 Desperate, Fechner finally made the fateful decision to listen to his doctors. They would attempt an experimental remedy from traditional Chinese medicine. They would apply to his back moxa—a down of dried leaves from the plant Artemisia moxa. The immediate effect was to create swellings, which left scars on his back; but the long-term effect was much worse: digestion became impossible. Now Fechner could not eat or drink; he quickly became emaciated. He was on the brink of starvation. 