Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), acrid and sweet in flavor, extremely hot in nature, possesses great toxicity. As the "yang within yang," its action is mobile rather than static, penetrating all levels (superficial, middle, deep) of the Hand-Taiyang channel without restriction. It should not be used unless the patient presents with coolness on the body surface and cold extremities (Jue).
Si Ni Tang (Four Reversal Decoction) disperses yin-cold;
Jiang Fu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) restores yang deficiency;
Fuzi Tang (Aconite Decoction) tonifies the stomach; when combined with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), it harmonizes the exterior;
Bai Tong Tang (White Pass Decoction) warms the interior;
Zhen Wu Tang (True Warrior Decoction) eliminates dampness.
Sixteen formulas in total utilize Fuzi.

Ganjiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome), acrid and warm-extremely hot, has a static nature that does not wander. It belongs to yang, capable of ascending and descending, tonifying deficiency-cold in the lower jiao, warming cold extremities, working with Fuzi to warm the interior, and working with Gancao (Licorice Root) to restore yang.
Taohua Tang (Peach Blossom Decoction) tonifies insufficiency;
Lizhong Wan (Regulate the Middle Pill) stops vomiting and diarrhea;
Renshen Tang (Ginseng Decoction) resolves the exterior;
Xianxiong Wan (Chest Trap Pill) opens stagnation.
Seventeen formulas in total utilize Ganjiang.

Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus), acrid and warm-extremely hot, possesses slight toxicity. It enters the Taiyin and Jueyin channels, acting most rapidly to direct downward rebellious yin-toxic qi, opening the cou li (skin pores), dispersing cold, unblocking joints, and harmonizing the stomach. Zhang Zhongjing primarily uses it for vomiting desire after eating food, and in treating miscellaneous diseases for heart and abdominal cramping pain.
Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), acrid and warm, enters the Shaoyin and Jueyin channels. It primarily treats cough with reverse flow of qi, headache, directs qi downward, calms the five zang organs, breaks phlegm, and promotes urination.
Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction) moves water and moistens dryness;
Wumei Wan (Mume Pill) warms the viscera and disperses cold;
Si Ni Tang (Four Reversal Decoction) treats chronic internal cold;
Fuzi Tang (Aconite Decoction) warms the qi of the Shaoyin channel.
Four formulas in total utilize these herbs.

Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), bitter and cold, is nicknamed the "General." It overcomes stagnation, removes old filth, and purges the bowels.
Da Chengqi Tang (Major Order the Qi Decoction) attacks shortness of breath, abdominal fullness, and wheezing;
Xiao Chengqi Tang (Minor Order the Qi Decoction) slightly harmonizes stomach qi, preventing severe purgation;
Tiaowei Chengqi Tang (Regulate the Stomach Order the Qi Decoction) treats steaming-hot fever;
Taoren Chengqi Tang (Pit Order the Qi Decoction) purges acute binding in the lower abdomen;
Xianxiong Tang (Chest Trap Decoction) purges bound heat;
Didang Tang (Reach the Blood Pool Decoction) expels blood stasis;
Xiexin Tang (Drain the Epigastrium Decoction) attacks palpitations/fullness (pi);
Maren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill) moistens the intestines.
Fourteen formulas in total utilize Dahuang.

Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas), salty and cold, subdues the high fever of Shanghan (Cold Damage), treats joint obstruction, benefits urination and defecation, removes intestinal filth, assists Dahuang in attacking excess fullness, and works with Gancao (Licorice Root) to treat chest binding.
Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), bitter and sour, cold, possesses the function of unblocking and draining, breaking binding and eliminating hardness, resolving shanghan-related pi (fullness/stagnation), and removing phlegm-pi in the chest and hypochondrium.
Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction) supports yin;
Sini San (Four Reversal Powder) dissipates heat and harmonizes the stomach. When used in decoctions, bran-fried Zhishi opens binding and disperses internal stagnation.
Six formulas in total utilize Mangxiao and Zhishi.

Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), bitter and warm. Bitterness drains fullness, while warmth tonifies the stomach. It primarily treats headache caused by shanghan, and disperses accumulated cold and rebellious qi.
Renshen Tang (Ginseng Decoction) drains abdominal fullness;
Maren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill) purges dry binding.
In cases of shanghan presenting with extreme fullness and excess, only Chengqi formulas can purge downwards. Since Chengqi formulas contain the harsh action of Mangxiao, without Zhishi and Houpo, one cannot drain qi to calm the stomach.
Six formulas in total utilize Houpo.