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A woman surnamed Zhang. Half a month after giving birth in midsummer. She suffered from Summerheat-Heat syndrome. With symptoms of thirst and red eyes. Her head, face, and body were covered with summerheat-induced sores. Dense as if combed through. Leaving almost no gaps. I was summoned to examine her. The pulse beat seven or eight times per breath. Whether superficial or deep. The pulse quality was both surging (Hong) and slippery (Hua). I prescribed Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction). Her father-in-law was a village schoolmaster. He adhered to the theory that postpartum conditions should be treated with warming methods. Upon seeing my prescription containing one liang of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). He considered it reckless. Knowing his intent. I cited the method of using Zhipi Dawan (Bamboo Peel Great Pill) from Jin Gui Yao Lue (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet). And explained it in detail. Furthermore, I pointed out that Shigao is heavy in texture but clear in qi. Making it most effective at clearing heat. However, he remained obstinate and refused to accept it. He hired another physician who catered to his views. Three days later, the patient died. It was reported that fresh blood flowed from her mouth and nose after death. Within half a day, her skin and flesh had rotted.

Mrs. Wu, wife of Mr. Zhou Zizhang from Shipu, Ningbo. Suffered from Damp-Heat syndrome in early autumn. The condition persisted for over a month. Every day at dusk, she would first feel slight chills. Followed immediately by fever. The fever subsided only at dawn. She experienced chest stuffiness and loss of appetite. Previous physicians stubbornly used modified versions of Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction). The more they treated, the worse the condition became. Thus, they invited me to examine her. After diagnosis, I told them: The pulse of Malaria (Nüe) is naturally wiry (Xian). Now the pulse is not wiry but soft and small (Ru Xiao). This indicates Spleen-Stomach deficiency with Dampness obstructing the Mou Yuan (Membrane Source). Causing this tidal fever (Chao Re). Treatment should focus on the Taiyin Spleen and Yangming Stomach meridians. Additionally, the patient’s constitution is obese with abundant phlegm. Externally full but internally hollow. The interior is where Yin resides. Internal deficiency implies Yin deficiency. Therefore, the treatment method differs from ordinary Damp-Heat cases. Using acrid-warm wind herbs to overcome dampness may cause deficient fire to flare upward. Using bland-draining diuretics may lead to the loss of Yin fluids. Exclusively using drying-dampness herbs will inevitably deplete True Yin. Purely using yin-nourishing herbs will instead assist phlegm-dampness to congest upwards. One must balance moistening and drying appropriately. Combining rigid and gentle methods harmoniously. Only then can effectiveness be achieved. Thus, I used Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Qianshi (Euryales Semen), Muli (Concha Ostreae), Xian Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum), Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Yiren (Coicis Semen), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), etc., to regulate for several doses. The tidal fever ceased and stomach function gradually recovered. Due to travel to Shangjun. She sought medical treatment from a nearby doctor. The prescription still included Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix). After one dose, the chills and fever returned. They invited me again. I still followed the previous method. Using Sangye (Mori Folium), Chuanbei (Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus), Ling (Poria), Ze (Alismatis Rhizoma), Guya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus), etc. Adjusting the formula interactively until she recovered. Ye Tianshi said: Chaihu disturbs Liver Yin. It should not be used unless it is true Malaria. Seeing this case confirms this statement even more.