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Decoct the herbs, allowing the medicinal liquid to be clear, and drink the juice in the abdomen; the medicine circulates through the meridians, easily ascending and dispersing. Nowadays, people use blades to chop herbs into pieces the size of hemp seeds or beans, which is also a method of "Ju" (chewing/biting). If all are ground into fine powder, the distinction between clear and turbid qualities would be lost. For example, when treating diseases located high in the body, add wine for decoction; for removing dampness, add ginger for decoction; for tonifying Yuan Qi (Original Qi), add dates for decoction; for dispersing wind-cold, add green onion for decoction; for treating diseases above the diaphragm, add honey for decoction. Sanji (Powders) are fine powders that do not circulate through the meridians, only treating diseases above the diaphragm and in the Zang-Fu organs. Herbs with strong flavors and aromas should be taken mixed with plain boiled water; those with weak flavors and aromas should be decocted in water and taken with the dregs. Wanji (Pills) treat diseases in the upper part; their pills are very large, smooth, and round. Pills for treating the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner) are next in size, while those for the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) are extremely small. Pills made with thick paste flour take advantage of slow dissolution to reach the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner). Pills made with wine or vinegar aim at the intent of both dispersion and consolidation. When encountering Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) or Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome), or herbs for removing dampness, boil them in fresh ginger juice to make paste for pills to mitigate their toxicity. Xi Hu Wanji (Thin Paste Pills) take advantage of easy dissolution. Pills made by soaking steamed buns in water or dripping water are all chosen for easy dissolution. Pills made with refined honey take advantage of slow dissolution and the circulation of qi through the meridians. La Wanji (Wax Pills) take advantage of difficult dissolution to gradually achieve efficacy. Generally speaking, Tangji (Decoctions) act like washing away, used for chronic diseases; Sanji (Powders) act by dispersing, used for acute diseases; Wanji (Pills) act slowly, unable to quickly remove disease, thus treating from a gradual approach; Danji (Elixirs/Pills) are larger pills. All medicines should be prepared in advance; if prepared on the spot when illness strikes, the medicines may not be complete, how can they be effective? Whenever it says "equal parts," it means equal weights without difference. This applies to all nourishing and tonifying slow prescriptions. However, for urgent prescriptions treating disease, one must distinguish between Jun (Monarch), Chen (Minister), Zuo (Assistant), and Shi (Envoy) herbs. Generally, Jun herbs are used in 10 parts, Chen herbs in 7-8 parts, Zuo herbs in 5-6 parts, and Shi herbs in 3-4 parts. There may be additions and subtractions, with quantities similar to Zuo and Shi herbs. In cases of heaviest disease, although the weight difference between Jun and Chen is vast, there is no doubt. It is like the difference between firecrackers, Nuxiang (Saltpeter), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome); their effects are vastly different, so one must carefully deliberate!

Carefully examine authenticity, newness, and age.
Many medicines are counterfeit; taking them by mistake can harm people. One must consult experienced individuals before being able to identify them. Herbs suitable for aged storage include only Mahuang (Ephedra Herb), Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), Xiangru (Elsholtzia Herb), Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange), Zhike (Bitter Orange), Wuyu (Evodia Fruit), and Yelangdu (Daphne Genkwa Stem Bark). All other herbs with thin flavors should be used fresh and potent; those that are old, rotten, or moldy must not be used.

Do not show off skill in processing and preparation.
