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Mr. Xie Yuqiong of Chixi, a fellow townsman of mine, lived only a few li away. I had long heard of his benevolent deeds in saving people and benefiting all things, as well as his authoritative writings on measles for men and women.

Generally, measles was considered equally important with smallpox. However, while there were experts in treating smallpox with numerous publications, measles was often treated casually, with only a few formulas briefly appended to books. This led practitioners to treat measles without assessing the severity of the condition or distinguishing between cold and heat patterns, nor understanding whether the medicinal properties were tonifying or cooling. They simply copied and used these formulas directly, causing great harm to life. Mr. Xie could not bear this situation. He devoted decades of energy to extensively collecting and studying ancient texts, analyzing medicinal properties, and differentiating syndromes. He compiled these into a medical book divided into one hundred and eight sections. When I first obtained this book in my hometown, many copies were circulated, but they contained minor variations. I privately wondered about this. Upon detailed study, I found that Mr. Xie revised the manuscript four times before finalizing it. Thus, the handwritten copies circulating locally varied due to his successive corrections. Recently, having become friendly with his grandnephew, Xie Maoxuan, I requested him to ask on my behalf. Mr. Xie’s grandson, Xie Ruiyuan, produced the complete version personally revised by Mr. Xie in his later years, titled *Maoke Huoren Quanshu* (Complete Book of Measles Treatment for Saving Lives). The term "saving lives" implies saving people throughout the world, not just in one village or town. Appreciating his aspiration, I spared no expense to have it printed and published for the public, so that practitioners would have specialized knowledge, and patients could use appropriate formulas based on their syndromes, thereby gaining boundless benefits. This is the preface.

Written by Liu Qizhen of Fushan, Ancheng, on an auspicious day in the first month of the Renzi year, the 57th year of the Qianlong reign.

Although measles originates from fetal toxin, it often carries epidemic characteristics. Warm and hot climates frequently cause transmission among men and women. Its onset resembles smallpox, but its complications are no less severe. Ignorant people often regard it as trivial, attributing death or survival to fate. They do not know that the pathogen initially arises in the Yang aspect and later returns to the Yin aspect; the toxin flourishes in the Spleen channel, and heat flows into the Heart channel. Among the Zang-Fu organs, the Lungs are particularly damaged. In the progression from onset to recovery, the Kidneys show no specific symptoms. Only by mastering treatment methods can one be called a Medical Sage. Working in isolation is like asking directions while staying indoors; it is better to find the path while traveling. Stopping boiling water by stirring it is inferior to removing firewood from under the pot (addressing the root cause).

Zhu’s Commentary: Identifies the pathology of the Spleen, Heart, and Lung channels, guiding practitioners to focus on key areas.

Initially, fever occurs, resembling Cold Damage (Shanghan). Eyelids swell, tears flow incessantly, the nose feels blocked, sneezing occurs, and nasal discharge does not dry up. There is coughing, loss of appetite, thirst, and irritability. Shining a light reveals faint rashes within the skin; touching the body reveals raised bumps between the muscles. The shape resembles scabies, and the color resembles cinnabar. After appearing for three days, gradual subsidence indicates safety. Rapid appearance and disappearance accompanied by wheezing indicate a adverse course; absence of cough and sweat with hidden rashes also indicates an adverse course. Swollen bases suggest measles combined with urticaria; red skin suggests rashes mixed with macules. Brightness like brocade heals without medication; darkness like coal is incurable. These are the favorable and adverse courses of measles, requiring careful clinical observation.

Zhu’s Commentary: From initial fever to the color resembling cinnabar, this clearly describes external signs.

Measles toxin is heavy, requiring distinct treatments. Frequent mild sweating allows heat to dissipate without retention; clear and regulated bowel and bladder movements allow evil qi to move without obstruction. If pores are closed and stagnant, dispersal is needed; if internal organs are constipated, unblocking is urgent. Epistaxis need not be feared, as evil qi resolves through bleeding; spontaneous diarrhea should not be hastily stopped, as toxin loosens through purging. Post-measels dysentery results from heat toxin moving to the Large Intestine; cough and sore throat result from phlegm and qi stagnation in the chest and heart. Thirst and irritability require generating fluids and nourishing blood; reduced appetite requires regulating the Stomach and harmonizing the middle. Other symptoms vary and require flexibility.

If eruption is too late, releasing the exterior is paramount; if too excessive, resolving toxin is best. Do not excessively damage the Harmonious Qi; consider the annual climate. Biting cold causes toxin to stagnate; intense heat causes evil qi to become malignant. Warm tonification must not aid evil; cold clearing must not injure the Stomach. Moderate extremes to achieve balance; correct violence to restore righteousness. Distance from extreme cold and heat depends on the balance of Yin and Yang; addressing excess or deficiency depends on individual constitution. This is the general principle of measles, which physicians must memorize.

