For thirty years since her husband’s passing, my aunt Wang had single-handedly managed household affairs, her resilience unwavering even as she became a grandmother. Though chronically frail, she seldom took medicines. During that Ren-Chen year’s sweltering summer, she suddenly developed alarming symptoms—restless agitation paired with fever so intense her entire body burned like a furnace.
The family initially consulted Dr. Dong, a relative by marriage with limited medical expertise. Mistaking this for common chill, he prescribed Minor Bupleurum Decoction (Xiao Chaihu Tang) to induce sweating. The (used in traditional contexts) backfired spectacularly—by next morning, her fever spiked to delirium, leaving her disoriented and unrecognizing of kin.
Amid harvest season chaos, my cousin sent urgent word. I arrived to find panic-stricken relatives. Pulse readings revealed deep, rapid rhythms beneath fingertips, while her tongue bore char-black coating. Though speech stumbled, her mind remained lucid. I explained: “This is heat syndrome exacerbated by misguided warming therapy. She’s experiencing chest congestion, parched throat, constipation, and dark urine. Thankfully, no blood-related complications like rashes or petechiae—severe but (may help support).”
When asked about craving cold water, her eyes lit up. Two bowls of freshly drawn well water brought immediate clarity. I administered Triple Coptis Detox Decoction (Sanhuang Jiedu Jian) [Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin), Coptis chinensis (Huanglian), Phellodendron amurense (Huangbai)] combined with Rhinoceros Horn Rehmannia Decoction (Xijiao Dihuang Tang) [historically Rhinocerotidae cornu (Xijiao), now substituted with Bubalus bubalis cornu (Shuiniujiao)]. Two doses quelled the fever.
Subsequent five-day (used in traditional contexts) with Angelica-Peony Rehmannia Decoction (Guishao Dihuang Tang) [Angelica sinensis (Danggui), Paeonia lactiflora (Baishao)] resolved residual heat. Recovery brought ravenous hunger. I warned my cousin while mock-pulling his ear: “Her digestive fire’s rekindling—rich foods risk relapse. Restrict portions strictly, even if she protests!”
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