（凡十二则）
药有成性，以材相制，味相洽而后达。夫药性，古书备本草，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。姑列凡数，可推其余。
标病攻击，宜生料，气全力强；本病服饵，宜制炼调剂。大凡试病在元气，宜醇淡。味
性纯一，醇也；出五味外，淡也。太羹元酒。（疑有缺文）
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。
当归主血分之病，川产力刚可攻，秦产力柔宜补。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，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。
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，气行则无痰。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，治气虚甚
速。佐以浓朴之类，决壅积；莪、棱之类，攻其甚者。予尝避诸香药之热，而用檀香
佐附，流动诸气，极妙！
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，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， 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，自然能
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，治火痰；以麸炒枳壳、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。
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，假火酒，虚火醋，痰火姜汁，俱浸透炒；气滞火以茱萸，食积泄黄土，血
瘕痛干漆，俱水拌同炒，去萸土漆；下焦伏火以盐水浸透拌焙；血疾以人乳浸蒸，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。
予治沉 ，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，朱砂镇火，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。
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
竹叶者避暑。造粥则白粥之外，入茯苓酪者清上实下，薯蓣粉者理胃，花椒汁者解岚瘴。姜
、葱、豉汁者发汗。与夫古方猪肾、羊肾之类，无非药力也。一人淋，素不服药，予教以专
啖粟米粥，绝他味，旬余减，月余痊，此五谷治病之理。
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。柿蒂加杵头糠，止转食。凡此予以应骄习之家，亦五果治疾之理。
韭白愈淋，子涩精。大葱汁和五倍子末涩虚脱之痢，非虚脱不可用。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，贵专啖尔。
黄牛肉补气，与绵黄 同功。羊肉补血，与熟地黄同功。猪肉无补，而人习之化也。惟
连贴于脾、肚于胃、腰子于肾、脊髓于骨、心于血，可引诸药入本经。实非其甫。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，黄牛连贴，用朴硝作脯。消
痞块，骨髓煎油擦四肢之损。禽则鹅善疏风，鸡稚补损，老作羹起衰。虫则蜣螂裹烧熟
，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，盖为虚寒病设尔。或云∶士无故不杀犬豕，则古人以羞于珍
矣，意者黄黑二色，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。（按∶蜣螂当是螳螂蚋皮当是蚵皮。）
史惠生按∶小儿疳积，腹大便泻，当以蟑螂炒香与食，颇效。
（共十二则）
药物具有固有的本性，通过材质相互制约，味道相互协调，药力才能发挥。关于药性，古代书籍如《本草》已有记载，涵盖了《汤液经》、《珍珠囊》等篇章的内容，但我无法全部记住。然而，阴阳五行之气的升降沉浮，以及咸、苦、酸、辛、甘五味的作用，在万物中都有体现。姑且列举几条大致规律，其余可由此类推。
治疗标病（表象病症），宜用生药材，因为气味纯正，药力强劲；治疗本病（根本病症），宜经过炮制加工和调配。大凡试探病情以元气为主时，宜用药味醇厚清淡的。味道性质纯一称为“醇”；超出五味范围称为“淡”。太羹（古代祭祀用的肉汁，不加调料）和元酒（未过滤的酒）。
人参炼成膏剂，能在虚无缥缈之处挽回元气，这是王道疗法。黑附子回阳救逆，功效显赫霸道。甘草调和元气，无所不可，灵活多变。
当归主治血分疾病，四川产的质地刚猛，适合攻邪；陕西产的质地柔和，适合补益。凡是治疗本病，需用酒炮制；唯独痰证，用姜汁浸透，以引导血液回归本源。熟地黄也是同样的道理。血虚症用人参、赤石脂作为佐药；血热症用生地黄、姜黄、黄芩，以不绝生化之源；血瘀症配伍大黄。妇女形体肥胖，血液化为痰湿，这两味药（指当归等补血药或特定化痰药，此处语境稍显模糊，依原文直译）用姜汁浸泡，配合利水通道的药物。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，生地黄和熟地黄分为佐药，川芎为使药，可以说是经典纲要了。
