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In the Tang Dynasty, Cui Xuan governed Zhugong. A wealthy merchant lived on a boat and suddenly died in the middle of the night; by dawn, his breath had not yet ceased. Liang Xin, a medical practitioner from Wuling who lived next door, heard of this and went to examine him. He said, "This is food poisoning." He asked, "Have you eaten out in the past two or three days?" The servant replied, "My master rarely goes out and has not eaten at others' homes." Liang Xin asked, "What do you usually like to eat?" The servant said, "He likes to eat bamboo chickens." Liang Xin said, "Bamboo chickens eat Pinellia ternata (Banxia), so it must be Pinellia toxicity." He ordered ginger to be crushed and its juice extracted, then pried open the patient's teeth and poured the juice in. The patient revived. Cui Xuan was surprised upon hearing this, summoned Liang Xin, comforted and praised him, provided him with servants and horses, advised him to go to the capital, and wrote letters to court officials. His reputation spread widely, and he eventually rose to the position of Shangyao Fengyu (Imperial Physician in Charge of Medicine).

A court official visited Liang Xin for treatment. Liang Xin often said, "Why did you not see me earlier? Your wind disease (Zhongfeng, stroke) has already penetrated deeply. Please return home quickly, settle your affairs, and leave it to fate." The official, alarmed, hastily took his leave and rode home. At that time, there was a horse doctor named Zhao E from a prefecture who had just arrived in the capital. He posted his name on a main street, claiming proficiency in medicine. The court official dismounted and told him of his condition. Zhao E also stated that the illness was critical, agreeing with Liang Xin's assessment. Zhao said to him, "There is one method now. Please have the official urgently consume Xi Li (Pyrus pyrifolia, Asian pear), without limit on quantity. If chewing is difficult, extract the juice and drink it. There might be a slim chance." The official rode back home again, pawned his book tube for Xi Li, and chewed or juiced them while riding. After returning home for ten days, consuming only Xi Li, he felt refreshed and the ailment did not recur. Later, he visited Zhao E to express gratitude and then went to see the Imperial Physician Liang Xin, mentioning that he had been taught by Doctor Zhao. Liang Xin was astonished and said, "In a great nation, there must be successors following one another." Thus, he summoned Zhao Sheng, provided him with servants, horses, money, and silk, and widely recommended him. Zhao E eventually became Taibu Qing (Minister of Chariots and Horses). (From *Beimeng Suoyan*, cited in *Yunzhai Manlu*. Xiong Yingxiong notes: Pear is sweet and cold, clearing wind-heat; from this, we can understand the key point in treating stroke. As for Cui Xuan's appreciation of talent and generosity, Liang Xin's willingness to accept good advice and quick understanding, Zhao Shen's profound knowledge, and the official's gratitude, these are beyond the reach of people today.)

In the third month of the 19th year of Shaoxing, a guest arrived by boat from Panyu. A scholar brought a servant who suffered from weak legs and could not walk. The boatman pitied him and said, "I have a medicine that cures this disease miraculously. Countless people have recovered after taking it; I should give it to you." After the temple sacrifice was completed and he had drunk some sacrificial wine and was somewhat drunk, he entered the mountains to obtain the medicine, soaked it in wine, and gave it to the sick person, instructing him to take it before dawn. Following the instructions, as soon as the medicine entered his mouth, he groaned, saying, "My intestines and stomach hurt extremely, as if cut by a knife." He died by morning. The scholar blamed the boatman, who became angry and immediately took the remaining medicine soaked from the previous day, soaked it in wine himself, and drank it. Within the hour, he also died. This is because the mountains were full of Duan Chang Cao (Aconitum coreanum, Heart-severing Grass); eating it causes death. The medicine the boatman collected was entangled with roots and vines. In his drunken state, he failed to select carefully and threw it directly into the wine, leading to disaster. This shows that herbal medicines should not be taken casually. (From *Xiyuan Lu*, cited in *Yishuo*. Xiong Yingxiong notes: Duan Chang Cao is Humantea japonica (Human). From this, the "determining-year medicine" in the Gu (poison/parasite) category is likely not this substance.)

