Library

(Compendium of Materia Medica)
[Collected Explanations] Li Shizhen said: The Siuan (Official in charge of fire) of the Zhou Dynasty changed the national fire according to the four seasons to remedy seasonal diseases. In late spring, old fires were removed and new fires lit; in late autumn, old fires were stored and new fires discontinued, with the common people all following this regulation.
Generally speaking, human reliance on fire for cooking food gives rise to diseases and variations in lifespan. Drilling wood to make fire in the four seasons, obtaining new fire for dietary use, and relying on the annual qi to prevent excessive or insufficient fire, thereby remedying the seasonal diseases of the people. Elm and willow trees turn green before other trees, so they are used in spring, and their fire color is green. Apricot and jujube trees have red heartwood, so they are used in summer, and their fire color is red. Zao (Zelkova) and Chu (Broussonetia papyrifera) trees have white grain, so they are used in autumn, and their fire color is white. Huai (Sophora) and Tan (Sandalwood) trees have black heartwood, so they are used in winter, and their fire color is black. Mulberry and Tuo (Broussonetia) trees have yellow texture, so they are used in late summer (Long Summer), and their fire color is yellow. In astronomical terms, the "Great Fire" star station corresponds to the Heart mansion in the constellations. In late spring, when the Horn and Neck mansions of the Azure Dragon appear in the Chen position, new fire is activated, corresponding to hot weather. In late autumn, when these mansions hide in the Xu position, old fire is stored, corresponding to cold weather. Following the Way of Heaven, the work and rest of all craftspeople adhere to this to avoid the prevalence of water and drought disasters and auspicious/inauspicious events. The later custom of fasting from fire during the Cold Food Festival is a remnant of the late spring fire-changing tradition, but folk legends attributing it to Jie Tuicui are erroneous. The Daoist texts state: Ash and residual fire under the stove are called "Fulong Shi" (Dragon's Dung), and should not be used for burning incense to worship deities.

(Compendium of Materia Medica)
[Therapeutic Effects] Used for carbuncles and back abscesses that do not suppurate, necrotic flesh that does not rot, as well as yin sores, scrofula (lymph node tuberculosis), flowing injections (multiple deep abscesses), malignant sores, and stubborn sores. Ignite mulberry branch fire, extinguish the open flame leaving residual heat, and apply moxibustion twice daily. Before ulceration, it draws out toxins and relieves pain; after ulceration, it supplements yang qi, removes necrotic tissue, and generates new muscle. All tonifying medicines and various plasters should be decocted using this fire. However, mugwort cones should not be applied directly, as this may damage the muscle (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation] Zhu Zhenheng stated: Fire can unblock and diffuse, drawing out stagnant toxins; this is a method of contrary treatment (treating the root cause by addressing the apparent symptoms).
Li Shizhen stated: Mulberry wood can benefit the joints and nourish body fluids. When heated by fire, it draws out toxic vapors and expels wind-cold, thus enabling the removal of necrotic tissue and generation of new tissue. The *Baopuzi* states: "All immortal medicines must not be taken unless decocted with mulberry wood." Mulberry is the essence of the Ji Star, capable of assisting medicinal power, dispelling wind-cold bi-syndrome and various pains. Long-term consumption ensures one will not suffer from wind diseases throughout life. Chen Cangqi stated: If snakes are moxibusted with mulberry branch fire, their feet will become visible.