药有成性，必材相制，味相洽，而后达夫病情，古书如《本草括》《汤液》《珍珠》诸篇，予不能
悉记也，而二五之升沉，咸苦酸辛甘者，触物在焉，姑列数则，以例其余。
论用药 标病攻击，宜生料者，以气全力强；本病服饵，宜制炼调剂大成，病在元气，宜醇淡。
论人参 人参炼膏，回元气于无何有之乡，王道也。黑附子回阳，霸功赫奕。甘草调元，无可无
不可。
论当归 当归主血分之病，川产力刚可攻，秦产柔宜补。凡用，本病酒制；而痰独以姜汁浸透，
导血
归源之理。熟地黄亦然。血虚，以人参、石脂为佐；血热，以生地黄、姜黄、条芩佐之，不绝生化之源。
血积，配以大黄。妇人形肥，血化为痰，二味姜浸，佐以利水道药。要之，血药不容舍当归，故古方四物
汤以为君，芍药为臣，地黄分生熟为佐，川芎为使，可谓典要云。
论香附 香附主气分之病，香能窜，苦能降，推陈致新，故诸书皆云益气，而俗有耗气之讹，女
科之专，非也。治本病，略炒；兼血，以酒煮；痰，以姜汁；虚，以童便浸；实，以盐水煮；积，以醋
浸水煮。妇人血用事，气行则无疾，老人精枯血闭，惟气是资；小儿气日充，形乃日固。大凡病则气滞而
馁，故香附于气分为君药，世所罕知。佐以木香，散滞泄肺；以沉香，无不升降；以小茴香，可行经络；
而盐炒则补肾间元气。香附为君，参 为臣，甘草为佐，治虚怯甚速。佐以浓朴之类，决壅积；佐以棱、
莪之类，攻壅积之甚者。予尝避诸香燥之热，而用檀香佐香附者，以檀香流动诸气极妙也。
论半夏 痰分之病，半夏为主。脾主湿，每恶湿，湿生痰，而寒又生湿，故半夏之辛，燥湿也。
然必造而为曲，以生姜自然汁、生白矾汤等分，共和造曲，楮
叶包裹风干，然后入药。风痰，以猪牙皂角煮汁去渣滓，炼膏如饧，入姜汁。火痰黑色，老痰如胶，
以竹沥或荆沥入姜汁。湿痰白色，寒痰清，以老姜煎浓汤，加 白矾三分之一（如半夏三两、 白矾
一两）。俱造曲如前法。予又以霞天膏加白芥子三分之二，姜汁、矾汤、竹沥造曲，治痰积沉痼者，
自然使腐败，随大小便出，或散而为疮，此半夏曲之妙也。古方二陈汤以此为君，世医因辛，反减至
少许。而茯苓渗湿，陈皮行气，甘草醒脾，皆臣佐使，而反多其铢两，盖不造曲之过。观法制半夏，
以姜、矾制辛，即能大嚼是也。佐以南星，治风痰。以姜汁酒浸炒芩、连，及栝蒌实、香油拌曲略炒
之类，治痰火。以曲炒枳壳。枳实，姜汁浸蒸大黄、海粉之类，治老痰。以苍术、白术俱米泔姜汁浸
炒，甚至干姜、乌头，皆治湿痰。而常有脾泄者，以肉豆蔻配半夏曲，加神曲、麦芽作丸，尤有奇效
。浓养之人，酒后多此，而苦痰为病者，十常八九也。方书谓天下无逆流之水，人身有倒上之痰，气
乱血余，化而为痰，故治痰以行气杀血为要。
论黄连 火分之病，黄连为主。五脏皆有火，平则治，病则乱。方书有君火、相火、邪火、龙
火之论，
其实一气而已。故丹溪云∶“气有余，便是火”。分为数类; 凡治本病，略炒以从邪。实火，以朴
硝汤，假火以酒，虚火以醋，痰火以姜汁，俱浸透炒。气滞火以茱萸，食积泄以黄土，血癖 瘕痛
以干漆，俱以水拌同炒，去萸、土、漆。下焦伏火，以盐水浸透焙。目疾，以人乳浸蒸，或点或服。
生用为君，佐官桂少许，煎百沸，入蜜空心服，能使心肾交于顷刻。入五苓、滑石，大治梦遗。以土
、姜、酒、蜜四炒者为君，使君子为臣，白芍药酒煮为佐，广木香为使，治小儿五疳。以茱萸炒者，
加木香等分，生大黄倍之，水丸，治五痢。以姜汁酒煮者为末，和霞天膏，治癫痫、诸风眩晕、疮疡
，皆神效。非彼但云泻心火，而与芩、柏诸苦药例称者比也。
论诸药 余治沉 ，先循经络者，即诸古书所载引经报使药，贵识真尔。如心经，以人参益
气，石脂补血，朱砂钲心，天竺黄去痰，泽泻泻热，而莲肉、茯神、赤茯苓、远志、益智、酸枣之属，
利心窍以安神识。中间制炼，如以苦焦之味达本经，咸引所畏，辛避所胜，酸益其母，而甘泄其子，皆
裁成药性之道。
论五谷 粳米造饭，用荷叶煮汤者宽中。芥菜叶者豁痰。紫苏叶者行气解肌。薄荷叶者清热。
