水必然随之上升。水即使不想上升，釜底火燃，怎么能不腾沸呢？只是由于水涸导致沸腾，而烈火日日炊煮，自成焦釜，不以外来的水济助能得到吗？然而对焦釜浇水，水仍然沸腾而上，所以吐出如涎沫一样的痰。治疗方法不必泻火，而纯补其水，使阴精的寒凉，自然足以制约阳光的炎热。方用宁沸汤：麦冬（三两）、山茱萸（三两）、茯苓（一两），水煎服。服用一剂后口渴稍止，再服一剂后口渴又止，服药半月后完全痊愈。
这个方子使用三两山茱萸，以大补肾水，是人人都知道的。再加入三两麦冬，难道是滋肺以生肾吗？不知道久渴之后，每日吐出白沫，则熬干了肺液。如果只补肾水，火虽然得水而下降，但肺中干燥无津，能保肺不告急吗？肺痈、肺痿的形成未必不是开始于此。所以补其肾而随即滋其肺，不仅是子母相生，而且是防患于未然。加入茯苓，是因为饮水过多，膀胱之间，必有积水，现在突然使用麦冬、山茱萸多达六两，如果不分消之于下，则必定因补而留滞，得到茯苓利水的药物，以疏通之，则补阴而无腻膈的担忧，水下趋而火不上沸，水火既济，消渴自然消除。
此症使用解沫散也很神奇。
熟地（二两）、麦冬（二两）、山茱萸、丹皮（各一两）、车前子（五钱），水煎服。
有人平时健康饮食，忽然得了消渴疾，每天饮水数斗，食量加倍而小便次数增多，服用消渴药反而更严重，人们认为是虫消（寄生虫引起的消渴），谁知道这是脾气虚热呢。消渴的病，都是脾坏而肾败。脾坏则土不胜水，肾败则水难敌火。二者结合而病成。倘若脾又不坏，肾又不败，应该没有消渴病了。不应该消渴却消渴的，必然是脾有热乘袭所致，是由饮酒吃水果导致的。酒能生热，热甚则饥，不饱餐不能解其饥，然而多吃则更加动火。火盛非水不能相济，饮水既多，不得不多尿。这看似消渴而非消渴的病。治疗方法平复脾中的虚热，佐以解酒消果的味道，则火毒散，而消渴的病自然消除。方用蜜香散：木蜜（二钱）、麝香（三分），酒为丸。另外用：黄连（一钱）、茯苓（三钱）、陈皮（五分）、神曲（一钱）、人参（三钱），煎汤送服丸药。每天用三丸，丸药吃完而愈。
这个丸药使用麝香，是取麝香能消散酒毒的特性。而且麝香最能克制瓜果，瓜果闻到麝香的气味，就不结子，这不是明显的验证吗？木蜜就是枳椇子，酿酒的地方，如果留下木蜜，酒就会化为水。所以合用这两味，专门消除酒果的毒邪。酒果的毒邪既消，用人参、茯苓、黄连、神曲之类，以平复脾中的虚热，则腹中清凉，哪里还会有消渴呢？
此症使用消饮散也很好。
人参、天花粉、茯苓（各三钱）、枳壳、浓朴（各一钱）、山楂（二十粒）、麦冬（二两）、甘草（一钱），水煎服。
Xiaoke disease (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome) presents with panting, phlegm and cough, a red and puffy complexion, ulceration of the mouth and tongue, and swelling and pain in the throat. Symptoms are relieved by drinking water, with daily water intake reaching approximately one dou (an ancient unit of volume). People consider this to be Shangxiao (Upper Wasting-Thirst), but who knows that it is actually Feixiao (Lung Wasting-Thirst)? The Lung belongs to Metal in the Five Elements, and Metal should be clear and descending. Why is there such intense fire? This is because Heart Fire overacts on the Lung Metal. When the Lung is constrained by Heart Fire, the Lung Metal becomes dry. Furthermore, due to the deficiency of Kidney Water, the Lung Qi attempts to descend to care for the Kidneys. However, since the Lung Qi is already dry, the fluids within the Lung cannot even sustain themselves, let alone send surplus fluids down to moisten the Kidneys. Since the Lung lacks internal water to moisten the Kidneys, it seeks external water to assist it. Nevertheless, treating the fire blazing in the original palace (Heart) ultimately cannot replenish the True Water in the Kidneys. The Kidneys do not accept this external water; instead, as the Kidneys and Bladder are exterior-interior partners, the external water is transmitted directly to the Bladder. Thus, drinking water leads to immediate urination. The treatment method seems appropriate to drain the Heart Fire to rescue the Heat in the Lung Metal. However, when the Lung thirsts due to fire-heat and drinks large amounts of external cold water, water retention in the epigastrium (below the Heart) may occur. As water invades the Heart day by day, the Heart Fire remains trapped in the Lung and does not return, leaving the Heart cavity hollow and cold. In this state, cold-natured herbs would be abhorred by the Heart. Moreover, cold herbs cannot stay superiorly and will inevitably sink towards the Spleen and Stomach. The reason the Lung Fire is excessive and unresolved is precisely the suffering from Spleen deficiency, where Earth fails to generate Metal. If cold herbs are used again, they will surely damage the Qi of the Spleen and Stomach, leaving no way to nourish the Lung Metal. Therefore, one must still treat the Lung Metal, adding a small amount of herbs that tonify Earth. When Earth is robust, Lung Qi naturally arises, the function of clearing and descending is restored, and thirst stops spontaneously. Use Qing Shang Zhi Xiao Dan (Clear Upper Stop Thirst Decoction):
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 2 liang)
* Tiandong (Asparagi Radix, 1 liang)
* Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian)
* Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 5 qian)
* Fuling (Poria, 5 qian)
* Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, 1 liang)
Decoct in water and take orally. After ten doses, thirst is significantly reduced; after twenty doses, full recovery occurs.
