论曰∶产后大便秘涩者何？答曰∶产卧水血俱下，肠胃虚竭，津液不足，是以大便秘涩
不通也。若过五、六日腹中胀闷者，此有燥屎在脏腑，以其干涩，未能出耳。宜服麻仁丸，
以津润之。若误以为有热而投以寒药，则阳消阴长，变证百出，性命危矣。
麻仁 枳壳 人参（各四分） 大黄（二分，煨）
上为末，炼蜜丸如梧桐子大。空心，温酒下二十丸。未通渐加丸数，不可太过。
评曰∶产后不得利，利者百无一生。去血过多，脏燥大便秘涩，涩则固，当滑之。大黄
似难轻用，唯葱涎调蜡茶为丸，复以葱茶下之必通。（仆常以《局方》四物汤，以生干地黄
易熟地黄，加青皮去白，煎服效）
疗产后五、七日不大便，切不宜妄服药。先宜用麦 散方。
大麦芽（不以多少）
上炒黄为末，每服三钱，沸汤调下，与粥间服。
治产后虚羸，大便秘涩。
阿胶 枳壳（等分）
上为末，炼蜜丸如梧桐子大，别研滑石末为衣，温水下二十丸。半日以来，未通再服。
许学士云∶妇人产后有三种疾。郁冒则多汗，汗则大便秘，故难于用药。唯麻子仁、苏
子粥最佳，稳当。
紫苏子 大麻子仁
上二味各二合净洗，研令极细，用水再研，取汁一盏，分二次煮粥啜之。此粥不惟产后
可服，大抵老人诸虚风秘皆得力。
Translation:
The treatise states: What is the cause of constipation and dryness of stool after childbirth? The answer is: After delivery, both fluids (water) and blood are discharged together, leading to emptiness and exhaustion of the intestines and stomach, and a deficiency of body fluids (Jin Ye), resulting in constipation and difficulty in defecation. If abdominal distension and fullness occur after five or six days, this indicates the presence of dry feces in the zang-fu organs; due to their dryness and roughness, they cannot be expelled easily. It is appropriate to take Mahuang Wan (Cannabis Seed Pill) to moisten and lubricate the bowels. If mistakenly treated as a heat syndrome and cold-natured medicines are administered, Yang will decline and Yin will grow, leading to various complicated syndromes and endangering life.
Hemp Seed (Renshen, *Cannabis Semen*), Bitter Orange (*Zhiqiao*, *Aurantii Fructus*), Ginseng (*Renshen*, *Ginseng Radix*) (each 4 fen), Rhubarb (*Dahuang*, *Rhei Radix et Rhizoma*) (2 fen, stir-baked).
Grind the above into powder, mix with refined honey, and make pills the size of paulownia seeds. Take twenty pills on an empty stomach with warm wine. If defecation has not occurred, gradually increase the number of pills, but do not exceed the proper dose.
Commentary: Postpartum patients should not undergo purgation; if purged, few survive. Excessive blood loss leads to dryness of the viscera and constipation. Since it is dry and constricted, it should be treated with lubricating methods. Rhubarb (*Dahuang*) seems difficult to use lightly. Instead, one may use scallion juice mixed with wax tea to form pills, taken with scallion and tea decoction, which will surely induce defecation. (I have previously used Siwu Tang [Four Substances Decoction] from the Bureau of Medical Relief formula book, replacing Shu Dihuang [Prepared Rehmannia Root] with Sheng Dihuang [Fresh/Unprepared Rehmannia Root], adding Qingpi [Tangerine Peel without Pith], and administering the decoction with good effect.)
To treat postpartum constipation lasting five to seven days, one must strictly avoid arbitrary medication. First, use Maiya San (Barley Sprout Powder).
Barley Sprout (*Maiya*, *Hordei Fructus Germinatus*) (as needed).
Stir-fry until yellow, grind into powder. Take three qian per dose, mixed with boiling water, and administer between meals with porridge.
To treat postpartum emaciation and weakness with constipation.
Donkey-hide Gelatin (*Ejiao*, *Colla Corii Asini*), Bitter Orange (*Zhiqiao*, *Aurantii Fructus*) (equal parts).
Grind into powder, mix with refined honey, and make pills the size of paulownia seeds. Coat with powdered Talc (*Huashi*, *Talcum*). Take twenty pills with warm water. If defecation has not occurred after half a day, take again.
Scholar Xu stated: There are three types of ailments in women after childbirth. Yu Mao [Depression and Dizziness] causes excessive sweating; excessive sweating leads to constipation, making medication difficult. The best and safest remedy is Maziren [Hemp Seed] and Suzi [Perilla Seed] porridge.
Perilla Seed (*Suzi*, *Perillae Fructus*), Hemp Seed (*Maziren*, *Cannabis Semen*).
Take two he of each of the above two ingredients, clean them, and grind them extremely finely. Add water and grind again to extract one zhan of juice. Divide into two doses and cook into porridge for consumption. This porridge is suitable not only for postpartum women but is also effective for the elderly suffering from various deficiency-type wind-induced constipation.