煎之，使药水清汁饮于腹
中，循行经络，易升易散；今人以刃锉如麻豆大，亦 咀法也。若一概为细末，不厘清浊矣。如治至高之病加
酒煎，去湿加姜煎，补元气加枣煎，发散风寒加葱煎，去膈上病加蜜煎。散者，细末也，不循经络，止去膈上
病及脏腑之病。气味浓者，白汤调服；气味薄者，水煎和渣服。丸者，治上部之疾，其丸极大而光且圆，治
中焦者次之，治上焦者极小。稠糊面丸者，取其迟化，直至下焦，或酒或醋丸者，取其收散之意也。犯半夏、南
星或去湿者，以生姜汁煮糊为丸，制其毒也。稀糊丸者，取其易化也。水浸炊饼为丸及滴水为丸者，皆取其易
化也。炼蜜为丸者，取其迟化而气循经络也。蜡丸者，取其难化而旋旋取效也。大抵汤者，荡也，去久病者用之；
散者，散也，去急病者用之；丸者，缓也，不能速去其病，从缓而治；丹即丸之大者，凡药宜预修合，若临病
旋制，药多不备，其能效乎？凡言等分，分两均等无异。养性补虚缓方皆然。若治病急方，必分君臣，大概君
药用十分，臣药用七八分，佐药用五六分，使药用三四分，外有加减，数同佐使。病最重者，虽君臣分两悬绝
无疑。譬之烟火硝黄，转移迥殊，可不小心斟酌之乎！
真伪新陈仔细看。
药多有假者，误服反致害人，必询问经历久而后能辨认。药宜陈者，惟麻黄、荆芥、香薷、陈皮、半夏、
枳实、枳壳、吴萸、野狼毒。其余味薄之药，俱用近新有力，若陈腐经霉者，皆不可用。
炮炙制度毋逞巧，
诗曰∶芫花本利水，无醋不能通；绿豆本解毒，带壳不见功。草果消膨效，连壳反胀胸；黑丑生利水，
远志苗毒逢。蒲黄生通血，熟补血运通；地榆医血药，连梢不住红。陈皮专理气，连白补胃中；附子救阴药，
生用走皮风。草乌解风痹，生用使人蒙；人言烧过用，诸石火 红。入醋能为末，制度必须工；川芎炒去油，
生用气痹痛。凡药入肺蜜制，入脾姜制，入肾用盐，入肝用醋，入心用童便。凡药用火炮汤泡煨炒者，制其
毒也；醋浸姜制酥炙者，行经活血也。且如知母、桑白皮、天麦门冬、生熟地黄、何首乌忌铁器，用竹刀铜刀
切之，犯铁必患三消；远志、巴戟、门冬、莲子、乌药之类，如不去心，令人烦躁。猪苓、茯苓、浓朴、桑白
皮之类，如不去皮，耗人元气；柏子、火麻、益智、草果之类，如不去皮，令人心痞。当归，地黄、苁蓉酒洗
去土，生精活血，无令满闷；桃仁、杏仁，双仁有毒伤人，用去皮尖，不生疔疖；苍术、半夏、陈皮用汤泡洗，
去其燥性；麻黄泡去头汁，庶不烦心；人参、桔梗、常山去苗芦，庶不呕。当知水飞、火 、醋淬、酒浸、
另研等项，必遵古法，毋逞新奇。
熟升生降古方刊；
凡病在头面及手梢皮肤者，须用酒炒，欲其上腾也；病在咽下脐上，须用酒浸洗；病在下者，生用。欲
升降兼行者，半生半熟。如大黄、知、柏，必用酒制者，恐寒伤胃也。要知体浓者生用，体薄者炒用。然炒制
必出火毒，收贮用之，随炒随用，以火助火。
及时煎服知禁避，
大概煎煮多用砂罐洗净，择人煎之。如补汤慢火煎熬，汗下及治寒湿药，紧火煎服。如剂大水少，则药味
不出；剂小水多，则煎耗太过无力。煎以湿纸封罐口，熟则用纸滤过，或纱绢亦好，去渣取清汁服之，则行经
络而去病。若浓浊，则药力不行，反滞为害。《活人》云∶补汤须用熟，利药不嫌生。补药用水二盏煎至八分。
或三盏煎至一盏，利药一盏半煎至一盏，或一盏煎至八分。又主病药宜先煎，如发汗则以麻黄为主，须先煎麻
黄一二沸，然后入余药同煎。余仿此。止汗先煎桂枝，和解先煎柴胡，下药先煎枳实，吐药先煎山栀，温药
先煎干姜，行血先煎桃仁，利水先煎猪苓，止泻先煎白术，消渴先煎天花粉，止痛先煎芍药，发黄先煎茵陈，
发斑先煎青黛，发狂先煎石膏，呕吐先煎半夏，劳力感寒先煎黄 ，感
冒伤寒先煎羌活，暑证先煎香茹，风病先煎防风，腹如雷鸣先煎煨生姜，湿证先煎苍术。凡服药病在上者，
食后徐徐服；病在中者，食远服；病在下者，宜空心顿服之，以达下也。病在四肢血脉者，宜饥食而在昼；病
在骨髓者，宜饱食而在夜。若呕吐难纳药者，必徐徐一匙而进，不可太急也。又少服则滋荣于上，多服则峻
补于下。凡服药后须三时久，方可食饭，亦不可即眠，令药气行也。五禁∶咸走血，血病毋多食咸；苦走骨，
骨病毋多食苦；辛走气，气病毋多食辛；酸走筋，筋病毋多食酸；甘走肉，肉病毋多食甘。服药禁忌∶有术，
勿食桃、李及雀肉、胡荽、大蒜、青鱼 等物；有藜芦，勿食狸肉；有巴豆，勿食芦笋羹及野猪肉；有
黄连、桔梗，勿食猪肉；有地黄，勿食芜荑；有半夏、菖蒲，勿食饴糖及羊肉；有细辛，勿食生菜；有甘
草，勿食菘菜及海藻；有牡丹，勿食生胡荽；有商陆，勿食犬肉；有常山，勿食生葱、生菜；有空青、朱砂，
勿食生血物；有茯苓，勿食醋物；有鳖甲，勿食苋菜；有天门冬，勿食鲤鱼。服药不可多食生胡荽及蒜杂生菜，
又不可食诸滑物果实等，又不可多食肥猪犬肉、油腻肥羹、鱼 腥臊等物，服药通忌见死尸及产妇淹秽事。妊
