Library

(Venomous Herbs) Possess the power to astringe and draw out evil toxins, open orifices, and promote unobstructed flow.

Ricini Semen (Castor Bean) [Ricini Semen] (Specifically enters the meridians and various orifices). Sweet, pungent, and hot in nature. Its flavor and properties are quite similar to those of Crotonis Fructus (Castris Seed). It possesses the ability to contract and draw out toxins, as well as the power to open orifices and facilitate bodily functions. According to texts, when mashed into a paste and applied to swollen and painful arms, it yields results within one night. (It can be used together with Ovis Adipis (Sheep Fat), Moschus (Musk), and Manis Squama (Pangolin Scales) to decoct into a massage ointment, applied several times daily.) For uterine prolapse, applying this mashed paste to the Baihui point (GV20) on the vertex will cause the uterus to return to its normal position. (Alternatively, mashing the seed and applying it to the Dantian area is also effective.) For retained placenta, applying this mashed paste to the Yongquan point (KI1) on the sole of the foot will facilitate its expulsion. For facial paralysis causing deviation of the mouth and eye, apply to the palm of the right hand if the deviation is to the left, and to the palm of the left hand if the deviation is to the right; the condition will cease. For conditions such as trismus (lockjaw), nasal congestion, deafness, throat obstruction (hou bi), and tongue swelling, exposure to soot smoke will clear the obstructions. For edema caused by water retention, ingesting a dose of mashed Ricini Semen will eliminate the swelling immediately. (For robust individuals, do not exceed five seeds.) If accidentally pricked with a needle into healthy flesh, applying mashed Ricini Semen to the affected area will extract the foreign body. For scrofula (luo li) and malignant ulcers, external application of the seed leads to immediate healing. (Li Shizhen stated: Oil from the pelican can guide medicinal qi inward, while Ricinus oil can draw pathological qi outward.) All these applications achieve miraculous effects through external use, but they should not be ingested. In the past, it was recorded that placing the juice under the tongue of livestock rendered them unable to eat, and placing it inside the anus caused death due to hemorrhage. It is also said that anyone who consumes Ricini Semen must never consume beans for life; violating this rule causes fatal abdominal distension. This illustrates its toxicity. It should be boiled in salt water, peeled, ground, and the oil extracted. Iron vessels should be avoided during processing.

(Shrubs) Possess the functions of clearing the lungs, cooling blood, dissipating heat, and detoxifying.

Malvae Flower (Hibiscus Flower) [Malvae Flos] (Specifically enters the Lung meridian, and additionally enters the Liver meridian). It is a herb for treating surgical abscesses and carbuncles. Formulas such as Qingliang Gao (Cooling Paste), Qinglu San (Clear Dew Powder), and Tiegu San (Iron Hoop Powder) all utilize this material. Generally, this herb is pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, and smooth in texture. Its efficacy specializes in clearing the lungs and cooling blood, dissipating heat and relieving pain, reducing swelling and expelling pus. For any type of abscess, carbuncle, swelling, or toxin, whether using the flower, leaf, or root, it can be mashed and ground into powder. Mix with honey and apply around the periphery of the lesion, leaving the center exposed. Change frequently when dry. In the initial stage, it feels cool, stops pain, and reduces swelling. If suppuration has occurred, pus will drain. If ulcerated, healing occurs easily. Alternatively, adding Vigna angularis (Adzuki Bean) and Xanthii Fructus (Cocklebur Fruit) and grinding them together enhances the efficacy. However, this formula is only suitable when the toxin is mild and not severe. If dealing with potent toxins or yin-type toxins where the pathogenic force is unstoppable, this mild and gentle preparation cannot treat the condition. This distinction must be understood.