Library

Pediatric Yang Edema arises from the internal stagnation of damp-heat, which obstructs the water passages. The pathogenic factors attack the muscle and skin surface externally, resulting in external swelling and internal abdominal distension, accompanied by fever, thirst, irritability, short and dark urine, and constipation. The treatment should focus on purging water and promoting diuresis. In cases where heat is excessive with severe irritability and thirst, ancient methods advocate using Dasheng Chuan San (Great Sage Chuan Powder) [composed of calcined Rhizoma et Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae (Wei Dahuang), Semen Sisymbrii Irritantis (Qianniu, taking the finest powder), Semen Pruni (Yuliren), each 1 liang; Fructus Tsaoko (Caoguoren), Radix Aucklandiae (Muxiang), 3 qian; Natrii Sulfas (Mangxiao), 3 qian; Kansui Radix (Gansui), 5 fen; all ground into fine powder, mixed with ginger decoction for administration, dosage adjusted according to the child's age].

In cases where dampness is predominant with significant abdominal distension, ancient methods advocate using Zhouche Shenyuan Wan (Boat Vehicle Divine Protection Pill) (formula see "Wind-Damp Edema").

[Chen Shouzhen's Note] For pediatric Yang edema, it is sufficient to use Cortex Rhamni Ussuriensis (Fulingpi), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (Dafupi), Folium Mori Albae (Sangbaipi), Cortex Zingiberis Recens (Shengjiangpi), and Cortex Acanthopanacis Senticosi (Wujiapi), each 2 qian, decocted in water, and administered with Qingning Wan 1 qian, inducing mild purgation for a stable outcome.

Pediatric Yin Edema results from the deficiency of the Spleen and Kidney. Spleen deficiency fails to control water, while Kidney deficiency fails to govern water metabolism, leading to water overflowing externally causing swelling and stopping internally causing distension. If the stools and urine are unformed, the body is not hot, and there is no mental restlessness, ancient methods advocate using Shipi Yin (Real Spleen Decoction) [composed of Fructus Tsaoko (Caoguoren), Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae Viride (Dafupi), Fructus Papaveris (Mugua), Radix Aucklandiae (Muxiang), Cortex Magnoliae Officinalis (Noupu), Rhizoma Zingiberis Preparatum (Ganjiang), Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata (Zhi Fuzi), Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (Baizhu), Poria (Fuling), Radix Glycyrrhizae Preparata (Zhigancao), with two Jujubes as a guide].

[Chen Shouzhen's Note] For pediatric Yin edema, first administer Jin Kui Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill from the Golden Cabinet) to be swallowed, 1 qian per dose, three times daily, taken with plain boiled water. If there is still no response after administration, it indicates a condition of deficiency complicated by excess. The treatment method should combine attacking the pathogen and tonifying the healthy qi, adhering to the principle of eliminating evil without damaging the righteous qi. When the medicinal strength corresponds to the vital energy, efficacy will naturally appear. However, salt and soy sauce must be strictly avoided for one hundred days, with absolutely no intake, to facilitate recovery.

Children's primordial qi is inherently deficient. After suffering from a major illness, if they present with generalized edema, cold limbs, absence of thirst, clear and profuse urination, loose diarrhea, and anorexia, this represents extreme yin-cold and the impending exhaustion of the Spleen and Stomach. Medications for treating edema should never be ingested. Instead, use Sizijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) slightly modified with Cinnamon Bark (Rougui), Prepared Ginger Root (Pao Jiang), Amomum Fruit (Sharen), and Nutmeg (Doukou) to rescue the Spleen and Stomach function. This can reverse the critical condition.