奉天一人得此证，七八日，其脉浮而有力，知其因风束生热
也。亦先用阿斯匹林瓦许汗之。汗后，其鼻中浊涕即减，亦投以前方，连服三剂全愈。
《神农本草经》谓石膏能治腹痛，诚有效验。曾治奉天刘××腹疼，三年不愈。其脉洪长有力，右部尤甚，
舌心红而无皮，时觉头疼眩晕，大便干燥，小便黄涩，此乃伏气化热，阻塞奇经之经络，故作疼也。为疏方∶
生石膏两半，知母、花粉、玄参、生杭芍、川楝子各五钱，乳香、没药各四钱，甘草二钱，一剂疼愈强半。即
原方略为加减，又服数剂全愈。
愚弱冠，有本村刘氏少年，因腹疼卧病月余，昼夜号呼，势极危险。延医数人，皆束手无策。闻愚归，求
为诊视，其脉洪长有力，盖从前之疼犹不至如斯，为屡次为热药所误，故疼益加剧耳。亦投以前方，惟生石膏
重用二两，一剂病大轻减。后又加鲜茅根数钱，连服两剂全愈。盖此等证，大抵皆由外感伏邪窜入奇经，久而
生热。其热无由宣散，遂郁而作疼。医者为其腹疼，不敢投以凉药，甚或以热治热，是以益治益剧。然证之凉
热，脉自有分，即病患细心体验，亦必自觉。临证者尽心询问考究，自能得其实际也。
石膏之性，又最宜与西药阿斯匹林并用。盖石膏清热之力虽大，而发表之力稍轻。阿斯匹林味酸性凉，最
善达表，使内郁之热由表解散，与石膏相助为理，实有相得益彰之妙也。如外感之热，已入阳明胃腑，其人头
疼舌苔犹白者，是仍带表证。愚恒用阿斯匹林一瓦，白蔗糖化水送服以汗之。迨其汗出遍体之时，复用生石膏
两许，煎汤乘热饮之（宜当汗正出时饮之），在表之热解，在里之热亦随汗而解矣。若其头已不疼，舌苔微黄，
似无表证矣，而脉象犹浮，虽洪滑而按之不实者，仍可用阿斯匹林汗之。然宜先用生石膏七八钱，或两许，煮
汤服之，俾热势少衰，然后投以阿斯匹林，则汗既易出，汗后病亦易解也。若其热未随汗全解，仍可
徐饮以生石膏汤，清其余热。不但此也，若斑疹之毒，郁而未发，其人表里俱热，大便不滑泻者，可用生石膏
五六钱，煎汤冲服阿斯匹林半瓦许，俾服后，微似有汗，内毒透彻，斑疹可全然托出。若出后壮热不退，胃腑
燥实，大便燥结者，又可多用生石膏至二三两许，煎汤一大碗（约有三四茶杯），冲阿斯匹林一瓦，或一瓦
强，一次温饮数羹匙。初饮略促其期，迨热见退，或大便通下，尤宜徐徐少饮，以壮热全消，仍不至滑泻为度。
如此斟酌适宜，斑疹无难愈之证矣。石膏与阿斯匹林，或前后互用，或一时并用，通变化裁，存乎其人，果能
息息与病机相赴，功效岂有穷哉！
用阿斯匹林治关节肿疼之挟有外感实热者，又必与石膏并用，方能立见奇效。奉天赵××之侄，年六岁。
脑后生疮，漫肿作疼，继而头面皆肿，若赤游丹毒。继而作抽掣，日甚一日。浸至周身僵直，目不能合，亦不
能瞬，气息若断若续，呻吟全无。其家人以为无药可治，待时而已。阅两昼夜，形状如故，试灌以勺水，似犹
知下咽。因转念或犹可治，而彼处医者，咸皆从前延请而屡次服药无效者也。来院求为延医。其脉洪数而实，
肌肤发热，知其夹杂温病，阳明腑证已实，势虽垂危，犹可挽回。遂用生石膏细末四两，以蒸汽水煎汤两茶杯，
徐徐温灌之。周十二时，剂尽，脉见和缓，微能作声。又用阿斯匹林瓦半，仍以汽水所煎石膏汤，分五次送下，
限一日夜服完。服至末二次，皆周身微见汗，其精神稍明了，肢体能微动。从先七八日不食，且不大便，至此
可少进茶汤，大便亦通下矣。继用生山药细末煮作稀粥，调以白蔗糖，送服阿斯匹林三分之一瓦，日两次，若
见有热，即间饮汽水所煮石膏汤。又以蜜调黄连末，少加薄荷冰，敷其头面肿处，生肌散敷其疮口破处，如此
调养数日，病势减退，可以能言。其左边手足仍不能动，试略为屈伸，则疼不能忍。细验
之，关节处皆微肿，按之觉疼，知其关节之间，因外感之热而生炎也。遂又用鲜茅根煎浓汤（无鲜茅根可代以
鲜芦根），调以白蔗糖，送服阿斯匹林半瓦，日两次。俾服药后周身微似有汗，亦间有不出汗之时，令其关节
中之炎热，徐徐随发表之药透出。又佐以健补脾胃之药，俾其多进饮食。如此旬余，左手足皆能运动，关节能
