\r大黄（将军）\pd225.bmp\r
味苦，寒、大寒。无毒。主下瘀血，血闭，寒热，破症瘕积聚，留饮宿食，荡
涤肠胃，推陈致新，通利水谷，调中化食，安和五脏，平胃下气，除痰实，肠间结热，心腹
胀满，女
子寒血闭胀，小腹痛，诸老血留结。一名黄良。生河西山谷及陇西。二月、八月采根，火干
。（得芍药、黄芩、牡蛎、细辛、茯芩疗惊恚怒，心下悸气。得硝石、紫石英、桃仁疗女子
血闭。黄芩为之使，无所畏。）
陶隐居云∶今采益州北部汶山及西山者，虽非河西、陇西，好者犹为紫地锦色，味甚苦
涩，
色至浓黑。西川阴干者胜。北部日干，亦有火干者，皮小焦不如，而耐蛀堪久。此药至劲利
，粗者便不中服，最为俗方所重。道家时用以去痰疾，非养性所须也。将军之号，当取其骏
快矣。唐本注云∶大黄，性湿润而易坏蛀，火干乃佳。二月、八月日不烈，恐不时燥，即不
堪矣。叶、子、茎并似羊蹄，但粗长而浓。其根细者亦似宿羊蹄，大者乃如碗，长二尺。作
时烧石使热，横寸截，着石上爆之，一日微燥，乃绳穿眼之，至干为佳。幽、并已此渐细，
气力不如蜀中者。今出宕州、凉州、西羌、蜀地皆有。其茎味酸，堪生啖。亦以解热，多食
不利人。陶称蜀地者不及陇西，误矣。今按∶陈藏器本草云∶大黄，用之当分别其力。若取
和
浓深沉，能攻病者，可用蜀中似牛舌片紧硬者。若取泻泄骏快，推陈去热，当取河西锦纹者
。凡有蒸、有生、有熟，不得一概用之。臣禹锡等谨按蜀本云∶叶似蓖麻。根如大芋。旁
生
细根如牛蒡，小者亦似羊蹄。又云《图经》云∶高六、七尺，茎脆。药性论云∶蜀大黄，使
，去寒热，忌冷水，味苦、甘。消食，炼五脏，通女子经候，利水肿，能破痰实，冷热，结
聚宿食，利大小肠，贴热毒肿，主小儿寒热时疾，烦热蚀浓，破留血。日华子云∶通宣一切
气，调血脉，利关节，泄壅滞水气，四肢冷热不调，温瘴热疾，利大小便。并敷一切疮疖痈
毒。廓州马蹄峡中者次。
图经曰∶大黄，生河西山谷及陇西，今蜀川、河东、陕西州郡皆有之，以蜀川锦文者佳。
其
次
秦陇来者，谓之土蕃大黄。正月内生青叶，似蓖麻，大者如扇。根如芋，大者如碗，长一、
二尺。旁生细根如牛蒡，小者亦如芋。四月开黄花，亦有青红似荞麦花者。茎青紫色，形如
竹。二月、八月采根，去黑皮，火干。江淮出者曰土大黄，二月开花结细实。又鼎州出一种
羊蹄大黄，疗疥瘙甚效。初生苗叶如羊蹄，累年长大，即叶似商陆而狭尖。四月内于押条上
出穗，五、七茎相合，花、叶同色。结实如荞麦而轻小，五月熟即黄色，亦呼为金荞麦。
三月采苗，五月收实，并阴干。九月采根，破之亦有锦文，日干之。亦呼为土大黄。凡收大
黄之法，苏恭云∶作时烧石使热，横寸截，着石上爆之，一日微燥，乃绳穿眼之至干。今土
蕃大黄，往往作横片，曾经火爆。蜀大黄乃作紧片如牛舌形，谓之牛舌大黄。二者用之皆等
。《本经》称∶大黄推陈致新，其效最神。故古方下积滞多用之。张仲景治伤寒，用处尤多
。
又有三物备急丸。司空裴秀为散，用疗心腹诸疾，卒暴百病。其方用大黄、干姜、巴豆各一
两，须精新好者，捣筛，蜜和，更捣一千杵，丸如小豆，服三丸，老小斟量之。为散不及丸
也。若中恶客忤，心腹胀满，卒痛如锥刀刺痛，气急口噤，停尸卒死者，以暖水若酒服之。
若不下，捧头起灌令下喉，须臾瘥。未知，更与三丸，腹当鸣转，即吐下，便愈。若口已噤
，亦须折齿灌之，药入喉即瘥。崔知悌疗小儿无辜闪癖，瘰 ，或头干黄耸，或乍痢乍瘥，
诸状多者，皆大黄煎主之。大黄九两，锦文新实者，若微朽即不中用，削去苍皮乃秤，捣筛
