久嗽不愈，由于肺虚有火，法当清肺润肺，忌用涩燥闭气之药。设若误用粟壳、诃子，俾火壅于肺，不得
下降，若兼参、术、半夏，即死不旋踵矣。世医往往蹈此，覆辙相寻，卒无悟者，聊为论著，敢告方来。（《广笔记》。）
叶天士治陆某咳嗽，乃秋暑燥气上受，先干于肺，令人咳热。此为清邪中上，当以辛凉清润，不可表汗以
伤津液。青竹叶、连翘、花粉、杏仁、象贝、六一散。
又陆某湿必化热，熏蒸为嗽。气隧未清，纳谷不旺，必薄味静养壮盛，不致延损。飞滑石、花粉、象贝、
苡仁、绿豆皮、通草。
胡某年六十六，脉右劲，因疥疮，频以热汤沐浴，卫疏易伤冷热，皮毛内应乎肺，咳嗽气塞痰多，久则食
不甘，便燥结，胃津日耗，不司供肺。况秋冬天降，燥气上加，渐至老年痰火之象。此清气热以润燥，理势宜
然。倘畏虚，日投滞补，益就枯燥矣。霜桑叶、甜杏仁、麦冬、玉竹、白沙参、天花粉、甘蔗浆、甜梨汁，熬
膏。（徐灵胎曰∶老年而无外感之嗽，麦冬、玉竹亦可用。）
一人年四十，脉弦，胸膈痹痛。咳嗽头胀，此燥气上侵，肺气不宣使然。当用轻药以清上焦，枇杷叶、桑
叶、川贝母、杏仁、冬瓜子。
一人年二十七，脉细促，久嗽寒热，身痛汗出，由精伤及胃，用黄 建中汤去姜。
又一人年二十四，脉弦右大，久嗽背寒盗汗，用小建中去姜加茯神。
徐灵胎曰∶咳嗽服姜，必吐血，并能令人失音，去之为宜，此亦人所不知也。风嗽挟火者，服桂枝必吐
血，百试百验。又曰∶叶氏用建中诸法，治久嗽而中宫虚，乃补母之义，真古圣相传之正法也。若阴火虚
劳之嗽，与建中正相反也。叶氏用此得手，而误施于虚劳，亦辨之不审耳。
冯长年孝廉，素患阴虚咳嗽而犯时气，遂用葱白香豉汤，加人中黄、童便，三日而安。又一地师，宿有血
症，亦感时气，即用前汤，更加犀角、丹皮，服后大便下血而愈。王公峻治一孕妇，风热咳嗽，已经发散后，
胎上逼心，上气倚息，咳则遗漏，用紫苏饮去川芎、腹皮，加葳蕤、白薇，一剂而胎宁。张诞先治一少年，阴虚
而伤秋燥，常时火炎干咳，五心烦热，妄梦失精，小水时白时黄，杪秋忽大咳嗽，坐间遍地清痰，周身凛凛畏
寒，肌表微微发热，咳甚则呕，呕则鼻衄如注，大便结燥，小水如淋，先用异功散去术加山药，次与六味丸加
麦冬、五味，半月而嗽方止。历推治验，凡阴虚而更感风寒，未有不重在本病者。大抵火炎干咳，悉是阴虚。
古人虽有肾肝同治之论，然细格病情，多属肾水枯竭，肝脏多火之证，所以只宜壮水制阳。而导火之法，断断
不可轻试也。
薛一瓢曰∶久咳移邪犯胃，因咳而肺肃无权，故气升逆，勿用泻损肺气之药。水梨去心带皮捣烂，丝棉滤
清，慢火煎膏，收入瓷瓶内，每日开水送下五钱。
古人造字，两火着力为劳，故为君相二火而说。温补中州以静痰之源，补下焦以益水之源，但病势已深，
恐非一击可破也。熟地、枸杞子、元参、牛膝、茯苓、紫石英。
横则为坎，竖则为水，中间一点真阳，水亏则露为龙火，震下之阳与之同源。升为雷火，所以雷为木属，
皆阴中之火也。纯阴之药，愈泼愈炽，一切草木，无能制之。当用一元丹，久服愈矣。澹秋石五六斤，红枣浆
为丸，早服五六钱，晚服二三钱，以阳秋石点汤送下。
脉弦数尺独大，咳而喉痛失音，在数载失血之后，其阴亏火炎，不言可喻矣。惟有至静之品，引阳潜入阴
中，庶近《内经》之旨。然须作静摄工夫，使阴密阳固，得坎离相交之力为妙。熟地用海石粉捣烂、金石斛、
北沙参、茯苓、麦冬、生白芍、龟腹板、山药。
此病起于费心劳碌，风寒不节，遂致咳嗽吐痰，久则内伤。内伤者，内中之脏气伤也。即古人所谓虚劳，
总不得愈，必须绝去费心劳碌之事。一毫凡念不起，助之以药，或可延年。麦冬、阿胶、桔梗、炙草、沙
参、苡仁、茯苓。
此真阴亏证，俗名百日劳也。稍有伏暑，所以寒热愈甚，惜乎治之不早尔。熟地、茜草、青蒿、元参、
滑石、丹皮。
脉得数而且弦，此阴亏证也，并非外感。今以虚火升而头痛，渐有金水两伤之势，静摄乃得，药饵其次也。
熟地、女贞子、麦冬、龟板、元参、澹秋石，枣浆为丸，开水送下。
心阴虚则多汗，肺阴虚则多嗽，肝阴虚则火升，肾阴虚则发热，脾阴虚则便溏，非一真阴乎，怯症之渐也。
但知头痛医头之为良医，不知履霜坚冰至，君子其为忧危之心也。炒白芍、小生地、麦冬、枣肉、桂枝尖、甘
草、青蒿梗、云苓。
此由金水不相承挹，故咳久不愈，切勿理肺。肺为娇脏，愈理愈虚，亦不可泛然滋阴。北沙参、玉竹、云
茯神、川石斛、甜杏仁、生扁豆。
治咳嗽神方，甜杏仁二两，去皮尖，捣如泥，分为三服，每服加冰糖三钱，开水冲，连末服下。早晚各一次，
三服愈。煎服则不验。
久咳不愈，是由于肺虚且有内火，治疗法则应当清肺润肺，忌讳使用具有收敛、燥烈、闭塞气机作用的药物。如果误用罂粟壳、诃子，会使火热壅塞在肺部，无法下降；如果再兼用人参、白术、半夏等药，患者就会立刻死亡。世间的医生往往重蹈覆辙，接连犯错，最终没有醒悟的人，我姑且撰写这篇论述，敢告后世医者。（出自《广笔记》。）