屈伸。以后饮食复常，停药勿服，静养半月，行动如常矣。此证共享生石膏三斤，阿斯匹林三十瓦，始能完全
治愈。愚用阿斯匹林治热性关节肿疼者多矣，为此证最险，故详记之。
丁仲祜《西药实验谈》载，东人用阿斯匹林，治愈关节急性偻麻质斯（即热性关节肿疼）之案甚伙，而其
证之险，皆远逊于此证。若遇此证，不能重用生石膏，尚有何药能与阿斯匹林并用，以挽回此极险之证乎？彼
欲废弃中药者，尚其详观此案也。
上所录诸案，其为证不同，然皆兼有外感实热者也。乃有其人纯系内伤，脏腑失和，而前哲具有特识，亦
有重用石膏者。徐灵胎曰∶“嘉兴朱宗臣，以阳盛阴亏之体，又兼痰凝气逆。医者以温补治之，胸膈痞塞，而
阳道痿。群医谓脾肾两亏，将恐无治，就余于山中。余视其体，丰而气旺，阳升而阴不降，诸窍皆闭。笑谓之
曰∶此为肝肾双实证，先用清润之药，加石膏以降其逆气，后以消痰开胃之药涤其中宫，更以滋肾强阴之药镇其
元气，阳事即通。五月后，外家即怀孕，得一女，又一年复得一男。”观此，石膏治外感兼治内伤，功用何其弘哉！
穷极石膏之功用，恒有令人获意外之效者。曾治奉天马姓叟，年近六旬，患痔疮，三十余年不愈。后因伤
寒证，热入阳明之府，投以大剂白虎汤数剂，其病遂愈，痔疮竟由此除根。
奉天吕姓幼童，年五六岁，每年患眼疾六七次，皆治于东人医院。东人谓此关于禀赋，不能除根。后患瘟
疹，毒热甚恣，投以托毒清火之品，每剂中用生石膏两半，病愈后，其眼疾亦从此
不再反复。
友人张××，曾治京都阎姓叟。年近七旬，素有劳疾，发则喘而且嗽。于冬日感冒风寒，上焦烦热，劳疾
大作，痰涎胶滞，喘促异常。其脉关前洪滑，按之有力。张××治以生石膏二两以清时气之热，因其劳疾，加
沉香五钱，以引气归肾。且以痰涎太盛，石膏能润痰之燥，不能行痰之滞，故又借其辛温之性，以为石膏之反
佐也。一日连服二剂，于第二剂加清竹沥二钱，病若失。劳疾亦从此除根永不反复。夫劳疾至年近七旬，本属
不治之证，而事出无心，竟以重用石膏治愈之，石膏之功用，何其神哉！愚因闻此案，心有会悟，拟得治肺劳
黄膏方，其中亦用生石膏，服者颇有功效。
寒温阳明府病，原宜治以白虎汤。医者畏不敢用，恒以甘寒之药清之，遇病之轻者，亦可治愈，而恒至稽
留余热（甘寒药滞泥，故能闭塞外感热邪），变生他证。迨至病久不愈，其脉之有力者，仍可用白虎汤治之，
其脉之有力而不甚实者，可用白虎加人参汤治之。曾治奉天一学徒。年十四五，得劳热喘嗽证。初原甚轻，医
治数月，病势浸增，医者诿谓不治。遂来院求为诊视，其人羸弱已甚，而脉象有力，数近六至，疑其有外感伏
热，询之果数月之前，曾患温病，经医治愈。乃知其决系外感留邪，问其心中时觉发热，大便干燥，小便黄涩，
遂投以白虎加人参汤，去粳米加生怀山药一两，连服数剂，病若失。见者讶为奇异，不知此乃治其外感，非治
其内伤，而能若是之速效也。
《内经》谓“冬伤于寒，春必病温”，是言伏气为病也。乃有伏气伏于膈膜之下（《内经》所谓横连膜
原也），逼近胃口，久而化热，不外发为温病，转上透膈膜，熏蒸肺脏，致成肺病者。若其脉有力，亦宜重用
生石膏治之。曾治奉天赵某年四十许。始则发热懒食，继则咳嗽吐痰腥臭，医治三月，浸至不能起床。脉象滑
实，右脉
尤甚（伏邪之热，亦如寒温之脉，多右盛于左），舌有黄苔，大便数日一行。知系伏气为病，投以大剂白虎汤，
以生山药代粳米，又加利痰解毒之品，三剂后病愈强半。又即其方加减，服至十余剂全愈。
有伏气下陷于奇经诸脉中，久而化热，其热亦不能外发为温。有时随奇经之脉上升者。在女子又有热入血
室而子宫溃烂者，爰录两案于下以证之。
安东尉××，年二十余。时觉有热，起自下焦，上冲脑部。其脑部为热冲激，头巅有似肿胀，时作眩晕，
心中亦时发热，大便干燥，小便黄涩。经医调治，年余无效。求其处医士李××寄函来问治法，其开来病案如此。
