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Also exhibited cursing and shouting. Subsequently, Guizhi Liu Junzi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Six Gentlemen Decoction, a formula with blood-nourishing and spleen-strengthening effects) was used for conditioning and tonification for several days until recovery.

An elderly woman surnamed Wang, approximately sixty years old, accidentally contracted a common cold. The physician administered dispersing and releasing exterior medications. The next day, she began to run wildly in a frenzied state, attempting to remove her upper and lower garments and lie on cold ground. Her son, alarmed and terrified, invited me to consult. I observed her complexion was yellowish and pale, her hands and feet were cold, and her pulse was deep and weak. This indicated Yang deficiency with impending collapse. Urgently, Sini Tang (Four Reversal Decoction, a formula for rescuing devastated Yang) was prescribed with added Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen), Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shudi), and Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui). After two doses, the condition stabilized. Thereafter, Renshen Yangrong Tang (Ginseng Nourishing Harmony Decoction, a Qi-boosting and blood-nourishing formula) was used for conditioning and tonification for several days before full recovery.

In the first month of the Renzi year, Mr. Luo Dasan from Liji Sugar Warehouse suffered from a cold. Symptoms included headache, aversion to cold, loss of taste, and a small, slippery pulse. I prescribed Congchi Tang (Scallion and Fermented Soybean Decoction, a mild acrid-warm exterior-releasing formula) with added Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie), Perillae Folium (Zisu), Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia), and Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Chenpi). Unexpectedly, after taking this medication, he suddenly developed dyspnea unable to lie flat, felt heat rising in his head, and experienced pain in the left side of his lower abdomen due to Cold forcing the Dragon Fire (Ministerial Fire of the Kidney) to ascend upward. His inability to lie flat with dyspnea resulted from Lung and Kidney deficiency failing to grasp Qi. His abdominal pain and vomiting of phlegm-water were caused by internal disturbance of Cold disrupting the free flow of Qi and Blood. His aversion to cold and cold fingers represented the fundamental presentation of deficiency-cold. Therefore, Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction, a formula for warming the middle and dispelling cold) combined with Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) was prescribed, with added Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui), Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao), and Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi). After administration, both dyspnea and vomiting subsided, and abdominal pain ceased. All symptoms receded after medication. The family believed he had recovered and stopped taking medicine. Several days later, he again presented with aversion to cold, headache, and cold hands, sometimes with hot hands and feet, mental fatigue, anorexia, scanty white tongue coating, yellow urine, and a still deep, small pulse. Thus, Lizhong Tang was combined with Xiaojianzhong Tang (Minor Construct the Middle Decoction, a formula for warming the middle and tonifying deficiency) with Yitang removed, and Banxia added. After administration, symptoms slightly receded, but he frequently felt deficient fire ascending, causing severe headaches and hot sensations in the hands and feet, although his body temperature was not elevated. Following the method of Li Dongyuan, I used Codonopsis Radix (Ludangshen) and Atractoditis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) each 2 qian, Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui) 0.5 qian, Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma), Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu), and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong) each 1 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle (Zhigancao) 0.8 fen, Poria (Fuling) 3 qian, Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia) 1.5 qian, decocted together with Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens (Shengjiang) and Jujubae Fructus (Hongzao). Upon finishing one cup, the headache ceased, and the hands and feet no longer felt hot. After continuing with one more dose, the condition stabilized. Most illnesses in the elderly are deficiency-type: either biased toward Yang deficiency or Yin deficiency, or both. Physicians should pay special attention to this.

