凡虎伤、犬伤、蛇蝎蜈蚣、水蛭之类皆是也,共二十三方,俱载古方因阵中,自二三六
起至二五八止。
蛊之为毒,中土少见之,世传广奥深山之人,于端午日以毒蛇、蜈蚣、虾蟆三物同器盛
之,任其互相吞食,俟一物独存者,则以为蛊,又谓之挑生。凡欲害人,密置其蛊于饮食中
,人中其毒,必心腹 痛如有虫啮,吐下皆如烂絮。若不即治,食人五脏而死,亦有
十余日而死者。更有缓者,待以数月,气血羸惫,食尽五脏而后死。
一说两广山谷间有草曰胡蔓草,又名断肠草。若人以急水吞之则急死,以缓水吞之则缓
死。今见荆楚之地,有曰鼠莽草者,人食之则毒死,意即胡蔓草也。
一说岭南人取毒蛇杀之,以草覆之,以水洒之,数日菌生,取菌为末,酒调以毒人。始
亦无患,再后饮酒则毒作而死。其俗淫妇多自合北人,日久情好,又不肯逐人归,乃阴以毒
投饮食中,北人归则戒之曰∶子去几时还。若从其言,则复以药解之。若过期不往则死矣,
名曰定年蛊。北人至彼,宜预防之,须备解毒丹之类,随身勿忘。凡稍觉饮食之后,四大不
调,宜即服解药。若不预识其机,备有药饵,恐一时仓卒不救,所谓有备无患,重生者,不
可忽也。
《遁斋闲览》云∶海南鱼有石首,盖鱼枕也。取其石为器,可盛饮食,如遇蛊毒,器必
爆裂,其效甚着。闽人制作最精,人但玩其色而鲜有识其用者。
一、验蛊之法,唾津在净水中,沉则是,浮则非。
又法∶口含大豆,中蛊者,豆即胀而皮脱。无蛊者,豆不胀脱。
又法∶煮鸡蛋一枚,去壳,以银簪一双插入其中,并含入口内,一饮之顷,取视簪卵俱
黑,即为中蛊。
孙真人曰∶凡中蛊者,嚼生黑豆不腥,噙白矾而味反甘者,皆中蛊也。
Injuries caused by tigers, dogs, snakes, scorpions, centipedes, leeches, and similar creatures all fall into this category. There are twenty-three formulas in total, all recorded in the ancient texts from entry 326 to entry 258.
The poison of Gu (a mythical venomous creature or toxin) is rarely seen in the Central Plains. It is said that people in the deep mountains of Guangdong and Guangxi place three animals—venomous snakes, centipedes, and toads—in the same vessel on the Dragon Boat Festival, allowing them to devour each other until only one survives. This survivor is considered Gu, also known as "Tiao Sheng" (picking life). When used to harm others, Gu is secretly placed in food or drink. Once ingested, the victim suffers severe abdominal pain as if being gnawed by insects, with vomit and excrement resembling rotting cotton. If not treated immediately, the poison consumes the five zang organs, leading to death within ten days or more. In slower cases, it may take months, causing extreme depletion of qi and blood before the victim dies after the five zang organs are consumed.
Another theory states that in the valleys of Guangdong and Guangxi, there is a herb called Human Cao (Hu Man Grass), also known as Duanchang Cao (Intestine-Severing Grass). If swallowed with fast-flowing water, death occurs rapidly; if swallowed with slow-flowing water, death occurs slowly. Currently, in the Jingchu region, there is a plant called Shumang Cao (Rat Poison Grass); ingestion leads to fatal poisoning, which is believed to be the same as Human Cao.
Yet another account describes how people in Lingnan kill venomous snakes, cover them with grass, and sprinkle them with water. After several days, mushrooms grow. These mushrooms are ground into powder, mixed with wine, and used to poison victims. Initially, there are no symptoms, but later, drinking alcohol triggers the poison, leading to death. In local customs, promiscuous women often have illicit relations with men from the north. After a long time, they develop affection but refuse to drive the men away. Instead, they secretly poison their food. When the northern man leaves, he is warned: "When will you return?" If he returns as promised, an antidote is administered. If he fails to return on time, he dies. This is called "Nian Nian Gu" (Year-Determining Gu). Northerners visiting these regions should take precautions, carrying antidotes such as Jiedu Dan (Detoxification Pill) at all times. Whenever one feels discomfort in the four elements (earth, water, fire, wind) after eating, an antidote should be taken immediately. Without prior knowledge and preparation, emergency rescue may be impossible. As the saying goes, "Preparedness ensures security." Those who value life must not neglect this.
"Dun Zhai Xian Lan" states: The fish from Hainan includes the Stone-Head Fish, whose bone forms the "fish pillow." Vessels made from this bone can hold food and drink. If exposed to Gu poison, the vessel will crackle and burst, demonstrating its efficacy. Fujian artisans craft these vessels exquisitely, yet most people merely admire their appearance without understanding their function.
1. Method to test for Gu: Spit saliva into clear water. If it sinks, it indicates Gu; if it floats, it does not.
Another method: Hold a soybean in the mouth. If poisoned by Gu, the bean swells and its skin peels off. If not poisoned, the bean remains unchanged.
Another method: Boil one egg, remove the shell, insert a pair of silver hairpins into it, and swallow it whole. After a moment, retrieve and inspect. If both the hairpins and the egg turn black, it confirms Gu poisoning.
Sun Simiao stated: Anyone who chews raw black beans without a fishy smell, or holds alum in the mouth finding it sweet rather than bitter, has been poisoned by Gu.