一名脑子，又名韶脑
辛热有毒。忌见火。
发明 樟木性禀龙火，辛温香窜能去湿辟恶气。故治干霍乱，以樟木屑煎浓汁吐之。中
恶卒死者，以樟木烧烟薰之，待苏用药。韶郡诸山樟木最多，土人以之蒸汁煎炼结成樟脑，
与焰硝无异，水中燃火其焰益炽。今丹炉家及烟火方皆用之。去湿杀虫，此物所长。烧烟熏
衣能辟虫虱。治香港脚肿痛或以樟脑置两股，用杉木作桶盛汤濯之，或樟脑、乌头等分，醋丸
弹子大，每置一丸于足心踏之，下以微火烘之，衣被围覆，汗出如涎为效。
辛温有毒。验真伪法，置熟铜器中一宿，沾处白如银色者为真。
发明 阿魏消肉积，杀虫，治癖积为主药。故能解毒辟邪，治疟痢，疳劳诸病。久疟用
阿魏、朱砂等分为末，米糊丸皂子大，空心人参汤服一丸即愈。如痢用黄连木香汤下，盖疟
亦多起于积滞耳，同麝香、硫黄、苏合贴一切块有效。然人脾胃喜芳香而恶臭烈，凡脾胃虚
人虽有积滞，不可轻投。
苦寒，小毒。
发明 芦荟入厥阴肝经及冲脉。其功专于杀虫清热。冲脉为病，逆气里急及经事不调，
腹中结块上冲，与小儿疳热积滞非此不除。同甘草为末，治头项顽癣甚效。但大苦大寒，且
气甚秽恶仅可施之藜藿。若胃虚少食人得之，入口便大吐逆，每致夺食泄泻而成羸瘦怯弱者
多矣。有人背疮愈后余热不除，或令服芦荟药三服，不数日而毙，伤胃之性于此可征。
[Background Information]
Book: *Benjing Fengyuan* (Supplement to the Materia Medica)
Author: Zhang Lu
Dynasty: Qing
Chapter: Camphor / Asafoetida / Aloe
Category: Comprehensive
[Original Text Translation]
Also known as "Naozi" (Brain), and also called "Shao Nao".
Pungent, hot, toxic. Avoid exposure to fire.
Elucidation: Camphor wood possesses the nature of "Dragon Fire" (symbolizing vigorous Yang energy). Its pungent, warm, aromatic, and penetrating properties can dispel dampness and ward off evil qi. Therefore, it is used to treat Gan Huoluan (Dry Strangulation, a condition characterized by inability to vomit or defecate) by decocting camphor wood chips into a concentrated liquid for emesis. For sudden collapse due to Zhong E (sudden death caused by inhaling foul/evil pathogens), smoke from burning camphor wood is used for fumigation until consciousness returns, followed by appropriate medication. The mountains in Shao Commandery have the most camphor trees. Locals steam the juice and refine it to form Camphor (Zhangnao), which is indistinguishable from Saltpeter (Yanxiao, Potassium Nitrate); when ignited in water, its flame becomes even more intense. It is now used by alchemists and in fireworks formulas. Dispelling dampness and killing parasites are its strengths. Burning it to fumigate clothes can repel insects and lice. To treat Hongxiangjiao (Hong Kong Foot, referring to swelling and pain in the lower legs/shins, similar to gout or venous inflammation), one may place Camphor between the two thighs (inner thighs) and wash with hot water in a cedar bucket. Alternatively, mix equal parts of Camphor and Aconite Root (Wutou, toxic root of *Aconitum carmichaelii*), make pills the size of soapberries with vinegar, place one pill on the sole of the foot to step on, apply mild heat underneath, cover with clothing and blankets, and consider it effective when profuse sweating occurs like saliva.
Pungent, warm, toxic. Method to verify authenticity: Place it in a polished copper vessel overnight; if the contact area turns white like silver, it is genuine.
Elucidation: Asafoetida (Awei) dissolves food stagnation masses (Rouji), kills parasites, and is the principal herb for treating Pixi (abdominal masses that are palpable and fixed). Thus, it can detoxify and ward off pathogens, treating malaria and dysentery (Malili), and various conditions of infantile malnutrition and consumptive disease (Ganlao). For chronic malaria, mix equal parts of Asafoetida and Cinnabar (Zhusha, Mercury Sulfide) into powder, form pills the size of soapberries using rice paste, and take one pill on an empty stomach with Ginseng Decoction for immediate cure. For dysentery, administer with Coptis and Costus Root Decoction, as malaria often originates from food stagnation. Combined with Musk (Shexiang), Sulfur (Liuhuang), and Suhe Xiang (Styrax), applied as patches, it is effective for all types of abdominal masses. However, the spleen and stomach prefer aromatic scents and dislike foul, strong odors. Therefore, for individuals with weak spleen and stomach, even if there is food stagnation, this herb should not be administered lightly.
Bitter, cold, slightly toxic.
Elucidation: Aloe enters the Jueyin Liver Meridian and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel). Its function specializes in killing parasites and clearing heat. Diseases of the Chong Mai include rebellious Qi with internal urgency, irregular menstruation, abdominal masses rushing upward, and infantile malnutrition with heat and stagnation, none of which can be eliminated without this herb. Mixed with Licorice Root (Gancao) into powder, it is very effective for treating stubborn tinea capitis/corporis on the head and neck. However, it is extremely bitter and cold, and has a very foul odor. It is only suitable for use in cases involving commoners (Lihuo, implying robust constitutions or specific indications where harsh herbs are tolerated, though context warns against misuse). If taken by individuals with weak stomachs and poor appetite, it causes severe vomiting immediately upon ingestion, often leading to loss of appetite, diarrhea, and resulting in many becoming emaciated and frail. There was a case where residual heat remained after a back sore healed; someone was instructed to take Aloe medicine three doses, and they died within a few days. This demonstrates the stomach-damaging nature of Aloe.