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Mading (Iron Stirrup) is indicated for pathogenic influences transformed from phosphorescent fire in fields and human blood. These influences appear and disappear intermittently, coming to force and deprive the person of Jing-Qi (Essence and Qi). Making a sound by clashing Mading together will cause them to vanish immediately. (Recorded under the general entry of various iron articles in *Bencao Gangmu*)

Non-toxic. The original annotation notes it as "good earth," while *Bencao Gangmu* revises it to "Huangtu" (Yellow Earth).

Huangtu (Yellow Earth) [EARTHIS] is indicated for diarrhea and dysentery, whether cold or hot, red or white; also for heat-toxin accumulation in the abdomen causing cramping pain and bloody stool. Take dry Huangtu, boil in water for three to five boils, strain off the dregs, and drink one to two sheng warm. (From *Bencao Shiyi*)

[Name] (Chen Zangqi states) Zhang Sikong said: Material above three chi is called feces; material below three chi is called earth. When using Huangtu, one must remove the upper foul matter and prevent it from mixing with "ke shui" (external water sources).

[Taste] Sweet.

(Recorded in *Tangye Bencao*) Emperor Shenzong summoned [the physician] to ask about the reason why Huangtu cured diseases. Yi replied, "Because Earth conquers Water; when Water is balanced, Wind naturally recedes." The Emperor was pleased and promoted him to Taishi Cheng. (Additionally, *Yijian Zhi* records:) Minister Wu suffered from illness for several months, becoming emaciated. Every time he swallowed food, he felt as if ten thousand insects were swarming and attacking him, causing both itching and pain. Everyone believed it was Laozai (Consumption/TB). He invited the famous physician Zhang Rui. Zhang Rui ordered him not to eat on the following morning and sent soldiers to fetch road soil from ten li away. Upon return, he stirred the soil in two sheng of warm wine, administered one hundred pills, and had him drink. The patient felt unbearable pain. Later, upon defecating, over a thousand "Ma Huang" (parasitic worms) were excreted, half of which were already dead. Minister Wu was extremely exhausted but stabilized after three days of recuperation. He then explained that during summer military campaigns, due to thirst, he drank a cup of stream water, feeling something enter his throat, which caused this illness. Zhang Rui stated, "When parasites enter the internal organs, they inevitably multiply. When hungry, they gather to suck essence and blood; when full, they scatter within the organs. Merely killing them without clearing them out is ultimately useless. Therefore, I asked you to fast to lure them. Having been deprived of the taste of earth for a long time and liking wine, they gathered all at once when hungry, allowing for a complete wash-out." Minister Wu was greatly delighted, thanked him with rich gifts, and saw him off with courtesy.

(Recorded in *Xiao'er Mijue*) For treating Wusha Jingfeng (Black-head Convulsion), where the body turns black, urgently push the pathogen downward. Take one bowl of Huangtu, grind into powder, mix with one zhong of aged vinegar, stir-fry until hot, wrap securely, and apply as a hot compress to guide the pathogen down to the feet. Puncturing to drain pus is advisable.

(Chen Zangqi's *Bencao*) Treats sudden onset of heart pain. Draw five characters on the ground, scoop the central earth, mix with one sheng of water, and drink. Effective.

(*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*) Treats sudden blindness. Stir Huangtu in water, let settle, and use the clear liquid to wash the eyes.

(*Jiuji Fang*) Treats geophagia (pica) in children. Take a piece of dry Huangtu, grind into powder, and administer mixed with strong decoction of Huanglian Tang (Coptis Decoction).

Another prescription treats toxicity from beef, horse, or mutton meat, and liver toxicity. Take three sheng of good earth, boil in water, take one sheng of the clear liquid. Cures immediately. Another method adds one-cun cut human hair; the hair will be expelled through the Liver.

(Tan Yeweng's Formula) Treats scalds and burns. Mix Huangtu with vinegar and apply topically.

(*Jijian Fang*) Treates centipede bites. Draw an earth character on the ground, take the soil from inside, and sprinkle on the wound. Cures immediately.

(*Qianjin Fang*) Treats bee and ant stings. Take ground soil with the back of the hand and apply, or mix with vinegar for topical application.

Another method treats Qu Niao Chuang (a type of skin ulcer). Draw the shape of Qu Niao on the ground, carefully scrape the subsoil with a knife, mix with saliva, and apply. Apply again for cure. (Sun Simiao said): "I suffered from this ailment for five or six days without improvement. Someone taught me this method, and I recovered. Thus, I know that all things interact mutually, though I do not understand the mechanism."

(Sun Simiao's *Qianjin Fang*) Treats severe trauma leading to apparent death, including falls from heights, crushing by wood/stone, falling from horses, or carriage accidents resulting in stagnant blood, qi obstruction, and impending death. Use five sheng of pure earth, steam until hot, wrap in old cloth to make two packs, and alternate applying hot compresses. Do not make it too hot to avoid burning the skin. Stop when pain ceases. This is a miraculous formula.

[Combined Treatment] (*Sun Shi Jixiao Fang*) Treats painful swelling of internal hemorrhoids. Take Huangtu exposed to morning sun, Huanglian Mo (Coptis Powder), and Pixiao (Mirabilite), each one liang. Grind together with pig bile to form a paste. Roll into pill-sized balls the size of a jujube pit daily, insert into the anus, leave overnight, and pass with stool. Internally administer pills made of Wumei (Smoked Plum) and Huanglian.

(*Shesheng Fang*) Treats autumn sores that have not yet broken. Mix dry Huangtu powder, Tong Niao (Child's Urine), and Ji Zi Qing (Egg White), apply topically. When dry, wash off with hot water. Repeat brushing and washing dozens of times until the color changes from purple to red. Also brush the groin area to prevent blood from attacking the yin region.

[Contraindications] (Chen Zangqi states) Long-term contact with earth qi causes yellow complexion; digging earth violates the earth's pulse, causing upward qi rebellion and body swelling; digging earth offends the spirits, causing people to develop swellings and toxic sores.

[Antidote] (Chen Zangqi states)