Mr. Wan, aged [unknown], is fond of alcohol. It happened to be the season of summer heat and dampness in June, and he drank excessively, leading to a severe case of jaundice. The symptoms included a persistent high fever, a complexion and body color resembling old oranges, thirst, constipation, and a gradual worsening condition, leaving him bedridden. The six pulse conditions were deep, solid, and rapid, with a yellow and dry tongue coating. Considering the cause of the illness and the pulse symptoms, it was identified as a severe case of dampness-heat yang jaundice. Therefore, following Zhang Zhongjing's approach, a decoction of Virgate Wormwood with Rhubarb Rhizoma and Gardenia was prescribed. Virgate Wormwood was used as the primary herb to drain dampness and clear heat, Rhubarb Rhizoma and Magnolia Bark to promote bowel movement as secondary herbs, Gardenia to clear heart and kidney heat as an auxiliary herb, and Akebia Stem to facilitate the discharge of dampness through the external genitalia as a guiding herb.
Virgate Wormwood 60g, raw Jinwen 9g, genuine Chuanpu 4.5g, fried black Gardenia 9g, Han Akebia Stem 4.5g
After taking two doses consecutively, both bowel and urinary functions normalized, and the jaundice subsided. The pulse manifestation also became softer than before. The original prescription was continued, but Akebia Stem was removed, and Indian Bread Tuckahoe 9g and Six-to-One Powder 12g (wrap-boiling) were added, followed by two more doses. By the fourth day, the jaundice had subsided by more than half, but considering his advanced age and weak constitution, it was not advisable to continue with aggressive treatment. Therefore, Rhubarb Rhizoma was removed from the original prescription, and Coix Seed 12g was added. After taking four more doses, the jaundice gradually resolved within ten days.