The poem says: Yuanhua (Genkwa Flower) naturally promotes urination, but without vinegar it cannot unblock; Lvdou (Mung Bean) naturally detoxifies, but with the shell it shows no effect. Caoguo (Tsaoko Fruit) effectively reduces distension, but taking it with the shell causes chest fullness. Heichou (Pharbitis Seed) raw promotes urination; Yuanzhi Miao (Polygala Tenuifolia Seedling) is toxic. Puhuang (Lygodium Spore) raw invigorates blood, cooked tonifies blood and promotes circulation; Diyhu (Sanguisorba Root) treats blood disorders, but using the whole stalk including roots does not stop bleeding. Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) specifically regulates qi; using it with the white pith tonifies the Stomach. Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) saves Yin conditions; raw it dispels wind in the skin. Caowu (Aconitum Kusnezoffii Root) resolves wind-bi; raw it causes dizziness. People say it should be roasted before use; various stones must be heated red. Adding vinegar allows them to be made into powder; processing systems must be skilled. Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) stir-fried to remove oil; raw it treats Qi Bi pain. Generally, herbs entering the Lung are processed with honey; those entering the Spleen with ginger; those entering the Kidney with salt; those entering the Liver with vinegar; those entering the Heart with urine from an uncircumcised boy. Herbs processed by fire-parching, soup-soaking, baking, or stir-frying aim to mitigate toxicity; those soaked in vinegar, processed with ginger, or fried in butter aim to circulate meridians and invigorate blood. For instance, Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark), Tianmendong (Asparagus Tuber), Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber), Sheng Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), Shu Dihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), and Heshouwu (Polygonum Multiflorum Root) must avoid iron tools; cut them with bamboo or copper knives. Contact with iron will cause San Xiao (Three Consumptions/Wasting-Thirst). Yuanzhi (Polygala Root), Bajitian (Morinda Root), Mendong (Ophiopogon/Tianmen Dong), Lianzi (Lotus Seed), and Wuyao (Lindera Root) must have their hearts removed, otherwise causing irritability. Zhuling (Polyporus), Fuling (Poria), Houpo (Magnolia Bark), and Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark) must have their skins removed, otherwise depleting Yuan Qi. Baizi (Biota Seed), Huomaren (Hemp Seed), Yizhi (Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit), and Caoguo (Tsaoko Fruit) must have their skins removed, otherwise causing chest stuffiness. Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), and Rongrong (Cistanche Stem) should be washed with wine to remove dirt, generating essence and invigorating blood, preventing fullness. Taoren (Peach Seed) and Xingren (Apricot Seed) with double kernels are toxic and harmful; use peeled and tipless ones to prevent carbuncles and boils. Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), and Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) should be soaked and washed in hot water to remove dryness. Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) should be soaked to remove the first decoction water to prevent heart vexation. Renshen (Ginseng Root), Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), and Changshan ( Dichroa Root) should have their seedlings and rhizomes removed to prevent vomiting. Know that methods such as water levigation, fire calcination, vinegar quenching, wine soaking, and separate grinding must follow ancient methods, do not show off novelty.

Ancient texts print that cooked herbs ascend and raw herbs descend.
For diseases in the head, face, hands, feet, and skin, stir-fry with wine to make the medicine ascend; for diseases below the throat and above the navel, soak and wash with wine; for diseases in the lower part, use raw. To achieve both ascending and descending, use half raw and half cooked. For Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome), Zhi Mu (Anemarrhena Rhizome), and Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), wine processing is necessary to prevent cold from damaging the Stomach. Know that dense substances are used raw, thin substances are stir-fried. However, stir-frying inevitably introduces fire toxicity; store and use them, using them immediately after stir-frying to avoid adding fire to fire.

Know when to decoct and take medicine, and observe prohibitions.
Generally, use clean clay pots for decoction, selecting a person to perform the task. Tonifying decoctions require slow fire simmering; diaphoretic, purgative, and cold-damp treating medicines require fast fire decoction. If the dose is large and water is little, the medicinal flavor will not emerge; if the dose is small and water is much, the decoction will be too depleted and weak. Seal the pot mouth with wet paper during decoction; once cooked, filter through paper or gauze/silk. Remove the dregs and take the clear juice to circulate through meridians and remove disease. If the liquid is thick and turbid, the medicinal power will not circulate, causing stagnation and harm. The *Li Ren* book states: Tonifying medicines must be well-cooked; purgative/diuretic medicines need not be afraid of being raw. Tonifying medicines: use two cups of water, decoct to eight-tenths. Or three cups to one cup. Diuretic/purgative medicines: one and a half cups to one