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Ancient texts contain over a hundred prescriptions for promoting lactation, some effective and others not, due to the varying nature of the conditions. Recently, I obtained a prescription that primarily tonifies Qi while also possessing properties to unblock orifices, dissipate nodules, clear heat, and invigorate blood. It has been tested on several individuals with consistent success. Therefore, I record two prescriptions below for future reference.

Baotai Wuyou San (Pregnancy-Safeguarding Carefree Powder): Lu Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 3 qian, Quan Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 3 qian, Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus) 1.5 qian, Jing Jie Sui (Schizonepetae Spica) 1.5 qian, Zi Gen Pu (Bupleuri Radix processed with ginger juice) 1.5 qian, Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus) 2 qian, ground into powder and taken separately; Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 3 qian, Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) 1 qian, Sheng Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 1.5 qian, Tu Si Bing (Cuscutae Semen processed into cakes with wine) 2 qian, Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) 2.5 qian, Qi Ai (Artemisiae Argyi Folium processed with vinegar) 1.5 qian, Sheng Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 1.5 qian, Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) 3 slices. Decoct in water and take orally.

Xiaru Shen Fang (Miraculous Formula for Promoting Lactation): Sheng Huang Qi (Astragali Radix) 8 qian, Quan Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 5 qian, Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) 4 qian, Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) 3 qian, Mu Tong Pian (Akebiae Caulis) 1 qian, Lou Lu (Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba) 1.5 qian, Tong Cao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) 1.5 qian, Hong Hua (Carthami Flos) 0.5 fen, Jiang Tan (Zingiberis Rhizoma Carbonisatum) 0.5 fen, Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) 2 qian, Wang Bu Liu Xing (Vaccariae Semen) 1.5 qian, Lu Shen (Codonopsis Radix) 4 qian, Pao Jia Zhu (Manis Squama processed) 3 qian. Decoct in water, add two zun of yellow wine, and take hot.

Liver Qi Stagnation Transforming into Fire

The younger sister of my fellow townsman Brother Zhang Qingzhi returned to her natal home for a few days when she suddenly suffered from chest fullness and loss of appetite, accompanied by vomiting and coughing. Her mother suspected pregnancy and invited me to treat her. Upon palpating her six pulses, they were peaceful, but the left Guan position showed a slippery image. I informed her that this was due to Liver Qi stagnation transforming into fire, which then attacked the Stomach Earth, causing an aversion to food. I prescribed Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) plus Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) and Shan Zhi (Gardeniae Fructus) to clear heat. After two doses, she recovered.

Qi Stagnation and Spleen Emaciation

Reading the book *Yi Zong Bi Du* (Essential Readings for Medical Masters), there is a section titled "Treating Illness Without Losing Human Sentiment." This can be described as experienced and thorough, fully expressing the joys and hardships of physicians.

The younger brother of Mr. Zhang Jingyi from my hometown lacked talent and worked as a merchant in Hunan. After returning after more than a year, he became increasingly dependent and developed a habit of smoking opium. All his clothing and daily necessities were supplied by his older brother. His nature leaned towards extravagance, accumulating private debts, yet he was disrespectful to his brother. He spent his days gloomy and depressed, avoiding meat, while constantly consuming sweets, fruits, and candies. In the summer of the Xinyou year, he fell ill. His brother invited me to diagnose him. The six pulses were peaceful, except for a slippery pulse at the left Guan and a weak pulse at the right Guan, indicating stagnant Qi and emaciated Spleen. I prescribed Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder). His brother thought it was effective, but the patient could not tolerate it, so he went to the city to seek treatment from Dr. Rong. Dr. Rong was pedantic and slow; upon hearing the symptoms and fearing the patient had no money for medicine, he claimed the illness was incurable. When Zhang Jingyi returned, he wept bitterly. His mother, who doted on him, believed he would not survive, and the whole family was in panic and grief. They scolded him daily. Reluctantly, Zhang Jingyi asked me to treat him again, pleading urgently. He said, "Dr. Rong claims my brother is dying. Please make a decision. If he truly cannot be saved, let us prepare for the aftermath." Seeing the scene, I did not wish to examine him, but out of Zhang's sincerity, I did so again. The pulse remained the same. I told the family, "With this illness and this pulse, there is absolutely no reason for it not to improve. If other complications arise, I cannot guarantee it, but if it is only this illness, it will heal without medicine. If I am wrong, I will compensate." I advised them not to be frightened by Dr. Rong's quackery. Zhang Jingyi was pleased, but his brother was furious and stormed out. Zhang sighed repeatedly and asked how to handle the situation. I said, "Although he is young, his mind is less sharp than a clever child. Give him a few dozen coins daily to roam freely without restriction. Within two or three months, there will be no worries." Zhang followed my advice. The patient went into the city daily, indulging in leisure. Within two months, he recovered and gained weight. Zhang finally believed my words were correct. Even his brother admitted regretting not listening to me, resulting in wasted expenses. I laughed and despised him.

