治愈肺病之奇方友人程子云，中年忽得肺病，医药罔效，饮食既减，起居亦不自如，吐痰成黑绿色，同人皆恶之，程亦自分必死，居停主人某见其状，促往某外国医院医治，盖该医院为肺病专门也，程信之，即往求诊，外医某诊断良久，谓程曰“君病已不治，一月内必死，可勿须住院矣。”程闻之惨然归。越数日，有长亲某自鄂来，固儒而知医者，见程削瘦如鬼，因问之，程以病状告，且谓某外医决其一月内必死，言下虚欷落泪，长亲便为诊视，有顷笑日“病虽危，尚可治，他药无须服，每日可食白桔若干，生蒜子若干，须百日不间断，切忌房事，早睡早起，呼吸清气，病当愈。”程以生死关系，谨依其法，至四十日后，已略见起色，百日既过，强健如常人矣。大喜过望，遂赴外医处示以不死，外医为之赧然久之。此事程君亲告我，是疾病中最危险而难治之肺病，白桔、蒜子竟可愈之矣，然此法知者似不甚多，而国人每年之死于肺病者，实不知凡几，不知白桔、蒜子之于肺病，究具若何功用，陆士谔先生必知之审，窃愿闻其说焉。
治愈肺病方太宁君令友程子云所患肺病，究竟是何种肺病?盖肺病一证，在吾中医决不如西医之简单诊断，须判出是肺寒为病，是肺热为病，是外感是内伤，病因之不同，既已如此麻烦，即内伤一类中，又须分出是肺痿、是肺痈、是肺痨。肺痈偏于实，肺痿、肺痨偏于虚，各有其病源，各有其见症，各异其治法，倘未真知灼见，断难骤定治法。
今吾先要问太宁君，贵友程君之肺病，究竟是寒是热，属实属虚，是外感是内伤，是肺痿，抑是肺痈、肺痨-如果不能真实回答，那么我的答案，不过如无题之文，无的之矢，何能确当真切。
据述中年忽得肺病，饮食既减，起居亦不自如，吐痰成黑绿色，削瘦如鬼，照此简单记载，当是肺热成痿，则其方之白枯、蒜子，则“桔”字当是“芨”字之误，药虽只有二味，一补一行，白芨以补肺。蒜子以行气，当然效如桴鼓，并不奇也。请问太宁君，令友当日语声是否如常，此一点尤为紧要。再白桔是否是白芨之误，亦诸查明见示，均请仍在《钻报》答我。
复陆士谔先生：敝友程子云所患肺病，经询问后，果是肺热成痿，白桔确系白芨之误。程君语声患病时甚弱，近已转强，如先生所言，则肺病讵并非皆不治之症耶?亦不须如西医之开刀取骨耶?乞高明教我。
再论肺病肺病有易治之症，有难治之症。外感之肺病，如湿邪犯肺之类，属易治；内伤之肺病，属难治。肺痈、肺痿、肺痨，皆属难治。而肺痿、肺痨偏于虚，尤为难治之难治，至问开刀取骨，吾中医素无此项治法-不能妄对。吾中医之治病，犹之援溺救火，目睹人之入水，屋之被火，则竭我心力以援之救之。水势之浩大与否，火焰之猛烈与否，不惧也，不管也，袖手旁观，不忍也，倘以屋已焚烬，人已溺死，责备援者救者之过失，虽属无辜受谤，而吾侪原谅遭祸者之身受惨痛，举动失常亦不忍与之计较。设当人之初溺，而预计之日，是可援也，是不可援也；火之初起，而预计之日，是可救也+是不可救也，此非忍人，必是别有作用，吾中医何忍出此。敬复太宁君，请太宁君毋再以观察西医之目光，观察吾中医，而幸甚。
肺热成瘘在吾中医，初起只用沙参、天冬、麦冬诸药，失治而病进，亦只用百合、知母、阿胶诸品，用至白芨，则病之严重已达极度，所谓焦头烂额之治也。
产后惊狂项君之夫人，产科西医也，对于生理病理极深研究，有彻底之了解，本年国历十一月初，产一孩，产后颇健，至八日，微觉不适，乃往山海关路同德产科医院，开三接十二号病房，住院求治，病势日增，至十日，神昏谵语发狂矣。院医束手无策，项君睹状惶急，即延沪上著名西医诊治，连延数医，均谢不敏。病者偶或清醒，因深解病理，自知决无生望，转嘱项君，善抚诸孩，项君悲不自胜，时病者之姊某夫人言，病既危急，西医已无办法，不妨改延国医，姑妄一试，死马当活马医，不作必愈之奢望也，项居然之。乃来延余，时十一月十日上午也。余诊其脉皆现芤象，而两尺颇为流利，面色青黄，舌苔白，身热凛寒，时或战傈，时或如狂，饮食入口欲吐。慰之日“此症决不会死，乃是风热内陷，引动风阳，所以如是怕人，在吾国医，视作寻常，不难治也。君等既然延余诊治，余可负责，惟有一要求，除余所开汤药外，西医之药水、药粉概不许入口，西医之外治诸法，药水针等，概不许近身，能依吾法，余即写方，不昕吾言，余亦爱莫能助也。”项君日：“既然请到先生，任凭诊治，自然十分信服。”余于是立案日：产后八朝，身热欲吐。时或凛寒战傈，时或如狂。