娠禁服∶ 斑水蛭及虻虫，乌头附子配天雄；野葛水银并巴豆，牛膝薏苡与蜈蚣。三棱芫花代赭麝，大戟蛇蜕
黄雌雄；牙硝芒硝牡丹桂，槐花牵牛皂角同。半夏南星与通草，瞿麦干姜桃仁通； 砂干漆蟹爪甲，地胆茅根
都不中。
用当一匕是仙方。
随证用药心法。外感四气头痛，须用川芎，如不愈，加各引经药∶太阳川芎，阳明白芷，少阳柴胡，
太阴苍术，少阴细辛，厥阴吴萸。巅顶痛须用 本，去川芎。肢节痛须用羌活，去风湿亦用。腹痛须用芍药，
恶寒而痛加桂，恶热而痛加黄柏。小腹痛须用青皮。胁痛、往来潮热，日晡潮热须用柴胡。胃脘痛须用草豆蔻。
腹胀须用浓朴、白芍。腹中窄狭须用苍术。肌热及去痰须用黄芩。胸中烦热须用山栀。腹中实热大便闭须用大
黄、芒硝。小便黄须用黄柏，数涩者加泽泻。上焦热须用黄芩泻肺火，中焦湿热及痛须用黄连泻心火，下焦湿
肿及痛须用酒洗防己、草龙胆、黄柏、知母，泻膀胱火。口渴须用葛根，茯苓，禁半夏，内伤脾胃肌热及虚汗，
须用黄 。脾胃受湿沉困无力嗜睡及去痰，须用白术。宿食不消及心下痞，须用黄连、枳实；饮水多致伤脾胃
须用白术、茯苓、猪苓。水泄须用白术、茯苓、芍药。内伤气分补气，须用人参。气虚惊悸恍惚，须用茯神。
破滞气须用枳壳利肺，多服损胸中至高之气。气刺痛须用枳壳，看在何部分，引经药导之。去滞气须用青皮泻
肝，多服损真气。治气之标∶须用木香行中下焦气，香附快滞气，陈皮泄逆气，紫苏散麦气，浓朴泄卫气，
槟榔泄至高之气，藿香上行胃气，沉香升降真气，脑麝散真气慎用。治气之本∶气郁上升须用川芎、香附、山
栀、芩、连；阴火冲上须用知母、黄柏，佐以木香。盖气郁上升，皆属火也。内伤血分，补血不足，须用炙
甘草，或益母草、夏枯草、龟版、牛膝、枸杞子。血寒须用姜、桂，血热须用生地、苦参。和血须用当归，如
血刺痛，分上下根梢用之。破滞血，须用桃仁、红花、血竭、牡丹皮。血崩须用蒲黄、阿胶、地榆、百草
霜、棕榈炭。血痛须用乳、没、五灵脂。内伤痰嗽，须用五味子，喘者用阿胶。去痰须用半夏，热痰加黄芩，
风痰加南星，胸中寒痰痞用陈皮、白术。疮痛不可忍，须用黄柏、黄芩。详上下根梢及引经药。眼痛不可忍，
须用黄连、当归，以酒浸洗。凡纯寒纯热药中，须用甘草以缓其力，寒热相杂者用之以和其性。如阴茎中痛，
须用生甘草梢。此其大略，触类通于各门可也。
煎煮汤剂，使药液清澈，取汁液服用于腹中，药物循行经络，易于升发和发散；如今人们用刀将药材锉成如麻豆大小的颗粒，这也属于“咀”（咀嚼/咬碎）的方法。如果一概研磨成细粉末，就无法分辨药物的清浊之性了。例如治疗位于人体上部的疾病时加酒煎煮，祛湿时加生姜煎煮，补益元气时加大枣煎煮，发散风寒时加葱白煎煮，治疗膈膜以上的疾病时加蜂蜜煎煮。散剂，即细粉末，不循行经络，仅能去除膈膜以上及脏腑的疾病。气味浓厚的药物，用白开水调服；气味淡薄的药物，用水煎煮并连同药渣一起服用。丸剂，用于治疗上部的疾病，其丸药极大、光滑且圆润；治疗中焦疾病的丸药次之；治疗上焦疾病的丸药极小。用稠糊状面粉制作的丸药，取其缓慢溶解的特性，使药力直达下焦；或用酒或醋泛制的丸药，取其收敛与发散相兼的意图。遇到半夏、天南星等有毒药物，或需要去湿的药物，用生姜汁煮糊来制作丸药，以制约其毒性。稀糊丸，取其容易溶解的特性。用水浸泡炊饼为丸以及滴水为丸，都是取其容易溶解的特性。炼蜜为丸，取其缓慢溶解且药气能循行经络的特性。蜡丸，取其难以溶解而能逐渐发挥疗效的特性。大抵来说，汤剂的作用如同洗涤，用于去除久病；散剂的作用在于消散，用于去除急病；丸剂的作用在于缓和，不能迅速去除疾病，而是从缓图治；丹剂即较大的丸药。凡是药物应当预先制备，如果等到发病时才临时制作，药物往往准备不全，怎么能有效呢？凡是说“等分”，指分量相等没有差异。养生补虚的缓方都是如此。如果是治疗急病的方剂，必须区分君臣佐使，大概君药用十分，臣药用七八分，佐药用五六分，使药用三四分，此外有加减变化，数量同于佐使药。病情最重的，虽然君臣的分量悬殊很大，也毫无疑问。譬如烟火硝石和黄连大黄，作用截然不同，可以不小心斟酌吗！
真伪新旧要仔细辨别。
药物多有假冒者，误服反而致人受害，必须询问经历长久的人之后才能辨认。药物宜用陈年的，只有麻黄、荆芥、香薷、陈皮、半夏、枳实、枳壳、吴茱萸、野狼毒这几种。其余味道淡薄的药物，都使用近期新采的且效力强的，如果陈腐发霉的，都不可使用。
炮制加工不要炫耀技巧，
