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[Baojing Tang (Preserve Essence Decoction)] Prolonged seminal emission leads to the failure of the Kidney gate to close. Exhaustion of essence results in death. People often use astringent herbs for essence, which is why they cannot be saved. If, when the condition has not become too severe, one uses large doses of herbs to tonify essence and Qi, how could it reach this state? Qianshi (Euryales Semen), Zhen Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) (each 1 liang), Lianzi (Nelumbinis Semen) (5 qian), Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) (2 qian, stir-fried), Zaoren (Zizyphi Semen) (3 qian), Ta Dangshen (Codonopsis Radix) (1 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Drink the decoction first, then add 5 qian of white sugar, mix well, and consume together with the dregs. Do this daily. Within ten days, nocturnal emissions will cease.
(Gui's Note: This formula calms the mind and secures essence, with slight tonifying properties. For those with chronic illness and deficiency, long-term administration of this formula is indeed excellent.)

[Nocturnal Sweating] Lianzi (Nelumbinis Semen), Zhen Zhejiang Heizao (Jujubae Fructus Niger from Zhejiang) (each 7 pieces), Xiaomai (Tritici Fructus), Mliaodou (Glycines Sojae Fructus) (each 1 he). Decoct in water and take orally. Complete recovery after several doses; the effect is miraculous.

[Shenxian Ya (Immortal Duck)] Treats exhaustion and weakness caused by overwork. Even healthy people who eat it can strengthen the Spleen and benefit essence, with great efficacy. One black-billed white duck (remove feathers, split open, remove entrails; do not boil in water; alternatively, an old white-feathered duck may be used), Nan Zao (Jujubae Fructus) (49 pieces, pitted), Baiguo (Ginkgonis Semen) (49 pieces, shelled), Jianlian (Nelumbinis Plumula) (49 grains, heart removed), Renshen (Ginseng Radix) (1 qian), Chen Tianjiu (Aged Sweet Wine) (3 cups), Hao Jiangyou (Good Soy Sauce) (2 cups). Place all ingredients inside the duck cavity without adding water. Seal tightly in a clay pot and steam until soft. Form into pills. Take with aged wine.
(Gui's Note: This formula strengthens the Spleen, secures essence, nourishes Yin, and clears heat. It is quite suitable for pulmonary tuberculosis and seminal emission. The above five formulas were copied and preserved by me while reading Bao Shi's "Yanfang Xinbian" (New Compilation of Verified Prescriptions). (1) Is a blood-tonifying agent. (2) Is a phlegm-resolving agent. (3) Is an essence-securing agent. (4) Is a sweating-astringing agent. (5) Is a tonic agent. The herbs are mild and balanced without bias, and the applications of the formulas are broad, so I reprint them here. They are truly medicines worthy of a family medicine cabinet.)

[12] Liang Jinzhu's "Qiuyu An Suibi" (Random Notes from the Autumn Rain Studio) during the Daoguang reign of the Qing Dynasty records: "Prime Minister Liu Wenzheng of Zhucheng had an appetite twice that of ordinary people. He kept a large blue-and-white porcelain jar with a capacity of several sheng. Every morning, he ate half a jar of white rice mixed with half a jar of minced meat, stirred evenly, before going to court to handle affairs. He returned after noon. At the same time, Prime Minister Yin Wangshan went to court eating only a small bowl of lotus seeds and also returned after noon. Yet both gentlemen enjoyed great fame and reached advanced age. This is like Zhang Puyshe Qixian of the Song Dynasty, who ate several jin of fatty pork per meal, accompanied by Hu bing (sesame flatbread) and 5-7 liang of Heishen Wan (Black Divine Pill), while Yan Yuanxian of the same period was as thin as a blade, eating only half a leaf of bing rolled with a stick, nibbling it stem by stem. In the end, both enjoyed longevity." Gui notes: The four gentlemen had unique constitutions and cannot be judged by common standards. However, eating too much or too little is not the way of health preservation. According to the dietary standards set by Hoifangte, a moderately strong adult engaged in moderate labor requires 118 grams of protein, 5-6 grams of fat, and 500 grams of carbohydrates daily to be appropriate. But precisely estimating the nutritional content of every meal to match these numbers is not only difficult in practice but also lacks significant meaning. Generally, our diet should focus on brown rice and bran wheat, supplemented by small amounts of meat, eggs, dairy, fresh vegetables, and fruits. Eating two or three meals a day, stopping at 80% fullness, ensures adequate nutrition and maintains gastrointestinal health.

