或问：仲圣之方固有投匕即安之效，余信之矣。何以彼医亦以泻心汤为底方而投之反增其病，而先生稍易数味即能速效耶?余对曰：彼医用药之思路确属不凡，已得辨证之要点，惟将中焦虚寒误认下焦，投以桂附则益火以助热，故病必加重。余以干姜炒炭，既能辅参术健运脾土，又守而不走，敛而能降，纳脾经上行之虚火归于窟宅，待湿热一去，故口疮即愈。后佐细辛又亦类此，细辛虽属少阴之药，而其敛虚火、治口疮功有独擅也，与姜炭同用，有相辅相成之效。此两味虽属辛热之品，而与桂附之雄烈辛散者，自有天壤之殊。故用姜炭、细辛则效，用肉桂、附子则助纣为虐也。
关于干姜治口疮之机理，尤在泾《医学读书记》见解精辟，其述王肯堂治许少薇口糜及从子懋牾口糜症均用干姜而愈之，文后曰：“盖土温则火敛，人多不能知。此所以然者，胃虚食少，肾水之气逆而乘之，则为寒中，脾胃虚衰之火被迫上炎，作为口疮。其症饮食少，大便不实，或手足逆冷，肚复作痛是也。”尤氏之论，恰为本案作注脚。惟本例尚兼湿热。故与连柏同用。
复次患者脉象按之弦细，其病虽属中虚湿热，而其体质蕴藏血虚肝郁之机，故加入归芍以养血舒肝。全方寒热并用，标本兼顾，药病相当，因得速愈。
内外并进疗红眼
1973年底曾治一名四十余岁之男子，初秋感受风热，并发结膜炎。多方治疗两个月，未有进展。渐渐视物模糊，深以为虑。一日与余邂逅，遂求治焉。诊见患者两眼通赤似樱桃，风轮红丝密布。脉弦细，舌色淡红。余曰：“此病初由风热外感，失于清解；加上汝之体质肝肾阴虚，水亏火炽。邪热与肝肾虚火交织，故留而不解。当初疏散即安，而今时日已久，治当标本兼顾，清热与育阴并重，始可望愈。”于是处内服外洗各一方：
内服方：六味地黄丸，每日早晚各服10g，淡盐汤送下。
外洗方：每日以霜桑叶30g，加水两大碗，煎就后，揭去罐盖，以头面悬罐上，用毛巾将头与罐一并罩住，睁开双目，让药液之蒸气熏蒸患处。注意随时调节头罐之间距，以热而不烫为准。熏后两眼酸胀，泪液自流则任之。待水温而不烫时，以净布一小方，蘸水洗眼。亦一日两次。一月后，病者遇余内子，再三托致谢意，并告以按前法治疗一星期，眼病即愈。
按：霜桑叶煎水熏洗结膜炎，乃余故乡之民间秘方，无论证之虚实，用之皆效。患眼接受熏洗后，即觉舒适异常。桑叶虽是普通之物，然其功用，既可内清肺肝，又可外散风热，而熏洗火眼，是其独擅之能也。
又按：关于眼结膜炎之治疗方法，最简易且疗效奇特者，莫过于何长工之眼保健法。其法刊于《新体育》1981年第7期，《文汇报》1981年8月3日转载。随着时间推移，今已欲睹非易。爰摘录如下：
《何长工谈眼保健法》：“革命前辈何长工同志如今八十一岁高龄了，身体还很好。解放初，何老和著名化工专家侯德榜共事。侯老看到何长工同志才五十出头，眼就花了，就把自己行之有效的眼保健法介绍给他：用个小杯盛上温水，用手不断地往眼珠上撩水二十下，眼要睁着，使眼球与热水直接接触。水的温度以眼睛感到舒适为宜。每次做完后，用毛巾擦干，再在眼的有关穴位按摩按摩，并且轻轻按压几次眼球。何老试验以后，感到很舒服，就这样坚持了下来。双目焕发着神采的何老说：四九年进城时我的花镜是三百度，现在还是三百度!一个人从五十迈到八十多岁，从中年进入老年，而视力竟然不衰，可以看书，可以写作，可以自己动手处理革命工作。用何老的话说：坚持三十年，得到了出乎预料的幸福。”
上述方法不仅有益于眼睛之保健，尤其是非器质性老年眼病之保健。且用治慢性结膜炎，功效不可殚述。余自得此法后，凡遇结膜炎久治不愈者，均授以此法。但不用小杯盛水，而改在早晨及晚间睡前用清洁而温度适宜之洗脸水，先冲洗眼睛，然后再行洗脸。如此每日可做两次，功效确实不凡。此类病例甚多，仅举一例以证其事。
高级会计师陆先生，于退休前数月患双眼慢性结膜炎，经对症治疗两月，病情依然。两眼不仅轻度红肿、涩痛，而且视力日渐减退，视物有迷糊不清之感，深虑日久有失明之咎。因而前来问治于余。余即告以上法。陆回家后当即施行，每日坚持早晚各一次，一月后眼病痊愈，视力复常。后五、六年，其妻患中风，偏瘫床褥，邀余为诊，并告余曰：自眼病愈后，此法依然日日施行，晨夕不虚，双眼一直保持良好，视力亦不随年龄而减退。
此法既有如此良效，其治病之机理何在?余推测可能有如下二点：
一者借助水液直接冲洗眼球之良性刺激作用，引起局部充血。加速患眼周围之血液循环，使留着之瘀血痰浊及风寒湿热之邪，逐步消散。同时借助水液冲刷之力及溶解作用，将患眼分泌而附着于局部之病理物质冲洗干净。
二者水液有濡涵眼中神水，松弛眼肌，促使功能调节恢复正常，消除眼睛疲劳作用。
诊暇随笔
夏宇仁先生之幼女，1974年时方十余岁，途次被顽童飞石击伤右眼，致使右眼肿胀、青紫。某医院眼科予服活血化瘀之药肿渐消去，但患眼视物模糊。复经眼科检查，诊断为“瞳孔散大”。予以缩瞳眼药水，用之不应。先生深为忧虑而商治于余。余思目为肝之窍，瞳孔属于肾，瞳孔散大为肝肾之气耗散也，此症非养肝肾不可。又散者治之以酸收，是为正治，当选酸温之品补涩肾气，而本草诸品中惟有五味子独具收摄瞳孔散大之功。因此嘱以五味子吞服，日服二次，每次3g。先生督其令爱依法施行，凡半月，其女伤目视力恢复正常。再至眼科复查，证实右瞳已经复原。
二、电光性眼炎速效二例
例一某工厂女电焊工邹君，偶因疏忽，未戴防护罩，强光刺眼，即发炎疼痛，晚问痛不可忍。急忙速余治之。为针双侧合谷穴，留针半小时，每十分钟加强刺激一次。疼痛立时缓解，始得安然入睡。翌晨起床，仅略有不适感，越日自安。
例：二打字员小施之弟，亦为电光刺激而羞明涩痛，目不能睁。急来电询问解救之法，因其家甚远，余一时间不能为之出诊。忆及某中医杂志曾载熟地敷贴一法，遂去药店拣得熟地四大片，嘱施持之回家依法使用。施让弟弟仰卧闭目，取熟地两片分置双侧眼皮上，两分钟后取下，另换两片。两分钟后又取下，复更换两片。四片熟地如此反复交替使用，治疗二十分钟。治毕目痛大减，当即自感两眼舒适多矣。次日已安然无事。
三、慢性鼻炎之有效良方
《素问·气厥论》云：“胆移热于脑，则辛頞鼻渊，鼻渊者，浊涕下不止也。”鼻炎自急性变为慢性后，常历久不愈，虽属小病，治亦非易。余于二十年前偶得苏州叶桔泉先生外治方一首，如法制备使用，屡获良效，其方为：