诗云：芫花本有利水功效，不加醋就不能通利；绿豆本有解毒功效，带壳则不见功效。草果消除胀满效果好，连壳吃反而导致胸腹胀满；黑丑生用利水，远志苗有毒。蒲黄生用通血，熟用补血运通；地榆是治疗血证的药物，连梢使用则不能止住出血。陈皮专门理气，连白皮使用能补胃中；附子是救阴的药物，生用能走散皮肤风邪。草乌解除风痹，生用使人昏蒙；人说烧过后使用，各种石头要烧红。加入醋能制成粉末，炮制制度必须工巧；川芎炒去油，生用治疗气痹痛。凡药物入肺用蜜制，入脾用姜制，入肾用盐制，入肝用醋制，入心用童子小便制。凡药物用火炮、汤泡、煨、炒等方法，是为了制约其毒性；醋浸、姜制、酥炙等方法，是为了通行经络、活血。况且如知母、桑白皮、天门冬、麦门冬、生地黄、熟地黄、何首乌忌用铁器，要用竹刀或铜刀切，犯铁必患消渴症；远志、巴戟天、门冬、莲子、乌药之类，如果不去心，令人烦躁。猪苓、茯苓、厚朴、桑白皮之类，如果不去皮，耗损人的元气；柏子仁、火麻仁、益智仁、草果之类，如果不去皮，令人心胸痞闷。当归、地黄、肉苁蓉用酒洗去泥土，能生精活血，不让病人感到满闷；桃仁、杏仁，双仁的有毒伤人，使用时要去皮尖，不生疔疮疖肿；苍术、半夏、陈皮用汤泡洗，去掉其燥性；麻黄泡去头汁，才不会烦心；人参、桔梗、常山去苗芦，才不会引起呕吐。应当知道水飞、火煅、醋淬、酒浸、另研等项目，必须遵循古法，不要炫耀新奇。
熟用升提生用降的古方已刊印；
凡是病在头面及手脚皮肤者，必须用酒炒，想要使其药力上腾；病在咽下脐上者，必须用酒浸洗；病在下部者，生用。想要升降兼行的，半生半熟。如大黄、知母、黄柏，必须用酒制的，恐怕寒凉伤胃。要知道质地浓厚的生用，质地薄的炒用。然而炒制必然带有火毒，收贮后使用，随炒随用，以免以火助火。
及时煎服知道禁忌回避，
大概煎煮多用砂罐洗净，选择专人煎煮。如补益汤剂用慢火煎熬，发汗、攻下及治疗寒湿的药物，用紧火煎服。如果药量大水少，则药味出不来；药量小水多，则煎耗太过而无力。煎煮时用湿纸封住罐口，煮熟后用纸过滤，或者用纱绢也可以，去渣取清汁服用，则药行经络而去病。如果药液浓浊，则药力不行，反而停滞为害。《活人书》说：补汤必须煎熟，利药不嫌生。补药用水两盏煎至八分。或者三盏煎至一盏，利药一盏半煎至一盏，或者一盏煎至八分。另外主病药宜先煎，如发汗则以麻黄为主，须先煎麻黄一二沸，然后加入其余药物同煎。其余仿照此例。止汗先煎桂枝，和解先煎柴胡，下药先煎枳实，吐药先煎栀子，温药先煎干姜，行血先煎桃仁，利水先煎猪苓，止泻先煎白术，消渴先煎天花粉，止痛先煎芍药，发黄先煎茵陈，发斑先煎青黛，发狂先煎石膏，呕吐先煎半夏，劳力感寒先煎黄芪，感冒伤寒先煎羌活，暑证先煎香薷，风病先煎防风，腹中雷鸣先煎煨生姜，湿证先煎苍术。凡是服药，病在上部的，饭后慢慢服用；病在中部的，饭前较长时间服用；病在下部的，宜空腹顿服，以使药力下达。病在四肢血脉者，宜饥饿时进食且在白天；病在骨髓者，宜饱食且在夜晚。如果呕吐难进药者，必须慢慢一勺一勺地喂，不要太急。又少服则滋养上部，多服则峻补下部。凡是服药后要过三个时辰，才可以吃饭，也不可立即睡觉，让药气运行。五禁：咸味走血，血病不要多吃咸；苦味走骨，骨病不要多吃苦；辛味走气，气病不要多吃辛；酸味走筋，筋病不要多吃酸；甘味走肉，肉病不要多吃甘。服药禁忌：有白术，勿食桃、李及雀肉、胡荽、大蒜、青鱼等物；有藜芦，勿食狸肉；有巴豆，勿食芦笋羹及野猪肉；有黄连、桔梗，勿食猪肉；有地黄，勿食芜荑；有半夏、菖蒲，勿食饴糖及羊肉；有细辛，勿食生菜；有甘草，勿食白菜及海藻；有牡丹，勿食生胡荽；有商陆，勿食犬肉；有常山，勿食生葱、生菜；有空青、朱砂，勿食生血物；有茯苓，勿食醋物；有鳖甲，勿食苋菜；有天门冬，勿食鲤鱼。服药期间不可多吃生胡荽及蒜杂生菜，又不可食诸滑物果实等，又不可多吃肥猪犬肉、油腻肥羹、鱼腥臊等物，服药通忌见死尸及产妇污秽之事。妊娠禁服：斑蝥、水蛭及虻虫，乌头附子配天雄；野葛、水银并巴豆，牛膝、薏苡仁与蜈蚣。三棱、芫花、代赭石、麝香，大戟、蛇蜕、黄雌鸡、牙硝、芒硝、牡丹、桂枝，槐花、牵牛、皂角同。半夏、南星与通草，瞿麦、干姜、桃仁、通草；硇砂、干漆、蟹爪甲，地胆、茅根都不中用。
用药得当一匕即是仙方。
随证用药的心法。外感四气头痛，须用川芎，如不愈，加各引经药：太阳经用川芎，阳明经用白芷，少阳经用柴胡，太阴经用苍术，少阴经用细辛，厥阴经用吴茱萸。巅顶痛须用藁本，去掉川芎。肢节痛须用羌活，去风湿也用羌活。腹痛须用芍药，恶寒而痛加桂枝，恶热而痛加黄柏。小腹痛须用青皮。胁痛、往来潮热，日晡潮热须用柴胡。胃脘痛须用草豆蔻。腹胀须用厚朴、白芍。腹中窄狭须用苍术。肌热及去痰须用黄芩。胸中烦热须用栀子。腹中实热大便闭结须用大黄、芒硝。小便黄须用黄柏，频涩者加泽泻。上焦热须用黄芩泻肺火，中焦湿热及痛须用黄连泻心火，下焦湿肿及痛须用酒洗防己、草龙胆、黄柏、知母，泻膀胱火。口渴须用葛根、茯苓，禁用半夏，内伤脾胃肌热及虚汗，须用黄芪。脾胃受湿沉困无力嗜睡及去痰，须用白术。宿食不消及心下痞，须用黄连、枳实；饮水多致伤脾胃须用白术、茯苓、猪苓。水泄须用白术、茯苓、芍药。内伤气分补气，须用人参。