[13] West Lake's scenery is unparalleled, and the reputation of Vinegar-Glazed Fish spreads alongside the West Lake, known far and wide. Anyone visiting Hangzhou to tour West Lake invariably tastes its deliciousness. Research shows this dish originates from the recipe of Song Wusao, prepared skillfully with good taste. Fang Xiangping, a Xiaojuan from Panyu, wrote a poem about it: "Mooring briefly by the lake near the Five Willows' dwelling, / Casting nets at the table to catch fresh fish. / Sour flavor delights most in silver-knife carp, / River carp and bream are inferior." Vinegar-glazed fish is made from Grass Carp (Huan Yu) and vinegar. Grass Carp tonifies the Stomach and promotes robustness. Although it does not nourish as richly as Eel or Hilsa herring to treat deficiency and consumption, it digests rapidly, has a clear taste without greasiness, and surpasses beast meat. It is suitable for patients, the elderly, and children.

[14] Reading an article in the "Qianqiu Supplement" of the Zhejiang News regarding Zhang Jun's correction and refutation of Polygonum multiflorum (Heshouwu), I recalled listening to Mr. Gu Tisheng lecture on dietary therapy for Pulmonary Tuberculosis (Feilao) when teaching at the Shanghai College of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the 17th year of the Republic of China. Mr. Gu suffered from pulmonary tuberculosis himself and recovered through TCM regulation. His son also suffered from this disease and was treated by Western medicine but ultimately died. Thus, his lecture favored TCM over Western medicine. In fact, whether TCM or Western medicine, there is no specific effective drug for lung disease; recovery relies entirely on proper care. Regarding care, TCM is not as perfect as Western methods. Due to the tragic loss of his son, Mr. Gu, in his grief and anger, claimed Western medicine was poor at treating consumption. Although his words were biased, the prescriptions listed in his lecture were indeed empirically effective and precious. Therefore, I transcribe them below for lung patients to consider using: "Japanese people praise Polygonum multiflorum for treating consumption. I also tried taking it. Both Polygonum multiflorum and Rehmannia (Dihuang), the main herb in Liuwei Wan, contain organic iron compounds. The method for taking Polygonum multiflorum is: for every 1 jin of Polygonum multiflorum, add 0.5 jin of Poria (Fuling); if coughing, add 0.5 jin of Schisandra (Wuweizi); if seeking offspring, add 0.5 jin of Goji berry (Gouqi). TCM not only cures disease but also enables procreation, which is miraculous. Initially, appetite increases significantly, exceeding normal levels; coarse rice is insufficient to satisfy hunger, requiring glutinous rice to feel full. With prolonged use, efficacy diminishes, revealing that for treating consumption, food therapy is superior to drugs." Additionally, this herb regulates bowel movements. For those with habitual constipation, take fresh Polygonum multiflorum, grind into powder, form pills with honey, and take 3-4 qian with light salt water before sleep, eliminating the struggle of defecation.

[15] My close friend Huang Laoyi is famous for researching domestic drugs. He once told me: The nutritional value of chicken eggs lies more in the yolk than the white; digestion and absorption are also faster for the yolk. Therefore, health-conscious people often discard the egg white. (Because egg white is semi-soluble and coagulates easily under high heat, making it hard to digest.) They specifically take the yolk, beat it loose, and mix it into porridge just before it boils. For each bowl of porridge, two yolks can be added to replace breakfast. Long-term consumption is a blessing for the weak. This is because egg yolk contains large amounts of phospholipids, protein, Vitamin A, and Vitamin E, which are important nutrients for the human body. However, raw or fully cooked forms are not ideal; semi-cooked is best, hence mixing with hot porridge.

[16] A guest asked me for the best editions of Materia Medica. I replied: Various Materia Medicas claim that the "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) is concise and profound, with mysterious effects in its subtleties. However, its text is lofty, often leaving meanings unexpressed. Without insightful understanding of hidden nuances, one easily goes astray. Thus, later commentators on herb properties often present plausible but incorrect theories, leading to illusions. Since the Tang Dynasty, Materia Medicas have become increasingly complex, with more indications. While some are clear and logical, supplementing the "Bencao Jing," many are superficial and unreliable. Some reinterpret old theories from the "Bencao Jing," deviating slightly and causing huge errors, completely missing the ancients' intent, misleading students and causing great harm. Li Shizhen's "Bencao Gangmu" (Compendium of Materia Medica) gathers everything and is the most comprehensive, though sometimes criticized for being too verbose. By compiling ancient texts into one volume, allowing students to choose, it achieves greatness. Later works like Mu Zhen's "Jingshu" offer some insights but are often mediocre and lack depth. Xu Dachun's "Baizhong Lu" is concise and precise, reaching the highest level, but is too short to be sufficient. Shi Zongyan's "Fengyuan" has unique insights and greatly inspires students; these are essential reads for pharmacology scholars. Others like Ye Tianshi, Zhang Yin'an, and Chen Xiuyuan discuss Qi transformation, appearing profound but being empty talk with little practical use. Works like Wang's "Beiyao" and Wu's "Congxin" merely excerpt bits from the "Gangmu," thinking they have achieved enough, like beggars entering a treasure mountain, discarding pearls for stones, unworthy of a scholar's smile. (Excerpted from "Yangke Gangyao") Only He Lianchen's "Shiyong Yaowuxue" (Practical Pharmacology), classified by Western methods with dosages noted, has a format I prefer. If students follow He's classification, re-edit the "Bencao Jing" and "Fengyuan," and append Xu's "Baizhong Lu" for reference, combining all merits, it would be an excellent edition. Since you study Materia Medica, I dare to expect your success with this approach.