Huang Qidong treated Qi Gong, an Inspector of Sub-inspections. While passing through a county, Qi Gong fell ill in the morning when preparing to depart, becoming unable to speak. He called Huang Qidong to examine him. Huang said, "The pulse does not match the symptoms." He then asked those around him, who reported that they had cooked and eaten chicken the previous night. Huang said, "This must be poisoning from a centipede crawling over the nose and mouth immediately after eating and going to sleep." He prescribed a formula, which cured him instantly. Qi Gong remained skeptical, so he placed the cooked chicken in his sleeping quarters again. Indeed, three centipedes were found hanging from the top of the bed. (From *Hubei Tongzhi*. Xiong Yingxiong notes: Although the specific medicinal treatment is not explicitly recorded, this cannot be dismissed as a case. Moreover, when a physician encounters discrepancies between pulse and symptoms, careful inquiry and thoughtful consideration are essential. This also serves as a warning for those responsible for diet.)

Sheng Qidong served as an Imperial Physician in the early Ming Dynasty. One morning, while on duty at the Imperial Pharmacy, he suddenly fainted and felt as if he were dying. People recruited to treat him could not respond. A folk healer volunteered and cured him with one dose. When the Emperor asked about the situation, the healer said, "Sheng entered the pharmacy on an empty stomach and suddenly ingested toxic herbs. Only Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) can harmonize various drugs." The Emperor asked Sheng, who confirmed he had entered on an empty stomach. Consequently, the Emperor heavily rewarded the folk healer. (From *Mingshi*. Xiong Yingxiong notes: Does the Imperial Pharmacy store only highly toxic substances? If so, how should practitioners in drugstores handle their stock?)

Ling Hanzhang was from Gui'an. Originally a student, he abandoned his studies and traveled north to Mount Tai. Before an ancient temple, he encountered a patient whose breath was nearly gone. Ling sighed for a long time. Suddenly, a Daoist priest said, "Do you wish to save him?" Ling replied, "Yes." The priest inserted a needle into the patient's left thigh, and the patient revived immediately. The priest said, "This person suffers from internal attack by toxic vapors. It is not death; once the toxin disperses, life will return naturally." He then taught Ling acupuncture techniques, which proved effective in all his treatments. (From *Mingshi*. Xiong Yingxiong notes: Although the specific toxin and acupoints are not mentioned, the principle that "life returns when toxins disperse" is valid. Physicians must learn to apply principles举一反三 (infer other cases from one example).)

Zhang Xiyan recounted that a Censor passed through a mountain area and saw a cluster of large, tender black fungus growing underwater. Mistaking it for Tianhua Cai (Tremella fuciformis), he collected it, boiled it, and ate an entire plate. He then went to his bedroom. By the Si hour (9-11 AM) the next day, he had not risen. A clerk broke down the door and found only a skeleton; the man had completely liquefied, filling the space under the bed. They searched the spot where the fungus grew and found a snake as large as a barrel, which they killed. (From Li Xu's *Jie'an Manbi*)

Lu You's *Laoxue'an Biji* states: His relative, Xiang, consumed Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen, Dodder Seed) in his youth. Over ten years, he consumed large amounts, doubling his food intake, resulting in abundant blood and qi. He developed swelling and redness on his back, which turned out to be a severe carbuncle (Ju). Coinciding with April when Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus, Forsythia Fruit) flowers bloomed, he took the flowers and administered them according to the method recorded in *Liangfang*. He consumed several jin (approx. 3-5 kg), and the back swelling completely subsided. This demonstrates that not only mineral drugs but also Tusizi can cause disease if taken improperly.

Note: This person may have suffered from excessive sexual activity or emotional depression/anger, leading to this condition, rather than solely from consuming Tusizi. However, drugs often cause harm due to imbalance.

