Zhao, 51 years old. After going to the countryside, he experienced wind-cold, headache, sweating, delirious speech, and maniacal laughter. He had not had a bowel movement for six days, but urination was normal. He had a fever with aversion to wind, and his pulse was floating and large. Recalling Zhang Zhongjing's teaching, in cases of cold-damage disease with no bowel movement for six or seven days, headache, fever, and clear urine, the condition is not internal but still on the surface. Cinnamon Twig Decoction is recommended:
Cinnamon Twig 6g, Red Paeony Root 6g, Liquorice Root 3g, Fresh Ginger Rhizome 2 slices, Chinese Date 2 pieces
. After taking the decoction, the laughter and delirious speech stopped. The next day, his bowel movement returned to normal, and he recovered completely in three days. Some might suggest Chengqi Decoction for this condition, but I believe that with a floating and large pulse, the pathogenic factor is still on the surface. Excessive sweating and unconsciousness lead to delirious speech. Although there was no bowel movement, there was no abdominal discomfort, so Cinnamon Twig Decoction was still appropriate to harmonize the nutrient-defense system.