舌苔薄白，脉芤，两尺顿流利，此乃风热内陷，引动风阳之故，法先宣络透邪，镇惊息风，方则桑叶、白薇、茯神、夜交藤、仙半夏、琥珀、茺蔚子、飞滑石、丝瓜络、苍龙齿、左牡蛎也。
十一日，病者之姊来言服药后，惊狂已瘥，身热已减，惟夜不能眠，大便见溏。胃颇思纳，旧方是否可服?余日病之状态，既已变迁，药方亦须变更，来人要求悬拟一方，余允之，乃为之立案日：据述惊狂已瘥，身热已减，胃颇思纳，大便见溏，惟眠不甚安耳。拟与和阴。”方则朱茯神、夜交藤、煅龙齿、煅牡蛎、生谷芽、浮小麦、炙甘草、红枣也。
十二日，又来相延，言昨药服后，大便解下蛔虫一条，仍有身热微汗，诊其两脉，已无芤象，惟弱耳，舌苔白尖微红，眠仍难安，余日此虚热也，非用微苦之药泄其心火不可，为之立案曰：产后十朝，惊狂皆瘥，虚热微汗，眠犹难安，大便解下蛔虫，小溲已氏，舌苔白尖红，脉弱，此乃阴伤使然，法主和阴救液。方则北沙参、大白芍、炙甘草、朱茯神、夜交藤、莲子心、浮小麦、红枣、煅龙齿，煅牡蛎、活磁石也。
十三日，项钧方君来，言昨日服药之后，情形大佳，惊狂虚热皆瘥，夜眠亦安，大便小溲都行，大致生命总可无妨矣。余日余初次诊脉，即许以不死，现在病已去其大半，当然可以宽心。项君日病人自己常常忧虑，颇难宽慰。余日缘病者身为西医，经目已多，见产后此种病症，多属不治，是以忧心，不知在吾国医实非绝症，尊夫人经此次亲身试验之后，当信吾国医，确非大言欺人者，项君唯唯，是日方案日：惊狂虚热皆瘥，夜眠已安，溲便皆行，产后已十一朝矣，当与和阴。西洋参、大白芍、炙甘草、朱茯神、夜交藤、浮小麦、红枣、葡萄干、煅龙齿、煅牡蛎、生谷芽。此药服后，电话来报告病状有变，言两乳作胀，身有微汗，时余出诊在外，尚未回家也。
十一月十四日往诊，病者告余，“遍体微汗，两乳作胀，自觉烦热，温度计测之不甚高也，有无妨碍?”余慰之日：“无妨也，两乳作胀，此为酿乳，即使热度极高，亦不为害，盖为产后必要之过程，切不可使用西法，冰之以冰块，打之以退热针，庸人自扰，致成大患。”
病人日：“能为我消胀否?”余曰“能。”病人又言口渴，饮不能解。余允为之设法，脉象与前诊无甚出入，书案日：产后十二朝，惊狂、虚热、不眠皆瘥，小溲多，微有汗，乳微作胀，舌苔润，口干一法与养阴。方则西洋参、金石斛、大白芍、炙甘草、香谷芽、朱茯神、夜交藤、煅龙齿、煅牡蛎、制女贞、红枣也。
此药服后，口渴较减，乳胀不瘥，病者颇以为虑，十五日之案日；产后十三朝，眠已安，胃能纳，乳犹作胀，肢麻，法宜养阴兼与消乳。方则吉林参须、西洋参、金石斛、大白芍、炙甘草、朱茯神、夜交藤、煅龙齿、煅牡蛎、制女贞、香麦芽、焦山楂、生谷芽也。
次日项君来，言昨日之方大佳，两乳已不胀矣，胃纳已增，夜眠亦安，惟大便不通，已有三日，可否设法一通。余答以诊视过后，再定方策。及午后往诊，病人亦要求一通其便。
余曰“碍难遵命，此乃阴液亏损，并非是积浊不下，断不能通，倘与通泻药，定生变端。盖吾国医，以病为对象，虽同病大便不通，而其所以不通之故，既有寒热虚实、阴伤积秽之不同，治法亦不齐一，断不敢以简单纯一之泻药通治各种便闭症，国医之比较麻烦，就在此等处所，是日乃十六日也。案日：产后十四朝，眠安纳增，乳已不胀，舌苔白，脉已较和，大便三日未行，不可攻也，法与养阴。方则以前方去楂炭、麦芽。加小生地，并加重白芍。十七日，大便犹未行，眠不甚安，眼花，肢软微汗，乃于前方中加归身、秫米、远志、枣仁，服后诸恙皆瘥，惟便仍未通，再加淡苁蓉一味。大便始畅行，于是欣然出医院，为与魏玉璜一贯煎，调理而瘥。
