Li Xu elaborated, "Chinese medicine can intervene in the pathological stages of an allergic reaction by, for example, reducing inflammation and regulating immune function. Furthermore, when combined with acupuncture, it can directly regulate the endocrine, autonomic nervous, and immune systems. This multi-pronged, synergistic approach yields much better results."

"From the perspective of TCM etiology and pathogenesis, allergic rhinitis—what we traditionally call ’nasal catarrh’—is closely related to a deficiency of Yang Qi in the lungs, spleen, and kidneys."

"The *Middle Treasury Scripture* states, ’The nose is where the Pectoral Qi converges. When Pectoral Qi is insufficient, fluids flow downward, causing nasal discharge.’ This indicates that weakened lung qi is one of the factors."

"And the *Su Wen: Discussion of the True Words of the Golden Cabinet* also states, ’In the Northwest regions, the climate is cold. The people there eat rich and fatty foods, which generates internal heat, thus their illnesses arise from wind and cold.’ This also suggests a link between the invasion of external wind-cold pathogens and weakened lung qi."

Li Xu continued, "Of course, the pathogenesis of nasal catarrh is not singular. Besides a deficiency of Yang Qi in the lungs, spleen, and kidneys, it can also be caused by complex conditions such as latent constrained heat, an imbalance of yin and yang, or an entanglement of cold and heat."

"Specifically, it can be categorized into six main types: cold-excess in the lung meridian, lung qi deficiency, spleen qi weakness, kidney yang deficiency, liver depression invading the lungs, and accumulation of damp-heat."

"The patient’s symptoms—aversion to cold and wind, incomplete urination, coughing and wheezing accompanied by urinary incontinence, along with a deep, fine, and weak pulse, and a pale, white, moist tongue coating—all clearly point to a deficiency of Yang Qi in the lungs and kidneys, compounded by weak spleen qi."

"Therefore, my treatment strategy is to primarily use internal Chinese medicine to regulate the body’s functions and to strengthen the foundation and cultivate the Primordial Qi. This will be supplemented with external medicine to control the symptoms, with the ultimate goal of achieving a complete cure."

"For external use, we can use Golden Mirror - Green Cloud Powder. It should be ground into a fine powder and inhaled into the nasal cavity to open the orifices and stop the discharge."

Tang Huaiqing nodded repeatedly as he listened to Li Xu’s analysis.

He knew that Chinese medicine emphasized a holistic view and pattern-based treatment, but he was truly impressed by how thoroughly and coherently Li Xu could analyze the pathogenesis and treatment plan.

Li Xu returned to Old Zheng’s condition, continuing, "The old gentleman’s allergic rhinitis has persisted for over thirty years. You could say the illness began in the lungs and, over time, has affected the kidneys."

"If we only rely on tonifying qi to consolidate the exterior, it won’t be a fundamental cure."

"We must start by warming and tonifying kidney yang and replenishing the Primordial Qi to completely resolve the issue."

He picked up a pen and wrote the prescription on a piece of paper:

"Internal formula: Processed Aconite, ephedra, asarum, Astragalus Root, Atractylodes, saposhnikovia, Cinnamon Bark, baked licorice, psoralea, Schisandra, Codonopsis, Poria Cocos, and ginger."

Li Xu specifically emphasized, "This formula requires special attention. It must be decocted in cold water, brought to a boil over a high flame, then simmered over a low flame for at least two hours. Afterward, it should be taken in two separate doses."

Next, he wrote down the composition of the external formula: "External use, Golden Mirror - Green Cloud Powder: Mint, magnolia flower, xanthium fruit, angelica dahurica, and others. Grind into an extremely fine powder and inhale into the nasal cavity several times a day."

After writing the prescription, Li Xu looked up with a serious expression. "In this internal formula, Aconite is the chief herb. Aconite is the foremost medicine for supporting yang. It can restore the primordial yang, expel cold, and eliminate dampness. Its effects are so potent and fierce, it can be called the general among herbs."

"But it also contains a certain level of toxicity, mainly from aconitine."

"Therefore, the decoction time must be strictly controlled. Only through prolonged, continuous high-heat decoction can its toxicity be effectively degraded to ensure the safety of the medication."