Liver Stagnation Headache

There was another man named Yang Qingli, a shoe merchant with considerable savings. He loved talismans and spells, discussing spirits with everyone, and treated illnesses with magical water, achieving occasional minor successes. However, his heart was corrupt, and he was essentially a dull person. He lived with his younger brother, who was extravagant but good at managing finances, ensuring all daily expenses were met, whereas the elder brother had no control over the money. In the winter of the Xinyou year, while his younger brother went to the prefecture for the military examination, Qingli suddenly fell severely ill with splitting headaches and burning fever. I was called urgently. Under the lamp, I palpated his Liver pulse as slippery and rapid. I told him, "This must be caused by significant frustration leading to Liver stagnation headache. Calming the Liver will stop the pain. But why did it happen so suddenly?" Secretly inquiring, I learned it was due to expenses from visiting prostitutes, causing internal and external pressure. I prescribed Zuojin Wan (Left Metal Pill). By the third watch, he improved somewhat. Coincidentally, his younger brother passed the examination. Messengers came continuously. Ignoring the severe cold, Qingli went out in thin clothes, catching an external contraction. The next day, his condition worsened. He asked me to treat him again, but I was tired of dealing with such people and refused sternly. Yang changed doctors daily, seeing several each day, but his condition deteriorated until he was nearly mad. His younger brother asked me. I said, "This is a Heart disease. Medicines cannot cure it. Leave it alone; it will heal itself by the New Year." His younger brother smiled and nodded. Indeed, on New Year's Eve, he improved, and after New Year's Day, he healed daily. Those who knew this admired me. From these two cases, I know that for such syndromes, even Hua Tuo or Bian Que would be helpless. The theory of "not losing human sentiment" is indeed trustworthy.

Liver Wood Overacting on Earth

Guo Mou from Macun Village, east of Jiexiu, sold candles in the city and was known for being pedantic and cautious. In summer, he traveled between Jiexiu and Qixian multiple times. Due to impatience, he suffered from chest fullness and loss of appetite. At that time, epidemic qi was prevalent in Jiexiu. Believing he had caught the plague, he hastily took dispersing medicines, leading to fatigue and a faint voice, becoming unbearable. Another doctor diagnosed Kidney Deficiency and prescribed Shenqi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) to tonify. After four or five doses, his condition worsened significantly, nearly reaching unconsciousness. He was then referred to me. Upon arrival, I asked about his illness. He said he had developed Xu Lao (Consumptive Disease). I asked if he had afternoon fever, spontaneous sweating, cough, and asthma. He said no. Thus, it was not Xu Lao. Palpating his wrist, both Cun and Chi positions were flat, while both Guan positions were firm and sluggish, with the right Guan slightly wiry. I told him, "This is Liver Wood overacting on Spleen Earth. The illness resulted from temporary Qi obstruction and impatience, causing Liver Qi to block the Spleen and Stomach, leading to chest fullness and anorexia. The proper treatment should calm the Liver and clear dryness. The previous doctor used Guizhi and Fuzi to tonify, further blocking the Spleen and Stomach. Why wouldn't it worsen? At this stage, one must first resolve the effects of Guizhi and Fuzi, then administer herbs to soothe the Liver and strengthen the Spleen. Within half a month, you will be fine." The patient happily requested a prescription. I prescribed Pingwei San (Peaceful Stomach Powder) plus Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus) and Mai Ya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) to digest. The patient argued, "I never have food stagnation, and I haven't eaten for a long time. Using digestive herbs is contrary to logic." I laughed and said, "You only know Pingwei San as a digestive herb. You do not realize that although your Spleen and Stomach lack food, they contain Guizhi and Fuzi. My use of Pingwei San is not to digest food, but to detoxify the medicine. If the medicinal toxin is not resolved, the chest will never feel comfortable. People only know Pingwei San digests food, but do not realize that medicine itself can become stagnation. Without this, the path of the Spleen and Stomach cannot be opened. This is why vulgar doctors stick to formulas without investigating principles, leading to many errors." The patient happily took the medicine. Three days later, he felt relieved in the chest and began to crave food. I then continued with Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder) to regulate the Spleen and clear the Liver. I told him, "Within five doses, you will recover. Additionally, take Ban jin of Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan (Aucklandia and Amomum Six Gentlemen Pills) to become stronger." Guo followed the advice and returned to selling candles in the city after half a month.