为散。以上好米醋三升和之，置铜碗中，于大铛中浮汤上，炭火煮之，火不用猛，又以竹木
篦搅药候任丸乃停，于小瓷器中贮。儿年三岁一服七丸，如梧子，日再服，当以下青赤脓为
度。若不下脓，或下脓少者，稍稍加丸。下脓若多，丸又须减。病重
者或七、八剂方尽根本。大人、小儿，以意量之。此药唯下脓宿
结，不令儿利。须禁食毒物。食乳者、乳母亦同忌法。崔元亮《海上方》∶治腰脚冷风气。
以大
黄二大两，切如棋子，和少酥炒令酥，尽入药中，切不得令黄焦则无力，捣筛为末，每日空
腹以水大三合，入生姜两片如钱，煎十余沸去姜，取大黄末两钱，别置碗子中，以姜汤调之
，空腹顿服。如有余姜汤，徐徐呷之令尽，当下冷脓及恶物等，病即瘥止。古人用毒药攻病
，必随人之虚实而处置，非一切而用也。姚僧垣初仕，梁武帝因发热欲服大黄。僧垣曰∶大
黄乃是快药，至尊年高，不可轻用。帝弗从，几至委顿。元帝常有心腹疾，诸医咸谓宜用平
药，可渐宣通。僧垣曰∶脉洪而实，此有宿妨，非用大黄无差理。帝从而遂愈。以此言之，
今医用一毒药而攻众病，其偶中病，便谓此方之神奇；其差误，乃不言用药之失，如此者众
矣，可不戒哉？
唐本云∶叶似蓖麻，根如大芋，旁生细根如牛蒡。《图经》云∶高六、七尺，茎脆味酸，
醒
酒
未至
亥。
，如此蒸七度。晒干，却洒薄蜜水再蒸一伏时，其大黄擘如乌膏样。于日中晒干用之为妙。
圣惠方∶治时气发豌豆疮。用川大黄半两微炒，以水一大盏煎至七分，去滓，分为二服。又
方∶热病狂语及诸黄。用川大黄五两锉炒微赤，捣为
散，用腊月雪水五升煎如膏，每服不计时候，冷水调下半匙。外台秘要∶疗癖方∶大黄十两
，
杵筛，醋三升，和匀，白蜜两匙煎，堪丸如梧桐子大。一服三十丸，生姜汤吞下以利为度，
小者减之。千金方∶治产后恶血冲心，或胎衣不下，腹中血块等。用锦纹大黄一两，杵罗为
末，用头醋半升同熬成膏，丸如梧桐子大。患者用温醋七分盏化五丸，服之，良久下。亦治
马坠内损。千金翼治妇人血癖痛。大黄三两捣筛，以酒二升，煮十沸，顿服。经验后方∶解
风
热疏积热风壅，消食，化气导血，大解壅滞。大黄四两，牵牛子四两，半生半熟，为末，炼
蜜丸如梧子大。每服茶下一十丸，如要微动，吃十五丸。冬月中最宜服，并不搜搅人。梅师
方∶治卒外肾偏肿疼痛。大黄末和醋涂之，干即易之。斗门方治腰痛。用大黄半两，更入生
姜半两，同切如小豆大，于铛内炒令黄色，投水两碗，至五更初顿服，天明取下。腰间恶血
物
用盆器盛如鸡肝样，即痛止。简要济众∶治吐血。川大黄一两，捣罗为散。每服一钱。以生
地
黄汁一合，水半盏煎三、五沸，无时服。广利方∶治骨节热，积渐黄瘦。大黄四分，以童子
小
便五大合，煎取四合，去滓，空腹分为两服，如人行四、五里再服。伤寒类要∶疗急黄病。
大
黄粗切二两，水三升半渍一宿，平旦煎绞汁一升半，纳芒硝二两绞服。须臾当快利。姚和众
治小儿脑热常闭目。大黄一分粗锉，以水三合浸一宿，一岁儿每日与半合，服余者涂顶上，
干即更涂。别说云谨按大黄收采时，皆以火烧石爆干。欲速货卖，更无生者，用之不须
更多炮炙，少蒸煮之类也。
衍义曰∶大黄，损益，前书已具。仲景治心气不足，吐血、衄血。泻心汤用大黄、黄芩、
黄连。
当须吐
衄也。此乃邪热，因不足而客之，故吐衄。以苦泄其热，就以若补其心，盖两全之。有是证
者用之无不效。最虚实用药。
大黄（别名：将军）