cup, or one cup to eight-tenths. Furthermore, primary disease medicines should be decocted first. For example, for sweating, Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) is primary; decoct Mahuang for one or two boils before adding other herbs. Follow this pattern for others. For stopping sweating, decoct Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) first; for harmonizing, decoct Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) first; for purging, decoct Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange) first; for inducing vomiting, decoct Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit) first; for warming, decoct Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) first; for moving blood, decoct Taoren (Peach Seed) first; for promoting urination, decoct Zhuling (Polyporus) first; for stopping diarrhea, decoct Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) first; for wasting-thirst, decoct Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Root) first; for stopping pain, decoct Shaoyao (Peony Root) first; for jaundice, decoct Yinchen (Artemisia Capillaris Herb) first; for macules, decoct Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis) first; for mania, decoct Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) first; for vomiting, decoct Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) first; for labor-induced cold, decoct Huangqi (Astragalus Root) first; for wind-cold invasion, decoct Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome) first; for summerheat, decoct Xiangru (Elsholtzia Herb) first; for wind diseases, decoct Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) first; for abdominal rumbling, decoct Wei Shengjiang (Stir-fried Fresh Ginger) first; for dampness, decoct Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) first. Generally, for diseases in the upper part, take medicine slowly after meals; for diseases in the middle part, take medicine long after meals; for diseases in the lower part, take medicine in one dose on an empty stomach to reach the lower part. For diseases in the four limbs and blood vessels, take medicine when hungry and during the day; for diseases in the bone marrow, take medicine after full meals and at night. If vomiting makes it difficult to take medicine, advance it slowly spoonful by spoonful, not too fast. Small doses nourish the upper part; large doses strongly tonify the lower part. After taking medicine, wait for three shichen (two-hour periods) before eating rice, and do not sleep immediately to allow the medicinal qi to circulate. Five Prohibitions: Salty enters Blood; for blood diseases, do not eat much salty. Bitter enters Bone; for bone diseases, do not eat much bitter. Pungent enters Qi; for qi diseases, do not eat much pungent. Sour enters Tendons; for tendon diseases, do not eat much sour. Sweet enters Flesh; for flesh diseases, do not eat much sweet. Medicinal Contraindications: With Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), do not eat peach, plum, sparrow meat, coriander, garlic, or grass carp. With Lilü (Veratrum Rhizome), do not eat civet cat meat. With Badou (Croton Seed), do not eat asparagus soup or wild boar meat. With Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), do not eat pork. With Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), do not eat Myrobalan. With Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) and Changpu (Acorus Rhizome), do not eat malt sugar or mutton. With Xixin (Asarum Root), do not eat raw vegetables. With Gancao (Licorice Root), do not eat Chinese cabbage or Sargassum. With Mudan (Tree Peony Root Bark), do not eat raw coriander. With Shanglu (Phytolacca Root), do not eat dog meat. With Changshan (Dichroa Root), do not eat raw green onion or raw vegetables. With Kongqing (Azurite) and Zhusha (Cinnabar), do not eat raw blood products. With Fuling (Poria), do not eat vinegar products. With Biejia (Turtle Shell), do not eat amaranth. With Tianmendong (Asparagus Tuber), do not eat carp. During medication, do not eat much raw coriander, garlic mixed with raw vegetables, slippery fruits, fatty pork/dog meat, greasy soups, or fishy/foul-smelling foods. General prohibitions during medication include seeing dead bodies or handling menstrual impurities. Pregnancy Contraindications: Banmao (Mylabris), Shuizhi (Leech), and Mengchong (Blue Bottle Fly Larva); Wutou (Aconite Mother Root), Fuzi (Aconite Lateral Root) paired with Tianxiong (Aconite Lateral Root); Yege (Gelsemium Vine), Shuiyin (Mercury), and Badou (Croton Seed); Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), Yiyiren (Coix Seed), and Wugong (Centipede). Sanleng (Sparganium Rhizome), Yuanhua (Genkwa Flower), Daizhe (Haematitum), She (Musk), Daji (Euphorbia Root), Shetui (Snake Slough), Huang Cixiong (Hen of Yellow Color), Yanxiao (Mirabilite), Mangxiao (Thenardite), Mudan (Tree Peony Root Bark), Gui (Cinnamon Bark), Huaihua (Sophora Flower), Qianniu (Pharbitis Seed), and Zaohao (Gleditsia Fruit). Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome), Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome), and Tongcao (Tetrapanax Pith); Qumai (Persicaria Herb), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), Taoren (Peach Seed), and Tong Cao (Tetrapanax Pith); Naosha (Sal Ammoniac), Ganqi (Dry Lacquer), Xiezhuajia (Crab Claw Shell), Didan (Euphorbia Kansui Root), and Maogen (Imperata Rhizome) are all unsuitable.

Using medicine appropriately is a divine prescription.
