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According to the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), in the Human category, only hair is listed. All other records concerning Tianlinggai (human calvaria) originate from strange and absurd theories of later physicians or practitioners of esoteric arts, which are certainly not the intent of a benevolent person.

The world praises Sun Simiao for his great merit to society; yet he believed that using killing to save life would still incur karmic retribution, let alone the use of Tianlinggai. Recently, I have seen physicians use it to treat Chuanshiben (Lao disease, a contagious chronic consumptive disorder) with no success whatsoever. Indeed, its omission from the *Bencao Jing* has caused no harm. Cruelty harms the spirit and does not urgently require efficacy. If there are alternatives, a benevolent person should consider them carefully. If one does not accept this view, they will surely be confused by quacks. If it is claimed that nothing else works, implying desperation, then one should choose bones that are old, stained with dust and mud, and decayed, as they have lost their "corpse qi" (spiritual residue). (From *Bencao*)

Li Qi, a citizen of Raozhou, frequently suffered from Bi Nu (epistaxis/nosebleed), reaching a critical state. A physician prescribed a formula: drink fresh radish juice mixed with pure wine (Wuhui Jiu). The bleeding stopped. The physician said, "Blood follows the movement of Qi. When Qi stagnates and rebels, blood flows recklessly. Radish descends Qi effectively, and wine guides the medicine, hence one dose was effective." However, five days later, the condition recurred, leaving him with only panting. Zhang Sishun used a single prescription from Wang Shi, published in Mingzhou: scrape Renzhongbai (calcined human urine sediment), dry it on a new tile over fire, mix with warm water, and take orally. The bleeding stopped immediately and did not recur for ten years.

Zhang Jian Runzhi, an official stationed at Jiangkou Town and Yiling Town, had Zeng Tang enter the prefecture office. Zeng Tang was assigned to inspect sea ships at the docks together. Dressed formally in a white wool-lined jacket, while conversing face-to-face, blood suddenly gushed out like pouring, staining his clothes red. He was terrified, saying, "I have had this ailment before, but only in drops. Now it is fierce and terrifying; my head feels empty, and I fear for my life." Zhang said, "Do not worry. I will treat you gradually, and it will be done shortly." He gave him the medicine, and the bleeding stopped, never recurring. Renzhongbai is the scum accumulated in chamber pots, similar to Qiushi (refined human urine salt), though rarely used. When preparing the medicine with fire, do not let the patient know, lest they refuse due to its filthy nature. This prescription can be called miraculous.

When I was in Ruzhou, going to inspect a corpse, Baozheng Zhao Wen refused to go to the scene. Upon inquiry, he stated he had suffered severe epistaxis, losing several dou of blood, leading to faintness and near-death. I ordered attendants to support him. His nosebleed flowed like dripping eaves. Recalling several prescriptions for treating epistaxis recorded previously, I compounded medicine, but the bleeding was too violent to stop. I considered Rehmanniae Radix (Di Huang) the best herb for stopping bleeding. I sent people to search for Sheng Di Huang (fresh Rehmannia root), obtaining over ten jin. Too busy to extract juice, I instructed him to chew and swallow it raw, gradually consuming three to four jin. I also stuffed the dregs into his nostrils. Soon, the bleeding stabilized. In the Guiwei year, my sister suffered from Tu Xue (hematemesis/vomiting blood). A physician advised boiling fresh Rehmannia juice and taking it orally, several sheng per day. She recovered in three days. A maid suffered from amenorrhea for half a year. Seeing leftover juice in a pot, thinking it wasteful to discard, she drank several cups, and her menstruation promptly resumed. Thus, the efficacy of Rehmannia in treating blood disorders is remarkable. For Rehmannia, simply wipe clean with a new cloth, crush to extract juice, and do not wash with water. (From *Xin Xiao Fang*)