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(From *Tang Bencao*)

[Collected Explanations] Tao Hongjing stated: Buddhist scriptures record that milk is transformed into curd, curd into butter, and butter into ghee (Tihu). Su Gong stated: Ghee is extracted from butter; it is the essence of butter. From one dan (a unit of weight) of good butter, three to four sheng (a unit of volume) of ghee can be obtained. After thorough boiling and refining, it is stored in vessels to await coagulation. A hole is pierced through the center to the bottom, allowing the essence liquid to flow out, which is then collected. Tao's description of it being made into yellow-white cakes indicates a misunderstanding. Han Baosheng stated: Another theory suggests that what exists within butter, does not congeal in deep winter, and does not melt in midsummer, is ghee. Chen Cheng stated: When making curd, the layer that solidifies on top is called the curd skin; the substance on the curd skin with an oil-like color is ghee. It is obtained by heating and boiling, but yields are low. It is extremely sweet and delicious, yet its uses are few. Kou Zongshi stated: Ghee is the whey of curd. Whenever used, it should be filtered through multiple layers of fine silk and boiled in a copper vessel for three boils before use. Li Zangqi stated: This substance has a slippery nature and permeates all containers except those made of eggshells or gourds, which prevent leakage.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet in flavor, cold and purgative in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications] Treats wind-pathogenic bi-syndrome (obstruction), unblocks and moistens bone marrow, and can be used as a massage medicament; its efficacy surpasses that of butter (*Tang Bencao*). Augments essence and tonifies marrow, benefits the middle jiao, and fills the bones. Long-term consumption prolongs life, and its quality improves with repeated refining (Sun Simiao). Treats palpitations, heart-heat headache, brightens the eyes, and when applied to the vertex of the head (Baihui area) (*Rihua Bencao*). Treats tinea capitis (moon-eating sores); most suitable for moisturizing and nourishing scabs (Chen Cheng).

[Elucidation] Kou Zongshi stated: Butter, curd, and ghee generally share lubricating properties and are suitable for individuals with blood-heat and dryness; their efficacies are not significantly different.

[Attached Prescriptions] Three old prescriptions, two new ones. Wind-deficiency damp-bi syndrome: Two liang of ghee, mixed with one cup of warm wine; take one spoonful of ghee per dose, effective (*Xin Jing*). Stroke-induced irritability, heat, and pruritus cutis: Four liang of ghee; take half a spoonful per dose, mixed with one zhong (unit of volume) of warm wine, once daily (*Taiping Shenghui Fang*). All lung diseases with persistent coughing and pus-blood: Use fifty jin of high-quality butter, refine it three times, allow it to stand and coagulate until ghee separates. Take one ge (unit of volume) per dose, three times daily, until recovery, miraculous efficacy (*Waitai Mi Yao Fang*). Infant nasal congestion preventing breastfeeding: Method of Liu Shi: Use two ge of ghee, four fen of Costus Root (Muxiang), and four fen of Lingnan Fragrant Grass (Linglingxiang); decoct with water into a paste. Apply to the head and insert into the nostrils (*Waitai Mi Yao*).