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When a person is infected by the toxic heat of summer-heat, which lies dormant between the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and the intestines and stomach, and manifests after a long period, it is called latent summer-heat (Fu Shu). Examples include cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea occurring in autumn, as well as malaria and dysentery syndromes. As ancients stated: during the three Fu days (the hottest period of summer), if clothes are exposed to the scorching sun and then immediately stored in a chest, the fire energy remains trapped. When opened in winter, contact with these clothes causes illness. Those who understand this will inquire into the cause and administer Xiangru Yin (Elsholtzia Decoction), resulting in immediate recovery.

For latent summer-heat presenting as cholera with abdominal pain and diarrhea, Zhengqi San (Righteous Qi Powder) should be used. For cases with body heat and cold feet indicating critical condition, Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) followed by Laifu Dan (Reviving Life Pill) is indicated.

If a patient suddenly experiences spasms and convulsions of the hands and feet, it is termed Summer-Heat Wind (Shu Feng). Treat with Xiangru Yin (Elsholtzia Decoction) added with Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix). For vomiting, add Huoxiang (Pogostemonis Herba) and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium). For difficult urination, add Fuling (Poria), Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma), Zhuling (Polyporus), and Huashi (Talcum). For phlegm, add Jiang Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum cum Zingibere et Alumine). If thirsty, remove Banxia and add Gualougen (Trichosanthis Radix). For persistent diarrhea, add Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma). For muscle cramps (Zhuan Jin), add Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus). For abdominal fullness, heaviness of the body, difficulty turning over, insensitivity of the mouth and face, delirium, and urinary incontinence, this indicates heat combined with dampness (or heat dominating); treat with Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction).

In more severe cases with intense pain, spasms of limbs, loud groaning, opisthotonos (body bent backward like a bow), resembling poisoning by evil qi, or cases where initial heat disease transforms into wind after taking diaphoretic agents, manifesting as delirium, wild shouting, running aimlessly, and excessive strength, this is also Summer-Heat Wind. It should be treated with cold-natured purgatives to attack and relieve the pathogen. This differs from Yin Wind; it is suitable for resolving the exterior and transforming phlegm, but not for sweating or purging methods. If the condition persists and weakens the Spleen and Stomach, warm tonification should be added.

Regarding carbuncles, ulcers, and toxic sores that present with fever at specific times—worse in the evening and stopping in the morning—if there is redness and swelling on the head, face, and neck, or sore throat, or leg and foot swelling extending several inches preventing walking, people often suspect toxic sores. However, accompanied by headache and internal dryness/heat, with continuous day-and-night fever, this differs from typical sores. Taking Baidu San (Detoxifying Powder), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), etc., resolves the heat syndrome, and the redness and swelling subside spontaneously without pus or blood. This is named Summer-Heat Ulcer (Shu Yang), which is vastly different from surgical sores.

In the height of summer, fire can scorch Metal (Lung). If one does not abstain from pungent foods and alcohol, Spleen Fire becomes violently excessive. Labor-induced heat and restlessness stir Heart and Spleen Fire, causing cough, asthma, sudden hematemesis (vomiting blood), and epistaxis (nosebleed), unclear head and eyes, and restless chest oppression with thirst. Even children and the elderly may occasionally suffer this. Ignorant people mistake it for Lao Zhai (Consumption/Tuberculosis), not realizing that fire carrying blood upward is not true Yin deficiency comparable to Xu Lao (Deficiency Consumption). The prescription should be Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction) removing Chuanxiong (Chuanxiong Rhizoma) and Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Decoction for Resolving Toxicity) removing Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) replacing Banxia with Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), adding Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) to direct Qi downward, Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) to disperse, Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus) to astringe. Self-healing will occur. Alternatively, Huanglian Xiangru Yin (Coptis and Elsholtzia Decoction) is also suitable.