Library

(Comprising seven categories)

(One treatise, fifty-one prescriptions, one moxibustion method)
The treatise states: Regarding the elimination of heat and detoxification, nothing surpasses bitter and sour substances. Therefore, Bitterroot Root (Kushen), Celosia Seed (Qingxiang), Mugwort Leaf (Ai), Gardenia Fruit (Zhizi), Lepidium Seed (Tingli), Vinegar (Ku Jiu), and Dark Plum (Wumei) are frequently used; this is the crux. Intense heat within the body cannot be resolved without bitter and sour medicines. If heat remains in the body and is not treated promptly, or if treatment does not employ bitter and sour drugs, it is akin to extinguishing a fire without water; escape from the predicament is impossible. Furthermore, it is said that current therapies often utilize pungent and sweet substances, such as Ginger Rhizome (Jiang), Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi), and Ginseng Root (Renshen). These are expensive and hard to obtain, often requiring extensive searching, which leads to missed timing. In contrast, Bitterroot Root (Kushen), Lepidium Seed (Tingli), Celosia Seed (Qingxiang), and Mugwort Leaf (Ai) are available everywhere and are superior for eliminating heat and detoxifying compared to those costly herbs. Referencing previous methods and combining them, for patients suffering from internal heat, there is no need to adhere strictly to the sequence of medications. One may simply use Celosia Seed (Qingxiang), Bitterroot Root (Kushen), Mugwort Leaf (Ai), and Vinegar (Ku Jiu) for treatment. By slightly shortening the intervals between doses, cure is assured. Bian Que stated: When disease resides in the Couli (interstitial spaces between skin and muscle), decoctions and hot compresses can reach it. When disease resides in the blood vessels, acupuncture and stone needles can reach it. When disease resides in the bone marrow, it is beyond remedy. However, ordinary physicians treating diseases sometimes claim they will wait until the disease becomes established before attempting to remove it all at once; this is absurd. One should pre-instruct household members and subordinates, explaining this principle thoroughly, so that those who are ill understand its importance.

Prescription for treating severe Wen Qi Disease (Warm Qi Disease) approaching death:
Bitterroot Root (Kushen) 1 liang, boiled in 2 sheng of wine to yield 1 sheng. Drink the entire amount. Vomiting should occur, thereby eliminating various toxic conditions. Covering the patient to induce sweating after administration will lead to recovery (Zhang Wenzhong and *Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang* state this treats critical heat-toxin qi; also known as Po Guan Qian Jin Tang / Break Open Coffin Thousand Gold Decoction.)

Prescription for treating Re Bing (Heat Disease) lasting five to six days or more:
Bitterroot Root (Kushen) (3 liang) Scutellaria Root (Huangqin) (2 liang) Fresh Rehmannia Root (Sheng Dihuang) (8 liang)
Crush the above three ingredients. Boil in 8 sheng of water to yield 2 sheng. Take 1 sheng when the temperature is suitable. Administer twice daily.

Prescription for treating Shi Xing Du Bing (Epidemic Toxic Disease) lasting seven to eight days, where heat accumulates in the chest causing extreme restlessness and approaching death, called Qi Si Ren Tuo Tang (Revive the Dead Stretching Decoction):
Seed of Mustard Herb (Yuanhua) 1 sheng, boiled in 3 sheng of water to yield 1.5 sheng. Soak an old cloth in the liquid and apply as a compress to the chest. No more than three applications are needed; the heat will be eliminated. Care must be taken to warm the limbs to prevent Jue Ni (Reversal Cold/Extremity Cold).