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The patient has a history of asthma, with a weak constitution and deficient qi. There is sore throat without swelling and occasional coughing. This indicates a recent contraction of Wind-Warmth pathogen affecting the Lung, where Lung Qi fails to descend properly; treatment should still focus on clearing heat and descending Qi.

Sangye (Folium Mori), Shashen (Radix Glehniae), Fuling (Poria), Xingren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae), Chuanbeimu (Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae), Nanzao Rou (Endocarpium Jujubae).

Given the patient's frail endowment, coughing with hemoptysis easily damages Yin. One should not merely regulate the Lung, because Kidney is the upper source of Water, and Lung is the Master of Qi and Mother of Metal (generating Water); nourishing them generates fluids and promotes circulation throughout the body.

Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), Qing Ejiao (Colla Corii Asini), Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii), Liaodoupi (Pericarpium Phaseoli Sojae Nigri), Maidong (Radix Ophiopogonis), Baihe (Bulbus Lilii).

Regarding the prescription discussed yesterday, palpation of the Guan positions on both wrists revealed a Wiry pulse. Therefore, we specifically borrowed Zhang Zhongjing’s method from Xuanshu Daizhe Tang, combined with Simo Yin. Xuanfuhua (Flos Inulae) rotates the Qi mechanism; Daizheshi (Hematitum) is a heavy-settling agent, salty and cold to descend, sour to enter the Liver channel. Simo Yin gradually grinds and transforms, allowing the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian to execute its clear and肃 (descending) function, preventing the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian from excessive overacting or insulting. Currently, the Wiry image at both Guan positions has decreased, and facial edema has slightly receded, indicating the medicine is effective. However, sudden thirst with desire to drink remains unchanged. This is because in the Yangming Fu organ (Stomach/Intestines), accumulated filth remains, boiling the fluids; if the lower flow does not unblock for a day, the upper flow will flood for a day. Although there are strategies for tonifying deficiency, who dares to indiscriminately administer tonics? Moreover, the deficiency pulse and signs are clearly manifest, and the situation allows no delay. Since we previously used Zhang Zhongjing’s method to reduce the Wiryness at the Guan positions, why could we not borrow Zhang Zhongjing’s method of urgently removing accumulated filth to preserve fluids? However, we cannot use the aggressive methods advocated by Zhang Hezi (Zhang Congzheng). We propose a gentle method to push out the old and bring forth the new, awaiting the approval of the two Daoist masters from yesterday.

Xuanfuhua (Flos Inulae), Daizheshi (Hematitum), Renshen (Radix Ginseng). Decoct and take with 2.5 qian of Chenxiang Huqi Wan.

Nvzhenzi (Fructus Ligustri Lucidi), Guangpi (Exocarpium Citri Reticulatae), Gan Sangye (Folium Mori), Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), Hanliancao (Herba Eclipsae), Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Heihezhi (Semen Sesami Nigrum), Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii), Xian Juhua (Flos Chrysanthemi Indici), Guishen (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Heidou (Semen Phaseoli Sojae Nigri), Yuzhu (Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati), Nanzhuye (Folium Myrsini), Baifushen (Poria cum Radix Pini), Shajili (Semen Tribuli), Zhigancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata).

The first fourteen herbs are each 4 liang, the last two are each 2 liang, decocted with Tianquan water (spring water). Boil down with Sangzhi (Ramulus Mori) fire until it becomes a paste, add Zhen Ejiao (Colla Corii Asini) 3 liang, and refined white honey 3 liang. Store in a porcelain jar. Take 5-6 qian daily at Mao hour (5:00-7:00 AM), taken down with boiled water.

This formula is a major tonic for those living in seclusion and an excellent product for harmonizing Liver Qi. Nvzhenzi and Hanliancao follow the principle of Erzhi Wan to secretly transform Yin and Yang; assisted by Sangye and Chenpi to harmonize wind and Qi according to seasons, planting vitality; aided by Gouqizi and Juhua as the spring and autumn of ascending and descending, also conveying fluid to promote transformation. Guishen and Baishao are pungent and sour, one unblocking and one draining, preventing stagnation. Dihuang and Shajili, one filling and one nourishing, preventing the distress of emaciated muscles; Heidou nourishes Water to pacify the Liver, Nanzhuye cultivates Yuan Qi and benefits Qi; Fushen and Yuzhu act as messengers for Ying and Wei; Juhong (Chenpi) and Zhigancao are the true managers of the throat and tongue; Ejiao aids Water creation, possessing the crisp clarity of stirring up turbidity and raising purity; Honey, brewed from hundreds of flowers, possesses the benevolence of gentle winds and sweet rains. Taking this not only regulates Yuan Qi and resists aging but also reveals that the generative power of Heaven and Earth is indeed like this.