大意
一阴一阳结。谓之喉痹。（内经）一阴。肝与心胞也。一阳。胆与三焦也。四经皆有相火。并络于咽喉。（王冰）气
热则内结。结甚则肿胀。胀甚则痹。痹甚不通而痰塞以死矣。（子和）
内因
因胸膈素有痰涎。或饮酒过度。或忿怒失常。或房事不节。火动其痰。涌塞于咽嗌之间。以致内外肿痛。水
浆不入。（医鉴）
外候
热气上行。结于喉之两傍。近外作肿。形如筋头。是谓乳蛾。有双单之分。其比乳蛾差小。名闭喉。热结于舌
下。复生小舌。名子舌。热结于中。舌为之肿。名木舌。热结咽喉。肿绕于外。且麻且痒。肿而赤大者。名缠喉风。
毒聚于内。涎唾稠涌。但发寒热者。名塞喉风。喉闭暴发暴死者。名走马喉风。（子和）此症卒然失音。不省人
事。痰壅口噤闷塞而死。与诸卒中相似。但必先有喉痛。为辨耳。
喉与咽分
喉痹谓喉中呼吸不通。语言不出。乃天气闭塞也。咽痛谓咽嗌不能纳唾。饮食不入。乃地气闭塞也。（类要）
表与里分
属表者。必兼恶寒。且寸脉弱小于关尺。乃寒闭于外。热郁于内。宜辛凉发散。切忌酸寒。属里者。身无寒热。
而寸脉滑实于关尺。乃热积于内。壅滞生痰。宜苦寒折伏。及涌吐之法。（汇补）
虚与实异
实火因过食煎炒。热毒蕴积。胸膈不利。烦渴便闭。虚火因七情劳欲。气虚火炎。咽膈干燥。二便如常。（入门）
阴与阳分
阳虚者。两寸浮大。遇劳益甚。此肺脾气怯。不能堤防下焦。须培补中宫。阴虚者。两尺洪数。日晡转甚。此肾
肝阴虚。不能制御龙雷。必滋养癸水。
脉法
两寸浮洪而溢者。喉痹也。两尺微细无力者。虚火也。若微甚而伏者。死。浮大而涩者。亦死。
治法
治实之法。先宜发散。次用清凉。或涌导痰涎。或针刺出血。治虚之法。须遵内经从治之旨。徐徐频与。（正传）
禁用寒凉
若专用芩、连、栀、柏之类而正治之。则上热未除。中寒复起。毒瓦斯乘虚入腹。变为败症。（正传）
死症
如胸前高起。上喘下泄。手足指甲青紫。七日以后。全不入食。口如鱼口者死。又急喉痹症。声如鼾睡。此为
肺绝者死。用人参、竹沥、姜汁。或可救其万一。（丹溪）
吹喉法
凡见咽喉干痛。喉咙作肿。饮不可咽。舌不可吞。水浆难入。入则或从鼻孔出者。先用薄荷、冰片、玄明粉、硼
砂、青黛、牛黄、朴硝、僵蚕等。研末吹入喉中。坠痰清火。
引吐法
凡喉风肿痛。痰涎壅盛。非风痰上壅。即痰火内煽。且火者痰之本。痰者火之标。先涌其痰。乃清其火。用白
矾与巴豆同枯过。去巴豆。以矾为末。同皂角末。入醋调。用鹅翎探吐。吐后以甘桔汤调之。如牙关紧急。不
省人事。不能入药者。吹入鼻中。
熏鼻法
痹者。闭也。咽喉闭结。汤药不通。有形之物。已难下咽。必取无形之气。从鼻而入。用巴豆压油纸上。取油纸。
拈成条子。点灯吹灭。以烟熏鼻。使口鼻流涎。牙关自开。（类案）
刺喉法
乳蛾诸症在关上者。必有血泡。用喉针或笔管点破即宽。在关下不见者。难治。用芦管削尖。令病患含水
一口。从鼻孔放管进击一下。血出甚妙。
刺少商穴法
穴在手大指内侧。去爪甲后如韭叶。男左女右取之。刺入三分许。以手自臂勒至刺处出血。即愈。
火刺法
喉痈肿甚必当刺。用巴豆油涂纸上。拈条点火。才烟起即吹灭。令患人张口带火刺于喉间。俄顷即吐出
紫血而宽。
用药
主以甘桔汤。加薄荷、荆芥、防风、黄芩、玄参、牛蒡、竹茹等。咳嗽。加贝母、陈皮。发渴。加花粉、麦冬。唾
血。加紫菀。呕恶。加半夏。胸满。加枳壳。便闭。加大黄。痰甚。加石膏。火甚。加黄连。卒闭暴死。用解毒雄黄丸。
此皆治实火法也。若属虚者。当从权为主。古人有用人参、附子、肉桂、僵蚕。但理其下而上自安。此求本之治也。大
抵血虚。用四物汤。气虚。用补中汤。肝火。用逍遥散。肾虚。用地黄汤。兼佐治标之药。有命门火衰。龙浮咽嗌者。
惟八味丸最力。而寒凉之药。毫不可用也。
【附伏气】
伏气者。名肾伤寒。谓非时暴寒。伏于少阴。寒邪抑郁。内格阳气。始初不病。旬日乃发。上行于咽门经会之
处。寒热相搏。而成咽痛。脉息微弱。后必下利。当以辛热药攻其本病。顺其阴阳。则水升火降。而咽痛自已。
用甘桔桂半汤主之。（伤寒）
【附疫气】
有司天运气过亢。其年乡村染患相似者。此时气乘虚蕴蓄上焦。发作寒热。变为喉痛。俗名虾蟆瘟。又曰
鸬瘟。此症甚恶。切忌胆矾酸寒。郁遏阳气。硝黄攻下。引邪入里。须用辛凉甘苦。表里双解之品。普济消
毒饮主之。
咽喉选方
桔梗汤 统治咽喉诸病。
牛蒡 玄参 升麻 桔梗 犀角 黄芩 木通 甘草
清热化痰丸 治痰火咽痛。
贝母 花粉 枳壳 桔梗 黄芩 黄连 玄参 甘草
四物汤 治血虚火动咽痛。
四君子汤 治气虚火动咽痛。
地黄汤 治相火上炎咽痛。
桂附八味丸 治龙火上越咽痛。（以上四方俱见中风）
逍遥散 治肝火上炎咽痛。（方见火症）
普济消毒饮（方见头风）
解毒雄黄丸 治急喉痹虽死尤可救活。
雄黄 郁金（各一两） 巴豆（十四粒）
加僵蚕二钱半、芒硝五钱。醋糊丸。清茶下。
半夏桂甘汤 治肾伤寒病。
半夏 桂枝 桔梗 甘草
附子煎 治脏寒咽闭不利。
大附子一片。蜜涂炙黄。每含一片咽汁。甘味尽则易之。
快捷方式法（秘方） 治喉痹乳蛾。
用鲜杜牛膝根一握、艾叶七片。捣和。入乳汗。灌入鼻中。须臾痰涎从口鼻而出。立效。此名天名精。又
名蚵 草。抽梗开花如小野菊。结子如蒿子相似。最黏人衣。狐气更甚。名鹤虱。即此草也。
治喉急风秘方
