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[Commentary by Xue Ji] "Seeking clothes and grasping at empty air" (a symptom where the patient, in a state of confusion, gropes for clothes or grasps at the void with their fingers), Xu Shuwei attributed it to Liver Heat. The Liver governs the sinews; when the blood in the sinews is depleted and internal wind is stirred, the fingers undergo contraction and grasping. It is appropriate to administer Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) consistently, which occasionally has the power to revive the dying. Qian Zhongyang used Xieqing Wan (Drain the Blue Pill), which treats excess heat in the Liver channel. However, "seeking clothes and grasping at empty air" are mostly signs of collapse after severe illness; cases of true excess heat account for only one or two out of a hundred. Physicians must exercise caution in differentiation.

Wang Haizang treated a case of "seeking clothes and grasping at empty air," bed-groping, waving hands, shaking the head, delirious speech, and loss of spirit due to blood depletion. The pulse was wiry, floating, and deficient. This indicated internal restlessness due to blood loss, representing extreme heat, accompanied by coarse breathing and dry nose. This is considered difficult to treat, so Shengdi Huanglian Tang (Rehmannia and Coptis Decoction) was used as the primary formula.

The granddaughter of Vice Minister Wang, aged twelve, had always weak Spleen and Stomach. Later, she developed infantile malnutrition (Gan syndrome) with fever, distension and hardness of the lower abdomen, loose stools, wheezing and coughing, all-night irritability and insomnia, nasal congestion, dim vision, and delirium. Her pulse was large but rootless. One tael of Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and three fen of Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) were administered; abdominal distension gradually decreased, and the pulse became more contained. However, she still exhibited "seeking clothes and grasping at empty air" and epistaxis. After taking two doses of the ingredients for Liuwei Dihuang Wan, symptoms alleviated. She then took Dushen Jiangfu Tang (Single Ginseng Ginger-Aconite Decoction) during the day and continued with the Liuwei Dihuang Wan ingredients. The pulse gradually gained a root, and various symptoms improved. Finally, Yigong San (Yi-Gong Powder) and Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) were used, leading to recovery.

Another child suffered from food stagnation, night frights, and abdominal pain. After taking Xiaoshi Wan (Digestive Pills), he had multiple diarrheal episodes and exhibited "seeking clothes and grasping at empty air," with a complexion that was greenish-yellow or pale. This resulted from injury to the Spleen Earth and weakness of the Lung Metal, combined with hyperactive Liver Fire. Initially, Yigong San augmented with Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) was used to tonify Spleen Earth, and the ingredients for Liuwei Dihuang Wan were used to nourish Liver Blood. Symptoms stabilized slightly; after two doses of each, gradual improvement occurred. Subsequently, Buzhong Yiqi Tang and Liuwei Dihuang Wan were used, interspersed with Yigong San, resulting in recovery.

Another child had a knee abscess. Accidental trauma to the knee caused significant bleeding, leading to the aforementioned symptoms, aversion to cold, and a pale face. This indicated deficiency-cold due to Yang dissipating with Yin/Blood. Shiquan Dabu Tang (Perfect Golden Great Tonifying Decoction) augmented with three fen of Fuzi was used. After four doses without effect, the dosage was adjusted to one tael of Renshen and five fen of Fuzi, decocted with Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus). Symptoms subsided slightly. After two more doses, symptoms dropped significantly. Then, Yigong San was taken in the morning and Bazhen Tang (Eight-Treasure Decoction) in the evening, leading to stability.

Another child contracted wind-cold. After sweating therapy, the aforementioned symptoms appeared: aversion to wind, pale face, and cold extremities. Buzhong Yiqi Tang augmented with Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) was used. Sweating stopped immediately, and symptoms gradually receded. After four more doses, the condition stabilized, and finally, Shiquan Dabu Tang was administered for full recovery.

Shengdi Huanglian Tang: Treats blood depletion manifesting as "seeking clothes and grasping at empty air," head shaking, and delirious speech.
Chuanxiong Rhizome (Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Shengdihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (each 7 qian); Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) (each 3 qian); Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) (1.5 qian).
Take these herbs, use 3 qian per dose, decoct in water, and take orally.