Yin Fire Rushing Up Causing Deafness

Zhang Yiduan, a clerk in the Direct Administration Treasury Hall from Jiexiu, was a son of a prominent family seeking a post in Zhili. He returned home due to his mother's death and often held banquets with me. He was elegant and outstanding. Because his nephew, Sima Zhang Wenquan, was in the same genealogical register as me, I addressed him as uncle. In the summer of the Gengshen year, he suddenly suffered from deafness, requiring loud shouting to communicate. I had arranged a summer gathering. Upon entering and speaking, he appeared very dull. Surprised, I asked and discovered his deafness. During the conversation, he requested a pulse diagnosis. I asked when it started. He said mid-April. Several doctors had treated him, diagnosing Liver Qi issues and prescribing dozens of doses of Liver-calming herbs without effect. Upon diagnosis, his six pulses were deep, rapid, and weak. I told him, "This is Yin Fire rushing up. The ears are governed by the Kidney. Strong Kidney Qi leads to clear hearing; deficient Kidney Qi causes muffled hearing; cold Kidney Qi leads to withered hearing; hot Kidney Qi causes blocked hearing. Your condition is Kidney Heat, definitely not Liver Qi. Many children in our village suffer from this, sometimes discharging yellow fluid. Prescribing Liver-dispersing herbs would be contradictory." He asked what medicine to take. I prescribed Zhibai Dihuang Tang (Anemarrhenae, Phellodendri and Rehmanniae Pill). He seemed to think it was too cooling. I said, "In the height of summer, Qi rushes up, and there is damp-heat in the Stomach, so it will not harm you. Stop taking it once your hearing returns. Otherwise, you must take Maiwei Dihuang Wan (Lily and Schisandra Rehmannia Pill), which acts more slowly." He returned and took the medicine. I barely remembered it. A year later, talking with his brother Maocai Zhang Liweng, I learned that his hearing cleared after four doses. Recalling this, I expressed my gratitude again.

Qi Stagnation with Phlegm Retention, Asthma, Cough, and Anorexia

The second sister-in-law of Yang Lezhai, a martial arts student from my hometown, was widowed in her twenties and raised a son. She was capable and managed all household affairs better than her sisters-in-law. However, living in depression, her Liver Qi frequently flared up, causing simultaneous asthma and coughing, groaning, and refusal to eat. This persisted for a year. Several doctors diagnosed it as Lao Zhai (Consumptive Disease). In the spring of the Renxu year, the illness recurred. She lay in bed for over a month, leaving the family helpless. Yang invited me to examine her. Her left Guan pulse was slippery and rapid, and the right Cun and Guan positions were very strong. I told her, "This is Qi stagnation with phlegm retention, not Consumptive Disease. You must have taken many tonifying medicines previously, worsening the condition. Do not worry. Within ten doses, you will be safe." I combined Pingwei San (Peaceful Stomach Powder), Erchen Tang (Two Aged Treasures Decoction), and Siqi Tang (Four Seven Decoction). Immediately after taking the medicine, gurgling sounds were heard in the chest, bringing immediate relief. After two doses, the asthma and cough stopped, and appetite slightly returned. The family was amazed, thinking she was cured, and stopped the medication. I also forgot about it. Within three days, the illness returned. I examined her again; the pulse was slightly weaker, but still slippery and rapid. I asked how many doses she took. She said two. I told her, "The path is open, but the illness remains. At least four doses are needed. Once sticky, foul stool is passed, the illness will be completely gone. Do not change the formula; continue as before. See me in three days." The patient obeyed. The next morning, she passed foul matter several times, ate greatly, and the asthma and cough disappeared. I advised her to take Xiangsha Liujunzi Wan (Aucklandia and Amomum Six Gentlemen Pills) for recovery to ensure stability. Her family was indifferent, and I do not know if they listened. If care is poor, it may recur next spring.

