Library

Sweet, slightly cold, slightly toxic.
Invention: Consuming large amounts of various bamboo shoots can stir up qi and induce cold syndromes, causing heart pain. Eating them with lamb liver damages the eyes; they are contraindicated for those with weak spleen and stomach or loose stools in the large intestine. Folk physicians often advise patients with smallpox to drink bamboo shoot soup or add bamboo shoots to decoctions, unaware that smallpox patients should not consume them. Since the large intestine is slippery and bamboo shoots are known as "intestine-scraping combs," they are especially taboo for those with unconsolidated intestines and stomachs. They are suitable only for those with blood heat and abundant toxins. The dried bamboo shoot slices promote diuresis and resolve phlegm; they are used in Tingli Wan (Descurainiae Semen/Papaveris Fructus Pill) for edema.

Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
Invention: Zhuhuang (Bamboo Sponge) forms within large bamboos from the condensation of fluids and qi. Its taste and efficacy are similar to Zhuli (Bamboo Sap), but without the harmful cold and slippery properties. It cools the Heart Meridian, dispels wind-heat, and is a crucial herb for treating pediatric convulsions and epilepsy, as well as voice loss due to wind-heat and surging phlegm. Because it originates from the country of Tianzhu (India), it is named Tianzhuhuang (Heavenly Bamboo Sponge). Today, many pharmacies adulterate it by mixing in burnt bones and Polygonatum powder, so careful distinction is necessary.

Invention: Lei Qi (Thunder Energy) connects with the Heart, thus it can treat palpitations caused by fright. Additionally, hanging it on doors and gates can greatly suppress fire disasters.

Invention: Jinhui (Brocade Ash) treats hemorrhage, metrorrhagia, and bleeding from traumatic wounds. Xinjiang (New Crimson Dye) treats metrorrhagia in women. Si Ben (Silk Base) governs blood; combined with the crimson color and the use of ash, it derives its efficacy in treating hemorrhage. Decoction of natural yellow silk juice taken orally stops thirst (Xiaoke) and benefits damaged uterine membranes in postpartum women, serving as a key herb for tonifying the Bladder. Mianhui (Cotton Ash) stops hematemesis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia, and bleeding from both large and small bowels.

Invention: Zhang Zhongjing treated Yin-Yang Yi disease (post-illness sexual transmission syndrome), characterized by heavy body, shortness of breath, abdominal urgency, and contraction/tightness extending from the genitals to the knees and calves, using a powder made from burned [clothing]. Taking ash from the area near the genitals, mixed with water and administered as one cun chi (approx. 2.3 cm) dose three times daily, results in free urination and slight swelling of the glans penis, indicating recovery. For male patients, female clothing is used; for female patients, male clothing is used.

Invention: Men's foot-wrapping cloth, selecting soft ones, wrapped around the abdomen, stops abdominal pain, diarrhea, and dysentery. For women wishing to stop lactation (return milk), binding tightly with men's foot-wrapping cloth overnight stops secretion immediately, with efficacy surpassing herbal medicine.

Invention: Zaobing (Chisel Handle) treats difficult labor during pregnancy; taken as ash with wine, it utilizes the symbolism of opening holes and passages. Chongxie (Gun Wedge) taken as ash utilizes the symbolism of rapid and forceful action.