[17] Dongyi physician Dongdong Ji Yi said: "'Mingyi BieLu' states Gypsum (Shigao) is very cold. Since then, physicians feared it and stopped using it. Zhongjing described the Baihu Tang syndrome as 'no great heat,' and the Yuespi Tang syndrome similarly, yet both formulas use Gypsum as the chief herb. Thus, Zhongjing's use of this herb was not because it is cold, which is evident. I am faithful to antiquity. For thirst without heat signs, I administer Gypsum preparations, and the illness resolves. During intense summer heat, a patient suffered extreme thirst despite drinking, which did not stop. Giving him Gypsum powder stopped the vexatious thirst immediately. Gypsum treats thirst and need not be feared." He also said: "Later generations regarded Gypsum as a harsh drug and feared it excessively, which is a fault of ignorance. Zhongjing used Gypsum in larger quantities than other herbs, often half to one jin, probably because its aroma and flavor are thin." This aligns perfectly with Zhang Xichun's argument for heavy use of Gypsum; one cites the "Bencao Jing," the other the "Shanghan Lun." Together, they leave no room for doubt. Dongdong further said: "The method of use is simply to crush it. Recent times, due to its cold nature, people calcine it with fire, which is speculative and unacceptable. Generally, processing herbs: if processing doubles toxicity, process it; if it removes toxicity, do not process it, as there is nothing else to control." From this, we see Dongdong recognized the contraindication of calcining Gypsum long before Zhang Xichun's loud advocacy. It proves that experts share similar views. To ensure all physicians understand this, medical journals should promote it widely. Printing small booklets for distribution would allow doctors to boldly use heavy doses for severe warm diseases, gaining patient trust, thereby saving lives. Would charitable individuals agree with this statement?

[18] A guest asked me: "Secular opinion holds that cow's milk is warm and aids fire. Is this true?" I said: "Cow's milk is sweet in taste and slightly cold in nature. It nourishes the Heart and Lungs, moistens the Large Intestine, clears heat and toxins, and benefits the skin. It treats polydipsia, heat-induced hiccup, and consumptive damage. Since these three symptoms originate from fire, and cow's milk treats them, its nature is clearly not warm. Moreover, Chen Cangqi explicitly mentions 'cold tonification.' This herb moistens dryness and generates fluids, serving as the sole tonic for post-illness recovery and elderly deficiency. My own Yin deficiency with hyperactive fire has benefited from drinking cow's milk for nearly a year, seeing only benefits, no drawbacks. This sufficiently disproves the fallacy of popular belief. However, it conflicts with sour substances; mixing them causes abdominal knotting. Those drinking cow's milk must know this."

[19] Jujube (Dazao) is warm in nature and sweet in taste. It nourishes Spleen Earth, boosts Qi and strength, moistens Lung Metal, generates fluids, stops cough, harmonizes Ying and Wei, and treats diarrhea. Modern physicians mostly use red jujubes. Only Ju Tong (Wu Jutong) dissented, stating: "Jujubes are dark red/black, sweet with slight sourness. Use them to tonify the Yin of the Blood aspect of the Spleen meridian. Removing the pit prevents descent to the Lower Jiao. Paired with Ginger, it tonifies the Yang of the Qi aspect of the Stomach. This is the Dao of Yin and Yang, a key item for harmonizing Ying and Wei in the Middle Jiao. Yet modern people use red jujubes. The 'Bencao Gangmu' says red jujubes are rough and unsuitable for medicine. Have they not seen this?" Gui notes: Black jujubes have a strong flavor and specialize in tonifying the Spleen; red jujubes are milder and best for harmonizing the Stomach. When assisting Ginseng and Astragalus to build the Middle Jiao, black jujubes are preferred. When combining with Ginger to harmonize Ying and Wei, red jujubes should be used. Furthermore, long-term consumption of black jujubes may contribute to damp-heat, whereas red jujubes do not. Careful examination reveals minor differences amidst major similarities. Thus, the analysis is as follows.