取新鲜香葱一把，剪下白头(可连葱须，但青葱管不可用)，洗净拭干，捣烂取汁，置小瓶内。加入同体积纯甘油，摇匀后再加薄荷油一滴，继续摇匀，即可以滴管吸取适量，滴入鼻中。当立刻感觉清凉舒适，如感觉不明显，可再加薄荷油一、二滴，但须渐试渐加，过多则气味强烈，难以耐受。制成后日滴三、四次，每次一、二滴。滴后鼻塞者可以立通，浓涕自化清液而出。若能连用三、四月，多能治愈。余所治愈之病例中，有一例青年志愿参军，连续两年均因鼻炎而未能通过体检关。至第三年，其母向余索方，余即以上方告之。滴一月后再次参加体检，顺利通过鼻检关，而成为光荣之人民战士。
四、西瓜巧治牙龈炎
有余之同性者，年过半百后常患牙龈炎，上下龈肿胀疼痛，此愈彼起，甚至上龈生脓胞如蚕豆大，自以消毒针刺破，脓液时流，不能收口，自服清热解毒之中成药，似有小效，但终不愈。外敷消肿敛疮之剂，肿胀眨甚。如此月余，天气渐热，西瓜上市，颇思啖食。购一大瓜，重十斤许，于晚间独啖四分之一，食毕即睡。次日晨起，龈肿全消，疮口愈合，自此安然。至今已年余，亦来复发。
方药类
小柴胡汤纵横谈
小柴胡汤乃仲景《伤寒论》中之一首名方，千百年间为炎黄子孙之健康贡献殊多。此方构成简洁，用药平淡无奇，颇有貌不惊人之嫌。然在《伤寒论》三百九十七法，一百一十三方之中，唯有小柴胡汤最为出奇制胜之方。无论组方之善，效验之宏，应用之广，其余诸方未有可与伦比者。今就小柴胡汤本方及其治疗伤寒本症之旨略加纵引，于其所涉内外杂症之治者稍稍旁及，聊述拙见，以就正于明者。
一、组方简易，结构严谨
小柴胡汤由柴胡、人参、甘草、半夏、黄芩、生姜、大枣等七味药物组成，均是普通常用之品。药虽至简，而全方之功能，深切于少阳病机。方中参、草、大枣，益气扶胃，加半夏生姜和胃降逆，合之使阳明充实、气机畅达，即可扶正以达邪，更可使少阳半表半里之邪，不易传里。亦即《金匮》“见肝之病，知肝传脾，当先实脾”之意。又如柴胡合黄芩以解少阳之邪；柴胡疏少阳之表，黄芩清少阳之里。使内外俱解、表里咸宁。
少阳病既是寒邪袭入半表半里之间，治法首当达邪外出，柴胡无疑为少阳病和解达邪之主药，是必不可少者，而尚不能独擅其功。盖是时邪在少阳，渐已化热，加之肝胆内寄相火，其热更甚。此时少阳经中之热往往甚于袭入之邪，斯时若非黄芩之力，则不足以除少阳之热，热若不除，何和解之云哉!是故愚以为柴胡、黄芩两药同为小柴胡汤之主眼。方虽名曰“小柴胡汤”，而当少阳邪重热盛之时，无柴胡则不能达其邪，舍黄芩则不能解其热。黄芩与柴胡相须而用，相得益彰，此乃小柴胡汤之真谛也。或曰：仲景书中有去黄芩加芍药例及去黄芩加茯苓例，何得谓黄芩亦为此方之主眼?须知前者一因于腹痛，虑黄芩可致脾阳之不振；一因于水气，恐其得寒则凝。既有阳衰、水寒，则少阳之热自挫，已不必再投黄芩以解其热，反虑黄芩之苦寒以妨其病。是病机转而药随之，此乃小柴胡汤之变法，而非正鹄也。
据于上理，虽《伤寒论》原方中柴胡之用量，为他药之两倍，而余临证时，每用3g或6g，多至9g，常少于他药。发热至39℃上下者，方中之柴胡仍用3g(黄芩用9g)，依然药到病除。
盖小柴胡汤一方，除上述柴芩之功用外，亦不能忽视参草扶元，姜枣辅佐之力，生姜大枣为药食兼用之品，常不为人所重，而须知生姜之用有三：一者合大枣健胃而致津液，二者助柴胡以散袭人之寒邪，三者合半夏和胃降逆。余曾遇一少阳证病人，体温38．2℃，平素体质较差，每多药食过敏，畏甜辣之味，余试投小柴胡汤而去姜枣，仪用其余五味，服一剂，寒热仅退二分，仍有38℃。考虑再三，次日仍加姜枣煎服，患者服药时觉喉中热辣刺痛(数日后始消)。而服药一帖，寒热即解。由此可知，姜枣并非可有可无之物，自有其独特之功用在。
二、善治感冒，适应广泛
柯韵伯曰：小柴胡汤“为少阳枢机之剂，和解表里之总方。”(不仅善治少阳经证，以解半表半里之邪，且善治太阳表证，以祛在表之邪。)本方既为少阳病之主方，理当出于少阳病篇，而《伤寒论》中却出在太阳中篇，可见本方原可治太阳病，为太阳与少阳统治之方。
古人云：若无虚，风寒小能独伤人。外邪之人，必因卫气不足，肌表失于固密，所以体虚之人(包括老年人在内)，更易感冒，而小柴胡汤却为虚人及老人感受风寒最为的对之方。或曰：人体之虚有阴、阳、气、血之别，当于解表药中，或辅益气，或辅养血，或助阳，或滋阴，分别施治，何以竟用小柴胡汤一方统治?对此刘渡舟教授曾经解释曰：“因虚人感冒之病因病机，与仲景所揭出的病因病机理无二致，此皆不任发汗，故可用小柴胡汤统治之。方中参草枣补益中焦脾土，令谷气充沛，以为胜邪之本，合柴芩夏姜，从少阳之枢，以达太阳之气，逐在外之邪，此为扶正祛邪之妙用也．．”
关于虚人感冒多属太阳，而竟用少阳之方，刘教授复解释曰：“体虚之人，卫外不同，外邪侵袭，可直达腠理。腠理者，少阳之分也。故虚人感冒纵有太阳表症，亦为病之标也；纵无少阳正证或变证，却总是腠理空疏，邪与正搏，故可借用小柴胡汤，从少阳之枢以达太阳之气，则太阳表症亦可除矣。”刘渡舟教授之论述，言简意赅，深切临床实际，亦可谓先得我心者也，故详加引述，以饷读者。由此可知无论经方抑或时方，治疗外感疾病诸方中，能广泛适应，普遍使用者，唯有小柴胡汤而已。
此外，小柴胡汤亦可治疗风温、瘟疫、湿温等初起证候。如《济阴纲目》曰：“小柴胡汤治瘟疫、内虚发热，胸胁痞闷，及在半表半里，非汗非下之证。”《得效方》谓：“小柴胡汤治挟岚嶂溪源蒸毒之气。”《苏沈良方》则曰：“此药极解暑毒。”类此之论述，诸书散见极多。是以知小柴胡汤不仅为治疗感冒风寒之圣剂，亦是其他外感热病之良方。
三、“但见一证”，辨治独特
有人问：张仲景的方子确实有投药即见效的神奇功效，我深信不疑。为什么其他医生也以太子泻心汤为基础方来治疗，反而使病情加重，而先生您只是稍微改动了几味药，就能迅速见效呢？我回答说：那位医生的用药思路确实不凡，已经抓住了辨证的关键点，只是将中焦虚寒误认为是下焦病变，使用了肉桂、附子等温热药，这就如同“益火”一般助长了热邪，所以病情必然加重。我用干姜炒成炭，既能辅助人参、白术健运脾土，又具有守而不走、收敛下降的特性，能将脾经上行的虚火引回本源（窟宅），待湿热清除后，口疮自然痊愈。后来加入细辛，也是类似的道理。细辛虽然属于少阴经的药物，但在收敛虚火、治疗口疮方面有独特的专长，与姜炭配合使用，能起到相辅相成的效果。这两味药虽然都属于辛热之品，但与肉桂、附子那种雄烈辛散的性质相比，有着天壤之别。因此，使用姜炭和细辛就能见效，而使用肉桂和附子则是助纣为虐。
