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Zhu Danxi said: All yang meridians converge on the head, therefore the face is "yang within yang". The nose is located in the center of the face, and the Yangming meridian originates near the nose. When blood from the whole body reaches the yang regions of the face and nose, it has already transformed into extremely pure and refined qi. Wine has the nature of promoting circulation and ascending; it is extremely hot and possesses a fierce and urgent toxicity. In people who drink excessively, wine qi steams the face and nose, making the blood extremely hot due to the wine. When this hot blood encounters cold, it is constrained by yin qi, causing turbidity to congeal and stagnate without flowing. Therefore, the condition typically first presents as purple and later turns black. Treatment should employ methods to resolve stagnant blood to restore flow, and generate new blood to facilitate transformation, so that the disease may be cured. I once used Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) processed with wine, adding Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) stir-fried with wine, Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Sheng Gancao (Raw Licorice Root), Honghua (Safflower) processed with wine, and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), decocted together, taken while mixing in Wulingzhi (Trogopterus Dung) powder. For those with weak qi and obese physique, add Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) processed with wine; there are no cases where this does not work. Add a few drops of good wine as a guiding agent.

The mouth is governed by the Spleen, and the meridians of the Stomach and Large Intestine flank it. The Classics state: "Yellow corresponds to the Center, internally connecting to the Spleen, opening into the mouth, and storing essence in the Spleen." It also states: "The Spleen governs the mouth; in the zang organs it is the Spleen, in the orifices it is the mouth." Furthermore: "Spleen qi communicates with the mouth; when the Spleen is harmonious, the mouth can perceive the five flavors." This describes the Spleen's governance over the mouth. Additionally, the Classics state: "The Foot-Yangming Stomach meridian flanks the mouth and crosses downward at Chengjiang (CV24)." And: "The Hand-Yangming Large Intestine meridian flanks the mouth and crosses at Renzhong (GV26)." This describes how the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians flank the mouth. Heat in the Spleen causes a sweet taste in the mouth; heat in the Liver causes sourness; heat in the Heart causes bitterness; heat in the Lung causes acridity; heat in the Kidney causes saltiness; heat in the Stomach causes blandness.

[Sweet Taste in Mouth] Use Shengdihuang (Rehmannia Root), Shaoyao (Peony Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), and Sanhuang Wan (Three Yellows Pill).

[Bitter Taste in Mouth] Use Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Kushen (Sophora Root), Longdancao (Gentian Root), and Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) added with Maimendong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Suanzaoren (Ziziphus Seed), Digupi (Lycium Bark), and Yuanzhi (Polygala Root). The *Neijing* says: "A disease presenting with bitter taste in the mouth is called Dan Dan (Gallbladder Heat)." This is because the Liver governs planning, and the Gallbladder governs decision-making. The Gallbladder stores seven he of bile juice; it is a clear and pure fu organ. Decision-making depends on the Gallbladder. If the Gallbladder fails to decide, resentment and anger arise, causing qi to rebel upward, leading to bile overflowing upward and causing bitterness in the mouth, or it may be caused by excessive heat. Longdan Xiegan Tang (Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction) is the primary treatment.

[Sour Taste in Mouth] Use Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Longdancao (Gentian Root) [to drain Liver fire], Shenqu (Medicated Leaven), and Luobo (Radish) [to resolve food stagnation].

[Acrid Taste in Mouth] Use Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) [to drain Lung fire], Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) [to drain Lung fire], Shaoyao (Peony Root) [to drain Spleen fire], and Maimendong (Ophiopogon Tuber) [to clear Heart fire].

[Bland Taste in Mouth] Use Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Banxia (Pinellia Tuber), Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and Fuling (Poria) [to dry dampness and strengthen the Spleen, leaching out dampness].

[Sticky/Greasy Taste in Mouth] Use Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) and Haiwuzhegu (Cuttlefish Bone) [to clear Stomach heat].

[Astringent/Dry Taste in Mouth] Use Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) [to drain fire], Gegen (Kudzu Root) [to generate fluids], Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), Bohe (Mint), Gualou (Trichosanthes Fruit), and Fuling (Poria) [to move phlegm].