External Syndrome of Leg Ulcers

Leg ulcers are extremely lingering. In my childhood, I saw patients with pus and odor oozing, ulcerating for years. There are many treatments, but achieving results is difficult.

In the Xinhai year, my father suffered from this. Various washes and applications were tried, with intermittent healing. Later, a monk named Zhongling from Duofu Temple in Xibao Village, whose family practiced surgery for generations with great confidence, was invited. Zhongling examined him and said, "This is a leg ulcer. It fears dispersing powders and plasters. Using them will cause proliferation. Raw tofu is best. Slice it thinly, soak in warm water, and replace daily. It will heal within half a month." My father followed this and healed on schedule.

Later, I also developed an ulcer from a bruise. I used tofu, which healed the wound but caused intermittent pain. A neighbor taught me to melt beeswax, remove smoke residue, add a little pine rosin powder, spread it on bamboo paper, and apply it. The pain stopped, and it healed.

Using insignificant medicines to treat the most lingering diseases yields results like flipping a hand. The key is that the medicine matches the disease, not its price. So I recorded this.

Shaoyang Cold with Heat Entering the Blood Chamber

Wang Danwen, from the same genealogical register, had his fourth wife fall ill. Initially, it was thought to be a depression syndrome due to disrespect towards her mother-in-law. Maocai Qing Yincang treated her with Xiaoyao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), with mixed results. A month later, Maocai Li Dixian was invited. Learning that her menstruation had ceased for two months, he suspected pregnancy, then ruled it out, treating it as Consumptive Disease with Shiquan Dabu Tang (Ten Complete Tonifying Decoction) plus Guizhi and Fuzi. Initially effective, but subsequent doses increased heat. After prolonged delay, with no other options, he was brought to me by special carriage. Her pulse was fine and rapid, with the Lung area particularly slippery. I said, "This is Heat Entering the Blood Chamber syndrome. It started with a Shaoyang cold. Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) plus Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) should cool the blood and cure the illness. Xiaoyao San is reasonable, but Li's use of Guizhi and Fuzi directly attacks the Yin deficiency and adds heating drugs to boil it, like pouring oil on fire. At this stage, there must be asthma and cough, afternoon fever, dizziness, and fatigue. Resolving the external cold disperses the cold; clearing internal heat consumes the true metal (essence), likely ineffective." Danwen urgently requested a prescription. I administered Dongyuan's Zhengyin Lilao Tang (Restoring Yin and Managing Consumptive Decoction). I said, "It should be effective. However, this illness depends mainly on menstruation. If menstruation arrives, it is curable; if not, even if effective, it is useless." Two days later, Danwen came joyfully saying, "After two doses of your medicine, the illness halved. Can I take more?" I said, "Yes, two more doses, then reassess." Two days later, he invited me again. The rapid pulse changed slightly, but weakness was extreme. Only the Lung fire remained. I changed to Renshen Jiufei Tang (Ginseng Saving Lung Decoction). After three doses, Danwen invited me again, asking if menstruation had arrived. It had not, so I declined. ... At the end of the Wu month, returning from Dingxiang to Jiexiu, I asked about him. He had died in April.