Lu Gushan, nearly sixty years old, suffered from diarrhea. Introduced by Mr. Xia Bingru, he invited me to consult. His pulse was small and weak, both hands were cold, and he appeared mentally fatigued. This was a disease of Spleen and Stomach Qi deficiency with declining Yang. I prescribed Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) with added Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao) and Aucklandiae Radix (Muxiang). After two consecutive doses, his spirit improved, and he could eat. In the original prescription, Cinnamomi Cortex (Rougui) 0.4 qian and Lycii Fructus (Gouqizi) 2 qian were added. After another two doses, his hands became slightly warm, and diarrhea stopped. However, he suffered severely from dizziness. Ginger and Cinnamomi Cortex were removed from the original prescription, and Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Shudi) was added. After three consecutive doses, dizziness decreased, but his hands remained cold. Deer Antler Glue (Lujiaojiao) and Astragali Membranacei Radix (Huangqi) were then added to the original prescription. After two doses, he felt remarkably vigorous, though his hands remained unwarmed. This is because the True Fire of advanced age has declined; results cannot be expected overnight. I advised purchasing half a piece of Deer Antler Lu Rong, grinding it into powder, and taking 5 li daily, mixed with a decoction of Korean Ginseng (Gaolishen) 3 qian. Mr. Lu entrusted friends in Luzhou to purchase Ginseng and Deer Antler. He took them according to the method. Half a month later, he returned to Fujian. This spring, Mr. Lu came to Zhenjiang again, stating that Deer Antler was very effective; his spirit was now good, and his hands had turned warm. He is now managing the Lai Dayou Leather Silk Tobacco Shop. Generally, chronic deficiency diseases require long-term treatment to succeed and especially benefit from "blood-and-flesh有情" substances (animal-derived tonics like Deer Antler and Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix/Ajiao, considered potent tonics). Deer nature is purely Yang, capable of supplementing human Yang Qi. Deer antler grows on the head, also benefiting the brain, hence its special efficacy.

In the second month of the Yisi year, Mrs. Ji suffered from cough and asthma, leaning to breathe, unable to lie flat, aversion to cold, fever, headache, body pain, chest tightness and discomfort, heart pain radiating to the back, deep and slippery pulse, and white greasy tongue coating. This was external Wind-Cold and internal Phlegm-Fluid clashing, causing Lung Qi to fail to descend, resulting in Lung Distension (similar to emphysema or acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis). I prescribed Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction, a formula for releasing the exterior and resolving fluid retention) combined with Gualou Xiebai Tang (Trichosanthes and Macrostemon Decoction, a formula for unblocking Yang and dissipating nodulation). Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) and Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin) each 0.4 qian, Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang) and Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi) each 0.5 qian, Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou) and Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus (Xiebai) each 3 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 0.5 qian, and other herbs each 1.5 qian. After administration, sweating occurred, and chills, fever, and dyspnea subsided. Only body pain and cough persisted. The formula was changed to Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction, a formula for harmonizing Ying and Wei) to harmonize Ying and Wei, with added Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang) and Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi) each 0.5 qian, and Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin) 0.3 qian to treat cough. One dose showed effect. Due to poverty, further consultation was not sought, and the condition gradually resolved.

Mr. Wu, aged fifteen, suffered from cough and hoarseness from spring to autumn without cure. He coughed without phlegm, could eat, had no fever or thirst, and his pulse resembled that of a healthy person. San'ao Tang (Three Unobstructed Decoction, a formula for diffusing Lung Qi and stopping cough) was given with added Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang), Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi), and Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia). After three doses, cough decreased, and voice normalized. Each time, only 0.3 qian of Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) was used, reduced to 0.2 qian by the fourth dose. Later, Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) was used for conditioning and tonification for three days until recovery.

Mr. Liu suffered from illness for two months, with cough producing foul-smelling sputum, fever, thirst, hot palms and soles, red tongue with no coating, and slippery-rapid right pulse. This indicated latent heat in the Lung, likely developing into Lung Abscess (pulmonary suppurative infection). Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Beimu), Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Yuzhu), Trichosanthis Semen (Guaren), Mori Folium (Sangye), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), and Loquat Leaf (Pipaye) were decocted, mixed with Pear Juice (Lizhi) and taken. After one dose, fever lightened and cough decreased; after three doses, full recovery.

The Bao child, three years old, had fever for several days, coughed foul-smelling sputum, passed undigested food in stool, forehead was hot to touch, tongue was dry with scant coating, thirsty, and pulse rapid. This indicated Heat in the Lung. The proposed formula used Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Aristolochiae Fructus (Madouling), Corni Cortex (Digupi), Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Beimu), Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou), Coicis Semen (Yiren), Mori Folium (Sangye), Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), and Loquat Leaf (Pipaye). Effect seen after one dose, cured after two.