淡竹叶
者辟暑。造粥则白粥之外，入茯苓酪者，清上实下。薯蓣粉者，理胃。花椒汁者，辟岚瘴。姜、葱
、豉汁者发汗。与夫古方羊肾、猪肾之类，无非药力也。一人淋，素不服药，余教以专啖粟米粥，
绝他味，旬余减，月余痊，此五谷治病之理。
论五果 梨汁疏风豁痰；蒸露治内热。藕汁研墨，止吐血鼻衄；研桃仁调酒，破血积。胡桃
仁佐破故纸，盐水糊丸，治腰湿痛如神。大枣煮汁，去渣炼膏，救小儿脾虚胃寒，不能药者。莲肉作
末，苏噤口痢。柿蒂加HT 头糠，止转食。凡此余以应骄习之家，亦五果治疾之理。
论五菜 韭白愈淋，予涩精。大葱汁和五倍子末，涩虚脱之痢，非虚脱不用。苋煮汁，愈初
痢。萝卜风干，愈伤食嗽。白扁豆益脾清暑。蒜汁煮香附，加荜茇、大黄，治瘴乡中毒。诸菜俱能治病，
贵专啖耳。
论五畜禽虫之属 黄牛肉补气，与棉黄 同功。羊肉补血，与熟地黄同功。猪肉无补，而人习
之化也。惟胆于肝，肚于胃，腰子于肾，脊髓于骨，心于血，可引诸药入本经，实非其补。鹿则全体大
补，异时每欲以肉汁炼膏，如霞天膏、小刀圭之法，恨不多得。牛肝
连胆，用朴硝作脯，消痞块。骨髓煎油，擦四肢之损。禽则鹅善疏风、稚鸡补损，老鸡作羹起衰。虫
则蜣螂，土裹烧熟，与儿食，治疳。蚋皮作丸，大治惊痫疳痢。以上予治浓养之人多用之，亦从其化
也。独犬之壮阳，俗夫所尚，古方戊戌酒，盖为虚寒病设耳。或云士无故不杀犬豕，则古人已馐于珍
矣，意者，黑黄二色，足补脾肾，亦可如小刀圭法为之，以治虚怯劳瘵，而戒恣欲之非，价廉工省，可
济贫乏云。
论异类有情丸 人至中年，觉体衰弱，便可以此丸服饵。此方药仅三品，而补性极峻。盖鹿乃
阳兽，食山中之灵草，故多寿。夏至一阴生，而角便解，角得纯阳之气，故补人身之阳。龟者，灵物也。
属阴，能养息，上可补心，下可补肾，故补人身之阴。虎，西方之兽也，属金而能抑木，故虎啸而风生也
。三者皆多寿，皆有生育，皆有灵性，殊非草木金石比也，服饵宁无补益乎。
鹿茸、鹿角霜、龟板、虎胫骨，各如常制，为末，以猪脊髓加炼蜜为丸，梧桐子大，空心盐汤吞五
七十丸。或加猪胆汁一、二合，和于剂中，以寓降火之意。
药具有固定的本性，必须通过药材之间的相互制约、味道的相互协调，才能通达病情的变化。古书中的《本草括》《汤液》《珍珠》等篇章，我都无法全部记住，但关于阴阳五行（二五）的升降沉浮，以及咸、苦、酸、辛、甘五味的作用，在万物中随处可见。姑且列举几则例子，以类推其余的情况。
论用药：针对标病（继发病症或表象症状）的攻击性治疗，宜用生药，因为生药气味纯正、力量强劲；针对本病（原发病或根本病因）的调理服用，宜经过炮制炼制和调剂配伍的大成之品；若病在元气亏损，宜用味道醇厚清淡的药物。
论人参：将人参炼制成膏，能在虚无缥缈之处挽回元气，这是王道般的温和疗法。黑附子能回阳救逆，功效显赫霸道。甘草能调和元气，无论何种情况皆可适用，无可无不可。
论当归：当归主治血分疾病。四川产的当归药力刚猛，可用于攻邪；陕西产的当归性质柔和，适宜补益。凡是用当归治疗本病，需用酒炮制；而治疗痰证时，独用姜汁浸透，以引导血液回归本源的道理。熟地黄也是如此。血虚时，以人参、赤石脂为佐使药；血热时，以生地黄、姜黄、黄芩为佐使药，以不绝生化之源。血瘀积滞时，配以大黄。妇女形体肥胖，血液化为痰饮，可用两味药（指当归和熟地或相关配伍）经姜汁浸泡，佐以利水通道的药物。总之，治血药离不开当归，所以古方四物汤以当归为君药，芍药为臣药，地黄分生熟作为佐药，川芎为使药，可谓经典纲要。
论香附：香附主治气分疾病，其香气能窜行，苦味能降泄，推陈出新，所以各书都说它能益气，而世俗有耗气的错误说法，认为它专用于妇科是不对的。治疗本病，略加炒制；兼治血病，用酒煮；治痰，用姜汁；体虚，用童便浸泡；实证，用盐水煮；积滞，用醋和水浸泡。妇女以血为主事，气行则无病；老人精枯血闭，只依靠气来资助；小儿气日渐充盈，身体才日渐坚固。大凡生病则气机滞涩且虚弱，所以香附在气分中作为君药，世人很少知道这一点。佐以木香，可散滞气、泄肺气；佐以沉香，可使气机无不升降；佐以小茴香，可行经络；盐炒则可补肾间元气。以香附为君药，人参为臣药，甘草为佐药，治疗虚怯病症非常迅速。佐以厚朴之类，可决断壅积；佐以三棱、莪术之类，可攻伐严重的壅积。我曾避开各种香燥药物的热性，而用檀香佐助香附，是因为檀香流动诸气极为巧妙。
