(chapter96)Heat Disease in Late Summer

A girl around six or seven years old, daughter of Yang Qingli, developed severe fever. Initially treated by an itinerant practitioner named Chang who diagnosed “seasonal warmth syndrome” (a traditional febrile disease classification). He prescribed Schizonepeta and Saposhnikovia Antiphlogistic Decoction (Jingfang Baidu Tang) containing Schizonepeta (Jingjie) and Saposhnikovia Root (Fangfeng), without improvement. Subsequently consulted Dr. Zhu—formerly a merchant with superficial herbal knowledge—who diagnosed “wind pathogen invasion” and prescribed Miraculous Effusion Powder (Tongsheng San) containing Ephedra (Mahuang) and Gypsum (Shigao), yet fever persisted.

Compelled to seek my evaluation, I detected deep and rapid pulse qualities with intense bodily heat. Explained: “This mirrors my aunt’s previous condition—neither wind nor warmth syndrome. Blood-heat purification alone will resolve fever. Previous diaphoretic herbs were misguided. Winter/spring applications of surface-relieving formulas suit closed pores from cold exposure. Midsummer’s open pores make such treatments energy-depleting.”

Yang questioned: “The practitioners aimed to induce sweat?” Responded: “Diaphoresis applies when sweating’s absent. Existing perspiration contraindicates forced sweating.” He countered: “They dismissed this as ambient heat-induced sweat, not therapeutic.” Clarified: “All sweat derives from bodily fluids—no ‘true/false’ distinction exists. Your daughter’s current sweat originates from her system. Medication-induced sweat wouldn’t miraculously manifest from external sources! This dangerous fallacy of exhausting patients through excessive Ephedra (Mahuang), Bupleurum (Chaihu), and Pueraria (Gegen) application risks vital energy collapse through reckless diaphoresis.” Yang became speechless.

Prescribed Three Yellows Toxin-Resolving Decoction (Sanhuang Jiedu Tang) containing Scutellaria Baicalensis (Huangqin), Coptis Chinensis (Huanglian), and Phellodendron Amurense (Huangbo). Yang’s subsequent disappearance prevented (used in traditional contexts) verification, though outcome uncertainty remains characteristic of such cases.