用蜘蛛七个。先将明矾五钱研末。放在铁刀头上。列蜘蛛在矾内。刀下以炭火熔矾。俟矾枯。共研细末。
藏入小瓷瓶中。每用一字。吹入喉中。吐出稠痰即愈。
鱼骨鲠喉 用橄榄或肉或核。磨水咽下。又方。用朴硝煎汤饮之即出。或威灵仙亦可。
【大意】
一阴经与一阳经的气机郁结，称为喉痹。（《内经》指出）所谓一阴，指肝经和心包经；所谓一阳，指胆经和三焦经。这四条经脉都含有相火，并联络于咽喉部位。（王冰注：）气机受热则在内郁结，郁结严重则导致肿胀，肿胀严重则导致闭塞不通，闭塞不通严重则因痰液阻塞而死亡。（张子和语）
【内因】
由于胸膈原本就有痰涎停滞，或者饮酒过度，或者愤怒失常，或者房事不节制，导致火热内生扰动痰浊，涌塞在咽喉之间，从而引起内外肿痛，连水浆都无法咽下。（《医鉴》语）
【外候】
热气上行，郁结于喉部两侧，靠近外部发生肿胀，形状像筋头一样，这称为乳蛾（扁桃体炎），有单侧和双侧之分。比乳蛾稍小的，称为闭喉。热邪郁结于舌下，长出一个小舌头，称为子舌。热邪郁结于中部，舌头因此肿胀，称为木舌。热邪郁结于咽喉，肿胀环绕外部，且伴有麻木和瘙痒，红肿较大的，称为缠喉风。毒邪聚集于内部，涎唾浓稠涌出，只出现寒热症状的，称为塞喉风。喉闭突然发作并迅速死亡的，称为走马喉风。（张子和语）此症突然失音，神志不清，痰壅盛导致牙关紧闭、闷塞而死，与各种中风症状相似，但必须先有喉痛，以此作为鉴别点。
【喉与咽的区别】
喉痹是指喉中呼吸不通畅，不能说话，这是天气（肺气）闭塞所致。咽痛是指咽嗌不能吞咽唾液，饮食无法进入，这是地气（胃气）闭塞所致。（《类要》语）
【表证与里证的区分】
属于表证的，必定兼有恶寒，且寸脉弱小于关尺脉，这是寒邪闭塞于外，热邪郁结于内，适宜用辛凉发散的方法治疗，切忌使用酸寒收敛的药物。属于里证的，身体没有寒热感觉，但寸脉滑实大于关尺脉，这是热邪积聚于内，壅滞生成痰浊，适宜用苦寒药物折伏热势，以及涌吐痰涎的方法。（《汇补》语）
【虚证与实证的区别】
实火是因为过食煎炸炒制食物，热毒蕴积，胸膈不畅，烦躁口渴，大便闭塞。虚火是因为七情劳倦和欲望过度，气虚导致虚火上炎，咽膈干燥，大小便正常。（《入门》语）
【阴虚与阳虚的区分】
阳虚者，两寸脉浮大，劳累后加重，这是肺脾气怯，不能制约下焦，必须培补中宫（脾胃）。阴虚者，两尺脉洪数，傍晚时分加重，这是肝肾阴虚，不能制约龙雷之火，必须滋养癸水（肾阴）。
【脉法】
两寸脉浮洪且溢出的，是喉痹。两尺脉微细无力的，是虚火。如果脉象微弱至极甚至伏匿不见，主死。脉象浮大而涩的，也主死。
【治法】
治疗实火的方法，先宜发散，其次用清凉药，或者涌吐导引痰涎，或者针刺出血。治疗虚火的方法，必须遵循《内经》从治的原则，慢慢频繁给药。（《正传》语）
【禁用寒凉】
如果专门使用黄芩、黄连、栀子、黄柏等药物进行正治，那么上部的热邪未除，中焦的寒邪又起，毒瓦斯乘虚侵入腹部，变为败症。（《正传》语）
【死症】
如胸前高起，上气喘促下利泄泻，手足指甲青紫，七日以后完全不能进食，口唇张开像鱼口一样的，主死。又有急喉痹症，声音像打鼾睡觉一样，这是肺气绝的表现，主死。用人参、竹沥、姜汁，或许可以挽救万一。（朱丹溪语）
【吹喉法】
凡是见到咽喉干痛，喉咙肿胀，水饮无法咽下，舌头无法吞咽，水浆难入，入则或从鼻孔流出的，先用薄荷、冰片、玄明粉、硼砂、青黛、牛黄、朴硝、僵蚕等药材，研成粉末吹入喉中，以坠痰清火。
【引吐法】
凡是喉风肿痛，痰涎壅盛，不是风痰上壅，就是痰火内煽。而且火是痰的根本，痰是火的标象。先涌吐其痰，然后清其火。用白矾与巴豆同炒至枯，去掉巴豆，将白矾研为粉末，同皂角末一起，用醋调匀，用鹅毛探喉催吐。吐后用甘桔汤调理。如果牙关紧急，神志不清，不能服药的，将药粉吹入鼻中。
【熏鼻法】
痹，就是闭塞的意思。咽喉闭结，汤药不通，有形的食物已经难以咽下，必须取无形的气体，从鼻子进入。用巴豆压榨油涂在纸上，取油纸捻成条状，点燃灯后吹灭，用烟熏鼻，使口鼻流出涎液，牙关自然张开。（《类案》语）
【刺喉法】
乳蛾等病症在喉关以上的，必有血泡，用喉针或笔管点破即感宽舒。在喉关以下看不见的，难治。用芦管削尖，让病患含一口水，从鼻孔放管进去刺一下，放出血液非常有效。
【刺少商穴法】
穴位在手大拇指内侧，距离指甲后方约韭菜叶宽度处，男性取左手，女性取右手。刺入三分左右，用手从手臂向刺处勒压出血，即可痊愈。
【火刺法】
喉痈肿胀严重时必须刺破。用巴豆油涂在纸上，捻成条状点火，刚冒烟就吹灭，让患者张口带火刺入喉间，片刻后即吐出紫血而感宽舒。
【用药】
主要使用甘桔汤，加薄荷、荆芥、防风、黄芩、玄参、牛蒡子、竹茹等。咳嗽，加贝母、陈皮。发渴，加天花粉、麦冬。唾血，加紫菀。呕恶，加半夏。胸满，加枳壳。便秘，加大黄。痰多，加石膏。火盛，加黄连。突然闭塞暴死的，用解毒雄黄丸。这些都是治疗实火的方法。如果属于虚证，应当权变处理为主。古人有用的人参、附子、肉桂、僵蚕，只是调理下部而上部自然安宁，这是求本的治疗。大抵血虚，用四物汤。气虚，用补中益气汤。肝火，用逍遥散。肾虚，用地黄汤。兼佐治标的药物。如果有命门火衰，龙雷之火上浮至咽喉的，只有八味丸最有力，而寒凉药物丝毫不可用。
【附伏气】