关于干姜治疗口疮的机理，尤在泾在《医学读书记》中的见解非常精辟。他记载王肯堂治疗许少薇的口糜以及其侄子懋牾的口糜症，都使用干姜而治愈。文章最后说：“大概脾胃温暖则虚火自敛，这是很多人所不知道的。之所以这样，是因为胃气虚弱、饮食减少，肾水之气上逆侵犯脾胃，导致中焦虚寒；脾胃虚衰产生的火被迫上炎，形成口疮。其症状表现为饮食减少，大便不成形，或者手足逆冷，腹部反复作痛。”尤氏的论述，恰好为这个病例做了注脚。只是本例患者还兼有湿热，所以与黄连、黄柏同用。
另外，患者的脉象按之弦细，虽然病属中焦虚寒兼湿热，但其体质蕴藏着血虚肝郁的病机，所以加入当归、白芍以养血舒肝。全方寒热并用，标本兼顾，药证相符，因此得以迅速痊愈。
内外兼治红眼病
1973年底，我曾治疗一名四十多岁的男子，初秋感受风热，并发结膜炎。多方治疗两个月，没有进展。渐渐出现视物模糊，深感忧虑。一天与我偶遇，便求治于我。诊见患者双眼通红似樱桃，黑睛（风轮）上红丝密布。脉弦细，舌色淡红。我说：“此病起初由风热外感引起，失于清解；加上你体质肝肾阴虚，水亏火旺。邪热与肝肾虚火交织，所以滞留不解。当初及时疏散即可痊愈，如今时日已久，治疗应当标本兼顾，清热与滋阴并重，才有望痊愈。”于是开具内服和外洗各一方：
内服方：六味地黄丸，每日早晚各服10克，用淡盐汤送服。
外洗方：每天取霜桑叶30克，加两大碗水，煎煮后，揭开罐盖，将头脸悬在罐口上方，用毛巾将头和罐一起罩住，睁开双眼，让药液的蒸气熏蒸患处。注意随时调节头与罐之间的距离，以感觉热但不烫为准。熏完后两眼感到酸胀，泪液自流则顺其自然。待水温不烫时，用小块干净布蘸水洗眼。也是一日两次。一个月后，患者遇到我的妻子，再三致谢，并告知按前法治疗一星期，眼病即愈。
按语：霜桑叶煎水熏洗治疗结膜炎，是我故乡的民间秘方，无论虚实证型，使用均有效。患眼在接受熏洗后，即感到异常舒适。桑叶虽是普通之物，但其功用既可内清肺肝，又可外散风热，而熏洗火眼（急性结膜炎），是其独有的特长。
又按：关于眼结膜炎的治疗方法，最简易且疗效奇特者，莫过于何长工的眼保健法。该方法刊登于《新体育》1981年第7期，《文汇报》1981年8月3日转载。随着时间推移，如今已很难见到原文。现摘录如下：
《何长工谈眼保健法》：“革命前辈何长工同志如今八十一岁高龄了，身体还很好。解放初期，何老和著名化工专家侯德榜共事。侯老看到何长工同志才五十出头，眼睛就花了，就把自己行之有效的眼保健法介绍给他：用个小杯盛上温水，用手不断地往眼珠上撩水二十下，眼睛要睁着，使眼球与热水直接接触。水的温度以眼睛感到舒适为宜。每次做完后，用毛巾擦干，再在眼的相关穴位按摩按摩，并且轻轻按压几次眼球。何老试验以后，感到很舒服，就这样坚持了下来。双目焕发神采的何老说：四九年进城时我的花镜是三百度，现在还是三百度！一个人从五十岁到八十多岁，从中年进入老年，而视力竟然不衰，可以看书，可以写作，可以自己动手处理革命工作。用何老的话说：坚持三十年，得到了出乎预料的幸福。”
上述方法不仅有益于眼睛保健，尤其是非器质性老年眼病的保健。而且用于治疗慢性结膜炎，功效不可尽述。我得到此法后，凡遇到结膜炎久治不愈者，均传授此法。但不用小杯盛水，而是改为早晨及晚间睡前用清洁且温度适宜的洗脸水，先冲洗眼睛，然后再行洗脸。如此每日可做两次，功效确实不凡。此类病例甚多，仅举一例以证明此事。
高级会计师陆先生，在退休前数月患双眼慢性结膜炎，经对症治疗两月，病情依然。两眼不仅轻度红肿、涩痛，而且视力日渐减退，视物有模糊不清之感，深虑日久有失明之虞。因而前来问我求治。我即告知以上方法。陆回家后当即施行，每日坚持早晚各一次，一月后眼病痊愈，视力恢复正常。后五、六年，其妻患中风，偏瘫卧床，邀请我为其诊治，并告诉我：自眼病痊愈后，此法依然日日施行，晨夕不虚，双眼一直保持良好，视力亦不随年龄而减退。
此法既有如此良效，其治病机理何在？我推测可能有如下两点：
其一，借助水液直接冲洗眼球的良性刺激作用，引起局部充血，加速患眼周围的血液循环，使留滞的瘀血痰浊及风寒湿热之邪逐步消散。同时借助水液冲刷之力及溶解作用，将患眼分泌并附着于局部的病理物质冲洗干净。
其二，水液有濡润涵育眼中神水（泪液及眼内津液），松弛眼肌，促使功能调节恢复正常，消除眼睛疲劳的作用。
诊余随笔
夏宇仁先生的幼女，1974年时年仅十余岁，途中被顽童飞石击伤右眼，致使右眼肿胀、青紫。某医院眼科给予服用活血化瘀药物，肿渐消退，但患眼视物模糊。复经眼科检查，诊断为“瞳孔散大”。予以缩瞳眼药水，使用无效。先生深为忧虑，商治于我。我思目为肝之窍，瞳孔属于肾，瞳孔散大为肝肾之气耗散所致，此症非滋养肝肾不可。又因散者治之以酸收，是为正治，当选酸温之品补涩肾气，而本草诸品中惟有五味子独具收摄瞳孔散大之功。因此嘱咐以五味子吞服，每日二次，每次3克。先生督促其女儿依法施行，凡半月，其女伤目视力恢复正常。再至眼科复查，证实右瞳已经复原。
二、电光性眼炎速效二例
例一：某工厂女电焊工邹君，偶因疏忽，未戴防护罩，强光刺眼，随即发炎疼痛，晚间痛不可忍。急忙速请我治疗。为她针刺双侧合谷穴，留针半小时，每十分钟加强刺激一次。疼痛立时缓解，始得安然入睡。翌晨起床，仅略有不适感，越日自愈。
例二：打字员小施之弟，亦因电光刺激而羞明涩痛，目不能睁。急来电询问解救之法，因其家甚远，我一时不能为之出诊。忆及某中医杂志曾载熟地敷贴一法，遂去药店拣得熟地四大片，嘱施持之回家依法使用。施让弟弟仰卧闭目，取熟地两片分置双侧眼皮上，两分钟后取下，另换两片。两分钟后又取下，复更换两片。四片熟地如此反复交替使用，治疗二十分钟。治毕目痛大减，当即自感两眼舒适多矣。次日已安然无事。
三、慢性鼻炎之有效良方
《素问·气厥论》云：“胆移热于脑，则辛頞鼻渊，鼻渊者，浊涕下不止也。”鼻炎自急性变为慢性后，常历久不愈，虽属小病，治亦非易。我于二十年前偶得苏州叶桔泉先生外治方一首，如法制备使用，屡获良效，其方为：
