🌿 Folk Prescriptions

With deeper understanding of diseases and accumulation of new clinical experiences, therapeutic methods gradually diversified. As the primary tool for syndrome differentiation and treatment, formulary studies also advanced significantly. Key developments included deeper theoretical research, continued compilation and editing of large-scale formularies, and more prominent efforts in collecting, compiling, and organizing single formulas, effective prescriptions, and secret recipes. Many physicians, while exploring the development of traditional Chinese medicine, also absorbed some modern Western medical knowledge, producing hybrid works combining both systems, thus making preliminary attempts at integrating Chinese and Western medicine from the perspective of formulary studies.
This period’s formulary research was characterized by moving from broad coverage to focused theoretical depth. Representative works include:
1. Fei Boxiong’s "Discussions on Medical Formulas"
Published in 1865, Fei Boxiong critically reviewed the formulas in "Collected Explanations of Medical Formulas," reflecting his insights and achievements in formulary theory. He emphasized syndrome differentiation and treatment, opposing indiscriminate prescription use. His commentary offers high value for deepening the study of formula theory, mastering formulation techniques, and clinical application.
2. Jiang Fangfang’s "Discussions on Contemporary Formulas"
This work is not only a concise and practical textbook but also a notable treatise on formulas. It systematically discusses 87 formulas (case examples), with clear and thorough explanations tightly integrated with the formulas.
Over the past century, many physicians have dedicated themselves to compiling and organizing ancient and modern formularies, achieving remarkable results. Early examples include Wen Sheng’s "Compilation of Ten Medical Formula Collections."
Subsequently, several large-scale comprehensive formularies emerged, such as Cao Zhengyan’s "Classified Compilation of Famous Medical Formulas from Ancient and Modern Times," Wu Keqian’s "Comprehensive Collection of Ancient and Modern Medical Formulas," and Cha Sui Xian’s "Chinese Medical Encyclopedia – Section on Formulas," along with some works bridging Chinese and Western medicine.
During this period, collecting single formulas, secret recipes, and effective prescriptions achieved notable success. According to incomplete statistics, over 300 different formulary books were compiled and published, including several widely circulated and distinctive works.
1. Bao Xiangao’s "New Compilation of Effective Formulas"
Compiled in the spring of 1846, the book covers about 92 categories (sections), each listing single and effective formulas under relevant conditions, totaling over 3,240 entries. Principles emphasize low cost, easy availability, and effectiveness, aiming for safe and reliable remedies.
2. Wang Shixiong’s "Brief Effective Formulas in Four Categories"
Wang Shixiong consistently valued collecting single and effective formulas. In 1845, he compiled "Brief Effective Formulas in Four Categories" for use in remote areas with limited access to medicine. Other related works include Gong Ziji’s "New Compilation of Easy-to-Use Formulas," Huang Boyue’s "Complete Collection of Proven Effective Formulas," Yang Fujiao and Pan Zhiwei’s "Collection of Proven Secret Formulas," and Li Kehui’s "Compilation of Verified Formulas."
Additionally, several integrative formulary works appeared, such as Ding Fubao’s "Integration of Chinese and Western Medical Formulas," Chen Jiwu’s "New Compilation of Chinese and Western Effective Formulas," and Tang Chuan’s "Integrated Explanation of Six Classic Patterns and Symptoms in Chinese and Western Medicine."