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Nature and Flavor: Pungent, toxic.

Efficacy: Tonifies Yang, eliminates parasites.

Shih Liuhuang (Mineral Sulfur) is a pure Yang substance with extreme heat (Shih Liuhuang represents the essence of Yang Qi and is extremely hot; Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) represents the essence of Yin Qi and is extremely cold; both are known as "Generals"). It tonifies the deficiency of True Fire in the Mingmen (Gate of Life). Although its nature is hot, it has the property of unblocking and purging the Large Intestine, which differs from drugs that cause dryness and constipation (Hot-natured drugs mostly cause constipation, only Shih Liuhuang is warm yet promotes bowel movement; Cold-natured drugs mostly cause diarrhea, only Huanglian Tang (Coptis Decoction) stops diarrhea). If there is sudden collapse of Yang Qi, Yang-toxic Shanghan (Cold Damage), chronic cold-type diarrhea, deficiency-cold of the Spleen and Stomach, or life-threatening conditions, using Shih Liuhuang is also a miraculous remedy for saving critical cases. It treats cold Bi (painful obstruction) and cold accumulations, cold feet with weakness, deficiency-constipation in the elderly (Ban Liu Wan (Half Sulfur Pill) in *Ju Fang* uses it), vaginal erosion in women, and slow convulsions in infants. It warms the Essence, strengthens Yang, kills parasites, treats sores, repels malevolent spirits, melts the five metals, and solidifies mercury (Wang Haogu stated: Taibai Dan and Laifu Dan both use Shih Liuhuang assisted by Xiaoshi (Niter): assisting extreme Yang with extreme Yang, similar to the intent of Zhang Zhongjing adding Renao (Human Urine) and Zhu Danhuang (Pig Bile) to Baitong Tang. This is to treat internal injury from raw/cold food, external invasion of summerheat-dampness, and various diseases like Huoluan (Cholera-like disease). It can remove stubborn cold; when latent Yang is present, this approach is necessary. If there is no latent Yang but only Yin deficiency, there is no need to assist with Yin drugs. *Yijian Zhi* records: Tang Yuzheng also understood medicine and could treat diseases by intuition. Patrol Officer Wu suffered from inability to urinate; he could pass urine slightly when lying down but not at all when standing. Various diuretic drugs were ineffective. Tang asked if he usually took Heixi Dan (Black Tin Pill) made himself, and realized: "This must be due to sulfur escaping during pill preparation while lead remained alive; lead sulfide entered the bladder. When lying down, weight distribution allows urination; when standing, it blocks the urinary tract directly." He prescribed Jinye Dan (Golden Liquid Pill), 300 pills divided into ten doses, taken with Qumai Tang (Persicaria Decoction). Lead dissolves upon contact with sulfur, and the urinary tract clears. My maternal uncle also suffered from dysuria in childhood; diuretic herbs were ineffective. Old physician Huang Wuju diagnosed: "The prepuce opening is too small, causing difficulty in urination, not a Lin syndrome (strangury)." He used an ox bone wedge to insert at the prepuce tip, gradually widening the opening, curing him without medication. Had he continued taking strong diuretics, other syndromes might have arisen. Thus, medical principles are manifold. Sulfur can melt lead into water, and alchemists revere it as Jinye Dan". Foreign trade sulfur (Fanbo) is of superior quality (rarely available).

Select sulfur that is yellow in color and hard as stone. Hollow out a radish (Lai Fu), insert the sulfur, secure it, and roast over chaff fire until cooked to remove the foul odor. Then boil with Zi Bei Fu Ping (Purple-backed Duckweed) to eliminate its fiery toxicity, and wash with Zao Jia Tang (Gleditsia Decoction) to remove black impurities. Another method: place in a silk bag and decoct in wine for three days and nights. Another method: decoct thoroughly in pig large intestine for three shichen (6 hours). Shih Liuhuang is incompatible with Xixin (Asarum), blood products, and vinegar.

Tu Shih Liuhuang (Earth Mineral Sulfur): Pungent and hot, with a fishy/foul odor. It may only be used in topical preparations for sores and cannot be ingested.