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(To) cleanse Kidney heat.
Qiushi (Rock of Autumn, specifically enters the Kidney meridian). Originally derived from human urine. It is named Qiushi because it is formed by stirring with autumn dew, clarifying, drying in the sun, and scraping off the residue. Its taste is salty, and its nature is warm. According to texts, it can nourish Yin and moisten viscera, reduce deficiency heat, soften hardness, treat consumptive coughs, promote urination, secure essence, and consolidate Qi. It is also stated that after being refined by fire, its originally salty-cold nature is removed and transformed into a warming and tonifying property. It is warm but not drying, moistening but not cloying, clearing heat without damaging Yuan Qi, and descending fire without impairing Stomach function, making it a holy medicine for nourishing Yin and descending fire. (Used when both Essence and Fire are deficient.) However, Huang Gongxiu privately believes that its tonifying effects are few while its clearing effects are many; its warming effects are few while its cooling effects are many. (This warmth arises solely from the fire refining process, not because the turbid qi in urine possesses warming and tonifying properties.) For patients with consumptive diseases and severe fire, taking this drug seems not to cause much hindrance. (Because it possesses the nature of clearing fire.) Occasionally, it has slight merit, but it is not a orthodox agent for tonification. (For tonifying Middle Jiao Qi, only Renshen [Ginseng Root] and Huangqi [Astragalus Root]; for tonifying Mingmen Fire, only Fuzi [Prepared Aconite Lateralis Radix] and Guizhi [Cinnamon Twig]; for nourishing Water, only Dihu [Rehmanniae Radix] and Shanzhuyu [Corni Fructus] are the orthodox agents.) If a patient has thin Qi, deficient Fire, and overflowing Water, even after fire refining, one cannot avoid the disaster of "making the deficient more deficient"! (Even if Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma] is refined by fire, it still cannot tonify the Fire of Mingmen, because its intrinsic nature is cold.)

The method involves collecting children's urine in autumn. For each vat, add 7 qian of Shigao [Gypsum Fibrosum], stir with Sangzhi [Morus Alba Twig] to clarify, and pour off the clear liquid. Repeat this two or three times. Then add autumn dew to stir and clarify, repeating several times. Until the filth is washed away and saltiness is reduced, spread heavy paper on top, dry in the sun, scrape off the heavy turbidity at the bottom, and take the light and clear part as Qiushi. Grind it again and put it into a jar, cover tightly with an iron lid, seal firmly with salt mud, and perform sublimation/distillation. The substance rising and condensing on the upper lid is called "Qiushui" (Autumn Water), which tastes faint and fragrant; this is the essence of Qiushi.

Zhao Yangkui said: True Fire (Fire of Mingmen) is the foundation of establishing life and the master of the twelve meridians. Without this, the Kidneys cannot perform their function of strength and skill, and dexterity will not emerge. Without this, the Bladder cannot facilitate the Qi transformation of the Sanjiao, and the water passages will not flow. Without this, the Spleen and Stomach cannot rot and ripen water and grain, and the five flavors will not emerge. Without this, the Liver (General) lacks decision-making ability, and strategic planning will not arise. Without this, the Large and Small Intestines cannot perform transformation and transportation, and defecation and urination will be blocked. Without this, the Heart loses clarity of Shen (Spirit), and all matters cannot be responded to or known. In treating diseases, one should indeed regard the True Fire of Mingmen as the sovereign and pay special attention to the character "Fire". From this, it is clear that Fire should not be indiscriminately purged. Yet, Zhu Danxi also said: "Excess Qi is Fire." If Fire is indeed in excess, then Fire can also become harmful; how could there be no need to purge it?

However, the emergence of Fire has its root basis; the action of drugs has its specific governance. If one does not understand the flavors and natures (properties), treatment will inevitably contain errors. For example, Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma] is a drug for purging Spleen Fire; therefore, it must be used for constipation with hard and painful stools. Shigao [Gypsum Fibrosum] and Maogen [Imperatae Rhizoma] are drugs for purging Stomach-Spleen Fire; therefore, they must be used for thirst, dryness, and heat. Huangqin [Scutellariae Radix] and Shengdi [Rehmanniae Radix] are drugs for purging Lung Fire; therefore, for heat in the diaphragm and blood dryness, their effects manifest accordingly. When Fire is excessive, Phlegm and Qi obstruct each other; thus, Gualou [Trichosanthis Fructus] and Huafen [Trichosanthis Radix] are suitable. When Fire is excessive, Water and Qi block each other; thus, Sangbaipi [Mori Cortex] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, bones undergo steaming heat; thus, Digupi [Lycii Cortex] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, Heat from all three Jiaos converges; thus, Zhizi [Gardeniae Fructus] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, the source of Lung transformation becomes unclear; thus, Tandong [Asparagi Radix] and Maidong [Ophiopogonis Radix] are suitable. When Fire is excessive, mania and restlessness occur; thus, Lingyangjiao [Saigae Tataricae Cornu] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, Qi rebels causing cough; thus, Pipaye [Loquat Leaf] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, accompanied by Stomach Fire rebelling causing hiccups; thus, Zhuru [Bambusa Textilis Caulis in Succo] is suitable. Are these not all drugs for purging Lung Fire?