伏气，名叫肾伤寒，谓非时之暴寒，潜伏于少阴经。寒邪抑郁，格拒阳气，起初不发病，十日后才发作，上行至咽门经会之处，寒热相搏，而成咽痛。脉息微弱，之后必下利，应当用辛热药物治疗其本病，顺应阴阳，则水升火降，而咽痛自止。用甘桔桂半汤主治。（《伤寒论》相关理论）
【附疫气】
有司天运气过亢之年，该年乡村染患相似的，此时时气乘虚蕴蓄于上焦，发作寒热，变为喉痛，俗名虾蟆瘟，又叫鸬鹚瘟。此症很凶险，切忌使用胆矾等酸寒药物，以免郁遏阳气；也不可用硝黄攻下，以免引邪入里。须用辛凉甘苦、表里双解的药物，普济消毒饮主治。
【咽喉选方】
桔梗汤：统治咽喉诸病。
组成：牛蒡子、玄参、升麻、桔梗、犀角、黄芩、木通、甘草。
清热化痰丸：治痰火咽痛。
组成：贝母、天花粉、枳壳、桔梗、黄芩、黄连、玄参、甘草。
解毒雄黄丸：治急喉痹虽死尤可救活。
组成：雄黄、郁金（各一两）、巴豆（十四粒）。
加僵蚕二钱半、芒硝五钱。醋糊丸，清茶送下。
附子煎：治脏寒咽闭不利。
用法：大附子一片，蜜涂炙黄，每次含一片咽汁，甘味尽则更换。
快捷方式法（秘方）：治喉痹乳蛾。
用法：用鲜杜牛膝根一握、艾叶七片，捣和，加入乳汁，灌入鼻中，须臾痰涎从口鼻而出，立效。此草名天名精，又名蚵螋草，抽梗开花如小野菊，结子如蒿子相似，最黏人衣，狐气更甚，名鹤虱，即此草也。
治喉急风秘方：
用法：用蜘蛛七个，先将明矾五钱研末，放在铁刀头上，列蜘蛛在矾内，刀下以炭火熔矾，待矾枯，共研细末，藏入小瓷瓶中。每用一字量，吹入喉中，吐出稠痰即愈。
[General Principle]
The binding of one Yin meridian and one Yang meridian is called Hou Bi (Laryngeal Obstruction / Sore Throat). (*Neijing* states): The so-called "one Yin" refers to the Liver Meridian and Pericardium Meridian; the so-called "one Yang" refers to the Gallbladder Meridian and Sanjiao (Triple Burner) Meridian. These four meridians all contain Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo) and connect to the throat region. (Wang Bing's commentary): When Qi becomes heated, it binds internally; severe binding leads to swelling; severe swelling leads to obstruction; severe obstruction leads to death due to phlegm blockage. (Zhang Zihe)
[Internal Causes]
Due to pre-existing phlegm-fluids in the chest and diaphragm, or excessive alcohol consumption, or abnormal anger, or immoderate sexual activity, fire stirs up phlegm, surging and blocking between the pharynx and larynx, causing internal and external swelling and pain, making it impossible to swallow even water. (*Yijian*)
[External Manifestations]
Heat Qi ascends and binds on both sides of the throat, swelling near the exterior with a shape resembling a sinew knot, known as Ru E (Tonsillitis), which can be unilateral or bilateral. Smaller than Ru E is called Bi Hou (Closed Throat). Heat binding under the tongue causes a small extra tongue to grow, called Zi She (Sublingual Tongue). Heat binding in the middle causes the tongue to swell, called Mu She (Wooden Tongue). Heat binding in the throat causes swelling around the exterior, accompanied