叶天士治疗陆某的咳嗽，这是秋令暑热燥气从口鼻侵入，首先损伤肺脏，导致人出现咳嗽和发热。这属于清邪侵犯上部，应当用辛凉清润的方法治疗，不可用发汗法以免损伤津液。处方：青竹叶、连翘、天花粉、杏仁、象贝母、六一散。
再次诊治陆某，湿气必然化热，熏蒸肺部引发咳嗽。气道尚未清净，食欲不佳，必须饮食清淡、静养以增强体质，才不会导致病情拖延损耗身体。处方：飞滑石、天花粉、象贝母、薏苡仁、绿豆皮、通草。
胡某六十六岁，脉象右侧强劲，因为患有疥疮，频繁用热水沐浴，导致卫外之气疏泄，容易受冷热侵袭。皮毛内应于肺，所以出现咳嗽、气塞、痰多，时间久了食物无味，大便干燥结硬，胃中津液日渐消耗，不能上输供养肺脏。况且秋冬季节天气下降，燥气叠加，逐渐呈现老年痰火的征象。这种情况应当清泄气分的热邪以滋润燥邪，这是符合情势的。如果畏惧虚证，每天投用滋腻补益的药物，只会使身体更加枯燥。处方：霜桑叶、甜杏仁、麦冬、玉竹、白沙参、天花粉、甘蔗浆、甜梨汁，熬制成膏。（徐灵胎评论说：老年人如果没有外感引起的咳嗽，麦冬、玉竹也可以使用。）
有一人四十岁，脉象弦，胸膈部痹阻疼痛。咳嗽伴头部胀满，这是燥气上侵，肺气不能宣发的缘故。应当用轻清的药物来清泄上焦，处方：枇杷叶、桑叶、川贝母、杏仁、冬瓜子。
有一人二十七岁，脉象细而急促，久咳伴有寒热，身体疼痛出汗，这是由于精血亏损波及胃腑所致，使用黄芪建中汤去掉生姜。
又有一人二十四岁，脉象弦且右侧大，久咳伴背部怕冷、盗汗，使用小建中汤去掉生姜，加入茯神。
徐灵胎说：咳嗽服用生姜，必定会导致吐血，并能使人失音，去掉生姜是适宜的，这也是人们所不知道的。风邪咳嗽夹杂火邪的，服用桂枝必定会吐血，百试百验。他又说：叶氏使用建中汤这类方法，治疗久咳且中焦脾胃虚弱的情况，这是“补母”的道理，真是古代圣贤相传的正法。如果是阴虚火旺导致的虚劳咳嗽，则与建中汤的作用完全相反。叶氏使用此法得心应手，但如果误用于虚劳病人，也是辨证不够审慎的缘故。
冯长年孝廉，平素患有阴虚咳嗽又感染了时行疫气，于是使用葱白香豉汤，加入人中黄、童便，三天后痊愈。又有一位风水师，平素有血症，也感染了时行疫气，立即使用前一方剂，再加犀角、牡丹皮，服药后大便下血而病愈。王公峻治疗一位孕妇，风热咳嗽，已经经过发散治疗后，胎气上逼心脏，气喘倚靠呼吸，咳嗽时漏尿，使用紫苏饮去掉川芎、腹皮，加入葳蕤、白薇，一剂药后胎气安宁。张诞先治疗一位少年，阴虚又伤于秋燥，平时火炎干咳，五心烦热，多梦遗精，小便有时白有时黄，深秋突然剧烈咳嗽，坐着时遍地都是清稀痰液，周身凛凛怕冷，肌表微微发热，咳嗽严重时呕吐，呕吐时鼻出血如注，大便干燥结硬，小便淋漓，先用异功散去掉白术加入山药，随后给予六味丸加麦冬、五味子，半个月后咳嗽才停止。推究治疗验证，凡是阴虚而又感受风寒的，没有不把重点放在根本病症上的。大抵火炎干咳，都是阴虚所致。古人虽然有肾肝同治的理论，但仔细推敲病情，多属于肾水枯竭、肝脏多火的证候，所以只宜壮水制阳。而导引火邪的方法，绝对不能轻易尝试。
薛一瓢说：久咳将病邪转移至胃部，因为咳嗽导致肺肃降功能无权，所以气机上逆，不要用泻损肺气的药物。用水梨去心带皮捣烂，用丝棉过滤取清汁，慢火煎成膏，收入瓷瓶内，每日用开水送服五钱。
古人造字，“劳”字由两个“火”着力组成，所以针对君火和相二火进行解说。温补中焦脾胃以静止痰之源，补益下焦以增益水之源，但是病势已经深入，恐怕不是单一攻击就能破解的。处方：熟地黄、枸杞子、玄参、牛膝、茯苓、紫石英。
横过来看是坎卦，竖过来是水，中间一点真阳，水亏则显露为龙火，震卦下的阳与之同源。升腾为雷火，所以雷属木，都是阴中之火。纯阴的药物，越泼洒火势越炽盛，一切草木之药，都不能制约它。应当使用一元丹，长期服用即可痊愈。淡秋石五六斤，用红枣浆制作成丸，早晨服用五六钱，晚上服用二三钱，用阳秋石点汤送下。
脉象弦数，尺脉独大，咳嗽且喉痛失音，在数年失血之后，其阴液亏损、虚火上炎，是不言而喻的。只有用至静性质的药物，引导阳气潜入阴中，才接近《内经》的宗旨。然而必须配合静养工夫，使阴精密闭、阳气固守，达到坎离相交的力量才算巧妙。处方：熟地黄用海浮石粉捣烂、金石斛、北沙参、茯苓、麦冬、生白芍、龟腹板、山药。
此病起因于费心劳碌，风寒失调，导致咳嗽吐痰，时间久了造成内伤。内伤，就是内部脏腑之气受伤。即古人所说的虚劳，总是不能痊愈，必须断绝费心劳碌的事情。心中不起丝毫凡俗杂念，辅以药物治疗，或许可以延年益寿。处方：麦冬、阿胶、桔梗、炙甘草、沙参、薏苡仁、茯苓。
这是真阴亏损的证候，俗名百日劳。稍有伏暑潜伏，所以寒热症状更加严重，可惜治疗得不早罢了。处方：熟地黄、茜草、青蒿、玄参、滑石、牡丹皮。
脉象数而且弦，这是阴亏证候，并不是外感。现在因为虚火上升而导致头痛，逐渐有金（肺）水（肾）两伤的态势，静养摄生才能好转，药物治疗是次要的。处方：熟地黄、女贞子、麦冬、龟板、玄参、淡秋石，枣浆制作成丸，开水送下。