The mind method of prescribing according to symptoms. For external contraction of Four Qi causing headache, use Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome). If not cured, add meridian-guiding herbs: Taiyang channel uses Chuanxiong, Yangming channel uses Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root), Shaoyang channel uses Chaihu (Bupleurum Root), Taiyin channel uses Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), Shaoyin channel uses Xixin (Asarum Root), Jueyin channel uses Wuyu (Evodia Fruit). Vertex headache requires Gaoben (Ligusticum Wallichii Rhizome), remove Chuanxiong. Limb and joint pain requires Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), also used for removing wind-damp. Abdominal pain requires Shaoyao (Peony Root); if aversion to cold and pain, add Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig); if aversion to heat and pain, add Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark). Hypogastric pain requires Qingpi (Citrus Aurantium Peel). Hypochondriac pain, alternating tidal fever, afternoon tidal fever requires Chaihu (Bupleurum Root). Epigastric pain requires Caodoukou (Tsaoko Fruit). Abdominal distension requires Houpo (Magnolia Bark) and Baishao (White Peony Root). Narrowness in the abdomen requires Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome). Muscle heat and removing phlegm requires Huangqin (Scutellaria Root). Vexation and heat in the chest requires Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit). Excess heat in the abdomen with constipation requires Dahuang (Rhubarb Root and Rhizome) and Mangxiao (Thenardite). Yellow urine requires Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark); if frequent and difficult, add Ze xie (Alisma Rhizome). Heat in the Upper Jiao requires Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) to drain Lung Fire; damp-heat and pain in the Middle Jiao requires Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) to drain Heart Fire; damp swelling and pain in the Lower Jiao requires Jiuxi Fangji (Stephania Root washed with wine), Caolongdan (Gentiana Scabra Root), Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) to drain Bladder Fire. Thirst requires Gegen (Kudzu Root) and Fuling (Poria); Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) is prohibited. Internal injury to Spleen/Stomach with muscle heat and deficiency sweating requires Huangqi (Astragalus Root). Spleen/Stomach affected by dampness, heaviness, weakness, lethargy, and removing phlegm requires Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome). Undigested food and epigastric fullness requires Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange); excessive drinking damaging Spleen/Stomach requires Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), and Zhuling (Polyporus). Watery diarrhea requires Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Fuling (Poria), and Shaoyao (Peony Root). Internal injury to Qi level requiring tonification requires Renshen (Ginseng Root). Qi deficiency with palpitations and confusion requires Fushen (Poria with Hostwood). Breaking stagnant Qi requires Zhike (Bitter Orange) to benefit the Lung; excessive use damages the highest Qi in the chest. Stabbing pain due to Qi requires Zhike (Bitter Orange); guide with meridian herbs depending on the location. Removing stagnant Qi requires Qingpi (Citrus Aurantium Peel) to drain Liver; excessive use damages True Qi. Treating the manifestation of Qi: requires Muxiang (Aucklandia Root) to move Qi in Middle/Lower Jiao, Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) to relieve stagnant Qi, Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) to direct rebellious Qi, Zisu (Perilla Leaf) to disperse Mai Qi, Houpo (Magnolia Bark) to vent Wei Qi, Binglang (Areca Seed) to vent highest Qi, Huoxiang (Patchouli Herb) to ascend Stomach Qi, Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood) to regulate True Qi; Naosha (Musk) disperses True Qi, use with caution. Treating the root of Qi: Qi depression ascending requires Chuanxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome), Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome), Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit), Huangqin (Scutellaria Root), Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome); Minfire rushing up requires Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) and Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), assisted by Muxiang (Aucklandia Root). Since Qi depression ascending belongs to Fire. Internal injury to Blood level, insufficient blood tonification requires Zhigancao (Prepared Licorice Root), or Yimucao (Motherwort Herb), Xiakucao (Prunella Spike), Guiban (Turtle Shell), Niuxi (Achyranthes Root), Gouqizi (Goji Berry). Blood cold requires Jiang (Ginger) and Gui (Cinnamon); Blood heat requires Shengdi (Rehmannia Root) and Kushen (Sophora Root). Harmonizing blood requires Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root); if stabbing blood pain, use root or tip depending on location. Breaking stagnant blood requires Taoren (Peach Seed), Honghua (Carthamus Flower), Xuemei (Dragon's Blood), Mudanpi (Tree Peony Root Bark). Metrorrhagia requires Puhuang (Lygodium Spore), Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gel), Diyhu (Sanguisorba Root), Baicaoshuang (Herb Ash), Zonglutantan (Palmit Fiber Charcoal). Blood pain requires Rushao (Frankincense), Moya (Myrrh), Wulingzhi (Trogopterus Dung). Internal injury with Phlegm-Cough requires Wuweizi (Schisandra Fruit); for wheezing, use Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gel). Removing phlegm requires Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome); for hot phlegm add Huangqin (Scutellaria Root); for wind-phlegm add Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome); for cold-phlegm and fullness in chest use Chenpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome). Unbearable sore pain requires Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root). Detail upper/lower root/tips and meridian-guiding herbs. Unbearable eye pain requires Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root), soaked and washed with wine. In purely cold or purely hot medicines, use Gancao (Licorice Root) to moderate their force; in mixed cold-heat, use it to harmonize their nature. For pain in the penis, use Sheng Gancao Shao (Raw Licorice Root Tip). This is the general outline; apply by analogy to each category.