Library

[Albiziae Cortex (Hehuanpi)]
Also known as Hehun, called Huanghun in the *Qianjin Fang*, and commonly referred to as Wurong tree.
Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* records that it soothes the five Zang organs, harmonizes the mind and will, brings joy and eliminates worry. Long-term use lightens the body and improves vision.

[Commentary]
Albiziae Cortex belongs to Earth and Water; its efficacy in tonifying Yin is most rapid. Used alone as a decoction, it treats lung abscess with purulent sputum. Combined with Donkey-hide Gelatin (Ejiao) to make a paste, it is effective for treating lung atrophy and hemoptysis. Boiled together with white beeswax into a paste, it is a key medicine for promoting muscle growth and knitting bones, yet surgeons have rarely adopted it. Why? Upon examination, the various diseases treated by Albiziae Cortex mainly involve promoting muscle growth and knitting bones; thus, it is used to fill the ulcerated defects of the lungs. Do the statements in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* regarding "soothing the five Zang organs" and "harmonizing the mind" apply only to these ailments? The *Ji Kang's Discourse on Nourishing Life* states: "Albizia eliminates anger, daylily forgets sorrow." Is this not a literal truth derived from their names?

[Gleditsiae Sinensis Fruit (Zaojiao)]
Also known as Zaojiao.
Pungent, salty, warm, slightly toxic. For medicinal use, remove the outer skin, rind, and seeds, then process with su (animal fat or butter).
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* records that it treats wind-bi (wind-damp obstruction), dead flesh, evil qi causing cephalalgia (headwind), and lacrimation; it benefits the nine orifices and kills spirit entities.

[Commentary]
Gleditsiae Sinensis Fruit is pungent and dispersing, belonging to Metal; it treats diseases of Wind-Wood in the Jueyin liver channel. Observing the indications in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* such as wind-bi, dead flesh, headwind, and lacrimation, all derive from its ability to expel wind, extract toxins, open blockages, and benefit the orifices. It has the functions of breaking down hard accumulations, driving out wind-phlegm, repelling evil qi, and killing parasites/toxins. Blowing powder into the nose or inserting suppositories opens the upper and lower orifices. Decocting and ingesting it treats wind-phlegm causing wheezing and chest fullness. Applying and rubbing it dissipates swelling and detoxifies, removing wind-qi from the face. Fumigating and steaming with it resolves constipation. Burning it to smoke treats sores and damp-toxids, which aligns with the intent of the *Shennong Bencao Jing* in treating wind-bi and dead flesh; its application is invariably effective. When a person suddenly suffers from stroke with coma, appearing drunk, unable to control their body, and drooling from the mouth corner, immediately use Xixian San (Thin Saliva Powder) to induce vomiting. However, if the apoplexy-like syndrome in southern regions is caused by Yin deficiency with flaming fire, mistakenly using emetic agents will further deplete body fluids. Should this not be strictly prohibited? Nevertheless, for treating damp-heat phlegm accumulation, lung abscess with foul-smelling sputum, and delirium due to phlegm misting the heart, medicines such as Qianmin Tang, Zaojiao Wan, and Laisu Gao are indeed sacred remedies, except that pregnant women must avoid them. Examination shows that large Gleditsiae fruit and small Gleditsiae fruit (Ya-zao) have slight differences in treatment. For wind-phlegm, Ya-zao is superior; for damp-phlegm, the large fruit is more potent. Ancient formulas used it frequently, but rarely in decoctions. Some surgeons used Ya-zao decoction to induce vomiting for wind-phlegm; after ingestion, the patient developed red miliaria over the whole body, followed by skin peeling days later, severely damaging Yuan Qi. Caution is essential. The condition of Suohou Feng (Lock-throat wind) is absolutely contraindicated. It is common to see cases where stimulating phlegm causes it to lock the throat without being expectorated, leading to death within moments. The seeds, burned to ash while retaining their nature, treat intestinal wind-constipation and dry accumulation, revealing their nature of expelling wind and driving out filth.