Huanglian [Coptidis Rhizoma] and Xijiao [Rhino Ceratostigma] are drugs for purging Heart Fire. For conditions like dry-heat damp-steaming and epidemic macules/jaundice, treatments vary accordingly. When Fire is excessive, the Small Intestine becomes dry; thus, Mutong [Akebiae Caulis] and Dengcao [Junci Medulla] are suitable. When Fire is excessive, the throat suffers bi-syndrome pain; thus, Shandougen [Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, eyes develop nebulae and obstructions; thus, Xiongdan [Ursi Fel] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, the Heart suffers irritability and vexation; thus, Zhizi [Gardeniae Fructus] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, the mouth suffers thirst and vexation; thus, Zhuye [Phyllostachys Viridis Folium] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, the Lung loses nourishment; thus, Maidong [Ophiopogonis Radix] is suitable. When Fire is excessive, Blood boils recklessly; thus, Tongbian [Pueri Urina] and Shengdi [Rehmanniae Radix] are suitable. When Fire is excessive, melancholy is often harbored; thus, Xuancacao [Daylily Rhizome] is suitable. Are these not all drugs for purging Heart Fire?

Regarding Qingdai [Indigo Naturalis] and Danshen [not mentioned, likely Danshen Cao/Longdan Cao context implies Longdan Cao Gentianae Radix], known as drugs for purging Liver Fire, they are only suitable if there is truly Excess Heat and Excess Fire. If symptoms are merely twitching due to Fire, Gouteng [Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis] cannot be abandoned. If symptoms involve eye obstructions due to Fire, Xiongdan [Ursi Fel] cannot be removed. If symptoms involve bone-steaming due to Fire, Qinghao [Artemisiae Annuae Herba] is essential. If symptoms involve fright epilepsy and bone pain due to Fire, Lingyangjiao [Saigae Tataricae Cornu] must be used. If symptoms involve various sores in the mouth and tongue due to Fire, Renzhongbai [Natrii Carbonas] must be administered. If symptoms involve epidemic toxins and throat bi due to Fire, Daqing [Isatidis Radix] is urgently needed. If symptoms involve alternating chills and fever due to Fire, Huangqin [Scutellariae Radix] must be used. Are these not all applications for purging Liver Fire? The necessity of using Longdancao [Gentianae Radix], Daqing [Isatidis Radix], and Qingdai [Indigo Naturalis] for Gallbladder Fire can be contemplated.

As for Kidney Fire, if symptoms show bone-steaming and consumptive heat, Huangbo [Phellodendri Cortex] must be used. If symptoms show unceasing sore throat, Xuanshen [Scrophulariae Radix] must be used. If symptoms show chancre toxicity, Hulian [Coptidis Rhizoma - note: text says Hu Lian, usually refers to Coptis or similar bitter cold herbs, here likely Coptis or Picrorhiza depending on context, but standard is Coptis/Huanglian, however text distinguishes Huanglian earlier. Hu Lian often refers to Coptis chinensis var. or related. Given distinction from Huanglian, might refer to specific variety or Picrorhiza/Ku Shen context, but strictly translating entity name]: Hulian [Picrorhizae Rhizoma/Coptidis Rhizoma variant] must be used. If symptoms show unclear head and eyes with persistent phlegm-saliva, Chaming [Tea Leaves] must be used. If symptoms show Fire lodged in bones and tendons, Qinghao [Artemisiae Annuae Herba] must be used. If symptoms show bone-steaming without sweat, Digupi [Lycii Cortex] must be used. Are these not all drugs for purging Kidney Fire? And the necessity of using Renzhongbai [Natrii Carbonas] and Tongbian [Pueri Urina] for Bladder Fire, and Qinghao [Artemisiae Annuae Herba] and Zhizi [Gardeniae Fructus] for Sanjiao Fire, can be verified naturally. The purging of various Fires should be categorized by Zang-Fu organs as such. But if one uses drugs without considering whether the symptoms match the organ's Qi characteristics, the resulting harm will be swift. Can one not think deeply and plan long-term?