Zhang Zhongjing (circa 150–154 AD – circa 215–219 AD), whose courtesy name is Zhongjing, was from Nanyang, Neixiang County (now Zhangzai Village, Dengzhou City, Henan Province). He was a physician during the late Eastern Han Dynasty, revered as the “Sage of Medicine” by later generations. Zhang Zhongjing extensively collected medical prescriptions and authored the monumental work “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” (Treatise on Cold Damage and Miscellaneous Diseases). The principle of “differentiating syndromes and treating accordingly” established in this work is a fundamental principle of TCM clinical practice and the essence of Traditional Chinese Medicine.In the field of herbal medicine, “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” also made significant contributions, creating many types of formulas and documenting a large number of effective prescriptions. The treatment principles established through the differentiation of the six meridians have been highly esteemed by physicians throughout history. This is the first medical monograph in China that established the rules of syndrome differentiation from theory to practice, and it is one of the most influential works in the history of Chinese medicine, regarded as an essential classic for students and clinical practitioners of TCM.Forty-Five Formulas from “Shang Han Lun” by Zhang ZhongjingWe hope this can help more people.1. Prescription for treating long-term insomnia, forgetfulness, and arrhythmia (from “Shang Han Lun” — Zhi Gan Cao Tang): Zhi Gan Cao (Honey-fried Licorice) 15g, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) 10g, Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) 10g, Dang Shen (Codonopsis) 5g, Sheng Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) 50g, Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon) 10g, Ma Ren (Sesame Seed) 10g, Da Zao (Jujube) 10 pieces, E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) 5g, with 5 bowls of rice wine + 4 bowls of water, boil the first eight ingredients to obtain 3 bowls, let cool to lukewarm, then add E Jiao and consume.2. Prescription for treating gout (from “Shang Han Lun” — Gan Cao Fu Zi Tang): Gui Zhi 15g, Zhi Gan Cao 10g, Pao Fu Zi (Processed Aconite) 25g, Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) 15g.3. Prescription for treating abdominal pain with diarrhea (from “Shang Han Lun” — Huang Qin Tang): Huang Qin (Scutellaria) 15g, Zhi Gan Cao 10g, Bai Shao (White Peony) 10g, Da Zao 12 pieces.4. Prescription for treating persistent diarrhea (from “Shang Han Lun” — Chi Shi Zhi Yu Yu Liang Tang): Chi Shi Zhi (Red Stone) 10g, Yu Yu Liang (Yu Yu Grain) 15g.5. Prescription for treating nausea and vomiting (from “Shang Han Lun” — Xiao Chai Hu Tang): Chai Hu (Bupleurum) 25g, Huang Qin 10g, Dang Shen 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Ban Xia (Pinellia) 25g, Sheng Jiang 10g, Da Zao 4 pieces, taken before meals.6. Prescription for treating gastritis (from “Shang Han Lun” — Huang Lian Tang): Huang Lian (Coptis) 15g, Zhi Gan Cao 15g, Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) 15g, Gui Zhi 15g, Dang Shen 15g, Ban Xia 15g, Hong Zao (Red Dates) 15 pieces.7. Prescription for treating pulmonary edema (from “Shang Han Lun” — Shi Zao Tang): Yuan Hua (Daphne) 2g, Da Ji (Euphorbia) 2g, Gan Sui (Kansui) 2g. Note: Grind the above three herbs into powder, boil with ten or more red dates to make a red date soup, take the powdered herbs, and expect severe vomiting and diarrhea three hours after taking, which is normal. This medicine should be taken on an empty stomach around 6 AM, be careful.8. Prescription for treating breast cancer (from “Shang Han Lun” — Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang + Mu Li): Chai Hu 40g, Huang Qin 10g, Dang Shen 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Ban Xia 25g, Sheng Jiang 10g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Gui Zhi 10-20g, Mu Li (Oyster Shell) 20g.9. Prescription for treating lung cancer (from “Shang Han Lun” — San Wu Xiao Bai San): Ba Dou (Croton) 2 seeds, Jie Geng (Platycodon) 10g, Bei Mu (Fritillaria) 10g, first roast Ba Dou until black, then grind with Jie Geng and Bei Mu into powder, take with hot water. If diarrhea occurs, drink cool boiled water.10. Prescription for treating liver ascites (from “Shang Han Lun” — San Wu Xiao Bai San): Ba Dou 2 seeds, Yuan Hua 10g, first roast Ba Dou until black, then grind with Yuan Hua into powder, take with hot water. If diarrhea occurs, drink cool boiled water.11. Prescription for treating throat cancer (from “Shang Han Lun” — San Wu Xiao Bai San): Ba Dou 2 seeds, Bei Mu 10g, first roast Ba Dou until black, then grind with Bei Mu into powder, take with hot water. If diarrhea occurs, drink cool boiled water.12. Prescription for coping with drinking (from “Shang Han Lun” — Xiao Chai Hu Tang + Cang Zhu + Ze Xie): Chai Hu 25g, Huang Qin 10g, Dang Shen 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Ban Xia 25g, Sheng Jiang 10g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) 25g, Ze Xie (Alisma) 30g, taken one hour before drinking. During drinking, urination will be frequent, drinking will feel like drinking water.13. Prescription for treating intestinal obstruction (from “Shang Han Lun” — Da Xian Xiong Tang): Da Huang (Rhubarb) 10g, Mang Xiao (Glauber’s Salt) 10g, Gan Sui 10g. Note: After boiling Da Huang, place it in a bowl, add Mang Xiao and Gan Sui, and it is ready to take.14. Prescription for treating gastric ptosis (from “Shang Han Lun” — Wu Zhu Yu Tang + Xuan Fu Dai Zhe Tang): Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia) 10g, Sheng Jiang 20g, Da Zao 8 pieces, Xuan Fu Hua (Inula) 10g, Dai Zhe Shi (Hematite) 5g, Ban Xia 10g, Dang Shen 15g, Zhi Gan Cao 10g.15. Prescription for treating uterine cancer (from “Shang Han Lun” — Di Dang Tang): Shui Zhi (Leech) 15g, Meng Chong (Fly) 15g, Da Huang 50g, Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) 20 pieces.16. Prescription for treating insomnia due to irritability (from “Shang Han Lun” — Zhi Zi Dou Gu Tang): Fei Zhi Zi (Fat Zhi Zi) 4 pieces, Xiang Chi (Fragrant Beans) 3g.17. Prescription for treating frequent nocturnal emissions (from “Shang Han Lun” — Gui Zhi Long Gu Mu Li Tang): Gui Zhi 10g, Bai Shao 10g, Sheng Jiang 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Da Zao 12 pieces, Long Gu (Dragon Bone) 20g, Mu Li 10g, Pao Fu Zi 15g.18. Prescription for treating bedwetting in children (from “Shang Han Lun” — Gui Zhi Long Gu Mu Li Tang): Gui Zhi 10g, Bai Shao 10g, Sheng Jiang 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Da Zao 12 pieces, Long Gu 10g, Mu Li 20g.19. Prescription for treating urinary difficulties or hematuria due to external injury to the genital area (from “Shang Han Lun” — Tao He Cheng Qi Tang): Tao Ren 15g, Da Huang 15g, Gui Zhi 5g, Mang Xiao 5g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g. Note: After boiling the other herbs, place them in a bowl and add Mang Xiao.20. Prescription for treating weakness and loss of appetite in children and ADHD (from “Shang Han Lun” — Xiao Jian Zhong Tang): Mai Ya (Barley) 30g, Gui Zhi 10g, Bai Shao 20g, Sheng Jiang 10g, Da Zao 6 pieces, Zhi Gan Cao 5g.21. Prescription for treating breast lumps (from “Shang Han Lun” — Xiao Chai Hu Mu Li Tang), for mild cases: Chai Hu 25g, Huang Qin 10g, Dang Shen 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Da Zao 8 pieces, Ban Xia 25g, Mu Li 20g, Sheng Jiang 3 slices; for severe cases: