Library

For deficiency consumption (Xu Lao) accompanied by exogenous pathogenic heat, grind the root of *Lycium chinense* (Gouqigen) into powder and take it with warm water. It is contraindicated for those with chronic diseases.

For fever caused by deficiency consumption, use *Bupleuri Radix* (Chaihu) and *Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma* (Renshen), three qian each. Decoct them with ginger and jujube in water and take orally.

For fever due to yin deficiency, decoct *Ophiopogonis Radix* (Maimendong), *Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam* (Zhuru), and *Junci Medulla* (Dengxin) for frequent administration.

For tidal fever occurring at Zi (11 PM–1 AM) and Wu (11 AM–1 PM) hours, take equal parts of *Phellodendri Cortex* (Huangbai), *Anemarrhenae Rhizoma* (Zhimu), *Lycii Cortex* (Digupi), *Ophiopogonis Radix* (Maimendong), *Junci Medulla* (Dengxin), *Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam* (Zhuru), *Akebiae Caulis* (Mutong), and *Schisandrae Fructus* (Beiweizi). Process them equally, decoct, and take orally.

One patient suffered from fever caused by phlegm-fire, with irritability and restlessness. This was due to qi rising along with the fire. I used Ziyin Jianghuo Tang (Nourishing Yin and Descending Fire Decoction), adding stir-fried *Ziziphi Spinosae Semen* (Suanzaoren), stir-fried *Gardeniae Fructus* (Shanzhi), *Coptidis Rhizoma* (Huanglian), *Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam* (Zhuru), and Tongbian (child's urine). After several doses, the patient recovered.

Bone-steaming (Gu Zheng) refers to a condition where the patient feels a steaming heat within the marrow, but upon palpation, the skin and muscles feel cool. This occurs because fire lurks within water, scorching true yin and simmering the marrow, resulting in this severe syndrome. Although the disease is indeed caused by fire, treatment should not directly suppress the fire. Instead, one must nourish yin and restrain yang, using water to overcome fire. Formulas such as Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), along with herbs like *Anemarrhenae Rhizoma* (Zhimu), *Phellodendri Cortex* (Huangbai), *Scrophulariae Radix* (Xuanshen), *Lycii Cortex* (Digupi), and *Paeoniae Rubra* (Danpi), are suitable for treating according to the nature of the disease (concordant treatment). If bitter-cold herbs are used for direct treatment (contrary treatment), they will damage the spleen, causing muscles to waste away daily, bringing death closer. How tragic!

It is said that bone-steaming in fire diseases indicates extreme depletion of true yin. Since water lurks within fire, heat invades the marrow, damaging the root and affecting the branches. How can growth remain lush without withering? Water and fire are opposing and incompatible. Pouring water on fire extinguishes it; fire boiling dry water causes it to wither. However, when fire placed in water becomes more intense, is this not the "Dragon-Thunder Fire"? The term "Dragon-Thunder" implies that it cannot be subdued by water or directly suppressed. Like a dragon hiding in the sea, yet fire rises; getting water makes it burn more fiercely. Like thunder shaking the void, smoke and flames blaze intensely, appearing brighter in darkness. The method is to use bitter, sweet, and warm herbs like *Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma* (Renshen), [text missing, likely Shudihuang], *Anemarrhenae Rhizoma* (Zhimu), *Phellodendri Cortex* (Huangbai), and *Scrophulariae Radix* (Xuanshen) for concordant treatment, which may curb the fire, following the principle that "warmth can remove great heat." If bitter-cold herbs like *Scutellariae Radix* (Huangqin) and *Coptidis Rhizoma* (Huanglian) are used for direct treatment, the yin-fire will become more intense, and the spleen-earth will further decline. Once the "Grain Spirit" (Stomach Qi) is gone, what sustains life? Alas! When the disease reaches this stage without encountering a skilled physician, it is like an ox led to the slaughterhouse, heading towards its own death. Survival is rare. Should people not understand this?