3. Xie Xin Tang-Type Formulas

3. Xie Xin Tang-Type Formulas

Xie Xin Tang originates from "Jin Gui Yao Lue" and consists of three herbs: rhubarb, Coptis, and Scutellaria, primarily indicated for various pathological changes caused by internal excess fire, such as high fever, constipation, reddish urine, thick yellow tongue coating, rapid pulse, chest restlessness, jaundice, hematemesis, epistaxis, and carbuncles or boils. From a modern medical perspective, this formula is suitable for various infections, carbuncles and boils, sepsis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, dysentery, as well as aplastic anemia, leukemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, hypertension, gastric ulcer, chronic gastritis, and more. Recent reports from various regions indicate that this formula is particularly effective for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Adding Zhike and Muxiang results in Baidu Pai Shi Tang No. 2 (Dalian Medical College), primarily indicated for gallstones and cholecystitis. Adding Zhishi, Baizhu, Fuling, and Zexie results in Zhishi Daozhi Tang (Li Dongyuan), primarily indicated for damp-heat obstructing the gastrointestinal tract, leading to red and white diarrhea. Adding Fuzi creates Fu Zi Xie Xin Tang, primarily indicated for lower abdominal fullness and cold, accompanied by chills and sweating. Removing rhubarb and adding Dangshen, Ganjiang, Banxia, Dazao, and licorice results in Banxia Xie Xin Tang, primarily indicated for alternating cold and heat in the gastrointestinal tract, clinically presenting with lower abdominal fullness, nausea, vomiting, and intestinal rumbling. Banxia Xie Xin Tang increases the dosage of licorice to become Gancao Xie Xin Tang, primarily indicated for vomiting and fullness, intestinal rumbling, poor digestion, and restlessness. Reducing Ganjiang and adding ginger results in Ginger Xie Xin Tang, primarily indicated for vomiting and fullness, intestinal rumbling, and sour belching. Xie Xin Tang without rhubarb, adding Gegen and licorice, becomes Gegen Huangqin Huanglian Tang, primarily indicated for sweating and wheezing, with body heat and diarrhea. Xie Xin Tang without rhubarb, adding Huangbo and Zhi Zi, becomes Huanglian Jiedu Tang (as recorded in "Outer Court Secret Essentials"), primarily indicated for fire-toxicity syndromes such as carbuncles, boils, erysipelas, and other fire-related toxic conditions. Recent Japanese studies report that this formula is highly effective in treating senile dementia. Xie Xin Tang without rhubarb, adding Huangbo, fragrant soy sauce, Zhi Zi, Ma Huang, and raw gypsum, becomes Gypsum Tang (as recorded in "Outer Court Secret Essentials"), primarily indicated for superficial symptoms turning into internal heat, presenting with headache without sweating, fever and chills, thirsty face, and restlessness. Xie Xin Tang without rhubarb, adding Banlangen, Yuanshen, Niu Bangzi, Mabo, Lianqiao, Chenpi, licorice, Jiangcan, Chaihu, Bohe, Jiegeng, and Shengma, becomes Puji Disinfection Drink (Li Dongyuan), primarily indicated for heat toxicity attacking the upper body, causing mumps, large-head epidemic, facial erysipelas, etc., known to be particularly effective against epidemic parotitis and capable of inhibiting the parotitis virus.

IV. Four Jun Four Wu System

This system refers to a series of formulas derived from modifications and adaptations of the Four Jun Soup and Four Wu Soup. Both originate from "He Ji Ju Fang," with Four Jun tonifying qi and Four Wu nourishing and regulating blood, both being essential formulas for reinforcing the body's vital energy. Sometimes the two formulas are individually flavored to form a series of qi-tonifying and blood-nourishing agents; other times they are combined to create dual-blood-replenishing formulations. In short, this system of formulas represents an important series for reinforcing the body's vital energy in TCM.