[20] Antelope Horn (Lingyangjiao) and Rhinoceros Horn (Xijiaojiao) are both cooling agents. However, Rhinoceros Horn additionally strengthens the Heart, while Antelope Horn additionally calms spasms. Therefore, for high fever with fine, rapid, or surging pulse, Rhinoceros Horn is suitable; for high fever with limb convulsions, Antelope Horn is suitable. The ancients considered Rhinoceros Horn a Heart herb and Antelope Horn a Liver herb based on this.

[21] I am from Hangzhou, teaching at Huifeng National Primary School in Yinnan. On Christmas Eve of the Yichou year, invited by a friend, I traveled to Henghe, Zhenhai, and visited my senior brother Wang Zhongsheng en route. He described treatments for damp-warmth and summer-warmth syndromes in summer, primarily using half a large winter melon and a handful of fresh Artemisia annua (Qinghao). Depending on symptoms, a few accessory herbs were added. Decocted strongly in one vessel, consumed within one or two days, resulting in immediate recovery. Winter melon is cold to drain heat, bland to leach out dampness, promotes urination and bowel movement, and resolves summer pathogens. Qinghao is bitter and cold, clearing damp-heat, aromatic without damaging the Spleen. Treating summer-warmth and damp-warmth where heat exceeds dampness is precisely targeted. Moreover, fresh herbs retain full flavor, have potent dosage and effect, acting swiftly. This is undeniable. I extract this to show colleagues.

[22] Postpartum women suffer Qi and Blood depletion. Excessive effort during delivery or labor immediately after birth often leads to uterine prolapse. Western medicine uses uterine supports and surgery for this condition. Here are TCM formulas for clinical reference.
(1) Renshen (Ginseng Radix) (1 qian), Zhi Huangqi (Astragali Radix, honey-fried) (3 qian), Dangguishen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, root body) (3 qian), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) (6 fen), Qing Zhi Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, clear-fried) (4 fen), Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) (3 fen), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) (5 grains).
(2) Mi Zhi Huangqi (Astragali Radix, honey-fried) (2 qian), Tu Chao Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, soil-fried) (1 qian), Guishen (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, root body) (3 qian), Renshen (Ginseng Radix) (1 qian), Mi Zhi Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma, honey-fried) (3 fen), Zhi Gancao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma, fried) (5 fen), Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (1 qian), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) (1 slice), Hongzao (Jujubae Fructus) (2 pieces).
Both formulas focus on tonifying and lifting, addressing the root cause.

[23] Su Dongpo's poem: "The host urges me to wash my feet and sleep; / Lying down, I no longer hear the bells." This is a method to guide upper-body blood downward. It shares the same principle as Yuanmingfen (Sodium Sulfate) treating sore throat (see 19th Year Sino-Western Medical Journal), Qingning Wan (Rhubarb pills) treating red eyes, and Tiaowei Wan (Rhubarb, Mirabilite, Licorice powder honey-pills) treating toothache and bleeding gums (see "Yushu Wei Yi").

[24] Medical books often use Lotus Node (Oujie) to treat hematemesis and hemoptysis, rarely using fresh Lotus Root (Ou). I initially thought fresh lotus root would be more effective than dried nodes. Any formula using nodes should ideally be replaced by fresh lotus root juice. Now I realize the ancients' use of nodes for hemostasis contains scientific principles and cannot be dismissed. The reason lotus treats blood disorders is its high tannic acid content, which heals wound vessels. While lotus root contains much, the nodes are almost entirely tannin with little starch, thus achieving greater effect.

[25] "Suixiju Yinshi Pu" records: "Yuling Gao, also known as Daishen Gao. Peel longan flesh, place in bamboo tube or ceramic bowl. For every 1 liang of flesh, add 1 qian of white sugar. For those with innate excess heat, add American Ginseng slices equal to the amount of sugar. Cover the bowl mouth with silk cotton. Steam daily over the rice cooker until steamed 100 times. For frail, elderly, and weak persons without phlegm-fire or loose stools, take one spoon dissolved in boiling water. Greatly tonifies Qi and Blood, surpassing Ginseng and Astragalus. Especially wonderful for parturient women." Gui notes: Materia Medica describes Longan's functions as stabilizing will, calming the mind, nourishing the Heart, and tonifying Blood. Its indications include worry and overthinking damaging Heart and Spleen. Translated to Western terms, this herb is a brain nutrient. For neurasthenia, insomnia, and forgetfulness, long-term use according to the steaming method yields remarkable effects. However, Wang's praise of "greatly tonifying Qi and Blood, surpassing Ginseng and Astragalus" seems exaggerated and contradictory to reality.