Library

Xunlu Xiang (Boswellia Fructus, also known as Ru Xiang / Olibanum)

[Contraindications] Its pungent and aromatic nature is good at dispersing and penetrating. It should not be taken when carbuncles and sores have already ulcerated, nor should it be applied externally when there is abundant pus in various sores.

[Efficacy] Pungent and warm, entering the Heart Meridian, it circulates through the Twelve Meridians. It invigorates blood, relaxes sinews, harmonizes Qi, treats dysentery, promotes tissue regeneration by pushing out toxins, relieves pain in various meridians, resolves toxicity of various sores, protects the Heart, and externally disseminates toxic vapors. It possesses miraculous efficacy. It can also treat difficult labor and injuries from chopping or cutting, as well as mania, capable of dispelling wind and resolving stasis.

[Preparation] Sourced from various foreign regions, it is round and large like a nipple; those that are clear and transparent are of better quality. Its nature is sticky and difficult to grind. To facilitate grinding, place the mortar in hot water after boiling, and grind it together with Jiedixin (Cyperus rotundus rhizome, specifically the thin root-like stems used here for grinding aid). It becomes easy to grind into fine powder. Nowadays, similar forms exist in Songzhi (Pine Resin) and Fengzhi (Maple Resin), which market vendors may use to counterfeit it.

[Contraindications] Raw Jin (Gold) can resolve toxicity but is inherently malicious, toxic, and poisonous. If not refined and taken directly, it can cause death and is difficult to detoxify. It is incompatible with Shuiyin (Mercurium) and Xi (Stannum).

[Efficacy] Pungent and neutral, entering the Heart and Liver meridians, it calms the spirit (Lingtai), preventing the wandering of the soul and spirit. It repels evil influences and searches out latent pathogens in the viscera. Since Metal controls Wood, it can treat epilepsy, convulsions, wind-heat, and diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder, all of which require its use. It is also used to facilitate childbirth. Yin (Silver), specifically using pure silver strips, has similar efficacy. Silver foil is used as a coating for pills and powders. If gold or silver is accidentally swallowed, eating cooked leeks with their roots can wrap around the metal, allowing it to be excreted through the stool. Yuansi Yin (Raw silk-wound silver) contains nitro-toxicity and harms humans.

[Preparation] When using Gold, Silver, Copper, or Iron, they should only be suspended and decocted in a medicinal pot to borrow their qi to enhance the medicinal power; they should not be ingested directly as medicine, as they can consume human body fat. For medicinal use, Gold and Silver should be in foil form, or one may use hairpins, rings, and jewelry. When using Silver Foil, one must distinguish it from Copper Foil.

[Contraindications] Shandougen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Caulis) is extremely bitter and cold, which is disliked by the Spleen and Stomach. Those with poor appetite and diarrhea must absolutely avoid it, and constitutionally deficient persons should also abstain.

[Efficacy] Its bitter and cold nature clears Heart Fire, thereby protecting Lung Metal. It eliminates Wind-Heat in the Large Intestine, resolves sore throat and gu poison, reduces various swellings and sores, treats asthma, fullness, and hot coughs, clears heat, resolves toxicity, and treats diseases caused by extreme heat.

[Preparation] The vines resemble bean plants and do not wither in winter. The roots are harvested in the eighth lunar month and dried in the sun.