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Donkey-hide gelatin (Ejiao, Colla Corii Asini), with a sweet and pungent taste, neutral and slightly warm in nature, possessing descending properties, belonging to Yang, and non-toxic. It enters the Taiyin Lung Meridian (Taiyin Lung Channel) as well as the Liver and Kidney organs. It stops bleeding and coughing, controls metrorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding) and leukorrhea (vaginal discharge), tonifies Qi and supports decline, treats labor injuries, promotes urination in cases of urinary retention, prevents fetal leakage (threatened abortion with spotting), calms asthma and shortness of breath, stops diarrhea and dysentery, calms the fetus and nourishes the Liver, strengthens bones and nourishes the Kidneys. It is a miraculous agent for benefiting the Lungs and a spiritual medicine for generating Yin. While heavy use can certainly achieve results, light use can also be effective. However, seeking authentic products is preferable.

Some doubt that preparing donkey-hide gelatin paste requires water from the A Well and skin from black donkeys. Yet, how can one always obtain black donkey skins? If local impure donkey skins are used to prepare the paste, is it usable? The answer is: Donkey-hide gelatin originally relies on the water from the A Well, not necessarily requiring black donkey skins. The A Well is located in the East, invoking the principle of "Heaven One generates Water." Its nature is urgent and flows downward, clear and heavy; it is where the Ji River pours in, serving to remove turbidity and dispel rebellious phlegm. Regarding the use of donkey skin, the donkey's nature is most pure, and the skin is taken for its manifestation on the exterior (skin surface); it does not strictly need to be black to enter the Kidneys. Water enters the Kidneys, while the skin travels to the Lungs. Since the Lungs govern the skin and hair, the skin is used. Those who previously advocated for black donkey skins argued that black belongs to Water and can control heat to prevent wind generation; this reasoning is superfluous.

Someone asks: Since donkey-hide gelatin benefits the Lungs and generates Yin, how can one obtain authentic products for use? The answer is: Gelatin originating from Dong'e is authentic, and there is no need to question its authenticity. The water of Dong'e is all injected by the Ji River. (Commentary: This is also correct, but that from the A Well is even better.)

Someone asks: Recent preparations of donkey-hide gelatin often add other medicinal ingredients during decoction, presumably making it more beneficial? The answer is: The wonder of donkey-hide gelatin lies entirely in the Ji River water. If mixed with other medicinal flavors, its original meaning is lost. One intends to gain benefits by adding herbs, yet ironically loses benefits due to them. Many people pretend to know what they do not know, which falls into this category.

Bear bile (Xiong Dan, Bile Ursi), with an extremely bitter taste. It treats men and women suffering from epidemic qi causing steaming heat, transforming into jaundice (Huangdan). It treats pediatric wind-phlegm obstruction causing convulsions and epilepsy (Jingxian). It expels five types of childhood malnutrition (Gan syndrome) and kills parasites. Applied externally to malignant sores, it disperses toxins. For hemorrhoids and fistulas, applying it yields miraculous results instantly. This substance is extremely cold and can reduce high fever. It may be used once, but should not be used repeatedly. It is stored to treat conditions involving both fire-heat and dampness.

Bear bile must be sourced from the "human bear" (Ren Xiong, likely referring to a specific type or quality of bear) to be best. The gallbladder of the human bear is eight cun long, whereas others are only five or six cun long.

Previously, when plays were performed near my residence, a thirteen-year-old son of a neighbor surnamed Chen was watching from a side balcony. He wrestled with companions, fell accidentally from the balcony awning onto stone slabs, heard only one sound, and upon rushing to look, his eyes were rolled back with blood flowing, and his nose, mouth, and ears were vibrating with blood. His father carried him home; he still had faint breath. Someone said that consuming bear bile wine could treat this. I took five fen of my family's stored bear bile, ground it into powder, mixed it with a large bowl of aged yellow wine, and forced it down his throat. After a short while, he revived. The next day, he jumped around as usual. To this day, I do not understand the rationale. However, having personally tested and witnessed it, I recorded it here awaiting those who understand. (Recorded by Jin Xiaoqi)