味苦，性寒、大寒。无毒。主治瘀血下行，经血闭塞，寒热往来；破除癥瘕积聚，清除停留的饮邪和隔宿的食物；荡涤肠胃，推陈出新，通利水谷，调和脾胃、消化饮食，安和五脏，平抑胃气、降逆下气，消除痰湿实邪，治疗肠间结热，心腹胀满；女子因寒导致的经血闭塞胀满，小腹痛，以及各类陈旧性瘀血留滞凝结。又名黄良。生长于河西山谷及陇西地区。二月、八月采集根部，用火烘干。（若与芍药、黄芩、牡蛎、细辛、茯苓配伍，可治疗惊恐愤怒、心下悸动之气；若与硝石、紫石英、桃仁配伍，可治疗女子血闭。黄芩为其使药，无相反畏忌。）
陶隐居说：如今采集益州北部汶山及西山的大黄，虽然产地不是河西、陇西，但品质好的仍呈现紫地锦色，味道非常苦涩，颜色浓黑。西川阴干的大黄优于其他。北部日晒干的，也有火干的，皮部稍焦不如阴干的，但耐虫蛀，保存时间长。此药药力峻猛，粗大的便不能服用，最受民间方剂重视。道家时常用来去除痰疾，但不是养生所必需的。称为“将军”，大概是取其药效迅猛快捷之意。《唐本草》注解说：大黄性质湿润，容易变质生虫，用火烘干才好。二月、八月太阳不烈，担心不及时干燥，就不堪用了。叶、子、茎都像羊蹄草，只是更粗壮修长。细小的根也像宿存的羊蹄草，大的像碗口，长二尺。制作时烧红石头使其发热，横着切成寸段，放在石上爆炒，一天后微微干燥，再用绳子穿眼晾干，完全干燥为佳。幽州、并州出产的大黄逐渐变细，药力不如蜀地产的好。现在宕州、凉州、西羌、蜀地都有出产。其茎味酸，可以生吃。也能解热，多吃对人不利。陶弘景说蜀地的大黄不如陇西的，这是错误的。现在考证：陈藏器《本草》说：使用大黄应当区分其效力。如果要取温和深沉、能攻治病邪的效果，可用蜀中似牛舌片紧硬者。如果要取泻下迅猛快捷、推陈去热的效果，当取河西带有锦纹者。凡有蒸制的、生的、熟的，不可一概使用。臣禹锡等人谨按《蜀本》说：叶像蓖麻。根像大芋头。旁边生出细根像牛蒡，小的也像羊蹄草。又说《图经》记载：高六、七尺，茎脆。《药性论》说：蜀大黄，能去寒热，忌冷水，味苦、甘。消食，炼养五脏，通调女子月经，利水肿，能破痰实，治冷热积聚宿食，利大小肠，贴敷热毒肿，主治小儿寒热时疾，烦热蚀脓，破留血。日华子说：通宣一切气，调血脉，利关节，泄壅滞水气，治四肢冷热不调，温瘴热疾，利大小便。并敷治一切疮疖痈毒。廓州马蹄峡出产的次之。
《图经》说：大黄，生长在河西山谷及陇西，现在蜀川、河东、陕西各州郡都有，以蜀川带锦纹者为佳。其次秦陇来的，称为土蕃大黄。正月内生青叶，像蓖麻，大的像扇子。根像芋头，大的像碗，长一、二尺。旁生细根像牛蒡，小的也像芋头。四月开黄花，也有青红色像荞麦花的。茎青紫色，形状像竹子。二月、八月采根，去掉黑皮，火干。江淮出产的叫土大黄，二月开花结细实。又鼎州出产一种羊蹄大黄，治疗疥瘙很有效。初生苗叶像羊蹄，多年长大，则叶像商陆而狭尖。四月内在枝条上出穗，五、七茎相合，花、叶同色。结实像荞麦而轻小，五月熟即黄色，也叫金荞麦。三月采苗，五月收实，都阴干。九月采根，剖开也有锦纹，日晒干。也叫土大黄。凡是收放大黄的方法，苏恭说：制作时烧红石头使其发热，横着切成寸段，放在石上爆炒，一天后微微干燥，再用绳子穿眼晾干。现在土蕃大黄，往往做成横片，曾经经过火爆。蜀大黄乃做成紧片如牛舌形，称为牛舌大黄。两者使用效力相等。《本经》称：大黄推陈致新，其效最神。所以古方下积滞多用它。张仲景治疗伤寒，使用尤其多。又有三物备急丸。司空裴秀将其制成散剂，用于治疗心腹各种疾病，突然爆发的百病。其方用大黄、干姜、巴豆各一两，必须精新好者，捣筛，蜜和，再捣一千杵，丸如小豆大，服三丸，老人小孩斟酌用量。制成散剂不如丸剂好。如果中恶客忤，心腹胀满，突然疼痛如锥刀刺痛，气急口噤，停尸卒死者，用温水或酒送服。