Input:

Ephedra 10 g, Achyranthes bidentata 10 g, Papaya 20 g, One Strychnos nux-vomica (fried), Chuanwu and Caowu each 15 g (decocted for one hour first), Processed Frankincense 10 g, Processed Myrrh 10 g, Notopterygium 15 g, Ledebouriella 15 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g, Saposhnikovia 12 g,......Task output rules: Translate this markdown block from Chinese to English. Preserve markdown markers, links, and formatting. Keep headings and list structure unchanged. Return only the translated block.

Input: In the winter of Gengyin, a patient named Wang with chronic nephritis had been ill for several years. Despite multiple hospitalizations and repeated treatments, his condition kept relapsing without any sign of cure. He came to the outpatient clinic seeking treatment from me. Over three visits, he received more than ten prescriptions each time, which provided some minor improvement but no significant effect. During the fourth consultation, the patient also had a severe cold, with fever, body aches, nasal congestion, runny nose, and headache; urine protein (+++), occult blood (++); BUN 12 mmol/L, Cr 136 μmol/L.

Prescription: Ephedra 10 g, Cinnamon twig 10 g, Apricot kernel 10 g, Licorice 6 g, Gypsum 30 g, Chuanxiong 6 g, Angelica root 6 g, Asarum 6 g, Notopterygium and Duhuo each 10 g, Ledebouriella 12 g, Dandelion 15 g, Houttuynia 10 g, Angelica sinensis 10 g, Red peony root 10 g, Peach kernel 10 g, Safflower 6 g, Motherwort 20 g, Salvia miltiorrhiza 20 g, Honeysuckle 15 g, Forsythia 15 g, Isatis root 15 g, Fresh ginger 6 g, Jujube 4 pieces.

After taking seven doses of the prescription, the patient’s cold resolved, and his nephritis also greatly improved. His renal function significantly improved compared with before, with urine protein (-) and occult blood (±). Subsequently, he was instructed to continue taking the above formula, and after several years, the chronic nephritis and renal failure that had remained untreated for so long showed an unprecedented remission.

December 23, 2010: Treatment of acne with Yangyin Qingfei Decoction

In the winter of Gengyin, I treated an adult patient with facial acne, who had previously found success using formulas such as Shishan Sangbai and Tongqiao Huoxue. The patient mentioned that he had once taken Yangyin Qingfei Pills with great effect. Upon hearing this, I began to reflect: In treating acne, my main approach has always been to clear heat, nourish yin, and purge fire—using Sanhuang for clearing heat, Zengye for nourishing yin, and Wuwei Xiaodu Yin for clearing heat and detoxifying. The composition of Yangyin Qingfei seems to encompass all these principles!

December 24, 2010: Revision of the Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Hepatitis B

1. For individuals with HBV DNA ≥ 2 × 1000, antiviral therapy is required regardless of whether they have hepatitis or cirrhosis.

2. Antiviral therapy is necessary when ALT and AST levels rise to twice the upper limit of normal.

December 26, 2010: Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Heel Pain

Eighty percent of heel pain patients suffer from Achilles tendonitis, which is an inflammatory injury affecting the ligaments and periosteum around the calcaneus.

External medication: Wuzhuyu 10 g, Schisandra 10 g. Grind into powder and place inside the shoe at the heel area.

Internal medication: Goji berries 10 g, Cinnamon 3 g, Rehmannia glutinosa 12 g, Papaya 20 g, Eucommia ulmoides 10 g, Achyranthes bidentata 10 g, Angelica sinensis 10 g. Take one dose daily, decocted in water.

December 27, 2010: Malignant Lymphoma

1. The primary treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma is radiotherapy, as it is not sensitive to chemotherapy. The ten-year survival rate for this disease with radiotherapy ranges from 80% to 92%.

2. NK/T-cell lymphoma often first affects the nasopharynx; it can be treated with radiotherapy or chemotherapy.

3. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may involve the spleen and brain.

December 28, 2010: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) is a common critical condition in respiratory diseases

ARDS is a major form of respiratory failure, clinically characterized by alveolar collapse due to inflammation, a significant reduction in lung volume, decreased systemic oxygen partial pressure, difficulty breathing, and subsequent multi-organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS).

For emergency treatment, Western medicine typically uses mechanical ventilation. However, since mechanical ventilation can damage the respiratory tract and lead to secondary infections, thereby increasing the difficulty of recovery, some advocate using low-tidal-volume continuous ventilation instead of mechanical ventilation.

December 30, 2010: A Case of Chronic Nephritis

A child in Jiuquan, Gansu Province, suffered from chronic nephritis that had remained untreated for many years and recently sought treatment from me. I used the formula “Three Herbs Eliminate Earth, Yellow, White, and Leucaena Decoction” with good results.

