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At the onset of pseudodiphtheria (Baihou), symptoms include headache, and alternating sensations of cold and heat in the body. The pulse at the right Cun position is slightly rapid and choppy; the throat is dry without phlegm; white patches appear in the throat; coughing may or may not occur; pain may or may not be present, but there is a sensation of obstruction as if something were stuck in the throat; appetite remains normal. This is the primary disease of the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian caused by Dryness pathogen. The main formula is Modified Yu's Qingzao Jiufei Tang (Cleansing Dryness and Saving the Lung Decoction). If the pulse at the right Cun position is floating and aversion to wind and cold are severe, it indicates an accompanying external contraction of seasonal pathogens. Slightly add acrid-cool herbs to the aforementioned formula, such as Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) in spring, or Heye (Nelumbinis Folium) and Biandouhua (Vigna radiata flos) in summer. If misdiagnosis and mistreatment have already occurred, resulting in a dry throat and dry tongue, or even a crimson tongue color, Zheng's Yangyin Qingfei Tang (Nourishing Yin and Clearing the Lung Decoction) can also be used.

The *Suwen* (Basic Questions), Chapter "Acupuncture for Heat Diseases" states: Patients with Lung Heat Disease first experience shivering with cold, erection of fine hair, aversion to wind and cold, yellow coating on the tongue, and fever. When heat struggles with healthy qi, wheezing and coughing occur; pain radiates to the chest, hypochondrium, and back; deep inhalation is difficult; headache is unbearable. This condition, from beginning to end, corresponds exactly with the classic teachings. Therefore, it is determined to be the primary disease of the Lung Meridian, and the main treatment is Modified Yu's Qingzao Jiufei Tang. This formula is actually the ancestral prescription for treating Dryness transforming into Fire. In this formula, Xiyangshen (American Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), which is white in color, bitter in taste, and cool in nature, clears heat without tonifying. (Other ginsengs such as Gaolishen (Panax ginseng), Dongyangshen (Panax quinquefolius var. angustifolius), Ludangshen (Codonopsis pilosula), and Jilinishen (Panax ginseng) must absolutely not be used, as their excessive tonification of Lung Qi may immediately lead to phlegm and wheezing.) Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), which is white in color, acrid in aroma, sweet in taste, and cold in nature, along with these two herbs, serves as the specialized medicine for clearing Dryness-Fire of the Hand-Taiyin Meridian. With the addition of Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), nourishment is added to the clearing action. Sangye (Mori Folium), Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) serve as minister herbs, combining acrid-cold properties with bitter-sweet properties. This perfectly aligns with the *Neijing* statement: "For Dryness overflowing within, treat with acrid-cold, assist with bitter-sweet." (This condition often arises from contracting seasonal external pathogens; the presence of Sangye and Xingren avoids the drawback of drawing pathogens inward, and their clear-descending nature makes them easier to use than Bohe or Heye.)

Pipa ye (Loquat Leaf), Hualu (Flower Dew), and Jinzhi (Human Feces Decoction) serve only as assistant and guide herbs, borrowed to clear heat and detoxify, and to unblock the meridians and collaterals, preventing pathogens from lingering and entering the collaterals, thereby avoiding future complications. For those with abundant phlegm normally, or who feel cold in the stomach after taking medication, Loubei (Fructus Trichosanthis and Fritillariae Bulbus), Juqi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) etc. can be added. Medication must match the disease; since these symptoms exist, these herbs can be used. Ancient prescriptions often employ bold opening and closing strategies, using cold, hot, warm, and cool herbs together, such as Zhang Zhongjing's Daqinglong Tang (Major Green Dragon Decoction) and Maxing Gan Shi Tang (Ephedra, Apricot Kernel, Licorice, and Gypsum Decoction). (Previously, I considered these two formulas by Zhang Zhongjing to be the ancestral prescriptions for treating Dryness, because when Qi transforms into Dampness, Mahuang and Guizhi can disperse it; when Re-qi transforms into Fire, Shigao and Xingren can clear it, which fits perfectly. For pseudodiphtheria occurring at the transition of autumn and winter, complicated by severe external cold, one might initially use Maxing Gan Shi Tang for one or two doses, but Daqinglong Tang should absolutely not be used.)

The reason for still using Zheng's Yangyin Qingfei Tang is that after mistreatment, Lung Yin is injured and extends to Ying and Blood levels. Without Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), and Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix), efficacy is difficult to achieve. However, my opinion is that Xiyangshen and Shigao, the two herbs belonging to this meridian, must be added for the best result.

In mild cases of this condition, diet and digestion remain normal, and there is no initial pain. If delayed for ten days, it may transform into phlegm-wheezing and fever. If, at the onset, Zhang's formula containing Gefen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Mabo (Cacumen Bryoniae), and Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus) is wrongly used, or if Shexiang (Moschus) mixed with water is blown into the throat, light conditions will invariably become heavy. My younger and elder daughters unfortunately committed this error. It was the third month of spring; my friend Cai Bahui Yizhong suffered from this illness. Since his wedding date was approaching (within three to five days), he was quite anxious. I said there was no cause for worry. I prescribed a modified version of this formula for him to take twice daily. He recovered completely within two days.