如果不下，捧起头灌令下喉，片刻好转。未见效，再给三丸，腹部当鸣转，即吐下，便愈。如果口已噤，也必须折齿灌之，药入喉即好转。崔知悌治疗小儿无辜闪癖，瘰疬，或头干黄耸，或乍痢乍瘥，诸状多者，皆用大黄煎主之。大黄九两，锦纹新实者，若微朽即不能用，削去苍皮乃秤量，捣筛为散。以上好米醋三升和之，置铜碗中，于大铛中浮汤上，炭火煮之，火不用猛，又以竹木篦搅药候任丸乃停，于小瓷器中贮。儿年三岁一服七丸，如梧子大，日再服，以下青赤脓为度。若不下脓，或下脓少者，稍稍加丸。下脓若多，丸又须减。病重者或七、八剂方尽根本。大人、小儿，以意量之。此药唯下脓宿结，不令儿利。须禁食毒物。食乳者、乳母亦同忌法。崔元亮《海上方》：治腰脚冷风气。以大黄二大两，切如棋子，和少酥炒令酥尽入药中，切不得令黄焦则无力，捣筛为末，每日空腹以水大三合，入生姜两片如钱，煎十余沸去姜，取大黄末两钱，别置碗子中，以姜汤调之，空腹顿服。如有余姜汤，徐徐呷之令尽，当下冷脓及恶物等，病即瘥止。古人用毒药攻病，必随人之虚实而处置，非一切而用也。姚僧垣初仕，梁武帝因发热欲服大黄。僧垣曰：大黄乃是快药，至尊年高，不可轻用。帝弗从，几至委顿。元帝常有心腹疾，诸医咸谓宜用平药，可渐宣通。僧垣曰：脉洪而实，此有宿妨，非用大黄无差理。帝从而遂愈。以此言之，今医用一毒药而攻众病，其偶中病，便谓此方之神奇；其差误，乃不言用药之失，如此者众矣，可不戒哉？
《唐本草》说：叶像蓖麻，根像大芋，旁生细根像牛蒡。《图经》说：高六、七尺，茎脆味酸，醒酒……如此蒸七度。晒干，却洒薄蜜水再蒸一伏时，其大黄擘如乌膏样。于日中晒干用之为妙。《圣惠方》：治时气发豌豆疮。用川大黄半两微炒，以水一大盏煎至七分，去滓，分为二服。又方：热病狂语及诸黄。用川大黄五两锉炒微赤，捣为散，用腊月雪水五升煎如膏，每服不计时候，冷水调下半匙。《外台秘要》：疗癖方：大黄十两，杵筛，醋三升，和匀，白蜜两匙煎，堪丸如梧桐子大。一服三十丸，生姜汤吞下以利为度，小者减之。《千金方》：治产后恶血冲心，或胎衣不下，腹中血块等。用锦纹大黄一两，杵罗为末，用头醋半升同熬成膏，丸如梧桐子大。患者用温醋七分盏化五丸，服之，良久下。亦治马坠内损。《千金翼》治妇人血癖痛。大黄三两捣筛，以酒二升，煮十沸，顿服。《经验后方》：解风热疏积热风壅，消食，化气导血，大解壅滞。大黄四两，牵牛子四两，半生半熟，为末，炼蜜丸如梧子大。每服茶下一十丸，如要微动，吃十五丸。冬月中最宜服，并不搜搅人。《梅师方》：治卒外肾偏肿疼痛。大黄末和醋涂之，干即易之。《斗门方》治腰痛。用大黄半两，更入生姜半两，同切如小豆大，于铛内炒令黄色，投水两碗，至五更初顿服，天明取下。腰间恶血物用盆器盛如鸡肝样，即痛止。《简要济众》：治吐血。川大黄一两，捣罗为散。每服一钱。以生地黄汁一合，水半盏煎三、五沸，无时服。《广利方》：治骨节热，积渐黄瘦。大黄四分，以童子小便五大合，煎取四合，去滓，空腹分为两服，如人行四、五里再服。《伤寒类要》：疗急黄病。大黄粗切二两，水三升半渍一宿，平旦煎绞汁一升半，纳芒硝二两绞服。须臾当快利。姚和众治小儿脑热常闭目。大黄一分粗锉，以水三合浸一宿，一岁儿每日与半合，服余者涂顶上，干即更涂。别说云谨按大黄收采时，皆以火烧石爆干。欲速货卖，更无生者，用之不须更多炮炙，少蒸煮之类也。
《衍义》说：大黄，损益，前书已具。仲景治心气不足，吐血、衄血。泻心汤用大黄、黄芩、黄连。当须吐衄也。此乃邪热，因不足而客之，故吐衄。以苦泄其热，就以若补其心，盖两全之。有是证者用之无不效。最虚实用药。
Rhubarb (General)
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Cold, Greatly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Primarily treats the downward expulsion of blood stasis, amenorrhea due to blood obstruction, alternating chills and fever; breaks up masses and accumulations, clears retained fluid retention and lingering food stagnation; purges the stomach and intestines, pushes out the old to bring forth the new, promotes the free flow of water and grain, harmonizes the middle jiao and transforms food, calms and harmonizes the five zang organs, levels stomach qi and directs it downward, eliminates phlegm-dampness excess, treats heat binding in the intestines, abdominal distension and fullness; for women with cold-blood obstruction and distension, lower abdominal pain, and various types of chronic blood stasis retention and coagulation. Also known as Huangliang. Grows in the valleys of Hexi and Longxi. Roots are harvested in the second and eighth months and dried over fire. (When combined with Baishao (White Peony Root), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Muli (Oyster Shell), Xixin (Asarum), and Fuling (Poria), it treats fright, anger, palpitations, and qi stagnation. When combined with Xiaoshi (Niter), Ziyanshi (Purple Quartz), and Taoren (Peach Seed), it treats female blood obstruction. Huangqin acts as its guiding herb, with no incompatibilities or mutual aversions.)
