Library

Meiheqi (Plum-pit Qi) refers to a sensation of a lump in the throat caused by the accumulation of phlegm and qi, which cannot be swallowed down nor spat out. The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* states: "When a woman feels as if there is a piece of roasted meat in her throat, Banxia Houpo Tang (Pinellia and Magnolia Bark Decoction) should be used." Zhi luan (roasted meat) refers to dried meat. This condition does not involve the intestines or stomach, so it does not hinder eating or bowel/bladder functions; it is not caused by exterior pathogens, so there are no bone pains, aversion to cold, or fever. It results from accumulated cold injuring the body, causing disharmony between blood and qi. The qi within the blood overflows and floats upward into the throat, where it condenses with dampness and becomes difficult to move. Men may occasionally suffer from this as well. The prescription Banxia Houpo Tang consists of Erchen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction) with Chenpi (Tangerine Peel) and Gancao (Licorice Root) removed, and Houpo (Magnolia Bark), Zisu (Perilla Leaf), and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) added. It specifically treats qi stagnation due to the seven emotions (joy, anger, worry, thought, sadness, fear, fright) in women, leading to the formation of phlegm-saliva; or the sensation of a plum pit stuck in the throat, unable to be coughed up or swallowed; or fullness and distension in the epigastrium with unsmooth qi flow; or retention of phlegm-fluids in the middle jiao causing vomiting and nausea. All these can be effectively treated. Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) resolves phlegm and directs rebellious qi downward; Houpo (Magnolia Bark) dissipates nodules; Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) and Fuling (Poria) diffuse stagnation in the upper jiao and drain dampness downward; Zisu Ye (Perilla Leaf) is pungent, aromatic, purple, and warm in nature, entering the yin to harmonize blood, thus harmonizing qi and blood and preventing them from floating upward.

Houyin (Laryngeal Aphonia) refers to having a voice but being unable to produce sound. It is caused by wind-fire invading the lungs or the mistaken ingestion of cold and raw foods. Mild hoarseness (Yinci) is light in severity, while aphonia due to consumptive lung damage (Xulao Feisun) is difficult to treat. Additionally, after a patient recovers from an illness, shortness of breath and inability to speak indicate poor functioning of Lung Qi; Jiangqi Tang (Qi-Descending Decoction) with added Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) is appropriate, with Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice) added before administration. Furthermore, some women experience Zi Yin (Aphonia during Pregnancy). The *Neijing* states: "When a pregnant woman loses her voice at nine months, it is because the collateral vessels of the uterus are obstructed." No treatment is needed; speech will return after ten months. This occurs because when the fetus reaches nine months, its body has grown large, obstructing the collateral vessels of the uterus connected to the Kidney meridian. Since the Kidney meridian ascends to connect with the root of the tongue, obstruction prevents speech. After delivery at ten months, speech returns naturally. If treatment is necessary, it should focus on tonifying the Heart and Kidneys.

Lanhou Dansha (Rotten Throat Erythema/Scarlet Fever) is caused by epidemic pestilence toxins transmitted through the air, affecting people of all ages. The pathogen enters via the mouth and nose and manifests internally from the Lungs and Stomach. Initially, the pulse is tight, wiry, and rapid, accompanied by aversion to cold, head distension, red skin, hot muscles, and swollen, ulcerated, and obstructed throat. Generalized macules and papules are faintly visible. At this stage, exterior release is indicated, using formulas such as Niubang Jieji Tang (Arctium Muscle-Releasing Decoction) or Shengma Gegen Tang (Cimicifuga and Kudzu Decoction), with digestive aids added internally. Zhuhuang San (Pearl and Realgar Powder) should be insufflated into the throat. By the third or fourth day, if warm pathogens transform into fire and heat is intense with rash eruption, Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn - now substituted with Water Buffalo Horn), Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn), Shihu (Dendrobium), and Huafen (Trichosanthes Root) should be added to the muscle-releasing decoction. If stool is dry and constipated, Liangge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder) may be used. If accompanied by heat-induced diarrhea and a white, greasy tongue coating, Gegen Qinlian Tang (Kudzu and Coptis Decoction) is suitable. By the fifth or sixth day, if heat is severe, consciousness is intermittently clouded, the throat is ulcerated, nasal congestion persists, and turbid discharge flows, this indicates excessive fire rebelling upward, entering collaterals along meridians, and pressing inward on the Pericardium. Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction), or Yunnv Jian (Lady's Mansion Decoction) supplemented with Danning (Arisaema cum Bile), Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizome), Xi Huang (Calculus Bovis), and Yao Zhu (Pearl), or Zixue Dan (Purple Snow Pill) may be used. After the seventh day, as heat subsides, the body turns dark purple, the rash sheds like bran, and recovery follows.

If, within one or two days of onset, the pulse is fine, wiry, and tense, the body is red but the rash fails to erupt, consciousness is confused, speech is disordered, and there is rebellious qi with wheezing and urgency, this indicates internal closure by epidemic toxins, representing a critical and adverse condition. Fresh Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) four liang, crushed for juice, mixed with Jinzhi (Gold Juice), Lizhi (Pear Juice), and Zhe Jiang (Sugarcane Juice); fresh Luzhen (Reed Rhizome) decocted for soup, mixed with ground Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn) juice, can be used to administer Zixue Dan (Purple Snow Pill) or Zhuhuang San (Pearl and Realgar Powder). Only with aromatic methods to open orifices and expel pathogens is there a slight hope of survival.