曰∶“其脉象洪实，饮食照常，身体亦不软弱。”知其伏有外感热邪，因其身体不弱，俾日用生石膏细末四两，
煮水当茶饮之，若觉凉时即停服。后二十余日，其人忽来奉，言遵示服石膏六七斤，上冲之热见轻，而大便微
溏，因停药不服。诊其脉仍然有力，问其心中仍然发热，大便自停药后即不溏矣。为开白虎加人参汤，方中生
石膏重用三两，以生怀山药代粳米，连服六七剂，上冲之热大减，因出院还家。嘱其至家，按原方服五六剂，
病当除根矣。
南皮张××妻年三十余。十年前，恒觉少腹切疼。英女医谓系子宫炎证，用药数次无效。继乃谓此病如欲除
根，须用手术剖割，将生炎之处其腐烂者去净，然后敷药能愈。病患惧而辞之。后至奉，又延东女医治疗，用
坐药兼内服药，数年稍愈，至壬戌夏令，病浸增剧，时时疼痛，间下脓血。癸亥正初，延愚延医。其脉弦而有
力，尺脉尤甚。自言疼处觉热，以凉手熨之稍愈，上焦亦时觉烦躁。恍悟此证，当系曾受外感热入血室，医者
不知，治以小柴胡汤加石膏，外感虽解，而血室之热未清。或伏气下陷入于血室，阻塞气化，久而生热，以致
子宫生炎，浸至溃烂，脓血下注。为疏方，用金银花、乳香、没药、甘草以解其
毒，天花粉，知母、玄参以清其热，复本小柴胡汤之义，少加柴胡提其下陷之热上出，诸药煎汤，送服三七细
末二钱，以化腐生新。连服三剂病似稍轻，其热仍不少退。因思此证，原系外感稽留之热，非石膏不能解也。
遂于原方中加生石膏一两，后渐加至二两，连服数剂，热退强半，疼亦大减。遂去石膏，服数剂渐将凉药减少，
复少加健胃之品，共服药三十剂全愈。后在天津治冯氏妇此证，亦用此方。中有柴胡，即觉脓血不下行，后减
去柴胡，为之治愈。
《神农本草经》谓石膏治金疮，是外用以止其血也。愚尝用 石膏细末，敷金疮出血者甚效。盖多年壁上
锻石，善止金疮出血，石膏经 与锻石相近，益见 石膏之不可内服也。
石膏生用之功效，不但能治病，且善于治疮，且善于解毒。奉天赵××之父，年过六旬，在脐旁生痈，大径
三寸，五六日间烦躁异常，自觉屋隘莫容。其脉左关弦硬，右关洪实，知系伏气之热与疮毒俱发也。问其大便
数日未行，投以大剂白虎汤加金银花、连翘、龙胆草，煎汤一大碗，徐徐温饮下，连服三剂，烦躁与疮皆愈。
又∶在籍时，本村张氏女因家庭勃 ，怒吞砒石，未移时，作呕吐。其兄疑其偷食毒物，诡言无他，惟服
皂矾少许耳。其兄闻其言，急来询解救之方。愚曰皂矾原系硫氧与铁化合，分毫无毒，呕吐数次即愈，断无闪
失，但恐未必是皂矾耳。须再切问之。其兄去后，迟约三点钟复来，言此时腹中绞疼，危急万分，始实言所吞
者是砒石，非皂矾也。急令买生石膏细末二两，用凉水送下。乃村中无药铺，遂至做豆腐家买得生石膏，轧细
末，凉水送下，腹疼顿止。犹觉腹中烧热，再用生石膏细末半斤，煮汤两大碗，徐徐饮之，尽剂而愈。后又遇
吞火柴中毒者，治以生石膏亦愈，然以其毒缓，但煎汤饮之，无用送服其细末也。
附录∶
直隶盐山孙××来函∶
一九二四年八月，友人张××之女，发热甚剧，来询方。为开生石膏一两半，煎汤饮之。其热仍不稍退，
又来询方。答以多煎石膏水饮之，必能见愈。张××购石膏数两，煮汤若干，渴则饮之，数日而愈。
直隶盐山李××来函∶
丁卯中秋，曾治天津傅姓少年，患温证，胃热气逆，无论饮食药物下咽即吐出。延医治疗，皆因此束手。
弟忽忆《衷中参西录》石膏解载治毛姓媪医案，曾用此方以止呕吐，即以清胃府之大热，遂仿而用之。食梨一
颗，蘸生石膏细末七钱余，其吐顿止，可以进食。然心中犹觉热，再投以白虎加人参汤，一剂全愈。
江苏崇明县刁××来函∶
近治一伏温病，壮热烦渴，脉来洪实兼数，大解十日未行。欲透其邪，则津液已衰，恐有汗脱之虞，欲通
其便，则并无承气确征。细思此证，乃阳明热久，真阴铄耗。遵先生重用生石膏之训，即用生石膏二两，合增
液汤，加鲜金钗石斛、香青蒿各三钱。病家疑忌，见者皆以为药性过寒凉。余愤然曰∶“择医宜慎，任医宜专。
Tianjin (Fengtian) had a person who contracted this syndrome. After seven or eight days, his pulse was floating and forceful, indicating that the heat was generated due to wind constraint. Initially, Aspirin (one grain) was administered to induce sweating. After sweating, the turbid nasal discharge immediately decreased. Subsequently, the previous prescription was given, and after taking three doses consecutively, he was completely cured.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states that Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) can treat abdominal pain, which indeed has proven efficacy. I once treated Liu XX from Fengtian for abdominal pain that had persisted for three years without cure. His pulse was surging, long, and forceful, especially in the right position. The center of his tongue was red and devoid of coating. He frequently experienced headache and dizziness, dry stool, and yellow, difficult urination. This was caused by latent qi transforming into heat, blocking the collaterals of the extraordinary vessels, thus causing pain. I prescribed: Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) 1.5 liang, Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Huafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Sheng Hangshao (Raw Paeoniae Radix Alba), Chuanlianzi (Toosendan Fructus) each 5 qian, Ruxiang (Boswelliae Resina), Moyao (Myrrhae Resina) each 4 qian, Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) 2 qian. After one dose, the pain reduced by more than half. The formula was slightly modified based on the original, and after several more doses, he was completely cured.
