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Mr. Cheng Daowu, a literary scholar, had his wife who was frequently startled by nightmares at night, often experiencing syncope (fainting), with fluctuating spirit and absent-mindedness, occurring three to five times a day. She suffered from coughing and a bluish complexion, had no appetite for grain food, and consumed only a few pieces of beef jerky daily. Previous physicians' treatments were ineffective. Wu Bohai diagnosed it as Jue syndrome (sudden reversal of qi causing cold limbs or fainting) caused by Cold-Phlegm, prescribing Aconite Root (Fuzi) and Cinnamon Bark (Rougui), which exacerbated the Jue symptoms.

I took over her treatment. Her left pulse was Wiry (Xian), right pulse Slippery (Hua), and both Cun (inch) positions were slightly short. Knowing that Mr. Cheng's wife and child had previously died from Lao disease (consumptive tuberculosis), I determined she also suffered from Chuan Shi Zhai (a contagious consumptive disease), which is difficult to treat. Therefore, I temporarily employed formulas to strengthen the spirit and nourish the body, adjusting according to changes, waiting for improved diet and restored Stomach Qi before applying standard treatment. Initially, I used Ginseng Root (Renshen), Poria (Fuling), Biota Seed (Baiziren), Acorus Rhizome (Shichangpu), Polygala Root (Yuanzhi), Salvia Root (Danshen), Angelica Sinensis Root (Danggui), and Dendrobium Stem (Shihu) to nourish the spirit and qi; and Tangerine Peel (Chenpi), Fritillaria Bulb (Beimu), Licorice Root (Gancao), and Aster Root (Ziwan) to resolve phlegm and stop coughing. After half a month, there was no significant improvement or deterioration.

Subsequently, I prepared "Taishang Hunyuan Dan" (Supreme Primordial Pill). Ingredients included: one placenta (Ziheche), 1 liang each of Cinnabar (Chensha), Turtle Shell (Biejia), and Rhino Horn (Xijiao); 8 qian each of Deer Antler Glue (Lujiaojiao), Purple Quartz (Zishiyan), and Dendrobium Stem (Shihu); 5 qian each of Agarwood (Chenxiang), Frankincense (Ruxiang), Benzoin (Anshixiang), Poria (Fuling), Aster Root (Ziwan), Achyranthes Root (Niuxi), and Ginseng Root (Renshen); and 5 fen of Musk (Shexiang). These were processed with refined honey into pills the size of red beans. Taken morning and evening with salt water or wine, 36 pills per dose.

I also prepared "Pili Chu Lie Dan" (Thunderbolt Hunting Pill). Ingredients included: 1 qian each of Calculus Bovis (Niuhuang), Dog Gallstone (Goubao), Asarum Resin (Awei), and Benzoin (Anshixiang); 5 qian of Tiger Skull Bone (Tutougu); one woodpecker; one otter claw; 3 qian of dried drum heart and broken skin; 5 fen of Musk (Shexiang); and one human skull cap (Tianlinggai). Processed with refined honey into pills, coated with 3 qian of Realgar (Xionghuang). Taken every fifth watch (early morning) on an empty stomach with scallion white decoction, 5 fen per dose, once every three to five days, taken alternately with Taishang Hunyuan Dan. After just half a month of this regimen, her spirit greatly improved, no longer appearing absent-minded as before. However, she had slight pain in the lower left abdomen. I added White Peony Root (Baishao) 1 qian to the previous decoction. After one month of taking it, her spirit recovered significantly, and syncope ceased completely. The following year, she gave birth to a daughter, and the family's Lao disease did not spread further thereafter.