3. Xiaoyao San-like Formulas

3. Xiaoyao San-like Formulas

The representative formula of this category, Xiaoyao San (from "Heji Ju Fang"), consists of Danggui, Bai Shao, Baizhu, Fuling, Zhigancao, Chaihu, Weijiang, and Bohe, and is the primary prescription for treating liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency. Clinical indications include bitter taste in the mouth, dry throat, irritability, fullness and discomfort in the chest and hypochondria, bloating in the upper abdomen, loss of appetite, and fatigue. From a modern medical perspective, this formula is suitable for chronic liver diseases, gastric diseases, gallbladder and biliary tract diseases. Additionally, based on the theory that the liver governs the Chong and Ren meridians, this formula is the primary prescription for regulating menstruation in traditional Chinese medicine, suitable for cases of early, delayed, or irregular periods. Furthermore, according to the theory that the liver opens to the eyes, this formula is the primary prescription for treating intraocular diseases in traditional Chinese medicine, suitable for conditions such as retinal diseases and retrobulbar optic nerve disorders. If Danpi and Shan Zhi are added to this formula, the resulting formula is called Dan Zhi Xiaoyao San (from "Internal Medicine Abstract"), which primarily treats liver-qi stagnation with excessive fire. If Shudi is added to increase the nourishing and blood-tonifying effects, the resulting formula is called Hei Xiaoyao San (from "Medical Briefs on Women's Health"), which treats liver-qi stagnation and spleen deficiency along with qi and blood deficiency. If Bai Shao and Baizhu are removed from this formula and Chuanxiong, Cangzhu, and Gouding are added, the resulting formula is called Yi Gan San (from "Complete Works of Jingyue"), which treats liver-qi stagnation and restlessness, leading to sleep disturbances at night.

III. Baihu Chengqi Tang

This group of formulas mostly originates from "Shanghan Lun" and can generally be categorized into three groups: Baihu Tang-like formulas, Chengqi Tang-like formulas, and Xiexin Tang-like formulas. In addition to the original formulas in "Shanghan Lun," later scholars, especially those in the Warm Disease school, have made numerous additions to this group of formulas.