取新鲜香葱一把，剪下白头（可连葱须，但青葱管不可用），洗净拭干，捣烂取汁，置小瓶内。加入同体积纯甘油，摇匀后再加薄荷油一滴，继续摇匀，即可以用滴管吸取适量，滴入鼻中。当立刻感觉清凉舒适，如感觉不明显，可再加薄荷油一、二滴，但须渐试渐加，过多则气味强烈，难以耐受。制成后日滴三、四次，每次一、二滴。滴后鼻塞者可立通，浓涕自化清液而出。若能连用三、四月，多能治愈。我所治愈的病例中，有一例青年志愿参军，连续两年均因鼻炎而未能通过体检关。至第三年，其母向我索方，我即以上方告之。滴一月后再次参加体检，顺利通过鼻检关，而成为光荣的人民战士。
四、西瓜巧治牙龈炎
有我的一位同性别的朋友，年过半百后常患牙龈炎，上下龈肿胀疼痛，此愈彼起，甚至上龈生脓胞如蚕豆大，自行以消毒针刺破，脓液时流，不能收口，自服清热解毒之中成药，似有小效，但终不愈。外敷消肿敛疮之剂，肿胀更甚。如此月余，天气渐热，西瓜上市，颇思啖食。购一大瓜，重十斤许，于晚间独食四分之一，食毕即睡。次日晨起，龈肿全消，疮口愈合，自此安然。至今已年余，亦未复发。
方药类
小柴胡汤纵横谈
小柴胡汤乃张仲景《伤寒论》中的一首名方，千百年间为炎黄子孙的健康贡献殊多。此方构成简洁，用药平淡无奇，颇有貌不惊人之嫌。然在《伤寒论》三百九十七法，一百一十三方之中，唯有小柴胡汤最为出奇制胜之方。无论组方之善，效验之宏，应用之广，其余诸方未有可与伦比者。今就小柴胡汤本方及其治疗伤寒本症之旨略加纵引，于其所涉内外杂症之治者稍稍旁及，聊述拙见，以就正于明者。
一、组方简易，结构严谨
小柴胡汤由柴胡、人参、甘草、半夏、黄芩、生姜、大枣等七味药物组成，均是普通常用之品。药虽至简，而全方之功能，深切于少阳病机。方中参、草、大枣，益气扶胃，加半夏生姜和胃降逆，合之使阳明充实、气机畅达，即可扶正以达邪，更可使少阳半表半里之邪，不易传里。亦即《金匮要略》“见肝之病，知肝传脾，当先实脾”之意。又如柴胡合黄芩以解少阳之邪；柴胡疏少阳之表，黄芩清少阳之里。使内外俱解、表里咸宁。
少阳病既是寒邪袭入半表半里之间，治法首当达邪外出，柴胡无疑为少阳病和解达邪之主药，是必不可少者，而尚不能独擅其功。盖是时邪在少阳，渐已化热，加之肝胆内寄相火，其热更甚。此时少阳经中之热往往甚于袭入之邪，斯时若非黄芩之力，则不足以除少阳之热，热若不除，何和解之云哉！是故愚以为柴胡、黄芩两药同为小柴胡汤之主眼。方虽名曰“小柴胡汤”，而当少阳邪重热盛之时，无柴胡则不能达其邪，舍黄芩则不能解其热。黄芩与柴胡相须而用，相得益彰，此乃小柴胡汤之真谛也。或曰：仲景书中有去黄芩加芍药例及去黄芩加茯苓例，何得谓黄芩亦为此方之主眼？须知前者一因于腹痛，虑黄芩可致脾阳之不振；一因于水气，恐其得寒则凝。既有阳衰、水寒，则少阳之热自挫，已不必再投黄芩以解其热，反虑黄芩之苦寒以妨其病。是病机转而药随之，此乃小柴胡汤之变法，而非正鹄也。
据于上理，虽《伤寒论》原方中柴胡之用量，为他药之两倍，而我临证时，每用3克或6克，多至9克，常少于他药。发热至39℃上下者，方中之柴胡仍用3克（黄芩用9克），依然药到病除。
盖小柴胡汤一方，除上述柴芩之功用外，亦不能忽视参草扶元，姜枣辅佐之力，生姜大枣为药食兼用之品，常不为人所重，而须知生姜之用有三：一者合大枣健胃而致津液，二者助柴胡以散袭人之寒邪，三者合半夏和胃降逆。我曾遇一少阳证病人，体温38.2℃，平素体质较差，每多药食过敏，畏甜辣之味，我试投小柴胡汤而去姜枣，仅用其余五味，服一剂，寒热仅退二分，仍有38℃。考虑再三，次日仍加姜枣煎服，患者服药时觉喉中热辣刺痛（数日后始消）。而服药一帖，寒热即解。由此可知，姜枣并非可有可无之物，自有其独特之功用在。
二、善治感冒，适应广泛
柯韵伯曰：小柴胡汤“为少阳枢机之剂，和解表里之总方。”（不仅善治少阳经证，以解半表半里之邪，且善治太阳表证，以祛在表之邪。）本方既为少阳病之主方，理当出于少阳病篇，而《伤寒论》中却出在太阳中篇，可见本方原可治太阳病，为太阳与少阳统治之方。
古人云：若无虚，风寒小能独伤人。外邪之人，必因卫气不足，肌表失于固密，所以体虚之人（包括老年人在内），更易感冒，而小柴胡汤却为虚人及老人感受风寒最为对证之方。或曰：人体之虚有阴、阳、气、血之别，当于解表药中，或辅益气，或辅养血，或助阳，或滋阴，分别施治，何以竟用小柴胡汤一方统治？对此刘渡舟教授曾经解释曰：“因虚人感冒之病因病机，与仲景所揭出的病因病机理无二致，此皆不任发汗，故可用小柴胡汤统治之。方中参草枣补益中焦脾土，令谷气充沛，以为胜邪之本，合柴芩夏姜，从少阳之枢，以达太阳之气，逐在外之邪，此为扶正祛邪之妙用也……”
关于虚人感冒多属太阳，而竟用少阳之方，刘教授复解释曰：“体虚之人，卫外不同，外邪侵袭，可直达腠理。腠理者，少阳之分也。故虚人感冒纵有太阳表症，亦为病之标也；纵无少阳正证或变证，却总是腠理空疏，邪与正搏，故可借用小柴胡汤，从少阳之枢以达太阳之气，则太阳表症亦可除矣。”刘渡舟教授之论述，言简意赅，深切临床实际，亦可谓先得我心者也，故详加引述，以饷读者。由此可知无论经方抑或时方，治疗外感疾病诸方中，能广泛适应，普遍使用者，唯有小柴胡汤而已。
此外，小柴胡汤亦可治疗风温、瘟疫、湿温等初起证候。如《济阴纲目》曰：“小柴胡汤治瘟疫、内虚发热，胸胁痞闷，及在半表半里，非汗非下之证。”《得效方》谓：“小柴胡汤治挟岚嶂溪源蒸毒之气。”《苏沈良方》则曰：“此药极解暑毒。”类此之论述，诸书散见极多。是以知小柴胡汤不仅为治疗感冒风寒之圣剂，亦是其他外感热病之良方。
三、“但见一证”，辨治独特
