Library

Poria (Fuling): Sweet, bland, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It refers to the part of the Poria sclerotium that grows around and embraces the pine root.

[Invention] The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) only mentions Poria (Fuling), while the *Mingyi Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians) first added Shenmi (Fu Shen). Their therapeutic indications are identical. Later physicians always used Fu Shen for treating Heart diseases; thus, Zhang Yuansu (Jiegu) stated, "For vertigo due to wind and Heart deficiency, only Fu Shen can eliminate it." However, Fuling is not incapable of treating Heart diseases. Tao Hongjing was the first to state that red-colored Poria drains (Xie), while white-colored tonifies (Bu); this revealed the secrets of predecessors. Li Shizhen argued that regarding Fuling and Fu Shen, one should only say that red enters the Blood level, and white enters the Qi level, similar to the principle of Mudan Pi (Cortex Moutan Radicis) and Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra/Lactiflorae). The pine wood embraced within Fu Shen has the same efficacy as Songjie (Arboris Massinae Ramulus) in treating wind-dampness-induced spasms and contractures of muscles and bones.

Amber (Hupo): Sweet, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Produced in Panyu, it is transformed from the resinous sap of maple trees. The folk saying "Poria turns into amber after a thousand years" is a misinterpretation.

[Invention] Ancient formulas utilized Amber to promote urination, attributing its success to drying dampness and strengthening the Spleen Earth. When the Spleen functions in transformation and transportation, Lung Qi descends, allowing urine to flow freely. However, in cases of Yin deficiency with internal heat, flaming fire, and dried-up fluids, or when blood is scanty leading to difficult urination, it may instead cause suffering from dryness and constipation. Due to its properties of dissolving accumulation and promoting diuresis, it must not be mistakenly administered unless there is blood stasis congealed in the Bladder. To treat evil blood (stasis) in the abdomen of women, mix Amber with Dahuang (Rhizoma Rhei Palmati) and Biejia (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis) into a powder, and take one cunbi (a measure of volume) with wine. Stop once the blood is exhausted. For swelling caused by blood stasis, where the abdomen is distended like a drum and urination is blocked, it must be used in conjunction with Qi-breaking herbs such as Chenxiang (Lignum Aquilariae Resinatum). Additionally, applying finely ground Amber externally to metal wounds prevents scarring, verifying its ability to dissipate blood and resolve stasis. Do not administer to patients with Yin deficiency, internal heat, flaming fire, dried fluids, and difficult urination, as it will further damage Yin and exacerbate harm.

Polyporus (Zhuling): Sweet, bland, slightly bitter, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

The *Bencao Jing* states it treats malaria, detoxifies Gu Zhu (a chronic wasting disease caused by insect toxins or evil qi) and its ominous effects, promotes water passages, and long-term use lightens the body and delays aging.

[Invention] Zhuling enters the Blood levels of the Kidney and Bladder. Its nature is good at unblocking meridians and organs. People generally know it as a specialized drug for promoting diuresis but do not know its efficacy in treating malaria and Gu Zhu. Zhang Zhongjing treated Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) with floating pulse, difficult urination, and slight fever using Zhuling San to induce sweating. If a patient desires to drink water but vomits immediately, this condition is named Shui Ni (Water Reversal), primarily treated with Wuling San. Zhuling specializes in guiding water metabolism. Long-term use inevitably damages Kidney Qi and clouds vision. Among diuretic agents, none acts as swiftly as Zhuling; therefore, it is not included in tonic formulas, unlike Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis). The statement in the *Bencao Jing* that long-term use lightens the body and delays aging applies specifically to those who already have excessive damp-heat in their constitution, and cannot be universally generalized.