Dang Gui (Angelica) 20g, Sheng Di Huang 10g, Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum) 15g, Bai Shao 15g, Zi Gen (Purple Root) 10g, Mu Fang Ji (Stephania) 15g, Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) 10g, Wa Leng Zi (Corydalis) 20g, Chao Mai Ya 15g.22. Prescription for treating colorectal cancer (from “Shang Han Lun” — Da Chai Hu Tang): Chai Hu 15g, Huang Qin 10g, Bai Shao 10g, Ban Xia 15g, Sheng Jiang 15g, Zhi Shi (Bitter Orange) 10g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Da Huang 10g, Mang Xiao 10g, this prescription is for patients who have not undergone surgery. After boiling the other herbs, place them in a bowl and add Mang Xiao.23. Prescription for treating dysmenorrhea (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun”)Prescription one (Chai Hu + Bai Shao Tang): Chai Hu 25g, Huang Qin 10g, Dang Shen 10g, Sheng Jiang 2 slices, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Ban Xia 25g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Bai Shao 40-50g;Prescription two (Si Wu Tang): Bai Shao 30g, Chuan Xiong 15g, Dang Gui 15g, Fu Zi 15g, Shu Di Huang 15g, Qian Cao (Madder) 30g;Prescription three (Tao He Cheng Qi Tang): Tao Ren 12g, Da Huang 12g, Mang Xiao 6g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g, Gui Zhi 6g,Note: Do not boil Mang Xiao, add it after the other herbs are boiled to dissolve.24. Prescription for treating lobular hyperplasia of the breast (from “Shang Han Lun” — Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang): Chai Hu 25g, Huang Qin 10g, Dang Shen 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 5g, Ban Xia 25g, Sheng Jiang 10g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Gui Zhi 10-20g.25. Prescription for treating enterovirus (from “Shang Han Lun” — Ge Gen Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang): Ge Gen (Pueraria) 30g, Huang Qin 10g, Huang Lian 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 10g.26. Prescription for treating persistent vomiting in pregnant women (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Ban Xia Gan Cao Tang and Ren Shen Ban Xia Gan Jiang Tang)Prescription one: Ban Xia 10g, Gan Jiang 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 10g;Prescription two: Ban Xia 15g, Ren Shen (Ginseng) 10g, Gan Jiang 10g,Note: Grind the above three herbs into powder, take one spoonful with warm water, two to three times a day.27. Prescription for treating persistent vomiting and infant regurgitation (from “Shang Han Lun” — Wu Ling San): Zhu Ling 15g, Ze Xie 30g, Bai Zhu 15g, Fu Ling 15g, Gui Zhi 10g.Note: Use water to decoct, take the herbal juice, mix with edible starch, let it absorb completely, then dry to make into powder, take with warm water.28. Prescription for treating dizziness caused by position changes (from “Shang Han Lun” — Fu Ling Gui Zhi Bai Zhu Gan Cao Tang): Fu Ling 20g, Gui Zhi 15g, Bai Zhu 10g, Zhi Gan Cao 10g. Note: If nausea is also present, add Ban Xia 15g.29. Prescription for treating nosebleeds in children (folk remedy): One cup of fresh lotus root juice, take it down.30. Prescription for treating menopausal irritability (from “Shang Han Lun” — Gui Zhi Tang): Gui Zhi 9g, Bai Shao 9g, Gan Jiang 9g, Da Zao 3 pieces, Zhi Gan Cao 6g.31. Prescription for treating nephritis and renal edema (from “Shang Han Lun” — Xiao Qing Long Tang): Ma Huang (Ephedra) 12g, Shao Yao (Peony) 9g, Gan Jiang 9g, Ban Xia 9g, Gui Zhi 6g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g, Xi Xin (Asarum) 3g, Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra) 3g.32. Prescription for treating constipation (from “Shang Han Lun” — Tiao Wei Cheng Qi Tang): Zhi Gan Cao 10g, Da Huang 20g, Mang Xiao 10g, Zhi Zi 10g. Note: After boiling the other herbs, place