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Pills or decoctions. Added Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Chishizhi (Halloysit Rubrum), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), and Yuzhu (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma). Continued administration for two doses. Diarrhea and dysentery reduced by six or seven tenths. Dizziness and palpitations also subsided. After several more days of administration, complete recovery was achieved. Ginseng, Huangqi (Astragali Radix), and Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) are the most contraindicated medicines for treating diarrhea and dysentery. This is because tonifying and cloying substances can obstruct viral pathogens in the intestines and stomach, leading to critical danger. However, in this case, tonifying medicine alone achieved success due to the difference in deficiency and excess patterns. Nevertheless, only when there is pure deficiency without stagnation can pure tonification be used; otherwise, a different approach must be considered.

Mr. Lu suffered from dysentery for over a year, occurring several times day and night. His fingers were cold and clammy, and his pulse was fine and weak. His diet and daily activities remained normal. He was prescribed Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) with added Huangqi (Astragali Radix), Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), and Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba). After two doses, the dysentery stopped immediately. Continuing for several more doses led to full recovery.

The three-year-old son of Mr. Wan suffered from post-illness diarrhea with excessive sweating. He had a dry mouth but no desire to drink tea. He was emaciated and fatigued, with cough and phlegm. His urination was clear, and his tongue was pale, indicating a purely deficient pattern. Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) combined with Sheng Mai San (Generate the Pulse Powder) was used, with added Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix). After administration, sweating ceased and diarrhea decreased. However, he still had much cough and phlegm. In the original formula, Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix) replaced Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus). After two more doses, he stabilized.

Mrs. Wang, over fifty years old, suddenly developed diarrhea in summer. It presented as sudden, urgent, and profuse watery stools, occurring more than twenty times in a day and night. She had fever, thirst, chest oppression, and abdominal pain. Her tongue coating was yellow and greasy, her pulse rapid, and her urination hot. This indicated summerheat-dampness lying latent, with old food stagnation in the intestines and stomach. The nature of fire is swift and urgent, hence the sudden, urgent, and profuse stools. The patient sighed upon hearing this, saying, "Truly a famous doctor." She explained that due to financial difficulties this year, she rented out the ground floor and lived upstairs. Unaware of the extreme heat, she realized she had contracted summerheat. Thus, Huangqin Tang (Scutellaria Decoction) was prescribed with added Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Liuyi San (Six-to-One Powder), Peilan (Eupatorii Herba), and Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus). After one dose, fever subsided and diarrhea decreased. After two doses, complete recovery occurred.

In the fourth month of the Renzi year, Mr. Zhang Zhaokui suffered from warm disease. Symptoms included headache, fever, and chest oppression. The tongue coating was pale yellow and greasy. Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) combined with Xiao Xianxiong Tang (Minor Sinking Chest Decoction) was given, removing Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and adding Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex). After administration, fever subsided and oppression relieved. At night, he felt irritable and uncomfortable, followed by severe epistaxis. Early the next morning, I was summoned urgently. Bleeding had not stopped. His pulse was slow, slippery, and not rapid. His body felt cool, like a healthy person. When asked about discomfort, he reported only a burning sensation in the heart. The prescription was changed to Gan Shengdi (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix) 5 qian, Ejiao (Donkey-hide Glue) 5 qian, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), and Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) each 3 qian, Baigen (Imperatae Rhizoma) 5 qian, Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) 2 qian, mixed with a small cup of Pear Juice. Recovery occurred after finishing one cup. This event took place on April 13th. On May 2nd, Mr. Zhang fell ill again with cough, vomiting, tidal fever, chest oppression, and hypochondriac pain. The tongue coating was thin and greasy, and the pulse was slippery but not rapid. This was caused by sudden weather heating up, oppressive dampness, and emotional anger/depression, resulting in damp-warmth complicated by stomach disease. Initially, Xiao Xianxiong Tang (Minor Sinking Chest Decoction) with added Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), and Foshou (Citri Sarcodactylis Fructus) was used. After two doses, there was no effect, and vomiting worsened. Therefore, Xuanshen Daizhe Tang (Inula and Hematite Decoction) was substituted, removing Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and adding Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba), Liuyi San (Six-to-One Powder), and Yiyiren (Coicis Semen). Vomiting slightly subsided after administration, so the original formula was continued. During the afternoon follow-up, the patient was shivering and aversive to cold, feeling cold even under thick blankets, followed by fever. I suspected impending "battle sweat" (Zhan Han); otherwise, the disease might transform into malaria and recede. Thus, the original formula was administered at a reduced dose. At 8 PM, the servant returned, reporting continuous sweating and cold hands. The family was panicked. His pulse was deficient, slow, and rooted. He appeared spiritually exhausted and reluctant to speak or move. He complained of inner restlessness. This indicated massive deficiency of primal qi after battle sweat, where dispersion occurred but consolidation failed. Medicinal support was needed: Ludangshen (Codonopsis Radix) 4 qian, Sheng Huangqi (Raw Astragali Radix) 4 qian, Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus) 4 qian, Chao Zaoren (Stir-fried Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) 4 qian, Zhusha Ban Fushen (Vermilion-coated Poria with Stimulating Effect) 4 qian, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1 qian, and Hongzao (Jujubae Fructus) 5 pieces. The servant was sent immediately to buy and decoct the herbs. I strictly warned the family against panic and mishandling. After administration, sweating stopped, spirit calmed, and he slept soundly. The next day, he was sitting eating porridge, speaking almost normally. The original formula was continued at a reduced dose. Several days later, Mr. Zhang and his brother Mr. Xiaofen visited my residence for further consultation, fully recovered.