香附主治气分疾病，香气能窜行，苦味能降泄，推陈出新，所以各书都说它益气，但世俗有耗气的错误说法，认为它是妇科专用药也不准确。治疗本病略炒，兼治血证用酒煮，治痰用姜汁，虚证用童便浸泡，实证用盐水煮，积滞用醋浸后水煮。妇女经期气血运行，气行则无痰。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。大凡生病时气机阻滞而虚弱，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，散滞气、泄肺气；佐以沉香，使气机无不升降；佐以小茴香，可行经络；盐炒则补肾间元气。香附为君药，人参、[缺字，推测为白术或类似补气药]为臣药，甘草为佐药，治疗气虚非常迅速。佐以厚朴之类，决断壅积；莪术、三棱之类，攻伐严重的积滞。我曾避开各种香药的燥热，而用檀香辅助附子，流动诸气，效果极好！
痰分疾病，半夏是主药。脾主湿，厌恶湿气，湿生痰，寒又生湿。所以半夏的辛味，能燥湿。但必须制成曲剂，用生姜自然汁、生白矾汤各等分，混合制作成曲，用楮叶包裹，风干，然后入药。风痰，用猪牙皂角煮汁去渣，炼膏如饴糖状，加入姜汁。火痰呈黑色，老痰如胶状，加入竹沥或荆沥及姜汁。湿痰呈白色，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、白矾汤、竹沥造曲，治疗痰积沉疴者，能使痰浊腐败随大小便排出，或者消散成为疮疡，这是半夏曲的妙处。古方二陈汤，以此半夏曲为君药，世医因为嫌其辛烈，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，这都是没有制作曲剂的过错。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、酒浸泡炒过的黄芩、黄连及瓜蒌实，香油拌曲略炒等，治火痰；用麸炒枳壳、枳实，姜汁浸泡蒸过的大黄、海粉等，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。而常有脾泄者，用肉豆蔻配半夏曲，加神曲、麦芽做成丸药，尤其有奇效。营养过剩的人，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。气乱血余化为痰，所以治痰以行气、活血为关键。
火分疾病，黄连是主药。五脏都有火，平和则正常，生病则紊乱。方书有君火、相火、邪火、龙火的论述，其实只是一股气罢了。所以朱丹溪说：气有余便是火。分为几类。凡是治疗本病，略炒以顺从邪气，实火用朴硝汤，假火用酒，虚火用醋，痰火用姜汁，都浸透后炒；气滞火用吴茱萸，食积泄黄土，血瘕痛用干漆，都用水拌同炒，去掉茱萸、土、漆；下焦伏火用盐水浸透拌焙；血疾用人乳浸蒸，或点服或内服。生用为君药，佐少许官桂，煎煮百沸，加入蜂蜜，空腹服用，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、蜜四法炒制的黄连为君药，使君子为臣药，白芍药用酒煮为佐药，广木香为使药，治疗小儿五疳。用吴茱萸炒的黄连，加木香等分，生大黄加倍，水泛为丸，治疗五种痢疾。用姜汁酒煮的黄连研末，和霞天膏，治疗癫痫、各种风证、眩晕、疮疡，都有神效。不像那些只说泻心火，与黄芩、黄柏等苦药一概而论的相比。
我治疗沉疴，先循经络寻找引经报使药，贵在识别真确！比如心经，用人参益气，赤石脂补血，朱砂镇火，天竺黄去痰，泽泻泻热，而莲肉、茯神、赤茯苓、远志、益智仁、酸枣仁等，能利心窍以安神识。中间的炮制加工，如用苦焦的味道通达本经，用咸味引导所畏惧的药，用辛味避开所胜的药，用酸味补益其母脏，用甘味泄其子脏，都是裁成药性的道理。
粳米做饭，用荷叶煮汤的能宽中，芥菜叶的能豁痰，紫苏叶的能行气解肌，薄荷叶的能清热，淡竹叶的能避暑。熬粥则在白粥之外，加入茯苓酪的能清上实下，山药粉的能理胃，花椒汁的能解岚瘴。姜、葱、豆豉汁的能发汗。至于古方中的猪肾、羊肾等，无非是药力作用。一人患淋证，平时不服药，我教他专吃粟米粥，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。
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，救治小儿脾虚胃寒不能服药者。莲肉作末，苏梗治噤口痢。柿蒂加杵头糠，止转食。凡此我用应对骄惯习气之家，也是五果治病的道理。
韭白愈淋证，韭菜子涩精。大葱汁和五倍子末涩虚脱之痢，非虚脱不可用。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。各种蔬菜都能治病，贵在专食。
黄牛肉补气，与绵黄芪同功。羊肉补血，与熟地黄同功。猪肉无补益作用，而人们习惯食用使其转化。只有连贴于脾、肚于胃、腰子于肾、脊髓于骨、心于血，可引诸药入本经。实在不是它的本来面目。鹿则全体大补，不时我想用肉汁炼膏，像霞天膏用小刀圭的方法，恨不多得，黄牛连贴，用朴硝做脯。消痞块，骨髓煎油擦四肢之损。禽类则鹅善疏风，小鸡补损，老母鸡做羹起衰。虫类则蜣螂裹烧熟，给小孩吃，治疳积，蚋皮做丸。大治惊痫疳痢，以上是我治疗营养过剩的人多用这些，也是顺应其化育特性。唯独犬的壮阳，俗夫崇尚，古方戊戌酒，是为虚寒病设立的。有人说：士人无故不杀犬猪，那么古人以羞于珍馐矣，意思是黄黑二色，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。（按：蜣螂应当是螳螂，蚋皮应当是蚵皮。）
(There are twelve sections in total.)