[Mouth Ulceration/Mucositis] The *Neijing* states: "Bladder heat transfers to the Small Intestine, causing obstruction in the chest and intestines, rising upward to cause mouth ulceration." Li Dongyuan said: People who enjoy drinking alcohol often suffer from this disease. Luo Tianyi (Yi Lao) combined Wuling San (Five-Ling Powder) and Daochi San (Guide Out Redness Powder) for administration, achieving miraculous effects. The Classics state: "When Shaoyang qi rebounds, fire qi erupts internally, rising upward to cause mouth ulceration." Treatment uses bitter-cold agents, such as Huhuanglian San (Coptis Rhizome Powder) and Bixiao San (Must-Efficacy Powder), both bitter-cold formulas assisted by acrid-warm herbs. For mouth ulceration, rinsing with decoction of Wild Rose Root is beneficial.

[Mouth Sores/Canker Sores] There are two types: one is Heat. The Classics state: "When Shaoyang governs the year, fire qi descends, Lung qi follows upward, resulting in oral ulcers." The other is Cold. The Classics state: "When Metal is deficient in the year,炎火 (flaming fire) prevails. In retaliation, cold rain arrives suddenly, Yin rebellion occurs and blocks, Yang qi rebels upward, causing mouth sores." Someone asked how mouth sores are acquired? The answer is: The Classics state, "Bladder heat transfers to the Small Intestine, causing obstruction in the chest and intestines, rising upward to cause mouth ulceration." Since the Small Intestine is the Fu organ of the Heart, this example illustrates acquisition via pathogenic heat. The Heart belongs to Minister Fire (Jun Huo) and is the master of fire in the five zang and six fu organs. Thus, heat from all meridians corresponds to the Heart. The Heart meridian spreads over the tongue; if Heart fire blazes upward and steams the mouth, mouth and tongue sores form. The Spleen meridian spreads under the tongue; if Spleen heat generates phlegm, and hot saliva interacts, rising with Minister Fire, sores also form, especially frequently. Both conditions can be treated with various cold-cooling agents. However, if there is saliva/phlegm, phlegm-resolving measures should be added. Then why use Lizhong Tang (Regulate the Middle Decoction) plus Fuzi (Aconite Root)? The answer is: Fire has deficiency and excess. If triggered by pre-existing heat in various meridians, it is called Excess Fire; if triggered without pre-existing heat, it is called Deficiency Fire. Excess is treated directly with cold-cooling agents; Deficiency is treated by following the symptoms with warm-hot agents. Lizhong Tang is indicated because Stomach deficiency and insufficient grain lead to the counteracting Qi of Water (which the Spleen controls) rebelling against it, turning into Cold in the Middle. The fire generated by Spleen-Stomach decline and deficiency is forced upward, forming mouth sores. Therefore, Renshen (Ginseng), Baizhu (Atractylodes), and Gancao (Licorice) tonify Earth, while Jiang (Ginger) and Fuzi (Aconite) disperse Cold. Thus, the fire receives assistance and is guided to retreat. Regarding *Shengji Zonglu*, it mentions Yuan Zang (Primordial Viscera) deficiency-cold attacking upward causing mouth sores, treated with Bajitian (Morinda Root), Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root), Gaoliangjiang (Galangal Rhizome) powder, stewed with Pig Kidney. Another method uses Dingxiang (Clove), Hujiao (Pepper), Songzhi (Pine Resin), Xixin (Asarum) powder, mixed with Sumu (Sappan Wood) decoction to apply to sores. For those unable to eat, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis), Fuzi (Aconite), and Baimi (White Honey) are held in the mouth and swallowed. Some apply raw Fuzi to the soles of the feet. Some use Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit) powder, boiled with vinegar into a paste, mixed with Sheng Dilong (Earthworm) powder, applied to both soles. Such methods treat "Dragon Fire" (Hyperactive Mingmen Fire). According to the theory, when Cold Water presses upward, the Yang Qi of Heart and Lung cannot descend; thus, warm-hot agents are used, dispersing upward or downward, or following Yin with Yang, which is beneficial. If there is Heat in the Stomach with a洪大 (Surging-Large) pulse, Liangge San (Cool the Diaphragm Powder), Ganjie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction) plus Huangqin (Scutellaria), Sanbu Wan (Three Tonics Pill), Jinhua Wan (Golden Flower Pill) are suitable. Rinse with Huanglian Shengma Tang (Coptis and Cimicifuga Decoction), apply Lv Pao San (Green Robe Powder) or Mi Bai San (Honey and Phellodendron Powder). Zhu Danxi recommended slowly drinking watermelon juice; if unavailable, burn the rind to ash and hold in the mouth. Externally, apply Xixin (Asarum) and Huangbai (Phellodendron) powder to induce salivation. Hu Shi's formula grinds Lougu (Mole) with good