气虚惊悸恍惚，须用茯神。破滞气须用枳壳利肺，多服损胸中至高之气。气刺痛须用枳壳，看在何部分，用引经药导之。去滞气须用青皮泻肝，多服损真气。治气之标：须用木香行中下焦气，香附快滞气，陈皮泄逆气，紫苏散麦气，厚朴泄卫气，槟榔泄至高之气，藿香上行胃气，沉香升降真气，脑麝散真气慎用。治气之本：气郁上升须用川芎、香附、栀子、黄芩、黄连；阴火冲上须用知母、黄柏，佐以木香。盖气郁上升，皆属火也。内伤血分，补血不足，须用炙甘草，或益母草、夏枯草、龟版、牛膝、枸杞子。血寒须用姜、桂，血热须用生地、苦参。和血须用当归，如血刺痛，分上下根梢用之。破滞血，须用桃仁、红花、血竭、牡丹皮。血崩须用蒲黄、阿胶、地榆、百草霜、棕榈炭。血痛须用乳香、没药、五灵脂。内伤痰嗽，须用五味子，喘者用阿胶。去痰须用半夏，热痰加黄芩，风痰加南星，胸中寒痰痞用陈皮、白术。疮痛不可忍，须用黄柏、黄芩。详上下根梢及引经药。眼痛不可忍，须用黄连、当归，以酒浸洗。凡纯寒纯热药中，须用甘草以缓其力，寒热相杂者用之以和其性。如阴茎中痛，须用生甘草梢。此其大略，触类旁通于各门可也。
Decoct the herbs, allowing the medicinal liquid to be clear, and drink the juice in the abdomen; the medicine circulates through the meridians, easily ascending and dispersing. Nowadays, people use blades to chop herbs into pieces the size of hemp seeds or beans, which is also a method of "Ju" (chewing/biting). If all are ground into fine powder, the distinction between clear and turbid qualities would be lost. For example, when treating diseases located high in the body, add wine for decoction; for removing dampness, add ginger for decoction; for tonifying Yuan Qi (Original Qi), add dates for decoction; for dispersing wind-cold, add green onion for decoction; for treating diseases above the diaphragm, add honey for decoction. Sanji (Powders) are fine powders that do not circulate through the meridians, only treating diseases above the diaphragm and in the Zang-Fu organs. Herbs with strong flavors and aromas should be taken mixed with plain boiled water; those with weak flavors and aromas should be decocted in water and taken with the dregs. Wanji (Pills) treat diseases in the upper part; their pills are very large, smooth, and round. Pills for treating the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner) are next in size, while those for the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) are extremely small. Pills made with thick paste flour take advantage of slow dissolution to reach the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner). Pills made with wine or