论半夏：痰分疾病，以半夏为主。脾主湿，往往厌恶湿气，湿生痰，寒又生湿，所以半夏的辛味，能燥湿。但必须造成为曲剂，用生姜自然汁、生白矾汤各等份，共同混合造曲，用楮叶包裹风干，然后入药。风痰，用猪牙皂角煮汁去渣滓，炼膏如饴糖状，加入姜汁。火痰色黑，老痰如胶，用竹沥或荆沥加入姜汁。湿痰色白，寒痰清稀，用老姜煎浓汤，加入三分之一量的白矾（如半夏三两、白矾一两）。都按上述方法造曲。我又用霞天膏加三分之二量的白芥子，用姜汁、矾汤、竹沥造曲，治疗痰积沉疴者，能使腐败之物随大小便排出，或者发散成为疮疡，这是半夏曲的妙处。古方二陈汤以此（半夏曲）为君药，世医因为它是辛温之品，反而减少到极少量。而茯苓渗湿，陈皮行气，甘草醒脾，都是臣、佐、使药，反而用量较多，这都是没有造曲的过错。观察法制半夏，用姜、矾制约其辛烈，就能大口咀嚼食用了。佐以天南星，治风痰。用姜汁、酒浸泡后炒黄芩、黄连，以及栝蒌实、香油拌曲略炒之类，治痰火。用曲炒枳壳、枳实。用姜汁浸泡蒸大黄、海粉之类，治老痰。用苍术、白术都用米泔水和姜汁浸泡炒制，甚至用干姜、乌头，都治湿痰。而常有脾泄的人，用肉豆蔻配半夏曲，加神曲、麦芽做成丸药，尤其有奇效。生活优裕的人，酒后多患此病，而苦痰致病的情况，十常八九。方书说天下没有逆流的水，人身有倒上的痰，气乱血余，化而为痰，所以治痰以行气、活血为要务。
论黄连：火分疾病，以黄连为主。五脏都有火，平和时治理有序，生病时则混乱。方书有君火、相火、邪火、龙火的论述，其实只是一股气罢了。所以丹溪说：“气有余，便是火”。分为几类：凡治疗本病，略炒以顺从邪气。实火，用朴硝汤浸泡，假借火性；虚火，用醋浸泡；痰火，用姜汁浸泡，都浸透后炒制。气滞火用吴茱萸，食积泄利用黄土，血癖瘕痛用干漆，都用水拌匀同炒，去掉萸、土、漆。下焦伏火，用盐水浸透焙干。眼疾，用人乳浸泡蒸制，或点眼或内服。生用为君药，佐少许官桂，煎煮百沸，空腹加蜜服用，能使心肾在顷刻间相交。加入五苓散、滑石，大治梦遗。用土、姜、酒、蜜四法炒制的为君药，使君子为臣药，白芍药酒煮为佐药，广木香为使药，治小儿五疳。用吴茱萸炒制的，加木香等份，生大黄加倍，水泛为丸，治五种痢疾。用姜汁酒煮成的末，和霞天膏，治癫痫、各种风眩、疮疡，都神效。不像那些只说泻心火，与黄芩、黄柏等苦药一概而论的比较。
论诸药：我治疗沉疴，先顺着经络寻找，就是各古书记载的引经报使药，贵在识别真确。比如心经，用人参益气，赤石脂补血，朱砂镇心，天竺黄去痰，泽泻泻热，而莲肉、茯神、赤茯苓、远志、益智仁、酸枣仁之类，利心窍以安神识。中间的炮制炼制，如用苦焦的味道到达本经，用咸味引导所畏惧的，用辛味避开所胜的，用酸味益其母，用甘味泄其子，都是裁成药性的道理。
论五谷：粳米做饭，用荷叶煮汤的能宽中。芥菜叶能豁痰。紫苏叶能行气解肌。薄荷叶能清热。淡竹叶能辟暑。做粥的话，在白粥之外，加入茯苓酪的，能清上实下。山药粉的，能理胃。花椒汁的，能辟岚瘴。姜、葱、豆豉汁的能发汗。以及古方中的羊肾、猪肾之类，无非是药力作用。一人淋证，平时不服药，我教他专门吃粟米粥，断绝其他味道，十多天减轻，一个多月痊愈，这是五谷治病的道理。
论五果：梨汁疏风豁痰；蒸露治内热。藕汁研墨，止吐血鼻衄；研桃仁调酒，破血积。胡桃仁佐破故纸（补骨脂），用盐水糊丸，治腰湿痛如神。大枣煮汁，去渣炼膏，救小儿脾虚胃寒，不能服药者。莲肉作末，治噤口痢。柿蒂加稻头糠，止转食（消化不良）。凡此我用它们应对骄奢习惯的家庭，也是五果治病的道理。