Tao Hongjing stated: Currently, rhubarb collected from Wenshan and the western mountains in northern Yizhou, although not from Hexi or Longxi, those of good quality still exhibit a purple earth brocade color, have a very bitter and astringent taste, and appear dark black. Rhubarb dried in the shade in Sichuan is superior. Those dried in the sun in the north, or fire-dried, have slightly scorched bark and are inferior, but they are resistant to insect damage and preserve well. This herb is potent and sharp; coarse pieces are unsuitable for use and is highly valued by common prescriptions. Daoists often use it to eliminate phlegm disorders, though it is not necessary for nourishing life. The title "General" likely refers to its swift and rapid efficacy. *Tang Bencao* notes: Rhubarb has a moist nature and is prone to spoilage and insect infestation; fire-drying is preferable. In the second and eighth months, the sun is not intense, and if not dried promptly, it becomes unusable. The leaves, seeds, and stems resemble those of *Rumex* (Sheep Sorrel), but are thicker and longer. Fine roots also resemble perennial *Rumex*, while large ones are bowl-sized and two chi long. During processing, stones are heated until hot, the root is cut crosswise into cun segments, placed on the stone to be roasted, dried slightly after one day, then threaded with rope and air-dried until completely dry is best. Rhubarb from Youzhou and Bingzhou gradually becomes finer and lacks the potency of that from Shu. Currently, it is produced in Dangzhou, Liangzhou, Western Qiang, and Shu regions. Its stem tastes sour and can be eaten raw. It can also clear heat, but excessive consumption is detrimental. Tao Hongjing claimed that Shu rhubarb is inferior to Longxi rhubarb, which is incorrect. Current verification according to Chen Cangqi's *Bencao*: When using rhubarb, its potency should be distinguished. If seeking mild, deep-acting effects capable of attacking disease, use the tight, hard pieces resembling ox tongues from Shu. If seeking rapid purgative effects to push out the old and clear heat, use the brocade-patterned rhubarb from Hexi. There are steamed, raw, and cooked forms; they must not be used indiscriminately. Ministers Yu Xi et al. respectfully note according to the *Shu Bencao*: Leaves resemble castor beans. Roots resemble large taro. Fine roots growing laterally resemble burdock; smaller ones resemble *Rumex*. Also, *Tu Jing* records: Height six to seven chi, stems are brittle. *Yaoxing Lun* states: Shu rhubarb removes chills and fever, avoids cold water, tastes bitter and sweet. Digests food, refines the five zang organs, regulates menstruation in women, promotes diuresis for edema, breaks phlegm-excess, treats cold-heat accumulations and lingering food, promotes bowel and bladder movement, applies to heat-toxin swellings, primarily treats pediatric chills-fever epidemic diseases, irritability, heat-induced suppuration, breaks lingering blood. Ri Huazi states: Unblocks all qi, regulates blood vessels, benefits joints, drains stagnant water-qi, treats cold-heat imbalance in four limbs, warm miasma heat diseases, promotes bowel and bladder movement. Applies to all sores, boils, and carbuncles toxins. Those from Machia Gorge in Kuozhou are secondary.
*TU Jing* states: Rhubarb grows in the valleys of Hexi and Longxi; currently found in Sichuan, Hedong, and Shaanxi prefectures, with brocade-patterned Sichuan rhubarb being the best. Next are those from Qin and Long, called Tubo Rhubarb. Green leaves emerge in the first month, resembling castor beans, large ones fan-shaped. Roots resemble taro, large ones bowl-sized, one to two chi long. Lateral fine roots resemble burdock, small ones like taro. Yellow flowers bloom in the fourth month, some green-red resembling buckwheat flowers. Stems are green-purple, bamboo-like. Roots harvested in the second and eighth months, black skin removed, fire-dried. Those from Jianghuai are called Earth Rhubarb, flowering in the second month with fine fruits. Dingzhou produces a type of Rumex Rhubarb, very effective for scabies. Initial seedlings resemble *Rumex*; after years of growth, leaves resemble *Phytolacca* but narrower and pointed. Spires emerge on branches in the fourth month, five to seven stems together, flowers and leaves same color. Fruits resemble buckwheat but lighter and smaller, yellow when ripe in the fifth month, also called Golden Buckwheat. Seedlings harvested in the third month, fruits in the fifth month, both shade-dried. Roots harvested in