心阴虚则多汗，肺阴虚则多咳嗽，肝阴虚则火气上升，肾阴虚则发热，脾阴虚则大便溏薄，难道不是一个真阴吗？这是怯症（虚弱性疾病）的开端。只知道头痛医头的是良医，不知道履霜坚冰至（见微知著），君子对此应有忧危之心。处方：炒白芍、小生地、麦冬、枣肉、桂枝尖、甘草、青蒿梗、云苓。
这是由于金（肺）水（肾）不相承继滋养，所以咳嗽长久不愈，千万不要单纯治理肺脏。肺是娇脏，越治理越虚弱，也不可泛然地滋阴。处方：北沙参、玉竹、云茯神、川石斛、甜杏仁、生扁豆。
治疗咳嗽的神方：甜杏仁二两，去皮尖，捣成泥状，分为三次服用，每次服用加冰糖三钱，开水冲服，连同药末一起服下。早晚各一次，三次服完即愈。如果煎煮服用则无效。
Prolonged cough that does not heal is due to Lung deficiency with internal fire. The treatment principle should be to clear the Lung and moisten it; astringent, drying, and qi-obstructing medicines are contraindicated. If misused, such as *Yingsuqiao* (Poppy Shell) or *Hezi* (Chebula Fruit), the fire will become congested in the Lung and fail to descend. If combined with *Renshen* (Ginseng), *Baizhu* (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), and *Banxia* (Pinellia Tuber), death will follow immediately. Physicians of the world often tread this path repeatedly, following each other into disaster, yet none awaken. I briefly write this treatise to warn future practitioners. (From *Guang Biji*.)
Ye Tianshi treated Lu's cough, which was caused by autumn heat and dryness invading from above, first affecting the Lung, leading to cough and fever. This is a clear pathogen attacking the upper jiao. Treatment should employ acrid-cool clearing and moistening methods; sweating should not be induced to damage body fluids. Prescription: *Qingzhuye* (Green Bamboo Leaf), *Lianqiao* (Forsythia Fruit), *Huafen* (Trichosanthes Root), *Xingren* (Apricot Seed), *Xiangbei* (Fritillaria Thunbergii Bulb), *Liuyisan* (Six-Ingredient Powder).
In a subsequent visit for Lu, dampness inevitably transforms into heat, steaming and causing cough. The air passages are not yet clear, and appetite is poor. One must consume bland food and rest quietly to strengthen vitality, preventing the condition from lingering and damaging the body. Prescription: *Feihuasishi* (Calcined Talcum), *Huafen* (Trichosanthes Root), *Xiangbei* (Fritillaria Thunbergii Bulb), *Yiren* (Coix Seed), *Lvdoupi* (Mung Bean Skin), *Tongcao* (Tetrapanax Pith).