复雨泉君单方气死名医之蚕豆，邓永年所服的是陈蚕豆，我意新蚕豆、陈蚕豆都可以用得，很不必拘泥，只要以豆代粮以汤代茶就是，你老人家试过有效，尚希函告。此复雨泉君。陆士谔启秘方公开上海国医学会，为沪市学术团体之一，办事尚有精神，既办学堂，叉办医院，会中出版品有《国医杂志》、《国医周刊》、《国医月报》三种，又有特刊一种，《考正丸散膏丹集》。
每月五日、二十日夜六时，执委、监委两次联席会议，于讨论会务之外，研究国医学术，因此异药秘方时有所闻。余于昨晚会席，偶提报载“奇(乞)丐捕蛇”事，某君即言丐之医蛇咬秘方，我倒知道，药只二味，得之极易，且不必花钱，其方乃用耳垢、瘪虱同研细末，阴干，遇毒蛇咬伤，以少许搽之立效，痛定毒消，灵验无比。更有一治流痰秘方，流痰一症，东愈西病，其痰流走不定，名医为之缩手，有一秘方。治此极效，药仅二味，随处可采，不必花钱，其方是用石榴一枚，挖空其中，提活蜒蚰七条置入，用绵纸封固，煅存性，即焦而勿使成灰也，研细末，贮磁瓶中勿泄气，每服三钱，开水吞下，重者五七服，轻者三四服，即瘥。据某君言此两个秘方，均极灵验。耳垢、瘪虱须各等份，或多或少即不效云。
电台医学问题士谔先生：每于报端得读大著，辄为神驰，论病探源。具彻底之见解，妙绪宏议，作邃密之文章，三复斯言，无任钦佩。兹有请益者，友人于上年春初惠痢，经七八月之久，中西医治，百无一效，病者已骨瘦如柴，支离床褥，已无生望，一日忽思食蟹，家中人初不之允，旋有探病者至，谓患者已危殆至此，食蟹虽保其必死，然不食蟹亦断无望回生。于是选购两只，煮熟以进，不谓病者食蟹之后，痢即止，不数日居然起床，霍然而愈。查蟹能治痢，医书不载，质诸中西名医，皆莫能道其所以，为此不揣冒昧，请益高明，得蒙有以教之，幸甚幸甚。耑此祗颂台绥陈席珍此必热痢病邪已经入血，按蟹性咸寒，能清热、行滞、散血，贵友之痢，恰与此物相合，对症发药，自然效如桴鼓，再习俗食蟹，必佐姜醋糖酱，醋能入血，姜为反佐，糖酱能解毒和营，则得蟹之利，而能免蟹之害，此亦一道也。请查四马路校经山房最近出版之《国医新话》上册第107页“说蟹”，即知其理。近来有来函问病，不具真实姓名者，碍难奉答。士谔服务社会，自信尚能竭诚，而问者连一姓名之微，犹吝忠实相告，则其所述病状是否真实，确难保不成问题，因于答陈君之暇，顺便及此，为不答之答也。国药之特长有人主张中药西制，美其名曰改良国药，其法把中国所有药材，一一按照西国之法，与以化验，与以提炼，分析出成分，制成药品，某分几成，某分几成，吾谓此事如果实现，国医的精神完全丧失，不过市上多几种国制新药贡献医林，留待试验而已。吾国医之治疗病症，全在药方之方义，群诸药而成方，其组织法中，配合君臣佐使。务使与病丝丝入扣，其所以能够组织成方者，全在利用各药之完全个性，若然把各药提炼分析，则个性不全，何能使用，势必如外科之升药、降药，别成一种特性之效能。与原有个性，本来面目，完全相失。西药之化验提炼，此正是西药之短处，所以每遇新病发生，西医即缩手无策，何以故?西医所恃以治病者，制成之西药，病既新生，药未预制，自然无法可想。在吾国医以方治病，只要证据全备，任他百怪千奇，可以分经论治，按证定方，自能收效于顷刻。盖吾之精义，在方中之主药应几钱几分，佐使药应几分几厘，某药须先煎。某药须迟入，某某药须同煎，用若干水，煎时须武火须文火，而不在一药中之某某成分若干。犹之吾国文字之重六书五音四声，而不重拼音，削足适履，断断不可，今之风俗，崇尚摩登。即关系生命之医药，亦惟欧西是效，本国五千年之良法美意，敝屣不值也，吁，可叹。可叹!
