This formula was traditionally used for the treatment of the lesser Yang syndrome (shao yang bing zheng). In general, the common clinical feature may be the alternating sensations of cold and heat. The combination of warming and cooling, as well as tonifying and dispersing ingredients lend this formula it’s unique and wide ranging therapeutic applications.

Essentially the formula’s uses fall into two categories: 1. Lesser Yang syndrome of a Cold-induced disease 2. Gallbladder Qi invasion of the Stomach. The latter syndrome may be a variant of Gallbladder stagnation with Phlegm disturbance (dan yu yan rao), which may lead to Qi stagnation in the Liver and Gallbladder. The stagnant Qi can develop into Fire, which dries the Body Fluids generating Phlegm.

A common use for this formula may be for post-viral debility, in which there is a latent pathogen at the lesser Yang stage (midway between the Exterior and the Interior).