Library

Western medicine posits: Bile seeping into the duodenum assists the small intestine in digesting food. This principle was not mentioned in the *Huangdi Neijing* (Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon), seemingly regarded as an oversight of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). However, it is unknown that famous doctors of later generations had already expounded on this theory. Wu Jutong stated in *Yiyi Bingshu* (Book of Medical Critique): "The Gallbladder has no direct exit; it borrows the Small Intestine as its outlet." Does this not imply that bile can enter the Small Intestine? As for the notion that bile can digest food, TCM texts have long contained this rationale. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) discusses Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), stating it "can remove stagnant Qi in the stomach and intestines, resolve dietary accumulation, dispel cold-heat pathogenic factors, and push out the old to bring forth the new." Chaihu is the principal herb for the Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian, yet its efficacy is often manifested in the stomach and intestines because it excels at regulating the Liver and Gallbladder, ensuring the free flow of bile without stagnation. Consequently, bile naturally enters the intestines to digest food accumulations, thereby achieving the effect of pushing out the old and bringing forth the new. Xu Lingtai, in his commentary on the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, explained this using the concept of "Wood can疏 (loosen/dredge) Earth," referring to the Liver and Gallbladder belonging to Wood and the Spleen and Stomach belonging to Earth. Since Mr. Xu stated "Wood can loosen Earth," it explicitly means the Liver and Gallbladder can assist the stomach and intestines in digesting food, and the rationale that bile assists the small intestine in digestion is inherently included therein.

A question arises: "In Taiyang disease (Disease of the Taiyang Channel), with fever and aversion to cold, where heat predominates over cold, and the pulse is faint and weak, this indicates a lack of Yang. Sweating is contraindicated; Guizhi Er Yuebi Yi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Twice-Yuebi One Decoction) is appropriate. Since it is said there is a lack of Yang, why use Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum)? Since sweating is contraindicated, why use Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba)?" The answer is: "The blood aspect belongs to Yin, and the Qi aspect belongs to Yang. The 'lack of Yang' inferred from the faint and weak pulse indicates insufficiency in the Qi aspect. Given that the syndrome presents with more heat than cold, the pulse should originally be forceful. If the pulse were indeed forceful, one could directly administer Yuebi Tang or Maxing Gan Shi Tang. However, since the Qi aspect is deficient and the pulse appearance is faint and weak, Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) is used to support the pulse (for pulses that are faint and weak, taking Guizhi causes the pulse to become larger), to lift the external pathogenic factors in the muscles outward, following Mahuang to reach the skin and hair. The statement 'sweating is contraindicated' implies that the syndrome only requires resolving the muscle layer. Although Mahuang has a potent sweating action, its dosage is small. Moreover, Shigao cools it, and Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) astringes it. Therefore, after taking the medicine, it only produces a slight sweat to resolve the muscle layer, rather than a profuse sweat."

The Lung organ has no perforations below, but the inhaled oxygen actually passes through the alveolar cells via breath, nourishing the Grand Qi in the chest. From the Grand Qi in the chest, it is distributed throughout the body. Furthermore, the inhaled air branches from the trachea down to the Heart, from the Heart to the Liver, from the Liver to the intersection of the Chong and Ren vessels, and reaches the Kidney. Thus, the Qi transformation of the Liver and Kidney possesses a converging nature, naturally capable of accommodating the descending air and guiding it to return to its root. Sometimes, due to Yin deficiency of the Liver and Kidney, the Qi transformation fails to secure and hold, causing Liver Qi to become furious and penetrate the diaphragm to interfere with the Grand Qi. Kidney Qi expands and carries the Chong Qi upward. Consequently, Liver Qi may carry the Ministerial Fire residing within it upward reversely, and Kidney Qi may carry the Chong Qi adjacent to the kidney upward reversely. Thus, rebellious Qi attacks upward, crowding the chest and throat so they cannot accommodate external air, leading to panting.

Lung consumption cough is the most difficult syndrome to treat. In the past, when treating this syndrome, I only used raw Huai Shan Yao (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma) strips (sliced ones have been soaked in water, which is inferior to using strips). They are crushed and sieved finely. Each dose uses about one liang, boiled into a tea-like soup, sweetened with sugar to taste, and used to swallow fine powder of Chuan Bei Mu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus). Taken twice daily as a snack. If the patient has poor spleen-stomach digestion or feels slightly full after taking it, raw Huang Se Ji Nei Jin (Galli Gigerii Endothelium Corneum) can be crushed into fine powder, two or three fen taken each time with Chuan Bei Mu. If feeling heat, Tian Dong (Asparagi Radix) can be chewed. This formula has cured several patients with lung consumption panting and can make people robust.

