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In ancient prescriptions, the five types of yellow diseases described are Huanghan (Yellow Sweat), Huangdan (Jaundice), Gu dan (Grain Jaundice), Jiu dan (Wine Jaundice), and Nü lao dan (Sexual Exhaustion Jaundice). According to *Bielu* (Record of Distinct Medicinals), there are more than these. However, "Dan" and "Huang" essentially refer to the same disease; they differ only in their names across different eras.

Huanghan (Yellow Sweat) occurs because the Stomach is the exterior counterpart of the Spleen and belongs to the Yangming channel. When Yangming accumulates heat, spontaneous sweating is prone to occur. If one enters water while sweating, the heat becomes constrained, causing the sweat to turn yellow.

Huangdan (Jaundice) is caused by sudden exposure to heat followed by bathing with cold water, which traps the heat in the Stomach. Because it differs from other types of Dan, it is designated with the character "Huang" (Yellow). Another theory states that it results from consuming raw cucumber, whose qi steams upward. Some may doubt this, but how could ancient sages make baseless assertions? There must be truth to it.

Gu dan (Grain Jaundice) arises when the skin feels hot and excessive eating damages Stomach Qi, leading to rebellious and constrained Qi mechanism.

Jiu dan (Wine Jaundice) is caused by wine stimulating heat in all vessels; it results from being drunk, exposed to wind, or entering water.

Nü lao dan (Sexual Exhaustion Jaundice) stems from extreme heat during sexual intercourse followed immediately by entering water. Water-dampness enters the Spleen. Due to Kidney Qi deficiency, the conquering element invades, causing Kidney Qi to ascend. This leads to symptoms of a black forehead and yellow body. The condition commonly referred to as Spleen-Kidney disease in later times refers to this syndrome. Cases accompanied by thirst and abdominal distension are difficult to treat. If the disease manifests in Yin, vomiting will definitely occur; if it manifests in Yang, there will be chills and shivering with slight facial heat. Although rooted in the constraint and emission of Stomach Qi with Earth color ascending, if it originates in the Spleen, it is called Rou dan (Flesh Jaundice); if it originates in the Kidney, it is called Hei dan (Black Jaundice).

Regarding etiology, external factors include Wind, Cold, Summerheat, and Dampness; internal factors include Joy, Anger, Worry, and Fright; along with dietary excesses and sexual exhaustion, the Three Causes (External, Internal, and Non-internal/Non-external) are all present. Modern physicians restrictively categorize these solely within the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage), which is indeed overly broad. Students should recognize this.

The patient presents with bodily swelling, fever without thirst, resembling Fengshui (Wind-Water edema). The sweat stains clothing with a bright yellow color, resembling cypress juice; this is named Huanghan (Yellow Sweat).

To treat Huanghan characterized by bodily swelling and sweating, where relief follows sweating but eventually leads to heaviness and stiffness of the body, chest pain, absence of sweating below the waist, flaccid pain in the lower back, and a sensation of an object within the skin; in severe cases, inability to eat, irritability, and difficulty urinating may occur.

Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) modified:
Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi, bark removed) 3 liang
Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) 3 liang
Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae, honey-fried) 2 liang
Huangqi (Radix Astragali) 5 liang

Crush the above ingredients into a coarse powder. Take 4 qian per dose. Add 1.5 cups of water, 5 slices of fresh ginger, and 3 jujubes. Decoct until reduced to 0.7 parts. Strain and take warm. Immediately drink hot congee to assist the medicinal power. Cover warmly to induce slight sweating. If no sweat occurs, administer again.