（《本经》中品）
【释名】石留黄（《吴普》）、黄 砂（《海药》）、黄牙、阳侯（《纲目》）、将军。
时珍曰∶硫黄，秉纯阳火石之精气而结成，性质通流，色赋中黄，故名硫黄。含其猛毒，
为七十二石之将，故药品中号为将军。外家谓之阳侯，亦曰黄牙，又曰黄 砂。
【集解】《别录》曰∶石硫黄生东海牧羊山谷中，及泰山、河西山，矾石液也。
普曰∶或生易阳，或生河西，或五色黄是潘水石液也。烧令有紫焰，八月、九月采。
弘景曰∶东海郡属北徐州，而箕山亦有。今第一出扶南林邑，色如鹅子初出壳者，名昆
仑黄。次出外国，从蜀中来，色深而煌煌。此云矾石液，今南方则无矾石，恐不必尔。
曰∶《广州记》云∶生昆仑及波斯国西方明之境，颗块莹净，不夹石者良。蜀中雅州
亦出之，光腻甚好，功力不及舶上来者。
颂曰∶今惟出南海诸番。岭外州郡或有，而不甚佳。鹅黄者名昆仑黄，赤色者名石亭脂
，青色者名冬结石，半白半黑者名神惊石，并不堪入药。又有一种水硫黄，出广南及资州，
溪涧水中流出，以茅收取熬出，号珍珠黄，气腥臭，只入疮药，亦可煎炼成汁，以模写作器，
亦如鹅子黄色。
时珍曰∶凡产石硫黄之处，必有温泉，作硫黄气。《魏书》云∶悦般有火山，山旁石皆
焦熔，流地数十里乃凝坚，即石硫黄也。张华《博物志》云∶西域硫黄出且弥山。去高昌八
百里，有山高数十丈，昼则孔中状如烟，夜则如灯光。《庚辛玉册》云∶硫黄有二种∶石硫
黄，生南海琉球山中；土硫黄，生于广南。以嚼之无声者为佳，舶上倭硫黄亦佳。今人用配
硝石作烽燧烟火，为军中要物。
【修治】 曰∶凡使，勿用青赤色及半白半青、半赤半黑者。自有黄色，内莹净似物命
者，贵也。凡用四两。先以龙尾蒿自然汁一镒，东流水三镒，紫背天葵汁一镒，粟逐子茎汁
一镒，四件合之搅令匀。一坩锅，用六乙泥固济底下，将硫黄碎之，入锅中，以前汁旋旋添
入，火煮汁尽为度。再以百部末十两，柳蛀末二斤，一簇草二斤，细锉，以东流水同硫黄煮
二伏时。取出，去诸药，用熟甘草汤洗了，入钵研二万匝用。
时珍曰∶凡用硫黄，入丸散用，须以萝卜剜空，入硫在内，合定，稻糠火煨熟，去其臭
气；以紫背浮萍同煮过，消其火毒；以皂荚汤淘之，去其黑浆。一法∶打碎，以绢袋盛，用
无灰酒煮三伏时用。又硝石能化硫为水，以竹筒盛硫埋马粪中一月亦成水，名硫黄液。
【气味】酸，温，有毒。《别录》曰∶大热。普曰∶神农、黄帝、雷公∶咸，有毒；医
和、扁鹊∶苦，无毒。
权曰∶有大毒，以黑锡煎汤解之，及食冷猪血。
曰∶人能制伏归本色，服之能除百病。如有发动，宜猪肉、鸭羹、余甘子汤并解之。
葛洪曰∶四黄惟阳侯为尊，金石 炼者不可用，惟草木制伏者堪入药用。桑灰、益母、
紫荷、菠 、天盐、桑白皮、地骨皮、车前、马鞭草、黄柏、何首乌、石苇、荞麦、独帚、
地榆、蛇床、菟丝、蓖麻、蚕砂，或灰或汁，皆可伏之。
之才曰∶曾青为之使，畏细辛、飞廉、朴硝、铁、醋。
玄寿先生曰∶硫是矾之液，矾是铁之精，磁石是铁之母。故铁砂磁石制，入硫黄立成紫
粉。
独孤滔曰∶硫能干汞，见五金而黑，得水银则色赤也。
【主治】妇人阴蚀疽痔恶血，坚筋骨，除头秃。能化金银铜铁奇物（《本经》）。疗心腹
积聚，邪气冷癖在胁，咳逆上气，脚冷疼弱无力，及鼻衄恶疮，下部 疮，止血，杀疥虫
（《别录》）。
治妇人血结（吴普）。下气，治腰肾久冷，除冷风顽痹，寒热。生用治疥癣，炼服主虚
损
泄精（甄权）。壮阳道，补筋骨劳损，风劳气，止嗽，杀脏虫邪魅（大明）。长肌肤，益气力，
老人风秘，并宜炼服（李 ）。主虚寒久痢，滑泄霍乱，补命门不足，阳气暴绝，阴毒伤寒，
小儿慢惊（时珍）。
【发明】
弘景曰∶俗方用治脚弱及痼冷甚效。《仙经》颇用之，所化奇物，并是黄白术及合丹法。
颂曰∶古方未有服饵硫黄者。《本经》所用，只于治疮蚀、攻积聚、冷气脚弱等，而近
世遂火炼治为常服丸散。观其治炼服食之法，殊无本源，非若乳石之有论议节度。故服之其
效虽紧，而其患更速，可不戒之？土硫黄辛热腥臭，只可治疥杀虫，不可服。
宗 曰∶今人治下元虚冷，元气将绝，久患寒泄，脾胃虚弱，垂命欲尽，服之无不效。