by numbness and itching, with significant redness and enlargement, called Chan Hou Feng (Entangling Throat Wind). Toxicity gathering internally with thick, surging saliva and only chills and fever present is called Sai Hou Feng (Blocked Throat Wind). Sudden onset of Hou Bi leading to rapid death is called Zou Ma Hou Feng (Running Horse Throat Wind). (Zhang Zihe) This condition presents with sudden loss of voice, unconsciousness, phlegm congestion, clenched jaw, and death from suffocation, similar to various strokes, but distinguished by preceding sore throat.
[Distinction Between Larynx and Pharynx]
Hou Bi refers to blocked breathing in the larynx and inability to speak, caused by the obstruction of Heaven Qi (Lung Qi). Yan Tong (Pharyngeal Pain) refers to the inability to swallow saliva or food in the pharynx, caused by the obstruction of Earth Qi (Stomach Qi). (*Lei Yao*)
[Distinction Between Exterior and Interior Syndromes]
Exterior syndromes must be accompanied by aversion to cold, and the Cun (inch) pulse is weaker and smaller than the Guan (bar) and Chi (cubit) pulses. This indicates cold closing the exterior and heat郁 (stagnating) internally; appropriate treatment is acrid-cool dispersing, strictly avoiding sour-cold astringents. Interior syndromes present without chills or fever, but the Cun pulse is slippery and excess compared to the Guan and Chi pulses. This indicates heat accumulating internally and stagnating to generate phlegm; appropriate treatment is bitter-cold suppression and emesis methods. (*Huibu*)
[Distinction Between Deficiency and Excess Syndromes]
Excess Fire results from overeating fried foods, with heat-toxin accumulation, chest discomfort, irritability, thirst, and constipation. Deficiency Fire results from emotional strain and desire, with Qi deficiency causing false fire to flare, dryness in the throat and diaphragm, and normal urination and defecation. (*Rumen*)
[Distinction Between Yin and Yang Deficiency]
