Library

This prescription, when taken over a long period, can strengthen memory and prevent forgetfulness. Preparation and dosage:
* *Bai Zi Ren* (Biota Seed) 5 liang; *She Chuang Zi* (Cnidium Fruit), *Tu Si Zi* (Dodder Seed), *Fu Pen Zi* (Raspberry Fruit) each half sheng; *Shi Hu* (Dendrobium Stem), *Ba Ji Tian* (Morinda Root) each 2.5 liang; *Du Zhong* (Eucommia Bark, stir-fried), *Fu Ling* (Poria), *Tian Dong* (Asparagus Tuber, heart removed), *Yuan Zhi* (Polygala Root, heart removed) each 3 liang; *Tian Xiong* (Aconite Lateral Root, processed and peeled) 1 liang; *Xu Duan* (Kudzu Root), *Gui Xin* (Cinnamon Twig Heart) each 1.5 liang; *Chang Pu* (Acorus Rhizome), *Ze Xie* (Alisma Rhizome), *Shu Yu* (Dioscorea Rhizome), *Ren Shen* (Ginseng Root), *Gan Di Huang* (Rehmannia Root, dried), *Shan Zhu Yu* (Cornus Fruit) each 2 liang; *Wu Wei Zi* (Schisandra Fruit) 5 liang; *Zhong Ru* (Halloysitum, refined) 3 liang; *Rou Cong Rong* (Cistanche Stem) 6 liang.

Crush and sieve the above ingredients, mix with honey to form pills the size of tung tree seeds. Initially take 20 pills, gradually increasing to 30 pills. Observe a fast for five days before taking the medicine. After twenty days of taking the medicine, dental plaque will disappear, and teeth will become white as silver; on the twenty-fourth day, the complexion will be lustrous; on the sixtieth day, the pupils will clearly distinguish black from white, and urination will be without dribbling; on the eightieth day, the four limbs will be thoroughly moistened, white hair will turn black, and backache will cease; on the one hundred and fiftieth day, spirit and vitality will resemble those of a youth. Upon completing one course of treatment, when the medicinal power has fully permeated the body, sexual intercourse may then resume.

Indications: Deficiency-cold and alternating cold-heat of the Heart causing various diseases; promotes robustness and strength. Preparation and dosage:
* *Zi Shi Ying* (Hematite) 10 liang; *Bai Shi Zhi* (Kaolinite), *Chi Shi Zhi* (Red Halloysite), *Gan Jiang* (Dried Ginger) each 30 liang.

First, take one-tenth of the total amount, decoct it over mild heat, and divide into four doses: three times during the day and once at night. Do not consume leftover food before taking the medicine; eat only after noon following administration. Daily, weigh and administer according to the previous dosage until forty days are completed. After finishing the medication, engage in physical activity; do not remain sedentary or lying down exclusively. It is necessary to ensure the medicinal power circulates throughout the body and flows through the Hundred Vessels. For individuals with severe cold constitution, take 40 pills each in spring and autumn, administered daily until symptoms subside. However, excessive intake may cause intense internal heat, requiring the administration of cooling herbs to counteract it.

Commentary by Hua Tuo on the Biography of Cang Gong (Appendix)

Cheng, the Attendant Physician of Qi, claimed to suffer from headache. Chen Yi (Chunyu Yi) examined his pulse and stated, "Your condition is severe and difficult to describe." He then exited and privately told Cheng's younger brother, Chang, "This is a *Ju* (carbuncle/ulcer) disease, originating internally between the stomach and intestines. In five days, an abscess will swell; in eight days, vomiting of pus will occur, leading to death. Cheng's illness resulted from drinking alcohol and engaging in sexual activity." Cheng indeed died as predicted.

Since Cheng's *Ju* had already manifested in the stomach and intestines, it could have been treated by surgical incision and cleansing, rather than waiting for the abscess to swell and pus to vomit. Although the heat ascended to熏 (moxa/burn) the Yangming Meridian, corroding the collateral vessels and causing headache, was there no medicinal remedy? Moreover, at that time, the *Ju* had not yet fully formed, and the abscess had not erupted. Removing the necrotic tissue would have prevented future complications. Alas, Cheng failed to encounter a skilled physician. (Commentary by Hua Tuo)