ink to extreme fineness and applies it for immediate effect. Note: This is the correct formula for Bladder heat transferring to the Small Intestine. Since Lougu specifically travels to the Small Intestine and Bladder and unblocks the chest and intestines, its action is fierce; it is contraindicated for mouth sores caused by Yin deficiency with rebellious Qi. It is only suitable for those with strong constitution and Upper Jiao heat. Zhang Zihe treated a man with mouth sores for years, extending from the mouth/throat down to the stomach, painful and unable to eat hot food. After one emetic, one purgative, and one diaphoretic treatment, nine-tenths of the disease was removed. He then took Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Coptis Detoxification Decoction), recovering in over ten days. (Above treats Excess Heat). For those unresponsive to cold medicines, this is due to excessive wine and sexual activity, labor, and sleeplessness, resulting in a smooth, skinless tongue, or emotional distress damaging Middle Qi, causing Deficiency Fire to float up uncontrollably. Use Lizhong Tang, adding Fuzi (Aconite) for severe cases, or Guigui (Cinnamon Bark) to hold in the mouth. Xue Ji (Xue Xinpu) stated: Mouth sores, whether Upper Jiao Excess Heat, Middle Jiao Deficiency-Cold, or Lower Jiao Yin Fire, result from transmission through respective meridians and must be differentiated. Fever with thirst for cold drinks indicates Excess Heat; mild cases use Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction), severe cases use Liu Junzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction). Poor appetite and loose stools indicate Middle Qi Deficiency; use Renshen Lizhong Tang (Ginseng Regulate-Middle Decoction). Cold extremities and abdominal pain indicate Middle Qi Deficiency-Cold; use Fuzi Lizhong Tang (Aconite Regulate-Middle Decoction). Afternoon fever, internal heat, or intermittent heat indicate Blood Deficiency; use Bawu Tang (Eight Substance Decoction) plus Mudanpi (Tree Peony Bark), Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry), Maimendong (Ophiopogon Tuber). Fever, thirst, expectoration, and frequent urination indicate Kidney Water Deficiency; use Jiajian Bawei Wan (Modified Eight-Ingredient Pill). Poor appetite, slippery stools, yellow complexion, and cold limbs indicate Fire Decline and Earth Deficiency; use Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill). Fever in the afternoon or originating from the abdomen indicates Yin Deficiency; use Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) plus Renshen (Ginseng), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Wuweizi (Schisandra), Maimendong (Ophiopogon). If ineffective, use Jiajian Bawei Wan. If heat comes and goes, appearing by day and hiding by night, or vice versa, occurring irregularly or in undefined locations, or rising from the feet, it is Rootless Fire. Use the aforementioned pills, plus Shiquan Dabu Tang (Complete Great Tonifying Decoction) with Maimendong and Wuweizi, and additionally apply Fuzi (Aconite) powder mixed with saliva to Yongquan (KI1). Using cold-cooling agents indiscriminately damages vital Qi, causing significant harm. (Above treats Deficiency Fire). To treat Shaoyin mouth sores, use Banxia San (Pinellia Powder). For loss of voice, indicating Cold obstructing Yang Qi preventing extension: Processed Banxia (Pinellia) 1 liang, Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) and Wutou (Aconite Mother Root) each 1 zi, decoct together in one cup, divide into two doses. To treat Taiyin mouth sores, use Ganfan San (Licorice and Alum Powder): Hold 2 cun of Gancao (Licorice) and an alum piece the size of a chestnut in the mouth, dissolving and swallowing saliva. To treat red mouth sores, use Ruxiang San (Frankincense Powder): Ruxiang (Frankincense), Moyao (Myrrh) each 1 qian, Baifan (Alum) 0.5 qian, Tonglv (Verdigris) a little, grind to powder and apply. To treat white mouth sores, use Moyao San (Myrrh Powder): Ruxiang (Frankincense), Moyao (Myrrh), Xionghuang (Realgar) each 1 qian, Qingfen (Calomel) 0.5 qian, Badoushuang (Croton Seed Frost) a little, grind to powder and apply. For chronic mouth sores not healing, apply Wubeizi (Chinese Gall) powder, or rinse with decoction, or soak Baifan (Alum) or Danfan (Chalcanthite) in decoction for rinsing. Sour flavor can astringe. Dai Funan said: Lower Deficiency and Upper Excess causing mouth and tongue sores: If using sedating drugs, use Jiangqi Tang (Direct Qi Downward Decoction), or administer Yangzheng Dan (Nourish Righteous Elixir) or Heixi Dan (Black Tin Pill) with salt water. Also, wash feet with hot water before bed, take a small pinch of stir-fried, cleaned Wuzhuyu (Evodia), rub on feet, place hot on soles immediately, and bind with silk cloth. Men: left foot; Women: right foot.