The fifteen-year-old son of Zhang Huating lay ill in summer during the Guichou year. Five doses of medication had been ineffective. Upon my examination, the patient often felt inner irritability and unrest, unable to sleep for several days. He had diarrhea and cough, with right hypochondriac pain upon coughing. He had fever, red tongue edges, thin white coating, and cracks appearing when the tongue moved. Urine was yellow and turbid. Spirit was fatigued, and the pulse was rapid. Reviewing previous prescriptions revealed Binglang (Arecae Semen), Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus), Xiebai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus), Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Sangye (Mori Folium), etc. This indicated excessive attacking and damaging, exhausting stomach fluids, clearing insufficient damp-heat, and damaging mental energy. The proposed formula used Beishashen (Glehniae Radix) 2 qian, Baihe (Lilii Bulbus) 4 qian, Zaoren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) and Zhusha Ban Fushen (Vermilion-coated Poria with Stimulating Effect) each 4 qian, Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) 3 qian, Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) 3 qian, Peilan (Eupatorii Herba) 1.5 qian, Xingren (Pruni Semen) 2 qian, Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium) one piece, and Zhuran Dengcao (Vermilion-stained Juncus Effusus) 2 chi, prepared as a decoction. After administration, he slept peacefully for two hours, irritability settled, and he felt much refreshed. Diarrhea stopped, he ate a few pieces of scorched rice cake, fever lightened, and the pulse became slow and slippery. Peilan (Eupatorii Herba) and Xingren (Pruni Semen) were removed from the original formula, adding Xian Shihu (Fresh Dendrobii Caulis) 3 qian, Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) 1 qian, Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus) 2 qian, and Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma) 3 qian. After two more doses, he recovered.

The son of the Dai family, just one year old, suffered from diarrhea and fever in summer during the Renzi year. Pediatric treatment for three to four days worsened the condition. Upon my examination, he was panting uneasily, eyes rolling upward, and limbs convulsing in a dancing manner. The tongue was bare and red, complexion pale, head slightly hot, hands and feet slightly cold, body temperature normal, and chest felt full. He alternated between panting and convulsing, with eyes rolling upward during convulsions, having no peace. He was thirsty; tea provided slight relief, but soon panting and convulsions resumed. The condition was critical. Seeing his mother wearing mourning clothes and crying bitterly (her husband had died only a month prior), I felt compassion and attempted treatment. Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) was used: Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) 2 qian, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) 1.5 qian, Fuling (Poria) 1 qian, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 0.5 qian, plus Gan Dihuang (Prepared Rehmanniae Radix) 3 qian, Zhusha Ban Fushen (Vermilion-coated Poria with Stimulating Effect) 3 qian, Bidou (Dolichoris Semen) 3 qian, and Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) 0.8 fen, prepared as a decoction. Since diarrhea had persisted for many days, stomach qi was deficient. The bare red tongue, panting, and cold hands indicated dual deficiency of yin and yang. The limb convulsions and upward eye gaze indicated tendons lacking fluid nourishment, presenting neurological symptoms known as Jing Bing (Spasm Disease). This formula aimed to save primal qi and nourish yin fluids, though survival was not guaranteed. Unexpectedly, the next morning, the family reported that after taking the medicine, he slept peacefully, and panting/spasms stopped. At 2 AM, he passed stool once, relieving chest fullness. He remained spiritually weak. The original formula was continued with added Gouqizi (Lycii Fructus) 2 qian, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) 1 qian, and Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) 3 qian. Milk and rice porridge were administered. After several days of such care, he recovered.