中病当便已，不可尽剂。世人盖知用而为福，而不知其为祸，此物损益兼行故也。如病势危
急，可加丸数服，少则不效，仍加附子、干姜、桂。
好古曰∶如太白丹、来复丹，皆用硫黄佐以硝石，至阳佐以至阴，与仲景白通汤佐以人
尿、猪胆汁大意相同。所以治内伤生冷、外冒暑热、霍乱诸病，能去格拒之寒，兼有伏阳，
不得不尔。如无伏阳，只是阴证，更不必以阴药佐之。何也？硫黄亦号将军，功能破邪归正，
返滞还清，挺出阳精，消阴化魄。
时珍曰∶硫黄秉纯阳之精，赋大热之性，能补命门真火不足，且其性虽热而疏利大肠
，又与躁涩者不同，盖亦救危妙药也。但炼制久服，则有偏胜之害。况服食者，又皆假此纵
欲，自速其咎，于药何责焉？按孙升《谈圃》云∶硫黄，神仙药也。每岁三伏日饵百粒，去
脏腑积滞有验。但硫黄伏生于石下，阳气溶液凝结而就，其性大热，火炼服之，多发背疽。
方勺《泊宅编》云∶金液丹，乃硫黄炼成，纯阳之物，有痼冷者所宜。今夏至人多服之，反
为大患。韩退之作文戒服食，而晚年服硫黄而死，可不戒乎？夏英公有冷病，服硫黄、钟乳，
莫之纪极，竟以寿终，此其禀受与人异也。洪迈《夷坚志》云∶唐与正亦知医，能以意治疾。
吴巡检病不得溲，卧则微通，立则不能涓滴，遍用通利药不效。唐问其平日自制黑锡丹常服，
因悟曰∶此必结砂时，硫飞去，铅不死。铅砂入膀胱，卧则偏重，犹可溲；立则正塞水道，
故不通。取金液丹三百粒，分为十服，煎瞿麦汤下。铅得硫气则化，累累水道下，病遂愈。
硫之化铅，载在经方，苟无通变，岂能臻妙？《类编》云∶仁和县一吏，早衰齿落不已。一
道人令以生硫黄入猪脏中煮熟捣丸，或入蒸饼丸梧子大，随意服之。饮啖倍常，步履轻捷，
年逾九十，犹康健。后醉牛血，遂洞泄如金水， 悴而死。内医官管范云∶猪肪能制硫黄，
此用猪脏尤妙。王枢使亦常服之。
【附方】旧八，新四十一。
硫黄杯∶此杯配合造化，调理阴阳，夺天地冲和之气，乃水火既济之方。不冷不热，不
缓不急，有延年却老之功，脱胎换骨之妙。大能清上实下，升降阴阳。通九窍，杀九虫，除
梦泄，悦容颜，解头风，开胸膈，化痰涎，明耳目，润肌肤，添精髓，蠲疝坠。又治妇人血
海枯寒，赤白带下。其法用瓷碗以胡桃擦过，用无砂石硫黄生熔成汁，入明矾少许，则尘垢
悉浮，以杖掠去，绵滤过，再入碗熔化，倾入杯内，荡成杯，取出，埋土中一夜，木贼打光
用之。欲红入朱砂，欲青则入葡萄，研匀同煮成。每用热酒二杯，清早空心温服，则百病皆
除，无出此方也。
紫霞杯∶叶石林《水云录》云∶用硫黄袋盛，悬罐内，以紫背浮萍同水煮之，数十沸取
出，候干研末十两。用珍珠、琥珀、乳香、雄黄、朱砂、羊起石、赤石脂、片脑、紫粉、白
芷、甘松、三柰、木香、血竭、没药、韶脑、安息香各一钱，麝香七分，金箔二十片，为末，
入铜杓中，慢火熔化。以好样酒杯一个，周遭以粉纸包裹，中开一孔，倾硫入内，旋转令匀，
投冷水中取出。每旦盛酒饮二、三杯，功同上方。昔中书刘景辉因遘劳瘵，于太白山中遇一
老仙，亲授是方，服之果愈。人能清心寡欲而服此，仙缘可到也。
金液丹∶固真气，暖丹田，坚筋骨，壮阳道。除久寒痼冷，补劳伤虚损。
治男子腰肾久冷，心腹积聚，胁下冷痛，腹中诸虫，失精遗尿，形羸力劣，腰膝痛弱，
冷风顽痹，上气衄血，咳逆寒热，霍乱转筋，虚滑下利。又治痔 湿 生疮，下血不止，及
妇人血结寒热，阴蚀疽痔等。用石硫黄十两研末，用瓷盒盛，以水和赤石脂封口，盐泥固济，
日干。地内先埋一小罐，盛水令满，安盒在内，用泥固济。慢火养七日七夜，候足加顶火一
斤，俟冷取出研末。每一两，用蒸饼一两，水浸为丸，如梧子大。每服三十丸至百丸，空
心米饮服。又治伤寒身冷脉微，或吐或利，或自汗不止，或小便不禁，并宜服之，得身热脉
出为度。（《惠民和剂局方》）
暖益腰膝∶王方平通灵玉粉散∶治腰膝，暖水脏，益颜色，其功不可具载。硫黄半斤
，桑柴灰五斗，淋取汁，煮三伏时。以铁匙抄于火上试之，伏火即止。候干，以大火 之。
如未伏更煮，以伏为度。 了研末。穿地坑一尺二寸，投水于中，待水清，取和硫末，坩锅
内煎如膏。铁钱抄出，细研，饭丸麻子大。每空心盐汤下十丸，极有效验。乡人王昭遂服之