Hu, aged sixty-six, had a wiry pulse on the right side. Due to scabies, he frequently bathed in hot water, causing the defensive qi to become loose and susceptible to cold and heat. The skin and hair correspond internally to the Lung, resulting in cough, chest oppression, and profuse phlegm. Over time, food lost its taste, and stool became dry and hard. Stomach fluids were consumed daily, failing to nourish the Lung. Moreover, in autumn and winter, heavenly qi descends, and dryness adds to the condition, gradually presenting signs of phlegm-fire in the elderly. In this situation, clearing qi-level heat to moisten dryness is appropriate. If one fears deficiency and administers cloying tonics daily, the body will only become drier. Prescription: *Shuang Sangye* (Mulberry Leaf frosted by frost), *Tian Xingren* (Sweet Apricot Seed), *Maidong* (Ophiopogon Tuber), *Yuzhu* (Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome), *Baishashen* (Glehnia Root), *Tianhuafen* (Trichosanthes Root), *Zheganjiang* (Sugarcane Juice), *Tian Lizhi* (Sweet Pear Juice), decocted into an electuary. (Xu Lingtai commented: For the elderly without external contraction cough, *Maidong* and *Yuzhu* can also be used.)
A forty-year-old man presented with a wiry pulse and bi-sensation pain in the chest and diaphragm. Cough accompanied by head distension was due to dryness invading upward and the Lung qi failing to diffuse. Light medicines should be used to clear the upper jiao. Prescription: *Pipaye* (Loquat Leaf), *Sangye* (Mulberry Leaf), *Chuanbeimu* (Fritillaria Cirrhosa Bulb), *Xingren* (Apricot Seed), *Dongguazi* (Winter Melon Seed).
A twenty-seven-year-old man presented with a fine and rapid pulse, prolonged cough with alternating chills and fever, body ache, and sweating. This resulted from essence depletion affecting the Stomach. *Huangqi Jianzhong Tang* (Astragalus Decoction to Build the Middle) was used with ginger removed.
