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(Sometimes colloquially called "Lingshan Chai".)

Salty in flavor, neutral in qi. Non-toxic. This refers to the top skull bone of a deceased person that has split in a cross shape; it is the bone naturally formed to cover and press upon the entire body's skeleton, named Tianlinggai (天灵盖, Human Skull Cap). It should be washed clean with Sophora Flavescens Decoction, coated with rendered butter, and roasted until yellow. A small amount of Moschus (Musk) is added, ground into fine powder, and incorporated into medicinal preparations. It treats chronic intermittent fevers with alternating chills and heat (Wen Nue), and addresses consumption tuberculosis with bone-steaming sensations (Chuan Shi Lao Zhai). It helps elevate depressed acneiform eruptions, and wards off coma caused by ghostly influences (Gui Zhu). Additionally, burning human corpse ashes also treats nightmares and sleep disturbances caused by demonic oppression; placing it under the pillow stops these symptoms within the night.

(Chen Jiamo) notes: The text *Bieshuo* states that the *Shennong Bencao Jing* includes only one entry from the human category—hair—and all others were added later by physicians or practitioners of esoteric arts, supplementing strange theories, which does not reflect the mindset of a benevolent person. The world praises Sun Simiao for his great merit, yet even using killing to cure life incurs hidden retribution, let alone this practice. Recently, I have seen its use in treating consumption diseases yield no efficacy at all; thus, trusting the *Bencao Jing*'s omission of it causes no harm. Cruelty harms the spirit, and since efficacy is not urgent, if alternatives exist, benevolent individuals should strive to find them. As the saying goes, "If nothing else works, it is out of desperation." If such materials must be used, select those aged long enough to be soaked in dust and mud and decayed, as this eliminates corpse qi.

It is also used in medicine to detoxify poisoned arrows and treat Shanghan (Cold Damage). For female post-illness relapse due to sexual activity (Nü Lao Fu), it is sought after; for Yin-Yang exchange disease (Yin Yang Yi), it takes effect. Cutting the crotch area of women's underwear is effective only where it directly contacts the yin region. Obtaining strong vitality from young boys and girls enhances its efficacy in treating Yin-Yang exchange syndrome. Quickly burn it to ash while preserving its nature, grind into powder, and mix with decoction. Females suffering from Yin-Yang exchange seek male counterparts, males seeking females. Symptoms include red and scanty urination; taking this remedy facilitates smooth urination. Burning menstrual cloth to ash is miraculously effective in解毒ting poisoned arrows. Those nearly dead from poisoning recover immediately upon ingestion. In severe cases of Huoluan (Cholera-like disorder), use menstrual cloth from a virgin girl; burn the blood-stained part to ash, and take with wine using a measure of one square inch (Fang Cun Bi). Menstrual water treats female post-illness relapse and also detoxifies arrow poison.

Apply to golden wounds (metal-induced injuries) with bleeding, mixed with eagle droppings to eliminate scars.

Women's pubic hair treats Wu Lin (Five Types of Strangury) and Yin-Yang exchange disease; men's pubic hair prevents snake venom from entering the abdomen when bitten (Hold twenty strands in the mouth, swallow the juice). For breech presentation or difficult labor, use fourteen stalks of husband's pubic hair, burn to ash, mix with lard, form pills the size of beans, and swallow.