，年九十，颜貌如童子，力倍常人。（杜光庭《玉函方》）风毒香港脚痹弱∶硫黄末三两，钟乳
五升。煮沸入水，煎至三升，每服三合。又法∶牛乳三升，煎一升半，以五合调硫黄末一两
服，浓盖取汗，勿见风。未汗再服，将息调理数日，更服。北人用此多效。亦可煎为丸服。
（《肘后方》）阴证伤寒极冷，厥逆烦躁，腹痛无脉，危甚者。舶上硫黄为末。艾汤服三钱，
就得睡汗出而愈。（《本事方》）阴阳二毒∶伤寒。黑龙丹∶用舶上硫黄一两，（柳木槌研二、
三日）。巴豆一两（和壳，计个数）。用三升铛子一口，将硫铺底，安豆于上，以酽米醋半斤
浇之。盏子紧合定，醋纸固缝，频以醋润之。文武火熬，候豆作声，可一半为度，急将铛子
离火，即便入臼中捣细，再以醋两茶脚洗铛中药入臼，旋下蒸饼捣丸鸡头子大。若是阴毒，
用椒四十九粒，葱白二茎，水一盏，煎六分，热吞下一丸；阳毒，用豆豉四十九粒，葱白一
茎，水一盏，煎同前，吞下不得嚼破。经五、六日方可服之。若未传入，或未及日数，不可
服。有孕妇人吐泻，亦可服。（《博济方》）一切冷气，积块作痛∶硫黄、焰硝各四两（结砂），
青皮、陈皮各四两。为末，糊丸梧子大。每空心米饮下三十丸。（鲍氏方）元脏久冷，腹痛
虚
泄。应急玉粉丹∶用生硫黄五两，青盐一两，细研，以蒸饼丸绿豆大。每服五丸，空心热酒
下，以食压之。（《经验方》）元脏冷泄，腹痛虚极∶硫黄一两。黄蜡化丸梧子大。每服五丸，
新汲水下。一加青盐二钱，蒸饼和丸，酒下。（《普济方》）气虚暴泄，日夜三、二十行，腹
痛不止，夏月路行，备急最妙。朝真丹∶用硫黄二两，枯矾半两。研细，水浸蒸饼丸梧子大，
朱砂为衣。每服十五丸至二十丸，温水下，或米饮盐汤任下。（孙尚药《秘宝方》）伏暑伤冷∶
二气交错，中脘痞结，或泄或呕，或霍乱厥逆。二气丹∶硫黄、硝石等分研末，石器炒成砂，
再研，糯米糊丸梧子大。每服四十丸，新井水下。（《济生方》）伤暑吐泻∶硫黄、滑石等分
为末。每服一钱，米饮下，即止。（《救急良方》）霍乱吐泻∶硫黄一两，胡椒五钱，为末，
黄蜡一两化，丸皂子大。每凉水下一丸。（《圣济录》）小儿吐泻∶不拘冷热，惊吐反胃，一
切吐利，诸治不效者。二气散∶用硫黄半两，水银二钱半。研不见星。每服一字至半钱，生
姜水调下，其吐立止。或同炒结砂为丸，方见灵砂下。（钱氏小儿方）反胃呕吐∶方见水银。
脾虚下白，脾胃虚冷，停水滞气，凝成白涕下出。舶上硫黄一两研末，炒面一分同研，滴
冷热水丸梧子大。每米汤下五十丸。（杨子建《护命方》）下痢虚寒∶硫黄半两，蓖麻仁七个，
为末。填脐中，以衣隔，热汤熨之，止乃已。（《仁存方》）协热下痢赤白∶用硫黄、蛤粉等
分，为末，糊丸梧子大。每服十五丸，米饮下。（《指南方》）肠风下血∶方见鲫鱼。老人冷
秘∶风秘或泄泻，暖元脏，除积冷，温脾胃，进饮食，治心腹一切 癖冷气。硫黄（柳木槌
研细）、半夏（汤泡七次焙研）等分。生姜自然汁调，蒸饼和杵百下，丸梧子大。每服十五
丸
至二十丸，空心温酒或姜汤下，妇人醋汤下。（《和剂局方》）久疟不止∶鲍氏方∶用硫黄、
朱砂等分为末。每服二钱，腊茶清，发日五更服。当日或大作或不作，皆其效也。寒多，倍
硫；热多倍砂。朱氏方∶用硫黄、腊茶等分为末。发日早冷水服二钱，二服效。寒多加硫；
热多，加茶。酒鳖气鳖∶嗜酒任气，血凝于气，则为气鳖。嗜酒痼冷，败血入酒，则为血鳖。
摇头掉尾，大者如鳖，小者如钱。上侵人喉，下蚀人肛，或附胁背，或隐肠腹。用生硫黄末，
老酒调下，常服之。（《直指方》）咳逆打呃∶硫黄烧烟，嗅之立止。（《医方摘要》）头痛头
(Recorded in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
**[Names]** Shiliuhuang (from *Wu Pu Bencao*), Huangsha (from *Haiyao Bencao*), Huangya, Yanghou (from *Bencao Gangmu*), Jiangjun.
