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The Kidney governs Zhi (Willpower), the Liver governs Nu (Anger), and the Spleen governs Si (Overthinking). In individuals with Liver Heat stagnation and hyperactivity, sexual desire is often urgent and uncontrollable; relief is only achieved after ejaculation. This occurs because Liver Yang fails to diffuse and ascend, instead sinking into the Kidney. Anger stimulates Zhi, preventing it from remaining tranquil. The Liver's physiological nature is characterized by free flow and discharge. Since it cannot be unblocked in the upper Jiao and sinks into the lower Jiao, it is forced to discharge downward. If this discharge continues unchecked, Kidney Essence will be fanned out and exhausted by Liver Wind, leading to Qi collapse. Treatment principle: Use sour-cool and pungent-cool herbs to clear Liver dryness-heat, soothe Liver stagnation, and promote ascending movement to prevent sinking. If there is no response, it indicates that Spleen Qi deficiency fails to lift and support Liver Qi; in this case, add herbs to tonify the Spleen to support it. If bitter-cold herbs are used to clear Heart Fire, the Wood-Fire pathogenic factors of the Heart and Liver will flow downward together, clashing with Kidney Yin, thereby further exacerbating the urge for release. Generally, treatment should combine ascending, dispersing, nourishing, and astringent methods, avoiding descending and clearing methods. This condition affects both men and women. If Damp-Heat is abundant, bitter-cold and salty-cold herbs can be added to consolidate the Kidney.

Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) has a cold nature, straight texture, heavy weight, and light aroma, making it most effective at clearing heat from the Qi level of the Lung and Stomach. Since Zhang Zhongjing used it in Qinglong Tang (Blue Dragon Decoction) and Yuespi Fang (Yuebi Formula), later commentators on Bencao (Materia Medica) claimed it could induce sweating to release the exterior. Their argument was that Shigao’s straight texture allows it to disperse the exterior, which is an extremely far-fetched interpretation. I have deeply contemplated this substance and believe it must promote diuresis. The intent behind Zhang Zhongjing’s formulas likely lies in its ability to clear heat and promote urination. Later, reading *Huixi Yi An* (Medical Cases from Huixi), it was stated that Shigao can descend rebellious Qi in the Stomach. Wu Jutong also used Shigao combined with Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) to treat phlegm-wheezing. Its properties and actions are quite clear! However, when used raw, its heat-clearing power is superior; when calcined, its damp-draining power is superior. Li Dongyuan (Jiegu)’s modified Chaihu Tang (Bupleurum Decoction) uses Shigao to treat postpartum wind-stroke, serving as a herb to fortify Earth and settle Wind. In Chen Xiuyuan’s *Jingui Ge Kuo* (Rhymed Verses on the Golden Cabinet), under the formula Xingzi Tang (Apricot Seed Decoction) in the Water-Qi chapter, it is extensively argued that due to its heavy texture and cold nature, Shigao can only clear the Lung and Stomach, settle rebellious Qi, and remove internal accumulated heat; it cannot induce sweating for external contraction. Even if in warm diseases, excessive heat causes rebellion, with scorched and distended Lung lobes unable to circulate properly, using Shigao to clear and descend it leads to moistened Lung Qi and subsequent sweating. This is not a result of dispersion, but rather the effect of clearing and moistening. Furthermore, for treating pediatric acute convulsions, 10 liang of raw Shigao is mixed with 5 qian of Zhensha (Cinnabar), ground into an ultra-fine powder. Dosage: one qian for ages one to three, one qian and five fen for ages four to seven. This confirms that Shigao is indeed a heavy-settling herb for clearing phlegm-heat. A small amount of Zhensha is added to guide the action to the Heart.
Additionally, Zhang Zhongjing’s note under Shuyu Wan (Dioscorea Pill) states: "For those wishing to gain weight, add Dunhuang Shigao." This indicates it can also make one robust and plump. Why? Because combined with Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) and Dazao (Ziziphi Jujubae Fructus), it can clear and nourish the Spleen and Stomach.