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(Wood Category) Expelling Toxicity Outwards

Fengxiang (Cortex Liquidambaris / Sweetgum Resin) (Specifically enters the Liver and Spleen meridians). It is formed from the gum resin of the maple tree. It condenses to form fragrance, hence named Fengxiang. Also known as Baijiaoxiang (White Gum Resin). According to records, the nature of the maple wood is most unblocking and smooth, therefore the wood is prone to insect damage. In surgery, it is used to expel toxicity; when applied as powder to traumatic wounds, it is effective immediately. It can reconnect severed tendons. For swelling and pain in the teeth and cheeks, applying the ash after burning is very effective. For coughing up pus and blood, taking it with other medicines stops it immediately. All these utilize its intention of penetrating and releasing pathogenic qi. (Li Shizhen said: Fengxiang and pine resin can both be used to adulterate Ruxiang (Boswelliae Fructus / Frankincense). Although its efficacy is slightly inferior to Ruxiang, it is not far different.) Thus, it can be seen to treat various conditions. Boil in water for twenty boils, immerse in cold water, knead and pull dozens of times, then dry in the shade for use.

(Beast Category) Drawing Toxicity Outwards

Xiangya (Elephant Tusk) (Specifically enters the muscle layer). The taste is sweet, and the nature is cold. According to observations, the elephant's nature is fierce and rigid, while the tusk has the property of shedding. Therefore, for any有形 (tangible) stagnation between skin and flesh, as well as evil influences causing palpitations, wind-phlegm convulsions, and malignant sores with internal toxicity that has not been drawn out, taking it yields immediate effectiveness. Because it possesses the property of "shedding," it can draw out toxicity through shedding. Thus, for unresolved carbuncles and swellings, grinding the tusk in water and drinking it, or crushing it into powder mixed with honey and applying it topically, is effective immediately. For iron, bamboo, or wooden splinters embedded in the flesh, scraping and boiling slices of tusk in soup and drinking it warm leads to recovery. For fish bones stuck in the throat, frequently swallowing thin slices scraped from the tusk induces vomiting; if not vomited, take again until expelled, using expulsion as the limit. Xiangpi (Elephant Skin) tastes salty and is warm in nature, specifically treating non-healing traumatic wounds. Applying the carbonized ash (preserving its nature) topically is effective. It can also be boiled into a paste and added to powders.

(Humid-land Category / Amphibian) Chan Su (Toad Venom) Draws Out Wind, Fire, and Heat Toxicity; Chan Yu (Toad) Clears Heat and Drains Fire, Acting Externally and Internally

Chan Su (Toad Venom) (Specifically enters the muscle layer). It comes from Chan Yu (Toad) (commonly known as Lai Xiamu / Toad). The white juice found between the eyebrows is the source. The taste is pungent, and the nature is warm. It is toxic. It can draw out all kinds of wind, fire, and heat toxicity, causing them to exit the body. When pathogenic qi attaches to the muscles and stagnates without resolving, it may manifest as Ding Zhong (hard boil), Fa Bei (back carbuncle), Yin Chuang (genital ulcer), Yin Shi (erosion of genitals), Ju (deep abscess), Li (leprous sore), and malignant sores. Therefore, this pungent-warm medicine must be used. Pungency governs dispersion, and warmth governs movement, allowing pathogens to be entirely released through sweat, preventing them from staying inside and entering deeper, thus clearing heat. However, due to its toxicity, it is only suitable for external treatment to achieve effects. (For example, for an early-stage back carbuncle, tie a live toad to the sore. After half a day, the toad will become comatose; place it in water to save its life, then replace with another. After three days, the toxicity dissipates! For severe cases, cut open the toad and apply it to the stasis; it will soon become foul-smelling. Replace two or three times until healed. Do not underestimate small creatures.) Even if made into pills, the dose should only be 2-3 li to 3-4 li. A larger dose can cause poisoning. If taken as pills, it should be mixed with other medicines such as Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis / Calculus Bos Taurus), Mingfan (Alumen / Alum), Ruxiang (Boswelliae Fructus / Frankincense), Moyao (Myrrhae Resina / Myrrh), etc., and not taken alone. Medical texts record that to extract various toxins, use only one qian of Chan Su, two qian of Baomian (White Flour), and a little Zhusha (Cinnabar), make into a tablet. Administer according to the severity of the illness; do not consume the entire amount. It also treats unnamed toxic swellings on the back. Take 3-5 fen of Chan Su, dissolve in Guang Jiao (Donkey-hide gelatin), add rice vinegar, melt in a pot over fire, brush onto the area while hot continuously until dry. It lubricates jade carving like wax. It is even better for sexual techniques. In summary, these are life-saving achievements in surgery. (One sentence summarizes it all.) Improper use can rot human muscles. As for Chan Yu (Toad), its odor is pungent and cold. It is used for Zheng Jia Ji Kuai (masses and accumulations), dog bites, pediatric Gan Ji (malnutrition/accumulation), epidemic macules, chuang ju fa bei (sores, abscesses, back carbuncles). Its use is similar to Chan Su. Because pungency has dispersing ability and coldness has heat-draining function. External application shows miraculous results; internally, after removing the head, feet, belly, and intestinal filth, it can remove accumulations and clear heat. For dog bites, crush the hind legs of the toad, drink the juice raw. First, pull out 3-4 strands of bloody hair from the vertex of the patient's head; see foam in urine, and the toxicity is resolved. For initial swelling of back carbuncles, tie several live toads to the swollen area, changing them frequently. (Method detailed above) Then the toxicity will dissipate! (Li Shizhen said: The toad is the essence of earth, corresponding to the moon's soul with spiritual nature. It burrows in soil, eats insects, hides among mountain spirits, and controls centipedes. Thus, it can enter the Yangming meridian to defuse deficiency heat, move dampness, and serve as a key herb for Gan disease, abscesses, and various sores.) In total, it possesses the power of drawing out externally and attacking internally. Do not use lightly. Wrap Chan Su in oil paper where the toad's brow splits; the venom oozes onto the paper, dry in the shade for use. Dry Chan Yu by roasting, remove skin and claws, soak in wine, and use the meat.