[Lizhong Dan] Treats lung disease with fever, coughing up pus and blood; also treats sudden eye diseases with redness, swelling, and pain; headache and toothache; and all excess-heat syndromes of the Upper Jiao.
Raw Shigao (2 liang, fine powder) Gancao (6 qian, fine powder) Zhusha Mo (1.5 qian)
Mix evenly. Take 1 qian per dose, twice daily, with plain water. For severe heat, take 1.5 qian at once. For severe cough, add 5 qian of Chuan Bei Mu to the formula. For hemoptysis, add 4 qian of Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma). For loose stools, reduce Shigao by 1 liang and add 1 liang of Huashi (Talcum); take this pill with porridge made from raw Shan Yao flour. For panting due to Yin deficiency, Shan Yao porridge is also suitable. The amount of Shan Yao flour for porridge can range from 5 qian to 1 liang.

Diarrhea due to lower Jiao cold-dampness and morning diarrhea are both caused by the deficiency and decline of Mingmen Ministerial Fire. The drug that truly supplements Ministerial Fire is none other than Hui Xiang (Sulfur), especially raw Hui Xiang. Because it is a mineral drug, it is heavy and descends. Without boiling or roasting, its thermal energy remains intact (Hui Xiang is non-toxic; its toxicity is its heat, so it can be used raw). However, in my past use of Hui Xiang to treat cold diarrhea, although many were effective, some experienced worsened diarrhea after taking it. The materia medica states it moistens the large intestine and lengthens urination. Could its ability to moisten the large intestine cause diarrhea? Later, reading Western pharmacology books, I found Hui Xiang listed among mild laxatives. I realized that occasional diarrhea after taking it is not surprising. Moreover, their term 'mild laxative' corresponds to the TCM concept of 'moistening the stool'. When reusing Hui Xiang, selecting a mineral drug with warm properties and strong astringent power as an assistant eliminates this drawback. It warms the lower Jiao without flaring upward, far superior to merely using Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). Adding a small amount of acrid-aromatic herbs guides the warming power into the extraordinary vessels, further treating infertility due to deficiency-cold of the Blood Sea in women.

[Kanzhong Dan] Treats lower Jiao cold-diarrhea and morning diarrhea.
Hui Xiang (pure yellow, 1 liang) Chishizhi (Red Halloysitum, 1 liang)
Grind into fine powder and mix evenly. Take 5 fen per dose before meals, twice daily. Increase gradually if ineffective, stopping when a slight warmth is felt after some time. For treating infertility due to deficiency-cold of the Blood Sea in women, add 2 qian of stir-fried Xiao Huixiang (Foeniculi Fructus) powder to the formula.

Sun XX notes: When treating this syndrome, adding a small amount of Rongui (Cinnamomi Cortex) to be taken with Chishizhi and Hui Xiang is common, and its power to stop abdominal pain is very rapid.

[Zhu Feng Tong Bi Tang] Treats wind attacking muscles and meridians, initially causing numbness and insensitivity, gradually progressing to limb and joint dysfunction.
Sheng Huangqi (Raw Astragali Radix, 6 qian) Mahuang (3 qian) Quan Danggui (Whole Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 5 qian) Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, 3 qian)
Ruxiang (Frankincense, 3 qian) Moyao (Myrrh, 3 qian) Quan Xie (Whole Scorpion, 2 qian)
For faint, weak, and slow pulses with aversion to cold, increase Huangqi to 1 liang and add Wutou (Aconiti Radix) 2-3 qian. For forceful pulses with aversion to heat, replace Mahuang with Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) and add Tianhuafen (Trichosanthis Radix) 1 liang. The first dose should induce a slight whole-body sweat. Subsequent doses should halve Mahuang or use only 1 qian. For weak sinews and bones, add Tian Ma (Curculiginis Rhizoma) 3 qian. For facial paralysis (crooked mouth and eyes), add 2 wugong (Centipedae Corpus); for severe cases, add 3. This is wind attacking the outer shell of the body, not entering the zang-fu organs. Thus, the heart is unaffected, and the disease lies in the muscles, limbs, meridians, and joints. The *Neijing* Wind Chapter states: "Wind qi enters with the Taiyang channel, travels through the acupoints, scatters between the flesh, interferes with Wei Qi, obstructs the pathways, causing muscle swelling and ulcers. Wei Qi stagnates and does not flow, causing muscle insensitivity." The *Neijing* Bi Chapter states: "Wind, Cold, and Dampness combine to form Bi syndrome. Predominant Wind causes Moving Bi, predominant Cold causes Painful Bi, predominant Dampness causes Fixed Bi." Based on these passages, wind attacking muscles and meridians causes numbness progressing to joint dysfunction. Hence, Huangqi is the principal herb, lifting and supplementing the Grand Qi in the chest to connect with Wei Qi, naturally driving wind out. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* says Huangqi treats major wind, assisted here by Mahuang, the best exterior-releasing herb. One supports righteousness to expel pathogens, the other induces sweat to vent pathogens. Together, they drive out wind vigorously without damaging righteous Qi. Danggui, Danshen, Ruxiang, Moyao, and Quan Xie either invigorate blood to dispel wind or unblock collaterals to dispel wind, assisting Huangqi and Mahuang. For cold-bi, add Wutou and increase Huangqi; for heat-bi, add Tianhuafen and replace Mahuang with Bohe, adjusting according to the pathogenesis to avoid discomfort from cold or heat. Add Tian Ma for weak sinews/bones to strengthen them and dispel wind; add Wugong for facial paralysis to regulate brain marrow nerves and straighten the face/mouth.