A Miraculous Prescription for Curing Lung Disease: My friend Mr. Cheng said that in middle age, he suddenly contracted a lung disease. Various medical treatments were ineffective; his diet decreased, and his daily activities became inconvenient. The sputum he expectorated was blackish-green, which disgusted his colleagues. Mr. Cheng himself believed he would certainly die. The landlord, seeing his condition, urged him to seek treatment at a certain foreign hospital, as it specialized in lung diseases. Trusting this, Mr. Cheng went for consultation. A foreign physician diagnosed him for a long time and said to him, "Your illness is incurable; you will certainly die within one month. You need not be hospitalized." Hearing this, Mr. Cheng returned home in despair. Several days later, a senior relative came from Hubei. He was a Confucian scholar who also understood medicine. Seeing Mr. Cheng emaciated like a ghost, he asked about the illness. Mr. Cheng recounted his symptoms and mentioned that the foreign physician had predicted his death within a month, speaking with sighs and tears. The relative then examined him and, after a moment, smiled and said, "Although the illness is critical, it is still treatable. No other medicines are needed. You may consume a certain amount of *Bai Ju* (likely referring to *Bai Ji*) and raw garlic cloves daily. This must be continued without interruption for one hundred days. Strictly avoid sexual intercourse, sleep early and rise early, and breathe fresh air. The illness should heal." Because his life depended on it, Mr. Cheng strictly followed this method. After forty days, slight improvement was observed. After one hundred days, his health was robust as normal. Overjoyed, he went to the foreign physician to show that he had survived. The foreign physician remained ashamed for a long time. Mr. Cheng told me this story personally. This was a lung disease, one of the most dangerous and difficult to treat. Surprisingly, *Bai Ju* and garlic could cure it. However, few seem to know this method. The number of people in our country dying of lung disease annually is countless. I wonder what specific efficacy *Bai Ju* and garlic possess for lung diseases. Mr. Lu Shie must know this well. I privately wish to hear his explanation.
Prescription for Curing Lung Disease: What specific type of lung disease did Mr. Cheng Yun, a friend of Mr. Taining, suffer from? In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the syndrome of lung disease is by no means as simply diagnosed as in Western medicine. One must determine whether it is caused by Lung Cold or Lung Heat, whether it is an External Contraction or an Internal Injury. Since the etiology differs, making it complicated, even within the category of "Internal Injury," one must distinguish between Lung Atrophy (*Fei Wei*), Lung Abscess (*Fei Yong*), and Tuberculosis (*Fei Lao*). Lung Abscess tends toward Excess syndromes, while Lung Atrophy and Tuberculosis tend toward Deficiency syndromes. Each has its own pathology and clinical manifestations, and thus different treatment methods. Without true insight, it is impossible to quickly determine the treatment.
First, I must ask Mr. Taining: Was your friend's lung disease Cold or Heat? Excess or Deficiency? External Contraction or Internal Injury? Was it Lung Atrophy, Lung Abscess, or Tuberculosis? If you cannot answer truthfully, my prescription would be like an essay without a title or an arrow without a target—how could it be accurate and appropriate?
