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The Taishang Wugu Pill from the Qianjin Fang (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) is indicated for various Gu poison-induced hematemesis, damage to the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), Qi stagnation in the heart and abdomen, or hard Qi obstructing the throat leading to aphonia, shortness of breath approaching death, inability to swallow food, vomiting with rebellious Qi rising, irregular onset of symptoms resembling ghostly possession, bodily edema, chest oppression with painful heat and chills, dreams of sexual intercourse with ghosts, and魅 (malevolent spirits) such as foxes.

Herbs: Xionghuang (Realgar, 雄黄) (ground); Jiaomu (Sichuan Pepper Seed, 椒目) (stir-fried); Badou (Croton Seed, 巴豆) (decoreated, skin removed, stir-fried); Guijiu (Podophyllum Rhizome, 鬼臼); Mangcao (Dichroa Root, 莽草) (roasted); Yuanhua (Genkwa Flower, 芫花) (stir-fried); Zhenzhu Lilu (Veratrum Nigrum, 真珠藜芦) (roasted); Fanshi (Alumen, 矾石) (each 4 fen, calcined); Tagan (Rabbit Liver, 獭肝) (roasted, 2 fen); Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root, 附子) (processed, peeled, 5 fen); Wugong (Centipede, 蜈蚣) (3 pieces, roasted); Banmao (Mylabris, 斑蝥) (30 pieces, wings and feet removed, stir-fried).

The above thirteen herbs are pounded into powder, mixed with honey, and pounded again for one to two thousand strokes. Each dose consists of one pill the size of a small bean. The remainder must be sealed tightly to prevent leakage. Ten pills constitute one course. If the disease does not subside, increase the dose by one pill on subsequent days, stopping when diarrhea occurs. Various forms of parasites will be expelled, which cannot be fully described. After seven days of expulsion, rest and recuperate, then take one course; this can treat diseases lasting thirty years.

Another prescription: Take fine powder of Jiegeng (Platycodon Root, 桔梗) and Xijiao (Rhino Horn, 犀角), one fangcun bi (square-inch spoonful) each, taken with wine, three times daily. If the patient cannot swallow themselves, pry open the mouth to administer the medicine. There should be some mental agitation initially, which will subside spontaneously after a moment. Defecation will occur shortly after. Continue until the seventh day, then stop. Afterwards, consume pig spleen to tonify the body. (All from Volume 25 of Qianjin Fang)

Cui Shi’s method for treating Five Gu Poisons.

First is She Gu (Snake Gu). It is contracted through food. The patient feels as if there is an object in the throat that cannot be swallowed or spit out, accompanied by mental confusion and insomnia, and internal heat preventing eating. Prescription: Take Genus Aristolochiae Radix et Rhizoma (Maguanling Gen, 马兜铃根), which will induce vomiting. Then take Moschus (Shexiang, 麝香), one fangcun bi, which will also resolve the condition or induce vomiting.

Second is Qianglang Gu (Dung Beetle Gu). Onset is sudden in the chest, sometimes blocking the throat, causing fear and anxiety as if insects are crawling, with coughing up blood. Prescription: Take Meles Meles stomach fat (Huan Zhun Zhi, 獾肫脂), which will cause downward movement, or induce vomiting or spontaneous resolution.

Third is Xiaha Gu (Toad Gu). Symptoms include abdominal distension and fullness, dry mouth with desire for water, inability to eat, severe mental confusion, great panting, and rebellious Qi. Prescription: Take Che Zhi (Cartilage/Fat from a cart? Note: Text says 'Che Zhi', likely referring to animal fat or specific secretion, literal translation 'Cart Fat' or 'Vehicle Fat' - context implies animal product, often interpreted as fat from a specific animal or vehicle-related term in ancient texts, here translated literally as Cart Fat/Animal Fat based on 'Che'), half sheng, which will expel the pathogen.

Fourth is Ketou Gu (Tadpole Gu). Treatment is the same as above, with very effective results.

Fifth is Cao Gu (Grass Gu). This poison is commonly practiced in regions west of Xiliang and in Lingnan. It enters the throat, causing stabbing pain so severe the patient wishes for death. Prescription: Take Gancao (Licorice Root, 甘草) juice mixed with Lan (Isatis Leaf, 蓝汁), which will resolve spontaneously.

Another prescription: Treat all five Gu poisons with one method. Take the placenta of a parturient woman, cut it, dry it in the sun, and powder it. Mix with water and take half a qian bi. The five toxins will naturally dissipate.

Another prescription: Hold Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome, 升麻) in the mouth and swallow the juice.

Another prescription: For all five Gu poisons, take Ma Dou Ling Miao (Aristolochia Herb/Marrow, 马兜铃苗), which grows straight upward like Luomao grass. Take an amount the size of a chicken egg, pound into powder, and take half a qian bi, or up to one fangcun bi. The pathology of the five Gu poisons is mostly located in the throat; this must be remembered. Some physicians do not recognize this disease, attributing it to cold stomach and moving roundworms, or recklessly calling it "Zhu" (infectious disease), and blindly applying moxibustion, acupuncture, and administering various drugs, leading to wrongful death. This is due to the physician's lack of experience. Careful differentiation is required. (All from Volume 3)

Jingu Luyian Wugu Tang Prescription.

Herbs: Xijiao (Rhino Horn, 犀角) (3 liang); He Gen (Lotus Root, 荷根); Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome, 黄连); Feng Cao (Stitchwort Herb, 缝草); Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root, 当归) (each 2 liang); Lingyangpi (Antelope Horn Shell, 羚羊皮) (2 square cun, roasted).

The above six herbs are sliced. Boil in 7 sheng of water to obtain 2 sheng of decoction. Divide into three doses.

Another prescription for Wugu with diarrhea and expulsion of fatty blood: Hong Wan (Red Pill).

Herbs: Yuanhua (Genkwa Flower, 芫花) (1 sheng); Badou (Croton Seed, 巴豆) (100 pieces); Chishi (Red Halloysite, 赤石脂) (1 square cun in diameter).

The above three herbs are pounded and sifted, formed into pills with honey, and pounded again. Shape the pills like broad beans. Take one pill. If diarrhea persists, stop it with clear rice gruel. If no bowel movement occurs, slightly increase the dose. The aim is to eliminate Yin pathogens without causing severe purgation. (Fan Wang agrees; all from Volume 45)