The two-year-old son of Pan Jinwen suffered from diarrhea for several days. Pediatric treatment was ineffective. Upon my examination, he had cold clammy hands, excessive sweating, spiritual fatigue, and occasional belching. The tongue coating was thin and greasy, and the pulse was slippery. This was summerheat-dampness-phlegm stagnation, treated improperly, injuring stomach qi. First, righteous qi should be consolidated using Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction): Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) each 2 qian, Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) 0.5 fen, plus Huangqi (Astragali Radix) 0.8 fen, and Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) 0.5 fen. After administration, sweating gradually decreased, and hands warmed. After one more dose, sweating stopped completely. However, diarrhea, fever, and thirst persisted, worsening at night. The tongue coating turned yellow and greasy. The prescription was changed to Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) 2 qian, Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Peilan (Eupatorii Herba), and Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) each 1 qian, Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) 1.5 qian, Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) 3 qian, Huashi (Talcum) 2 qian, and Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix) 1 qian. After two doses, thirst slightly subsided, and diarrhea stopped. Night fever persisted. Tongue coating was thick, greasy, and yellow; tongue tip red; sclera yellow; urine clear. This indicated damp-heat-phlegm stagnation accumulating in the upper jiao, with pathology located above rather than below. Clearing and transforming methods using light substances were appropriate. The prescription was changed to Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos) 0.5 fen, Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) 0.3 fen, Yiyiren (Coicis Semen) 3 qian, Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) 0.8 fen, Zhike (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) 1.5 qian, Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba) 1.5 qian, Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) 2 qian, Fuling (Poria) and Liuyi San (Six-to-One Powder) each 2 qian, and Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma) 4 qian. Fever lightened, tongue coating retreated, and bowel/bladder movements normalized. Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos), Fuling (Poria), and Liuyi San (Six-to-One Powder) were removed. Shanzi (Gardeniae Fructus), Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Qinghao Lu (Qinghao Distillate), Sigualuo (Luffae Fructus Retinervus), Shashen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix), and Pipaye (Eriobotryae Folium) were added. After two doses, fever completely subsided. Subsequently, Shashen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix), Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), Baihe (Lilii Bulbus), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma), Bian Dou (Dolichoris Semen), Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), and Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis) were used. Recovery occurred in three days. Pediatric diseases are prone to deficiency and excess. This illness originated from summerheat-dampness and milk stagnation accumulating in the upper and middle jiao, causing diarrhea and fever. Due to pediatricians' ignorance of this principle, violating Ye Tianshi's warnings, they recklessly used digestive and ascending-dispersing agents like Shanzha (Crataegi Fructus), Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), and Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), injuring stomach qi. Hence, excessive sweating and cold hands appeared. Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) restored stomach qi, stopping cold sweating. However, the pathogen remained, leading to recurrent fever/thirst and thick yellow tongue coating. Clearing and transforming agents removed the pathogen and fever. The steps were orderly, allowing no error. The thick yellow coating and intense fever/thirst were actually facilitated by Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction). However, without thick yellow coating, fever, and thirst, clearing agents should not be thrown around indiscriminately. Opposition and complementarity work together. Furthermore, pediatricians often strictly forbid milk and food for children. They do not know that while overeating increases disease, hunger also damages the stomach. During the phase of fever, thirst, and thick coating, milk and food should be temporarily forbidden. As fever lightens and coating retreats, and especially during cold sweating, milk and drinks should be gradually introduced, avoiding overfeeding. Diet and起居 (daily routine) are crucial keys in nursing patients, especially for children who cannot express hunger or satiety. Doctors and families must be considerate and thorough.