Library

Recently, some people have used *Suoluo Guo* (Sapodilla Fruit) to treat heart and stomach pain with great efficacy. Its shape resembles a chestnut, covered by a rough outer skin, hence it is commonly known as *Tianshi Li* (Heavenly Master's Chestnut). This substance originates from the Western Regions; it was rarely used in ancient prescriptions and not recorded in classical Materia Medica texts. Only in recent times did Zhao Shuxuan include it in his *Bencao Gangmu Shiyi* (Supplement to the Compendium of Materia Medica), yet he merely mentioned its ability to treat gastric pain and severe heartache. Subsequently, I read the "Yaozi Single-Ingredient Prescription" in *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* (Emergency Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold for Emergencies). The described morphology, preparation method, and therapeutic indications all correspond perfectly with *Suoluo Guo*. Furthermore, the text mentions that in Sanskrit (Brahman language), it is called "Nashu Shuzi," indicating that the phonetic pronunciation is indeed similar. Beyond treating heart and abdominal pain, it is also indicated for indigestion of retained food, carbuncles, sores, furuncles, and swelling, poisoning from venomous arrows or snake bites, various toxins entering the abdomen from "Shegong" (a mythical poisonous creature), difficult labor, persistent or absent lochia, leukorrhea, and dental caries. Whether applied externally or taken internally, it proves effective in all cases. In China, it is called *Yaozi*; the rough outer skin is removed, and the inner kernel is taken, ground into a fine powder, and used. In Volume 9 of *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), for the treatment of plague (*Wenyi*), two *Yaozi* fruits are ground into powder and administered with water. These are all matters previously unexamined by predecessors. The *Suoluo* tree can now be found at the Temple of Sleeping Buddha in the Western Hills of the capital.

The world generally regards *Chaihu* (Bupleuri Radix) as the primary herb for treating malaria because *Xiaochaihu Tang* (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) can treat symptoms of alternating chills and fever. I have deeply contemplated this prescription and concluded that it is a formula for treating alternating chills and fever, not the orthodox formula for treating malaria. *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions from the Golden Cabinet) uses this formula by removing *Banxia* (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and adding *Gualou* (Trichosanthis Fructus) to treat malaria accompanied by thirst. It further states: "It also treats Lao Malaria" (Consumptive Malaria). The main purport is thus visible. Generally, the typical pathology of malaria involves cold-dampness injuring the Taiyang channel and summerheat-heat injuring the Taiyin organ. These two pathogenic factors contend between the spine, diaphragm, and Membrane Source (*Moyuan*). Treatment should preferably employ *Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang* (Nine-Ingredient Notopterygium Decoction) with modifications. There is also *Dan Malaria* (Feverish Malaria), which the classics describe as occurring when Yin qi is solitary and extinct, and Yang qi wanders alone. This results from intense summerheat within and slight cold binding the exterior, leading to exhaustion of body fluids. Treatment should preferably employ *Baitu Tang* (White Tiger Decoction) with modifications. These two types, one cold and one hot, represent typical malaria characterized by excess pathogens. The ingredients in *Xiaochaihu Tang* nourish Ying (Nutrient) qi to support Wei (Defensive) qi. It is suitable only for deficiency patterns where Ying qi is insufficient, Wei qi has sunk inward, and there is disharmony between Ying and Wei, manifesting as alternating chills and fever. *Renshen* (Ginseng Radix), *Gancao* (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), and *Huangqin* (Scutellariae Radix) benefit Ying qi and clear heat; *Chaihu* (Bupleuri Radix) and *Banxia* (Pinelliae Rhizoma) lift Wei qi out of the Ying level; *Shengjiang* (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and *Dazao* (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus) harmonize both. Therefore, in cases where fatigue and overwork damage Qi, Middle Qi sinks inward, body fluids are exhausted, and Wei qi stagnates in the Ying level without being able to circulate freely, this formula yields miraculous effects. Hence, it is said to treat Consumptive Malaria. However, modern typical malaria usually arises from cold-dampness entering from below, ascending along the Taiyang channel to the spine, and invading the Pericardium internally; while summerheat enters from above, invades the Taiyin organs, and hides in the Membrane Source. Externally, new mild cold is contracted, causing summerheat to sink further and cold to rise further, leading to contention and disease onset. Using *Xiaochaihu Tang* here risks aiding the cold pathogen and is contraindicated; if used for *Dan Malaria*, it is feared to aid dryness. Recently, some have observed that *Chaihu* is ineffective or the condition worsens, failing to understand the reason. They recklessly claim it was used too early, drawing pathogens inward, or that its ascending and dispersing action was too strong, damaging healthy Qi. Both views demonstrate a lack of understanding of the nature of *Chaihu*. According to *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), the function of *Chaihu* is comparable to that of *Dahuang* (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma); it is a clearing and resolving agent, with very weak dispersing power. Its nature lies somewhere between *Qinjiao* (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) and *Jiegeng* (Platycodonis Radix). It can drain rebellious Qi in the Liver and clear hot and turbid Qi in the Gallbladder. Before the Tang Dynasty, no one used *Chaihu* in powder form; it was only after the Song Dynasty that *Shengma* (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) and *Chaihu* were frequently mentioned together. When Shaoyang syndrome occurs in Cold Damage diseases, the large pathogenic factor knots transversely and gradually transforms into heat. Therefore, this formula, which combines opening and descending actions, is used to gently disperse it. How could this be considered a dispersing (diaphoretic) method?