vinegar aim at the intent of both dispersion and consolidation. When encountering Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) or Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome), or herbs for removing dampness, boil them in fresh ginger juice to make paste for pills to mitigate their toxicity. Xi Hu Wanji (Thin Paste Pills) take advantage of easy dissolution. Pills made by soaking steamed buns in water or dripping water are all chosen for easy dissolution. Pills made with refined honey take advantage of slow dissolution and the circulation of qi through the meridians. La Wanji (Wax Pills) take advantage of difficult dissolution to gradually achieve efficacy. Generally speaking, Tangji (Decoctions) act like washing away, used for chronic diseases; Sanji (Powders) act by dispersing, used for acute diseases; Wanji (Pills) act slowly, unable to quickly remove disease, thus treating from a gradual approach; Danji (Elixirs/Pills) are larger pills. All medicines should be prepared in advance; if prepared on the spot when illness strikes, the medicines may not be complete, how can they be effective? Whenever it says "equal parts," it means equal weights without difference. This applies to all nourishing and tonifying slow prescriptions. However, for urgent prescriptions treating disease, one must distinguish between Jun (Monarch), Chen (Minister), Zuo (Assistant), and Shi (Envoy) herbs. Generally, Jun herbs are used in 10 parts, Chen herbs in 7-8 parts, Zuo herbs in 5-6 parts, and Shi herbs in 3-4 parts. There may be additions and subtractions, with quantities similar to Zuo and Shi herbs. In cases of heaviest disease, although the weight difference between Jun and Chen is vast, there is no doubt. It is like the difference between firecrackers, Nuxiang (Saltpeter), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome); their effects are vastly different, so one must carefully deliberate!
Carefully examine authenticity, newness, and age.
