Library

[Harm] The *Yanshu* (Book of Longevity) states: When a pig is slaughtered, its last breath returns to the liver. It should not be eaten in excess, as it will surely harm the human body; those taking medicinal herbs should not consume it. Eating it together with fish meat causes carbuncles and ulcers; eating it together with carp intestines damages the spirit.

[Benefits] Bitter flavor enters the Liver channel. In various prescriptions, it serves as a guiding herb (Dao-yao), draining Liver fire and improving vision. It treats pediatric convulsions and epilepsy, as well as bruising from trauma, which can be treated by roasting and applying externally. Consuming it regularly as food causes damage without benefit.

[Processing] Slice with a bamboo knife when used.

Also known as Lingyu

[Harm] Its nature is fierce and good at penetrating/circulating; its use requires careful consideration. It is not suitable for cases where carbuncles and ulcers have already ulcerated, measles/rubella accompanied by deficiency, or insufficient Yuan Qi that cannot recover.

[Benefits] Salty and cold, slightly toxic. It specializes in moving and dispersing, unblocking meridians, reaching the site of disease, and entering the Liver and Stomach channels. It treats wind-dampness cold bi syndrome, unblocks meridians, promotes lactation, reduces swelling, and suppurates carbuncles. It is an important herb for external medicine.

[Processing] Grows in deep mountains and valleys. It resembles a turtle but is smaller, resembles a carp but has feet and a tail, and its shell strength is superior. It can be used raw, or processed with butter (Su), vinegar, child's urine, oil frying, earth stir-frying, or clam powder stir-frying. It should be prepared according to specific prescriptions.

[Harm] Its nature moves but does not stay. It is contraindicated after blood loss, in patients with metrorrhagia/metrostaxis, and in pregnant women.

[Benefits] Sweet and bitter, neutral in nature. Enters the Yangming, Chong Mai, and Ren Mai channels. It travels through the Blood level, unblocks blood vessels, promotes urination, unblocks menstruation, induces labor, promotes lactation, and stops bleeding from traumatic injuries, carbuncles, sores, and carbuncle toxins.

[Processing] Flowers resemble bells, fruits resemble lanterns, and seed shells have five ridges. Take the seedlings and seeds, steam them, soak in fermented rice water, and bake for use.

[Harm] Bitter and cold, severely damaging to Stomach Qi. Contraindicated in those without Excess Fire. Although it can clear Excess Heat and drain the Liver and Gallbladder, it should not be lightly tried by those with Stomach deficiency and Blood insufficiency. All conditions involving dual deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach, with deficiency-heat, are contraindicated. Do not take on an empty stomach, as it causes urinary incontinence due to its excessive purgative effect.

[Benefits] Greatly bitter and greatly cold, sinking and Yin in nature, moving downward. Enters the Liver and Gallbladder to drain fire, and also enters the Bladder and Kidney channels. Clears damp-heat in the Lower Jiao and improves vision. With Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) as the Sovereign herb and Long Dan Cao (Gentianae Radix) as the Minister herb, it is a key remedy for eye diseases. If eye disease is in its initial stage, dispersion is appropriate; cold-natured herbs are contraindicated. For treating pediatric Ke Wu (fright/sudden illness) and malnutrition with heat, Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) is contraindicated. Chi Xiao Dou (Adzuki Bean) and Guan Zhong (Cyathulae Rhizoma) serve as Assistant/Envoy herbs.

[Processing] Harvested in February, August, and December. Dried in the shade. Soaked in Licorice Decoction overnight, drained, sun-dried for use, or soaked in wine and stir-fried.