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The *Trichosanthes cucumerina* (Wagua) and the flowering of *Sonchus brachyotus* (Kucail) do not refer to the melon currently eaten as a vegetable. Its fruit is small and hairy; northerners call it "Chibao'er" (Red Packet Child). It is capable of treating Ge-Ye disease (dysphagia/esophageal obstruction), which is exactly what this plant refers to. Another account calls it "Mabao'er" or "Ma Baor" (from *Shizhai Wenji*).

*Houttuynia cordata* (Yuxingcao, Fish Mint) is not recorded in the *Bencao Tujing*. The ancients used it to treat hemorrhoids with remarkable efficacy. Its shape is triangular, with one side green and the other red; it grows abundantly in the mountains. However, its leaves resemble those of *Nymphoides peltata* (Xingcai) and are often found growing in the shade of Buddhist temples. When rubbed between fingers, it emits an odor similar to fish, hence its name. Patients take a handful, decoct it in water for fumigation and washing, and apply fresh herbs directly to the hemorrhoids; they heal within a few days (from *Suosui Lu*).

Why are outstanding and skilled physicians so rare in prefectures and states today? It is likely because those who adhere strictly to traditional methods are content without seeking innovation, while those who indulge in subjective speculation practice medicine arbitrarily. Although they may achieve temporary results for minor ailments, their prescriptions are driven by petty financial gains. Without national prohibitions, the Dao of medical perfection has been abandoned. Moreover, medicine was originally the domain of the sage and wise, concerning matters of divine creation. In ancient times, it was practiced to benefit all living things; now, it is pursued to enrich families. In ancient times, it brought fame to the world; now, it is merely a means to make a living. No wonder figures like Cang Gong (Chunyu Yi) and Bian Que are so scarce. I, Yu Bian, though poor and of humble aptitude in my youth, extensively studied classics, measured the past against the present, highlighted unique insights, and corrected errors. I compiled these writings into the *Xu Yishuo* (Continued Medical Sayings). Only those with deep knowledge of medicine can engage with this work. Alas, someone like Zirong could bring glory to the study of Qingnang (medical arts)!
Written on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Gengyin year of the Jiajing era, by Huang Shengzeng, Mountain Dweller of Wuyue.

Our Wu region once had many physicians. Since the passing of Xiang Laocheng, this field has been filled with absurd and reckless individuals. Some men carry dozens of medicinal ingredients and claim to know medicine, yet they have never read a single character from the *Suwen* (Basic Questions) or *Nanjing* (Classic of Difficult Issues). They merely boast indiscriminately to seek profit, treating human life and death as a game. How tragic! Master Yu's compilation is based on extensive evidence and original arguments, revealing secrets hidden by predecessors. Today, it is indeed unique and rare, is it not? Master Yu loves reading; he explores everything from unofficial histories to novels, copying hundreds of thousands of volumes by hand. Gentlemen consider him profound in medicine, largely due to his efforts in researching antiquity. On an autumn day in the Dingyou year, having just recovered from a minor illness, I casually read through this volume and wrote this postscript. Respectfully recorded by Lu Can, Mountain Dweller of Shifan.
On a propitious day in the mid-winter of the Wuxu year of the Manji era.