Library

**Translation of Task 1 into Academic English**

Unlimited amount of *Abelmoschus manihot* (Okra) petals are mixed with pure rapeseed oil to form a thick paste, which is stored in a sealed bottle. By the following year, after the petals have rotted, it can be applied externally; the older the preparation, the better its efficacy. According to this prescription, soaking the petals in sesame oil (*Sesamum indicum*) is particularly effective. If this medicine is unavailable, applying a mixture of *Sanguisorbae Radix* (Diyu, 地榆) powder and sesame oil also yields excellent results. For limbs damaged by fire burns, boil an egg until cooked, discard the white, and use only the yolk. Add lard from a pig (without membrane), with the quantity slightly exceeding that of the egg yolk. Pound them together into a paste and apply to the affected area for miraculous efficacy. This is a secret prescription passed down by Xu Xiushan, a skilled physician from Linhai.

Geng Sheng notes: This prescription has been tested repeatedly with extreme efficacy.

For swellings on the body or face the size of a copper coin, rubbing them brings divine results. Take five or six *Crotonis Fructus* (Badou, 巴豆), remove the skin, crush them, wrap them in silk gauze, and rub onto the affected area. Do not rub healthy skin.

For cases where swelling has not completely subsided: Apply *Kansui Radix* (Gansui, 甘遂) powder to the abdomen, surrounding the umbilicus until full. Internally administer licorice water (*Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma*, Gancao), and the swelling will subside.

Geng Sheng notes: The conditions of edema and "Hong Kong foot" (a term often referring to severe lower limb swelling/gouty arthritis in this context) are commonly known as "Big Foot Wind" or "Sha Mu" disease. Farmers in water towns frequently suffer from this. Unlike ordinary Hong Kong foot, where swelling subsides immediately after an attack, this condition does not resolve once swollen. It arises because injury to the collaterals leads to blood stasis coagulation, qi stagnation, and the lingering of wind-dampness mixed with heat pathogens over a long period. Thus, at the onset of the disease, there must be nodules in the groin area accompanied by pain, aversion to cold, and high fever. Gradually, movement becomes difficult, leading to swelling, numbness, and hardness in the feet, causing lifelong inconvenience, which is truly pitiable. I once saw a prescription recorded by Mr. Zhao Qingchu in his *Cuncunzhai Yihua* (Medical Conversations from Cuncun Studio) that was quite effective. I have tested it multiple times with verified results, so I record it below: Crush scallion whites (*Allii Fistulosi Bulbus*, Congbai) and mix with honey, applying it to the painful nodule in the groin. Then, decoct jellyfish (*Halophytis Medulla*, Haizhe) and water chestnut (*Eleocharis Tubers*, Qibi) together until the jellyfish dissolves completely. Swallow Danggui Longhui Wan (Angelica and Gardenia Pill) three qian with the decoction (this pill is commercially available). This will cause the swelling to dissipate. For chronic cases lasting many years, decoct eight liang of *Phellodendri Cortex* (Huangbo, 黄柏, separately ground into powder) and eight liang of jellyfish (do not wash/blanch), add the natural juice of scallion roots, and mix uniformly to make pills the size of mung beans. Take three qian daily, delivered with reed rhizome (*Imperatae Rhizoma*, Maogen) water. Externally, decoct shavings from Chinese fir wood (*Cunninghamiae Lignum*, Shanmu), add one liang of mirabilite (*Natrii Sulfas*, Pinxiao), and wash frequently. Finally, bind the area tightly with blue cloth soaked in salt. There will be no case that does not heal. This also treats "Goose Palm Wind" (tinea manuum) and Hong Kong foot, proving highly effective for all such conditions.