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Jie Yingchen, a native of Meishan, was seven chi tall, physically robust, had a hearty appetite, and was a free-spirited man. He suddenly contracted Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst disease), drinking several dou of water daily, eating twice as much as usual, and urinating frequently. After taking medicines for Xiao Ke, his condition worsened over the course of more than a year. Believing he would surely die, he prepared his coffin and shrouds and entrusted his son to others.

In Shu, there was a skilled physician named Zhang Gong, the son of a recluse (name unknown). Upon examining Jie Yingchen's pulse, Zhang laughed and said, "You were nearly killed by misdiagnosis." He then took "Dangmenzi" (the best granular part of Moschus/Musk), moistened it with wine, and formed about ten pills. He also prepared a decoction of Zhi Ju Zi (Fructus Armeniacae Mume / Hovenia Dulcis) for him to drink, after which the illness was cured.

When asked for the reason, Zhang explained: "Xiao Ke and Xiao Zhong (Gluttony-Thirst) are caused by spleen failure and kidney decline, where Earth fails to control Water, preventing Kidney fluids from ascending, thus forming this disease. However, your Spleen pulse is extremely large, hot in nature, while the Kidney qi remains unimpaired. This is likely due to excessive consumption of fruits and alcohol, causing deficient heat to accumulate in the Spleen. Hence, you eat more and drink more; since you drink more, you urinate more. This is not true Xiao Ke. Musk can neutralize alcohol toxicity; fruits do not set fruit when near musk. Zhi Ju Zi can also counteract alcohol toxicity. If Hovenia trees are planted outside, wine brewed inside will not ferment properly; if used as roofing material, wine cannot be brewed underneath. Therefore, these two substances are used as medicine to remove the toxicity of alcohol and fruits. Song Yu wrote, 'Hovenia attracts birds,' because its fruit resembles bird breasts, attracting them to nest. Currently, it is colloquially misnamed 'Ji Ju Zi' or 'Lai Han Zhi Tou' (Leper's Finger), likely due to its shape. It tastes like cow's milk when chewed, and children enjoy eating it." (From *Da Quan Ji*)

Once, an official suffered from Xiao Ke. A physician predicted he would not survive thirty days. The official resigned and returned home. On the way, he met another physician who advised him to urgently send for two loads of Northern pears. Once consumed, the illness would cease. The official followed this advice. As soon as thirst struck, he ate pears. Before consuming fifty or sixty, the illness stopped.

Huang Mian, Director of Coinage Inspection (Chifeng Lang), suffered from chronic, extreme thirst and physical exhaustion. Whenever I saw him, I advised him to take Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia). Initially, he did not believe it. After multiple treatments failed to cure him, he casually took a few taels of the pill, and his condition stabilized. Someone asked, "Why treat thirst with Ba Wei Wan?" I replied, "When Emperor Wu of Han suffered from thirst, Zhang Zhongjing prescribed this formula. Thirst is often caused by insufficiency of the True Water of the Kidney. If the condition has not progressed to severe wasting-thirst, this prescription is excellent. Moreover, its properties are warm and mild, posing no harm." (From *Po Zhai Bian*)

*Jiao Zhou Ji* records: Fu Shi (Floating Stone) is hollow and light; boiling it in water and drinking the infusion stops thirst.

Bian Lan suffered from Xiao Ke induced by alcohol toxicity. At that time, Emperor Ming of Wei believed in sorceresses and used a method involving "Water," sending someone to present this water to Bian Lan. Bian Lan refused to drink it. The Emperor issued an edict asking for his reasoning. Bian Lan stated that treating illness should rely on proper prescriptions and herbs, not superstition. The Emperor changed color in anger, but Bian Lan remained steadfast in his refusal. (From *Records of the Three Kingdoms*)