Library

A pregnant woman, nearing her due date, suddenly lost vision in both eyes, unable to see even lamp light. She suffered from headache, dizziness, and swelling and stiffness of the neck and cheeks, rendering her unable to turn her head. Various treatments failed, and her condition worsened to a critical state. Coincidentally, after taking Xiaofeng San (Wind-Expelling Powder), her symptoms improved by seventy or eighty percent, allowing her to deliver safely. However, her eyelids were retracted upwards, and she could not recognize people. Consequently, Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) was administered with added Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), alternating with the ophthalmic formula Tianmendong Yinzi (Asparagi Decoction). Gradually, her vision slightly recovered. Strict avoidance of alcohol, wheat products, fried/roasted foods, chicken, mutton, goose, duck, tofu, spicy/hot substances, and sexual intercourse was required for this case. This syndrome resulted from residing in hot environments during pregnancy, wearing overly warm clothing, leading to latent heat accumulation internally, or excessive consumption of alcohol, wheat, and fried foods, causing fetal heat.

Tianmendong Yinzi (Asparagi Decoction): Treats wind-heat in the Liver Meridian during pregnancy attacking the eyes, causing eyelid retraction and blindness.
Ingredients: Tianmendong (Asparagi Radix, heart removed), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Chongweizi (Ecliptae Fructus), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix, rhizome removed), Fuling (Poria, peel removed), Chuan Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix, rhizome removed), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma; each 1 qian).
Administration: These ingredients constitute one dose. Add two cups of water and three slices of Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens). Decoct until one cup remains. Take after meals.

Chen Liangfu recorded that Mr. Guan treated a pregnant woman at four to five months gestation suffering from Zangzao (Visceral Agitation) with sadness and weeping. During the day, she appeared desolate and tearful, frequently yawning, resembling spirit possession or being influenced by external entities. Neither physicians nor shamans were effective. Administering Zhang Zhongjing's Dazao Tang (Jujube Decoction, i.e., Ganmai Dazao Tang) cured her after one dose.
[Xue Ji's Commentary] The aforementioned syndromes may be caused by Cold-Water Qi attacking the Heart or Wind-Evil in the Lungs; treatment requires careful examination. One pregnant woman who felt inexplicable sadness was cured after two doses of Dazao Tang. Upon recurrence, the same decoction combined with Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) plus Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) stabilized her condition. Another pregnant woman suffered from sorrow and irritability. When questioned by her husband, she stated, "I simply feel like crying for no reason." Using Danzhuru Tang (Bamboo Shavings Decoction) as the main formula, supplemented by Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction), her condition stabilized.
[Zhang Zhongjing] For women suffering from Zangzao (Visceral Agitation), sadness, desire to cry, symptoms resembling spirit possession, and frequent yawning/stretching, Ganmai Dazao Tang (Wheat, Jujube, and Licorice Decoction) is indicated.
Formula for Ganmai Dazao Tang: Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, 3 liang), Xiaomai (Tritici Fructus, 1 sheng), Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus, 10 pieces).
Administration: Add six liters of water, boil to obtain three liters. Divide into three warm doses. This formula also tonifies Spleen Qi.
Xu Xueshi said: In my hometown, there was a woman who frequently yawned and stretched, weeping incessantly without cause. Some suggested she was possessed by evil spirits, and various prayers and exorcisms were performed to no avail. I suddenly recalled a syndrome from *Jin Gui Yao Lue*: "Women suffering from Zangzao (Visceral Agitation), sadness, desire to cry, resembling spirit possession, with frequent yawning and stretching, should use Ganmai Dazao Tang." I urgently ordered the preparation of the medicine. After completing one course, she was cured. The ancients' understanding of diseases and formulation of prescriptions were so exquisite.

Danzhuru Tang (Bamboo Shavings Decoction): Treats Heart deficiency with palpitations and fright in pregnant women, and persistent Zangzao (Visceral Agitation) with sadness. It is also highly effective for severe deficiency-related vexation.
Ingredients: Maimendong (Ophiopogonis Radix, heart removed), Xiaomai (Tritici Fructus), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, soaked in boiling water; each 2.5 liang), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Baifuling (Poria, each 1.5 liang), Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, 1 liang).
Administration: Coarsely powder the ingredients. Each dose uses 4 qian, along with 5 slices of Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), one Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus), and a ball of Danshu Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) roughly the size of a finger. Decoct together and take warm.
Another Formula: Treats fetal Zangzao (Visceral Agitation) manifesting as spontaneous sadness, crying, and laughing.
Administration: Roast red dates until they retain their nature but are charred on the outside (burnt to preserve efficacy). Mix with rice water and ingest.