Library

(Recorded in the Upper Grade of *Bie Lu*)

[Names] Xing (pronounced like "Xu Ying").
Li Shizhen says: According to Liu Xi's *Shi Ming*, clear and thin sugar is called Yi, with a shape that appears contented; thick sugar is called Xing, hard and strong like glue.
Thick but turbid sugar resembling Xing is called Tang (pronounced like "Chang Huang"). It is referred to as Tang in *Fang Yan*.
The *Chu Ci* states: "Honey bait with Tang," referring to this substance.
Jiamo says: Because its color is purple and resembles amber, it is called Jiao Yi in medical formulas; when dry and solid, it is named Xing.

[Collection and Explanation]
Tao Hongjing says: Physicians use Yi, calling it Jiao Yi, which is wet sugar like thick honey. Those that are solidified and hard, or can be pulled into white strands, are called Xing Tang, and are not used medicinally.
Han Baosheng says: Yi is soft candy. People in the North call it Xing. Glutinous rice, japonica rice, shu millet, Shu sorghum, hemp seeds, zhi ju zi (Acanthopanax senticosus fruit), polygonatum rhizome, and atracylodes macrocephala rhizome can all be used for brewing. Only those made from glutinous rice are suitable for medicinal use; those made from millet are not.
Li Shizhen says: Yi and Xing are produced by simmering malt or barley sprouts with various grains. Ancients ate much Yi during the Cold Food Festival, so medical formulas also include it.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, greatly warm, non-toxic. Enters the Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
Zong Shi says: Excessive consumption induces Spleen Wind.
Zhenheng says: Yi Tang belongs to Earth and is formed by Fire, vigorously releasing heat within dampness. Kou Zhi's statement that it induces Spleen Wind addresses the symptom but misses the root cause.
Li Shizhen says: For those with middle-jiao fullness, vomiting, constipation, toothache, red eyes, or gan disease, it must be strictly avoided, as it generates phlegm and fire most severely. Sweet flavor belongs to Earth; kidney patients should not consume excessive sweet flavors. Sweetness damages the Kidney, causing bone pain and tooth loss, all referring to such cases.

[Indications] Tonifies deficiency and fatigue, stops thirst and removes blood stasis (*Bie Lu*). Warms deficiency-cold, boosts qi and strength, stops intestinal rumbling and throat pain, treats spitting blood, resolves phlegm, moistens lungs, and stops coughing (Sun Simiao). Strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, tonifies the Middle Jiao, treats hematemesis. For contusions with blood stasis, roast until charred and take with wine to expel evil blood. For severe toxic coughs due to cold damage, boil once in turnip juice and scallion juice, then take at once for good effect (Meng Shen). Use sparingly in those with weak Spleen and poor appetite to harmonize Stomach Qi. Also used to harmonize other medicines.

[Elucidation]
Tao Hongjing says: Ancient formulas like Jianzhong Decoction use it frequently. Both sugar and wine are made from rice fermentation, but sugar is ranked in the Upper Grade, while wine is in the Middle Grade. This indicates sugar is superior for its mild and moistening properties, whereas wine is inferior for its intoxicating effects.
Cheng Wuji says: The Spleen desires relaxation; urgently eat sweet flavors to relax it. The sweetness of Jiao Yi relaxes the Middle Jiao.
Haogu says: Yi is a medicine for the Qi aspect of the Spleen Meridian. Sweetness tonifies Spleen Qi deficiency.
Li Shizhen says: *Ji Yi Ji* records: Xing Caojin, a brave general from Hezhou, was shot in the eye by an arrow. After removing the shaft, the arrowhead remained lodged; forceps could not move it, and he suffered excruciating pain awaiting death. He suddenly dreamed of a Hu monk telling him to inject rice water to heal. He asked many people, but none understood. One day, a begging monk appeared who resembled the dream figure. [He consulted him...] After ten days, he recovered.

[Attached Formulas] Two old formulas, ten new formulas.
Elderly person with vexatious thirst: One sheng of Cold Food Barley, seven sheng of water, decocted to five sheng. Add two he of Red Yi. Drink when thirsty. (*Feng Qin Shu*).
Jiaolong syndrome: When eating celery in the first or second lunar month, accidentally ingesting Jiaolong essence... Complexion green and yellow: Take five he of Cold Food Yi per dose, three times daily. Vomiting out Jiaolong, verified by having two heads. Do not use if vomiting roundworms. (*Jin Gui Yao Lue*).
Fish-umbilical carbuncle: Apply Cold Food Yi externally for good effect. If dry, burn to ash. (*Qian Jin Fang*).
Baoju toxic sore: Apply腊月 (12th lunar month) Yi day and night; heals in several days. (*Qian Jin Fang*).
Accidentally swallowing rice awns: Frequently eat White Yi. (*Jian Bian Fang*).
Fish bone stuck in throat, cannot be removed: Swallow a pill of Yi Tang the size of a chicken yolk. If not swallowed, swallow again. (*Zhou Hou Bei Ji Fang*).
Accidentally swallowing coins, hairpins, bamboo, or wood: Take one jin of Yi Tang, eat it slowly until finished; the object will pass. (*Wai Tai Mi Yao*).
Arrowhead not exiting: See [Elucidation].
Overdose of medicine causing dizziness and confusion: Eat Yi Tang. (*Qian Jin Fang*).
Poison from Aconitum carmichaelii (Caowutou), Tianxiong, or Fuzi: Eating Yi Tang resolves the poison. (*Zong Lu*).
Hand and foot ... sores: Roast腊月 sugar and apply topically. (*Qian Jin Fang*).
Burn wounds: Burn white sugar to ash, sprinkle powder on the wound to dry it and facilitate healing. (*Duan Ju Fang*).