Honeysuckle 12 g, Forsythia 12 g, Dandelion 15 g, Houttuynia 12 g, Tuckahoe 12 g, Imperata cylindrica 30 g, Rehmannia glutinosa 12 g, Knapweed 10 g, Ledebouriella 12 g, Smilax glabra 10 g, Red peony root 10 g, Peony bark 6 g, Licorice 6 g, Cicada slough 6 g, Astragalus 20 g, Polygonatum 20 g, White Flower Snake Tongue Herb 20 g, Leucaena 30 g.

If this formula is supplemented with Alisma orientalis, Coix seed, Phellodendron amurense, Talc, and Aristolochia manshuriensis, it becomes the “Smilax Removes Dampness Decoction + Three Herbs Eliminate Earth, Yellow, and White, Leucaena Decoction,” which is even more effective in treating nephritis.

2011–2014 2011

January 10, 2011: Functional Uterine Bleeding in Adolescents

Ms. Wu, a 17-year-old female, experienced heavy menstrual bleeding that persisted throughout the day, seeking treatment from me.

At the time of examination, she reported mild abdominal discomfort and continued bleeding for over a day. My pulse was deep and fine, and her blood pressure was 90/60 mmHg.

I prescribed a formula to regulate qi and control blood: Codonopsis pilosula 10 g, Atractylodes macrocephala 10 g, Astragalus membranaceus 20 g, Poria cocos 10 g, Polygala tenuifolia 6 g, Stir-fried Ziziphus jujuba seeds 15 g, Agarwood 3 g, Longan meat 10 g, Angelica sinensis 10 g, Cinnamon twig 10 g, White peony root 10 g, Peach kernel 10 g, Cortex moutan 6 g, Rehmannia glutinosa 12 g, Donkey-hide gelatin 10 g, Mugwort 10 g, Raw Dragon Bone 15 g, Raw Oyster Shell 15 g, Cuttlefish bone 15 g. Take one dose daily, decocted in water.

After taking 14 doses of the prescription, the bleeding stopped, and her menstruation returned to normal.

According to Zhang Jingyue’s “Blood Stasis Dissolving Decoction” (made with mountain fragrant flowers, green herbs, and black ink) and Zhang Xichun’s “Regulating Qi Soup” (with three types of Atractylodes, chicken, and Tian Shan vinegar), both are designed to treat pelvic venous stasis syndrome, masses, ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and other blood stasis conditions. Could they be used to stop bleeding? I believe that if the bleeding is caused by the aforementioned diseases, then they can be used; however, if the bleeding occurs without any of these underlying conditions, then they should definitely not be used!

January 11, 2011: Zhenwei Decoction

Zhang Xichun’s Zhenwei Decoction: Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, Astragalus membranaceus, Cornus officinalis, Longan meat, Raw Dragon Bone, Raw Oyster Shell, Anemarrhena asphodeloides, Fresh Ginger, Processed Frankincense, Processed Myrrh, Cuscuta chinensis.

Pei Zhengxue’s Zhenwei Decoction: Astragalus membranaceus, Angelica sinensis, Processed Frankincense, Processed Myrrh, Raw Dragon Bone, Raw Oyster Shell, Strychnos nux-vomica, Deer Antler Glue, Turtle Shell, Longan meat, Cornus officinalis.

Combining these two formulas yields a highly effective result.

January 12, 2011: Zijin Ding for Treating Epilepsy

Galla chinensis 10 g, Rhizoma gastrodiae 20 g, Semen raphani 10 g, Euphorbia kansui 6 g, Realgar 2 g, Cinnabar 2 g, Sophora flavescens 20 g, Musk 1 g.

Grind all the ingredients into powder, sieve, compress into tablets, 0.3 g per tablet, take 3 times daily, 1–2 tablets each time.

Mnemonic: “Five mountains follow the big male, cinnabar is bitter yet fragrant.”

January 14, 2011: Tacrolimus

Tacrolimus is a potent immunosuppressant that binds to FK-binding protein-12 (FK-BP-12), inhibiting the release of interleukin-2 (IL-2), thereby preventing and/or treating rejection reactions. This drug is available in oral and injectable forms, with an oral dosage of 1 mg/kg/day, taken twice daily. Its anti-rejection effect is 100 times stronger than cyclosporine.

January 19, 2011: Blood Clotting Mechanism

Trauma stimulates platelets, causing them to release thromboplastin. Thromboplastin acts on prothrombin, converting it into thrombin. Thrombin then acts on fibrinogen, turning it into fibrin. As fibrin contracts, a blood clot forms. Twelve clotting factors participate in this process, labeled with Roman numerals I, II, III...XIII, with VI actually being the activated fifth factor, so its designation has been canceled. Calcium ions and vitamin K are commonly known as clotting factors. Hemophilia is the clinical manifestation of a deficiency in clotting factor VIII.