Medicines possess inherent natures; they constrain each other through their materials and harmonize through their flavors, thereby achieving efficacy. Regarding medicinal properties, ancient texts such as the *Bencao* (Materia Medica) have recorded them, encompassing chapters from the *Tangye Jing* (Classic of Decoctions) and *Zhenzhu Nang* (Pearl Bag), but I cannot memorize all of them. However, the rising and sinking of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, along with the effects of the salty, bitter, sour, pungent, and sweet flavors, are present in all things. I will briefly list a few general principles, from which the rest can be deduced.
To treat biao diseases (superficial or symptomatic conditions), raw ingredients should be used because their qi is pure and potency is strong; to treat ben diseases (root or fundamental conditions), processed and adjusted medicines should be administered. Generally, when testing the condition based on Yuan Qi (Original Qi), medicines with mellow and bland flavors should be used. A flavor that is pure and uniform is called "mellow" (Chun); one that goes beyond the five flavors is called "bland" (Dan). Tai Geng (ancient unseasoned meat broth) and Yuan Jiu (unfiltered wine). [Text appears incomplete here.]
Ginseng refined into paste can restore Yuan Qi in the realm of nothingness; this is the "King's Way" (Wang Dao) therapy. Black Fu Zi (Aconite Root) restores Yang with majestic and domineering power. Gan Cao (Licorice Root) harmonizes Yuan Qi and is versatile.
Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) primarily treats blood-related diseases. The Sichuan variety has a rigid nature suitable for attacking pathogens, while the Qin (Shaanxi) variety has a soft nature suitable for tonifying. For treating root diseases, alcohol processing is generally used; however, for phlegm specifically, it is soaked in ginger juice to guide blood back to its source. Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) follows the same principle. For blood deficiency, Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Chi Shi Zhi (Red Halloysite) serve as assistant herbs; for blood heat, Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root), Jiang Huang (Turmeric), and Tiao Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) are used to ensure the continuous source of generation and transformation; for blood stasis, Da Huang (Rhubarb) is combined. In women with obesity where blood transforms into phlegm, these two types of herbs are soaked in ginger juice and assisted by diuretic agents. In summary, blood-regulating herbs cannot exclude Dang Gui; thus, in the ancient formula Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), Dang Gui is the Sovereign herb, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) is the Minister herb, Sheng Di Huang and Shu Di Huang act as Assistant herbs, and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) is the Envoy herb. This can be considered a classic guideline.
Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rotundus) primarily treats qi-related diseases. Its fragrance allows penetration, and its bitterness allows descent, pushing out the old and bringing forth the new. Therefore, various texts claim it tonifies Qi, yet there is a common misconception that it consumes Qi, and it is incorrectly regarded as exclusive to gynecology. For treating root diseases, it is lightly stir-fried; for concurrent blood issues, it is decocted in wine; for phlegm, in ginger juice; for deficiency, in child's urine; for excess, in salt water; and for accumulation, in vinegar followed by water decoction. During menstruation, when blood is active, moving Qi prevents phlegm formation. In the elderly with depleted essence and closed blood vessels, Qi is the sole resource. In children, as Qi daily increases, the body becomes solid. Generally, illness causes Qi stagnation and weakness; thus, Xiang Fu serves as the Sovereign herb for Qi disorders, though few realize this. It is assisted by Mu Xiang (Vladimiria Root) to disperse stagnation and vent Lung Qi; by Chen Xiang (Aquilaria Wood) to regulate ascending and descending Qi; by Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Fruit) to move meridians; and when stir-fried with salt, it tonifies the Original Qi in the Kidney. With Xiang Fu as Sovereign, Ren Shen and [missing character, likely Bai Zhu or similar] as Ministers, and Gan Cao as Assistant, it rapidly treats severe Qi deficiency. Assisted by Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) to resolve obstruction; by E Zhu (Curcuma Zedoaria) and Leng (Bletilla Striata) to attack severe accumulations. I once avoided the heat of aromatic herbs and used Tan Xiang (Sandalwood) to assist Fu Zi, effectively circulating Qi, which was excellent!