Yang deficiency presents with floating and large pulses at both Cun positions, worsening with exertion; this is Lung and Spleen Qi weakness failing to control the Lower Jiao, requiring tonification of the Middle Jiao (Spleen/Stomach). Yin deficiency presents with flooding and rapid pulses at both Chi positions, worsening in the afternoon; this is Liver and Kidney Yin deficiency failing to control Dragon-Liver Fire, requiring nourishment of Gui Water (Kidney Yin).
[Pulse Diagnosis]
Floating, flooding, and overflowing pulses at both Cun positions indicate Hou Bi. Microscopic, fine, and weak pulses at both Chi positions indicate Deficiency Fire. If the pulse is extremely micro or hidden (Fu), it indicates death. Floating, large, and choppy pulses also indicate death.
[Therapeutic Methods]
Treating Excess: First disperse, then use cooling agents, or induce vomiting to guide out phlegm, or prick to bleed. Treating Deficiency: Must follow the principle of contrary treatment from *Neijing*, administering medication slowly and frequently. (*Zhengchuan*)
[Contraindication of Cold-Cooling Herbs]
If solely using herbs like Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Lian Zi (Coptis Rhizome), Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit), and Huang Bai (Phellodendron Bark) for direct treatment, the upper heat will not be removed, while middle cold arises; toxins enter the abdomen through deficiency, turning into fatal conditions. (*Zhengchuan*)
[Fatal Signs]
Swelling high on the chest, upper asthma and lower diarrhea, cyanosis of fingernails and toenails, inability to eat after seven days, and mouth opening like a fish's mouth indicate death. Another acute Hou Bi presenting with snoring-like sounds indicates Lung Qi exhaustion and death. Ginseng, Bamboo Sap, and Ginger Juice may save one in ten thousand cases. (Zhu Danxi)
[Throat Blowing Method]
For dry and painful throat, swollen larynx, inability to swallow liquids or saliva, difficulty entering fluids (which may exit via nose), first use Bo He (Mint), Bing Pian (Borneol), Xuan Ming Fen (Mirabilite), Peng Sha (Borax), Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis), Niu Huang (Calculus Bovis), Pu Xiao (Niter), Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus), etc., ground into powder and blown into the throat to settle phlegm and clear fire.
