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Borax (Pengsha)
Can melt metals. Eliminates phlegm and dirt. For bone splinters stuck in the throat or corneal opacities, it can respond promptly according to the prescription. Clears heat from the chest and diaphragm, benefits the throat. Its flavors are salty, cold, acrid, and bitter; all such conditions can achieve efficacy.
(Borax is also a type of halite. One theory states it is formed by decoction and refining, hence its ability to melt. All types of metals must use this substance to melt them. It is extremely effective at sweeping away all stagnant heat, turbidity, and greasiness in the Upper Jiao, dissipating phlegm, and breaking up accumulations. It excels in external treatments. All prescriptions for blowing into the throat or applying to the eyes use it. Another theory holds that it originates from foreign lands in the South Sea, formed by the crystallization of brine.)

Sulfur (Liuhuang)
Flavors: sour, acrid, salty; Nature: hot. Tonifies Kidney fire to assist Yuan Yang. Rescues reversal and supports critical conditions. Moistens the Large Intestine to disperse wind-induced constipation. For conditions of cold accumulation, parasitic disorders, and yin-cold coagulation, internal use employs it to promote circulation. For formulas treating insect sores, scabies, and leprosy, external use takes advantage of its potent toxicity.
(There are two types of sulfur. One is rock sulfur, found in valleys of foreign lands, inheriting the qi of yang fire, formed from stone liquid. Wherever rock sulfur is produced, there must be hot springs accompanied by sulfur gas. The other is earth sulfur, extracted from coal mines in Guangnan, formed through refining methods. Its color is bluish-green, its odor is foul, and it makes noise when ground. It can only be used as an ingredient for sore medicines and gunpowder. If used in formulas to support the critical, rescue reversal, and restore yuan, rock sulfur is superior. This is a product with sour, acrid, salty, and hot properties, and is toxic. Improper use or excessive use leading to dominance can cause disasters swiftly. Sulfur is the essence of fire; it is warm and unblocking. It enters the Kidney, Mingmen, and Large Intestine meridians. Its功 (efficacy) in restoring yang and breaking yin is far from insignificant.)

Alum (Baifan)
Flavors: sour, astringent, and收敛 (astringing); Salty, cold, and敛降 (collecting). Transforms phlegm and clears heat,劫夺 (seizes) sticky phlegm to dilute saliva. Dries dampness, kills parasites, corrodes malignant flesh, and detoxifies. Disperses wind, eliminates edema, treats dysentery, and applies to sores.
(Alum initially forms as stone and is obtained through decoction and refining, varying in five colors and quality. Its sour and astringent nature acts as an emetic when combined with vomiting herbs, and as an astringent when combined with astringent herbs, such as in Xixian San (Thin Saliva Powder) or Lafan Wan (Wax-Alum Pill). Its nature is good at resolving water retention; if water is drawn on paper, once dry, the water cannot re-wet it. It damages teeth and injures the lungs. Although the Xiaoshi Fanshi San (Niter and Alum Powder) in *Jingui Yaolue* for treating female labor consumption can seize and eliminate kidney pathogenic factors, it is ultimately a harsh draining agent, making external application superior.)