论五菜：韭白愈淋，予涩精。大葱汁和五倍子末，涩虚脱之痢，非虚脱不用。苋菜煮汁，愈初痢。萝卜风干，愈伤食嗽。白扁豆益脾清暑。蒜汁煮香附，加荜茇、大黄，治瘴乡中毒。诸菜都能治病，贵在专吃。
论五畜禽虫之属：黄牛肉补气，与黄芪同功。羊肉补血，与熟地黄同功。猪肉无补益作用，而人习惯于消化它。只有胆对应肝，肚对应胃，腰子对应肾，脊髓对应骨，心对应血，可以引导诸药进入本经，实在不是它们的补益作用。鹿则全身大补，异时常想用肉汁炼膏，如霞天膏、小刀圭的方法，恨不多得。牛肝连胆，用朴硝做成脯，消痞块。骨髓煎油，擦四肢之损伤。禽类中鹅善疏风，雏鸡补损，老鸡作羹起衰。虫类中蜣螂，土裹烧熟，给小孩吃，治疳积。蚊蚋皮做丸，大治惊痫疳痢。以上我治疗生活优裕的人多用这些，也是顺应他们的消化特性。唯独狗的壮阳，俗夫崇尚，古方戊戌酒，是给虚寒病设的。有人说士人无故不杀犬猪，则古人已经视为珍馐了，我想，黑黄二色，足以补脾肾，也可以像小刀圭法那样制作，以治疗虚怯劳瘵，并戒除纵欲的非议，价廉工省，可以救济贫乏。
论异类有情丸：人到中年，觉得身体衰弱，就可以服用此丸。此方药仅三味，而补性极峻烈。盖鹿乃阳兽，食山中之灵草，所以多寿。夏至一阴生，而鹿角便脱落，角得纯阳之气，所以补人身之阳。龟者，灵物也。属阴，能养息，上可补心，下可补肾，所以补人身之阴。虎，西方之兽也，属金而能抑木，所以虎啸而风生也。三者都多寿，都有生育能力，都有灵性，绝非草木金石可比，服用难道没有补益吗？
鹿茸、鹿角霜、龟板、虎胫骨，各按常规炮制，研为末，用猪脊髓加炼蜜为丸，梧桐子大，空腹盐汤吞服五七十丸。或加猪胆汁一、二合，混合在药剂中，以寓降火之意。
Medicinal substances possess inherent natures; they must mutually constrain each other and harmonize in flavor before they can effectively address pathological conditions. Ancient texts such as *Bencao Kuo* (Compendium of Materia Medica), *Tangye* (Decoctions), and *Zhenzhu* (Pearl) are too numerous for me to memorize completely. However, the ascending and descending movements of Yin and Yang (Er Wu) and the effects of the Five Flavors (Salty, Bitter, Sour, Pungent, Sweet) are evident in all things. I shall briefly list a few examples to illustrate the rest.
On the Use of Medicines: For attacking manifest symptoms (Biao Bing), raw materials should be used because their Qi is pure and potency strong. For treating root diseases (Ben Bing), processed and compounded preparations are suitable. When disease lies in the depletion of Yuan Qi (Original Qi), mild and bland medicines are appropriate.