This formula focuses heavily on treating the Lung, while lightly treating the Stomach and Spleen. It treats the Lung without damaging Metal, clears fire without injuring Earth. Earth generates Metal, and Metal generates Water; what could there be to doubt? The reason for adding Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) is that when Fire overacts on Metal and large amounts of cold water are drunk, cold and heat clash. Although heat is temporarily resolved, toxins accumulate chronically. Using herbs that clear Metal heat cannot resolve these toxins. Rather than using toxin-dispersing agents later when toxins erupt, it is better to disperse toxins simultaneously while resolving heat, thereby preventing future trouble beforehand. Furthermore, Jinyinhua not only detoxifies but also benefits Yin; one herb serves two purposes.
For this syndrome, Er Dong Ling Che Tang (Two Winter Melon Poria Plantago Seed Decoction) is also effective.
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 3 liang)
* Tiandong (Asparagi Radix, 1 liang)
* Fuling (Poria, 5 qian)
* Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
Xiaoke disease presents with extreme thirst and uncontrolled drinking, consuming dozens of bowls at once before feeling slightly comfortable in the stomach; otherwise, there is a noisy sensation in the chest like insects burrowing, easy hunger, thirst decreases after eating, and worsens significantly when fasting. People consider this Zhongxiao (Middle Wasting-Thirst), but who knows it is actually Weixiao (Stomach Wasting-Thirst)? Weixiao mostly results from individuals who consume rich, greasy, and sweet foods. Roasted, fried, and grilled items, along with rich and strong flavors, lead to gluttony, brewing internal heat, drying up body fluids, and forcing reliance on external water. Once water enters the Stomach, it fails to circulate essence and qi upward to the Lung. Meanwhile, the Lung, due to blazing Stomach Fire, cannot regulate water passages. Consequently, both internal and external waters rush downward like water from a high vessel. For every unit drunk, two units are urinated. Not only is external water difficult to transform, but the daily accumulated essence of water is exhausted and drained downward, worse than acute diarrhea or sudden purging. This is fire that drains the pond, stopping only when extinguished completely. If Kidney Water were not deficient, it could control the fire. Unfortunately, those who indulge in rich foods invariably have deficient Kidney Water. Preserving the fire from burning out is sufficient; how can one expect Kidney Water to provide rescue? Since internal water cannot control the fire, there is a desperate need for external water, which also fails to assist. Thus, food is sought to help. Food entering the Stomach only temporarily quenches fire but cannot generate water overnight, forcing a continued reliance on water to relieve thirst. The treatment method should slightly drain Stomach Fire while greatly tonifying Kidney Water. When Kidney Water is generated, Stomach Fire subsides; with water present, the "gate" (Kidney's regulatory function) remains closed, and Stomach Fire has no basis to boil over. Use Bi Guan Zhi Ke Tang (Close Gate Stop Thirst Decoction):
* Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, 5 qian)
* Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 2 liang)
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 2 liang)
* Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 2 liang)
* Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba, 5 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally. After two doses, thirst reduces; after four doses, appetite normalizes; after ten doses, Xiaoke is eliminated; after twenty doses, full recovery occurs.
This formula uses small amounts of Shigao and Qinghao to stop Stomach Fire, large amounts of Xuanshen and Shudi to fill Kidney Water, and heavy use of Maidong to benefit Lung Qi. It does not truly "close" the Stomach gate. However, the opening of Stomach Fire stems from the opening of Kidney Water; the opening of Kidney Water stems from the movement of Kidney Fire; and the movement of Kidney Fire stems from the deficiency of Kidney Water. Now, by tonifying Kidney Water, water becomes abundant, and Kidney Fire loses its opportunity to fly about. With fire quieted, Kidney Water faces no risk of boiling. Since Kidney Water stays securely in its residence, how can Stomach Fire independently open at the Stomach gate? This is "closing without closing," truly miraculous in its closure.