Many medicines are counterfeit; taking them by mistake can harm people. One must consult experienced individuals before being able to identify them. Herbs suitable for aged storage include only Mahuang (Ephedra Herb), Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), Xiangru (Elsholtzia Herb), Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Zhike (Bitter Orange), Wuyu (Evodia Fruit), and Yelangdu (Daphne Genkwa Stem Bark). All other herbs with thin flavors should be used fresh and potent; those that are old, rotten, or moldy must not be used.
Do not show off skill in processing and preparation.
The poem says: Yuanhua (Genkwa Flower) naturally promotes urination, but without vinegar it cannot unblock; Lvdou (Mung Bean) naturally detoxifies, but with the shell it shows no effect. Caoguo (Tsaoko Fruit) effectively reduces distension, but taking it with the shell causes chest fullness. Heichou (Pharbitis Seed) raw promotes urination; Yuanzhi Miao (Polygala Tenuifolia Seedling) is toxic. Puhuang (Lygodium Spore) raw invigorates blood, cooked tonifies blood and promotes circulation; Diyhu (Sanguisorba Root) treats blood disorders, but using the whole stalk including roots does not stop bleeding. Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) specifically regulates qi; using it with the white pith tonifies the Stomach. Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) saves Yin conditions; raw it dispels wind in the skin. Caowu (Aconitum Kusnezoffii Root) resolves wind-bi; raw it causes dizziness. People say it should be roasted before use; various stones must be heated red. Adding vinegar allows them to be made into powder; processing systems must be skilled. Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) stir-fried to remove oil; raw it treats Qi Bi pain. Generally, herbs entering the Lung are processed with honey; those entering the Spleen with ginger; those entering the Kidney with salt; those entering the Liver with vinegar; those entering the Heart with urine from an uncircumcised boy. Herbs processed by fire-parching, soup-soaking, baking, or stir-frying aim to mitigate toxicity; those soaked in vinegar, processed with ginger, or fried in butter aim to circulate meridians and invigorate blood. For instance, Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark), Tianmendong (Asparagus Tuber), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Sheng Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), Shu Dihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), and Heshouwu (Polygonum Multiflorum Root) must avoid iron tools; cut them with bamboo or copper knives. Contact with iron will cause San Xiao (Three Consumptions/Wasting-Thirst). Yuanzhi (Polygala Root), Bajitian (Morinda Root), Mendong (Ophiopogon/Tianmen Dong), Lianzi (Lotus Seed), and Wuyao (Lindera Root) must have their hearts removed, otherwise causing irritability. Zhuling (Polyporus), Fuling (Poria), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), and Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark) must have their skins removed, otherwise depleting Yuan Qi. Baizi (Biota Seed), Huomaren (Hemp Seed), Yizhi (Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit), and Caoguo (Tsaoko Fruit) must have their skins removed, otherwise causing chest stuffiness. Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), and Rongrong (Cistanche Stem) should be washed with wine to remove dirt, generating essence and invigorating blood, preventing fullness. Taoren (Peach Seed) and Xingren (Apricot Seed) with double kernels are toxic and harmful; use peeled and tipless ones to prevent carbuncles and boils. Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), and Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) should be soaked and washed in hot water to remove dryness. Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) should be soaked to remove the first decoction water to prevent heart vexation. Renshen (Ginseng Root), Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), and Changshan ( Dichroa Root) should have their seedlings and rhizomes removed to prevent vomiting. Know that methods such as water levigation, fire calcination, vinegar quenching, wine soaking, and separate grinding must follow ancient methods, do not show off novelty.
Ancient texts print that cooked herbs ascend and raw herbs descend.
For diseases in the head, face, hands, feet, and skin, stir-fry with wine to make the medicine ascend; for diseases below the throat and above the navel, soak and wash with wine; for diseases in the lower part, use raw. To achieve both ascending and descending, use half raw and half cooked. For Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), and Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), wine processing is necessary to prevent cold from damaging the Stomach. Know that dense substances are used raw, thin substances are stir-fried. However, stir-frying inevitably introduces fire toxicity; store and use them, using them immediately after stir-frying to avoid adding fire to fire.
Know when to decoct and take medicine, and observe prohibitions.