For phlegm disorders, Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) is the main herb. 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 (medicinal yeast cake): equal parts fresh ginger juice and raw Bai Fan (Alum) solution are mixed to form the Qu, wrapped in Broussonetia papyrifera leaves, air-dried, and then used. For wind-phlegm, Zhu Ya Zao Jiao (Taro Pod) is boiled, strained, refined into a paste like maltose, and mixed with ginger juice. Fire-phlegm is black; old phlegm is gelatinous; add Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) or Jing Li (Bambusa Textilis Sap) and ginger juice. Damp-phlegm is white; cold-phlegm is clear; add concentrated old ginger decoction and one-third amount of Bai Fan (e.g., 3 liang Ban Xia to 1 liang Bai Fan), processed into Qu as before. I also use Xia Tian Gao (Gelatin Paste) with two-thirds Bai Jie Zi (White Mustard Seed), ginger juice, alum solution, and bamboo sap to make Qu, treating stubborn phlegm accumulations, causing phlegm to decompose and exit via stool or urine, or dissipate into sores. This is the wonder of Ban Xia Qu. In the ancient formula Er Chen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction), this Qu is the Sovereign herb. Modern physicians, fearing its pungency, reduce it to a tiny amount, while Fu Ling (Poria), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and Gan Cao (Licorice)—which drain dampness, move Qi, and awaken the Spleen, serving as Minister, Assistant, and Envoy—are used in larger quantities. This error stems from not making the Qu. Observing processed Ban Xia, where ginger and alum curb its pungency, allowing it to be chewed directly confirms this. Assisted by Nan Xing (Arisaema Rhizome) for wind-phlegm; by ginger/wine-processed Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Lian (Coptis), and Gua Lou Shi (Trichosanthes Fruit) with sesame oil-Qu for fire-phlegm; by bran-fried Zhi Ke (Aurantium) and Zhi Shi (Immature Aurantium), ginger-processed Da Huang (Rhubarb), and Hai Fen (Sepia Shell) for old phlegm; by Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) and Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) soaked in rice wash and ginger juice, even Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Wu Tou (Aconite) for 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) made into pills, yields remarkable results. Over-nourished individuals often suffer this after drinking; bitter-phlegm disease accounts for eight or nine out of ten cases. Medical texts state: "There is no backward-flowing water in the world, but there is upward-reversing phlegm in the human body." Chaotic Qi and surplus blood transform into phlegm; thus, treating phlegm requires moving Qi and breaking blood stasis.
For fire disorders, Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) is the main herb. All five Zang organs contain fire; when balanced, it functions normally; when diseased, it causes chaos. Texts discuss Jun Huo (Monarch Fire), Xiang Huo (Minister Fire), Xie Huo (Evil Fire), and Long Huo (Dragon Fire), but essentially, it is one Qi. Thus, Zhu Danxi said: "Excess Qi is Fire." It is categorized into several types. To treat root diseases, lightly stir-fry to accommodate pathogenic factors; for Excess Fire, use Pu Xiao (Mirabilite) solution; for False Fire, use wine; for Deficiency Fire, use vinegar; for Phlegm-Fire, use ginger juice; soak thoroughly and stir-fry. For Qi-stagnation Fire, use Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit); for Food Stagnation, use Yellow Earth; for Blood Mass Pain, use Gan Qi (Dry Lacquer); mix with water and stir-fry together, removing Zhu Yu, Earth, and Lacquer. For latent Fire in the Lower Jiao, soak in salt water and roast. For Blood disorders, steam in human milk, or apply topically/orally. Used raw as Sovereign, assisted by a small amount of Guan Gui (Cinnamon Bark), boiled vigorously, mixed with honey, taken on an empty stomach, it facilitates Heart-Kidney interaction instantly. Added to Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) and Hua Shi (Talcum), it effectively treats nocturnal emission. When processed with Earth, Ginger, Wine, and Honey (four-fold frying) as Sovereign, Shi Jun Zi (Quisqualis Fruit) as Minister, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) wine-processed as Assistant, and Guang Mu Xiang (Vladimiria Root) as Envoy, it treats pediatric Wigan (five kinds of childhood malnutrition). When fried with Zhu Yu, added with equal Mu Xiang and double Sheng Da Huang, water-pilled, it treats five types of dysentery. When wine-cooked with ginger juice, powdered, and mixed with Xia Tian Gao, it treats epilepsy, various wind syndromes, vertigo, and sores with divine efficacy. This differs from merely claiming to drain Heart Fire alongside bitter herbs like Huang Qin and Huang Bo.