On Ren Shen (Ginseng): Processing Ren Shen into an extract restores Yuan Qi from the void; this is the "King's Way" (gentle approach). Hei Fuzi (Black Prepared Aconite Root) rescues devastated Yang with majestic power. Gan Cao (Licorice Root) harmonizes Yuan Qi and is universally applicable.
On Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis): Dang Gui primarily treats blood-related disorders. Dang Gui produced in Sichuan has a robust nature suitable for expelling pathogens, while that from Qin region is gentle and suitable for tonification. Generally, for treating root diseases, it is prepared with wine; for phlegm disorders, it is soaked in ginger juice to guide blood back to its source. Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) follows similar principles. For Blood Deficiency, it is combined with Ren Shen and Chi Shi Zhi (Red Halloysite); for Blood Heat, with Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root), Jiang Huang (Turmeric Rhizome), and Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root) to preserve the source of generation. For Blood Stasis, Da Huang (Rhubarb Root) is added. In obese women where blood transforms into Phlegm, these are soaked in ginger juice and combined with diuretics. Ultimately, blood-regulating formulas cannot omit Dang Gui. Thus, in the ancient formula Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Dang Gui is the Sovereign herb, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) is the Minister, Di Huang (Rehmannia Root, raw or prepared) serves as Assistant, and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) is the Envoy. This can be considered a classic summary.
On Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rhizome): Xiang Fu primarily treats Qi-related disorders. Its aromatic nature penetrates, and its bitter taste descends, eliminating the old and generating the new. Therefore, although various texts claim it tonifies Qi, the common misconception that it depletes Qi is incorrect; limiting it to gynecology is also wrong. For treating root diseases, it is lightly stir-fried; for accompanying blood disorders, it is decocted in wine; for phlegm, in ginger juice; for deficiency, soaked in child's urine; for excess, boiled in salt water; for accumulation, soaked in vinegar and water. Women rely on blood; when Qi moves smoothly, disease does not occur. The elderly, with depleted essence and closed blood vessels, rely solely on Qi. Children's bodies solidify as their Qi fills daily. Generally, illness causes Qi stagnation and weakness, so Xiang Fu acts as the Sovereign herb for Qi disorders, a fact rarely known. Combined with Mu Xiang (Vladimiria Root) to disperse stagnation and vent Lung Qi; with Chen Xiang (Aquilaria Wood) to regulate ascending and descending Qi; with Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Fruit) to unblock meridians; salt-fried to tonify Yuan Qi in the Kidneys. With Xiang Fu as Sovereign, Ren Shen as Minister, and Gan Cao as Assistant, it treats deficiency rapidly. Added to Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) to resolve obstruction; added to San Leng (Curcuma Zedoaria Rhizome) and E Zhu (Curcuma Phaeocaulis Rhizome) to attack severe accumulation. I once avoided the heat of aromatic-dry herbs by using Tan Xiang (Sandalwood) to assist Xiang Fu, as Tan Xiang excellently circulates Qi.
On Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber): Phlegm disorders are primarily treated with Ban Xia. The Spleen governs Dampness and dislikes it; Dampness generates Phlegm, and Cold generates Dampness. Thus, the pungency of Ban Xia dries Dampness. However, it must be processed into Qu (Medicated Leaven) using equal parts fresh ginger juice and raw Bai Fan (Alum) solution, wrapped in Cudrania leaves, air-dried, and then used. For Wind-Phlegm, boil Ya Zao Jiao (Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit) in water, strain, reduce to a paste like maltose, and add ginger juice. For Fire-Phlegm (black color) or Old Phlegm (gelatinous), add Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) or Jing Li (Ampelopsis Juice) to ginger juice. For Damp-Phlegm (white) or Cold-Phlegm (clear), boil old ginger in thick soup and add one-third amount of Bai Fan (e.g., 3 liang Ban Xia, 1 liang Bai Fan). Process into Qu as above. I also use Xia Tian Gao (Gelatin) mixed with two-thirds Bai Jie Zi (White Mustard Seed), processed with ginger juice, alum water, and bamboo sap, to treat chronic phlegm accumulations. It naturally decomposes rotting matter, which exits via stool or urine, or disperses as sores. This is the efficacy of Ban Xia Qu. In the ancient formula Er Chen Tang (Two-Aged Decoction), this is the Sovereign herb. Modern physicians, fearing its pungency, reduce the dose significantly. Meanwhile, Fu Ling (Poria), Chen Pi (Citrus Peel), and Gan Cao, which are Ministers, Assistants, and Envoys, are often overused. This error stems from not using Qu. Observing processed Ban Xia, constrained by ginger and alum to be mild enough to chew, confirms this. Combined with Nan Xing (Arisaema Rhizome) for Wind-Phlegm. Soaked in ginger juice and wine, stir-fried with Huang Qin and Huang Lian, or mixed with Gua Lou Shi (Trichosanthes Fruit) and sesame oil Qu, for Phlegm-Fire. Qu-fried Zhi Ke (Aurantium) and Zhi Shi (Immature Aurantium). Ginger-soaked and steamed Da Huang, Hai Fen (Sepia Shell), for Old Phlegm. Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) soaked in rice wash and ginger juice, even Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Wu Tou (Aconite Root), treat Damp-Phlegm. For those with frequent Spleen diarrhea, Rou Dou Kou (Nutmeg) paired with Ban Xia Qu, plus Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) and Mai Ya (Barley Sprout) as pills, yields remarkable results. Well-fed individuals often suffer this after drinking; bitter-phlegm pathology accounts for eight or nine out of ten cases. Medical texts state there is no backward-flowing water in the world, but the human body has upward-reversing Phlegm. Chaotic Qi and surplus blood transform into Phlegm; thus, regulating Qi and invigorating Blood are essential in treating Phlegm.
On Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome): Fire disorders are primarily treated with Huang Lian. All five Zang organs contain Fire; when balanced, it governs; when diseased, it disrupts. Texts discuss Jun Huo (Ministerial Fire), Xiang Huo (Assistant Fire), Xie Huo (Pathogenic Fire), and Long Huo (Dragon Fire), but essentially, it is one Qi. As Danxi said: "Excess Qi is Fire." Categories vary: For root diseases, lightly stir-fry to accommodate pathogenic factors. For Excess Fire, soak in Pu Xiao (Mirabilite) solution; borrow Fire nature via wine; for Deficiency Fire, soak in vinegar; for Phlegm-Fire, soak in ginger juice. All soaked thoroughly before stir-frying. For Qi-stagnation Fire, use Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit); for Food-Stagnation Diarrhea, use Huang Tu (Yellow Loess); for Blood-Pi Mass Pain, use Gan Qi (Dry Lacquer). Stir-fry with water, then remove Evodia, loess, and lacquer. For latent Fire in the Lower Jiao, soak in salt water and roast. For eye diseases, soak in human milk and steam, apply topically or ingest. Raw Huang Lian as Sovereign, with a little Guan Gui (Cinnamon Bark), boiled vigorously, taken with honey on an empty stomach, allows Heart and Kidney to interact instantly. Added to Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) and Hua Shi (Talcum), it treats nocturnal emission. Four-way fried (earth, ginger, wine, honey) as Sovereign, Shi Jun Zi (Areca Seed) as Minister, Jiu Zhu Bai Shao (Wine-processed White Peony Root) as Assistant, Guang Mu Xiang (Costus Root) as Envoy, treats pediatric Wugan (Five Types of Malnutrition). Zhu Yu-fried, added with equal Mu Xiang and double Sheng Da Huang, water-pilled, treats Wuli (Five Types of Dysentery). Powdered via ginger juice and wine decoction, mixed with Xia Tian Gao, treats Epilepsy, Wind-Dizziness, and Sores, with miraculous effect. This differs from merely clearing Heart Fire alongside other bitter herbs like Huang Qin and Huang Bo.
On Various Medicines: In treating chronic diseases, I first follow the meridians, identifying the guiding and reporting agents recorded in ancient texts. For the Heart Meridian, Ren Shen tonifies Qi, Chi Shi Zhi nourishes Blood, Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) calms the Heart, Tian Zhu Huang (Calamus) clears Phlegm, Ze Xie (Alisma Rhizome) drains Heat. Lotus seed, Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria), Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root), Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit), and Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) benefit the Heart orifices to calm the Spirit. Processing methods include using bitter-burnt flavors to reach the meridian, salty flavors to guide away from feared elements, pungent flavors to avoid overcoming elements, sour flavors to benefit the mother element, and sweet flavors to drain the son element. These constitute the art of modifying medicinal properties.
On Five Grains: Rice cooked with lotus leaf decoction broadens the Middle Jiao. Mustard greens clear Phlegm. Perilla leaves move Qi and release the muscle layer. Mint clears Heat. Light bamboo leaves dispel summer-heat. Porridge made with white rice plus Fu Ling cheese clears the Upper and strengthens the Lower. Yam powder regulates the Stomach. Pepper juice dispels miasma. Ginger, scallion, and fermented soybean juice induce sweating. Ancient recipes using sheep kidneys or pig kidneys rely on these medicinal powers. A patient with Lin Syndrome (dysuria) who refused medicine was taught to eat only millet porridge, avoiding other foods. Symptoms reduced in ten days, resolved in a month. This illustrates the therapeutic principle of grains.
On Five Fruits: Pear juice disperses Wind and clears Phlegm; steamed dew treats internal Heat. Lotus root juice ground into ink stops hematemesis and epistaxis; peach kernel ground with wine breaks Blood stasis. Walnut kernel combined with Po Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit) and salt-water paste treats lumbar damp-pain divinely. Red date decoction, strained and concentrated, saves children with Spleen deficiency and Stomach cold who cannot take medicine. Lotus seed powder treats Jin Kou Li (closed-mouth dysentery). Persimmon calyx with rice bran stops food stagnation. I use these for indulgent lifestyles, illustrating the healing power of fruits.
On Five Vegetables: Leek whites cure Lin syndrome and astringe Essence. Green onion juice mixed with Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis) powder astringes collapse-type dysentery, not used otherwise. Amaranth juice cures initial dysentery. Air-dried radish cures cough from food stagnation. White hyacinth bean tonifies Spleen and clears summer-heat. Garlic juice boiled with Xiang Fu, plus Bi Ba (Long Pepper Fruit) and Da Huang, treats poisoning in miasma regions. All vegetables treat disease if consumed exclusively.
On Five Livestock, Poultry, and Insects: Yellow beef tonifies Qi, equivalent to Huang Qi (Astragalus). Lamb nourishes Blood, equivalent to Shu Di Huang. Pork offers no tonic value but is easily digested. Gallbladder corresponds to Liver, stomach to Stomach, kidney to Kidney, marrow to Bones, heart to Blood; these guide medicines to their respective meridians rather than providing direct tonification. Deer provides comprehensive tonification; I often wished to make meat-extract gelatin like Xia Tian Gao or Xiao Dao Gui method, regretting scarcity. Ox liver with gall, preserved with mirabilite, dissipates masses. Marrow oil applied externally treats limb injuries. Geese disperse Wind; young chickens tonify deficiency; old chicken soup revives decline. Dung beetles, roasted in earth, fed to children, treat malnutrition. Mosquito skins made into pills treat fright, epilepsy, and malnutrition dysentery. I frequently use these for well-nourished patients, respecting their digestive capacity. Dog meat for Yang strengthening is popular among laymen; the ancient formula Wu Xu Jiu (Wu Xu Wine) is designed for deficiency-cold. Some say scholars do not kill dogs or pigs unnecessarily, implying ancients valued them highly. Black and yellow colors tonify Spleen and Kidney; they can be processed like Xiao Dao Gui to treat deficiency consumptive disease, warning against lustful excess. Cheap and labor-saving, it aids the poor.
On Pills of Sentient Beings of Different Species: Upon reaching middle age and feeling physical decline, one may take this pill. Though containing only three ingredients, its tonifying power is potent. Deer, a Yang beast eating spiritual grass, lives long. At Summer Solstice, Yin arises, and antlers shed; antlers possess pure Yang Qi, tonifying human Yang. Turtle, a spiritual creature belonging to Yin, nourishes breath; it tonifies Heart above and Kidney below, thus tonifying human Yin. Tiger, a Western beast belonging to Metal, suppresses Wood; hence tiger roars generate wind. All three live long, reproduce, and possess spirituality, unlike plants and minerals. Surely, consuming them brings benefit.
Lu Rong (Deer Antler Velvet), Lu Jiao Shuang (Deer Antler Glue Residue), Gui Ban (Turtle Shell), and Hu Jing Gu (Tiger Tibia) are processed normally, powdered, and formed into pills with pig spinal cord and refined honey, size of paulownia seeds. Take 50-70 pills with salt water on an empty stomach. Alternatively, add 1-2 he of pig bile to the mixture to imply fire-clearing intent.