Another twenty-four-year-old man presented with a wiry pulse, larger on the right, prolonged cough with back chills and night sweats. *Xiao Jianzhong Tang* (Minor Decoction to Build the Middle) was used with ginger removed and *Fushen* (Poria with Hostwood) added.
Xu Lingtai stated: Taking ginger for cough will certainly cause hematemesis and aphonia; removing it is advisable, though this is unknown to many. For wind-cough complicated by fire, taking *Guizhi* (Cinnamon Twig) will certainly cause hematemesis; this has been verified a hundred times. He further stated: Ye's use of *Jianzhong* methods to treat prolonged cough with middle jiao deficiency follows the principle of "tonifying the mother," which is indeed the orthodox method passed down from ancient sages. However, cough due to yin-deficiency fire and consumptive disease is exactly opposite to the action of *Jianzhong*. Ye applied this method successfully but erred by applying it to consumptive disease due to insufficient differentiation.
Feng Changnian, a xiaolian, suffered from chronic yin-deficiency cough and contracted a seasonal epidemic. *Congbai Xiangchi Tang* (Scallion White and Fermented Soybean Decoction) was used, adding *Renzhonghuang* (Human Excrement Yellow) and *Tongbian* (Child's Urine), resulting in recovery after three days. Another geomancer, who had a history of blood disorders, also contracted a seasonal epidemic. The aforementioned decoction was used, adding *Xijiao* (Rhinoceros Horn) and *Danpi* (Moutan Bark); after ingestion, bloody stool was passed, and he recovered. Wang Gongjun treated a pregnant woman with wind-heat cough. After dispersing methods were applied, the fetus pressed against the heart, causing dyspnea leaning forward, and urinary incontinence during coughing. *Zisu Yin* (Perilla Infusion) was used with *Chuanxiong* (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome) and *Fupi* (Citrus Peel) removed, adding *Weirui* (Anemarrhena Rhizome) and *Baiwei* (Cynanchum Atratum Root), resulting in fetal stability after one dose. Zhang Danxian treated a young man with yin deficiency injured by autumn dryness. He usually experienced fiery dry cough, five-palm heat, vivid dreams with seminal emission, and urine varying between white and yellow. In late autumn, he suddenly developed severe cough, producing copious clear phlegm while sitting, general aversion to cold, slight surface fever, vomiting when coughing severely, epistaxis resembling a gush during vomiting, dry constipation, and dysuria. First, *Yigong San* (Extraordinary Power Powder) was used with *Baizhu* (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) removed and *Shanyao* (Dioscorea Rhizome) added. Subsequently, *Liujun Wan* (Six-Ingredient Pill) with *Maidong* (Ophiopogon Tuber) and *Wuweizi* (Schisandra Berry) was given. After half a month, the cough ceased. Analyzing these treatments, whenever yin deficiency is complicated by wind-cold, the focus must invariably be on the root disease. Generally, fiery dry cough is entirely due to yin deficiency. Although ancients discussed treating Kidney and Liver together, careful analysis shows most cases belong to Kidney water exhaustion and Liver fire excess. Therefore, strengthening water to control yang is indicated. Methods to guide fire downward should absolutely not be tried lightly.
Xue Yipiao stated: Prolonged cough transferring pathogens to the Stomach causes the Lung's descending function to lose authority, leading to rebellious qi ascent. Medicines that drain Lung qi should not be used. Water pear, peeled of core but retaining skin, is mashed, filtered through silk cotton for clear juice, and slowly decocted into an electuary. Stored in porcelain bottles, take 5 qian daily with warm water.
The ancients created the character for "consumption" (Lao) using two fires exerting force, hence discussing ministerial and sovereign fires. Warming and tonifying the middle jiao stops the source of phlegm; tonifying the lower jiao benefits the source of water. However, since the disease is deep-seated, it may not be resolved by a single strike. Prescription: *Shudi* (Rehmannia Glutinosa Preparata), *Gouqizi* (Goji Berry), *Yuanshen* (Scrophularia Root), *Niuxi* (Achyranthes Root), *Fuling* (Poria), *Zishiyinqing* (Purple Quartz).