For this syndrome, Zhi Xiao Tang (Stop Thirst Decoction) is also effective.
* Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum)
* Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)
* Fushen (Poria with Hostwood)
(Each 5 qian)
* Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 1 liang)
* Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix, 2 liang)
* Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma)
* Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus)
* Guya (Oryzae Fructus Germinatus)
* Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata)
(Each 3 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
Xiaoke syndrome presents with copious urination, drinking one dou and urinating one dou, spitting clear phlegm that disperses immediately upon contact with water turning into clear liquid, facial heat, red lips, and non-stiff mouth and tongue. People consider this Xiaxiao (Lower Wasting-Thirst), but who knows it is Kidney Water flooding upward causing wasting-thirst? When Kidney Water floods upward, rising to the throat and mouth, one should theoretically not feel thirsty. Why is the thirst so severe? This is due to extreme cold in the lower jiao forcing fire to float to the upper jiao, creating the illusion of thirst. This fire is the Fire within the Kidneys, also known as Longlei Fire (Dragon and Thunder Fire, i.e., Ministerial Fire). Once ignited, it cannot be controlled; it should be guided rather than driven away, and it can be guided through water. Regarding this type of Xiaoke, Zhang Zhongjing’s Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) is most excellent. The Shenqi Wan circulated in the world was formulated by Master Zhang to treat the Emperor Han’s Xiaoke. However, Shenqi Wan is only suitable for treating Xiaoke after recovery, not for the initial stage. When the Emperor Han first suffered from Lower Xiaoke, Master Zhang indeed had another divine prescription, which was not passed down to the world. Today, it is uniquely passed to me, Chen Shiduo. How dare I conceal it and not release it to save people for generations? Use Yin Long Tang (Guide Dragon Decoction):
* Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 3 liang)
* Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 3 qian)
* Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 4 qian)
* Bei Wuwei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus, 1 qian)
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 1 liang)
Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, thirst halves; after three doses, full recovery occurs.
When Dragon Fire floats in extreme dryness, three liang of Xuanshen is absolutely necessary to extinguish its flames, and three qian of Rougui is essential to guide it back to its source. Shanzhuyu and Bei Wuwei Zi are not used here primarily to benefit essence, but specifically to stop thirst. Maidong is added because Dragon Fire dwelling upstream for too long damages the Lung; obtaining Maidong to generate Lung Qi allows Lung Metal to generate Water, helping Fire return easily with Water’s aid. Some might ask: Using large amounts of Xuanshen aims to stop flames; if you fear small amounts are insufficient, why use more Rougui to increase flames? The use of Rougui is precisely to guide fire back to its origin. Is it not acceptable to use little Rougui to guide fire? One must understand that Xuanshen excels at eliminating floating fire, but its nature is too cold. Without sufficient Rougui, its coldness cannot be restrained. Restraining its cold transforms it into warmth, not extreme heat, which is exactly what Longlei Fire prefers. Longlei Fire dislikes both extreme cold and extreme heat. Extreme cold激ates its anger, causing fire to flare upward; extreme heat aids its recklessness, causing fire to blaze intensely. Now, using three qian of Rougui within three liang of Xuanshen means cold accounts for nine parts and heat for one part, harmonizing between water and fire. Assisted by Shanzhuyu, Wuweizi, and Maidong, the heat is barely visible, appearing only as warmth. Longlei Fire likes warmth, so it follows directly back to the Kidneys. When fire returns to the Kidneys, the Mingmen (Gate of Life) is not cold, steaming Kidney Water, warming the lower body, and eliminating upper heat spontaneously. This formula is faster and more miraculous than Shenqi Wan in treating Xiaxiao. I do not hesitate to transmit this formula and elucidate its principles to show that my syndrome differentiation is based on solid learning.
For this syndrome, Dan Gui Zhi Fen Tang (Red Cinnamon Stop Miasma Decoction) is also effective.
* Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 3 liang)
* Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex, 2 qian)
* Fuling (Poria)
* Danpi (Moutan Cortex)
(Each 1 liang)
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 2 liang)
Decoct in water and take orally.
