典藏书目

To treat men and women with heat in the four limbs, heat in Bi syndrome of sinews, and depression of Yang Qi in the bone marrow, feeling as if burning like fire, hot to the touch. Heat in the four limbs belongs to Spleen Earth (Spleen Stomach system), where heat is latent within the Earth element. This disease often arises from Blood deficiency; it can also result from Stomach deficiency and excessive consumption of cold food or ice water, which depresses and obstructs Yang Qi within the Spleen Earth. The Classics state: "When Fire is depressed, disperse it."

Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Gegen (Puerariae Radix), Duhuo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) (each 3 liang), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) (2.5 qian), Sheng Gancao (Raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) (2 qian), Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (2 qian), Renshen (Ginseng Radix) (5 qian), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (5 qian).

Crush the herbs. For each dose, take 0.5 liang, add 2 large cups of water, decoct until 1 cup remains, remove the dregs, and take warm. Avoid cold foods.

To treat five-palm heat (heat sensation in palms, soles, and chest), sinking of Heart Fire, and depression of Fire in the Spleen Earth.

Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae), Gegen (Puerariae Radix), Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix), Chaihu Gen (Radix Bupleuri), Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (each 5 qian).

Crush the herbs. For each dose, take 3 or 4 qian, add 2 large cups of water and 3 cun of scallion white with roots, decoct until 1 cup remains, remove the dregs, and take warm.

The above three formulas are suitable for use at the initial stage of fever, before taking other medicines, when Yuan Qi (Original Qi) has not yet been damaged; they work miraculously. However, if one has already taken cold/cooling substances, or if the Fire Qi is already depleted, taking these formulas will instead cause harm and be of no benefit to the person. Generally, in the early stages of deficiency consumptive diseases, dispersing methods can be used; therefore, these three formulas are not included in the general treatment of Lao Zheng (Consumptive Disease).

Master Shenrou stated that "those rising from below" usually involve Water depletion and Fire dryness in consumptive diseases, so he specifically listed the general principles. For those with deficiency of True Yang in the Mingmen (Gate of Life), the method of strengthening Fire (using hot/warm tonics) should not be applied. It is precisely because True Yang is deficient that Deficient Fire flares up; their origins are consistent. This relies on the physician's ability to distinguish patterns through pulse diagnosis and on the scholar's ability to comprehend medical principles daily. Regarding dangerous and bizarre symptoms, they are fully present in Lao Zhai (Tuberculosis/Consumption). Since this is a dedicated section, it must be detailed. Although not everyone contracts this disease, if someone does, how can there be no treatment? This theory was established by ancient sages, and Shenrou’s compassionate intent is indeed不厌烦 (tireless) in its detailed exposition for comprehensive review. The difficulty of writing books is a common problem throughout history; who can avoid occasional errors despite careful consideration? Learners should appreciate the arduous intention behind the original creation and build upon it to enhance its value, which is expected of enlightened gentlemen. Mr. Gu and I merely preserved the old records, making slight deletions and refinements, daring not to arbitrarily supplement or alter them.