A question was asked: "Master Zhang Zhongjing's prescriptions indeed have the miraculous effect of curing illness upon administration, and I firmly believe this. Why do other physicians, who also use Xie Xin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) as a base formula, find that administering it worsens the condition, whereas you, Master, can achieve rapid efficacy by merely altering a few herbs?" I replied: "The prescribing logic of that physician is indeed extraordinary; he has grasped the key points of syndrome differentiation. However, he mistakenly identified Middle Jiao deficiency-cold as Lower Jiao pathology and administered Cinnamon Twig (Rougui) and Aconite Root (Fuzi). This action, akin to 'adding fire to heat,' exacerbated the pathogenic heat, thus inevitably worsening the disease. I used Charred Dried Ginger (Ganjiang Tan), which not only assists Ginseng (Renshen) and Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu) in strengthening and transporting Spleen Earth, but also possesses the quality of 'staying put without dispersing' and 'astringing while descending.' It guides the deficient fire ascending in the Spleen meridian back to its source (the 'cave'). Once the damp-heat is cleared, the mouth ulcers heal naturally. Later, I added Asarum Root (Xixin), following a similar principle. Although Asarum Root belongs to the Shaoyin meridian, it excels uniquely in astringing deficient fire and treating mouth ulcers. Used together with Charred Dried Ginger, they complement each other. Although these two herbs are pungent and hot, they differ vastly from the vigorous, pungent, and dispersing nature of Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Root. Therefore, using Charred Dried Ginger and Asarum Root yields efficacy, whereas using Cinnamon Twig and Aconite Root would be assisting the tyrant (worsening the condition)."
Regarding the mechanism of Dried Ginger treating mouth ulcers, You Zaijing's insights in *Medical Reading Records* (*Yixue Dujishu*) are profound. He recorded that Wang Kentang treated Xu Shaowei's oral mucositis and his nephew Maowu's oral mucositis, both cured using Dried Ginger. The text concludes: "Generally, when the Earth element (Spleen/Stomach) is warm, the Fire element (Heart/Deficient Fire) retracts. This is something many people do not understand. The reason for this is that Stomach deficiency and reduced food intake cause Kidney Water Qi to rebel and invade, resulting in Cold in the Middle Jiao. The fire generated by the deficiency and decline of the Spleen and Stomach is forced to flare upward, forming mouth ulcers. The symptoms include reduced appetite, loose stools, cold extremities, and recurrent abdominal pain." You's discussion serves as a perfect annotation for this case. However, this specific case also involved damp-heat, so it was used together with Coptis Rhizome (Lianhua) and Phellodendron Bark (Huangbai).