January 21, 2011: Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Tinnitus

Most cases of tinnitus are neurogenic, but hardening of cerebral arteries can also cause it, as can plaque in the carotid artery and infarcts in the brainstem. When dealing with this condition, I have previously used Tinnitus Pills, Bai Gui Compound, Liu Wei, Zuo Ci Pills, and Zhu Sha Shen Gui Five Stones Six, some of which were effective while others were not. Recently, I discovered a formula that is quite effective: Astragalus, Northern Ginseng, Bupleurum, Plantago, Turtle Shell, Softshell Turtle Shell, Raw Dragon Bone, Raw Oyster Shell, Magnetite, Pearl Oyster Shell, Raw Rehmannia, Cornus officinalis, Yam, Cortex moutan, Poria cocos, Alisma orientalis. The key feature of this formula is its heavy use of “five stones”—Turtle Shell, Softshell Turtle Shell, Raw Dragon Bone, Raw Oyster Shell, Magnetite, Pearl Oyster Shell, and others. Previously, I had never realized the significance of these stone-like medicines in treating tinnitus, but now I understand their potential and plan to try them out.

January 23, 2011: Treatment for Testicular Swelling and Pain

Testicular swelling and pain are usually caused by inflammation. Epididymitis and orchitis are both purulent infections. There are also cases of epididymal tuberculosis and testicular cancer, which initially may not be painful but later become so (due to infection or infiltration). There is a formula that can treat the former: Angelica sinensis, Chuanxiong, Angelica dahurica, Asarum, Notopterygium, Duhuo, Ledebouriella, Yanhusuo, Melia azedarach, Processed Frankincense, Processed Myrrh, Peach kernel, Safflower, Seaweed, Kelp, Soapberry spines, Pangolin scales. This formula combines the essence of Taohong Siwu, Huoluo Xiaoling, and Xuanqi Tang, while also carrying the connotation of the legendary “Immortal Life Drink.” Based on my clinical experience, this formula can be adapted to treat soft tissue injuries and infections in any part of the body, and I’ve even come up with a mnemonic to make it easier to remember.

Mnemonic: “Buddha’s hand, peach red, combined with Xiaoling; Xuanqi golden bell in the mix; still infection, immortal drink for help; cinnamon and Poria, testicles open up.”

February 9, 2011: Formula for Sudden Deafness

Magnetite, Acorus calamus, Yam, White peony root, Drynaria fortunei, Rheum palmatum, Chuanxiong, Pueraria lobata, Licorice, Stir-fried Ziziphus jujuba seeds.

Mnemonic: “Stone mountain hides spiritual bones, big river roots grow jujubes.”

This formula centers on Magnetite, Acorus calamus, Rheum palmatum, and Pueraria lobata.

February 9, 2011: Liver Cancer Pain Relief Decoction

Angelica sinensis 10 g, Chuanxiong 10 g, Red peony root 10 g, Rehmannia glutinosa 12 g, Peach kernel 10 g, Safflower 6 g, Goji berries 10 g, Chrysanthemum 10 g, Oyster shell 15 g, Turtle Shell 15 g, Soil Beetle 15 g, Scorpion 6 g.

This formula is specifically designed to relieve liver pain caused by liver cancer.

February 25, 2011: Rare Adverse Effects of Chemotherapy

① Arrhythmia. ② Pneumothorax. ③ Cholecystitis, pancreatitis, appendicitis. ④ Mesenteric inflammation. ⑤ Hemolysis. ⑥ Exfoliative dermatitis.

March 15, 2011: First-Line Formula for Soft Tissue Tumors

Lithospermum 30 g, Gentian 15 g, Prunella vulgaris 15 g, Seaweed 10 g, Trichosanthes kirilowii 10 g, Peach kernel 10 g, Bupleurum 10 g, Salvia miltiorrhiza 20 g, Scrophularia ningpoensis 20 g, Cornus officinalis 10 g, Rhizoma gastrodiae 15 g.

Mnemonic: “Purple dragon, summer sea cucumber, mountain mountain mountain, melon peach Bupleurum.”

March 15, 2011: Arm Pain Formula

White Mustard Seed 15 g, One Strychnos nux-vomica (fried), Myrrh 10 g, Cinnamon 3 g, Agarwood 6 g.

This formula is called the White Mustard Seed Compound and can be used together with Zhi Mi Fu Ling Pills. The highlight of its prescription is the inclusion of Strychnos nux-vomica.

