3. Xiaoyao San-Based Formulas

3. Xiaoyao San-Based Formulas

The representative formula Xiaoyao San (from "Harmonizing Formulary") consists of angelica, white peony, white atractylodes, poria, roasted licorice, bupleurum, baked ginger, and mint, serving as the primary remedy for liver qi stagnation and spleen deficiency. Clinical indications include bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, irritability, chest and flank discomfort, abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, and general weakness. With

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From a medical perspective, this formula is indicated for chronic liver diseases, gastric disorders, and gallbladder and biliary tract ailments. Additionally, according to the theory that the liver governs the Chong and Ren meridians, this formula serves as the primary prescription for regulating menstruation in Traditional Chinese Medicine, suitable for conditions such as premature, delayed, or irregular periods. Furthermore, based on the theory that the liver opens to the eyes, this formula is the principal remedy for treating intraocular diseases in TCM, including retinal disorders and retrobulbar optic nerve diseases. When Dianpi and Shan Zhi are added to this formula, it becomes Danzhi Xiaoyao San (as recorded in "Internal Medicine Summary"), primarily used to treat syndromes of liver depression with excessive fire. Adding Shudi enhances its function of nourishing yin and replenishing blood, resulting in Hei Xiaoyao San (as documented in "Brief Exposition of Six Medical Books—Gynecology Essentials"), mainly indicated for liver depression combined with spleen deficiency and qi and blood depletion. Removing Bai Shao and Bai Zhu while adding Chuanxiong, Cangzhu, and Gou Ding yields Yigan San (as described in "Complete Works of Jing Yue"), primarily used to treat liver depression accompanied by irritability and restless sleep at night.

III. Baihu Chengqi Tang

This group of formulas originates largely from "Shanghan Lun," which can generally be categorized into three groups: Baihu Tang-type formulas, Chengqi Tang-type formulas, and Xie Xin Tang-type formulas. In addition to the original formulas found in "Shanghan Lun," later scholars, especially those from the Warm Disease School, have made numerous additions to this group of prescriptions.

Baihu Tang consists of four herbs: raw gypsum, Zhimu, Japonica rice, and licorice, making it a renowned formula in "Shanghan Lun" primarily indicated for Yangming meridian syndrome (severe heat, intense thirst, profuse sweating, and rapid pulse). From a modern medical standpoint, modifications and adaptations of this formula can treat all febrile conditions, whether they stem from infectious diseases or physical and chemical factors; thus, some consider it truly the premier formula for febrile syndromes in TCM. Adding ginseng to this formula creates Ginseng Baihu Tang, mainly used for severe internal heat with both qi and yin deficiency. Adding Guizhi results in Baihu Jia Guizhi Tang, primarily indicated for warm malaria characterized by a normal pulse, absence of chills but persistent fever, joint pain and discomfort, and occasional vomiting. This formula is also employed to treat rheumatoid arthritis accompanied by fever and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Incorporating Cangzhu leads to Baihu Jia Cangzhu Tang (as recorded in "Living People's Book"), mainly used for rheumatoid arthritis featuring joint swelling and pain, headache as if wrapped in cloth, restlessness and chest tightness, and unquenchable thirst. Adding antelope horn and rhino horn (now prohibited drugs, which can be substituted with water buffalo horn) yields Lingxi Baihu Tang (as documented in "Warm and Hot Latitude and Longitude"), primarily indicated for exogenous warm diseases with both qi and blood deficiency, high fever, intense thirst, confusion, and delirium. Adding Xuan Shen and rhino horn produces Huaban Tang (as recorded in "Differentiation of Warm Diseases"), mainly used for heat entering the blood, delirium, rash, dark red tongue with yellow coating. Removing Zhimu and adding Banxia, Maidong, ginseng, and bamboo leaves results in Zhuye Shigao Tang, primarily indicated for residual heat and dual qi-yin injury, presenting with body heat, excessive sweating, dry mouth with a strong desire to drink, weakness, shortness of breath, and nausea. From a modern medical perspective, this formula is suitable for all post-febrile stages where patients exhibit significant autonomic nervous system dysfunction and sympathetic overactivity.