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After childbirth, blood loss leads to Qi deficiency, and the Spleen and Stomach also become weak. Wind-cold pathogens easily invade, and dietary intake is easily damaged. If care is slightly neglected, Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome with vomiting and diarrhea) may occur, characterized by severe cramping pain in the heart and abdomen, coldness of the hands and feet, and simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea. Use Jiawei Lizhong Tang (Modified Cinnamon Twig Decoction): Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger, baked), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Huoxiang (Patchouli Herb), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), and three slices of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger).

Postpartum wind-stroke with deficiency and damage makes it easy for Cold pathogens to invade. If management is improper, external exposure to Wind-Cold and internal injury from raw or cold foods can lead to Spleen-Stomach pain and unceasing diarrhea. Use the aforementioned Lizhong Tang. If diarrhea persists, add Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) and Doukou (Cardamom Seed, wrapped in flour and baked), grind them into powder, form pills with honey, and take with Rice Decoction.

Excess dampness leads to diarrhea; sudden, violent watery stools belong to Heat. Dysentery with red and white discharge is caused by Damp-Heat. Therefore, red discharge belongs to Heat and originates from the Small Intestine; white discharge belongs to Dampness and originates from the Large Intestine. The common saying "red indicates Heat, white indicates Cold" is incorrect. Without stagnation, there is no dysentery. This is generally because the postpartum woman did not observe dietary restrictions previously, injuring her diet, causing stagnation in the middle Jiao. Combined with postpartum wind-stroke and deficiency, she cannot regulate herself, causing old stagnation to activate and result in dysentery. There are also cases where eating too many eggs and chicken during delivery injures the Spleen and Stomach, making digestion difficult, leading to stagnation and dysentery. One must carefully examine and deliberate to apply treatment methods, so as not to harm patients.

If at the time of recent childbirth, dietary overindulgence causes injury, symptoms include abdominal distension and pain, tenesmus (urgent need to defecate with little output), fever, thirst, and rapid, full pulses in all six positions. Purging should be employed. Use Jiawei Xiaochengqi Tang (Modified Minor Order the Qi Decoction): Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange, stir-fried with wheat bran), Houpo (Magnolia Bark, stir-fried with ginger) each 2 qian, Dahuang (Rhubarb Root, stir-fried with wine) 2.5 qian, Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root) 1 qian.

If after recent childbirth, there has been no dietary injury, but the pulse and symptoms are the same as above, this is due to retained food. It should be resolved and expelled. Use Zhishi Tang (Immature Bitter Orange Decoction): Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange, stir-fried with wheat bran), Muxiang (Costus Root), Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root) each 1 qian, Houpo (Magnolia Bark, stir-fried with ginger) 2 qian, Binglang (Areca Seed) 1.5 qian, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 3 slices. Decoct in water and take. It promotes smooth bowel movement.

If there is no new or old food stagnation, yet dysentery with red and white discharge occurs, accompanied by abdominal pain, tenesmus, and a deep, rapid pulse, this is Deficiency Dysentery. Treatment should focus on regulating Qi and nourishing Blood. Use Danggui Shaoyao San (Angelica and Peony Powder): Dangguishen (Radix Angelicae Sinensis, root portion), Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Shaoyao (White Peony Root, stir-fried with wine), Fuling (Poria) each 1 qian, Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root), Paojiang (Prepared Ginger), Muxiang (Costus Root) each 0.5 qian, Zhike (Bitter Orange Fruit, stir-fried with bran)... [Text cuts off here].

If chronic dysentery persists, this indicates Qi deficiency and Blood insufficiency, with intestinal slipping and inability to control defecation. Use Sijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) plus Shaoyao (White Peony Root), Wumei (Mume Fruit), Qumai (Herba Desmodii Styracifolii), and Suké (Poppy Shell).

In cases where Lochia (postpartum uterine discharge) does not flow down, causing败血 (stagnant blood) to seep into the Large Intestine and resulting in bloody stool, the symptom is stabbing abdominal pain without significant tenesmus or heaviness. Use Zhike (Bitter Orange Fruit, stir-fried with bran) 1.5 qian, Jiesui (Schizonepeta Spike, lightly stir-fried) 2.5 qian. Decoct in water and take; the effect is miraculous.

For the above dysentery syndromes, if one fears medication errors, use Shan Zha (Hawthorn Fruit) 3 qian, stir-fried with Chen Zaoshintu (Old Hearth Soil) until charred, remove the soil, grind the Hawthorn into powder, mix with Hongtang (Brown Sugar) and Rice Decoction, and take orally; the effect is miraculous. Alternatively, refer to the formulas in the Dysentery section of Volume 7 for appropriate treatment.