Based on the description: sudden onset in middle age, reduced diet, inconvenience in daily life, blackish-green sputum, emaciation like a ghost. According to this simple record, it should be Lung Heat leading to Lung Atrophy. Therefore, the "Bai Ku" in that prescription is likely a typo for "Bai Ji" (*Bletilla Rhizoma*). Although the prescription contains only two herbs—one tonifying and one regulating Qi—*Bai Ji* tonifies the Lung, and garlic regulates Qi. Naturally, the effect would be immediate (like a drumstick striking a drum), and there is nothing miraculous about it. May I ask Mr. Taining if your friend's voice was normal at that time? This point is crucial. Also, please verify if "Bai Ju" was indeed a mistake for "Bai Ji" and inform me. Please reply in the *Zuan Bao*.
Reply to Mr. Lu Shie: After inquiry, the lung disease suffered by my friend Mr. Cheng Yun was indeed Lung Heat leading to Lung Atrophy, and "Bai Ju" was indeed a mistake for "Bai Ji". Mr. Cheng's voice was very weak during the illness but has since strengthened. As you stated, does this mean lung diseases are not all incurable? And that surgery to remove bone is not necessary? I beg your instruction.
Further Discussion on Lung Disease: Lung diseases have easy-to-treat and difficult-to-treat forms. Lung diseases caused by external factors, such as Dampness invading the Lung, are easy to treat. Lung diseases caused by internal factors are difficult to treat. Lung Abscess, Lung Atrophy, and Tuberculosis are all difficult to treat. Among them, Lung Atrophy and Tuberculosis, tending toward Deficiency, are the most difficult. Regarding the question of surgery to remove bone, our TCM has never employed such methods—I cannot speculate rashly. Our TCM treats diseases like rescuing someone from drowning or putting out a fire. Seeing someone fall into water or a house catch fire, we exert all our effort to rescue them. We do not fear the magnitude of the water or the intensity of the fire, nor do we stand by idly. It is unbearable to see. If a house burns down and a person drowns, blaming the rescuer is unjustified, yet we sympathize with the victim's suffering and erratic behavior and do not hold grudges. If, when someone first falls into water, we predict whether they can be saved; or when a fire starts, we predict whether it can be extinguished—that is either cruel or motivated by ulterior purposes. How could our TCM practitioners bear to act so? I respectfully reply to Mr. Taining: Please do not observe our TCM through the lens used for Western medicine. That would be fortunate.
Lung Heat Leading to Atrophy: In our TCM, at the initial stage, only herbs like *Shashen*, *Tiandong*, and *Maidong* are used. If neglected and the disease progresses, only herbs like *Baihe*, *Zhimu*, and *Ejiao* are used. When *Bai Ji* is employed, the severity of the illness has reached its extreme, akin to treating a "burnt head and scorched forehead" (a metaphor for dealing with severe consequences).
Postpartum Mania: Mr. Xiang's wife is a Western obstetrician with deep research and thorough understanding of physiology and pathology. In early November of this year (according to the national calendar), she gave birth. She was quite healthy postpartum until the eighth day, when she felt slightly unwell. She went to the Tongde Obstetric Hospital on Shanhaiguan Road, ward 3-12-12, for inpatient treatment. Her condition worsened daily. By the tenth day, she suffered from coma, delirium, and mania. The hospital doctors were helpless. Mr. Xiang, seeing this, was panicked and urgently invited famous Western physicians in Shanghai. Several doctors declined, citing inability to help. Occasionally lucid, knowing her pathology well, she realized there was no hope for survival. She instructed Mr. Xiang to care for their children. Mr. Xiang was overcome with grief. At that time, the patient's sister, Mrs. [Name], said, "Since the condition is critical and Western medicine has no办法, why not try a TCM practitioner? Let's treat a dead horse as if it were alive, without expecting a miracle." Mr. Xiang agreed. They came to invite me. It was the morning of November 10th. I palpated her pulse, which showed *Kou* characteristics (floating, large, and hollow, like pressing a scallion stem), while the *Chi* positions (both radial arteries near the wrist crease) were relatively smooth. Her complexion was greenish-yellow, tongue coating white, body heat with aversion to cold, occasional tremors, and episodes resembling mania. Food intake provoked vomiting. I comforted her, saying, "This condition will definitely not result in death. It is Wind-Heat sinking inward, stirring up Wind-Yang. Hence the frightening symptoms. In our TCM, this is considered ordinary and not difficult to treat. Since you have invited me, I take responsibility. I have one request: besides the decoction I prescribe, no Western medicinal liquids or powders are allowed to enter the mouth. No Western external therapies, liquids, or injections are allowed to touch the body. If you follow my method, I will write the prescription. If not, I am powerless." Mr. Xiang said, "Since we have invited you, we trust your treatment completely." I recorded the case: Postpartum eight days, body heat, desire to vomit. Occasional chills and tremors, occasional mania. Tongue coating thin white, pulse *Kou*, *Chi* positions suddenly smooth. This is due to Wind-Heat sinking inward, stirring up Wind-Yang. The method is to first diffuse collaterals and expel pathogens, calm fright, and extinguish wind. The formula consists of *Sangye* (Folium Mori), *Baiwei* (Radix Anemarrhenae), *Fushen* (Poria with Hostwood), *Yejiaoteng* (Caulis Polygoni Multiflori), *Xian Banxia* (Rhizoma Pinelliae Preparatum), *Hupo* (Electroplax), *Chongweizi* (Fructus Chorisporae), *Fei Huashi* (Talcum), *Sigualuo* (Fructus Luffae), *Cang Longchi* (Dent fossil Draconis), and *Zuo Muli* (Concha Ostreae).