them in a bowl and add Mang Xiao.33. Prescription for treating lower limb venous inflammation or varicose veins (from “Shang Han Lun” — Bai Shao Gan Cao Tang + Pao Fu Zi + Niu Xi): Bai Shao 40-50g, Zhi Gan Cao 40-50g, Pao Fu Zi 20g, Niu Xi (Achyranthes) 20g.34. Basic prescription for treating male impotence and female frigidity (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Si Ni San): Chai Hu 6g, Zhi Shi 6g, Shao Yao 6g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g. Note: Grind the above herbs into powder, take a small half spoon three times a day.35. Prescription for treating stubborn oral ulcers (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Gan Cao Xie Xin Tang): Gan Cao 12g, Huang Qin 9g, Gan Jiang 9g, Ban Xia 9g, Da Zao 12 pieces, Huang Lian 3g.36. Basic prescription for treating schizophrenia (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang): Chai Hu 12g, Long Gu 5-6g, Mu Li 5g, Huang Qin 5g, Sheng Jiang 5g, Qian Dan (Lead) 3g, Ren Shen 5g, Gui Zhi 5g, Fu Ling 5g, Ban Xia 6g, Da Huang 6g, Da Zao 6 pieces, Chang Shan (Chuanxiong) 20g, Yuan Zhi (Polygala) 20g, Cang Zhu 20g. Note: Qian Dan should be wrapped in cotton cloth and boiled with the other herbs.37. Basic prescription for treating epilepsy (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang): Chai Hu 12g, Long Gu 5g, Huang Qin 5g, Mu Li 5g, Sheng Jiang 5g, Qian Dan 3g, Ren Shen 5g, Gui Zhi 5g, Fu Ling 5g, Ban Xia 6g, Da Huang 6g, Da Zao 6 pieces, Chang Shan 20g, Yuan Zhi 20g, Cang Zhu 20g. Note: Qian Dan should be wrapped in cotton cloth and boiled with the other herbs.38. Basic prescription for treating acute pancreatitis (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Da Chai Hu Tang): Chai Hu 12g, Huang Qin 9g, Shao Yao 9g, Ban Xia 9g, Sheng Jiang 15g, Zhi Shi 9g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Da Huang 6g.39. Prescription for treating acute cholecystitis (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Da Chai Hu Tang): Chai Hu 12g, Huang Qin 9g, Shao Yao 9g, Ban Xia 9g, Sheng Jiang 15g, Zhi Shi 9g, Da Zao 4 pieces, Da Huang 6g.40. Basic prescription for treating infertility (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Wen Jing Tang): Dang Gui 6g, Shao Yao 6g, Chuan Xiong 6g, Wu Zhu Yu 9g, Ren Shen 6g, Gui Zhi 6g, E Jiao 6g, Mu Dan Pi (Moutan) 6g, Sheng Jiang 6g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g, Ban Xia 6g, Mai Dong (Ophiopogon) 9g. Note: E Jiao should not be boiled, add it after the decoction is ready.41. Prescription for treating endometriosis (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Wen Jing Tang): Dang Gui 6g, Shao Yao 6g, Chuan Xiong 6g, Wu Zhu Yu 9g, Ren Shen 6g, Gui Zhi 6g, E Jiao 6g, Mu Dan Pi 6g, Sheng Jiang 6g, Zhi Gan Cao 6g, Ban Xia 6g, Mai Dong 9g. Note: E Jiao should not be boiled, add it after the decoction is ready.42. Basic prescription for treating anemia (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Ze Xie Tang): Ze Xie 25g, Bai Zhu 10g.43. Basic prescription for treating hydrocephalus (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Gan Cao Ma Huang Tang): Ma Huang 15g, Gan Cao 8g, Sheng Ban Xia 30g.
44. Prescription for treating numbness and tingling in the limbs and trunk (from “Shang Han Za Bing Lun” — Huang Qi Gui Zhi Wu Wu Tang): Huang Qi (Astragalus) 15g, Bai Shao 15g, Gui Zhi 15g, Sheng Jiang 6 slices, Da Zao 12 pieces.
45. Basic prescription for treating hemiplegia (from “Xiao Xu Ming Tang”): Ma Huang 25-40g, Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) 25-40g, Da Zao 12 pieces, Mu Fang Ji 15g, Gui Zhi 15-20g, Huang Qin 10g, Bai Shao 15g, Fang Feng (Siler) 10g, Chuan Xiong 15-50g, Ren Shen 15g, Pao Fu Zi 10g, Dang Gui 15-50g, Zhi Gan Cao 10g, Sheng Jiang 3 slices.