When I was young (around twenty years old), a young man surnamed Liu from my village suffered from abdominal pain and lay ill for over a month, crying out day and night in extreme danger. Several doctors were consulted but were helpless. Upon hearing of my return, they sought my diagnosis. His pulse was surging, long, and forceful. Presumably, the pain was not previously this severe; it worsened because he had been repeatedly misdiagnosed and treated with hot-natured medicines. I also used the previous formula, but increased the dosage of Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) to 2 liang. After one dose, the illness significantly improved. Later, fresh Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma) was added, and after two consecutive doses, he was completely cured. Such syndromes are generally caused by latent pathogenic factors from external contraction invading the extraordinary vessels, generating heat over time. Since this heat has no outlet to dissipate, it stagnates and causes pain. Doctors, seeing abdominal pain, dare not administer cooling medicines, and some even treat heat with heat, thereby exacerbating the condition. However, the differentiation of cold and heat in syndromes is evident in the pulse. Even if the patient carefully observes their own body, they will likely feel it themselves. If the clinician inquires and investigates diligently, they can grasp the reality.
The nature of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is most suitable for concurrent use with the Western medicine Aspirin. Although Shigao has strong heat-clearing power, its ability to release the exterior is relatively mild. Aspirin is sour, cool in nature, and excels at reaching the exterior, allowing internally stagnant heat to be resolved through the surface. Together with Shigao, they assist each other, producing a synergistic effect. For example, when external contraction heat has entered the Yangming Stomach organ, and the patient still has headache and a white tongue coating, it indicates that an exterior syndrome persists. I often use one grain of Aspirin dissolved in water with white sugar to induce sweating. When the patient sweats profusely, I then administer Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) approximately 1 liang, decocted in water and drunk while hot (ideally during active sweating). This resolves the exterior heat, and the interior heat is also discharged along with the sweat. If the headache ceases and the tongue coating becomes slightly yellow, suggesting no exterior syndrome, but the pulse remains floating (surging and slippery but empty upon pressure), Aspirin can still be used to induce sweating. However, one should first administer Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) 7-8 qian or 1 liang, decocted in water, to reduce the heat intensity slightly before giving Aspirin. This makes sweating easier and facilitates recovery afterward. If the heat does not fully resolve with sweating, Sheng Shigao Tang (Gypsum Decoction) can be slowly drunk to clear residual heat. Furthermore, if there is toxicity from macules and papules that is stagnant and unexposed, and the patient has both exterior and interior heat with non-loose stools, Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) 5-6 qian can be decocted to mix with half a grain of Aspirin. This induces slight sweating, thoroughly expelling internal toxins, allowing macules and papules to emerge completely. If high fever persists after eruption, and the stomach organ is dry and full with hard stools, a larger dose of Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum), up to 2-3 liang, can be decocted into a large bowl (approx. 3-4 teacups) mixed with one grain or slightly more of Aspirin. Drink a few spoonfuls warm at a time. Initially, drink slightly faster; once the fever subsides or stool passes, drink slowly and sparingly until the high fever completely disappears and loose stools do not recur. With such appropriate adjustment, macules and papulas are rarely incurable. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Aspirin may be used sequentially or concurrently. Mastery lies in the physician’s flexibility. As long as the treatment aligns closely with the disease mechanism, the efficacy will be boundless.
Using Aspirin to treat joint swelling and pain complicated by external contraction excess heat must be combined with Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) to achieve miraculous results. The nephew of Zhao XX from Fengtian, aged six, developed a sore on the back of his head, which became diffusely swollen and painful. Subsequently, his head and face swelled entirely, resembling erysipelas (Chi You Dan Du). He then developed convulsions, worsening daily. Eventually, his whole body became rigid, eyes unable to close or blink, breathing intermittent, and no moaning sounds. His family thought he was incurable and waited for death. After two days and nights, the condition remained unchanged. Trying to give him a spoonful of water, he seemed able to swallow. Thinking he might still be treatable, and since local doctors had failed multiple times, they came to my clinic. His pulse was surging, rapid, and solid; skin was hot. This indicated a complication with Warm Disease, and the Yangming Fu syndrome was established. Although critical, it could be saved. I used 4 liang of fine powder of Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum), decocted in soda water to make two teacups of liquid, administered slowly and warm. Over twelve hours, the dose was finished. The pulse became harmonious and slow, and he could make slight sounds. Then, half a grain of Aspirin was given, divided into five doses, using the same Shigao soda-water decoction, to be completed within one day and night. By the last two doses, he sweated slightly all over, his spirit became clearer, and limbs moved slightly. Having not eaten or passed stool for seven to eight days, he could now take small amounts of tea/soup, and stool passed. Subsequently, fine powder of Sheng Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) was boiled into thin porridge, mixed with white sugar, and taken with one-third grain of Aspirin twice daily. If fever appeared, Shigao soda-water decoction was given intermittently. Honey-mixed Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) powder with a little Menthae Haplocalycis Herba ice was applied to the swollen head/face area, and Shengji San (Flesh-Regenerating Powder) was applied to broken sores. After several days of care, the condition improved, and he could speak. His left hand and foot still could not move; slight flexion/extension caused unbearable pain. Careful examination revealed slight swelling and tenderness at joints, indicating inflammation due to external heat. I then used fresh Maogen (Imperatae Rhizoma) decocted into thick soup (fresh Lugen (Phragmitis Rhizoma) as substitute if unavailable), mixed with white sugar, to deliver half a grain of Aspirin twice daily. This induced slight sweating, sometimes absent, allowing joint heat to gradually exit via exterior-releasing herbs. Spleen-strengthening and tonifying herbs were added to encourage food intake. After ten-plus days, left hand/foot moved, joints flexed/extented. Diet normalized, medication stopped, rested quietly for half a month, and movement returned to normal. This case consumed 3 jin of Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) and 30 grains of Aspirin for complete cure. I have used Aspirin for many cases of heat-type joint swelling/pain, but this was the most critical, hence recorded in detail.
Ding Zhonghu, in *Xi Yao Shi Yan Tan*, records many cases where Japanese physicians cured acute rheumatism (Lou Ma Zhi Si / Heat-type Joint Swelling/Pain) with Aspirin, yet their severity was far less than this case. If one cannot heavily use Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) for such cases, what other herb can be combined with Aspirin to save such critical conditions? Those wishing to discard Chinese medicine should study this case carefully.
The aforementioned cases differ in presentation but all involve external contraction excess heat. However, some patients suffer purely from internal injury and organ disharmony, yet past masters with unique insight have also heavily used Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Xu Lingtai said: "Zhu Zongchen from Jiaxing had a constitution of excessive Yang and deficient Yin, compounded by phlegm stagnation and rebellious Qi. Doctors treated him with warming tonics, resulting in chest oppression and impotence. Physicians claimed spleen/kidney deficiency deemed it incurable. He sought me in the mountains. His body was plump with vigorous Qi; Yang rose but Yin did not descend, closing all orifices. I laughed and said: This is a double excess of Liver and Kidney. First, use clearing/moistening herbs plus Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) to direct rebellious Qi downward. Then, use phlegm-resolving/appetite-stimulating herbs to cleanse the middle jiao. Finally, use kidney-nourishing/Yin-strengthening herbs to stabilize Yuan Qi. Sexual function recovered. Five months later, his wife became pregnant, bearing a daughter. A year later, a son." This shows Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) treats both external contraction and internal injury, demonstrating its vast utility.
Exploring the full efficacy of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) often yields unexpected results. I once treated an elderly man surnamed Ma from Fengtian, nearly sixty, suffering from hemorrhoids for thirty years. Later, due to Cold Damage syndrome, heat entered the Yangming Fu. Large doses of Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) for several doses cured the main illness, and the hemorrhoids were eradicated.
A young child surnamed Lv from Fengtian, aged five or six, suffered eye diseases six to seven times yearly, treated at a Japanese hospital. They claimed it was congenital and incurable. Later, he contracted epidemic rash with intense toxic heat. Treatment included detoxification and fire-clearing herbs, with 1.5 liang of Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) per dose. After recovery, his eye diseases never recurred.
Friend Zhang XX once treated an elderly man surnamed Yan in Beijing. Nearly seventy, he had chronic consumption disease, presenting with wheezing and coughing. In winter, catching wind-cold caused upper jiao irritant heat, exacerbating the consumption disease with sticky phlegm and severe panting. Pulse at Guan position was surging, slippery, and forceful. Zhang XX used 2 liang of Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) to clear seasonal heat. Due to consumption, he added 5 qian of Chenxiang (Aquilariae Lignum) to guide Qi to the Kidney. Since phlegm was excessive, and Shigao moistens dryness but does not move stagnation, he borrowed its acrid-warm nature as a counter-agent to Shigao. Two doses in one day; in the second dose, 2 qian of Qing Zhuli (Bambusa Tarsata Succus) was added. The illness vanished. Consumption disease was also eradicated. Consumption at nearly seventy is usually incurable, yet unexpectedly cured by heavy Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Its efficacy is miraculous! Inspired by this case, I devised a Huang Gao (Yellow Ointment) for Lung Consumption, containing Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum), which proved effective.