Mrs. Sun, over forty years old, had chronic lung disease, cough with blood-tinged sputum, dizziness, palpitations, insomnia all night, mental fatigue, internal heat sensation, poor appetite, and fine-weak pulse. This resulted from excessive mental labor depleting Blood, and chronic lung disease progressing to Consumption (tuberculosis). The proposed formula used Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (Zaoren), Poria (Fushen), and Biota Seed (Baiziren) each 3 qian, Glehniae Radix (Shashen), Ophiopogonis Tuber (Maidong), and Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang) each 2 qian, and Donkey-Hide Gelatin (Ejiao) 1.5 qian. After administration, bleeding stopped, and sleep resumed, but with profuse sweating and wheezing. Lilii Bulbus (Baihe) was removed from the original formula, adding Astragali Membranacei Radix (Huangqi) 0.5 qian, Lycii Fructus (Gouqizi) 2 qian, Triticum Levis Fructus (Fumai) 3 qian, and Juglans Regalis Semen (Hutaorou) 3 qian. After two consecutive doses, sweating stopped, wheezing settled, but cough remained. Astragali Membranacei Radix (Huangqi) was removed, adding Corni Cortex (Digupi), Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Beimu), and Loquat Leaf (Pipaye). After three doses, cough greatly decreased, spirit strengthened, and she could go out by cart. Finally, Jiling Gao (Collecting Spirit Paste, a nourishing paste) was prescribed for regular use until recovery.

Mr. Liu Xijiu suffered from cough for many days, hoarseness, normal daily activities, obesity, slow-slippery pulse, and greasy tongue coating. This was Phlegm-Fluid disease. Erchen Tang (Two Aged Decoction, a formula for drying dampness and resolving phlegm) was given with added White Mustard Seed (Baijiezi) 0.6 fen, Atractoditis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu) 2 qian, and Coicis Semen (Yiren) 3 qian. Cured after three doses.

Mrs. Zhou Shanfu, over fifty years old, had chronic lung disease, cough and asthma, rattling phlegm sound like sawing, and almost obstructed breathing. I observed she was obese with strong spirit, and her pulses were slippery and spirited. Likely due to affluent upbringing, excessive rich and sweet foods fermented into Phlegm, causing inflammation of the lung airways. The proposed formula used Almond Kernel (Xingrenni), Cynanchum Paniculatum Root (Baiqian), and Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng) each 1.5 qian, Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe) 0.5 qian, Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Juhong) 0.8 fen, Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Beimu) and Coicis Semen (Yiren) each 3 qian, Poria (Fuling) 2 qian, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) 0.5 qian, and Loquat Leaf (Pipaye) one piece, decocted. After one dose, breathing greatly smoothed, and asthma settled. After three consecutive doses, full recovery.

Miss Sun, just one year old, had cough for many days. Initially treated by a Western doctor with little effect, then by a Chinese doctor with no effect, she came for consultation. I saw mental fatigue, pale complexion, red tongue with no coating, ulcerated tongue surface, sweating without fever. This was a deficiency syndrome. Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) with added Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Scrophulariae Radix (Yuann Shen), and Dolichos Lablab Semen (Biandou) was decocted. Initially, only Glehniae Radix (Shashen) was used. After two consecutive doses, cough greatly decreased, and spirit improved. However, night sweats persisted. Astragali Membranacei Radix (Huangqi) 1 qian and Triticum Levis Fructus (Fuxiaomai) 3 qian were added to the original formula, and Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen) replaced the previous herb. After another two doses, cough decreased, and tongue ulcers healed. No topical powders were applied to her tongue.

Mrs. Long Yaonan suffered from cough for many days, intermittent chills and fever, smooth tongue with no coating, and soggy-slow pulse. Shengmai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) with added Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Qinghao), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Coicis Semen (Yiren), Lilii Bulbus (Baihe), Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Beimu), and Loquat Leaf (Pipaye) was prescribed. After two consecutive doses, chills and fever receded, and cough decreased. However, vision was poor and blurry. Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Qinghao), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), and Coicis Semen (Yiren) were removed, adding Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Di Huang) and Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (Nvzhenzi). Cured after three doses.