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Candle wick ash (Zhujian) is indicated for carbuncles and sores, and nine types of fistulas (as recorded in *Bencao Gangmu*). [Usage] Li Shizhen stated: If the candle is made of beeswax, its ash can be used as medicine. [Formulation and Treatment] For treating carbuncles and sores, mix equal parts of sesame seeds (Huma) and iron filings (Zhensha), grind into powder, and apply externally with vinegar. For treating nine types of fistulas, mix equal parts of sun-dried purslane (Machixian) and lard (Lazhuyou), wash the affected area with rice water, and apply the mixture three times daily. [Contraindications] Ash from insect-wax candles or beef-tallow candles must not be used.

Non-toxic.

Suoyang (included in the Supplementary Materia Medica) primarily tonifies Yin Qi, benefits Essence and Blood, and promotes bowel movements. It is suitable for debilitated individuals suffering from constipation; it can replace Cistanche (Rongshou) for making porridge, which is highly effective. It should not be used if there is no constipation. (Zhu Zhenheng noted that it moistens dryness, nourishes tendons, and treats flaccidity syndromes and weakness.) (*Bencao Gangmu* records): [Origin] Li Shizhen stated that Suoyang grows in Suzhou. According to Tao Chengyi's *Chuo Geng Lu*, Suoyang grows in the fields of the Tartars; it is said to form over time from the semen of wild horses or dragons falling into the ground. [Harvesting] Local people dig them up, wash them, peel off the skin, slice thinly, and dry them in the sun. [Physical Characteristics] Its shape resembles a bamboo shoot, being fuller at the top and narrower at the bottom, with scales arranged like comb teeth and connected by fibrous veins; it closely resembles male genitalia and belongs to the same category as Cistanche (Rongshou). Local people dig them up, wash, peel, slice, and dry them for medicinal use; its efficacy is hundreds of times greater than that of Cistanche. [Taste] Sweet. [Nature] Warm.

Non-toxic.

Sanqi (Notoginseng Radix) primarily stops bleeding, dispels blood stasis, and alleviates pain. It is indicated for injuries from weapons or arrows, falls, blows, and whip marks causing unceasing hemorrhage; chewing and applying it externally, or applying the powder topically, will stop bleeding immediately. It also treats hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleed), lower gastrointestinal bleeding, bloody dysentery, metrorrhagia (profuse uterine bleeding), menorrhagia (prolonged menstruation), postpartum retention of lochia, syncope due to blood loss, blood-stasis pain, red eyes, carbuncles and sores, tiger bites, and snakebites. ○ The leaves treat traumatic injuries with bleeding; external application stops bleeding, and bruising/swelling dissipates overnight. Other functions are similar to those of the root. (*Bencao Gangmu* records): [Names] Shanqi, Jinbuhuan. [Origin] Li Shizhen stated that it grows in the deep mountains of Fan Tong regions in Nandan Prefecture, Guangxi. [Harvesting] Roots are collected and dried in the sun. [Color] Yellow-black. [Texture] Resembles Bletilla Rhizome (Baiji); the longer ones resemble aged Dried Rehmannia Root (Dihuang) and have nodes. [Taste] Slightly sweet and bitter, resembling the taste of Ginseng (Renshen). [Nature] Warm. [Indications] Treats all blood disorders; its efficacy is similar to that of Dragon's Blood (Qilinjie) and Purple Sage Root (Zicao). [Authentication] When mixed with pig's blood, true Sanqi causes the blood to liquefy. [Treatment] For whip or blow injuries with profuse blood stasis, chew and apply immediately to stop bleeding and dissipate swelling. Taking 1-2 qian before injury prevents blood from rushing to the heart; it is especially suitable after injury. It is also beneficial for postpartum use. [Meridian Tropism] It enters the Yangming and Jueyin blood levels. [Formulation and Treatment] For hematemesis and epistaxis: Chew 1 qian of Shanqi and swallow with rice broth, or add 0.5 qian to Bahe Tang. ○ For lower intestinal bleeding: Mix Sanqi powder with light white wine, take 1-2 qian; dosage can increase by 0.5 qian after three doses; it can also be added to Siwu Tang. ○ For metrorrhagia or excessive postpartum bleeding: Take 1 qian of Shanqi powder with rice broth. ○ For unnamed carbuncles and sores with persistent pain: Grind Shanqi with rice vinegar for topical application to dissipate swelling; for ruptured sores, apply dry powder. For tiger bites and snakebites: Take 3 qian of Shanqi powder with rice drink, and simultaneously chew and apply externally.