the ninth month, split open showing brocade patterns, sun-dried. Also called Earth Rhubarb. Regarding collection methods, Su Gong said: Process by heating stones, cutting crosswise, roasting on stones, drying slightly after one day, threading with rope until dry. Current Tubo rhubarb is often made into cross-slices, previously exposed to fire and explosion. Shu rhubarb is made into tight slices resembling ox tongues, called Ox Tongue Rhubarb. Both are equally effective. *Ben Jing* states: Rhubarb pushes out the old to bring forth the new, its effect is most miraculous. Thus, ancient formulas frequently use it for expelling stagnation. Zhang Zhongjing uses it particularly often for treating Taiyang disease. There is also Sanwu Beiji Wan. Sima Pei Xiu prepared it as a powder to treat various heart and abdominal diseases and sudden acute illnesses. The formula uses Rhubarb, Dried Ginger, and Croton Seed, each one liang, requiring refined, fresh, and good quality material. Pound and sieve, mix with honey, pound another thousand times, form pills the size of small beans. Take three pills, adjusting for age and constitution. Powder form is inferior to pill form. If suffering from evil invasion or guest strangulation, with abdominal distension, sudden pain like awl or knife stabbing, shortness of breath, locked jaw, or sudden death from corpse-possession, administer with warm water or wine. If not expelled, lift the head and pour down the throat; improvement follows shortly. If ineffective, give three more pills; abdominal rumbling will occur, leading to vomiting and purging, resulting in cure. If the jaw is locked, teeth must be pried open to administer; upon entering the throat, improvement occurs. Cui Zhiti treats pediatric innocent flash-pi, scrofula, or dry yellow hair standing up, or intermittent dysentery and recovery, with multiple symptoms, primarily using Rhubarb decoction. Nine liang of Rhubarb, fresh and solid with brocade patterns; if slightly rotten, it is unusable. Scrape off the gray skin, weigh, pound and sieve into powder. Mix with three sheng of high-quality rice vinegar, place in a copper bowl, float in a large pot over boiling water, cook with charcoal fire gently, stir with bamboo/wood spatula until suitable for pill formation, store in small porcelain jars. For three-year-old children, take seven pills the size of wu-tzu seeds, twice daily, until green-red pus is discharged. If pus is not discharged or discharge is scant, gradually increase the number of pills. If discharge is excessive, reduce the number of pills. Severe cases may require seven or eight doses to eradicate the root. Adjust dosage for adults and children according to judgment. This medicine only discharges pus and old accumulation, does not cause diarrhea. Must avoid toxic foods. Nursing mothers and infants consuming milk must observe the same taboos. Cui Yuanliang's *Haishang Fang*: Treats cold wind qi in waist and legs. Two da liang of Rhubarb, cut like chess pieces, stir-fried with a little ghee until ghee is absorbed into the medicine. Do not let it turn yellow or scorched, or it loses potency. Pound and sieve into powder. Each day, on an empty stomach, take two qian of Rhubarb powder mixed with ginger soup (prepared by boiling two coin-sized slices of fresh ginger in three he of water for ten boils, removing ginger). Drink immediately on an empty stomach. If there is remaining ginger soup, sip slowly until finished. Cold pus and foul matter should be discharged, and the illness will cease. Ancients used toxic medicines to attack disease, always adjusting according to the patient's deficiency or excess, not using indiscriminately. Yao Sengyuan, early in his career, Emperor Wu of Liang desired to take Rhubarb due to fever. Sengyuan said: Rhubarb is a rapid/purgative medicine; Your Majesty is advanced in age, do not use it lightly. The Emperor did not follow this advice and nearly became prostrate. Emperor Yuan often suffered from heart and abdominal ailments. All physicians suggested using mild medicines to gradually promote circulation. Sengyuan said: The pulse is surging and excess; this indicates lingering obstruction. Without Rhubarb, there is no correct treatment principle. The Emperor followed this and recovered. From this, we see that modern physicians use one toxic medicine to attack many diseases; if it occasionally hits the mark, they call the formula miraculous; if it fails, they do not speak of the error in medication usage. There are many such cases; how can one not beware?