In the winter of the Xinwei year, residents of Moshiyao in southwestern Dexing sought shelter in a kiln from soldiers. The soldiers attacked the kiln, and all five hundred people inside died from smoke inhalation. Among them was a Li Shi who, in a fainting state, groped for a frozen radish (Lufu/Raphani Radix), chewed it, and swallowed the juice. After one swallow, he revived. He gave some to his brother, who also survived. All five hundred people were saved because of the radish. Though a small item, its power to save lives is immense. The saying "A pot worth a thousand gold when lost in mid-stream" is truly true. Zhao Caiqing from the river region also stated that carbon monoxide/smoke poisoning often causes death. Slicing a piece of radish and placing it in the fire prevents the smoke from being toxic. If radishes are unavailable, drying them and grinding them into powder for emergency use is also effective. (From *Xu Yijian Zhi*)

In the 43rd year of Jiajing, a wandering monk from Shaanxi named Wu Ruxiang, practicing sorcery, went to the home of Zhang Zhu, a commoner in Changli County. Seeing Zhang's wife was beautiful, he set a meal, invited the whole family to sit together, and sprinkled "Red Powder" into the rice. Soon, the whole family fell into a coma, allowing him to commit rape. He then used a spell, blowing it into Zhang Zhu's ear. Zhang Zhu went mad, seeing demons and ghosts everywhere, and killed his entire family of sixteen people without leaving any bloodstains. The authorities arrested Zhang Zhu. After more than ten days, Zhang Zhu vomited about two bowls of phlegm. Upon questioning, it was revealed that those he killed were his parents, siblings, wife, and nephews. Both Zhang Zhu and Wu Ruxiang were sentenced to death. The Shizong Emperor ordered the decree to be posted throughout the country. Observing this demonic drug, it appears to be related to Langdang (Datura metel, Thorn Apple). In the Tang Dynasty, An Lushan tricked the Xi and Khitan tribes by feeding them Langdang wine until they were drunk, then massacred them. (From *Bencao Gangmu*)

Wang Sizhong treated the daughter-in-law of the Peng family in Haiyan, a wealthy household. She had just married but fell ill, feeling suffocated and near death. Various doctors did not know what to do. Wang Sizhong instructed everyone to remove curtains, window lattices, and bamboo utensils from the room. He secretly sought dried crab cakes, ground them into powder, added them to the medicine, and administered it. The patient recovered instantly. (From *Wujiang County Gazetteer*. This was caused by lacquer poison. Xiong Yingxiong notes: This was likely a coincidental cure; it may not necessarily have been lacquer poison.)

Yao Fu's *Gengji Bian* records: A family in Taicang obtained a three-legged turtle. After a woman cooked and ate it, she lay down in her bedroom for a short while and her body dissolved into bloody water, leaving only her hair. Neighbors suspected the woman of murder and sued her. The magistrate, Huang Yanxuan, could not resolve the case. He obtained a three-legged turtle, had the woman cook it as before, and fed it to a death row inmate. The inmate also dissolved in prison, thus clarifying the case. According to *Erya*, the three-legged turtle is called Neng. *Shanhai Jing* states that waters with many three-legged turtles, if eaten, prevent Gu (poison/parasite) diseases. Recently, some people have mistakenly eaten them without incident. Why is this? (From *Bencao Gangmu*)

The Zhu family in Ji'an had a son suffering from abdominal pain. Someone advised them to decoct the southeast root of the Chinaberry tree (Liannan Mu Gen). The son initially refused to drink it. His father beat him, and after he finally drank it, he died shortly after. Roots exposed above ground can be lethal. The Zhu family erred by not consulting ancient texts. Modern physicians use Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex, Mulberry Root Bark); the Materia Medica states that the part above ground can also be lethal. How cautious one must be! (From Kong Xingsu's *Jingzhai Zhizhi Zhiji*)