Phlegm Jue Headache

Wang Yunji and his wife from my hometown practiced Catholicism and were skilled in crafts, from large construction to small clockwork, tailoring, cooking, riding, archery, and martial arts. They were proficient in all. Despite being poor as a washed-out cloth, they chanted scriptures and worshipped Buddha, appearing indifferent. The villagers respected them. In the spring of the Renwu year, Wang suffered from back-of-head pain, unable to turn while lying down or sitting, feeling like needle pricks upon movement. Maocai Wang Huaitang treated him, diagnosing Wind, but dispersing herbs failed. He invited me. His six pulses were floating and slippery, with both Cun positions extending half a cun beyond the fish border. I said, "This is Phlegm Jue Headache, not an external contraction. Severe cases lead to Gang Jing (Rigid Spasm), with opisthotonos and body stiffness; mild cases lead to hemiplegia and facial paralysis. It is a major illness. Stopping the headache is easy, but this requires dozens of doses to eradicate the root. Otherwise, the pain will return." Wang cited poverty. I said, "If it stops the headache and allows free movement, I accept whatever arrangement." I prescribed Dongyuan's Tongqi Taiyang Tang (Unblocking Qi Taiyang Decoction: Chai Hu, Sheng Ma, Huang Qi each 1 qian; Fang Feng, Qiang Huo, Chen Pi, Renshen, Gan Cao each 0.5 qian; Gao Ben, Qing Pi each 0.3 qian; Huang Bo 0.1 qian; Bai Dou Kou Ren 0.2 qian). After two doses, the pain decreased. He sent someone to ask for a new prescription. I said, "No need to change. Continue to five or six doses, and the pain will cease." Wang complied, and the pain stopped. His wife urged further treatment, but he lacked funds, so it stopped. I recently heard his hands and feet were heavy, he had no appetite, and his skin hurt without sensation. Alas! For a poor person to suffer such a major illness, if he dies from falling and phlegm obstruction, it is a release. Otherwise, he may lie in bed for months or years, suffering indescribable agony. How sad poverty is.

Qi Stagnation with Food Retention

Qiang Xuechao, a physician, had a wife with bee-like eyes and a jackal's body, a stubborn person. After her husband died, she became unrestrained, hating her daughter-in-law and loving her daughter. At home, she beat her daughter-in-law. Her daughter married into the Wang family in my hometown, inheriting her mother's roughness. Her mother, over sixty, visited daily several times, running swiftly. In the spring of the Renxu year, after an argument, she retained food, developing Heart-Stomach pain. She endured it initially, but later could not. Physician Ren treated her, confusingly diagnosing old age and Qi deficiency, prescribing tonics, which worsened the pain. Asked again, Ren refused, saying the illness was incurable. Her daughter's house was neighbors with the Catholics mentioned earlier. Knowing I treated Wang, they asked me to treat her mother. I wanted to refuse, but the Wangs urged me repeatedly. Reluctantly, I examined her. Her right Guan pulse was solid, large, slippery, and rapid; the Liver area was also stagnant. I said, "This is Qi stagnation with food retention. After arguing with someone, she ate. The food was blocked by Qi, stagnating and causing pain." Her daughter praised my skill from the side, rebuking her mother, saying, "I always advise you not to get angry while eating, but you don't change. Who do you blame now?" I prescribed Yueju Pingwei San (Yueju Peaceful Stomach Powder) plus Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus), heavily using Xiang Fu (Cyperii Rhizoma). I said, "After two doses, you will be safe." Five days later, I met her daughter on the street. She said her mother had fully recovered and thanked me repeatedly.

Water Qi Descending Causing Leg and Foot Swelling

Mr. Zhao Meicun from Guoxian was skilled in calligraphy and writing. Admirers praised him. As a Linsheng (government-supported student) waiting for a post as Guangwen, he served as secretary to Observer Zhitan of Yulin. Later, when Master Zhitan returned home due to his father's death, Master Mei also stayed home. Recently, he served as secretary for Dai You'an, a fellow clansman and magistrate of Dingxiang. In the summer of the Renxu year, during the Dingxiang county exam, Master Dai invited me to grade papers. I talked with Master Mei day and night. One day, Master Mei said, "I have always been healthy. Recently, for unknown reasons, both legs and feet have swollen, worse in the afternoon, feeling stuffy and unable to bend or extend." I asked, "Is the skin wrinkled?" He said yes. "Is it shiny?" He said yes. "Is urination difficult?" He said yes. "Is there chest oppression?" He said yes. I said, "This must be due to drinking too much water, with water qi descending. If untreated, it becomes edema, spreading to the waist and abdomen, becoming incurable." Master Mei asked for a pulse diagnosis. I said, "No need. Just drain the water. Once urination is smooth, the swelling will subside. Regarding tea and water, drink only when thirsty; abstain when not. Do not be greedy." I prescribed Wuling San (Five-Ling Powder) plus Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix), and Qumai (Dianthi Herba). By night, he urinated five or six times, feeling abdominal comfort. At dawn, the swelling reduced by half. After three consecutive doses, the swelling marks disappeared completely, and his steps became vigorous. Master Mei wrote couplets and banners, praising my miraculous skills repeatedly.

Spleen and Stomach Stagnation Mistakenly Treated with Guizhi and Fuzi