Library

The granddaughter of Mr. Wang Dianyang was three years old, having been ill for several days with fever and diarrhea. Initially, she took digestive-regulating medicines without effect, then suddenly developed convulsions (spasms). The previous doctor was consulted again, who diagnosed it as "startling" (shock-induced spasms) and added amber (a mineral drug). Mr. Wang invited me to discuss the case. Upon observing the child, her complexion was pale and spirit fatigued; although her head and body were hot, her four limbs were cold, and her pulse was deep, fine, and powerless. I said: This illness is due to constitutional deficiency combined with external pathogenic invasion. Prolonged diarrhea has injured the Spleen Yuan (Spleen's fundamental energy), leading to internal stirring of Liver Wind (internal tremors/spasms caused by Liver dysfunction). Mineral drugs should not be used. I prescribed Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction) with processed Ginger (Pao Jiang) and Cinnamon Twig (Gui Zhi). After taking the medicine, the fever subsided and diarrhea became thin; after further doses, the limbs warmed, diarrhea stopped, and the convulsions ceased.

Mrs. Li Weng had been pregnant for several months when she developed coughing, wheezing, chest bi-syndrome (obstructive pain in the chest), inability to sleep peacefully at night, poor appetite, and emaciation. I said: This is Zi Sou (cough during pregnancy). The pathology stems from fetal fire rushing upward, constraining Lung Metal, causing conflict and loss of function, thereby impairing the Lung's regulatory control. The Classics state: "Coughing and rebellious Qi, the root lies in the chest, extending to the Hand-Yangming and Hand-Taiyin meridians." Coughing causes vibration throughout all vessels; prolonged coughing will inevitably disturb the fetus. Ancient treatments for Zi Sou included Zi Wan San (Aster Powder) and Bai He Tang (Lily Bulb Decoction), but these are not optimal. My view is that Bu Fei E Jiao Tang (Tonify Lung and Donkey-Hide Gelatin Decoction) is most appropriate. It contains Licorice Root (Gan Cao), Fritillaria/Bulbus Fritillariae Cirrhosae or Adenophora (Dou Ling - note: traditionally Sonchus or Adenophora, here referring to clearing lung heat), Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren), and Bullace Seed (Niu Bang Zi) to clear Lung heat and descend rebellion; Glutinous Rice (Nuomi) and Donkey-Hide Gelatin (E Jiao) moisten the Lung and calm the fetus. One formula simultaneously treats both maternal disease and fetal condition, being extremely stable and appropriate. After two days of medication, the cough decreased, but wheezing and chest obstruction remained unrelieved. I added one herb, Reed Rhizome (Wei Jing/Lu Gen), utilizing its white, hollow nature to lightly clear and open the obstruction. After a few more doses, the chest felt wide, breathing stabilized, and she delivered safely after a month.