Library

The donkey penis is the external kidney of the donkey. Its flavor is sweet, its nature is warm, and it is non-toxic. It is most capable of promoting Yang Qi (vital energy associated with warmth and activity), yet taking this single herb alone yields absolutely no effect. This is because the donkey penis is not a substance that truly tonifies Yang; it can only relax the sinews. The condition of a small penis results from insufficiency in the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, leading to sinews that cannot relax. When the donkey penis relaxes the sinews, and the sinews are relaxed, the penis will naturally become long and robust. However, the donkey penis can only relax the internal sinews of the body, not the external ones. It must be combined with Long Gu (Fossilized Bones) and Yang Qi Shi (Halloysitum Rubrum) for the external sinews to relax. Once the external sinews are relaxed, how could Yang fail to expand?

Some may doubt that since the donkey penis is an ordinary object, praising its miraculous efficacy implies attributing it to the grandeur of the donkey's genitalia, thus suspecting it can promote Yang. This is also an unsubstantiated and unbelievable theory. I have already stated that the donkey penis cannot directly promote Yang. Its efficacy arises when used in conjunction with Long Gu and Yang Qi Shi, producing a synergistic effect. Long Gu acts effectively when combined with the donkey penis, and its vitality is stimulated by Yang Qi Shi. Only through the combination of these three substances can miraculous results be achieved; lacking any one of them renders the formula ineffective. Furthermore, if one were to discard herbs such as Renshen (Ginseng Root), Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Tusizi (Cuscuta Seed), and Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root)—which tonify both Yin and Yang—and rely solely on the combination of the former three, how could such miraculous effects be established?

The liver of the otter has a sweet, neutral, and salty flavor, with a slightly warm nature, and is non-toxic. It is effective for Zhu Bing (chronic infectious diseases) and Chuan Shi (transmission of tubercle bacilli among family members). It shows remarkable merit in treating Lao Re (fever due to deficiency-heat) and Xu Han (deficiency sweating occurring in all seasons). It can eliminate Shang Qi Ke Sou (cough with rebellious Qi), dispel Gui Du Wen Li (plague toxins), treat Gu Yi (parasitic epidemics), cure Leng Lao (cold consumption), remove fish bones stuck in the throat, and resolve Shui Zhang (water swelling/edema). It is an essential medicine for treating Lao Zhai (consumption/tuberculosis) and must be prepared in advance. Upon acquisition, it should be boiled in wine, dried by baking, and stored in porcelain vessels, where it will remain unspoiled for years.

In cases of Lao Zhai, prolonged illness leads to the generation of parasites. While using Mian Yu (Eel) or similar substances can also kill parasites, why is it necessary to use Otter Liver? This is because the types of Lao Chong (tubercle parasites) differ, and the methods to subdue them must vary accordingly. Otter Liver is used to subdue parasites that originate from consuming fish; these parasites closely resemble fish. Therefore, the otter (a predator of fish) is used to subdue fish-like parasites. If Mian Yu is also a fish, how can one use a fish to subdue another fish?

One might ask: Using otters to subdue fish-like parasites is indeed logical, but how can one easily identify that the parasite in a patient with Lao Zhai resembles a fish, thereby justifying the use of Otter Liver? In fact, although the parasites differ, the method of differentiation is quite simple. For patients infected with fish-type Lao Chong, when it rains, they experience palpitations in the chest and diaphragm; hearing water sounds causes alarm; drinking tea provides relief; stools are invariably loose; there is slight intestinal movement during the day, while nights pass peacefully. They feel pleasure at the smell of fish and exhibit sudden facial changes upon seeing fishing nets, traps, or baskets. Such symptoms require the inclusion of Otter Liver in the prescription to be effective; otherwise, it is of no benefit. ([Comment] The syndrome differentiation is very accurate.)