Library

Patient: The lungs were invaded by winter-warmth pathogenic factors, stagnating and transforming into heat. The pulse was surging and forceful against the finger (Hong Bo Zhi), phlegm obstructed the throat causing itching, triggering retching cough and loss of voice. Treatment employed bitter and acrid methods to drain and descend phlegm-fire; once cleared, the voice would naturally return, following the principle that "metal rings when hollow" (Jin Kong Ze Ming). Prescription used Xingren (Apricot Seed), Sangbai Pi (Morus Root Bark), Gualou Pi (Trichosanthes Peel), Chuanbeimu (Fritillaria Cirrhosa Bulb), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Juhong (Citrus Reticulata Red Peel), and Zhuye (Bamboo Leaf). After three doses, the retching cough subsided, only urine remained red, with intermittent chills and fever. The original prescription added Danshi (Fermented Soybean), Zhipi (Gardenia Cortex), Chifuling (Polyporus with Mycelium), and Dengxincao (Juncus Effusus Pith). After two more doses, chills and fever disappeared, but dryness was felt in the chest diaphragm. Sangbai Pi and Danshi were removed, and Sanqi (Three spoons of White Honey) were added for mixing. After two additional doses, the voice gradually recovered.

Clan younger brother: Suffered from Quezheng (Consumption/Deficiency syndrome) with long-term coughing and hemoptysis, previously cured using Shudihuang (Rehmannia Glutinous Root), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin), Dan Qiushi (Lapis Urinae), and Yanwo (Swallow's Nest). After more than ten years, this autumn he developed chills, fever, night coughs, severe sore throat tearing upon exertion, shortness of breath, hoarseness, audible breathing sounds, and qi failing to root. This is a severe condition of Kidney Yin deficiency with flaming fire, where Metal fears Fire scorching. As the ancients said: "Broken metal does not ring." It is imperative to nourish Kidney Yin, allowing Metal and Water to support each other, hoping to subdue the Dragon Fire slightly. Imitating the Dabu Yuanjian Decoction, the prescription included Shudihuang (8 qian), Shanyao (Dioscorea Rhizome), Baishao (White Peony Root), Baihe (Lily Bulb) [each 3 qian], Niuxi (Achyranthes Root, steamed), Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry, roasted) [each 8 fen], Yangshen (American Ginseng), Zaoren (Sour Jujube Seed), Ejiao (water-melted), Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) [each 2 qian], Guiban (Tortoise Shell, calcined), Nvzhenzi (Ligustrum Lucidum Fruit) [each 3 qian]. After thirty doses, spirit slightly recovered. Concurrently taking human milk for several months; fortunately, gastric appetite was good, and with proper regulation, longevity could be expected.

Clan nephew: Due to fright leading to seminal emission and leakage, followed by retching cough and hoarseness, subsequently developing chills, fever, sore throat, throat obstruction hindering food intake, dry mouth, and a fine-rapid pulse. Physicians administered Qingjin Jianghuo (Clearing Lung and Descending Fire) formulas, but repeated use was ineffective. I reasoned that water is depleted below, while fire flares above. The Heart and Kidney meridians follow the throat and larynx. Since this was neither Feibi (Lung Bi) nor Meihe (Plum-pit Qi), there was no rationale for clearing Lung phlegm and descending it. Instead, tonification, filling, and calming/subduing methods should be used to make the Dragon Fire latent. Thus, throat pain would cease, and chills/fever would gradually stop. The formula used Shudihuang (4 qian), Shanyao, Longchi (Dragon Teeth), Qizi (Goji Berry, charred), Tiandong (Asparagus Tuber), Yuanshen (Scrophularia Root), Nvzhenzi [each 2 qian], Fushen (Poria with Pine Root), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), Baiziren (Biota Seed) [each 8 fen], Wuwei [4 fen], Danshai (Sea Mussel) [3 qian]. Decoction was very suitable. Occasionally using White Honey and Zhufu Tang (Pig Skin Decoction) to moisten the throat, the throat pain and chills/fever vanished. If the essence gate were secured and no emission occurred for a month, the original formula minus Yuanshen, plus Muli (Oyster Shell) and Lianzi (Lotus Seed), refined with honey into pills, taken with Zhuye Tang (Bamboo Leaf Decoction), might hope for voice recovery. Later, Danshai was removed from the decoction, adding Guijiaxin (Tortoise Plastron Heart), Shihu (Dendrobium Stem), and Dan Qiushi, with both decoctions and pills taken together, showing gradual efficacy. However, trusting mistakenly in an ENT specialist's iron cauterization of the throat, causing severe pain and fainting, it became incurable. What a pity!

Wang family maiden: Long-term coughing led to loss of voice, rattling phlegm during respiration, fever and flushed cheeks upon exertion. Could barely swallow dry rice, but vomited immediately after drinking porridge. Lung Qi had lost its descending function; phlegm-fire rose rebelliously, disturbing the Middle Jiao (Central Palace). Spleen/Stomach Earth transport and reception were unsettled. However, due to deficient Stomach Qi and scant grain intake, the pulse was slightly rapid. Clearing heat and washing away phlegm would not yield results. Treatment focused on regulating Qi and descending rebellion, while simultaneously cultivating Stomach Qi. If phlegm-fire were cleared, the voice could emerge. Formula used Haifushi (Flintstone), Suzi (Perilla Fruit), Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb), Qianhu (Peucedanum Root), Fuling (Poria), Shanyao, Zhigancao (Licorice Root, honey-fried), Jiangzhi (Ginger Juice), Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) mixed and taken. Respiration became smooth, phlegm-cough subsided. Qianhu was then removed, Hezi (Chebula Fruit) and Hafens (Melissa Powder/Glass Powder) added. After several doses, asthma ceased, and voice gradually returned.