Generally, use clean clay pots for decoction, selecting a person to perform the task. Tonifying decoctions require slow fire simmering; diaphoretic, purgative, and cold-damp treating medicines require fast fire decoction. If the dose is large and water is little, the medicinal flavor will not emerge; if the dose is small and water is much, the decoction will be too depleted and weak. Seal the pot mouth with wet paper during decoction; once cooked, filter through paper or gauze/silk. Remove the dregs and take the clear juice to circulate through meridians and remove disease. If the liquid is thick and turbid, the medicinal power will not circulate, causing stagnation and harm. The *Li Ren* book states: Tonifying medicines must be well-cooked; purgative/diuretic medicines need not be afraid of being raw. Tonifying medicines: use two cups of water, decoct to eight-tenths. Or three cups to one cup. Diuretic/purgative medicines: one and a half cups to one cup, or one cup to eight-tenths. Furthermore, primary disease medicines should be decocted first. For example, for sweating, Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) is primary; decoct Mahuang for one or two boils before adding other herbs. Follow this pattern for others. For stopping sweating, decoct Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) first; for harmonizing, decoct Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) first; for purging, decoct Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) first; for inducing vomiting, decoct Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit) first; for warming, decoct Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) first; for moving blood, decoct Taoren (Peach Seed) first; for promoting urination, decoct Zhuling (Polyporus) first; for stopping diarrhea, decoct Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) first; for wasting-thirst, decoct Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Root) first; for stopping pain, decoct Shaoyao (Peony Root) first; for jaundice, decoct Yinchen (Artemisia Capillaris Herb) first; for macules, decoct Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis) first; for mania, decoct Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) first; for vomiting, decoct Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) first; for labor-induced cold, decoct Huangqi (Astragalus Root) first; for wind-cold invasion, decoct Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome) first; for summerheat, decoct Xiangru (Elsholtzia Herb) first; for wind diseases, decoct Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) first; for abdominal rumbling, decoct Wei Shengjiang (Stir-fried Fresh Ginger) first; for dampness, decoct Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) first. Generally, for diseases in the upper part, take medicine slowly after meals; for diseases in the middle part, take medicine long after meals; for diseases in the lower part, take medicine in one dose on an empty stomach to reach the lower part. For diseases in the four limbs and blood vessels, take medicine when hungry and during the day; for diseases in the bone marrow, take medicine after full meals and at night. If vomiting makes it difficult to take medicine, advance it slowly spoonful by spoonful, not too fast. Small doses nourish the upper part; large doses strongly tonify the lower part. After taking medicine, wait for three shichen (two-hour periods) before eating rice, and do not sleep immediately to allow the medicinal qi to circulate. Five Prohibitions: Salty enters Blood; for blood diseases, do not eat much salty. Bitter enters Bone; for bone diseases, do not eat much bitter. Pungent enters Qi; for qi diseases, do not eat much pungent. Sour enters Tendons; for tendon diseases, do not eat much sour. Sweet enters Flesh; for flesh diseases, do not eat much sweet. Medicinal Contraindications: With Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), do not eat peach, plum, sparrow meat, coriander, garlic, or grass carp. With Lilü (Veratrum Rhizome), do not eat civet cat meat. With Badou (Croton Seed), do not eat asparagus soup or wild boar meat. With Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), do not eat pork. With Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), do not eat Myrobalan. With Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) and Changpu (Acorus Rhizome), do not eat malt sugar or mutton. With Xixin (Asarum Root), do not eat raw vegetables. With Gancao (Licorice Root), do not eat Chinese cabbage or Sargassum. With Mudan (Tree Peony Root Bark), do not eat raw coriander. With Shanglu (Phytolacca Root), do not eat dog meat. With Changshan (Dichroa Root), do not eat raw green onion or raw vegetables. With Kongqing (Azurite) and Zhusha (Cinnabar), do not eat raw blood products. With Fuling (Poria), do not eat vinegar products. With Biejia (Turtle Shell), do not eat amaranth. With Tianmendong (Asparagus Tuber), do not eat carp. During medication, do not eat much raw coriander, garlic mixed with raw vegetables, slippery fruits, fatty pork/dog meat, greasy soups, or fishy/foul-smelling foods. General prohibitions during medication include seeing dead bodies or handling menstrual impurities. Pregnancy Contraindications: Banmao (Mylabris), Shuizhi (Leech), and Mengchong (Blue Bottle Fly Larva); Wutou (Aconite Mother Root), Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) paired with Tianxiong (Aconite Lateral Root); Yege (Gelsemium Vine), Shuiyin (Mercury), and Badou (Croton Seed); Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), Yiyiren (Coix Seed), and Wugong (Centipede). Sanleng (Sparganium Rhizome), Yuanhua (Genkwa Flower), Daizhe (Haematitum), She (Musk), Daji (Euphorbia Root), Shetui (Snake Slough), Huang Cixiong (Hen of Yellow Color), Yanxiao (Mirabilite), Mangxiao (Thenardite), Mudan (Tree Peony Root Bark), Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Huaihua (Sophora Flower), Qianniu (Pharbitis Seed), and Zaohao (Gleditsia Fruit). Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome), and Tongcao (Tetrapanax Pith); Qumai (Persicaria Herb), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Taoren (Peach Seed), and Tong Cao (Tetrapanax Pith); Naosha (Sal Ammoniac), Ganqi (Dry Lacquer), Xiezhuajia (Crab Claw Shell), Didan (Euphorbia Kansui Root), and Maogen (Imperata Rhizome) are all unsuitable.
Using medicine appropriately is a divine prescription.