Medicinal properties must be thoroughly understood. Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) and Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba) disperse cold evil from the pores; Zisu (Perillae Folium) and Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) resolve heat in the Ying and Wei levels. Su Zi (Perillae Fructus) descends qi; Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) releases the exterior. Kua Dong Hua (Adenophorae Radix) resolves phlegm and stops cough; Zi Wan (Asteris Radix) opens the Lungs. Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis) moves stagnant qi in the blood; Chu Bai Pi (Toosendan Cortex) treats post-measels white dysentery. Cong Bai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus) ascends to disperse Lung and Stomach pathogens; Lai Fu Zi (Raphani Semen) regulates qi powerfully. Zhu Ru (Bambusae Caulis in Taenia) stops vomiting; Shi Di (Fici Fructus) treats hiccups. Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen) descends qi; Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) cools blood. Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) enters the Heart to drain fire; Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) enters the Lungs to calm wheezing. Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix) and Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) treat floating pathogenic fire; Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus) and Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) open toxic stagnation. Gua Lou (Trichosanthis Fructus) moistens the Lungs and stops thirst, combined with Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix); Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) drains fire and generates fluids, combined with Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex). Ma Ren (Semen Cannabis) is moistening; Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix) relieves thirst. Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix) stops abdominal pain but should not be used before resolution; Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) stops Spleen diarrhea and is used only after resolution. To move stagnation, combine Qing Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Viride), Zhi Ke (Aurantii Fructus), and Bing Lang (Arecae Semen); to promote diuresis, combine Chi Ling (Polypori Umbilicati Mycelium), Che Qian Zi (Plantaginis Semen), and Hua Shi (Talcum). For difficult urination, use Zhu Ling (Polypori Poriae Mycelium) and Mu Tong (Akebiae Caulis); for persistent sore throat, use Da Qing Ye (Isatidis Folium) and Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus). Yuan Hu (Corydalis Rhizoma) invigorates blood and stops pain; Pu Huang (Typhae Pollen) removes stasis and generates blood; Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) breaks accumulation, generates new tissue, and guides blood back to vessels; Zi Cao (Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma) benefits the intestines, cools blood, and treats purple-black rashes; Mao Gen (Imperatae Rhizoma) stops vomiting and epistaxis, descending latent fire; Hong Hua (Carthami Flos) resolves measles toxin and disperses swelling and redness. For closed throat, she Gan (Belamcandae Rhizoma) assists Dou Gen (Phaseoli Semen); for dental caries, Wen Ge (Concha Arcae) pairs with Niao Bai (Urina Hominis preparata). For fright and palpitations, use Chen Sha (Cinnabaris); for organ closure, use Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma). Ting Li Zi (Descurainiae Semen) and Xing Ren (Persicae Semen) treat wheezing; Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) and Zhu Ye (Bambusae Folium) relieve skin heat. Burnt human feces and Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) fried in honey erupt spotted toxins and expand evil qi. Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) and Shan Zha (Crataegi Fructus) assist the Spleen and Stomach in resolving toxin; Lou Lu (Halesiae Fructus) and Gu Pi (Phellodendri Cortex) clear Lung heat to heal sores. Knowing medicinal properties, timing is crucial. Before eruption, Qianhu, Gegen, Jingjie, and Fangfeng are essential; remove them once erupted. After eruption, Huang Qin, Huang Lian, Zhi Zi, and Huang Bo are suitable, but avoid early stages. For constipation, replace Da Huang with Chou Niu (Pharbitidis Semen) to avoid chilling the Stomach; for wheezing, use Ting Li Zi instead of Sheng Ma to avoid worsening stridor. For scorched-dry rash color, Sheng Di Huang and Gui Wei (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) are key; for purple-black symptoms, Hong Hua and Zi Cao are supportive. This is the mechanism of medication, which should be expanded. With proper timing, established formulas apply. At the initial fever stage, before eruption, use Xuandu Fabiao Tang (Decoction for Dispersing Toxicity and Releasing the Exterior) (see Section 5, remove Sheng Ma, Jie Geng, Gan Cao). For severe redness and swelling after eruption, use Huadu Qingbiao Tang (Decoction for Resolving Toxicity and Clearing the Exterior) (see Section 16, remove Jie Geng, Gan Cao). For mild cases, use Xie Bai San (Powder for Draining the White/Lungs) (see Section 50, remove Gan Cao), aligning with Xiaodu Yin (Infusion for Eliminating Toxicity) (see Section 22, remove Gan Cao). For severe toxicity, drink ancient formulas such as Huanglian Jiedu Tang (Decoction for Resolving Toxicity with Coptis) (see Section 35) or Da Qing Tang (Great Blue Decoction) (see Section 35, remove Gan Cao). For diarrhea, use Dao Chi San (Powder for Guiding Out Heat) (see Section 26, remove Gan Cao) to separate and drain; for vomiting, use Zhuru Tang (Bamboo Sheath Decoction) (see Section 59, remove Shan Zha Rou) to assist. Quacks indiscriminately use bitter-cold and pungent-hot substances; master physicians avoid punishing the innocent. Following these secret principles avoids errors of over-cooling or mis-warming. Adhere to them to achieve miraculous recoveries. I present one corner as an example, establishing three rules.