Xiaoke syndrome presents with dry mouth and tongue, spitting white frothy sputum resembling saliva, panting preventing lying flat, but not extreme thirst; however, when thirsty, water must be drunk. Yet, after drinking, it turns into white foam. People also consider this Xiaxiao, but who knows it is Xiaoxiao caused by Kidney Fire boiling upward? The fire in the Kidneys is fire within water. Fire is born in water and hidden within water. Fire without water is not nourished, nor is it hidden; clearly, water controls fire. However, when water is insufficient, fire becomes excessive, and fire overcomes water. Bullied by water’s inability to control it, fire escapes the Kidney Palace, ascending to the throat and teeth. Fire and water are originally inseparable; as fire rises, water must follow. Even if water does not wish to rise, with fire burning at the bottom of the cauldron, how can it not boil? It is precisely because water is depleted that boiling occurs, and with fierce fire cooking daily, the cauldron becomes scorched. Can it be helped without external water? However, pouring water onto a scorched cauldron causes it to boil and rise again, hence spitting saliva-like foam. The treatment method need not drain fire, but purely tonify water, so that the coldness of Yin essence naturally suffices to control the heat of Yang sunlight. Use Ning Fei Tang (Calm Boiling Decoction):
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 3 liang)
* Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus, 3 liang)
* Fuling (Poria, 1 liang)
Decoct in water and take orally. After one dose, thirst slightly stops; after another dose, thirst stops again; after half a month of drinking, full recovery occurs.
Using three liang of Shanzhuyu in this formula to greatly tonify Kidney Water is well known. Adding three liang of Maidong—is it merely to nourish the Lung to generate the Kidney? No. After prolonged thirst and daily spitting of white foam, Lung fluids are boiled dry. If only Kidney Water is tonified, although fire descends with water, the Lung remains dry and fluid-deficient. Can we ensure the Lung does not cry for help? The formation of Lung Abscess (Fei Yong) and Lung Withering (Fei Wei) may well start here. Thus, tonifying the Kidney while simultaneously nourishing the Lung not only follows the Mother-Child generation principle but also prevents disaster before it forms. Fuling is added because excessive water intake leads to water accumulation in the Bladder. Suddenly using six liang of Maidong and Shanzhuyu requires draining them downward; otherwise, tonification will cause stagnation. With Fuling’s diuretic action to dredge, tonifying Yin avoids cloying stagnation. Water sinks downward, fire does not boil upward, Water and Fire interact harmoniously, and Xiaoke is eliminated.
For this syndrome, Jie Mo San (Resolve Foam Powder) is also miraculous.
* Shudi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix, 2 liang)
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 2 liang)
* Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus)
* Danpi (Moutan Cortex)
(Each 1 liang)
* Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen, 5 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.
A person who is usually healthy in diet and drinking suddenly develops Xiaoke, drinking several dou of water daily, doubling food intake and increasing urination frequency. Taking Xiaoke medicines makes it worse. People consider it Chong Xiao (Insect Wasting-Thirst), but who knows it is Deficiency-Heat of the Spleen Qi? Xiaoke diseases involve Spleen destruction and Kidney failure. Spleen destruction means Earth cannot overcome Water; Kidney failure means Water cannot resist Fire. These two combine to form the disease. If the Spleen were not destroyed and the Kidney not failed, there would be no Xiaoke. When Xiaoke occurs despite no obvious Spleen/Kidney failure, it is necessarily due to Heat in the Spleen attacking, caused by drinking alcohol and eating fruits. Alcohol generates heat; intense heat causes hunger, which can only be satisfied by full meals. However, eating more moves the fire further. Excessive fire needs water to assist; thus, drinking much water leads to frequent urination. This appears to be Xiaoke but is not true Xiaoke. The treatment method should calm the deficiency-heat in the Spleen, assisted by herbs that resolve alcohol and fruit toxicity, so fire-toxin scatters and Xiaoke disappears. Use Mi Xiang San (Honey Musk Powder):
* Mumifeng (Calami Rhizoma / specific variant mentioned as Mu Mi, 2 qian)
* Shexiang (Moschus, 3 fen)
Make pills with wine. Additionally use:
* Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 1 qian)
* Fuling (Poria, 3 qian)
* Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium, 5 fen)
* Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata, 1 qian)
* Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian)
Decoct in water to deliver the pills. Take three pills daily; cure when pills are finished.
The use of Shexiang (Moschus) in this pill takes advantage of its ability to dissipate alcohol toxicity. Moreover, Shexiang strongly counters fruits; fruits exposed to Shexiang’s aroma do not bear fruit, which is clear proof. Mu Mi refers to Zhi Gu Zi (Calami Rhizoma variant or related herb); in wineries, if Mu Mi is left, wine turns to water. Thus, combining these two specifically eliminates alcohol and fruit toxins. Once these toxins are cleared, using Renshen, Fuling, Huanglian, and Shenqu calms the deficiency-heat in the Spleen, making the abdomen cool, leaving no room for Xiaoke.
For this syndrome, Xiao Yin San (Resolve Drink Powder) is also excellent.
* Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)
* Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix)
* Fuling (Poria)
(Each 3 qian)
* Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus)
* Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex)
(Each 1 qian)
* Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus, 20 pieces)
* Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix, 2 liang)
* Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 1 qian)
Decoct in water and take orally.