I once treated a man who slept with the window open in summer, attacked by wind, causing left-side numbness, muscle wasting, and left limb dysfunction. I prescribed this formula. Since the disease favored the left side, I added Lujiaojiao (Deer Antler Glue) 2 qian as a guide (if favoring the right, use Hubojiao/Tiger Bone Glue). After one dose inducing whole-body sweat, the illness improved by half. With minor modifications, two more doses resulted in complete recovery. Subsequent trials were equally effective.

Courtyards often contain Luoshi (Trachelospermi Caulis) and HT (He Shou Wu Vine). Both are woody vines usable as medicine. Luoshi: Thick, long vines, leaves like sweet potato, roots with claw-like tips that adhere to walls after rain, commonly called climbing tiger, i.e., Luoshi Teng in pharmacies. Also called Shilong Teng. Its nature treats sore throat obstruction/swelling. Use 1.5 liang fresh, boil in one cup of water, sip slowly; relief comes quickly. It also unblocks collaterals. Boil with Xuduan (Dipsaci Radix) and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen) in yellow wine, drink daily. Or alone in wine, treats generalized spasms and limb pain. With Gouji (Cibotii Rhizoma) and Houjiang (Zanthoxyli Radix), treats back pain. Add Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) for leg pain. *Mingyi Bielu* states long-term use lightens the body, improves vision, moisturizes, enhances complexion, and prevents aging. Drinking it as tea daily yields great benefits.

HT (He Shou Wu Vine): Vines similar to Luoshi but finer, flowers/leaves like chicken claws, branching, clinging to tree branches. Vines have air channels; cutting and blowing releases sap, usable for sores/swellings. Treats strangury; boil as tea, excellent for thirst. Leaf juice treats vomiting/hiccups. Fruit, size of red bean, round, bright red, sweet-sour sap, stops thirst, boosts Qi, beautifies complexion. Folklore claims it detoxifies arsenic, though unrecorded, awaiting expert verification.

I prefer using raw herbs to preserve their natural nature. For example, Shigao is calcium sulfate. Calcining drives off sulfur and calcium, losing cooling power, and the remaining calcium becomes altered and unsafe. Thus, I repeatedly emphasize Raw Shigao saves lives while Calcined Shigao harms them, as it concerns life and death. Zhesi (Hematitum) is iron oxide; its heavy, cool, sedating power descends stomach Qi, stops bleeding, generates blood, and does not damage Qi. Pharmacy-sold Zhesi is calcined with coal, separating iron and oxygen, losing blood-generating power, and quenched in vinegar, becoming dispersing; excessive use causes diarrhea. Chishizhi (Halloysitum Rubrum) is naturally powdery; Yixing teapots are made from it. Its sticky nature protects GI mucosa and treats diarrhea. However, local pharmacies grind it, mix with water, mold into cakes, and calcine with coal, making them like roof tiles; taking them as powder damages the spleen/stomach. Shanyurou (Corni Fructus) is sour and warm, tonifying/constraining the Liver, treating spontaneous sweating from Liver deficiency, securing Yuan Qi in critical moments to save lives. Pharmacies often soak it in wine and steam it black, reducing its constraining power. Such examples are numerous. This is why I prefer raw herbs.

Some drugs must be processed before use, such as Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), and Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum), which are toxic. Even in ancient formulas, raw Fuzi was occasionally used, but it was soaked in brine thoroughly, not freshly picked. If a formula doesn't specify processing, pharmacies prepare them to be non-toxic. If a drug is non-toxic and suitable for raw use, and the formula doesn't specify processing, use it raw. Do not add processing methods, lest you lose the herb's nature. Weilingxian (Syneilesidis Rhizoma) and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) use roots. Pharmacies often mix stems/leaves; undiscerning doctors may err. Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) leaves are inferior to roots; Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* also recommends roots. Qubai Pi (Toosendan Cortex) and Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex) use root bark, hard to distinguish; self-harvesting is advised. Qubai root bark strongly secures the Lower Jiao; bark-bearing branches promote bowel movement. Folk remedy: 7 nodes of Qubai branch (1 cun each) boiled for constipation. Branch and root natures differ thus; users must be cautious.

Drugs prone to boiling during decoction must be warned to patients. Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) boils even with low heat at 5-6 qian; at 1 liang, it's hard to decoct. It decocts easily: decoct other herbs for 10 boils, add Zhimu, leave lid open, boil briefly, and it's ready. Drugs with sap/juice like Shan Yao and Ejiao, and powdered drugs like Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi), Muli (Concha Ostreae), Shigao, Huashi, and Zhesi also boil easily. Initial rolling is most prone to boiling. When nearing a boil, open the lid and stir with chopsticks. After initial boiling subsides but continues, leaving the lid open is fine. Only cover when it stops boiling. Critical illnesses depend on this single dose. Ancient physicians prepared herbs themselves and supervised decoction personally.