Horizontally, it represents Kan (Water); vertically, it is water. The true yang in the center, when water is deficient, reveals itself as Dragon Fire. The yang below Zhen shares the same source. Rising as Thunder Fire, thunder belongs to Wood, all being fire within yin. Purely yin medicines only intensify the blaze; no herbs can control it. *Yiyuan Dan* (One-Origin Pill) should be used; long-term consumption leads to cure. *Dan Qiushi* (Light Autumn Stone) 5-6 jin, made into pills with red date paste. Take 5-6 qian in the morning and 2-3 qian in the evening, washed down with soup pointed by *Yang Qiushi* (Yang Autumn Stone).
With a wiry and rapid pulse, especially enlarged at the chi position, cough with sore throat and aphonia, occurring years after blood loss, yin deficiency and flaming fire are self-evident. Only items of extreme stillness can guide yang to submerge into yin, approximating the intent of the *Neijing*. However, quiet cultivation is required to ensure yin is dense and yang is solid, achieving the interaction of Kan and Li. Prescription: *Shudi* (Rehmannia Glutinosa Preparata) pounded with *Haishi* (Floating Limestone powder), *Jinshihu* (Dendrobium Stem), *Beishashen* (Glehnia Root), *Fuling* (Poria), *Maidong* (Ophiopogon Tuber), *Sheng Baishao* (Raw White Peony Root), *Gui Fuban* (Turtle Plastron), *Shanyao* (Dioscorea Rhizome).
This illness originated from mental exertion and overwork, coupled with irregular exposure to wind and cold, leading to cough and expectoration, eventually causing internal injury. Internal injury refers to damage to the qi of internal organs. As the ancients called it, consumptive disease, it cannot heal unless one abandons mental exertion and overwork. With no mundane thoughts arising, assisted by medicine, longevity might be extended. Prescription: *Maidong* (Ophiopogon Tuber), *Ejiao* (Donkey-Hide Gelatin), *Jiegeng* (Platycodon Root), *Zhigancao* (Prepared Licorice Root), *Shashen* (Glehnia Root), *Yiren* (Coix Seed), *Fuling* (Poria).
This is a true yin deficiency syndrome, commonly known as Hundred-Day Consumption. Slight latent summerheat makes chills and fever worse; pity that treatment was not earlier. Prescription: *Shudi* (Rehmannia Glutinosa Preparata), *Qiancao* (Rubia Root), *Qinghao* (Artemisia Annua Herba), *Yuanshen* (Scrophularia Root), *Huashi* (Talcum), *Danpi* (Moutan Cortex).
The pulse is rapid and wiry, indicating yin deficiency, not external contraction. Now, headache arises from rising deficient fire, showing a trend of dual injury to Metal (Lung) and Water (Kidney). Quiet cultivation is primary; medication is secondary. Prescription: *Shudi* (Rehmannia Glutinosa Preparata), *Nvzhenzi* (Ligustrum Lucidum Fruit), *Maidong* (Ophiopogon Tuber), *Guiban* (Turtle Plastron), *Yuanshen* (Scrophularia Root), *Dan Qiushi* (Light Autumn Stone), made into pills with jujube paste, taken with boiled water.
Heart yin deficiency causes excessive sweating; Lung yin deficiency causes frequent cough; Liver yin deficiency causes fire rising; Kidney yin deficiency causes fever; Spleen yin deficiency causes loose stools. Is this not one True Yin? It is the beginning of weakness syndromes. Knowing only to treat the head for headache is a good physician; knowing that treading on frost leads to solid ice, the gentleman harbors a mind of vigilance. Prescription: *Chao Baishao* (Stir-fried White Peony Root), *Xiao Shengdi* (Small Raw Rehmannia), *Maidong* (Ophiopogon Tuber), *Zaorou* (Jujube Flesh), *Guizhi Jian* (Cinnamon Twig Tip), *Gancao* (Licorice Root), *Qinghao Geng* (Artemisia Annua Stem), *Yunling* (Poria).
This results from Metal and Water failing to support each other, so cough persists. Do not merely treat the Lung. The Lung is a delicate organ; treating it too much increases deficiency. Nor should one generically nourish yin. Prescription: *Beishashen* (Glehnia Root), *Yuzhu* (Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome), *Yun Fushen* (Poria with Hostwood), *Chuan Shihu* (Dendrobium Officinale Stem), *Tian Xingren* (Sweet Apricot Seed), *Sheng Bian Dou* (Raw Broad Bean).
Divine prescription for treating cough: Sweet Apricot Seeds 2 liang, remove skins and tips, pound into paste. Divide into three doses. Add 3 qian rock sugar to each dose, mix with boiling water, and ingest including the residue. Twice daily, morning and evening. Three doses constitute a cure. Decoction is ineffective.