The mind method of prescribing according to symptoms. For external contraction of Four Qi causing headache, use Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome). If not cured, add meridian-guiding herbs: Taiyang channel uses Chuanxiong, Yangming channel uses Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root), Shaoyang channel uses Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Taiyin channel uses Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Shaoyin channel uses Xixin (Asarum Root), Jueyin channel uses Wuyu (Evodia Fruit). Vertex headache requires Gaoben (Ligusticum Wallichii Rhizome), remove Chuanxiong. Limb and joint pain requires Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), also used for removing wind-damp. Abdominal pain requires Shaoyao (Peony Root); if aversion to cold and pain, add Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig); if aversion to heat and pain, add Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark). Hypogastric pain requires Qingpi (Citrus Aurantium Peel). Hypochondriac pain, alternating tidal fever, afternoon tidal fever requires Chaihu (Bupleurum Root). Epigastric pain requires Caodoukou (Tsaoko Fruit). Abdominal distension requires Houpo (Magnolia Bark) and Baishao (White Peony Root). Narrowness in the abdomen requires Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome). Muscle heat and removing phlegm requires Huangqin (Scutellaria Root). Vexation and heat in the chest requires Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit). Excess heat in the abdomen with constipation requires Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) and Mangxiao (Thenardite). Yellow urine requires Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark); if frequent and difficult, add Ze xie (Alisma Rhizome). Heat in the Upper Jiao requires Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) to drain Lung Fire; damp-heat and pain in the Middle Jiao requires Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) to drain Heart Fire; damp swelling and pain in the Lower Jiao requires Jiuxi Fangji (Stephania Root washed with wine), Caolongdan (Gentiana Scabra Root), Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) to drain Bladder Fire. Thirst requires Gegen (Kudzu Root) and Fuling (Poria); Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) is prohibited. Internal injury to Spleen/Stomach with muscle heat and deficiency sweating requires Huangqi (Astragalus Root). Spleen/Stomach affected by dampness, heaviness, weakness, lethargy, and removing phlegm requires Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome). Undigested food and epigastric fullness requires Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange); excessive drinking damaging Spleen/Stomach requires Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), and Zhuling (Polyporus). Watery diarrhea requires Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), and Shaoyao (Peony Root). Internal injury to Qi level requiring tonification requires Renshen (Ginseng Root). Qi deficiency with palpitations and confusion requires Fushen (Poria with Hostwood). Breaking stagnant Qi requires Zhike (Bitter Orange) to benefit the Lung; excessive use damages the highest Qi in the chest. Stabbing pain due to Qi requires Zhike (Bitter Orange); guide with meridian herbs depending on the location. Removing stagnant Qi requires Qingpi (Citrus Aurantium Peel) to drain Liver; excessive use damages True Qi. Treating the manifestation of Qi: requires Muxiang (Aucklandia Root) to move Qi in Middle/Lower Jiao, Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) to relieve stagnant Qi, Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) to direct rebellious Qi, Zisu (Perilla Leaf) to disperse Mai Qi, Houpo (Magnolia Bark) to vent Wei Qi, Binglang (Areca Seed) to vent highest Qi, Huoxiang (Patchouli Herb) to ascend Stomach Qi, Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood) to regulate True Qi; Naosha (Musk) disperses True Qi, use with caution. Treating the root of Qi: Qi depression ascending requires Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome), Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome), Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome); Minfire rushing up requires Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) and Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), assisted by Muxiang (Aucklandia Root). Since Qi depression ascending belongs to Fire. Internal injury to Blood level, insufficient blood tonification requires Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root), or Yimucao (Motherwort Herb), Xiakucao (Prunella Spike), Guiban (Turtle Shell), Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), Gouqizi (Goji Berry). Blood cold requires Jiang (Ginger) and Gui (Cinnamon); Blood heat requires Shengdi (Rehmannia Root) and Kushen (Sophora Root). Harmonizing blood requires Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root); if stabbing blood pain, use root or tip depending on location. Breaking stagnant blood requires Taoren (Peach Seed), Honghua (Carthamus Flower), Xuemei (Dragon's Blood), Mudanpi (Tree Peony Root Bark). Metrorrhagia requires Puhuang (Lygodium Spore), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gel), Diyhu (Sanguisorba Root), Baicaoshuang (Herb Ash), Zonglutantan (Palmit Fiber Charcoal). Blood pain requires Rushao (Frankincense), Moya (Myrrh), Wulingzhi (Trogopterus Dung). Internal injury with Phlegm-Cough requires Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit); for wheezing, use Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gel). Removing phlegm requires Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome); for hot phlegm add Huangqin (Scutellaria Root); for wind-phlegm add Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome); for cold-phlegm and fullness in chest use Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome). Unbearable sore pain requires Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root). Detail upper/lower root/tips and meridian-guiding herbs. Unbearable eye pain requires Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), soaked and washed with wine. In purely cold or purely hot medicines, use Gancao (Licorice Root) to moderate their force; in mixed cold-heat, use it to harmonize their nature. For pain in the penis, use Sheng Gancao Shao (Raw Licorice Root Tip). This is the general outline; apply by analogy to each category.