On the 11th, the patient's sister reported that after taking the medicine, the mania had improved, body heat decreased, but she could not sleep at night, and stool was loose. Appetite was returning. She asked if the old prescription could be continued. I said, "Since the condition has changed, the prescription must change." The visitor requested a new prescription in advance, which I agreed to. I recorded: Mania improved, heat decreased, appetite returning, stool loose, sleep uneasy. The method is to harmonize Yin. The formula consists of *Zhu Fushen* (Poria with Hostwood dyed red), *Yejiaoteng*, *Duan Longchi* (Calcined Dent fossil Draconis), *Duan Muli* (Calcined Concha Ostreae), *Sheng Guya* (Germinated Fructus Hordei), *Fuxiaomai* (Frumentum Tritici Depuratum), *Zhi Gancao* (Prepared Radix Glycyrrhizae), and *Hongzao* (Fructus Jujubae).
On the 12th, they came again, reporting that after taking yesterday's medicine, a roundworm was passed in the stool. There was still slight body heat and sweating. Pulse palpation showed no more *Kou* characteristic, only weakness. Tongue coating white with a slightly red tip. Sleep still difficult. I said, "This is Deficiency Heat. It requires slightly bitter herbs to drain Heart Fire." I recorded: Postpartum ten days, mania and Deficiency Heat resolved, slight sweating, sleep difficult, roundworm passed, urination normal, tongue coating white with red tip, pulse weak. This is due to Yin injury. The method is primarily to harmonize Yin and rescue fluids. The formula consists of *Beishashen* (Radix Glehniae), *Dabaishao* (Radix Paeoniae Alba), *Zhi Gancao*, *Zhu Fushen*, *Yejiaoteng*, *Lianzixin* (Plumula Nelumbinis), *Fuxiaomai*, *Hongzao*, *Duan Longchi*, *Duan Muli*, and *Huocishi* (Magnetitum).
On the 13th, Mr. Xiang Junfang came, saying that after taking yesterday's medicine, the situation greatly improved. Mania and Deficiency Heat resolved, sleep peaceful, bowel movements and urination normal. Life seems secure. I said, "I promised survival upon the first pulse diagnosis. Now that half the illness is gone, you can relax." Mr. Xiang said the patient herself worries and is hard to comfort. I said, "As a Western doctor, she has seen many cases where postpartum conditions are deemed incurable, hence her worry. In our TCM, this is not a terminal illness. After this personal trial, your wife will surely believe that our TCM does not make empty claims." Mr. Xiang agreed. The prescription for the day: Mania and Deficiency Heat resolved, sleep peaceful, urination and defecation normal, postpartum eleven days. Harmonize Yin. *Xiyangshen* (Radix Ginseng Americanensis), *Dabaishao*, *Zhi Gancao*, *Zhu Fushen*, *Yejiaoteng*, *Fuxiaomai*, *Hongzao*, *Putaogan* (Raisins), *Duan Longchi*, *Duan Muli*, *Sheng Guya*. After taking this medicine, a phone report indicated a change: breast distension and slight sweating. I was out on a house call and had not returned.
On November 14th, I visited. The patient told me, "Whole body slight sweating, breast distension, feeling of irritant heat. Thermometer reading is not very high. Is this harmful?" I comforted her, "No harm. Breast distension indicates milk production. Even if temperature is high, it is not harmful, as it is a necessary process postpartum. Do not use Western methods like ice packs or antipyretic injections. This is unnecessary anxiety causing major trouble."