March 15, 2011: Wind-Dispelling and Dampness-Removing Decoction

Ephedra 10 g, Achyranthes bidentata 10 g, Papaya 20 g, One Strychnos nux-vomica (fried), Chuanwu and Caowu each 15 g (decocted for one hour first), Processed Frankincense 10 g, Processed Myrrh 10 g, Notopterygium 15 g, Duhuo 15 g, Ledebouriella 12 g, Fangfeng 12 g.

Mnemonic: “Ephedra, Achyranthes, Papaya, four pairs of medicines.”

March 15, 2011: Enhanced Wu Yao Shunqi Pills

Wu Yao 10 g, Ephedra 10 g, Citrus peel 6 g, Silkworm pupa 6 g, Citrus aurantium 10 g, Platycodon grandiflorus 20 g, Licorice 6 g, Fresh Ginger 6 g, Four Jujubes, Chuanxiong 6 g, Angelica dahurica 6 g, Asarum 3 g, Notopterygium and Duhuo each 10 g, Ledebouriella 12 g.

Mnemonic: “Wu Yao regulates qi, Ephedra, Citrus peel, Ginger, Citrus aurantium, Platycodon, Jujubes, Ginger, Chuanxiong, Angelica dahurica, Asarum, Notopterygium, Duhuo, Ledebouriella, all working together.”

This formula can treat polyneuritis caused by vitamin B deficiency after external infections or gastrointestinal illnesses, with symptoms including headache, body aches, and numbness in the limbs.

March 17, 2011: Clinical Classification of Myelodysplastic Syndromes (MDS)

1. Refractory Anemia (RA): Bone marrow shows hyperactive dysplasia, with all three cell lines decreasing, and blast cells less than 1%.

2. Refractory Anemia with Ringed Sideroblasts (RARS): Bone marrow shows hyperactive dysplasia, with all three cell lines decreasing, and ringed sideroblasts present in the marrow.

3. Refractory Cytopenia with Multilineage Dysplasia (RCMD): More than two cell lines in the bone marrow show dysplasia, with blast cells less than 5%, and peripheral blood monocytes less than 10^9^/L.

4. Refractory Anemia with Increased Blast Cells-1 (RAEB-1): RA plus blast cells less than 5%.

5. Refractory Anemia with Increased Blast Cells-2 (RAEB-2): RA plus blast cells greater than 5%.

March 17, 2011: Overview of Multiple Myeloma (MM)

Multiple myeloma is a malignant tumor of plasma cells, formerly known as plasma cell leukemia, with plasma cells accounting for more than 30% of the bone marrow. The clinical manifestations of MM include anemia, bone pain, elevated blood calcium, kidney damage, increased M-protein, positive weekly protein, elevated IgA, IgG, and IgM, and positive monoclonal light chain in urine tests. Western medical treatment often involves using phenylalanine nitrogen mustard (Melphalan) at 2–4 mg, taken three times daily, with a four-day course, and combining it with cisplatin for better efficacy.

April 12, 2011: Formulas for Treating Polyneuritis

For this condition, I usually use formulas like “Peach kernel, four substances, Chuanwu, Achyranthes, three insects,柏瓜伸筋草,” “Quickly start with Ledebouriella and two dragons, slowly go with桑枝乌梢藤,” “Four substances, Poria, Citrus peel, far away, stubborn numbness, blood, Lan bed,” and others. Additionally, there are also “Chuan Gan, white artemisia, fine, fragrant grass, medicinal herbs” and so on. Recently, I have started using three new formulas as follows.

① Angelica Niantong Decoction: Notopterygium, Ledebouriella, and Artemisia annua added to Yinchen, along with Shengma and Pueraria lobata, forming a double four-substance group.

② Enhanced Wu Yao Shunqi Pills: Wu Yao regulates qi, Ephedra, Citrus peel, Ginger, Citrus aurantium, Platycodon, Jujubes, Ginger, Poria, Citrus peel, and others, with updated effects.

③ Shengyang Yiwai Decoction: Shengyang Yiwai includes Atractylodes, Astragalus, and Huanglian, along with Half Summer, Citrus peel, and Poria, with Fengfeng, Notopterygium, and Duhuo, plus Chuanxiong, White peony, and Jujubes following.

The common feature of these three formulas is that they all focus on the spleen and stomach, with a strong emphasis on wind-dispelling and dampness-removing ingredients. This shows that the spleen and stomach play a very important role in the onset of polyneuritis. After all, the spleen and stomach are the source of qi and blood production; the middle jiao receives qi and extracts juice, transforming it into blood, and when blood is deficient, wind arises.

April 18, 2011: Proven Formula for Cervical Spondylosis