Library

Shengma (Rhizoma Cimicifugae, one liang, remove the rhizome base) Niubangzi (Fructus Arctii, two liang, stir-fried) Renshen (Radix Ginseng, half a liang, remove the rhizome base)
Crush the above ingredients into coarse powder. For each dose, take three qian, add one zhan of water, and decoct until seven-tenths remains. Take at any time. This medicine can reduce swelling and dispel wind without damaging the healthy qi; it may be taken three times a day.
I once read in a medical book discussing two diseases: Shui (Water distension) and Gu (Gu distension). When the umbilical abdomen and all four limbs are swollen, it is called Shui; when there is only abdominal distension but the limbs are not significantly swollen, it is called Gu. I once encountered a female relative suffering from Gu disease. I judged that purgation was contraindicated and that tonifying the Spleen was necessary. Had she not listened, after death, her abdomen would have been level with the coffin lid when placed inside. The appropriate treatment for Gu disease is Shizhonghuang Wan (Stone Yellow Pill) (formula is at the end of the volume).

Lianzhu Gansui (Radix et Rhizoma Euphorbiae Kansui, one liang) Mubiezi (Semen Strychni, two seeds, one male and one female, remove shells, grind)
Grind the above ingredients into fine powder. Take two pig kidneys, split them open, sprinkle one qian of the powder evenly on them, wrap tightly with several layers of wet paper, and simmer over slow heat until cooked. Allow to cool to warm. In the early hours of Wugeng (3-5 AM), chew thoroughly and swallow with rice gruel. If there is much accumulated fluid, there will be more diarrhea; if little, less diarrhea. Soft rice should be consumed for recuperation. If only one foot is affected, observe left and right carefully: if the left foot is diseased, use the left kidney; if the right, use the right kidney. The powder amount remains one qian.
In the year Renzi, in Piling, there was an oil merchant surnamed Ma whom I had not seen for a long time. Upon asking his relatives, they said: "He has a chronic history of Kidney Wind, and now one leg is swollen like a gourd. From the waist down, the circumference is uniform throughout. The pain is unbearable. To turn or shift position requires two people to hold him. Some suggested using a Biedao (scalpel) to incise it." I said, "Not yet. I have medicine. I will prepare it and give it to you. Take it as described above." Between Chen and Si hours (7-11 AM), he excreted several sheng of pus resembling crystal. Immediately, the pain ceased and the swelling subsided. One month later, he still walked with a cane. I then instructed him to apply Chiwu San (Red Horse Powder) to his knee, which led to complete healing. Ten years later, passing through Piling, he bowed deeply with his son to express gratitude. He said: "The foot ailment has not recurred since then. Even the chronic Kidney Wind has disappeared. Now I walk vigorously without pain."

Treating Kidney Wind attacking upwards and settling downwards, causing sores and tinea.
Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata, two liang, remove skin and tip) Caowu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Preparata, one liang. These two herbs are boiled thoroughly with half a jin of black beans until soft, then remove skin and navel, slice, and dry in the sun.) Dilong (Pheretima, remove soil, weigh) Baifuzi (Rhizoma Typhonii Flagelliformis Preparata) Tianma (Rhizoma Gastrodiae, half a liang each)
Grind the above ingredients into fine powder. Use wine paste to make pills the size of wutong seeds. Each dose takes 20-30 pills. Take on an empty stomach before meals, swallowed with salt water or salted wine.