*Tang Bencao* states: Leaves resemble castor beans, roots resemble large taro, lateral fine roots resemble burdock. *Tu Jing* states: Height six to seven chi, stems brittle, taste sour,醒酒 (sobering)... Steam seven times thus. Sun-dry, then sprinkle thin honey water and steam again for one fu period. The rhubarb splits like black paste. Sun-dry for use is excellent. *Shenghui Fang*: Treats epidemic pea-sores. Use half liang of Chuan Rhubarb, slightly stir-fried. Decoct in one large cup of water until reduced to 70%, remove dregs, divide into two doses. Another formula: For heat disease delirium and various jaundices. Use five liang of Chuan Rhubarb, chopped and stir-fried until slightly red, pound into powder. Decoct in five sheng of snow water collected in the twelfth lunar month until it becomes a paste. Take half a spoonful mixed with cold water at any time. *Waitai Miyao*: Formula for pi-masses: Ten liang of Rhubarb, pound and sieve. Mix with three sheng of vinegar and two spoons of white honey, boil until pills the size of wu-tzu seeds can be formed. Take thirty pills swallowed with ginger tea, stop when bowels move; reduce dose for children. *Qianjin Fang*: Treats postpartum evil blood rushing to the heart, retained placenta, abdominal blood masses, etc. Use one liang of Brocade Rhubarb, pound and sieve into powder. Boil with half sheng of first pressing vinegar into a paste, form pills the size of wu-tzu seeds. Patient dissolves five pills in seven fen cups of warm vinegar and takes them; stool passes after a while. Also treats internal injury from horse falls. *Qianjin Yi* treats women's blood-pi pain. Three liang of Rhubarb, pound and sieve. Decoct in two sheng of wine for ten boils, take in one dose. *Jingyan Houfang*: Resolves wind-heat, unblocks accumulated wind-stagnation, digests food, transforms qi, guides blood, greatly resolves stagnation. Four liang of Rhubarb, four liang of Qian Niu Zi (Morning Glory Seed), half raw half cooked, pound into powder, refine honey to form pills the size of wu-tzu seeds. Take ten pills with tea per dose; if mild movement is desired, take fifteen pills. Most suitable in winter months, does not disturb the person. *Meishi Fang*: Treats sudden unilateral swelling and pain of external testicles. Apply Rhubarb powder mixed with vinegar; change when dry. *Doumen Fang* treats lower back pain. Use half liang of Rhubarb plus half liang of fresh ginger, cut together the size of small beans, stir-fry in a pot until yellow, add two bowls of water, drink suddenly at dawn, pass material at daybreak. Evil blood substances from the waist collected in a basin resemble chicken liver; pain stops. *Jianyao Jizhong*: Treats hematemesis. One liang of Chuan Rhubarb, pound and sieve into powder. Take one qian per dose. Decoct with one he of fresh Rehmannia juice and half a cup of water for three to five boils; take at any time. *Guangli Fang*: Treats joint heat, gradual emaciation and jaundice. Four fen of Rhubarb, decoct in five da he of urine from an uncircumcised boy until reduced to four he, remove dregs, divide into two doses on an empty stomach; take again after walking four or five li. *Shanghan Leiyao*: Treats acute jaundice. Coarsely chop two liang of Rhubarb, soak in three and a half sheng of water overnight. At dawn, decoct and squeeze out one and a half sheng of juice, add two liang of Mangxiao (Mirabilite), squeeze and take. Rapid purging should occur shortly. Yao Hezhong treats pediatric brain heat with constant eye closure. One fen of Rhubarb, coarsely chopped, soaked in three he of water overnight. Give half he daily to a one-year-old child; apply remaining liquid to the top of the head, reapply when dry. Bieshuo states: Carefully note that during harvest, rhubarb is always dried by heating stones. To sell quickly, there are no raw ones left; usage requires no further processing like steaming or boiling.
*Yanyi* states: Rhubarb, benefits and drawbacks, are detailed in previous books. Zhongjing treats insufficient heart qi, hematemesis, and epistaxis. Xiexin Tang uses Rhubarb, Huangqin, and Huanglian. This is for cases requiring vomiting or nosebleeds. This is pathogenic heat invading due to insufficiency, hence bleeding. Using bitter properties to drain the heat thereby supplements the heart, achieving both goals. Effective for those with these indications. Most suitable for excess-deficiency differentiation.