[Bad Breath] Yan Wenjing Gong of Changshu, over seventy years old, did not abstain from sexual intercourse, consumed countless warming-tonic medicines daily, ate porridge cooked with Renshen (Ginseng), and made soup with Congrong (Cistanche), leading to Stomach Heat proliferation, full-mouth erosion, loose teeth, and foul breath nearly unbearable. Multiple administrations of cold-cooling Stomach-clearing medicines were ineffective. Someone suggested using Jiang (Ginger) and Gui (Cinnamon) as reverse assistants and consulted me. I said using them would surely worsen the condition severely. I prescribed Jiagan Ganlu Yin (Modified Sweet Dew Drink); after eight doses, it resolved. Rinse with thick decoction of Xiangru (Mosla). Hold Jitingxiang (Chicken Tongue Fragrance, i.e.,沉香花 Agallocha Flower) in the mouth; if unavailable, Chenxiang (Agallocha Wood/Aloeswood) can substitute. For sticky and foul mouth odor, use Zhimu (Anemarrhena), Digupi (Lycium Bark), Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark), Shanzhi (Gardenia), Maimendong (Ophiopogon), and Gancao Salt Water to hold in the mouth. In the morning, draw the first bucket of well water (Jinghua Water), hold in mouth, spit into toilet, and recover. For Bad Breath due to Heart Qi Deficiency: Yizhiren (Alpinia Oxyphylla) plus a little Gancao (Licorice) ground to powder, swallow dry or with water. Zhang Zihe treated a man in his twenties whose breath smelled like a latrine. Lung Metal naturally governs fishy smell; when Metal is overcome by Fire, and Fire governs stench, the breath becomes like this. Over time it becomes putrid; putrefaction corresponds to Kidney. This is Hyperactivity reversing to assume Water transformation. Disease in the upper part should be treated with emesis. Use Chatiao San (Tea Regulation Powder) to vomit out seven-tenths of the pathogen; at night, use Zhouche Wan (Boat Cart Pill) and Xunchuan San (River-Dredging Powder) to purge five to six times. By dawn, the odor ceased. (Medicinals are fierce; do not use lightly). Luo Qianfu treated Liang Jimin, who consumed rich foods and drank heavily, injuring Lung Metal through mental overwork, causing fishy-stinky breath, thick sticky sputum/nasal discharge, throat discomfort, bitter dry mouth. He treated with Jiajian Xiebai San (Modified Drain-Lung Powder). The *Nanjing* states: "Heart governs the five odors; entering Lung it becomes fishy-stinky." This is one instance. Injury from heavy drinking and hot qi, with Heart Fire punishing Lung Metal: Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark) and Digupi (Lycium Bark), bitter and slightly cold, descend latent Lung fire and tonify Qi as Sovereign herbs; Huangqin (Scutellaria) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena), bitter and cold, treat fishy-stinky qi and clear/benefit Lung Qi as Ministers; Lung desires astringency, urgently eat sour to astringe it; Wuweizi (Schisandra), sour and warm, astringes Lung Qi; Maimendong (Ophiopogon), bitter and cold, treats thick sputum and bitter dry mouth as Assistants; Jiegeng (Platycodon), acrid and warm, light and floating, treats phlegm rebellion and benefits throat/diaphragm as Envoys.