Qiu Jie, at fourteen, mourned his mother's death. Because cooked vegetables tasted too strong, he refused to eat any. More than a year later, he dreamed of his mother saying, "You ate raw vegetables and encountered toad poison. There are three pills before the spirit table, and three sheng of tadpoles below; you will be fine." (From *Lixia Bi*)

Yao Yingfeng treated the wife of a man who suffered from body pain, with her left arm feeling bound. Yao Yingfeng said, "You have rat poison in the meat you ate; a rat has grown in your right arm." He cut it open with a knife, and a small rat fell to the ground and escaped. (From *Qiantang County Gazetteer*)

Gong Zicai treated a man who suddenly lowered his head, hid in dark places, did not speak, and ignored questions. He ate secretly behind people's backs and could not eat if seen. Others thought he was possessed by evil spirits and offered sacrifices of three animals. The offerings were left overnight. The wife then ate them, and she exhibited similar symptoms. Doctors were baffled. Gong concluded it must be poisoning from rat saliva, which is highly toxic. He stuffed Evodiae Fructus (Wuzhuyu) into a cat's mouth to induce salivation. He then had the couple ingest the Evodiae Fructus, and both recovered.

A servant in a pharmacy was chopping herbs when he suddenly collapsed and lost consciousness. Others assumed it was wind-phlegm collapse (stroke). Gong Zicai said, "This is not a disease. It is poisoning from herb fumes." He ordered Gancao decoction to be forced down his throat, and he woke up immediately. (Similar to Sheng Qidong's case. Xiong Yingxiong notes: The herbs chopped here must have been highly toxic. Since chopping requires looking down, toxic fumes are easily inhaled. This differs from Sheng's case in terms of authenticity/mechanism.)

A woman stored liquor in a tin pot. After ten days, she took a small cup and became intoxicated, unconscious, and confused. No one could identify the syndrome. Gong Zicai said, "This is lead poisoning." He ordered Chenbitu (Old Wall Earth) to be mixed with water, clarified, and combined with a Gancao decoction to be灌 (poured) into her mouth. She woke up immediately.

Wu Fuxian treated a man who, during midsummer, suddenly experienced cold limbs, unconsciousness, and muteness. Some diagnosed it as Yin syndrome, some as Jue-Re syndrome, some as stroke, some as phlegm, but none were effective. Wu Fuxian examined him, pondered repeatedly, and asked what he had eaten previously. The family said they had eaten pig lungs the previous evening. Wu realized the truth and ordered Ren Dong Hua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, Honeysuckle Flower), two liang, decocted and given to the patient, who recovered. The pig lungs were from a pig that had died of plague.

Someone who loved eating tofu became poisoned and untreatable. Seeking another doctor, on the way he encountered a dispute at a tofu maker's house. The wife had accidentally put Radish Soup (Laifu Tang) into the pot, ruining the tofu. The doctor learned this and treated the patient with Radish Soup, curing him. (From *Yishuo Xubian*)

In the Tang Dynasty, Li Baochen placed Jin (Urtica ferox, Stinging Nettle/Aconite context implies Aconite here based on pronunciation note 'Jin' often linked to Urtica but text says 'Ji Wu' i.e., Aconite) into liquid. Li Baochen drank it, lost his voice, and died three days later. Also, Empress Wu Zetian placed Jin in food; He Lan Shi ate it and died suddenly. (Same source)

Liu Lizhi treated an old woman with lower back pain lasting years, unresponsive to various medicines. Liu diagnosed her and said, "Although critical, she will be safe by tonight." The owner was surprised and asked for the prescription. Liu replied, "No medicine needed. Use two or three liang of Lead Powder (Qianfen), five strong men, and five to seven large bells." The family prepared everything. Liu ordered the bed curtains removed, moved the bed into the room, mixed the powder with rice water, and placed it around the woman's waist, instructing her to lie comfortably. One strong man carried a bell and walked rapidly around the bed, keeping the sound continuous. Men rotated when tired. By midnight, the woman could stand slightly, and her back pain vanished instantly. The family bowed, calling him a divine physician, and asked for the explanation. Liu said, "This illness was caused by ingesting Mercury (Shuiyin). Mercury stagnated in the waist and could not exit, causing persistent pain. Now, using Lead Powder, which is derived from Mercury (Lead is the mother of Metal/Mercury in alchemical theory), we use the sound of metal to call the child (Mercury). Mother and child unite virtue; coming into contact with the powder, the disease heals." (From *Yishi*, *Yishuo Xubian*. Xiong Yingxiong notes: The treatment is miraculous. How did he know she ingested mercury? It is not explained. If it were alchemical ingestion, it should be in the Mineral Poison section. If accidental, it shouldn't last years.)