Furthermore, the patient's pulse was wiry and thin upon pressure. Although the pathology belonged to Middle Jiao deficiency with damp-heat, the constitution harbored underlying Blood deficiency and Liver Qi stagnation. Therefore, Angelica Sinensis Root (Danggui) and White Peony Root (Baishao) were added to nourish Blood and soothe the Liver. The entire formula combined cold and hot properties, addressing both root and branch, matching the medicine to the disease precisely, thus achieving rapid recovery.
Internal and External Treatment for Red Eye
At the end of 1973, I treated a man in his forties who had contracted wind-heat in early autumn, developing conjunctivitis. After two months of various treatments with no progress, his vision gradually became blurred, causing him deep concern. One day, we met by chance, and he sought my treatment. Examination revealed both eyes red like cherries, with dense red filaments on the cornea (Wind Wheel). The pulse was wiry and thin, and the tongue color was pale red. I said: "This illness initially stemmed from external wind-heat contraction, failing to be cleared and resolved. Additionally, your constitution involves Yin deficiency of the Liver and Kidney, with water deficiency leading to blazing fire. Pathogenic heat intertwines with the deficient fire of the Liver and Kidney, causing it to linger unresolved. Had it been dispersed promptly at the beginning, it would have healed. Now that time has passed, treatment must address both root and branch, prioritizing clearing heat and nourishing Yin simultaneously, to hope for a cure." Thus, I prescribed one internal formula and one external wash:
Internal Formula: Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia), taken orally twice daily (morning and evening), 10g each time, swallowed with light salt water.
External Wash Formula: Take 30g of Frost Mulberry Leaf (Shuang Sangye), add two large bowls of water, and decoct. Remove the lid, hold your head over the pot, cover your head and the pot with a towel, keep your eyes open, and let the steam of the medicinal liquid fumigate the affected area. Pay attention to adjusting the distance between your head and the pot to ensure it is hot but not scalding. After fumigation, if the eyes feel sore and distended and tears flow naturally, allow it to happen. When the water temperature is no longer scalding, dip a small piece of clean cloth into the water to wash the eyes. Do this twice daily. One month later, the patient encountered my wife and thanked me repeatedly, reporting that following the previous method for one week cured the eye disease.
Note: Fumigating and washing conjunctivitis with decocted Frost Mulberry Leaf is a folk secret recipe from my hometown, effective regardless of deficiency or excess syndromes. After receiving the fumigation and wash, the affected eye feels exceptionally comfortable. Although Mulberry Leaf is an ordinary substance, its functions include internally clearing the Lung and Liver and externally dispersing wind-heat. Its unique specialty lies in fumigating and washing "fire eyes" (acute conjunctivitis).
Another Note: Regarding treatment methods for conjunctivitis, the simplest and most remarkably effective method is undoubtedly He Changgong's Eye Health Preservation Method. This method was published in *New Sports* (Xin Tiyu) Issue 7, 1981, and reposted by *Wenhui Daily* on August 3, 1981. With the passage of time, it is now difficult to find the original text. Here is an excerpt:
"He Changgong on Eye Health Preservation": "Comrade He Changgong, a revolutionary senior, is now eighty-one years old and still in good health. In the early days of liberation, Comrade He worked with the famous chemical expert Hou Debang. Seeing that Comrade He, although only in his fifties, already suffered from presbyopia, Hou introduced him to his effective eye health preservation method: Use a small cup filled with warm water. Continuously splash the water onto the eyeballs with your hand twenty times. Keep your eyes open so that the eyeballs come into direct contact with the hot water. The water temperature should be comfortable for the eyes. After each session, dry with a towel, then massage relevant acupoints around the eyes and gently press the eyeballs several times. After testing this method, Comrade He felt very comfortable and persisted with it. Comrade He, whose eyes shone with vitality, said: 'When we entered the city in 1949, my reading glasses were three hundred degrees [approx. -3.00D]; now, they are still three hundred degrees! A person goes from fifty to over eighty, from middle age to old age, yet their vision does not decline; they can read books, write, and handle revolutionary work manually. In Comrade He's words: Persisting for thirty years yielded unexpectedly happy results.'"
The above method is beneficial not only for general eye health but especially for non-organic geriatric eye diseases. Moreover, its efficacy in treating chronic conjunctivitis is immeasurable. Since obtaining this method, whenever I encounter cases of chronic conjunctivitis unresponsive to treatment, I teach them this method. However, instead of using a small cup of water, I advise using clean, comfortably warm face-washing water in the morning and before bed at night. First rinse the eyes, then proceed to wash the face. This can be done twice daily, and the efficacy is indeed remarkable. There are many such cases; I cite only one to prove the point.
Mr. Lu, a Senior Accountant, suffered from bilateral chronic conjunctivitis several months before retirement. Despite two months of symptomatic treatment, the condition remained unchanged. His eyes were not only mildly swollen, red, and painful, but his vision also gradually declined, with a blurry sensation, causing him to fear eventual blindness. He came to seek my treatment. I informed him of the aforementioned method. Mr. Lu implemented it immediately upon returning home, persisting twice daily (morning and evening). One month later, his eye disease was cured, and his vision returned to normal. Five or six years later, his wife suffered a stroke and became bedridden with hemiplegia. Inviting me to treat her, she told me: "Since my eye disease was cured, I have continued this method daily, never missing morning or evening sessions. Both eyes have remained in good condition, and my vision has not declined with age."
Given such excellent efficacy, what is the mechanism behind this treatment? I speculate there may be two points:
First, the benign stimulation caused by directly rinsing the eyeball with water induces local congestion, accelerating blood circulation around the affected eye. This helps gradually dissipate stagnant blood stasis, phlegm-turbidity, and pathogens such as wind-cold, dampness, and heat. Simultaneously, the scouring power and dissolving action of the water flush away pathological substances secreted and adhered to the local area.
Second, the water moistens and nourishes the "Divine Water" (tears and intraocular fluids) within the eye, relaxes the ocular muscles, promotes the restoration of normal functional regulation, and eliminates eye fatigue.