Li Shizhen stated: Liuhuang (Sulfur) is formed by inheriting the essence of pure yang fire stones. Its nature is fluid and flowing, and its color is medium yellow, hence the name Liuhuang. It contains fierce toxicity and acts as the general among seventy-two minerals, thus it is called "Jiangjun" (General) in medicinal materials. Outsiders call it Yanghou, also Huangya, or Huangsha.
**[Collection and Explanation]** *Mingyi Bielu* states: Shi Liuhuang (Mineral Sulfur) grows in the valleys of Muye Mountain in Donghai, as well in Mount Tai and Hexi Mountain; it is the liquid form of Fan Shi (Alum).
Pu stated: Some grow in Yiyang, some in Hexi, and some are the yellow among the five colors, which is the stone liquid of Pan Water. When burned, it produces a purple flame; it is harvested in August and September.
Tao Hongjing stated: Donghai Commandery belongs to Beizhou, but Jishan also has production. The first quality comes from Funan Linyi, with a color like a newly hatched goose egg, named Kunlun Huang. The next comes from foreign lands via Shu, with a deep and brilliant color. This text says it is the liquid of Alum, but currently there is no Alum in the south, so this may not be accurate.
Su Song stated: *Guangzhou Ji* records: It grows in Kunlun and the western borders of Persia. Granular blocks that are crystal clear and free of stone impurities are good. Ya Zhou in Shu also produces it, which is very glossy and fine, but its efficacy does not match those imported by ship.
Su Song further stated: Currently, it is only produced in various countries of the South Sea. Some prefectures outside the Lingnan region may have it, but they are not very good. Goose-yellow ones are named Kunlun Huang; red ones are named Shiting Zhi; green ones are named Dongjie Shi; half-white and half-black ones are named Shenjing Shi. None of these are suitable for medicinal use. There is also a type called Shui Liuhuang (Water Sulfur), produced in Guangnan and Zizhou, flowing out of stream waters, collected with straw and boiled, known as Zhenzhu Huang. It has a fishy and foul odor and is only used for external sore medicines. It can also be refined into juice and molded into vessels, resembling the color of a goose egg.
Li Shizhen stated: In all places where Shi Liuhuang is produced, there must be hot springs emitting sulfur gas. *Wei Shu* records: Yueban has volcanic mountains; the stones beside the mountain are scorched and melted, flowing for dozens of li before solidifying on the ground; this is Shi Liuhuang. Zhang Hua's *Bowuzhi* records: Western Regions sulfur comes from Qimi Mountain. Eight hundred li from Gaochang, there is a mountain tens of zhang high. During the day, smoke-like vapor issues from holes; at night, it shines like lamp light. *Gengxin Yuce* records: There are two types of sulfur: Shi Liuhuang, produced in the mountains of Liqiu in the South Sea; Tu Liuhuang (Earth Sulfur), produced in Guangnan. The best is that which makes no sound when chewed; Japanese sulfur imported by ship is also excellent. Nowadays, people mix it with Xiaosha (Saltpeter) to make beacon fires and fireworks, which are essential military items.
**[Processing]** Lei Xiao stated: When using it, do not use blue-red, half-white half-blue, or half-red half-black varieties. Those that are naturally yellow, internally crystal clear and resembling living organisms, are precious. Use four liang each time. First, take one yi of natural juice from Longwei Hao, three yi of east-flowing water, one yi of juice from Zi Bei Tian Kui, and one yi of juice from Suzhu Zi stems. Mix these four ingredients thoroughly. Place them in a crucible sealed at the bottom with Liu Yi Ni. Crush the sulfur, put it in the pot, and slowly add the mixed juices. Boil until the juices are exhausted. Then, add ten liang of Baibu powder, two jin of Liu Zhu powder, and two jin of Yi Cu Cao (cut finely). Boil together with east-flowing water and sulfur for two full days and nights. Remove, discard the herbs, wash with cooked Gan Cao (Licorice) decoction, and grind in a mortar twenty thousand times.