When I treat chronic ailments, I first follow the meridians to identify Jing Luo Bao Shi (Meridian-Guiding and Messenger) herbs, emphasizing accurate identification! For the Heart Meridian, Ren Shen tonifies Qi, Chi Shi Zhi nourishes Blood, Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) calms Fire, Tian Zhu Huang (Bamboo Residue) clears Phlegm, Ze Xie (Alisma) drains Heat, while Lian Rou (Lotus Plumule), Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria), Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root), Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Oxyphylla), and Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) benefit the Heart orifices to calm Spirit. The intermediate processing involves using bitter/scorched flavors to reach the meridian, salty flavors to guide feared herbs, pungent flavors to avoid overcoming herbs, sour flavors to tonify the Mother organ, and sweet flavors to drain the Child organ—all methods of tailoring medicinal properties.
Cooking rice with lotus leaf decoction broadens the Middle Jiao; mustard greens resolve phlegm; perilla leaves move Qi and release the exterior; mint leaves clear heat; light bamboo leaf decoction prevents summerheat. Making porridge: besides plain porridge, adding Fu Ling cheese clears the Upper and solidifies the Lower; yam powder regulates the Stomach; Sichuan pepper juice resolves mountain miasma. Ginger, scallion, and fermented soybean juice induce sweating. Ancient formulas using pig kidney, sheep kidney, etc., rely on medicinal power. One patient with Lin syndrome (dysuria/painful urination) who never took medicine was taught to eat only millet porridge and abstain from other foods; symptoms reduced in over ten days and resolved in over a month. This illustrates the healing power of the five grains.
Pear juice disperses wind and resolves 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 assisted by Po Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit) in salt-water pill treats lumbar damp-pain miraculously. Red date decoction strained and refined into paste saves infants with Spleen deficiency and Stomach cold who cannot take medicine. Lotus seed powder treated with Su Geng (Perilla Stem) cures Jin Kou Li (anorexic dysentery). Persimmon calyx mixed with pestle-head bran stops food regurgitation. I use these for families indulging in luxury, illustrating the healing power of the five fruits.
Leek white cures Lin syndrome; leek seeds astringe essence. Scallion juice mixed with Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis) powder astringes dysentery due to collapse; do not use unless collapse is present. Amaranth juice cures initial dysentery. Air-dried radish cures cough due to food stagnation. White Lablab Bean benefits the Spleen and clears summerheat. Garlic juice boiled with Xiang Fu, plus Bi Bo (Long Pepper) and Da Huang, treats poisoning in miasma regions. Various vegetables can treat diseases if eaten exclusively.
Yellow beef tonifies Qi, functioning similarly to Mian Huang Qi (Milky Astragalus). Lamb nourishes Blood, functioning similarly to Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia). Pork has no tonic effect, but habitual consumption transforms it. Only connecting贴 (application/association) to Spleen, Stomach to Gut, Kidney to Waist, Bone Marrow to Bones, and Heart to Blood can guide herbs into their respective meridians. It is not inherently so. Deer provides comprehensive tonification; I often wished to refine deer meat juice into paste like Xia Tian Gao using the Xiao Dao Gui method, regretting not having enough. Yellow beef slices preserved with Mirabilite reduce epigastric masses; bone marrow oil rubbed on limbs treats injuries. Birds: Goose disperses wind; young chicken tonifies damage; old hen soup revitalizes decline. Insects: Dung beetle roasted and fed to children treats Wigan; mosquito skin made into pills treats fright, epilepsy, Wigan, and dysentery. I frequently used these for well-nourished patients, following their transformative nature. Only dog meat strengthens Yang, favored by vulgar people; the ancient formula Wu Xu Jiu (Wu Xu Wine) is designed for deficiency-cold syndromes. Some say: "Scholars do not kill dogs and pigs without cause," implying ancients found delicacies shameful. Perhaps the yellow and black colors sufficiently tonify Spleen and Kidney; they could be prepared like the Xiao Dao Gui method to treat deficiency-wasting tuberculosis and warn against excessive desire. It is cheap, labor-saving, and aids the poor. (Note: "Qiang Lang" should be "Tang Lang" (Mantis); "Nie Pi" should be "Ke Pi" (Oyster Shell).)
Shi Huisheng notes: For pediatric Wigan accumulation with abdominal distension and diarrhea, roasted cockroaches fed to the child are quite effective.