3. Xiexin Tang-like Formulas

3. Xiexin Tang-like Formulas

Xiexin Tang originates from "Jin Gui Yao Lue" and consists of three herbs: Da Huang, Huanglian, and Huangqin, primarily indicated for various lesions caused by internal excess fire, such as high fever, constipation, reddish urine, thick yellow and greasy tongue coating, rapid pulse, chest restlessness, jaundice, hematemesis, epistaxis, and carbuncles. From a modern medical perspective, this formula is suitable for various infections, carbuncles and skin ulcers, sepsis, cholecystitis, pancreatitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, and other conditions. It is also suitable for aplastic anemia, leukemia, thrombocytopenic purpura, as well as hypertension, gastric ulcers, and chronic gastritis. In recent years, reports from various regions indicate that this formula is particularly effective for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. If Zhi Ke and Muxiang are added, the resulting formula is called Baidu Pai Shi Tang No. 2 (Dalian Medical College), primarily indicated for gallstones and cholecystitis. If Zhi Shi and Baizhu, Fuzhuan Ze Xie are added, the resulting formula is called Zhi Shi Daozhi Tang (Li Dongyuan), primarily indicated for damp-heat obstructing the gastrointestinal tract, with symptoms such as red and white diarrhea. If Fuzi is added, the resulting formula is called Fu Zi Xiexin Tang, primarily indicated for lower abdominal fullness and distension, with chills and sweating. If Da Huang is removed and Dangshen, Ganjiang, Banxia, Dazao, and Gancao are added, the resulting formula is called Banxia Xiexin Tang, primarily indicated for cold and heat intermingling in the gastrointestinal tract, with clinical symptoms such as lower abdominal fullness and distension, nausea and vomiting, intestinal rumbling and diarrhea. If Banxia Xiexin Tang increases the dosage of Gancao, the resulting formula is called Gancao Xiexin Tang, primarily indicated for vomiting and fullness, intestinal rumbling and diarrhea, poor digestion of food, and restlessness. If the dosage of Ganjiang is reduced and ginger is added, the resulting formula is called Ginger Xiexin Tang, primarily indicated for vomiting and fullness, intestinal rumbling and diarrhea, and dry choking with bad odor. If Xiexin Tang removes Da Huang and adds Gegen and Gancao, the resulting formula is called Gegen Huangqin Huanglian Tang, primarily indicated for sweating and shortness of breath, with body heat and diarrhea. If Xiexin Tang removes Da Huang and adds Huangbo and Zhi Zi, the resulting formula is called Huanglian Jiedu Tang (from "Outer Terrace Secret Essentials"), primarily indicated for fire-toxicity conditions, such as carbuncles, skin ulcers, erysipelas, and other conditions where fire accumulates and becomes toxic. In recent years, Japanese scholars have reported that this formula is highly effective in treating senile dementia. If Xiexin Tang removes Da Huang and adds Huangbo, Xiang Chi, Zhi Zi, Ma Huang, Sheng Shigao, the resulting formula is called Shigao Tang (from "Outer Terrace Secret Essentials"), primarily indicated for superficial conditions turning into internal heat, with symptoms such as headache without sweating, fever and chills, thirst and flushed face, and restlessness. If Xiexin Tang removes Da Huang and adds Banlan Gen, Yuanshen, Niubangzi, Mabo, Lianqiao, Chenpi, Gancao, Jiangcan, Chaihu, Bohe, Jiegeng, Shengma, the resulting formula is called Pu Ji Disinfection Drink (Li Dongyuan), primarily indicated for heat-toxicity attacking the upper part of the body, causing mumps, facial rashes, large-head epidemics, and facial erysipelas, known to be particularly effective against epidemic parotitis, capable of inhibiting the parotitis virus.

IV. Four Jun Four Wu System

This system refers to a series of formulas derived from modifying and adapting the Four Jun Soup and the Four Wu Soup. Both soups originate from "Heji Ju Fang"; Four Jun tonifies qi, while Four Wu nourishes and regulates blood, both being essential prescriptions for reinforcing the body's vital energy. Sometimes the two are used separately with added ingredients, forming a series of qi-tonifying and blood-nourishing formulas; sometimes they are combined to form a formula that simultaneously tonifies qi and nourishes blood. In short, this system of formulas is an important series for reinforcing the body's vital energy in traditional Chinese medicine.