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[Xu Sui Zi]
Also known as Qian Jin Zi.
Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, and toxic. The husk must be removed, selecting only the white-colored seeds. These are wrapped in paper and pressed to remove the oil, using only the resulting drug frost (residue).

[Invention/Commentary]
Xu Sui Zi descends qi with extreme speed; however, it is toxic and harmful to the human body. Its stems and leaves resemble those of Da Ji (Euphorbia pekinensis), Ze Qi (Euphorbia helioscopia), and Gan Sui (Euphorbia lathyris), and its therapeutic indications are also similar. Its strength lies in promoting diuresis and detoxification; therefore, it is used in Yu Shu Dan (Jade Pivot Pill). If excessive diarrhea occurs after ingestion, consuming congee mixed with vinegar will stop it. Misuse by individuals with Spleen deficiency and loose stools will inevitably lead to death.
For black warts or skin tags, crush Xu Sui Zi and apply the paste topically; the growths will fall off naturally. Alternatively, tie a boiled thread around the root of the tumor, tightening it periodically until it gradually detaches.

[Lang Dang]
Also known as Tian Xian Zi.
The seed is bitter in flavor and cold in nature; the root is bitter and pungent in flavor, and toxic.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states that it treats toothache, expels parasites, and addresses flesh bi (numbness/pain in muscles) with stiffness and urgency. Excessive consumption causes people to run wildly.

[Invention/Commentary]
Lang Dang is used in formulas for dian kuang (mania and madness), but typically only its seeds are employed. Hence, it is warned not to break the seeds, as broken seeds can induce madness. *Shennong Bencao Jing* treats flesh bi and insect toxins by utilizing its toxicity to attack the pathogenic factors. *Qianjin Fang* treats Shi Yong (stone abscesses) that are hard and do not suppurate: Lang Dang seeds are powdered, mixed with vinegar, and applied to the head of the sore, causing the root of the tumor to be extracted. For contusions and fractures, Lang Dang seed powder is mixed with sheep fat and applied externally. The main indications for Lang Dang root are not significantly different from those of the seed. For persistent malaria, Lang Dang root is burnt to ash and taken with water (1 qian 7 fen) to stop the attacks. For malignant tinea with parasites, Lang Dang root is crushed, mixed with honey, and applied topically. For injuries caused by poisonous thorns, the juice from boiling Lang Dang root is used to soak the wound, changing it when it cools down. If an arrowhead remains embedded and cannot be removed, this method is also effective; these are all miraculous prescriptions from *Qianjin Fang*. For rabies bites, Lang Dang root is mixed with salt and applied three times daily, a prescription from *Waitai Miyao*. Currently, some use Lang Dang root to treat ye ge fan wei (dysphagia and regurgitation), relying on its penetrating nature to dispel stagnant pathogens in the stomach, providing temporary relief for dysphagia. However, misusing it in deficient patients leads to unpredictable harm. Li Shizhen stated: "The efficacy of Lang Dang has not been seen as described, yet its toxicity is even more severe; it can sprout even after boiling for one or two days, revealing its nature." Ingestion of Lang Dang, Yun Shi (Caesalpinia bonduc), Fang Kui (Peucedanum praeruptorum), and Chi Shang Lu (Phytolacca acinosa) all cause madness, confusion, and hallucinations of seeing ghosts. This is because these substances all possess yin toxicity, which can confuse the heart orifice with phlegm, obscure the shen (spirit), and thus disturb vision and hearing.