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Arsenicum (Bismuthi Subnitras / Realgar processed, here referring to Arsenolite/Orpiment derivative) is produced by sublimation and refining of Ashihuang (Realgar). Ashihuang itself is already toxic, and when combined with the heat of fire, its toxicity becomes even more severe during refining. Therefore, it tastes bitter and sour, has a strongly hot nature, and possesses extreme toxicity. When first smelted into frost, one must stand more than ten zhang upwind; plants and trees downwind will all die. It kills rats instantly; cats and dogs that eat the poisoned rats also die. If a human consumes one qian (approx. 3-5g), death occurs immediately. Ingesting it with vinegar or distilled liquor causes rapid rotting of the stomach and intestines, leading to death in an instant; neither mung beans nor cold water can detoxify it. Why use such a fatal poison to treat diseases that are not inherently fatal? It is only used reluctantly when stubborn phlegm firmly causes asthma or malaria, relying on its sour and bitter properties to induce vomiting (emesis), as well as for killing parasites and cauterizing hemorrhoids externally.

Arsenicum is counteracted by strong vinegar, cold water, mung beans, and sheep blood. If ingested and poisoning occurs, having any one of these substances in the abdomen can resolve the toxicity. It can arrest malaria and eliminate asthma, expelling wind-phlegm from the diaphragm. It softens hardness, grinds away accumulations, and digests retained food in the abdomen.

Pengsha (Borax) is another name for Borax. It forms through mining, boiling, and leaching crystallization, similar to Niter (Sal Nitri) and Halite sand. It tastes bitter, acrid, and salty, has a warm nature, and is non-toxic. Its color is white and texture light; it can resolve phlegm-heat in the upper jiao (chest, diaphragm, and lungs). Acridity disperses, bitterness drains downward, and saltiness softens hardness. Thus, it effectively treats mouth ulcers, throat bi (sore throat), and eliminates fleshy obstructions and corneal opacities, especially when insufflated or applied topically.

Borax is a key herb for treating throat bi (swollen and painful throat) and a swift formula for clearing phlegm-heat above the diaphragm. It removes polyps and clears visual obscurations; its ability to soften metals indicates its corrosive power.

Naocha (Ammonium Chloride / Sal Ammoniac) is formed from the crystallization of brine. It inherits yin-toxic qi and contains yang-toxic essence. Its taste is extremely salty, bitter, and acrid; its nature is warm, and it has great toxicity. It can corrode metals and stones, rot human gastrointestinal tracts, and is extremely potent and toxic. Therefore, it is required for inducing abortion, removing foul flesh and old coldness, breaking blood stasis and accumulations, treating nasal polyps, and resolving stubborn phlegm cough. However, this strongly heating and toxic substance makes tough meat difficult to stew; adding a little brine (Naocha) makes it tender, demonstrating its intensity. It is also known as Diyan, Beiting Sha, Qisha, and Tougu Jiangjun (Bone-Penetrating General). If poisoned by it, drink juice made from raw mung beans to detoxify. When using Naocha, wash away dust impurities with water, and dry it by steaming in porcelain vessels.

Naocha (Ammonium Chloride) primarily treats retained coldness and accumulations, breaks blood stasis, and induces abortion. It drives out stubborn phlegm cough, removes foul flesh, and promotes tissue regeneration. Due to its significant flesh-rotting efficacy and toxicity, it is frequently used as an important external surgical herb. For swelling and toxins, it helps open sores and remove necrotic tissue; for ulcerated carbuncles, it剔腐生肌 (removes decay and generates flesh); it clears ocular membranes and brightens vision. The *Classic* states: consuming it raw transforms the human heart into blood. If poisoned, grind mung beans into juice to detoxify.