Li Shizhen stated: When using sulfur for pills and powders, hollow out a radish, insert the sulfur inside, seal it, and bake it in rice bran fire to remove the odor; boil it with Zi Bei Fu Ping (Duckweed) to eliminate its fiery toxicity; wash it with Zao Jia (Soap Pod) decoction to remove black sludge. Another method: Crush it, place it in a silk bag, and boil in non-ashy wine for three fu periods (dog days). Additionally, Xiaosha can turn sulfur into water; burying sulfur in a bamboo tube within horse manure for one month also turns it into water, named Liuhuang Ye.
**[Nature and Flavor]** Sour, warm, toxic. *Mingyi Bielu* states: Greatly hot. Pu stated: Shennong, Huangdi, and Leigong considered it: Salty, toxic; Yi He and Bian Que considered it: Bitter, non-toxic.
Li Quan stated: Highly toxic. It can be detoxified with boiling water made from Hei Xi (Black Tin) and eating cold pig blood.
Lei Xiao stated: If humans can subdue it to restore its true color, taking it can cure hundred diseases. If the drug properties activate, pork, duck soup, and Yu Gan Zi (Phyllanthus emblica) soup should be used to detoxify.
Ge Hong stated: Among the Four Yellows, only Yanghou is supreme. Those refined from metals and stones cannot be used; only those subdued by plants and grasses are suitable for medicine. Sang Hui (Ash of mulberry branches), Yimu Cao, Zi He, Bo Luo (Spinach), Tian Yan, Sang Bai Pi, Di Gu Pi, Che Qian Cao, Ma Bian Cao, Huang Bo, He Shou Wu, Shi Wei, Qiao Mai, Du Zhou, Di Yu, She Chuang, Tu Si, Bi Ma, Can Sha—whether as ash or juice—can all subdue it.
Xu Zhicai stated: Ceng Qing (Azurite) is its guiding herb. It fears Xi Xin, Fei Lian, Puxiao (Mirabilite), Iron, and Vinegar.
Xuan Shou Xiansheng stated: Sulfur is the liquid of Alum; Alum is the essence of Iron; Magnetite is the mother of Iron. Therefore, Iron Sand and Magnetite can subdue it; adding sulfur immediately turns it into purple powder.
Dugu Tao stated: Sulfur can dry Mercury; it turns black upon contact with the Five Metals; it turns red when encountering Hydrargyrum (Mercury).
**[Indications]** Treats women's vaginal erosion, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, and evil blood; strengthens bones and tendons; removes scalp baldness. Can transform gold, silver, copper, and iron into wondrous substances (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats abdominal accumulations, cold phlegm-rheum in the hypochondrium, cough with reverse flow of qi, cold pain and weakness in the feet, epistaxis, malignant sores, lower body sores, stops bleeding, kills scabies mites (*Mingyi Bielu*).
Treats blood stagnation in women (Pu). Directs qi downward, treats chronic coldness of the waist and kidneys, removes cold wind and stubborn bi-syndrome, and chills/fevers. Raw use treats tinea and psoriasis; refined use treats deficiency damage and seminal emission (Zhen Quan). Strengthens the male organ, tonifies tendon and bone damage, wind-labor qi, stops cough, kills internal parasites and evil spirits (Da Ming). Promotes skin growth, boosts qi and strength; for elderly with wind-type constipation, refined use is suitable (Li Xun). Treats chronic diarrhea due to deficiency-cold, slippery discharge, cholera, insufficiency of Mingmen (Gate of Life) yang, sudden collapse of yang qi, yin-toxin typhoid, and slow convulsions in children (Li Shizhen).
**[Elucidation]**
Tao Hongjing stated: Common prescriptions use it to treat leg weakness and chronic coldness with great effect. *Xian Jing* uses it frequently; the wondrous transformations described are part of the methods for refining yellow and white elixirs and making cinnabar pills.
Su Song stated: Ancient formulas did not include oral administration of sulfur. The uses in *Shennong Bencao Jing* were only for treating erosive sores, attacking accumulations, and cold-induced leg weakness. In recent times, however, it has been fire-refined for daily pill and powder consumption. Observing its refinement and ingestion methods, there is no original source or principle, unlike Ru Shi (Mica) which has discussed regulations. Thus, while its effects are rapid, its harms are even faster. Must one not be cautious? Tu Liuhuang is acrid, hot, fishy, and foul; it can only treat scabies and kill insects, not be ingested.
Kong Zong'ao stated: Nowadays, people use it to treat deficiency-cold of the lower origin, impending collapse of yuan qi, chronic cold diarrhea, weak spleen and stomach, and critical conditions nearing death. It is invariably effective.
