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For medicinal use, the rhinoceros horn must be black in color and unsoaked or unboiled by water or broth; hence it is called "raw rhino horn" (Sheng Xi). The horns from Sichuan (Chuan Xi) and the South (Nan Xi) have fine grains. Among black rhino horns (Wu Xi), some still have distinct grains, but those with exposed yellow grains are extremely rare. None compare to those from Xifan (Western Regions/Tibet), where the grains are high and the "rain-foot" patterns (Yujiao, referring to linear striations resembling rain streaks) are prominent. When the outer appearance is yellow and the inner is black, it is termed "forward penetration" (Zheng Tou); when the outer is black and the inner is yellow, it is termed "reverse penetration" (Dao Tou). Generally, black is considered orthodox, and forms that resemble specific objects (such as the "penetrating rhino horn") are prized. If called a "penetrating rhino horn" (Tong Xi), it must also have prominent grain at the tip, clear distinction between yellow and black, complete penetration without detachment, and a smooth, lubricated texture like rain-streaks; these are ranked first. Deer antlers (Lu Rong) are harvested for their velvet tips, and rhino horns for their sharp tips; their most potent energies reside entirely therein. The tip of the rhino horn is best taken after grinding; if used in decoctions or powders, it should be shaved into flakes. Those from Xifan are superior.

Currently, horns with "hanging marks" (Gua Hen, longitudinal grooves on the surface) are selected. Chen Cangqi stated: one can hold the horn to the ear; if it produces a "ji ji" humming sound, it is good. This is also a forced assertion, not based on universal testing. Now, holding other animal horns to the ear also produces such sounds, so the criterion of "having hanging marks" is more definitive. However, many fakes exist, and careful examination is necessary.

Rhinoceros horns are produced in Shaanxi and Hedong regions. There is a type of wild goat (Yuan Yang, likely referring to Ibex or similar wild caprids mentioned in context, though text says 'Yang' with a missing character or variant), which is particularly fierce and robust, with the longest and densest hair. This goat can be used medicinally; for consumption, however, hornless white large sheep are preferable. The *Bencao* does not mention this, indicating an omission. Additionally, between Tongzhou and Huazhou, there are "lying-sand fine-ribbed sheep," which have horns similar to the wild goat but smaller; as food, they rank above all other sheep. Zhang Zhongjing used Ginger and Mutton Decoction (Shengjiang Yangrou Tang) to treat cold hernia (Han Shan), with no failures in efficacy. Another case involved a woman giving birth during a cold month; cold pathogen entered the vaginal opening, causing distension and fullness below the navel, with pain preventing touch. This was cold hernia. The physician intended to treat her with Efficacious Pill Decoction (Didang Tang), suspecting blood stasis. I advised him: "This is not the correct treatment. You may administer Zhang Zhongjing's Mutton Decoction, using less water. After two doses, she recovered."

This refers to the cheekbone area of the yellow ox horn. Use the tip, calcine it into black ash while preserving some of its original properties, to treat women's metrorrhagia (Xue Beng), hematochezia (blood in stool), and cold dysentery (Leng Li). Also, the nose of the white water buffalo can be used in both dry and fresh states. To treat facial paralysis with deviation of the mouth and eye (Pian Kou Xie Wa), heat the buffalo nose over fire and apply it as a hot compress to the unaffected side until alignment is gradually restored.