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Patients with a history of blood disorders are most susceptible to colds. This is because their Yin blood is already damaged, and thus diaphoresis (inducing sweating) should not be used. However, these patients are also prone to catching colds. The Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), which protects the exterior of the body, originates from the Taiyang Bladder channel and disperses into the Lung. In patients with blood disorders, there is a deficiency of Lung Yin. Vigorous Fire consumes Qi, preventing it from dispersing to the exterior, resulting in deficient Wei Qi that easily invites external pathogens. Even a mild cold can manifest as symptoms such as headache, aversion to cold, fever, and body pain. If treated according to standard methods for healthy individuals using acrid-warm diaphoretics like Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo), and Saussureae Radix (Duhuo), the Lung fluids will be further injured. The Lung Qi will become more constrained and unable to diffuse outward. This not only depletes the Yin of the Blood aspect but also exacerbates the pathogenic factors in the Qi aspect. The treatment should solely employ the Harmonizing method to tonify the healthy Qi and expel pathogens. First, generate fluids so that sufficient fluids prevent Fire from consuming Qi; then Lung Qi can reach the skin and hair, and Wei Qi will become robust. Second, regulate the Qi mechanism to harmonize the Blood aspect, ensuring no pathogens remain to cause harm, allowing external pathogens to resolve spontaneously. Xiao Chai Hu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) added with Apricot Seed (Xingren), Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie), Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng), and Perillae Folium (Zisu) is indicated. For thirst, add Trichosanthis Radix (Huafen) and remove Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia). For body pain, add Puerariae Radix (Gegen). If internal Phlegm-Fire is stirred, add Poria (Fuling) and Inulae Flos (Xuanjinhua). If internal Cold-Water is stirred, treat separately with Su Zi Jiang Qi Tang (Perilla Fruit Descending Qi Decoction).

When Wind-Cold invades externally and lodges in the Lung, and after external symptoms have subsided, chronic cough persists without resolution. This is often seen in patients with hemoptysis or other bleeding disorders. Qian Jin Mai Men Dong Tang (Thousand Golden Ophiopogon Decoction) is indicated. The Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) should be pounded into a pulp and honey-fried to change its harsh nature to a mild one, thereby searching out old Cold lodged in the Lung. Cold lodging in the Lung, if prolonged, transforms into Heat; hence this formula is used. Alternatively, Xiao Chai Hu Tang added with Perillae Fructus (Suzi), Menthae Haplocalycis Herba (Bohe), and Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin) yields similar effects to Mai Men Dong Tang.

If the cold is severe and transmits into Heat, treat according to the principles of Shanghan (Cold Damage) medicine. Clearing Heat and purging the interior may be employed according to the severity. However, for patients with blood disorders, emesis (vomiting therapy) must never be used lightly. Take heed.

Some patients with blood disorders present with symptoms resembling a cold, but are actually suffering from something else. This arises from Lung萎 (Lung Flaccidity) and Qi deficiency, causing periodic chills (sa-xi aversion to cold), nasal congestion, and clear rhinorrhea. This is due to Metal (Lung) being overcome by Fire, leading to internal stagnation and external closure, preventing the distribution of Wei Qi. Treatment should focus on clearing and nourishing Lung Metal. Do not recklessly use diaphoretic herbs, as this would stoke the flames. Tai Ping Wan (Peaceful Pill), which combines tonification and dispersion, is suitable. Qian Jin Mai Men Dong Tang and Xiao Chai Hu Tang are also appropriate. Xiao Chai Hu Tang unblocks the fluids of the Upper Jiao to harmonize Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) aspects, proving particularly gentle yet effective.