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Qiancao (Radix Rubiae) inherits the qi of earth and water, and combines with the Shaoyang qi of heaven to grow; therefore, its taste is bitter and cold, slightly sour and salty, and it is non-toxic. It enters the Foot Jueyin (Liver), Hand Shaoyin (Heart), and Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) meridians, and is an essential herb for promoting blood circulation and cooling blood.

Qiancao treats internal Gu poison causing hematemesis and hematochezia where the blood resembles rotten liver; it treats chronic traumatic injuries where stagnant blood forms masses; it treats continuous metrorrhagia due to deficiency-heat; it treats recurrent hematemesis and epistaxis due to labor injury; it treats menstrual stagnation in women; and it treats postpartum blood fainting in women. It achieves remarkable results in treating various blood-related pox diseases. It also eliminates breast nodules forming abscesses and resolves jaundice. However, if a patient presents with blood disorders accompanied by diarrhea and poor appetite, it should be avoided, as the bitter-cold nature can damage the stomach.

Main indications (referencing *Douzhen Hecan*): Treats dry collapse of smallpox pustules; drink frequently with wine, because it cools blood and promotes circulation. It is contraindicated in patients with deficiency-cold.

Yujin (Rhizoma Curcumae) inherits the cool qi of heaven and combines with the flavors of metal and fire from earth; thus, its taste is pungent and bitter, its nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. Its flavor and qi are both thin, belonging to Yin, and descending. When taken with wine, it can ascend; pungency disperses, bitterness drains, so it excels at descending rebellious Qi. It enters the Heart, Liver, and Stomach meridians. It treats stagnation, blood coagulation, and Qi obstruction. The authentic product is round with transverse striations resembling cicada wings, has a pointed, round, bright, and translucent belly, and tastes bitter with a hint of sweetness.

Yujin has a bitter taste and cold nature; taking it clears the Heart meridian and directs Qi downward. It is used to eliminate Yang toxins and promote tissue regeneration. It is contraindicated for hematuria but can treat blood strangury in the urethra. It drives away blood and Qi causing pain, breaks up stasis and evil blood, stops upward rushing hematemesis, and causes accumulated blood to return to its vessels. Due to its light and ascending nature, it is specifically effective for treating suppression and stagnation. However, it cannot be used when true Yin is extremely deficient, fire forces blood to move recklessly, or when hematemesis is caused not by rebellious Qi or uneven Liver Qi.

Main indications (referencing *Douzhen Hecan*): Efficacy is the same as above; ancient formulas use it to treat collapsed and hidden pox lesions. Generally, it can be used for cases caused by blood stasis and stagnation. Yujin enters the Heart meridian and specifically treats blood disorders; Jianghuang (Turmeric Rhizome) enters the Spleen meridian and treats Qi within blood; Pengzhu (Curcuma Zedoaria Rhizome) enters the Liver meridian and treats blood within Qi; Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizome) enters the Liver meridian and treats Qi within blood. However, the entire course of pox disease relies entirely on Qi and Blood; therefore, substances that injure Qi and Blood like these are strictly contraindicated.

Commentary: Yujin opens the stagnation of Lung Metal, hence its name. Its nature is inherently harsh. Moreover, Jianghuang is often used as a substitute in markets; its attacking and cutting action is too severe and abrupt, causing harm without benefit, and those with deficiency must be especially cautious.

(Seven taels of Yujin combined with three taels of Mingfan (Alumen) ground into fine powder, formed into pills the size of wu zi using thin rice paste. Take fifty pills each time with warm water. Ancients once treated a woman with mania lasting ten years. After the first dose, she felt something detach from her chest and heart, becoming refreshed; after the second dose, she recovered. This was due to phlegm and blood stasis gathering in the Heart orifice caused by fright and worry; this herb enters the Heart to remove evil blood, and Alumen transforms stubborn phlegm. Additionally, *Fan Shihu's Collected Works* records: In Lingnan, there is a harmful sorcery using counter-spells in food, causing fish and meat to revive and die inside the human abdomen, thereby enslaving the family spiritually. Initially, one feels chest and abdominal pain; stabbing occurs the next day; birth happens in the abdomen after ten days. For chest and diaphragm pain, use Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizome) or Danfan (Chalcanthite) to induce vomiting. If pain is below the diaphragm, urgently mix two qian of Yujin powder with rice gruel; ingestion leads to the expulsion of evil matter. Alternatively, take Shengma and Yujin together; if vomiting does not occur, purgation will follow. Li Xuyan, Vice Director who served as Judge in Leizhou, obtained this formula while adjudicating cases, saving many lives.)