Emperor Taizu of Ming issued an edict: The physician Wang Yunjian made a living selling medicine. Wang Zong, a kitchen slave imprisoned by the Embroidered Uniform Guard, knowing his crime was unpardonable and fearing execution, had his family buy poison. Wang Yunjian sold it to him immediately. Hidden in a drink, it was smuggled into the outer prison gate by Yang Shou, a guard who accepted bribes. Guo Guanbao, a guard at the inner prison gate, detected it. Panicked, the outer guards claimed the inner guards swapped the medicine. I interrogated Guo Guanbao, who said, "He bought it from Wang Yunjian's shop." I summoned Wang Yunjian. It was a black pill. I gave it to Wang Yunjian to swallow. After a long time, no poison acted. I knew the medicine had been swapped. I asked Wang Yunjian, "What color was the original medicine?" He said, "Red pill." "How many?" "Three." Alas! The poison was originally three red pills; now there is only one, and it is black. Why? I ordered it retrieved. It was black and red. I ordered Wang Yunjian to swallow it. Holding the pill, his face changed color, showing fear and hesitation. Forced to swallow, he complied. I asked, "What ingredients make this medicine?" He said, "Arsenic (Pishuang), Croton Seed (Badou), formed into pills with rice paste, coated with Cinnabar (Zhusha)." "When will death occur after ingestion?" "Half a day." Wang Yunjian shed tears. I asked, "Are you desolate because you fear death?" He said, "One son is in the military, one is away; hence my sorrow." Alas! When Wang Yunjian first sold poison to kill others, and then was forced to take it himself, as soon as the medicine entered his stomach, his attachment to life and fear of death surfaced instantly. Alas! So foolish is he, yet what good does it do? However, I did not let him die from this poison. Why? Forcing him to take it and die would be framing him. Releasing him and then executing him is the law. I asked Wang Yunjian, "Can this poison be antidoted?" He said, "Yes." "With what?" "Cold water, raw bean juice, cooked bean soup." I asked, "If this antidote is slow, what fast antidote do I have?" He said, "Feces-clear mixed with cold water." "How much feces-clear?" "One egg's worth." I ordered it fetched. We waited for the poison to act before administering the antidote. Soon, Wang Yunjian became restless, scratching his abdomen, looking around in panic. I asked, "Why does the poison torment you?" He said, "Five zang organs are unsettled, heart heat rises." "Which meridians does this poison damage to cause death?" Wang Yunjian replied, "The five zang organs fail first, life ends, and the body turns black." "When will it be resolved? When will it not?" "It will not resolve within three hours." Seeing the poison act, I ordered the antidote administered. Wang Yunjian suffered diarrhea several times, expelling all the poison, and returned to normal. The next day, he was beheaded to punish his crime. Alas! Ancient people made medicine to accumulate merit and save lives. Today's sellers seek profit, lacking mercy, rarely acting against their interests. Some seek fame through fraud, some cause immediate harm, some sell for profit harming lives. Alas! Such incompetent people break the law and suffer punishment, losing their lives and families, not just one person. Sellers in the capital market often do not learn from mistakes. What can be done? With this edict, all sellers should listen to my words, extend empathy to others, and bring lasting fortune. Otherwise, this punishment and crime are inescapable. (Third Compilation)