Once the disease is cured, stop; do not finish the dose. People know using it brings fortune but do not know it brings disaster, because this substance both benefits and harms. If the condition is critical, increase the number of pills; too few will be ineffective. Still add Fuzi (Aconite), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig).
Ko Hao-gu stated: Formulas like Taibai Dan and Laifu Dan use sulfur assisted by Xiaosha (Saltpeter), pairing extreme yang with extreme yin, similar in principle to Zhang Zhongjing's Baitong Tang assisted by human urine and pig bile. Thus, for internal injury from raw/cold food, external exposure to summer heat, and cholera, it can overcome rejecting cold and address hidden yang. This is necessary. If there is no hidden yang, and it is merely a yin syndrome, there is no need to assist with yin herbs. Why? Sulfur is also called General; its function is to break evil and return to righteousness, clear stagnation and restore purity, bring forth yang essence, and dissolve yin to transform魄 (corporeal soul).
Li Shizhen stated: Sulfur inherits pure yang essence and possesses great heat nature. It can tonify insufficiency of true fire in Mingmen. Although hot, it unblocks the large intestine, differing from drying/astringent herbs. It is indeed a miraculous medicine for saving critical cases. However, long-term use after refinement causes excessive bias. Moreover, those who ingest it often indulge desires, hastening their own doom. What blame can be placed on the medicine? According to Sun Sheng's *Tanpu*: Sulfur is an immortal drug. Taking one hundred pills during the three fu days annually removes visceral accumulation with verified results. But sulfur lies beneath stones, condensed from yang energy solutions; its nature is greatly hot. Fire-refined ingestion often triggers dorsal carbuncles.
Fang Shuo's *Bozhai Bian* records: Jin Ye Dan (Golden Liquid Pill) is refined from sulfur, a pure yang substance suitable for those with chronic cold. Many take it around Summer Solstice now, causing major disasters. Han Yu wrote essays warning against ingestion but died in his old age from taking sulfur. Should one not be wary? Xia Yinggong had cold diseases and took sulfur and Zhongru (Stalactite) without limit, eventually dying of old age; this was due to his unique constitution.
Hong Mai's *Yijian Zhi* records: Tang Yuzheng also knew medicine and could treat illnesses by intent. Patrolman Wu suffered from inability to urinate; he could pass urine slightly when lying down but not a drop when standing. All diuretics failed. Tang asked if he took Hei Xi Dan (Black Tin Pill) regularly. He realized: "During the condensation process, sulfur flew away, leaving the lead alive. Lead sand entered the bladder. When lying, it shifts weight, allowing urination; when standing, it blocks the urethra straight on, causing obstruction." Tang prescribed three hundred pills of Jin Ye Dan, divided into ten doses, taken with瞿麦 (Dianthus) decoction. Lead dissolved by sulfur's qi passed through the urinary tract in lumps, and the illness was cured. Sulfur transforming lead is recorded in classic formulas; without flexibility, how could such miracles occur?
*Leibian* records: An official in Renhe County suffered premature aging and continuous tooth loss. A Daoist instructed him to cook raw sulfur inside a pig intestine, then pound into pills, or mix with steamed dough into pills the size of guazi seeds, taken at will. His appetite doubled, steps became light, and he lived past ninety still healthy. Later, he got drunk on cow blood, suffered severe diarrhea like golden water, wasted away, and died. Imperial Physician Guan Fan said: Pig fat can subdue sulfur; using pig intestine is especially excellent. Wang Shushi also took it regularly.
**[Attached Prescriptions]** Eight old, forty-one new.
**Liuhuang Cup**: This cup coordinates creation, regulates yin and yang, captures the harmonious qi of heaven and earth. It is a formula of water and fire having met. Neither cold nor hot, neither slow nor urgent, it has the merit of prolonging life and reversing aging, and the wonder of shedding the mortal frame. It greatly clears the upper and solidifies the lower, ascending and descending yin and yang. Opens nine orifices, kills nine worms, prevents nocturnal emission, beautifies the face, resolves head wind, opens chest and diaphragm, transforms phlegm-saliva, brightens eyes and ears, moistens skin, adds essence and marrow, and cures hernia descent. Also treats women's blood sea withered and cold, red and white leukorrhea. Method: Rub a porcelain bowl with walnut. Melt pure, sand-free sulfur into liquid. Add a little Mingfan (Alum); dust and dirt will float. Skim off with a stick, filter through cotton, remelt in the bowl, pour into the cup, swirl to form a cup shape. Remove, bury in soil overnight, polish with Equisetum (Mu Zei) for use. For red, add Cinnabar; for green, add grapes; grind evenly and boil together. Take two cups of hot wine, warm on an empty stomach early in the morning; all diseases will be removed. No formula surpasses this.