Fearing the two wouldn’t understand, Li Xu explained further, "The use of Aconite requires precise pattern differentiation. It mainly targets conditions of yang deficiency with ascendant cold, so it’s very suitable for the old gentleman’s constitution of lung and kidney yang deficiency."

"In the formula, I’ve paired it with baked licorice and ginger. They can also mitigate the toxicity of Aconite to a certain extent, while also helping to warm the middle and dispel cold, harmonizing the properties of the herbs."

"As for the preparation of the herbs, I have high-quality, authentic Jiangyou Aconite here. It has been processed according to standards, which minimizes the risk as much as possible."

"If any discomfort occurs during medication, such as numbness of the mouth and tongue, heart palpitations, or dizziness, mild to moderate cases can be immediately relieved by drinking honey water or raw licorice water. However, if severe symptoms like arrhythmia or difficulty breathing appear, the medication must be stopped immediately, and the patient must be taken to the hospital for treatment."

The dosage of Aconite in Li Xu’s prescription was quite high.

It exceeded the standard guidelines of the China Materia Medica.

Combined with the lack of ’intelligence’ support, he had to be extra cautious.

If it were any other kind of Aconite, he wouldn’t dare use such a large dose.

But this was Jiangyou Aconite, and he had personally witnessed everything from its harvesting to its processing.

Li Xu was confident in its effects.

Of course, to ensure the medicine’s safety and efficacy, Li Xu didn’t trust them to decoct it themselves, so he told them to come and pick it up in the afternoon.

Tang Huaiqing and Old Zheng both expressed their understanding and agreed.

Li Xu turned to Song Sisi and said, "Sisi, register this prescription, then I’ll have you handle the entire decoction process. You must follow my instructions exactly: decoct it in cold water, bring it to a boil over a high flame, then simmer over a low flame for at least two hours. During the process, keep a close eye on the liquid and make sure nothing goes wrong."

Song Sisi had been at the clinic for half a year and had become quite proficient. She especially understood the risks of formulas containing Aconite. "Boss, I understand. I guarantee it will be decocted perfectly!"

...

The bitter smell of herbs wafted through the decoction room.

Song Sisi strictly followed the procedure, soaking the herbs in cold water before bringing them to a boil over a high flame, then switching to a low flame to simmer. She meticulously stood guard by the medicine pot.

In the afternoon, Tang Huaiqing arrived at the clinic right on time.

Li Xu had already portioned out the decocted liquid and had written down detailed instructions and precautions.

"Uncle Tang, this is the patient’s medicine."

Li Xu handed the two portions of medicine to Tang Huaiqing and once again explained how to prepare and use the external powder. "Take one dose in the morning and one at night. The external powder should be inhaled into the nasal cavity several times a day. While taking this, the patient must abstain from smoking and alcohol, eat a light diet, and avoid spicy, greasy, raw, and cold foods. Most importantly, he must stay warm and avoid catching a chill."

Tang Huaiqing took the medicine and said gratefully, "Xiao Li, thank you so much for this. If Old Zheng’s condition improves, I’ll bring him back to thank you personally."

Li Xu smiled. "You’re too kind, Uncle Tang. It’s a doctor’s duty. It’s just that the root of the patient’s illness is deep-seated and will require a period of conditioning. After you get back, please keep a close eye on his condition and call me anytime if there are any issues."

"Of course, of course."

Tang Huaiqing nodded repeatedly.

After seeing Tang Huaiqing off, Li Xu went on to treat other patients.

Over the next few days, besides his daily clinical work, Li Xu would occasionally check in on Old Zheng’s condition.

After all, he had diagnosed this case and written the prescription entirely on his own ability, without any help from his ’intelligence’.

He wasn’t certain whether he could cure such a stubborn case of allergic rhinitis.

Two days later, Tang Huaiqing called.

"Xiao Li, Old Zheng is doing much better today!"

Tang Huaiqing was in a great mood and said cheerfully, "He took the medicine last night, and when he woke up this morning, his sneezing and runny nose were significantly reduced. He also said he feels a bit stronger than the past few days and has more energy."