Zhou Leyuan said: In the winter of the Guiwei year, a relative accompanied me to the capital. This person was honest and had never visited brothels. Suddenly, he developed Tian Pao Chuang (Impetigo/Ecthyma), unknown origin. I suddenly understood the cause and explained: "Your constitution is weak, and you often consume Ziheche (Placenta Humanum). The capital gathers people from all directions; many suffer from Tian Pao Chuang. Who knows if the medicines you took contained placenta from sufferers? This disease can affect descendants; its odor can penetrate and harm people, causing offspring to lack skin. Placenta is especially the gathering place of toxic vapors. Your illness must stem from this." Everyone agreed. To harm another's child to benefit oneself... even benevolent people refrain, let alone when it brings no benefit but harm. One must beware. (Original Note: In Jiangnan, placenta is often eaten, and children are often infertile; in the capital, this is less discussed. *Shuying*. Xiong Yingxiong notes: By analogy, placenta without toxicity is rare. I have practiced for nearly thirty years and never used this medicine. If patients desire it, I substitute with Sheep Kidney (Yangshen), which warms and tonifies with 'sentient' properties, offering superior efficacy. Asking experts, do you agree?)

Chen Ziming treated two men who skinned dead cows. That day, they developed purple spots all over their bodies, countless in number, which subsequently ulcerated. Each was given one qian of Shenxian Duwan (Divine Immortal Poison Pill). One recovered after vomiting and diarrhea; the other died because he could not keep the medicine down. (Formula seen in Gu category. Xiong Yingxiong notes: This pill resolves various poisons and kills parasites, extremely efficacious.)

Wu Nei Han's *Beiji Fang* states: Gao Zhao, a doctor from Quanjiao, had a worthless son. The father whipped him, so the son ingested Arsenic (Pishuang) to commit suicide. He suffered extreme thirst and abdominal distension threatening to burst. I instructed him to take this medicine, mixed with water, allowing him to drink as desired. After a few bowls, he had a bowel movement and recovered. The formula uses Bai Biandou (Lablab Album, White Hyacinth Bean), dried and ground into fine powder, taken with fresh well water, 2-3 qian.

For all poisonings and toxicity from Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), Wutou (Aconiti Radix), Pufferfish, etc., this treats all drug poisons. Use wall earth from many years, soak in hot water, stir until turbid. Wait briefly, then drink the hot liquid while removing the sediment. For unconsciousness, pouring it in is very effective.

*Beimeng Suoyan* records someone poisoned by wild mushrooms who laughed; decocted Yu Shen Zhi (Fish Mulberry Juice) cured him. Some say Maple Tree Mushrooms cause excessive laughter.

Li Zhuibo Xian Yun Du of Lai'an County stated: In spring of Dingwei year in Baita Village, two soldiers and one scout ate Pufferfish. Drunk, they also ate the roe and became poisoned. Urgently informing the patrol officer, the two soldiers were near death. With no medicine available, they followed advice and poured Sesame Oil (MAYOU) into them. The large amount of oil induced violent vomiting, expelling all toxins, relieving abdominal pressure, and saving their lives. (*Jicheng*)

Zhu Danxi's formula for resolving poison uses Wubeizi (Terminalia Chebula Retusa Fruit, Chinese Gall), two liang, ground fine, taken with warm non-ash wine. If poison is upper, it induces vomiting; if lower, it induces diarrhea. (*Yishuo Xubian*)

A person who ate Mercury became stiff and dead, with slight breathing and ice-cold limbs. Hearing Ge Kejiu was skilled in treating strange diseases, they sought him out. Ge looked and said, "Two hundred taels of silver can cure this." The family declined due to poverty, unable to offer heavy reward. Ge smiled and said, "I want the silver to boil into soup for treatment." He then solicited the rich and obtained it. He instructed, "Use it to boil hot water for bathing. If hands and feet move, come tell me." Soon, limbs twitched. They reported back. Ge said, "Report if eyes move or if he can sit up." They followed exactly. Then he took Sichuan Pepper (Chuanjiao), two jin,