In thousands of years' struggling against epidemic diseases, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), with its unique and advantageous theories and methods, has protected prosperity of the Chinese nation, composing a brilliant chapter. There are many famous prescriptions and medicines for prevention and treatment of epidemic diseases in TCM. In view of characteristics of epidemic diseases, application of general prescriptions in fighting against epidemic diseases has its unique effects and advantages. Through combing and studying the application of TCM general prescriptions for treating epidemic diseases in different historical periods, summarizing experience and reflecting on lessons, this paper tries to define the concept of TCM general prescriptions for treating epidemic diseases, explore elements of their efficacy guarantee, analyze their advantages and limitations, as well as reveal their enlightenment significance and application prospects, or provide ideas and reference for clinical application.