[Emetic Method]
For throat wind with swelling/pain and abundant phlegm-fluids, whether due to wind-phlegm surging upward or phlegm-fire stirring internally (fire being the root of phlegm, phlegm the branch), first emeticize the phlegm, then clear the fire. Use Bai Fan (Alum) stir-fried with Ba Dou (Croton Seed) until dry, remove Ba Dou, grind Bai Fan into powder, mix with Zao Jiao (Gleditsia Sinensis) powder, blend with vinegar, and induce vomiting using a goose feather probe. After vomiting, regulate with Gan Jie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction). If the jaw is locked and the patient is unconscious/unable to take oral medicine, blow the powder into the nose.
[Nasal Fumigation Method]
Bi means obstruction. When the throat is closed and decoctions cannot pass, and solid food is hard to swallow, one must utilize invisible Qi entering from the nose. Press Ba Dou (Croton Seed) oil onto paper, roll the oiled paper into a strip, light it, blow it out, and fumigate the nose with smoke to induce salivation from mouth and nose, naturally relaxing the jaw. (*Lei An*)
[Throat Pricking Method]
For Ru E and similar conditions above the throat gate, blood blisters are usually present; pricking them with a throat needle or pen tube brings immediate relief. Conditions below the throat gate that are not visible are difficult to treat. Sharpen a reed tube, have the patient hold a mouthful of water, insert the tube from the nostril, and prick once; bleeding is highly effective.
[Shaoshang Acupoint Pricking Method]
Location: On the medial side of the thumb, about the width of a leek leaf from the nail corner. Male patients: left hand; Female patients: right hand. Insert approximately 0.3 cun. Press from the arm towards the puncture site to induce bleeding; cure follows.
[Fire Pricking Method]
Severe throat abscesses must be pricked. Apply Ba Dou (Croton Seed) oil to paper, roll into a strip, light it, and blow it out when smoke appears. Have the patient open their mouth and insert the smoldering strip into the throat; purple blood will be expelled shortly, bringing relief.
[Medication]
Primary formula: Gan Jie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction), added with Bo He (Mint), Jing Jie (Schizonepeta), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Xuan Shen (Scrophularia), Niu Bang Zi (Arctium Fruit), Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings). For cough, add Bei Mu (Fritillaria) and Chen Pi (Citrus Peel). For thirst, add Hua Fen (Trichosanthes Root) and Mai Dong (Ophiopogon). For spitting blood, add Zi Wan (Aster). For nausea/vomiting, add Ban Xia (Pinellia). For chest fullness, add Zhi Ke (Aurantium). For constipation, add Da Huang (Rhubarb). For severe phlegm, add Shi Gao (Gypsum). For severe fire, add Huang Lian (Coptis). For sudden closure and collapse, use Jie Du Xiong Huang Wan (Detoxifying Realgar Pill). These are methods for treating Excess Fire. For Deficiency patterns, modify accordingly. Ancients used Ren Shen (Ginseng), Fu Zi (Aconite), Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Jiang Can (Bombyx); regulating the lower part allows the upper to settle naturally, which is treating the root. Generally, for Blood Deficiency, use Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). For Qi Deficiency, use Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction). For Liver Fire, use Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder). For Kidney Deficiency, use Di Huang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction). Add symptom-targeting herbs. For Ming Men (Gate of Life) Fire Decline with Dragon Fire floating to the throat, Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) is most potent; cold-cooling herbs must absolutely not be used.
