Three Classical Formulas for Warm Diseases

Three Wind Heat Formulas

One of the snapshots in Wu Jutong’s Differentiation of Warm Diseases is the triple formulas he developed/organized for wind heat patterns of warm diseases in the Upper Burner section. Here is the translation of that section containing those three formulas: Sang Ju Yin, Yin Qiao San and Bai Hu Tang, which are labeled as acrid cooling light prescription, acrid moderate prescription and acrid heavy prescription.

“4. For taiyin warm disease such as wind warmth, damp heat, winter warmth, if aversion to wind cold on initial onset is manifested, Gui Zhi Tang is prescribed. If fever without aversion to cold, but thirst are manifested, acrid cooling moderate prescription, Yin Qiao San, is prescribed.

5. For taiyin wind warm disease, aversion to cold is manifested, Gui Zhi Tang is prescribed. If the aversion to cold is relieved and other symptoms linger, then Yin Qiao San is prescribed.

6. For taiyin wind warm disease, if cough, less severe fever and slight thirst are manifested, acrid cooling light prescription, Sang Ju Yin, is prescribed.

7. For taiyin warm disease, if floating and surging pulse, yellow tongue, severe thirst, sweating, red face, and aversion to hot are manifested, acrid cooling heavy prescription, Bai Hu Tang, is prescribed.”

This is arguably one of the most concise pieces in Chinese medicine literature. These four paragraphs contain three of the most widely used formulas. Elegantly constructed, clearly expressed, and enduringly applied. Masterpiece! Classical work!