Library

Pig Skin (Zhu Fu)

Sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature. Non-toxic. There are many ways to raise pigs; among healthy pigs, those that are purely black all over the body are considered superior. The term "pig skin" varies in meaning; it specifically refers to the thin, dark skin attached to the hide of the pig, which is regarded as authentic. Ancient scholars once stated: regarding the meaning of superficial skin, *Li Yun Shu* says: "Fu" refers to the thin outer skin, while the inner thick skin also falls under this definition. *Tang Ye* states: Pigs belong to the category of water animals (because pigs have a affinity with water, and their pastures must be chosen at the intersection of water and grass, hence called water animals). Their qi first enters the Kidney channel. For exogenous heat affecting the Shaoyin channel, only pig skin can resolve it. Zhang Zhongjing formulated Zhu Fu Tang (Pig Skin Decoction), the profound meaning of which is based on this principle. Adding Bai Mi (White Honey) moistens dryness and relieves irritability; adding He Fen (Rice Flour or Wheat Flour) strengthens Qi and stops dysentery. Removing Zhu Juan (Pig Testicles, i.e., both testes) treats pediatric palpitations, epilepsy, and adult Gui Zhu (Ghost Attacking) and Gu Du (Parasitic Toxin). It treats Wu Long (Five Types of Strangury) and tendon contraction, and manages alternating chills and fever along with Ben Tun (Rushing Pig Qi). Pig hooves treat traumatic ulcers and promote lactation; Xuan Ti (Suspending Hoof, the keratinous tip of the hoof) removes internal erosion from Xuan Yong (Hanging Abscess) and regulates hemorrhoids. Pig Heart supports Heart Qi and calms fright; Pig Spleen treats Spleen injury and clears heat. Pig Lung, when consumed in quantity, tonifies the Lung and treats persistent coughing (especially effective when combined with Huo Ma Ren / Hemp Seed). If boiled with Bai Hua Cai (White Flower Vegetable), one must beware of causing Qi stagnation; excessive consumption damages Yang Qi, yet it can also treat Lung distension with wheezing and urgency. To refine silk fabrics for cleanliness, Pig Fat (Gao) is essential. Pig Gallbladder Juice inserted into the anus promotes bowel movement and resolves Heat-Thirst from Shang Han (Cold Damage); Pig Heart Blood (obtained by cutting open the heart immediately after slaughter without water contact) made into pills nourishes Blood (essential for An Shen Wan / Calm Spirit Pill) and prevents chaotic evil dreams. Pig Tongue boiled into a thick decoction benefits "Wu Yang" (deficiency of Yang), strengthens the Spleen, and promotes appetite; Roasted Pig Liver treats dry-heat and, when inserted into the vagina, stops itching and expels parasites (if inserted sequentially, worms are expelled, and itching ceases). Pig Kidney stops lower back pain, as seen in ancient formulas like Wei Shen San (Baked Kidney Powder); Pig Stomach supports weak Stomach function, as known in Xin Kan Lian Du Wan (Newly Published Lotus Stomach Pill). Eating too much Pork causes flaccid obesity, rapidly generates Wind and Phlegm, blocks blood vessels, and damages sinews and bones—do not say it is harmless. Frequent intake of Pig Milk moisturizes the body, generating Essence and Blood, and prevents Zhu Xian (Pig Epilepsy) and Tian Diao (Umbilical Wind/Tetanus, especially effective for Nuo Kou). It is indeed beneficial. Boiled Pig Nipples expel Gui Du (Ghost Toxins) and manage alternating chills/fever and Wu Long; Burnt Pig Teeth ash calms Wind-Fright and treats snake/insect bites to teeth. Pig Adipose (Fat) unblocks blood vessels, resolves Wind-Heat, and moistens the Lungs. Pig Lard beautifies the skin, treats sores and scabies, and kills parasites. Pig Brain treats tinnitus in the head; Pig Bristle grease treats hair loss and bald temples. Pig Large Intestine Mucosa, pounded and formed into pills with shell (prepared by boiling 10 liang of Huang Lian / Coptis Rhizome in wine, stir-frying 4 liang of Zhi Ke / Aurantium Fructus with bran, placing them inside 7 cun of soaked glutinous rice within the intestine, steaming until soft, and pounding into pills), eliminates internal hemorrhoids and benefits the intestines. Pig Marrow added to Bu Yin Wan (Tonify Yin Pill) assists True Yin in generating marrow. Pig Blood treats dizziness from Wind-Stroke, drives away Ben Tun Qi, sudden Qi rebellion, and overseas miasma. Pig Feces resolves dampness-induced swelling and jaundice, Tian Xing Yi Du (Epidemic Viruses), abdominal distension, and Gu Du. Earwax also has efficacy; applied externally, it treats insect bites and snakebites. Pig Sty Grass stops Ke Wu (Guest Evil) night crying in children; placed under the mat, it should not be seen by the mother. Pig Soup regulates stabbing heart pain due to postpartum blood stasis; drinking it internally alleviates critical conditions.

(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Pigs are raised extensively, likely because they reproduce quickly and grow easily on sparse food. Humans do not tire of eating them because they favor the rich fat and meat, finding the tendons and membranes insufficiently slippery and fatty. The *Ben Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) warns against excessive consumption, which is well-founded. Zhu Danxi said: Pork only tonifies Qi; tonifying Qi is equivalent to tonifying Yang. In the human body, Yang is often in excess, while Yin is often deficient. Those suffering from deficiency syndromes generally suffer from Yin deficiency; claiming that eating more meat tonifies is like using fire to save fire—it further aids the excess and depletes the deficiency even more. How can longevity be preserved? Why? Pork is inherently hot; upon entering the Stomach, heat arises. When heat arises, Phlegm is generated. When Phlegm is generated, Qi fails to ascend and descend. Will the arrival of various symptoms ever cease? I have often seen patients who ate pork after contracting external pathogens see their conditions worsen. Malaria patients saw chills and fever return. Patients with traumatic wounds experienced depleted blood flow. Obese people who eat pork generate Wind and Phlegm. Emaciated people who eat pork aid Fire and generate Heat. All these actions assist the pathogenic excess and violate necessary prohibitions. Confucius said: "Although there may be much meat, one should not let it exceed the amount of grain." Did the Sage not intend to warn people with this statement?