**Zixia Cup**: Ye Shilin's *Shuiyun Lu* records: Sulfur in a bag, suspended in a pot, boiled with Zi Bei Fu Ping for dozens of boils. Remove, dry, grind to ten liang powder. Use Pearl, Amber, Ruxiang (Frankincense), Xionghuang (Realgar), Zhusha (Cinnabar), Yangqishi, Chishizhi, Pian Nao (Borneol), Zi Fen, Baizhi, Gansong, San Nai (Nutmeg), Muxiang, Xuexie (Dragon's Blood), Moyao (Myrrh), Shao Nao, Anxi Xiang (Benzoin) each one qian, Shexiang (Musk) seven fen, Jinbo (Gold Leaf) twenty pieces. Grind to powder, melt slowly in a copper spoon. Wrap a fine wine glass with paper, leave a hole in the center, pour sulfur in, rotate to mix evenly, plunge into cold water to set. Drink two or three cups of wine every morning. Effect same as above. Former Secretary Liu Jinghui suffered from consumption. Meeting an old immortal in Mount Tai, he received this prescription and was cured. One who clears the heart and reduces desires can attain immortality by taking this.
**Jin Ye Dan**: Secures true qi, warms dantian, strengthens bones and tendons, strengthens the male organ. Removes chronic cold and stubborn coldness, tonifies labor injury and deficiency.
Treats men's chronic coldness of waist/kidneys, abdominal accumulations, cold pain under ribs, worms in abdomen, spermatorrhea, enuresis, emaciation and weakness, painful/weak waist/knees, cold wind stubborn bi, upward qi, epistaxis, cough/reverse qi/chills-fever, cholera with cramps, deficient slippery diarrhea. Also treats hemorrhoids, wet sores, continuous bleeding, women's blood stagnation with chills-fever, vaginal erosion, carbuncles, etc. Use ten liang Shi Liuhuang powder, store in porcelain box. Seal mouth with water-mixed Chishizhi paste, secure with salt mud, sun-dry. Bury a small jar filled with water in the ground. Place the box inside, seal with mud. Nourish on slow fire for seven days and nights. When sufficient, add one jin of top fire. Cool, remove, grind to powder. For every one liang, use one liang steamed dough, soak in water, make pills the size of guazi seeds. Take thirty to one hundred pills on an empty stomach with rice drink. Also treats typhoid with cold body and faint pulse, vomiting or diarrhea, incessant spontaneous sweating, or incontinence of urine. Take until body warms and pulse emerges. (*Huimin Heji Jufang*)
**Warm and Benefit Waist/Knees**: Wang Fangping Tongling Yufen San: Treats waist/knees, warms water organ, enhances complexion, merits too numerous to record. Half jin Liuhuang, five dou Mulberry branch ash. Leach juice, boil for three fu periods. Test with iron spoon over fire; when fire subsides, stop. Dry, stir-fry on high fire. If not subdued, boil again until subdued. Grind to powder. Dig a pit one chi two cun deep, fill with water, wait for clarity. Mix with sulfur powder, fry in crucible like paste. Scoop out with iron coin, grind fine, make pills the size of hemp seeds with rice dough. Take ten pills on empty stomach with salt water. Extremely effective. Villager Wang Zhao took it; at ninety, face like a child, strength double normal. (*Duguangting Yuyang Fang*)
**Wind-Toxic Hong Kong Foot (Gout/Bi) Weakness**: Three liang Liuhuang powder, five sheng Zhongru. Boil in water, reduce to three sheng. Take three he per dose. Another method: Three sheng cow milk, boil to one and a half sheng. Mix with one liang Liuhuang powder using five he. Drink, cover thickly to induce sweat, avoid wind. If no sweat, take again. Rest and regulate for several days, then take again. Northerners find this effective. Can also be made into pills. (*Zhouhou Fang*)
**Yin Syndrome Typhoid Extreme Cold**, reversal, irritability, abdominal pain, absent pulse, critical cases. Powdered Shipborne Liuhuang. Take three qian with Mugwort decoction. Sleep and sweat leads to cure. (*Benshi Fang*)
**Yin-Yang Two Toxins**: Typhoid. **Heilong Dan**: Use one liang Shipborne Liuhuang (pounded with willow hammer for 2-3 days). One liang Badou (Croton seed) (with shell, count by number). Use a three-sheng cauldron. Spread sulfur at bottom, place beans on top. Pour half jin strong rice vinegar. Cover tightly with lid, seal seams with vinegar-soaked paper, keep moistening with vinegar. Simmer on moderate fire. When beans make noise and half are processed, quickly remove from fire. Pound fine in mortar. Wash cauldron residue with two tea-foot measures of vinegar into mortar. Mix with steamed dough, pound into pills the size of corn kernels. For Yin Toxin: Take one pill hot with decoction of forty-nine Sichuan peppercorns and two stalks scallion white in one sheng water (reduce to six parts). For Yang Toxin: Take one pill hot with decoction of forty-nine fermented soybeans and one stalk scallion white in one sheng water (reduce similarly). Do not