燥为肺金之本。以肺为华盖，处于高原，故燥必由肺先受之。燥金受热化以成燥涩，由风能胜湿，热能耗液
而成燥也。燥于外则皮肤皱折，燥于中则精血枯涸，燥于上则咽鼻焦干，燥于下则便尿闭结。经曰∶诸涩枯涸，
干劲皱揭，皆属于燥。谓阳实阴虚，则风热胜于水湿而为燥也。究其实皆肺燥不润，则脾自枯，血自槁，精自竭，
肠自涸，因肺燥而随之俱燥，理宜然也。稚年秋令感伤，又与成人不同，故列伤燥病。
小儿伤燥潮热，日轻夜重，古法主天门冬膏。以生天门冬去心，捣绞取汁，滤去滓，砂锅熬成膏。每次开
水调服一二匙。
〔真按〕因燥潮热，是热不时而起，故谓之潮。但用生玉竹二钱，广桔梗八分，竹叶心八分，生甘草三分，
水煎服，则燥可除。
小儿因秋令暴凉，外束躯骸，发热鼻干，烦躁不宁。古法主防风通圣散（如防风、川芎、当归、白芍等十八味）。
〔真按〕前方断不可服，但用苏梗五分，桑叶钱半，前胡三分，忍冬藤一钱，浙贝母钱半，桔梗五分，杏
仁钱半，鲜生地一钱，水煎服。
小儿因感受燥邪，咳嗽痰粘难吐，此因火烁肺金而然也。但
用琼玉膏，每次开水调服一二匙，连服数次即愈。
小儿伤燥皮肤折裂，爪甲干枯，搔之屑起血出，痛楚难堪，但用天麦二冬各钱半，生熟二地各一钱，栝蒌仁
钱半，淡黄芩五分，水煎服。外以白蜜膏频擦之。
小儿伤燥，大便闭结，日久不通者，但用玄明粉二钱，白蜜半两，开水冲服即通。
Dryness is the fundamental nature of Metal (associated with the Lung). Since the Lung is referred to as the "Canopy" and resides at a high position in the body, Dryness pathogenic factors must first affect the Lung. When Dryness-Metal is subjected to Heat transformation, it becomes dry and astringent; this occurs because Wind can overcome Dampness, and Heat consumes Body Fluids, thereby forming Dryness. Externally, Dryness causes skin wrinkling; internally, it leads to the exhaustion of Essence and Blood; superiorly, it results in scorched and dry throat and nose; inferiorly, it causes constipation and urinary retention. The Classics state: "All cases of astringency, withering, exhaustion, stiffness, and peeling belong to Dryness." This refers to a condition where Yang is excessively solid and Yin is deficient, such that Wind-Heat overcomes Water-Dampness, leading to Dryness. In essence, all these are due to Lung Dryness lacking moistening properties, which subsequently causes the Spleen to wither, Blood to become brittle, Essence to deplete, and Intestines to dry up. Because Lung Dryness follows suit causing widespread Dryness, this principle is natural. Children contracting Dryness during the Autumn season differ from adults; therefore, the pathology of Injury by Dryness is listed here.
When children contract Dryness and present with tidal fever, which is lighter during the day and heavier at night, ancient methods primarily prescribe Tianmendong Gao (Asparagus Root Paste). Fresh Tianmendong (Radix Asparagi) is taken, the heart removed, crushed, and juice extracted. After filtering out the dregs, it is boiled into a paste in a clay pot. Each time, one or two spoons are mixed with boiling water for oral administration.
[Chen Shouzhen's Note:] Tidal fever caused by Dryness implies heat arising intermittently, hence termed "tidal." However, instead of the complex paste, one should simply use Sheng Yuzhu (Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati), 2 qian, Guang Jiegeng (Radix Platycodi), 8 fen, Zhuyexin (Folium Bambusae), 8 fen, and Sheng Gancao (Radix Glycyrrhizae), 3 fen. Decoct in water and administer orally; Dryness will be eliminated.
When children are exposed to sudden cold in Autumn, external constraints on the body lead to fever, dry nose, and restlessness. Ancient methods primarily prescribe Fangfeng Tongsheng San (Wind-Dispersing Universal Rescue Powder), containing eighteen ingredients such as Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong), Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), and Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba).
[Chen Shouzhen's Note:] The aforementioned formula must absolutely not be used. Instead, use Sugeng (Caulis Perillae), 5 fen, Sangye (Folium Mori), 1.5 qian, Qianhu (Radix Peucedani), 3 fen, Rendongteng (Caulis Lonicerae Japonicae), 1 qian, Zhebeimu (Bulbus Fritillariae Thunbergii), 1.5 qian, Jiegeng (Radix Platycodi), 5 fen, Xingren (Semen Pruni Armeniacae), 1.5 qian, and Xian Shengdi (Rhizoma Rehmanniae Recens), 1 qian. Decoct in water and administer orally.
When children contract Dryness pathogens and present with coughing and sticky sputum difficult to expectorate, this is due to Fire scorching Lung Metal. Simply use Qiongyu Gao (Jade Nourishing Paste), mixing one or two spoons with boiling water for each dose. Continuous administration for several times will result in recovery.
When children suffer from Dryness causing skin fissures, dry and brittle nails, and itching that produces scales and bleeding with unbearable pain, use Tiandong (Radix Asparagi) and Maidong (Radix Ophiopogonis), each 1.5 qian; Shengdihuang (Rhizoma Rehmanniae Recens) and Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Praeparata), each 1 qian; Gualouren (Semen Benincasae), 1.5 qian; and Dan Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae), 5 fen. Decoct in water and administer orally. Additionally, apply Bimi Gao (White Honey Paste) frequently to the affected area externally.
When children contract Dryness resulting in fecal impaction and prolonged constipation, use Xuanmingfen (Natrii Sulfas), 2 qian, and Bimi (Meli Mel), half liang. Mix with boiling water and administer orally to relieve constipation immediately.