The theory of "Supplementation/Drainage of the Five Organs Based on Their Longings and Sufferings" from the Suwen: Discourse on How the Qi in the Depots Follow the Pattern of the Seasons serves as an important guiding principle for the clinical use of herbal medicine in treating organ disorders. This paper explores the concept of the afflictions of the five Zang organs as described in the book, discussing relevant pathologies and theoretical underpinnings, and demonstrates applications through clinical case studies to expand on the thinking behind flavor-based treatments for each organ. Examples include: using Ganmai Dazao Decoction (Licorice, Wheat and Jujube Decoction) combined with Baihe Dihuang Decoction (Lily Bulb and Rehmannia Decoction) to address anxiety based on the principle that "the liver suffers from tension, thus it craves sweetness to relax" ; pairing Wumei (Fructus Mume) with other herbs to treat symptoms like muttering and inappropriate laughter according to the record that "the heart suffers from slackening, thus it craves sourness to contract it again" ; applying Sanren Decoction (Three Kernels Decoction) to manage depression as "the spleen suffers from dampness, thus it craves bitterness to dry" ; using a modified Guizhi Jia Houpo Xingzi Decoction (Cinnamon Twig, Officinal Magnolia Bark, and Almond Decoction) for asthma with panic attacks based on "the lung suffers from qi rising contrary, thus it craves bitterness to drain it" ; and combining Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) with other herbs to relieve constipation in accordance with "the kidney suffers from desicccation, thus it craves acrid to moisten."

Huang Di Nei Jing;Supplementation/Drainage of the Five Organs Based on Their Longings and Sufferings;expanded use of herbal medicine