chew. Wait five to six days before taking. If not transmitted or time not reached, do not take. Pregnant women with vomiting/diarrhea may also take. (*Boji Fang*)
**All Cold Qi, Accumulation Mass Pain**: Four liang Liuhuang and Yan Xiao (Saltpeter) (condensed), four liang Qingpi, four liang Chenpi. Grind to powder, make pills with paste the size of guazi seeds. Take thirty pills on empty stomach with rice drink. (Bao Family Formula)
**Original Viscera Chronic Cold, Abdominal Pain Deficient Diarrhea**. **Yingji Yufen Dan**: Five liang raw Liuhuang, one liang Qingyan (Green Salt). Fine powder, make pills the size of mung beans with steamed dough. Take five pills on empty stomach with hot wine, press with food. (*Jingyan Fang*)
**Original Viscera Cold Diarrhea, Abdominal Pain Extreme Deficiency**: One liang Liuhuang. Melt Huangla (Yellow Wax), make pills size of guazi seeds. Take five pills with fresh well water. Add two qian Qingyan, mix with steamed dough, take with wine. (*Pujifang*)
**Qi Deficiency Sudden Diarrhea**, three to twenty times day/night, incessant abdominal pain, best for summer travel emergencies. **Zhaozhen Dan**: Two liang Liuhuang, half liang Kufan (Burnt Alum). Fine powder, soak steamed dough in water, make pills size of guazi seeds, coat with Zhusha. Take fifteen to twenty pills with warm water or rice drink/salt water. (Sun Shangyao *Mibao Fang*)
**Hidden Summer Heat Injury Cold**: Qi interaction, epigastric blockage, diarrhea or vomiting, or cholera reversal. **Erqi Dan**: Equal parts Liuhuang and Xiaosha. Grind, stir-fry in stone mortar until granulated, regrind. Make pills with glutinous rice paste size of guazi seeds. Take forty pills with fresh well water. (*Jisheng Fang*)
**Summer Heat Vomiting/Diarrhea**: Equal parts Liuhuang and Huashi (Talc). Grind to powder. Take one qian with rice drink; stops immediately. (*Jiuji Liangfang*)
**Cholera Vomiting/Diarrhea**: One liang Liuhuang, five qian Hu Jiao (Pepper). Grind to powder. Melt one liang Huangla, make pills size of soap seeds. Take one pill with cool water. (*Shengji Lu*)
**Children Vomiting/Diarrhea**: Regardless of cold/heat, fright-vomiting regurgitation, all vomiting/diarrhea unresponsive to other treatments. **Erqi San**: Half liang Liuhuang, two and a half qian Shuiyin (Mercury). Grind until no stars visible. Take one zi to half qian, mix with ginger water; vomiting stops immediately. Or stir-fry together to condense into pills, see Lingsha below. (Qian Family Pediatrics)
**Regurgitation/Vomiting**: See Mercury.
**Spleen Deficiency White Discharge**, Spleen/Stomach deficiency cold, retained water/stagnant qi, congealing into white discharge. One liang Shipborne Liuhuang powder, one fen fried flour, mix. Drop cold/hot water to make pills size of guazi seeds. Take fifty pills with rice soup. (Yang Zijian *Huming Fang*)
**Dysentery Deficient Cold**: Half liang Liuhuang, seven Bitong Ren (Castor bean). Grind to powder. Fill navel, cover with cloth, apply hot water compress until stopped. (*Rencun Fang*)
**Heat-Collateral Dysentery Red/White**: Equal parts Liuhuang and Ge Fen (Clam powder). Grind, make pills with paste size of guazi seeds. Take fifteen pills with rice drink. (*Zhinan Fang*)
**Intestinal Wind Bleeding**: See Crucian Carp.
**Elderly Cold Constipation**: Wind constipation or diarrhea, warms original viscera, removes accumulated cold, warms spleen/stomach, promotes appetite, treats all abdominal masses/cold qi. Equal parts Liuhuang (pounded with willow hammer) and Banxia (soaked in water seven times, dried, ground). Mix with fresh ginger juice, knead with steamed dough one hundred times, make pills size of guazi seeds. Take fifteen to twenty pills on empty stomach with warm wine or ginger soup; women with vinegar soup. (*Heji Jufang*)
**Chronic Malaria Unstopping**: Bao Family Formula: Equal parts Liuhuang and Zhusha. Grind to powder. Take two qian with aged tea liquor, take at fifth watch on attack day. Attack may be severe or mild; both are effects. More cold: double sulfur; more heat: double cinnabar. Zhu Family Formula: Equal parts Liuhuang and aged tea. Grind to powder. Take two qian with cold water early on attack day; effective after two doses. More cold: add sulfur; more heat: add tea.
**Wine Turtle/Qi Turtle**: Indulging wine and anger, blood coagulates in qi, becomes Qi Turtle. Indulging wine chronic cold,败血 enters wine, becomes Blood Turtle. Shaking head/tail, large as turtle, small as coin. Invades throat from above, erodes anus from below, attaches to hypochondrium/back, hides in intestines/abdomen. Use raw Liuhuang powder, mix with old wine, take regularly. (*Zhizhi Fang*)
**Cough/Reverse Qi/Hiccups**: Burn Liuhuang, inhale smoke; stops immediately. (*Yifang Miaoya*)
**Headache Head