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Sulfur (Liu Huang), with a sour taste, is warm and extremely hot in nature, and toxic. It is the essence of extreme Yang, entering the Kidney channel. It can transform strange substances like the five metals, strengthen sexual function, and is highly effective for deficiency-cold in the Lower Jiao and impending exhaustion of Yuan Qi (Original Qi). It is immediately effective for cold diarrhea where cold-natured drugs are contraindicated, or for cases of spleen and stomach decline where life is in danger. It strengthens bones and tendons, eliminates abdominal masses, relieves cold pain in the feet and knees, and expels rebellious cold from the body. This substance is purely Yang, specifically subduing pure Yin qi, transforming Po (Corporeal Soul) to generate Hun (Ethereal Soul), breaking evil and returning to righteousness; its merit is great, hence it bears the title "General". However, its nature is extremely hot; if used improperly, it will inevitably cause unpredictable disaster, so it must be processed before use. Processing Sulfur with Shui Shi (Calcitum) is excellent, though unknown to many. Take ten taels of Sulfur, grind into powder, add one tael of Shui Shi (Calcitum), also ground into powder, mix them together, dissolve with water; the Shui Shi dissolves while the Sulfur does not. Wait until the water dries up, then take out and use; there will be no other harm.

Some may doubt that Sulfur is extremely hot and Shui Shi is extremely cool, using them to mutually restrain seems appropriate. However, Sulfur is used precisely for its pure Yang nature; if restrained by Shui Shi, will not Yang turn into Yin? One should know that restraining Sulfur with Shui Shi does not restrain its heat, but rather its toxicity. Removing the toxicity makes the nature of Sulfur pure, having only merit without fault, allowing for proper use.

Red Kaolin (Chi Shi Zhi), with sweet, sour, and acrid tastes, is warm in nature and non-toxic. It enters the Spleen and Large Intestine channels. For any ulcerating sores, it is very effective in closing wounds and promoting flesh growth. It can stop bleeding and guide blood back to the vessels, nourish Heart Qi, secure essence, and arrest diarrhea and dysentery. This is also an astringent herb, indispensable in both internal and external medicine.

Red Kaolin inherits the Qi of Earth and Metal, and its red color corresponds to the Li Fire. For dysentery with white discharge caused by Cold Evil, it seems suitable to use it for astringency. However, for sudden profuse diarrhea due to excessive Heat, or dysentery with stagnation caused entirely by Damp-Heat, it is more appropriate to dispel Summerheat and remove stagnation; at this time, it is not suitable to use this herb for astringency.

Someone asks: The sour and astringent taste of Red Kaolin is too convergent, seemingly it should not be used lightly? The answer is: In diseases with excessively slippery diarrhea, this herb cannot be omitted to stop the condition. There are times when it must be used; one should not be overly cautious and miss the opportunity.