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Non-toxic.

Fenxi (derived from *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Divine Farmer's Materia Medica]) primarily treats "fusshi" (latent corpse poison/stings), eliminates the three parasites (annotated in red ink, from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). It removes "biejia" (abdominal masses resembling turtles), treats malignant sores, and induces abortion. It treats difficult urination (annotated in black ink, recorded by famous physicians).

[Names] Jiexi, Dingfen, Hufen.

[Origin] Tao Hongjing stated: This is currently made by smelting lead into Hufen, yet it is called Fenxi, which contradicts the classic text. (*Tang Bencao Zhu* [Tang Dynasty Commentary on Materia Medica] states: Qiandan [Lead Tetroxide] and Hufen are actually made from tin; Tao's claim that they are made from smelted lead, and the *Benjing*'s statement that Fenxi is also an error, are incorrect.) ○ According to Li Hanguang: Both Huangdan [Lead Tetroxide] and Hufen are made by smelting lead; there is no record of using tin. Therefore, Su Gong agreed with Qie's view: if Hufen is thrown into charcoal, its color deteriorates and turns into lead. *Baopuzi Neipian* [Inner Chapters of the Master Who Embraces Simplicity] states: Fools do not believe that Huangdan and Hufen are made from smelted lead. Alas! Perhaps ancients referred to lead and tin collectively? Thus, Ying Gong's preface mentions "indistinguishable lead and tin," likely referring to this. The Tang commentary inherited this error, claiming all three substances were caused by stir-frying tin, which is a significant misunderstanding. Upon careful consideration, Tao's explanation is correct. The current method of manufacturing powder: Build a kiln with bricks, five or six chi high, with a small vat built in the center. Fill the vat eight-tenths full with fermented grains and vinegar. Place a bamboo sieve flat over the mouth of the vat. Under the sieve, construct a cross-shaped wooden frame. Use lead from Pingze in Shu Commandery, without fixed quantity limits. Melt the lead into liquid, pour it into iron molds using a ladle to make square sheets, each weighing twenty liang, totaling three hundred sheets. Accumulate these lead sheets on the bamboo sieve. Cover the bottom of the vat with Jiangpeng (a type of plant fiber cover). Use charcoal bricks weighing one jin for slow heating, burning two "bing" (cakes) worth of fuel day and night, allowing vinegar fumes to steam upwards. After fourteen days and nights, when the vinegar is exhausted, scrape off the powder floating on the lead sheets. Weigh the collected powder and place it in a water-filled vat. Filter and clarify it finely through another vat while retaining some water. Discard the clear water on top. Based on three hundred jin of powder, add one jin of white salt and four liang of Fu mi (blessing honey). Mix and refine until uniform. Clarify slightly and filter into the powder to ensure even distribution. Construct an external drying kiln, spread a layer of fine sand soil inside, and tightly cover the soil with cotton paper. Spread the powder on the paper. Keep low heat from charcoal bricks under the kiln, turning the powder frequently. It takes nearly one month to dry completely. Cut into blocks with a bamboo knife. Production is not suitable in winter due to cold water.

[Usage] Bright and smooth texture is preferred.

[Color] White.

[Taste] Acrid (Xin).

[Nature] Cold.

[Qi Property] Thin Qi, belonging to Yin within Yang.

[Odor] Fishy.

[Processing] Grind into fine powder before use.

[Indications] (Treatment) (*Bielu* states): Primarily treats blood stasis rushing to the heart following a fall from height, presenting with cyanotic complexion, shortness of breath, and near-death sensation. Administer one qianbi of Hufen mixed with water, and recovery will occur. Treats dry and damp tinea (ringworm) and fox odor (bromhidrosis). If the inner thighs or genital area are constantly moist and foul-smelling, or if ulcers form, applying only Hufen locally will cure it. This method is commonly used and highly effective. For infantile nocturnal crying, mix with water and administer an amount equivalent to three beans, three times daily, which is effective.

[Compound Therapies] Mix Hufen with water and egg white, and administer to treat chronic dysentery in children progressing to malnutrition syndrome (gan accumulation). Continue administration until stools turn black, aiming to kill parasites and stop diarrhea. ○ Mix equal parts of Hufen and charcoal ash, blend with fat/lard, and apply to treat sores on orifices; discharge from the sore will cease. ○ Mix with sheep marrow and apply to treat burns. ○ Mix with pig bone marrow and apply to treat oral ulcers in children; apply three times daily for effectiveness. ○ Heat eight parts of Hufen, mix with lard, and apply to treat gan sores in children; discontinue when healed. ○ Heat with salt until the color changes, then rub onto the child's abdomen to treat abdominal distension and cyanosis of the abdominal skin. If untreated, death may occur shortly. ○ Mix with earth/clay and apply to treat "moon-eating sores" (angular cheilitis or perioral dermatitis) behind the ears in children.

[Contraindications] Do not take during pregnancy.

[Antidote] Realgar (Sulfur).