Zhu’s Commentary: Shihu sweetly treats deficient heat in the Stomach and salty nature benefits the Kidney. Whether using cooling or dispersing methods depends entirely on whether the exterior has been released; syndromes must be clearly assessed.

After measles eruption, nursing is difficult. Sitting and sleeping require warmth; diet should be bland. Exposure to wind and cold causes swelling and heat; intolerance to sour and salty flavors leads to cough and wheezing. Malignant qi may cause complications, requiring reference to changes. Pus and blood in stool indicate damp-heat in the Granary; profuse phlegm foam indicates Cold Damage affecting the Canopy (Lungs). Mouth ulcers and cracked lips indicate lingering pathogenic fire in the Heart and Spleen; dry hair and withered scalp indicate depletion of Ying and Wei fluids. Without understanding these syndromes, how can one demonstrate medical expertise?

Each complication has unique formulas. Persistent fever: Dihuang Gupi Tang (Decoction of Rehmannia and Phellodendron Bark) (see Section 30, remove Gan Cao) combined with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) (see Section 25). Severe mouth ulcers: Miben Xixin San (Secret Origin Mind-Washing Powder) (see Section 80, remove Mahuang) paired with Sanhuang Wan (Three Yellows Pill) (see Section 48). To reduce swelling and calm wheezing: Tingli Wan (Descurainia Seed Pill) (see Section 50, remove Chou Niu) is effective. To resolve phlegm and regulate qi: Jiawei Erchen Tang (Modified Two-Chen Decoction) (see Section 60, remove Banxia, Gan Cao) is excellent. For cough and rapid breathing (excluding heat): Qingfei Tang (Clear Lung Decoction) (see Section 50, remove Chi Shao, Gan Cao) effectively clears Lung heat. For sore throat and lip ulcers: Baidu San (Resolving Toxicity Powder) (remove Chai Hu, Bai Shao, Gan Cao, Jie Geng) clears the Stomach and benefits the throat. For Qi and Blood deficiency: Bazhen Tang (Eight Treasures Decoction) (see Section 99) adjusted for consumption. For inability to ingest food/water: Shihu Qingwei San (Dendrobium Clearing Stomach Powder) (see Section 59, remove Chi Shao, Gan Cao) is suitable. For bloody stools: Qingre Daozhi Tang (Heat-Clearing and Obstruction-Relieving Decoction) (see Section 72, remove Bai Shao, Shan Zha Rou, Hou Po, Gan Cao) with added Tao Ren and increased Hong Hua. For hemoptysis: Yuanshen Jiedu San (Scrophularia Resolving-Toxicity Powder) (remove Gan Cao, Jie Geng, Ge Gen; add Sang Bai Pi, Bei Mu, Huang Lian) with added Mao Gen and doubled Di Huang. This is the general approach to treating measles, detailed further in subsequent sections. Generally, measles belongs to Heart Fire, requiring detoxification and cooling.

Baidu San (Resolving Toxicity Powder) Treats mouth ulcers, lip ulcers, and sore throat after measles.
She Gan (Belamcandae Rhizoma), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix), Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex), Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Dan Zhu Ye (Bambusae Folium), Xi Jiao (Rhino Ceratoss - ground into juice), Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex), Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). Use Deng Xin Cao (Junci Medullia) as a guide. Decoct in water and take orally.

Yuanshen Jiedu San (Scrophularia Resolving-Toxicity Powder) Treats epistaxis and hemorrhage.
Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Zhi Ren (Gardeniae Fructus - stir-fried), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Jingjie (Schizonepetae Herba), Fen Ge (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). Decoct in water. Add Mao Gen汁 (Juice of Imperatae Rhizoma) and Jing Mo Shui (Ink Water from Beijing) to mix and take.