The patient asked, "Can you reduce the distension?" I said, "Yes." The patient added she was thirsty, and drinking did not relieve it. I agreed to find a solution. Pulse was similar to previous visits. I recorded: Postpartum twelve days, mania, Deficiency Heat, and insomnia resolved, frequent urination, slight sweating, slight breast distension, moist tongue coating, dry mouth. Method: Nourish Yin. Formula: *Xiyangshen*, *Jinshihu* (Herba Dendrobii), *Dabaishao*, *Zhi Gancao*, *Xiang Guya* (Aromatic Germinated Fructus Hordei), *Zhu Fushen*, *Yejiaoteng*, *Duan Longchi*, *Duan Muli*, *Zhi Nvzhen* (Prepared Fructus Ligustri Lucidi), *Hongzao*.
After taking this medicine, thirst decreased, but breast distension persisted, worrying the patient. Record for the 15th: Postpartum thirteen days, sleep peaceful, appetite good, breast still distended, limb numbness. Method: Nourish Yin and resolve milk stasis. Formula: *Jilin Renshu* (Ginseng Sucker from Jilin), *Xiyangshen*, *Jinshihu*, *Dabaishao*, *Zhi Gancao*, *Zhu Fushen*, *Yejiaoteng*, *Duan Longchi*, *Duan Muli*, *Zhi Nvzhen*, *Xiang Maiya* (Germinated Fructus Hordei), *Jiao Shanzha* (Charred Fructus Crataegi), *Sheng Guya*.
The next day, Mr. Xiang came, saying yesterday's prescription was excellent. Breasts no longer distended, appetite increased, sleep peaceful. Only constipation for three days. Could something be done to promote bowel movement? I replied that I would decide after examination. In the afternoon, I visited. The patient also requested relief from constipation.
I said, "It is difficult to comply. This is due to Yin fluid deficiency, not accumulation of turbid waste. It absolutely cannot be purged. If laxatives are given, complications will arise. Our TCM targets the disease pattern. Even with the same symptom of constipation, the causes differ (Cold, Heat, Excess, Deficiency, Yin injury, accumulation of filth), so treatments vary. I dare not use simple, uniform laxatives for all constipation cases. This complexity is where TCM differs." Date: 16th. Record: Postpartum fourteen days, sleep peaceful, appetite increased, breasts no longer distended, tongue coating white, pulse relatively harmonious, no bowel movement for three days. Do not attack/purge. Method: Nourish Yin. Formula: Previous prescription minus *Zhatao* (Charred Hawthorn Seed) and *Maiya* (Germinated Fructus Hordei). Add *Xiao Shengdi* (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata) and increase dosage of *Baishao* (Radix Paeoniae Alba). On the 17th, still no bowel movement, sleep uneasy, blurred vision, limb weakness, slight sweating. Added *Guishen* (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), *Sumi* (Sorghum Glutinum), *Yuanzhi* (Radix Polygalae), and *Zaoren* (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) to the previous formula. After taking it, all ailments improved except constipation. Added *Dan Congrong* (Herba Cistanches). Bowel movement finally flowed smoothly. She happily left the hospital. I prescribed *Yiguan Jian* (One Glance Decoction) by Wei Yuhuang for conditioning, and she recovered.
Reply to Mr. Yuquan: Single prescriptions that "kill famous doctors" with fava beans. Deng Yongnian consumed aged fava beans. I believe both fresh and aged fava beans can be used; there is no need to be rigid. Simply using beans as a staple and bean soup as tea is sufficient. Since you found it effective, please inform me by letter. Reply to Mr. Yuquan. Lu Shie opens.