Cold/Warm Yangming Fu diseases should originally be treated with Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction). Doctors fear using it, opting instead for sweet-cold herbs to clear heat. Mild cases may heal, but residual heat often lingers (sweet-cold herbs are cloying/stagnant, blocking exterior heat pathogens), leading to other syndromes. If the illness persists and the pulse is forceful, Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) can still be used. If the pulse is forceful but not very solid, Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng) is appropriate. I once treated a student from Fengtian, aged fourteen/fifteen, with consumption-fever wheezing/coughing. Initially mild, months of treatment worsened it; doctors gave up. He came to my clinic, extremely emaciated, yet pulse forceful, rapid (nearly six beats per breath). Suspecting latent external heat, I asked and confirmed he had Warm Disease months prior, cured by others. It was clearly lingering external pathogen. He reported frequent heart heat, dry stool, yellow difficult urine. I prescribed Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng), removing Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Semen) and adding 1 liang of Sheng Huai Shanyao (Raw Dioscorea opposita Rhizoma). After several doses, the illness vanished. Observers marveled, unaware this treated external contraction, not internal injury, achieving such speed.
*Neijing* states "Winter injury by Cold leads to Warm Disease in Spring," referring to latent Qi pathology. Latent Qi may lodge below the diaphragm (Heng Lian Mo Yuan mentioned in *Neijing*), near the stomach opening, transforming into heat over time. Instead of emerging as Warm Disease, it penetrates upward through the diaphragm, steaming the Lungs, causing Lung disease. If the pulse is forceful, heavy Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) is suitable. I treated Mr. Zhao from Fengtian, around forty. Initially feverish and anorexic, then coughing foul-smelling sputum. Three months of treatment led to bedridden state. Pulse slippery and solid, right side stronger (latent heat often presents stronger on the right, like Cold/Warm pulses). Yellow tongue coating, infrequent bowel movements. Diagnosed as latent Qi disease, prescribed large-dose Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction), replacing Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Semen) with Sheng Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma), plus phlegm-resolving/detoxifying herbs. After three doses, improved by half. Modified formula continued for over ten doses for full cure.
Latent Qi sinking into extraordinary vessels transforms into heat, unable to emerge as Warm Disease. Sometimes rising with these vessels. In women, heat entering the Blood Chamber causing uterine ulceration occurs. Two cases follow as proof.
Wei XX from Andong, over twenty, felt heat rising from lower jiao to the brain. Brain irritation caused head vertex swelling sensation and dizziness. Heart felt hot, stool dry, urine yellow/difficult. Medical treatment for over a year failed. Local doctor Li XX sent a case record asking for advice: "Pulse surging and solid, diet normal, body not weak." Recognizing latent external heat, and noting his robust constitution, I advised him to boil 4 liang of fine Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) powder in water as daily tea, stopping if it felt too cold. After twenty-plus days, he visited Fengtian, reporting taking 6-7 jin of Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Rising heat lightened, but stool became slightly loose, so he stopped. Pulse remained forceful; heart heat persisted; stool normalized after stopping. I prescribed Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng), with Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) 3 liang, replacing Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Semen) with Sheng Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma). After 6-7 doses, rising heat greatly reduced, and he discharged home. Advised continuing original formula 5-6 doses at home to eradicate the root.
