辛温无毒。去尖用，否则脱人须发。
发明 皂角刺治风杀虫，与荚略同，但其锐利直达病所为异。其治痘疹气滞不能起顶灌
脓者，功效最捷。而气虚者慎勿误用，恐透表过锐反生虚泡也。若血滞不能起顶灌脓，又需
鲮鲤，当非角刺所宜。《丹方》治大风恶疾，眉落鼻崩，用皂角刺三斤烧灰为末，食后煎大
黄汤调一匕服之，不终剂而愈。肿疡服之即消，溃疡服之难敛，以其性善开泄也。
辛温有毒。去皮弦子取净肉用之。
发明 肥皂涤除顽痰垢腻，不减二皂，痴病胜金丹用之，亦取涌发不使砒性留于肠胃之
意。其子亦治大肠风秘，须去硬壳及黄膜，但取其仁炒研用之，庶不致有伤肾气耳。
俗名鬼见愁
苦平无毒。
发明 无患子言其辟邪之功也。浣垢去面 。喉痹研纳喉中立开。又主飞尸，子中仁烧
之辟除恶邪，煨食辟恶气，去口臭。
一名无食子
苦温无毒。
发明 没石子合他药染须，仲景用治阴汗，烧灰先以汤浴之，以灰扑之甚良。又血痢及
产后下痢俱用之。绵裹塞牙痛效，取温散肾经湿热也。
即诃子
苦涩温无毒。六棱者佳，去核用。
发明 诃子苦涩降敛。生用清金止嗽，煨熟固脾止泻。古方取苦以化痰涎，涩以固滑
泄也。殊不知降敛之性，虽云涩能固脱，终非甘温益脾之比。昔人言，同乌梅、五倍则收敛
，同橘皮、浓朴则下气，同人参则补肺治嗽。东垣言嗽药不用者，非也。然此仅可施之于久
嗽喘乏，真气未艾者，庶有劫截之能。又久嗽阴火上炎，久痢虚热下迫，愈劫愈滞，岂特风
寒暴嗽、湿热下痢为禁剂乎？曷观世医用润肺丸、益黄散之功过可知。
[Sapiao Ci (Galla Chinensis Spina)]
Pungent, warm, non-toxic. Use after removing the tip; otherwise, it may cause hair loss in humans.
[Invention/Commentary]
Sapiao Ci treats wind and kills parasites, similar to Galla Chinensis (Zao Jiao), but differs in its sharpness which allows it to reach the disease site directly. It is most effective for treating varicella/rubella where qi stagnation prevents the lesions from rising and suppurating. However, those with qi deficiency must be cautious not to use it mistakenly, as its overly sharp exterior-penetrating nature may instead generate empty blisters. If blood stasis prevents the lesions from rising and suppurating, Pangolin Scales (Ling Li) are required, which is not suitable for Sapiao Ci. "Dan Fang" records the treatment of severe wind diseases and evil sores, characterized by eyebrow loss and nasal collapse: three jin of Sapiao Ci are burned to ash, ground into powder, and taken with a dose of one bi (a small spoonful) mixed with Da Huang Decoction after meals; the patient recovers before finishing one dose. For un-ulcerated swellings, taking it causes immediate resolution; for ulcerated sores, it hinders healing and closure because its nature is good at opening and draining.
[Fang Zao (Soap Nut Fruit - referring to the fruit pulp used for cleaning, distinct from Sapiao Ci)**Note: The text distinguishes between Sapiao Ci and Fang Zao here, though botanically related or confused in ancient texts. Based on context "Fang Zao" usually refers to the fruit itself or a specific preparation.**]
Pungent, warm, toxic. Use the clean flesh after removing the skin and seeds.
[Invention/Commentary]
Fang Zao removes stubborn phlegm and greasy filth, no less effective than the two types of galls. In the formula Sheng Jin Dan used for treating dementia, Fang Zao is included to take advantage of its vomiting-inducing and dispersing action, preventing the toxicity of arsenic from remaining in the stomach and intestines. Its seeds also treat wind-constipation of the large intestine. One must remove the hard shell and yellow membrane, using only the kernel stir-fried and ground, so as not to damage kidney qi.
[Wu Huan Zi (Sapindus Mukorossi Fruit)]
Commonly known as Gui Jian Chou (Ghost's Sorrow).
Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.
[Invention/Commentary]
The name Wu Huan Zi implies its power to ward off evil spirits. It washes away dirt and removes facial spots. For treating Hou Bi (sore throat obstruction), grinding it and inserting it into the throat brings immediate relief. It also treats Fei Shi (flying corpse syndrome/sudden mysterious illness); burning the kernels wards off evil influences. Roasted and eaten, it wards off bad odors and removes halitosis.
[Mo Shi Zi (Myrobalan Fruit / Terminalia Chebula Resin-like structure)**Note: Historically, Mo Shi Zi often referred to a gall or a specific part of Terminalia chebula, sometimes confused with He Zi. The text links it to Zhang Zhongjing for sweating and dental pain.**]
Also known as Wu Shi Zi.
Bitter, warm, non-toxic.
[Invention/Commentary]
Mo Shi Zi combined with other herbs can dye hair black. Zhang Zhongjing used it to treat Yin Han (sweating in the genital area): first bathe the area with hot water, then dust it with the ash of Mo Shi Zi, which is very effective. It is also used for bloody dysentery and postpartum dysentery. Wrapping it in cotton and inserting it into a toothache cavity is effective, utilizing its ability to warm and disperse damp-heat in the Kidney meridian.
[He Zi (Terminalia Chebula Fruit)]
This is He Zi.
Bitter, astringent, warm, non-toxic. Those with six ridges are superior. Use after removing the core.
[Invention/Commentary]
He Zi is bitter and astringent, possessing descending and consolidating properties. When used raw, it clears Lung Metal and stops coughing; when roasted/stewed, it secures the Spleen and stops diarrhea. Ancient formulas use its bitterness to transform phlegm-saliva and its astringency to consolidate sliding discharge. However, one should not ignore its descending and consolidating nature; although astringency can secure collapse, it is ultimately not comparable to sweet-warm Spleen-benefiting herbs. Ancients stated that combined with Wu Mei (Mume Fructus) and Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis), it enhances consolidation; combined with Ju Pi (Citrus Reticulata Pericarpium) and Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), it moves qi downward; combined with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), it tonifies the Lung and treats cough. Li Dongyuan said He Zi should not be used in cough medicines, which is incorrect. However, this herb is only applicable to chronic cough with asthma and fatigue, where true qi has not yet been exhausted, allowing it to intercept the disease. If chronic cough leads to flaming up of yin fire, or chronic dysentery leads to downward pressure of deficient heat, using He Zi will further deplete and stagnate qi. Is it not forbidden in cases of sudden cough due to wind-cold and dysentery due to damp-heat? Observing the merits and faults of Shi Yong (worldly physicians) using Run Fei Wan (Lung-Moistening Pill) and Yi Huang San (Spleen-Benefiting Powder) makes this clear.