Notes Taken During Medical Leisure
1. Schisandra Berry (Wuweizi) is Excellent for Constricting Dilated Pupils
The youngest daughter of Mr. Xia Yuren, aged just over ten in 1974, was injured in her right eye by a stone thrown by a mischievous child during a journey, causing swelling and bruising. The ophthalmology department of a certain hospital prescribed blood-invigorating and stasis-resolving medicines, and the swelling gradually subsided, but her vision in the affected eye remained blurred. Subsequent ophthalmological examination diagnosed "dilated pupil." Pupil-constricting eye drops were ineffective. Deeply worried, Mr. Xia consulted me. I reasoned that the eyes are the orifice of the Liver, and the pupil belongs to the Kidney. Pupil dilation indicates the dissipation of Qi in the Liver and Kidney; this condition requires nourishing the Liver and Kidney. Furthermore, since dispersion is treated with astringency, this is the correct approach. One should select sour and warm herbs to tonify and astringe Kidney Qi. Among herbal texts, only Schisandra Berry (Wuweizi) possesses the unique function of constricting dilated pupils. Therefore, I instructed him to administer Schisandra Berry orally, twice daily, 3g each time. Mr. Xia supervised his daughter to follow this regimen. After half a month, her injured eye's vision recovered to normal. A subsequent ophthalmological examination confirmed that the right pupil had restored to its normal size.
2. Two Cases of Rapid Efficacy in Photokeratitis
Case 1: Ms. Zou, a female electric welder at a factory, negligently failed to wear a protective shield. Strong light irritated her eyes, causing inflammation and pain. By evening, the pain was unbearable. She urgently requested my treatment. I needle-bilateral Hegu LI4 (Large Intestine 4), retained the needles for half an hour, intensifying stimulation every ten minutes. The pain relieved immediately, allowing her to sleep peacefully. Upon waking the next morning, she felt only slight discomfort, and by the following day, she was completely fine.
Case 2: The younger brother of typist Xiao Shi also suffered from photophobia, dryness, and pain due to electric light stimulation, unable to open his eyes. He called urgently for rescue methods. Due to the great distance, I could not visit immediately. Recalling a method described in a Chinese Medicine journal involving applying Prepared Rehmannia Root (Shudihuang), I went to the pharmacy and selected four large slices of Prepared Rehmannia Root, instructing Xiao to take them home and use them according to the method. Xiao had his younger brother lie supine with eyes closed, placing two slices of Prepared Rehmannia Root on each eyelid. After two minutes, remove them and replace with two fresh slices. After another two minutes, remove again and replace with the remaining two slices. Alternating the four slices of Prepared Rehmannia Root in this manner for twenty minutes. After treatment, eye pain decreased significantly, and he immediately felt much more comfortable in both eyes. The next day, he was fine.
3. An Effective Prescription for Chronic Rhinitis
*Susun Zhuan* (Classic of Internal Medicine) states: "When Gallbladder Heat transfers to the Brain, it causes nasal obstruction and sinusitis (Bi Yuan); Bi Yuan is characterized by continuous discharge of turbid mucus." After rhinitis becomes chronic from acute, it often persists for a long time. Although it seems a minor ailment, it is not easy to treat. Twenty years ago, I accidentally obtained an external treatment prescription from Mr. Ye Juquan of Suzhou. Prepared and used according to the method, it has frequently yielded good results. The prescription is as follows:
Take a bunch of fresh green onions, cut off the white heads (including roots is acceptable, but do not use the green stalks). Wash and dry them, crush them to extract juice, and place it in a small bottle. Add an equal volume of pure glycerin, shake well, then add one drop of peppermint oil and shake again. Use a dropper to extract an appropriate amount and instill into the nose. Immediately, a cool and comfortable sensation will be felt. If the sensation is not obvious, add one or two more drops of peppermint oil, but test gradually; too much will make the odor too strong to tolerate. Instill three to four times daily after preparation, one to two drops each time. Nasal congestion resolves immediately after instillation, and thick mucus transforms into clear fluid. Continuous use for three to four months often leads to a cure. Among the cases I cured, there was a young man volunteering for military service who failed the medical examination for rhinitis for two consecutive years. In the third year, his mother asked me for the prescription. I provided the above formula. After instilling for one month, he passed the nasal examination in the next medical check-up and became a glorious soldier.
4. Clever Use of Watermelon to Treat Gingivitis
A friend of mine, male, over fifty years old, often suffered from gingivitis. Swelling and pain occurred in the upper and lower gums, recurring continuously. Sometimes, bean-sized abscesses formed on the upper gum. He punctured them with sterilized needles, pus flowed intermittently, and wounds failed to heal. Self-administered Chinese patent medicines for clearing heat and detoxifying provided slight relief but did not cure the condition. Topical applications for reducing swelling and healing sores made the swelling worse. After more than a month, as the weather grew hotter, watermelons became available. He craved eating one. He bought a large melon weighing about ten jin (5kg), ate one-quarter alone in the evening, and went to sleep immediately. Upon waking the next morning, gum swelling had completely subsided, and the wound had healed. Since then, he has been fine. It has been over a year, and it has not recurred.
Formulas and Medicinals
A Comprehensive Discussion on Xiaochaihu Tang
Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) is a famous prescription from Zhang Zhongjing's *Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders* (*Shanghan Lun*). For thousands of years, it has contributed greatly to the health of the Chinese people. The composition of this formula is simple, and the herbs used are ordinary, giving it an unassuming appearance. However, among the 397 methods and 113 prescriptions in *Shanghan Lun*, Xiaochaihu Tang stands out as the most ingenious. In terms of formulation excellence, macroscopic efficacy, and broad application, no other prescription can compare. Today, I will briefly elaborate on the original formula and its principles in treating Shaoyang syndrome, and slightly touch upon its applications in internal and miscellaneous diseases, offering my humble opinions for correction by experts.
1. Simple Composition, Rigorous Structure
Xiaochaihu Tang consists of seven common herbs: Bupleurum Root (Chaihu), Ginseng (Renshen), Licorice Root (Gancao), Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), Scutellaria Root (Huangqin), Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang), and Jujube Fruit (Dazao). Although the herbs are simple, the overall function of the formula deeply addresses the pathogenesis of Shaoyang disease. Ginseng, Licorice, and Jujube tonify Qi and support the Stomach. Combined with Pinellia and Fresh Ginger to harmonize the Stomach and direct rebellious Qi downward, they enrich the Yangming, smooth Qi mechanism, support healthy Qi to expel pathogens, and prevent Shaoyang pathogens (located between exterior and interior) from transmitting inward. This aligns with the meaning in *Jingui Yaolue*: "When treating Liver disease, knowing that Liver disease transmits to the Spleen, one should first strengthen the Spleen." Furthermore, Bupleurum combined with Scutellaria resolves Shaoyang pathogens; Bupleurum disperses Shaoyang exterior pathogens, while Scutellaria clears Shaoyang interior heat. This ensures resolution of both interior and exterior, bringing peace to the body.