Secret Prescriptions Publicized: The Shanghai National Medicine Association is one of the academic groups in Shanghai. It operates energetically, running schools and hospitals. Publications include *National Medicine Magazine*, *National Medicine Weekly*, *National Medicine Monthly*, and a special issue, *Collection of Verified Pills, Powders, Ointments, and Pastes*. On the 5th and 20th of each month at 6 PM, joint meetings of executive and supervisory committees discuss affairs and study TCM academics. Thus, strange drugs and secret prescriptions are occasionally heard of. At last night's banquet, I mentioned a news report about a "beggar catching snakes." A gentleman said he knew the beggar's secret prescription for snake bites. It uses only two ingredients, easily obtained, free of charge. The prescription is earwax and shriveled lice, ground into fine powder, dried in shade. For venomous snake bites, apply a small amount locally for immediate effect. Pain stops, poison dissipates, extremely effective. Another secret prescription for Scrofula (*Liutan*): Scrofula heals here and appears there; the phlegm moves unpredictably, baffling famous doctors. A secret prescription is highly effective. It uses only two ingredients, readily available, free. Take one pomegranate, hollow it out, insert seven live slugs, seal with cotton paper, calcine to retain nature (charred but not ash). Grind into fine powder, store in a porcelain bottle to prevent leakage. Take 3 qian per dose with boiled water. Severe cases: 5-7 doses. Mild cases: 3-4 doses. Cure follows. According to the gentleman, both prescriptions are extremely effective. Earwax and shriveled lice must be in equal parts; more or less renders it ineffective.
Radio Medical Questions: Mr. Shie: I often read your articles in the newspaper and am fascinated. Your discussion of diseases explores their origins with thorough insights, profound arguments, and meticulous writing. Repeatedly reading these words, I admire you deeply. I have a question. A friend contracted dysentery in early spring last year. Despite months of treatment by both Western and Chinese doctors, none worked. The patient became emaciated, bedridden, with no hope of survival. One day, he suddenly craved crab. Family members initially refused. Then a visitor came, saying, "The patient is critically ill. Eating crab might guarantee death, but not eating it offers no hope of recovery." So, two crabs were bought, cooked, and served. Unexpectedly, after eating the crab, the dysentery stopped. Within a few days, he got up and recovered miraculously. Medical books do not record that crab can cure dysentery. Asking famous Chinese and Western doctors, none could explain why. Presumptuously, I ask for your instruction. Thank you very much. Sincerely, Chen Xizhen.
This must be Heat Dysentery where pathogens have entered the Blood level. Crab is salty and cold in nature, capable of clearing Heat, moving stagnation, and dispersing Blood. Your friend's dysentery coincides perfectly with this property. Symptom-targeted medication naturally yields immediate results. Additionally, customary practice involves eating crab with ginger, vinegar, sugar, and soy sauce. Vinegar enters the Blood level, ginger acts as an antagonistic agent, and sugar/soy sauce detoxify and harmonize the Nutritive level. Thus, one gains the benefits of crab while avoiding its harms. This is another approach. Please check page 107 of the upper volume of *New Talk on National Medicine* published recently by Xiaojing Shanfang on Siming Road to understand the principle. Recently, letters asking for medical advice without real names have been received. It is difficult to respond. Mr. Shie serves society and believes he can be sincere. But if the asker is stingy even with their name, the authenticity of the described symptoms is questionable. Therefore, in replying to Mr. Chen, I mention this incident as a non-response.
Specialties of National Drugs: Some advocate producing Chinese medicine according to Western methods, beautifying it as "improved national drugs." The method involves testing and extracting all Chinese herbs according to Western standards, analyzing components, and manufacturing drugs with specific percentages. I believe if this happens, the spirit of TCM will be completely lost. It would merely add a few domestically produced new drugs to the medical field, waiting for trials. Our TCM treatment relies entirely on the meaning of the prescription. Combining various herbs into a formula, organizing them with Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Courier principles ensures they fit the disease precisely. The ability to organize formulas lies in utilizing the complete individuality of each herb. If herbs are extracted and analyzed, their individuality is incomplete, making them unusable. They would inevitably become like surgical ascending and descending drugs, forming new characteristics distinct from their original nature. Western drug testing and extraction is actually a weakness of Western medicine. Hence, whenever new diseases occur, Western doctors are helpless. Why? Because Western medicine relies on manufactured drugs. If a disease is new and the drug is not pre-made, there is no solution. In our TCM, we treat with formulas. As long as evidence is complete, regardless of how bizarre the disease, we can treat by channel differentiation and prescribe based on syndrome, achieving rapid effects. Our essence lies in the dosage of the Sovereign herb (how many qian/fen), the Assistant/Courier herbs (how many fen/li), which herbs to decoct first, which to add later, which to decoct together, how much water to use, and whether to use strong or mild fire. It does not lie in the percentage of specific components in a single herb. Just as our language values Six Scripts, Five Tones, and Four Tones rather than phonetic spelling, forcing square pegs into round holes is unacceptable. Current customs favor modernity. Even medicine, relating to life, imitates Europe and America. Our nation's five thousand years of good methods and beautiful intentions are discarded as worthless. Alas, how lamentable!