[Appendix: Latent Pathogenic Qi]
Latent Pathogenic Qi, named Shen Shang Han (Kidney Cold Damage), refers to non-seasonal violent cold lying dormant in the Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian. Cold pathogen depression blocks Yang Qi. Initially asymptomatic, it manifests after ten days, ascending to the throat junction. Cold and heat struggle, causing sore throat. Pulse is weak and thin, followed by diarrhea. Treat the root with acrid-hot herbs to harmonize Yin and Yang, allowing Water to ascend and Fire to descend, stopping the sore throat. Gan Jie Gui Ban Tang (Licorice, Platycodon, Cinnamon, and Pinellia Decoction) is primary. (*Shanghan* theory)
[Appendix: Epidemic Qi]
In years of excessive Si Tian (Heavenly Stem) luck, villages suffer similar infections. Seasonal pathogens accumulate in the Upper Jiao due to deficiency, causing chills, fever, and throat pain, commonly known as Xia Ma Wen (Toad Plague) or Lu Wen (Cormorant Plague). This condition is severe; avoid Dan Fan (Chalcanthite) and other sour-cold herbs that suppress Yang Qi; avoid Xiao (Niter) and Huang (Rhubarb) purgatives that draw pathogens inward. Use acrid-cool, sweet-bitter, exterior-interior resolving agents. Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Detoxification Decoction) is primary.
[Selected Formulas for Throat Disorders]
Jie Geng Tang (Platycodon Decoction): Governs all throat diseases.
Ingredients: Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Xi Jiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu - note: substitute with Niuhuang or Shui Niu Jiao in modern practice), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Mu Tong (Akebiae Caulis), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).
Qing Re Hua Tan Wan (Clear Heat and Resolve Phlegm Pill): Treats phlegm-fire sore throat.
Ingredients: Bei Mu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix), Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).
Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction): Treats sore throat due to Fire stirring from Blood Deficiency.
Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction): Treats sore throat due to Fire stirring from Qi Deficiency.
Di Huang Tang (Rehmannia Decoction): Treats sore throat due to Ministerial Fire flaming upward.
Gui Fu Ba Wei Wan (Cinnamon and Aconite Eight-Ingredient Pill): Treats sore throat due to Dragon Fire surging upward. (See Stroke chapter for formulas above).
Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder): Treats sore throat due to Liver Fire flaming upward. (See Fire Syndromes chapter).
Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Detoxification Decoction): (See Head Wind chapter).
Jie Du Xiong Huang Wan (Detoxifying Realgar Pill): Treats acute Hou Bi, salvageable even if seemingly dead.
Ingredients: Xiong Huang (Realgar), Yu Jin (Curcumae Radix) (1 liang each), Ba Dou (Crotonis Semen) (14 seeds).
Add Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus) 2.5 qian, Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) 5 qian. Pill with vinegar paste, take with clear tea.
Ban Xia Gui Gan Tang (Pinellia, Cinnamon, and Licorice Decoction): Treats Kidney Cold Damage.
Ingredients: Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma).
Fu Zi Jian (Aconite Decoction): Treats organ cold with throat closure and difficulty swallowing.
Usage: One slice of large Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), coated with honey and roasted yellow. Hold one slice in the mouth to swallow juice; replace when flavor fades.
Quick Method Secret Formula: Treats Hou Bi and Ru E.
Usage: One handful of fresh Du Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), seven leaves of Ai Ye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium), pounded together, mixed with cow's milk, instilled into the nose. Phlegm-fluids exit from mouth and nose shortly after, providing immediate effect. This herb is named Tian Ming Jing (Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba), also known as He Sou Cao. It has stems flowering like wild chrysanthemums, seeds like mugwort, sticks to clothes, and has a strong fox-like odor, also called He Shi (Asari Radix et Rhizoma - *Note: Text describes a specific weed, likely Euphorbia or similar, despite naming confusion in classical texts*).
Secret Formula for Acute Throat Wind:
Usage: Seven spiders. Grind 5 qian of Ming Fan (Alumen) into powder, place on an iron knife blade, arrange spiders in the powder, melt powder with charcoal fire under the knife. When dry, grind together finely, store in a small porcelain jar. Use a "zi" amount (approx. 0.3-0.6g), blow into throat. Thick phlegm expulsion indicates cure.
Fish Bone Stuck in Throat: Chew olive flesh or pit, grind with water, and swallow. Alternative: Drink decoction of Pu Xiao (Natrii Sulfas) to expel bone. Wei Ling Xian (Synephylti Radix) is also effective.