Shaoyang disease arises from cold pathogens invading the space between exterior and interior. The primary treatment method is to guide pathogens outward. Bupleurum is undoubtedly the chief herb for harmonizing and guiding pathogens out in Shaoyang disease, indispensable yet insufficient alone. At this stage, pathogens in the Shaoyang are gradually transforming into heat. Coupled with the Ministerial Fire residing in the Liver and Gallbladder, the heat is even more intense. The heat in the Shaoyang meridian often exceeds the invading pathogen. Without the power of Scutellaria, the Shaoyang heat cannot be removed. If heat is not removed, how can harmony be achieved? Therefore, I consider Bupleurum and Scutellaria to be the dual chief elements of Xiaochaihu Tang. Although named "Minor Bupleurum," when Shaoyang pathogens are heavy and heat is abundant, without Bupleurum, pathogens cannot be guided out; without Scutellaria, heat cannot be resolved. Used mutually reinforcingly, they enhance each other, which is the true essence of Xiaochaihu Tang. Some may ask: Zhang Zhongjing's texts include examples of removing Scutellaria and adding White Peony, or removing Scutellaria and adding Poria. How can Scutellaria be considered a chief element? One must understand that the former example involves abdominal pain, where Scutellaria might impair Spleen Yang; the latter involves fluid retention, where Scutellaria might congeal due to cold. Given Yang deficiency and cold fluids, Shaoyang heat is naturally suppressed, making Scutellaria unnecessary. Using bitter-cold Scutellaria might hinder the disease. Thus, when pathogenesis changes, formulas change accordingly. This is a modified variation of Xiaochaihu Tang, not the standard approach.
Based on the above reasoning, although the original *Shanghan Lun* formula uses twice the dosage of Bupleurum compared to other herbs, in my clinical practice, I typically use 3g or 6g, up to 9g, often less than other herbs. Even when fever reaches around 39°C, I still use 3g of Bupleurum (and 9g of Scutellaria) in the formula, and the medicine still works effectively.
In addition to the functions of Bupleurum and Scutellaria mentioned above, one cannot ignore the Yuan-supporting power of Ginseng and Licorice, nor the auxiliary role of Fresh Ginger and Jujube. Fresh Ginger and Jujube are both medicinal and edible, often overlooked. However, Fresh Ginger has three uses: 1) Combined with Jujube, it strengthens the Stomach and generates fluids; 2) It assists Bupleurum in dispersing invading cold pathogens; 3) Combined with Pinellia, it harmonizes the Stomach and directs rebellious Qi downward. I once treated a Shaoyang syndrome patient with a temperature of 38.2°C. His constitution was poor, prone to drug and food allergies, and he disliked sweet and spicy flavors. I tried prescribing Xiaochaihu Tang without Fresh Ginger and Jujube, using only the other five herbs. After one dose, chills and fever only subsided slightly, remaining at 38°C. After careful consideration, I added Fresh Ginger and Jujube the next day. The patient felt burning pain in the throat during ingestion (subsiding after a few days). However, after one dose, chills and fever resolved. This shows that Fresh Ginger and Jujube are not dispensable; they have unique functions.
2. Excellent for Treating Colds, Broad Adaptability
Ke Yunbo stated: "Xiaochaihu Tang is the agent for the pivot of Shaoyang and the general formula for harmonizing interior and exterior." (It not only treats Shaoyang meridian syndromes to resolve pathogens between exterior and interior, but also treats Taiyang exterior syndromes to dispel pathogens on the surface.) Since this formula is the chief formula for Shaoyang disease, it should logically appear in the Shaoyang chapter. However, in *Shanghan Lun*, it appears in the Taiyang chapter. This indicates that the formula originally treats Taiyang disease, serving as a governing formula for both Taiyang and Shaoyang.
Ancients said: "Without deficiency, wind and cold cannot independently harm humans." External pathogens enter because Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) is insufficient, and the muscle surface lacks firmness. Therefore, people with weak constitutions (including the elderly) are more prone to colds. Xiaochaihu Tang is the most appropriate formula for weak individuals and the elderly contracting wind-cold. Some may ask: Human deficiency varies into Yin, Yang, Qi, and Blood deficiencies. When using exterior-releasing medicines, one should assist with Qi tonification, Blood nourishment, Yang warming, or Yin nourishing, treating separately. Why use Xiaochaihu Tang to govern all? Professor Liu Duzhou explained: "The etiology and pathogenesis of colds in weak individuals are consistent with those revealed by Zhang Zhongjing. All these cases cannot tolerate sweating therapy, so Xiaochaihu Tang can be used to govern them. Ginseng, Licorice, and Jujube tonify the Middle Jiao Spleen Earth, ensuring abundant grain Qi as the foundation for overcoming pathogens. Combined with Bupleurum, Scutellaria, Pinellia, and Fresh Ginger, they act through the Shaoyang pivot to reach Taiyang Qi, driving out external pathogens. This is the subtle application of supporting healthy Qi to expel pathogens..."
Regarding weak individuals' colds mostly belonging to Taiyang yet using a Shaoyang formula, Professor Liu further explained: "Weak individuals have different defensive capabilities. External pathogens can penetrate directly to the interstices (Couli). The interstices belong to the Shaoyang division. Therefore, even if weak individuals' colds present with Taiyang exterior symptoms, these are merely the branches of the disease; even without typical Shaoyang main or variant syndromes, the interstices are always loose, with pathogens battling healthy Qi. Thus, Xiaochaihu Tang can be borrowed to act through the Shaoyang pivot to reach Taiyang Qi, thereby resolving Taiyang exterior symptoms." Professor Liu's discourse is concise, profoundly aligned with clinical reality, and resonates with my own thoughts. I quote it in detail to feed readers. From this, we know that among formulas for treating exogenous diseases, whether classical or contemporary, only Xiaochaihu Tang can be widely adapted and universally used.
Additionally, Xiaochaihu Tang can treat initial stages of Wind-Warmth, Plague, and Damp-Warmth. *Jiyin Gangmu* states: "Xiaochaihu Tang treats plague, internal deficiency fever, chest and hypochondriac fullness, and conditions located between exterior and interior, which are neither suitable for sweating nor purging." *Dexiao Fang* says: "Xiaochaihu Tang treats conditions complicated by toxic vapors from misty mountains and streams." *Su Shen Liangfang* states: "This medicine excellently resolves summer-heat toxicity." Such discussions are scattered extensively in various texts. Thus, Xiaochaihu Tang is not only a sacred agent for treating colds and wind-cold but also a good formula for other exogenous febrile diseases.
3. Unique Differentiation and Treatment Based on "Seeing Only One Symptom"