Wife of Zhang XX from Nanpi, over thirty, had sharp lower abdominal pain for ten years. British female doctor diagnosed uteritis; medications failed. Surgery was suggested to remove inflamed/rotten tissue. Patient refused. Later in Fengtian, Japanese female doctor treated with sitz baths and internal meds; slightly improved for years. In Renxu summer, worsened with frequent pain and pus/blood discharge. In Guihai early spring, I was consulted. Pulse wiry and forceful, Chi position stronger. Pain felt hot, relieved by cool hands; upper jiao irritable. Realized this was likely heat entering Blood Chamber from external contraction. Previous doctors used Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) plus Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum); exterior resolved but Blood Chamber heat remained. Or latent Qi sank into Blood Chamber, blocking Qi transformation, generating heat, causing uteritis and ulceration with pus/blood. Prescribed: Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Ruxiang (Boswelliae Resina), Moyao (Myrrhae Resina), Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) to detoxify; Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix), Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) to clear heat. Following Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) principle, added small amount of Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) to lift sunken heat. Decocted and taken with 2 qian of Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma) fine powder to resolve rot and generate new tissue. After three doses, slightly lighter, but heat didn't drop much. Realized lingering external heat required Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum). Added 1 liang Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) to original formula, gradually increasing to 2 liang. After several doses, heat dropped significantly, pain reduced. Removed Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), continued reducing cooling herbs, adding stomach-strengthening agents. Total 30 doses for cure. Later treated Mrs. Feng in Tianjin with same formula. Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) blocked pus/blood flow; removing it cured her.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) treats metal wounds, implying topical use for hemostasis. I have found fine Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) powder highly effective topically for bleeding metal wounds. Duan Shi (Calcined Iron Ore) on walls for years stops bleeding well. Calcined Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is similar to Duan Shi, further proving [in this context] Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) [should be used cautiously or specifically] for internal use. *(Note: Original text logic here is complex/contradictory regarding internal vs external use norms, translated faithfully).*
Raw Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) efficacy not only treats disease but excels in treating sores and detoxifying. Father of Zhao XX from Fengtian, over sixty, developed a carbuncle beside navel, 3 cun diameter. Irritable for 5-6 days, feeling confined. Left Guan pulse wiry/hard, Right Guan surging/solid. Indicated latent heat and toxin erupting together. Asked about stool (none for days). Prescribed large-dose Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) plus Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), Longdancao (Gentianae Radix). Decocted into large bowl, drank slowly warm. Three doses cured irritability and sore.
Another case: At home, girl surnamed Zhang from village swallowed realgar (Pi Shi) after family argument, vomiting shortly after. Brother suspected poison, lied she ate only Zao Fan (Vitriol). Brother asked for antidote. I said Zao Fan (Ferrous Sulfate) is sulfur oxide + iron, non-toxic; vomiting would cure it. But doubted it was Zao Fan. Must ask again. Brother returned 3 hours later: severe abdominal cramping, critical. Confirmed swallowing Realgar (Pi Shi), not Vitriol. Urgently bought 2 liang raw Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) fine powder, given with cold water. No pharmacy in village; bought raw Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) from tofu maker, powdered, given with cold water. Abdominal pain stopped instantly. Still felt burning abdomen; used another 0.5 jin raw Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) fine powder, decocted into two large bowls, drunk slowly. Cured after finishing. Later treated matchstick poisoning with Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) decoction (milder toxin, no powder needed).
Appendix:
Letter from Sun XX, Yanshan, Zhili:
Aug 1924, friend Zhang XX's daughter had severe fever. Prescribed 1.5 liang Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) decoction. Fever persisted. Advised drinking more Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) water. Bought several liang, boiled, drank when thirsty. Cured in days.
Letter from Li XX, Yanshan, Zhili:
Mid-Autumn Dingmao year, treated young man surnamed Fu in Tianjin with Warm Syndrome, stomach heat/rebellious Qi, vomiting everything ingested. Doctors helpless. Recalled case of Old Lady Mao in *Zhongzhang Canxi Lu* Shigao section, used method to stop vomiting/clear stomach heat. Ate pear dipped in 7+ qian Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) fine powder. Vomiting stopped, could eat. Still felt heart heat; prescribed Baihu Jia Renshen Tang (White Tiger Decoction plus Ginseng). One dose cured.
Letter from Diao XX, Chongming County, Jiangsu:
Recently treated latent Warm Disease: high fever, irritability/thirst, surging/solid/rapid pulse, no stool for 10 days. Wanted to vent pathogen, but fluids depleted (fear of collapse from sweating). Wanted to purge bowels, but no definitive Chengqi Tang indications. Thought: Yangming heat prolonged, consuming True Yin. Following instruction to heavily use Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum), used 2 liang Sheng Shigao (Raw Gypsum Fibrosum) combined with Zengye Tang (Fluid-Increasing Decoction), plus 3 qian each Xian Jinchai Shihu (Dendrobii Nobile Caulis) and Xiang Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba). Family suspicious, observers thought too cold. I angrily said: "Choosing a doctor requires caution; trusting a doctor requires dedication."