1. Baihu Tang-like Formulas

1. Baihu Tang-like Formulas

Baihu Tang consists of four herbs: Sheng Shigao, Zhimu, Jingmi, and Gancao, and is a famous formula in "Shanghan Lun," primarily indicated for Yangming meridian syndrome (severe heat, severe thirst, profuse sweating, and rapid pulse). From a modern medical perspective, this formula, when modified and adapted, can treat all high-fever conditions, suitable for fevers caused by various infectious diseases as well as those induced by physicochemical factors. Some even consider this formula the premier prescription for heat syndromes in traditional Chinese medicine, which is not an exaggeration. If ginseng is added to this formula, the resulting formula is called Ginseng Baihu Tang, primarily indicated for severe internal heat and dual deficiency of qi and yin. If Guizhi is added, the resulting formula is called Baihu Jia Guizhi Tang, primarily indicated for "warm malaria, where the pulse is normal, there is no cold but only heat, joint pain and restlessness, and occasional vomiting." This formula is also used to treat rheumatoid arthritis accompanied by fever and elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate; if Cangzhu is added, the resulting formula is called Baihu Jia Cangzhu Tang (from "Living Book"), primarily indicated for rheumatoid arthritis, with joint swelling and pain, headache as if wrapped up, restlessness and chest tightness, and thirst without drinking. If Lingyangjiao and Xijiao are added (now both banned drugs, which can be replaced by water buffalo horn), the resulting formula is called Lingxi Baihu Tang (from "Warm Heat经纬"), primarily indicated for exogenous warm diseases, dual deficiency of qi and blood, high fever and thirst, confusion and delirium. If Xuan Shen and Xijiao are added, the resulting formula is called Hua Ban Tang (from "Differentiation of Warm Diseases"), primarily indicated for heat invading the blood, delirium, rash, and a dark red tongue coating with yellow. If Zhimu is removed from this formula and Banxia, Maidong, Ginseng, and Zhuye are added, the resulting formula is called Zhuye Shigao Tang, primarily indicated for residual heat and dual deficiency of qi and yin, with symptoms such as persistent fever and profuse sweating, dry mouth and thirst, weakness and lack of qi, and nausea with reversed qi. From a modern medical perspective, this formula is suitable for the late stage of all febrile illnesses, when patients exhibit obvious autonomic nervous system dysfunction and hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system.