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The *Zuo Zhuan* (Commentary of Zuo) states: "When the soil is deep and the groundwater is high, residing there prevents illness." This refers to the advantage of high and dry terrain. In my previous years, while serving as the prefect in the Jiangbiao region, where the local qi was low and damp, I suffered from hemorrhoids with bleeding for nearly twenty years without cure, never having a day without symptoms. During the Jingde era, accompanying the Emperor on his tour to Luoyang; and two years prior, accompanying sacrifices at Fenyin, I remained unharmed during both journeys. This year, upon retiring to reside at the foot of Mount Song, where the well water was deep (several zhang) yet extremely sweet and pure, this ailment finally ceased. (From Yang Yi's *Yang Wengong Tan Yuan*)

Huang Tingjian wrote in a letter to Envoy Cao: "Your honorable son suffers from carbuncles and swelling due to excessive heavenly heat; thus, those with internal heat are affected first. If the viscera are constipated and stagnant, one may take Xijiao Wan (Rhinoceros Horn Pill). Once bowel movements become smooth, the carbuncle will naturally subside. If accompanied by headache and fever, Xiaofeng San (Wind-Dispersing Powder) is appropriate. This is likely because pus has condensed but not ulcerated. Such treatment yields no failures. The prescription for Xijiao Wan (Rhinoceros Horn Pill): Licorice Root (roasted) 1 liang, Raw Rhubarb 1 liang, Mirabilite 1 liang. First, process Licorice and Rhubarb into fine powder, grind Mirabilite, mix them together, and refine honey to form pills the size of paulownia seeds. Initially take 20 pills, gradually increasing to 30 pills, taken on an empty stomach with warm water. (From *Dao Shan Qing Hua*, cited here as *Dao Bi*)"

A person suffered from a back carbuncle (Fa Bei), with intestines exposed, and various medicines failed to heal him. A physician instructed him to apply Qiuye Gao (Mulberry Leaf Ointment) externally, and also swallow Yunmu Gao (Mica Ointment) formed into small pills. After consuming four liang, within a few days, mica emerged through the skin, adhering to the Mulberry Leaf Ointment, and the wound surface flattened. The efficacy was remarkable. The method is: On the day of Start of Autumn, before sunrise, collect mulberry leaves and boil them into an ointment. Applied to all sores, malignant ulcers, swellings, and toxins, it heals immediately, hence called Qiuye Gao. (From Ge Fangli's *Yunyu Yangqiu*)

The method for making Huanyuan Shui (Return-to-Origin Water): In the twelfth lunar month, use an empty jar of any size, seal the mouth with fine cloth, tie it with a rope, and immerse it in a human feces pit. After many days, fecal liquid seeps into the jar. Remove it and bury it in the earth for two to three years until it transforms into clear water with absolutely no foul odor. When a carbuncle or toxic sore first appears, drink one bowl; the toxicity dissipates immediately. This method is excellent, commonly known as Jinzhi (Golden Juice). Infants drinking half a cup at birth can resolve fetal toxins and result in fewer chickenpox/smallpox lesions, which is its merit. (From Lu Ci Yun's *Shuyuan Zaji*)

For tree sweat (tinea versicolor), mix Qinfen (Calamine) with fresh ginger slices dipped in the medicine to wipe the area; the spots will naturally recede. (From Dai Guan's *Gu Ying Zalu*)

In the past, someone had a wound in the shoulder and thigh area with blood gushing out. A doctor used roasted silkworm pupae ground into fine powder applied to the wound, stopping the bleeding immediately. Another account suggests using genuine Agarwood (Xiang) preserved with its original properties, ground into powder and applied, which is even more miraculous. (From Yu Wenbao's *Chui Jian Xulu*)