Library

Jia Yuanliang stated: Summerheat (Shu) is the manifestation of Ministerial Fire (Xianghuo) exercising its authority. In summer, when humans contract this pathogen, it enters through the mouth and teeth, damaging the Pericardium Meridian (Xinbaoluojing). The pulse is deficient. Externally, symptoms include headache, dry mouth, facial grime, spontaneous sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath; or coldness in the back, aversion to heat. In severe cases, there is coma, loss of consciousness, cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, phlegm stagnation, retching, abdominal pain, dysentery, bloody stools, jaundice, and macules. These are all manifestations of summerheat syndrome.

If the condition worsens, excessive Heat/Fire controls Metal (Lung), failing to restrain Wood (Liver), leading to convulsions, twitching, and unconsciousness. The pulse is deficient and floating. One theory states: a floating pulse indicates Wind, while a deficient pulse indicates Summerheat. Conditions commonly known as "Summerheat Wind Syndrome" (Shufeng Zheng) are all due to excessive Ministerial Fire exercising its authority. Initially, dissolve Suhexiang Wan (Styrax Pills) with warm water for administration, followed by Huanglian Xiangru Yin (Coptis and Mosla Decoction) with added Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome). Using Shuangjie San (Double-Resolution Powder) with Xiangru alone is also effective.

Generally, the method for treating summerheat involves clearing Heart Fire and promoting urination, which is beneficial. However, if spontaneous sweating is severe, diuretics should not be used; instead, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) should be used to clear heat and resolve the exterior. Subsequently, treatment should differentiate between exterior and interior locations. If the pathogen is at the exterior, presenting with headache and aversion to cold, use Shuangjie San with Xiangru, or formulas such as Erxiang San (Two-Fragrance Powder) and Shiwei Xiangru San (Ten-Ingredient Mosla Powder) to release the exterior. If the pathogen is at the half-exterior/half-interior level, presenting with diarrhea, vexatious thirst, drinking water, and vomiting, treat with Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Poria Powder). If heat is severe with vexatious thirst, use Yiyuan San (Benefit Origin Powder) to clear heat. If the exterior is resolved but interior heat is severe, use Banxia Jiedu Tang (Pinellia Detoxification Decoction), or administer Shenxiong Wan (Shenxiong Pills), Jiuzheng Huanglian Wan (Wine-Steamed Coptis Pills), etc.

For individuals with chronic weakness or the elderly who contract summerheat, presenting with a faint pulse, dysentery, thirst preferring warm drinks, or cold limbs and unconsciousness, use Zhuyeshigu Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction) with half a prepared Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), served chilled. Follow up with Laifu Dan (Revival Pill) and Wuling San. In summer heat syndromes, one must never administer hot and drying agents, lest they cause macules, toxic heat, jaundice, urinary retention, chest oppression, and death.

Commentary: This text details methods for treating summerheat comprehensively. However, it mentions "Summerheat Wind" and "Ministerial Fire" pathology yet prescribes Suhexiang Wan initially, followed by Shuangjie San. These must be applied only after careful examination of the pulse and symptoms, without error. Specifically, Suhexiang Wan is indicated only for obstruction by Yin-Cold, excessive internal injury from raw/cold foods, Qi stagnation, or sudden evil invasion. Such conditions cannot be classified as "Summerheat Wind/Ministerial Fire" syndromes. Summerheat syndromes are divided into Yin-Summerheat and Yang-Summerheat; their treatments differ as vastly as cold and heat. Students must exercise caution.

Ju Fang Xiangru Yin (Formulary Mosla Decoction) treats various syndromes caused by summerheat-heat, including abdominal pain, cholera, vomiting/diarrhea, and heart vexation.
Xiangru (Moslae Herba, 1 jin), Zhi Houpo (Prepared Magnolia Bark, 0.5 jin), Bai Biandou (Prepared White Hyacinth Bean, 0.5 jin).
Crush the herbs. Take 3–4 qian per dose, decoct in water.

Commentary: These herbs act on the Hand-Taiyin and Foot-Taiyin meridians. Laypeople often decoct and drink them for midsummer heatstroke, but those with Qi deficiency should not consume too much, as Houpo is a Qi-draining and descending agent. Although *Ren Shu* (The Book of Human Life) uses modified versions, they primarily treat summerheat-fire and clear the Heart. Therefore, standard applications must be distinguished carefully.

Huanglian Xiangru Yin (Coptis and Mosla Decoction)
Xiangru (Moslae Herba, 1 jin), Zhi Houpo (Prepared Magnolia Bark, 0.5 jin), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma, 4 liang).
Crush the herbs. Take 2–3 qian per dose, decoct in water.

Commentary: These herbs act on the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian.