千金或曰，古人用药至少，分两亦轻，瘥病极多，观君处方，非不烦重，分两亦多，而
瘥病不及古人者，何也，答曰，古者日月长远，药在土中自养经久，气味真实，百姓少欲，
禀气中和，感病轻微，易为医疗，今时日月短促，药力轻虚，人多巧诈，感病浓重，难以为
医，故病轻药味须少， 重用药即多，此则医之一隅，何足怪也。
又古之医者，自解采取，阴干曝干，皆悉如法，用药必依土地，所以疗十得九，今之医
者，但知诊脉处方，不知采药时节，至于出处土地，新陈虚实，一皆不悉，所以疗十不能得
愈五六者，实由于此，处方者常须加意，重复用药，药乃有力，若学古人，徒自误耳，将来
学人须详熟之。
凡紫石英白石英朱砂雄黄硫黄等，皆须光明映澈，色理鲜净者为佳，不然，令人身体干
躁发热，口干而死。
凡草木药，皆须土地坚实，气味浓烈，不尔，疗病不愈。
凡野狼毒枳实橘皮半夏麻黄吴茱萸，皆欲得陈久者良，其余唯须精新也。
问曰，凡和合汤药，治诸草石虫兽，用水升数，消杀之法则云何，答曰，凡草有根茎枝
叶，皮骨花实，诸虫有毛翅皮甲，头足尾骨之属，有须烧炼炮炙，生熟有定，一如后法，顺
方者福，逆之者殃，或须皮去肉，或去皮须肉，或须根茎，或须花实，依方炼治，极令净
洁，然后升合秤两，勿令参差，药有相生相杀，气力有强有弱，君臣相理，佐使相持，若不
广通诸经，即不知有好有恶，或医自以意加减，不依方分，使诸药草石强弱相欺，入人腹中，
不能治病，更加斗争，草石相反，使人迷乱，力甚，刀剑，若调和得所，虽未能治病，犹得
利安五藏，于病无所增剧，例曰，诸经方用药，所有熬炼节度，皆脚下注之，今方不然，此
篇具
凡药治择熬炮讫，然后秤之以充用，不得生秤。
凡石药及玉，皆碎如米豆，以绵裹内汤酒中煮之。
凡钟乳及诸石，以玉锤着水研之，三日三夜漂练务令极细，干研则七日七夜。
凡银屑，以水银和成泥。
凡 石，以黄土泥团之，火烧半日乃熟可用，仍不得过之，不炼，生入药，使入破心肝
凡朴硝矾石，烧令汁尽，乃入丸散，芒硝朴硝皆绞汤讫，乃纳汁中，更上火两三沸令烊
尽，乃服。
凡汤中用丹砂雄黄，细熟研如粉，临服乃投汤中，搅令调和，服之。
凡汤中用完物，皆擘破，干枣栀子之类是也，用细核物，亦打破，山茱萸五味子蕤核决
明子之类是也，细花子物，正尔完用之，旋复花菊花地肤子葵子之类是也，米麦豆辈亦完用
之。
凡橘皮吴茱萸椒等，入汤不 咀。
凡诸果子仁，皆去尖皮及两仁者，汤揉挞去皮，仍切之，用栀子者，去皮，用蒲黄者，
汤成下。
凡生麦门冬生姜入汤，皆切，三捣三绞取汁，汤成去滓下之，煮五六沸，依如升数，不
可共药煮，一法薄切用之。
凡麦门冬，皆微润抽去心。
凡麻黄，去节别煮两三沸，掠去沫，更益水，如本数，乃纳诸药煮之，不尔，令人烦寸
斩之，小草瞿麦，五分斩之，细辛白前，三分斩之，膏中细切用之。
凡牛膝石斛等入汤酒，拍碎用之，石斛入丸散者，先以 捶极打令碎，乃入臼，不尔捣
不熟。
凡用桂浓朴杜仲秦皮木兰皮辈，皆削去上虚软甲错，取里有味者秤之，茯苓猪苓，削去
黑皮秤，牡丹天门冬巴戟天远志野葛等，皆捶破去心，紫菀洗去土，戟干乃秤之，薤白葱
，除责令尽，莽草石南茵芋泽兰，剔取叶及嫩茎，去大枝，鬼臼黄连，皆除根毛，石苇辛夷
，拭去毛，又去心，蜀椒去目及闭口者，用大枣乌梅皆去核，用鬼箭削取羽皮。
凡茯芍药，补药须白者，泻药唯赤者。
凡菟丝子，汤淘汰去土干漉，暖酒渍经一宿，漉出曝微白捣之，不尽者更以酒渍之，三
五日乃出曝，微干捣之，须臾悉尽，极易碎。
凡甘草浓朴枳实石南茵芋藜芦皂荚之类，皆炙之，而枳实去 ，藜芦去头，皂荚去皮子
凡椒云实微熬令汗出，即有势力。
凡汤丸散，用天雄附子乌头乌喙侧子，皆 灰炮令微拆，削去黑皮乃秤之，唯姜附汤及
膏酒中，即生用，亦削去皮乃秤之，直理破作七八片，半夏热汤浸洗去上滑，一云十洗四破
乃秤之，以入汤，若膏酒丸散，皆 灰炮之用。
凡巴豆，去心皮膜，熬令紫色，杏仁桃仁葶苈胡麻诸有膏脂药，皆熬黄，别捣令如膏脂
，视之泯泯尔，乃以向成散稍稍下臼中，合研捣令消散，乃复都以轻绢筛之HT 尽，又
纳臼中，
凡麦 曲末，大豆黄卷泽兰芜荑，皆微炒，干漆熬令烟断，乌梅入丸散熬之，用熟艾者
，先炒细擘，合和诸药捣之，今细散不可筛者，纳散中和之。
凡用诸毛羽齿牙蹄甲龟鳖鲛鲤等甲皮肉骨角筋鹿茸等，皆炙之，蛇蜕皮微炙。
凡用斑蝥诸虫，皆去足翅，微熬，用桑螵蛸，中破炙之，牡蛎熬令黄色，僵蚕蜂房微熬
之。
凡汤中用麝香犀角鹿角羚羊角牛黄，须末如粉，临服纳汤中，搅令调和，服之。
凡丸散用胶，先炙，今通体沸起，燥乃可捣，有不沸处更炙之断，下汤直尔用之，勿炙
，诸汤中用阿胶，皆绞汤毕，纳汁中，更上火令烊尽。
凡用蜜，先以火煎掠沫，令色紫黄，即丸经久不坏，掠之多少，随蜜精粗，遂至大稠，
于丸弥佳。
凡丸中用蜡，烊之，投少蜜中搅调以和药。
凡汤中用饴糠，皆汤成下，诸汤用酒者，皆临熟下之。
又云，古秤唯有铢两，而无分名，今则以十黍为一铢，六铢为一分，四分为一两，十六
两为一斤，此则神农之秤也，吴人以二两为一两，隋人以三两为一两，今依四分为一两为定，
方家有云等分者，皆是丸散，随病轻重，所须多少，无定铢两，两三种或五种，皆悉分两同
等
凡丸散云若干分两者，是品诸药宜多宜少之分两，非必止于若干之分两也，假今日服三
方寸匕，须瘥止，是三五两药尔。
凡散药有云刀圭者，十分方寸匕之一，准如梧桐子大也，方寸匕者，作匕正方一寸，抄
散取不落为度，钱匕者，以大钱上全抄之，若云半钱匕者，则是一钱抄一边尔，并用五铢钱
也，钱五匕者，今五铢钱边五字者以抄之，亦令不落为度，一撮者四刀圭也，十撮为一勺，
十勺为一合，以药升分之者，谓药有虚实，轻重不得用斤两，即以升平之，药升方作上径一
寸，下径六分，深八分，纳散勿按抑之，正尔微动，令平调耳，今人分药，不复用此。
凡丸药，有云如细麻者，即胡麻也，不必扁，但令较略大小相称尔，如黍粟亦然，以十
六黍为一大豆也，如大麻子者，即今大麻子准三细麻也，如胡豆者，今之青斑豆也，以二大
麻子准之，如小豆者，今赤小豆也，粒有大小，以三大麻子准之，如大豆者，以小豆准之，
如梧桐子者，以二大豆准之，一方寸匕散，蜜和得如梧桐子十丸为度，如弹丸及鸡子黄者，
以十
凡方云巴豆若干枚者，当先去心皮毕，乃秤之，以一分准十六枚，附子乌头若干枚者，
去皮毕，以半两准一枚，枳实若干枚者，去核毕，以一分准二枚，橘皮一分准三枚，枣有大
小，
凡方云半夏一升者，洗毕秤五两为正，椒一升三两为正，吴茱萸一升五两为正，菟丝子
一升九两为正， 子一升四两为正，蛇床子一升三两半为正，地肤子一升四两为正，此其
不
凡方云桂一尺者，削去皮，重半两为正，甘草一尺者，重二两为正，云某草一束者，重
三两为正，云一把者，重二两为正。
凡方云蜜一斤者，有七合，猪膏一斤者一升二合。
凡汤酒膏药，旧方皆云 咀者，谓秤毕，捣之如大豆，又使吹去细末，此于事殊不允当
，药有易碎难碎，多末少末，秤两则不复均平，今皆细切之，较略令如 咀者，乃得无末而
片粒调和也，凡云末之者，谓捣筛如法也。
凡丸散，先细切，曝燥乃捣之，有各捣者，有合捣者，并随方所言，其湿润药如天门冬
干地黄辈，皆先切，曝干独捣令偏碎，更出细擘曝干，若值阴雨，可微火烘之，小停冷乃捣
之。
凡湿药，燥皆大耗，当先增分两，须得屑乃秤之为正，其汤酒不须如此。
凡筛丸药，用重密绢令细，于蜜丸易熟，若筛散，草药用轻疏绢，于酒中服即不泥，其
石药亦用细绢筛，令如丸药者，凡筛丸散药毕，皆更合于臼中，以杵捣之数百过，视其色理
和同为佳。
凡煮汤，用微火令小沸，其水数依方多少，大略二十两药用水一斗，煮取四升，以此为
率，皆绞去滓，而后酌量也，然则利汤欲生，少水而多取汁者，为病须快利，所以少水而多
取汁，补汤欲熟，多水而少取汁者，为病须补益，是以多水而少取汁，好详视之，不得令水
数多少，汤熟，可用新布两人以尺木绞去滓，澄去 浊，分再服三服者，第二第三服以纸覆
令密，勿令泄气欲服以铜器于热汤上暖之，若于铛中，勿令器中有水气，方云再服三服者，
要令力
《千金方》或有人问：古人用药分量很少，剂量也很轻，但治愈的疾病非常多。看您的处方，并非不繁杂沉重，剂量也很多，但治愈的疾病却不如古人多，这是为什么呢？我回答说：古时候时间久远，药物在土壤中自然生长、积蓄药力时间长，气味真实纯正；百姓欲望少，禀受天地之气平和中正，感受的病邪轻微，容易治疗。现在时代变迁，时间短暂，药物力量轻浮虚弱；人多巧诈，感受的病邪浓重深痼，难以医治。所以病轻时药味应当少，病重时用药就要多。这只是医学的一个方面，有什么值得奇怪的呢？
另外，古代的医生，自己懂得采集药物，阴干或晒干，都完全符合法度，用药必定依据产地道地药材，所以治疗十个能治好九个。现在的医生，只知道诊脉开方，不懂得采摘药物的时节，至于药物的出处、产地、新旧、虚实等情况，一概不了解，所以治疗十个不能治好五六个，实在就是因为这个原因。开处方的人必须多加注意，重复使用药物（指严格遵循炮制和配伍），药物才能发挥效力。如果只学古人的形式而不究其实质，只会白白耽误病人。后来的学习者必须详细熟记这些道理。
凡是紫石英、白石英、朱砂、雄黄、硫黄等矿物药，都必须要求色泽光明透彻、纹理鲜明洁净的为好，否则，会导致人体身体干燥、发热、口干甚至死亡。
凡是草木类药物，都必须要求产地土壤坚实、气味浓烈，如果不这样，治疗疾病就不能痊愈。
凡是野狼毒、枳实、橘皮、半夏、麻黄、吴茱萸等，都想要得到陈久存放的为好，其余的药物则只需要精细新鲜的即可。
问：凡是调和汤药，处理各种草、石、虫、兽类药材，用水的升数多少，以及消毒杀灭毒性的法则是什么？答：凡是草本植物，有根、茎、枝、叶、皮、骨、花、实等不同部位；各种昆虫，有毛、翅、皮、甲、头、足、尾、骨等部分。有的需要烧炼、炮炙，生用或熟用有固定的规定，完全依照下面的方法。顺从方剂法度的就有福报，违背它就会有灾殃。有的需要去皮取肉，有的需要去肉留皮，有的需要用根茎，有的需要用花实，都要依照方剂进行炼制加工，务必使其极其洁净，然后按照升、合、秤、两来计量，不要出现差错。药物之间有相生相杀的关系，药力有强有弱，君药与臣药相互调理，佐药与使药相互制约。如果不广泛通晓各经药理，就不知道药物的好坏优劣。或者医生凭自己的意思随意加减，不依方剂的剂量比例，导致各种草药、石药的强弱互相欺压，进入人腹中后，不仅不能治病，反而加剧斗争。草药和石药若相反相冲，使人神志迷乱，其猛烈程度胜过刀剑。如果调和得当，虽然未必能立即治愈疾病，也能利于安养五脏，不会使病情加重。例如：各经方剂用药，所有熬炼节度，都在下方注明。现在的方子不是这样，这一篇内容详尽。
凡是药物经过治择、熬、炮之后，然后称量以供使用，不得生药直接称量。
凡是石药及玉石，都要捣碎如米粒、豆粒大小，用绵布包裹放入汤剂或酒中煎煮。
凡是钟乳石及各种石药，用玉锤在水中研磨，三天三夜漂洗练制，务必使其极细，如果是干研则需要七天七夜。
凡是银屑，用水银调和成泥状。
凡是砒石，用黄土泥团裹住它，火烧半天才熟透可用，仍然不能超过这个时间，如果不炼制，生药入药，会损伤心肝。
凡是朴硝、矾石，烧至汁液流尽，然后用于制作丸散。芒硝、朴硝都要先用热汤绞溶，然后纳入汁液中，再次上火煮沸两三滚使其完全溶解，然后服用。
凡是汤剂中使用丹砂、雄黄，要细细熟研成粉，临服用时投入汤中，搅拌令其调和，然后服用。
凡是汤剂中使用完整的物体，都要掰破，如干枣、栀子之类是。使用有细小核的物体，也要打破，如山茱萸、五味子、蕤仁、决明子之类是。细小的花籽类物体，就直接完整使用，如旋覆花、菊花、地肤子、葵子之类是。米、麦、豆类也完整使用。
凡是各种果子的种子仁，都要去掉尖端、外皮以及双仁的，用汤揉搓拍打去掉外皮，然后切碎使用。用栀子的，要去皮；用蒲黄的，要在汤煮好后加入。
凡是生麦门冬、生姜入汤剂，都要切碎，捣三次绞取汁液，汤煮好后去掉渣滓再加入，再煮五六沸，按照规定的升数计算，不可以和其他药一起煮。另一种方法是薄切使用。
凡是麦门冬，都要微微润湿后抽去心。
凡是麻黄，去掉节部单独煮两三沸，撇去浮沫，再加水恢复到原来的水量，然后纳入其他药物一起煮，否则，会让人心烦意乱，寸口脉象异常。小草、瞿麦，切成五分长；细辛、白前，切成三分长；膏剂中则细切使用。
凡是牛膝、石斛等入汤剂或酒剂，拍碎使用。石斛入丸散的，先用东西捶打至极碎，然后放入臼中，否则捣不烂。
凡是使用桂枝、厚朴、杜仲、秦皮、木兰皮等，都要削去上面虚软粗糙的部分，取里面有味道的部分称量。茯苓、猪苓，削去黑皮称量。牡丹、天门冬、巴戟天、远志、野葛等，都要捶破去心。紫菀洗净泥土，晾干后再称量。薤白、葱，去除须根。莽草、石南藤、茵芋、泽兰，剔除叶片及嫩茎，去掉大枝。鬼臼、黄连，都除去根毛。石韦、辛夷，拭去绒毛，又去掉心。蜀椒去掉目及闭口的，大枣、乌梅都去掉核。鬼箭羽削取带羽的皮。
凡是芍药，补益药须用白色的，泻下药用红色的。
凡是菟丝子，用汤淘洗去土，沥干，用暖酒浸泡一夜，滤出晒干至微白后捣碎，未捣碎的再用酒浸泡，三五天后取出晒至微干捣碎，一会儿就能全部粉碎，极易碎。
凡是甘草、厚朴、枳实、石南藤、茵芋、藜芦、皂荚之类，都要炙烤。其中枳实去掉核，藜芦去掉头，皂荚去掉皮和子。
凡是汤剂、丸剂、散剂，使用天雄、附子、乌头、乌喙、侧子，都用火灰炮制令其微裂，削去黑皮后称量。只有姜附汤及膏、酒中，才生用，但也削去外皮后称量，直理劈开成七八片。半夏用热汤浸洗去掉表面的滑腻，有一种说法是洗十次破四瓣后称量。用于汤剂，如果是膏、酒、丸、散，都用火灰炮制后的。
凡是巴豆，去掉心、皮、膜，熬至紫色。杏仁、桃仁、葶苈子、胡麻等含有油脂的药，都熬至黄色，单独捣碎令如膏脂状，看起来泯泯然，然后向已成的散剂中慢慢加入臼中，合研捣令消散，再全部用轻绢筛过，又纳入臼中。
凡是麦曲末、大豆黄卷、泽兰、芜荑，都微炒。干漆熬至烟断。乌梅入丸散要熬制。用熟艾的，先炒细掰开，与其他药合捣。现在细散的如果不能筛过的，混在散剂中和匀。
凡是使用各种毛、羽、齿、牙、蹄、甲、龟、鳖、鲛、鲤等的甲皮肉骨角筋、鹿茸等，都要炙烤。蛇蜕皮微炙。
凡是使用斑蝥等虫类，都去掉足、翅，微炒。用桑螵蛸的，中间破开炙烤。牡蛎熬至黄色。僵蚕、蜂房微炒。
凡是汤剂中使用麝香、犀角、鹿角、羚羊角、牛黄，须研成粉末，临用时纳入汤中，搅拌令其调和，服用。
凡是丸散使用胶，先炙烤，直到整体沸腾鼓起，干燥后才能捣碎，有不沸腾的地方再炙烤断开。入汤剂直接使用，不要炙烤。诸汤剂中使用阿胶，都要在汤绞好之后，纳入汁液中，再次上火令其完全溶解。
凡是使用蜂蜜，先用火煎掠去浮沫，令颜色变成紫黄色，这样丸药经久不坏。掠去的多少，随蜂蜜的精粗而定，直至变得非常稠厚，对丸药更好。
凡是丸药中使用蜡，熔化它，投入少量蜜中搅拌调和以混合药物。
凡是汤剂中使用饴糖、麦糠，都在汤煮好后加入。诸汤剂中使用酒的，都在临熟时加入。
又说：古时的秤只有铢、两，没有分的名称。现在则以十颗黍米为一铢，六铢为一分，四分为一两，十六两为一斤，这就是神农的秤。吴人以二两为一两，隋人以三两为一两，现在以四分为一两定为标准。方家说有“等分”的，都是指丸散，根据病情的轻重，所需的多少，没有固定的铢两，两三种或五种药，都分量相等。
凡是丸散说若干分两的，是指各种药物宜多宜少的比例分量，不一定仅限于若干的分两。假如今天服用三个方寸匕，需要痊愈为止，就是三五两的药罢了。
凡是散药有说“刀圭”的，是方寸匕的十分之一，重量相当于梧桐子大小。方寸匕，做成正方一寸的匕，舀取散药以不落下为限度。钱匕，以大钱上全抄取之。如果说半钱匕，就是一钱抄一边而已，都用五铢钱。钱五匕，是用五铢钱边上的“五”字来抄取，也令不落下为限度。一撮是四个刀圭，十撮是一勺，十勺是一合。用升来分药物的，是说药物有虚实、轻重，不能用斤两称，就用升平量。药升方作上径一寸，下径六分，深八分，纳入散药不要按压，只是微微震动令其平整即可。现在人分药，不再使用这种方法。
凡是丸药，有说如细麻大小的，就是胡麻，不必扁，只要大致大小相当即可。如黍粟也是这样，以十六颗黍为一颗大豆。如大麻子大小的，就是现在的大麻子，准三颗细麻。如胡豆大小的，就是现在的青斑豆，以两颗大麻子为准。如小豆大小的，就是现在的赤小豆，粒有大小，以三颗大麻子为准。如大豆大小的，以小豆为准。如梧桐子大小的，以两颗大豆为准。一方寸匕散，蜜和得如梧桐子十丸为限度。如弹丸及鸡子黄大小的，以十...（原文此处似有缺漏，意为数量较多）
凡是方中说巴豆若干枚的，应当先去心皮毕，然后称量。以一分准十六枚。附子、乌头若干枚的，去皮毕，以半两准一枚。枳实若干枚的，去核毕，以一分准二枚。橘皮一分准三枚。枣有大小...（原文此处似有缺漏）
凡是方中说半夏一升的，洗毕称五两为正。椒一升三两为正。吴茱萸一升五两为正。菟丝子一升九两为正。...子一升四两为正。蛇床子一升三两半为正。地肤子一升四两为正。此其...（原文此处似有缺漏）
凡是方中说桂一尺的，削去皮，重半两为正。甘草一尺的，重二两为正。云某草一束的，重三两为正。云一把的，重二两为正。
凡是方中说蜜一斤的，有七合。猪膏一斤的一升二合。
凡是汤、酒、膏、药，旧方都说“㕮咀”的，是说称量后，捣如大豆大小，又吹去细末。这在事理上殊为不妥当。药物有易碎难碎之分，多末少末，称量就不复均匀。现在都细切之，大致如同㕮咀者，乃得无末而片粒调和。凡说“末之”的，是说捣筛如法。
凡是丸散，先细切，曝燥然后捣。有各捣的，有合捣的，并随方所言。其湿润药如天门冬、干地黄辈，都先切，曝干独捣令偏碎，更出细擘曝干。若值阴雨，可微火烘之，小停冷乃捣之。
凡是湿药，干燥后重量都大大消耗，应当先增加分量，须得屑状乃称量为正。其汤、酒不需要如此。
凡是筛丸药，用重密绢令细，于蜜丸易熟。若筛散，草药用轻疏绢，于酒中服即不泥。其石药亦用细绢筛，令如丸药者。凡筛丸散药毕，皆更合于臼中，以杵捣数百过，视其色理和同为佳。
凡是煮汤，用微火令小沸，其水数依方多少。大略二十两药用水一斗，煮取四升，以此为率。都绞去滓，而后酌量。然而利汤欲生，少水而多取汁者，为病须快利，所以少水而多取汁。补汤欲熟，多水而少取汁者，为病须补益，是以多水而少取汁。好详视之，不得令水数多少不当。汤熟，可用新布两人以尺木绞去滓，澄去浊，分再服、三服者，第二第三服以纸覆令密，勿令泄气。欲服以铜器于热汤上暖之，若于铛中，勿令器中有水气。方云再服三服者，要令力...（原文此处似有缺漏，意为药效持续或充分）
*Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) or someone asked: Ancients used medicines in small amounts, and dosages were light, yet they cured many diseases. Looking at your prescriptions, they are not without being complicated and heavy, with large dosages, but the number of cures does not match that of the ancients. Why is this? I answered: In ancient times, days and months were long; medicines naturally nourished themselves in the soil for a long time, possessing authentic and true qi and flavors. The common people had few desires and were endowed with balanced and harmonious constitution, so the diseases contracted were mild and easy to treat. Nowadays, days and months are short; medicinal power is light and empty. People are cunning and deceitful, contracting severe and deep-seated diseases that are difficult to treat. Therefore, when the disease is mild, the number of herbs should be few; when the disease is severe, more medicines must be used. This is merely one aspect of medicine, what is there to wonder about?
Furthermore, ancient physicians understood how to collect medicines themselves, drying them in the shade or sun, all according to proper methods. They used medicines based on their geographical origin, thus curing nine out of ten cases. Modern physicians only know how to diagnose by pulse and prescribe, but do not know the timing of herb collection, nor the origin, land quality, freshness vs. age, and deficiency vs. excess of the materials. Thus, they cannot cure five or six out of ten cases, truly due to this reason. Prescribers must pay close attention and repeat the use of medicines (referring to strict adherence to processing and compatibility) for the medicines to be effective. If one only learns the form of the ancients without understanding the substance, it will only mislead oneself. Future learners must study and memorize these points in detail.
For minerals such as Zhi Shiying (Purple Quartz), Bai Shiying (White Quartz), Zhusha (Cinnabar), Xionghuang (Realgar), and Liuhuang (Sulfur), they must be bright, transparent, fresh, and clean in color and texture. Otherwise, they will cause dryness, fever, dry mouth, and even death in the body.
For all herbal plants, the land of origin must be solid and the aroma strong. If not, the diseases will not be cured.
For Yelangdu (Stemona Root), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Jupi (Tangerine Peel), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Mahuang (Ephedra Herb), and Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit), aged ones are preferred. For others, only fine and fresh ones are needed.
Question: When preparing decoctions and handling various grasses, stones, insects, and beasts, what are the amounts of water in sheng units and the rules for detoxification? Answer: For herbs, there are roots, stems, branches, leaves, bark, wood, flowers, and fruits. For insects, there are hairs, wings, skins, shells, heads, feet, tails, and bones. Some require burning, refining, or frying, with specific rules for raw or cooked use, exactly as follows. Following the prescription brings fortune; violating it brings disaster. Some require removing skin to keep flesh, some require removing flesh to keep skin, some require roots and stems, some require flowers and fruits. Process according to the prescription, ensuring extreme cleanliness, then measure using sheng, he, cheng, and liang. Do not allow discrepancies. Herbs have mutual generation and destruction relationships, with strengths and weaknesses in potency. The Sovereign (Jun) and Minister (Chen) herbs regulate each other, while Assistant (Zuo) and Envoy (Shi) herbs support each other. Without extensive knowledge of the classics, one cannot distinguish good from bad. If a physician arbitrarily adds or subtracts ingredients without following dosage ratios, the strong and weak properties of herbs and minerals may conflict. Entering the human abdomen, they fail to cure the disease and instead exacerbate internal strife. Conflicting herbs and minerals can cause confusion, their force exceeding that of swords and knives. If properly harmonized, although they may not immediately cure the disease, they benefit and calm the Zang-Fu organs and prevent the disease from worsening. For example: In classical prescriptions, all refining and processing instructions are noted below. Current prescriptions are not like this; this chapter is comprehensive.
After all medicines are processed, fried, or roasted, they are weighed for use. Raw medicines shall not be weighed directly.
All mineral medicines and jade should be crushed to the size of rice or beans, wrapped in silk, and boiled in decoctions or wine.
For Zhongru (Stalactite) and other stones, grind them with a jade pestle in water for three days and nights, washing and refining until extremely fine. Dry grinding takes seven days and nights.
Silver powder should be mixed with Mercury (Shuiyin) to form a paste.
Pishi (Arsenic Trioxide) should be wrapped in yellow clay mud, fired for half a day until ripe and usable, but not over-fired. If not refined and used raw, it damages the Heart and Liver.
Pu Xiao (Mirabilite) and Fanshi (Alum) should be burned until the liquid runs out, then used for pills and powders. Mang Xiao (Niter) and Pu Xiao should be dissolved in hot water, added to the liquid, boiled two or three times until completely melted, then taken.
When Dansha (Cinnabar) and Xionghuang (Realgar) are used in decoctions, they must be finely ground into powder and added to the decoction just before taking, stirred well, and consumed.
Whole items used in decoctions, such as dried dates and Gardenia fruits (Zhizi), should be torn open. Items with small pits, such as Cornus officinalis fruit (Shanzhuyu), Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi), Prunus mume seed (Ruiren), and Cassia seed (Juemingzi), should also be broken. Small flower seeds, such as Inula flower (Xuanfuhua), Chrysanthemum flower (Juhua), Kochia fruit (Difuzi), and Sunflower seed (Kuizi), should be used whole. Grains like wheat, millet, and beans should also be used whole.
Tangerine peel (Jupi), Evodia fruit (Wuzhuyu), and Pepper (Jiao) do not need to be chewed or crushed when making decoctions.
All nut kernels should have their tips, skins, and twin kernels removed. Rub and beat in water to remove skins, then slice. For Zhizi, remove the skin. For Puhuang (Lycopodium Spore), add after the decoction is finished.
Fresh Ophiopogon tuber (Maimendong) and Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang) for decoctions should be sliced, pounded three times, and squeezed for juice. Add the juice to the finished decoction, boil for five or six boils, according to the prescribed volume. Do not boil with other herbs. Another method is to slice thinly and use.
Ophiopogon tuber (Maimendong) should be slightly moistened, and the heart removed.
Ephedra herb (Mahuang): Remove nodes, boil separately for two or three boils, skim off the foam, add water to restore original volume, then add other herbs to boil. Otherwise, it causes irritability and abnormal pulse at the Cun position. Xiao Cao (Radix Polygoni Citrini) and Qumai (Herba Dianthi) should be cut into 5 fen lengths. Xixin (Asarum Root) and Baiqian (Cynanchum Root) should be cut into 3 fen lengths. In ointments, cut finely.
Achyranthes root (Niuxi) and Dendrobium stem (Shihu) for decoctions or wine should be smashed. For Shihu in pills/powders, pound thoroughly with a tool until broken, then place in a mortar; otherwise, it will not grind well.
Cinnamon twig (Guizhi), Magnolia bark (Houpo), Eucommia bark (Duzhong), Bark of Qin Pi, and Magnolia bark (Mulanpi) should have the soft, rough outer layer shaved off, keeping only the flavorful inner part for weighing. Poria (Fuling) and Polyporus (Zuling) should have black skin shaved off before weighing. Peony root (Mudanpi), Asparagus tuber (Tianmendong), Morinda root (Bajitian), Polygala root (Yuanzhi), and Wild Kadsura (Yege) should be smashed and hearts removed. Astelia root (Ziwan) should be washed to remove dirt, dried, then weighed. Allium macrostemon (Xiebai) and Scallion (Cong) should have roots removed. Micao (Mangcao), Nanmu (Shinannan), and Itea leaf (Yinyu) should have leaves and tender stems selected, removing large branches. Podophyllum rhizome (Guijiu) and Coptis rhizome (Huanglian) should have root hairs removed. Pyrola leaf (Shiwei) and Magnolia bud (Xinyi) should have hairs wiped off and hearts removed. Sichuan pepper (Shujiao) should have eyes and closed-mouth peppers removed. Dates (Dazao) and Smoked Plums (Wumei) should have pits removed. Arrowwood twig (Guijianyu) should have the feather-like bark peeled off.
For Shaoyao (Peony Root), white varieties are required for tonifying formulas, and red varieties for purging formulas.
Cuscuta seed (Tusizi): Wash in decoction to remove dirt, drain, soak in warm wine overnight, drain, dry until slightly white, then pound. If not fully crushed, soak in wine again for 3-5 days, dry slightly, and pound. It becomes very brittle and crushes easily.
Glycyrrhiza root (Gancao), Magnolia bark (Houpo), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi), Shinannan, Itea leaf (Yinyu), Veratrum root (Lilu), and Soapberry pod (Zaojiao) should be roasted. Zhishi should have pits removed, Lilu heads removed, Zaojiao skin and seeds removed.
Sichuan pepper (Jiao) and Caesalpinia fruit (Yunshi) should be lightly stir-fried until "sweating" to enhance potency.
For Tianxiong, Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), Wutou (Aconite Mother Root), Wu Hui, and Cezhi (Side Root of Aconite) used in decoctions, pills, or powders: Fire-roast in ash until slightly cracked, shave off black skin, then weigh. Only in Jiang Fu Tang (Ginger-Aconite Decoction) and ointments/wines are they used raw, but still shaved and weighed. Split straight into 7-8 slices. Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome): Soak and wash in hot water to remove slipperiness. One method says wash ten times, break into four pieces, then weigh. For decoctions, if used in ointments, wines, pills, or powders, use fire-ash roasted versions.
Castor bean (Badou): Remove heart, skin, and membrane, roast until purple. Almond (Xingren), Peach kernel (Taoren), Lepidium seed (Tinglizi), Sesame (Huma) and other oily drugs should be roasted until yellow, pounded separately into a paste-like consistency. Gradually add to existing powders in a mortar, grind until dispersed, sieve through fine silk, and return to mortar.
Brewer's yeast (Maiqu), Soybean sprout (Dadou Huangjuan), Itea leaf (Zelan), and Elaeagnus fruit (Wuyi) should be lightly stir-fried. Dry resin (Ganqi) should be roasted until smoke stops. Wumei for pills/powders should be roasted. Prepared Mugwort (Shuai Ai) should be stir-fried, finely torn, and pounded with other herbs. If fine powder cannot be sieved, mix it into the powder blend.
Feathers, teeth, claws, hooves, shells (turtle, softshell turtle, shark, carp), bones, horns, sinews, and Deer antler (Lurong) should be roasted. Snake slough (Shetuopi) should be lightly roasted.
Mylabris beetles (Banmao) and other insects: Remove legs and wings, lightly roast. Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Egg Case): Break in half and roast. Oyster shell (Muli): Roast until yellow. Bombyx Batryticatus (Jiangcan) and Honeycomb (Fefang): Lightly roast.
Musk (Shexiang), Rhino horn (Xijiao), Deer horn (Lujiao), Antelope horn (Lingyangjiao), and Calculus Bovis (Niuhuang) used in decoctions should be powdered and added to the decoction just before taking, stirred well, and consumed.
Gelatin (Jiao) used in pills/powders should be roasted first until bubbling and dry, then pounded. Unbubbled parts should be roasted again. For decoctions, use raw without roasting. Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) in decoctions: After straining the decoction, add to the liquid, heat until completely melted.
Honey (Mi): Boil to skim foam until purple-yellow. This ensures pills last long without spoiling. Amount of skimming depends on honey purity, thickening it appropriately for better pill formation.
Beeswax (La) in pills: Melt and mix with a little honey to bind herbs.
Maltose (Yitang) and Bran (Kang) in decoctions: Add after the decoction is finished. Wine in decoctions: Add near the end of cooking.
Ancient scales only had Zhu and Liang, no Fen. Now, 10 grains of millet = 1 Zhu, 6 Zhu = 1 Fen, 4 Fen = 1 Liang, 16 Liang = 1 Jin. This is the Shen Nong scale. Wu people used 2 Liang as 1 Liang; Sui people used 3 Liang as 1 Liang. Now, 4 Fen = 1 Liang is standard. "Equal parts" in prescriptions refers to pills/powders where quantities vary by disease severity, but multiple herbs are weighed equally.
"Said to be X Fen Liang" in pills/powders refers to the ratio of ingredients, not necessarily stopping at that exact weight. E.g., taking 3 Fangcun Bi doses until cured might equal 3-5 Liang of total medicine.
"Dao Gui" for powders is 1/10 of a Fangcun Bi, equivalent in weight to a Sophora japonica seed. Fangcun Bi: Square inch scoop, level fill. Qian Bi: Scoop full on a coin. Half Qian Bi: Scoop one side of a coin. Use Wuzhu coins. Qian Wu Bi: Scoop using the "five" character on the coin edge. Yi Cuo (One Pinch) = 4 Dao Gui. 10 Cuo = 1 Shao. 10 Shao = 1 He. Using Sheng for measurement is for herbs of varying density/weight. Sheng mold: Top diameter 1 cun, bottom 6 fen, depth 8 fen. Fill loosely, level gently. Modern practice rarely uses this.
"Pills the size of fine sesame": Hu Ma (Sesame). Not necessarily flat, just roughly similar size. Same for Millet/Sorghum. 16 Millet = 1 Large Bean. Size of Hemp Seed = 3 Fine Sesames. Size of Broad Bean = 2 Hemp Seeds. Size of Small Bean = 3 Hemp Seeds. Size of Large Bean = Small Bean. Size of Sophora Seed = 2 Large Beans. 1 Fangcun Bi powder + Honey = 10 Sophora-sized pills. Pill sizes like bullet or egg yolk are larger.
"Ba Dou X Ge Mei" (Ba Dou X pieces): Weigh after removing heart/skin. 1 Fen = 16 pieces. "Fuzi/Wutou X Ge Mei": Weigh after removing skin. 0.5 Liang = 1 piece. "Zhishi X Ge Mei": Weigh after removing pit. 1 Fen = 2 pieces. "Jupi 1 Fen" = 3 pieces. Dates vary in size.
"Ban Xia 1 Sheng": Weigh 5 Liang after washing. "Jiao 1 Sheng": 3 Liang. "Wuzhuyu 1 Sheng": 5 Liang. "Tusizi 1 Sheng": 9 Liang. "[Missing] 1 Sheng": 4 Liang. "Shechuangzi 1 Sheng": 3.5 Liang. "Difuzi 1 Sheng": 4 Liang.
"Gui 1 Chi" (Cinnamon stick 1 chi long): Shaved, weighs 0.5 Liang. "Gancao 1 Chi": 2 Liang. "Yi Su Cao" (One bundle): 3 Liang. "Yi Ba" (One handful): 2 Liang.
"Mi 1 Jin": 7 He. "Zhigao 1 Jin": 1.2 Sheng.
"Fu Ju" (Chewing/Crushing): Old prescriptions say "Fu Ju," meaning crush to soybean size and blow away fine dust. This is inaccurate as crushing varies. Now, finely slice to approximate "Fu Ju" effect, ensuring uniform particle size without excessive dust. "Mo Zhi" means pound and sieve properly.
Pills/Powders: Slice finely, dry, then pound. Some pounded separately, some together, per prescription. Moist herbs like Tianmendong and Dihuang: Slice, dry, pound separately until broken, tear fine, dry again. If rainy, dry over mild fire, cool slightly, then pound.
Wet herbs lose significant weight when dried; increase dosage accordingly. Weigh as powder/dust. Not necessary for decoctions/wines.
Sifting pill powder: Use dense silk for fine powder (better for honey pills). Sifting powder for wine: Use loose silk (prevents clumping). Mineral powder: Fine silk. After sifting, return to mortar, pound hundreds of times until color and texture are uniform.
Boiling decoctions: Low heat, gentle boil. Water amount per prescription. Rule of thumb: 20 Liang herbs to 1 Dou water, boil down to 4 Sheng. Strain dregs, then adjust. For purgative/decoctions wanting "raw" effect: Less water, more extract for rapid action. For tonic/"cooked" effect: More water, less extract for gradual nourishment. Observe carefully. Use new cloth and wooden roller to strain. Clarify turbidity. Divide into 2 or 3 doses. Cover 2nd/3rd doses with paper to prevent vapor loss. Warm copper vessel in hot water before taking. If using pot, ensure no condensation water enters. "Take 2-3 doses" implies maintaining efficacy...