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In recent times, when physicians treat patients using solely Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang, 大黄), during periods when the vital energy flows smoothly, seekers of medical help crowd the doorstep. They privately instruct their attendants to hope for being seen first. Why is this? Because the reputation of utilizing Rhizoma Rhei applies to cases where high fever burns like fire, with complete loss of appetite; or where there is coma and delirious speech, in a critical state. When the physician arrives, it is as if a deity has appeared. However, the ability to utilize Rhizoma Rhei is indeed not difficult. For instance, in Cold Damage (Shanghan, 伤寒) transmitting through the meridians to Yangming interior syndrome, characterized by abdominal fullness and tenderness upon pressure, dark and dull complexion, recovery occurs after the passage of dry feces. Regarding Warm Epidemic diseases, symptoms must include yellow tongue coating and chest oppression, with less resistance to pressure, yet the complexion also appears dark and dull, and the stool is sticky like glue or lacquer. As long as even one part of the epidemic pathogen remains uneliminated, the illness will not heal. Therefore, multiple purgations are permissible; once the pathogen is exhausted, the patient recovers. Observers seeing such severe illnesses cured after one or several purgations, with immediate restoration of voice and breath, praise the doctor as a miraculous hand. This is merely the result of profound experience and firm resolve in clinical practice. Nevertheless, this ultimately belongs to the work of a crude artisan; suitable for a contemporary general practitioner, but true mastery is demonstrated only when Rhizoma Rhei is employed in miscellaneous diseases.

Previously, the son of a neighbor suffered from an enlarged abdomen and numerous small sores densely covering both legs. The itching intensified when lying down, leading to nocturnal scratching with oozing pus and blood; by morning, the itching ceased and scabs formed, only to recur at night. Surgical treatments employing clearing heat, resolving toxicity, and drying dampness were ineffective. Subsequent use of formulas for nourishing blood and dispersing wind exacerbated the condition, which persisted for over a year. Later, visiting the Chen family in old Qingpu, the physician stated: "This sore arises from toxic accumulation within the zang-fu organs. It requires taking pill medicine, and recovery can be expected in half a year." The formula utilized Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang, 大黄) and Cornu Rinocerontis (Xijiao, 犀角); the remaining ingredients were unknown. Upon taking the pills, the itching gradually decreased, and the discharge diminished. Indeed, he recovered after six months.

There was also a Mr. Zhang who had no prior ailments, except that when visiting friends or relatives, despite familiar paths, he often mistakenly entered other households without realizing it. Later, encountering Dr. Xu Huixi, he recounted this issue. Dr. Xu said: "It must be treated with a prescription containing Snow Toad (Xuexia, 雪虾蟆) to eliminate this symptom, but this substance is hard to obtain. I possess one specimen." He prepared pills for him. After Mr. Zhang finished the course, the ailment vanished. Later asked where the Snow Toad came from, Dr. Xu replied: "Where would such a thing come from? The primary ingredient in the pills is Rhizoma Rhei (Dahuang, 大黄). I explicitly mentioned it fearing you might refuse, so I fabricated the story." Physicians like these two, who can achieve what others cannot, are truly capable of fully exploiting the utility of Rhizoma Rhei.