人有服砒霜之毒，疼痛欲死，苟不急救，必至腐肠烂胃，吐呕紫血而死。盖砒霜乃天生
之石，未常经火 炼，何以毒至如此？不知砒霜生于南岳之山，钟南方之火毒，又经火气，
则其气大热，毒而加热，则酷烈之极，安得不杀人耶。且其性又善走，下喉必升降于肠胃之
上下，肠薄皮穿，人乃死矣。天下毒药之横，莫此为甚。救法必须吐出其毒。然而虽经吐
出，不能尽出其毒，必须用解毒之味。世人往往用
羊血以吐之，亦有能生之者。但初下喉之人可救，食之多时，久入胃中，则无益矣。我有
一方，得之异人所传，久暂皆可救。方名救死丹∶
生甘草（二两） 瓜蒂（七个） 玄参（二两） 地榆（五钱）水煎服。一下喉即
吐，再煎渣服之，又吐，砒霜之毒必然全解。
甘草最善解毒，得瓜蒂必上涌而吐，砒霜原能上升，故引之而尽出也。然而砒霜又善下
行，得玄参、地榆最解大肠之火毒，砒之大毒从上而出，走下者不过余毒耳。又得玄参、地
榆而解之，则上下共相解氛，毒何能施其燥烈之虐哉。况玄参、地榆俱是润中解毒，所以能
制其酷也。大约此方用之十人中，断可救八人。惟服下不能吐者，此肠胃已坏，不可救矣，
非药之无效也，幸人急救之可耳。倘药不及煎饮，于饭锅中煮前药汁灌之，庶不致因循失救也。
此症用苦参汤救之亦神妙。
苦参（二两），煎汤一碗，一气服之，即大吐而愈。
人有服断肠草者，初则胸前隐隐作疼，久则气不能通，及至腹痛，大小便俱不能出而死。
夫断肠草即钩吻也，至阴之物，状似黄精，但叶有毛钩子二个。此物最
善闭气，犹能使血不行动，气血闭塞，故尔人死，非肠果能断也。闽广之间，多生此物。妇
女小忿，往往短见，偷食觅死如饴，取其不大痛楚也。世亦以羊血灌之，得吐则生。然亦有
服羊血不肯吐者，往往不救。不知断肠之草，杀人甚缓，苟用解毒通利之药，无不生者，不比
砒毒酷烈。方用通肠解毒汤救之。
生甘草（一两） 大黄（一两） 金银花（一两）水煎服。一泻而愈，不必二剂。
此方用金银花、生甘草以解其毒，用大黄迅逐以通其气，毒解气通，断肠之草何能作祟哉。
此症用白矾汤亦神。
白芍（三两） 白矾（五钱） 当归 丹皮（各一两） 柴胡（三钱） 附子（一钱）
水煎服。一剂气通即愈。
人有食漏脯充饥，致胸膈饱满，上吐下泻，大肠如刀割疼痛，泻不可止而死者有之。夫
漏脯，即隔宿之肉食，屋漏之水滴入而名之也。似乎无甚大害，何以成毒杀人？此言岁久之
屋， 尘甚多，屋上必有蛇蝎行走，尘灰倒挂，系蜘蛛蛸 结成，无非毒物。天雨之水，顺流
而下，凡毒瓦斯得水则化，然化于水中也。水人肉食之内，毒将何往，自然结于脯中而不化矣。
以毒物充饥，安得不变生不测哉。但世多食漏
脯不死，又是何故？其屋必非岁久之屋，未曾经蛇竭行走故耳。食之虽不至死，病则断不
能免，所以漏脯为太上所戒。倘人误食，疼痛吐泻，急用解毒之药，可以得生。方用化漏汤∶
山楂（三钱） 生甘草（五钱） 大黄（三钱） 浓朴（三钱） 白芷（二钱） 麦
芽（二钱）水煎服。一剂毒尽出矣，二剂痛定，不必三剂。
此方消其肉食，则脯易变化，后以大黄推荡之，白芷、甘草从中解毒，则顺流利导，易
于祛除也。
此症用 查汤妙。
荠 汁三大碗，用山楂肉三钱，神曲三钱，麦芽、生甘草各三钱，水一碗，连汁同煎，
取二碗，顿服之，吐泻止即愈。
人有饮吞鸩酒，白眼朝天，身发寒颤，忽忽不知，如大醉之状，心中明白，但不能语言，
至眼闭即死。夫鸩毒乃鸩鸟之粪，非鸩鸟之羽毛，亦非鹤顶之红冠也。鸩鸟羽毛与鹤顶红冠
皆不能杀人，不过生病，惟鸩粪则毒。此鸟出于异国，异国之人，恐言鸟粪，则人必轻贱，
故但名为鸩，以贵重之也。此鸟非蛇、蝎不食，故毒胜于孔雀之粪。孔雀之粪，冲酒饮之，
有死有不死，鸩酒饮之，则无不死矣。盖鸩
毒性热而功缓，善能闭人之气，所以饮之，人即不能语言。发寒颤者，心中热也。心脉通于
眼中之大 ，心热则目必上视。眼闭而死者，心气绝而目乃闭也。幸其功缓可施救疗之法，
无如世人未知，铎逢异人之传，何敢自隐。饮鸩酒者，倘眼未闭，虽三日内，用药尚可活，
方用消鸩汤∶
金银花（八两，煎汤取汁二碗） 用∶白矾（三钱） 寒水石（三钱） 菖蒲（二钱）
天花粉（三钱） 麦冬（五钱）再煎一碗灌之。一时辰后，眼不上视，口能出言。再用前一
半，如前法煎饮，二剂而愈，断不死也。
嗟乎！鸩毒之杀人，医经并未有言及可以救疗者，世人服鸩毒亦绝少，似可不必传方。
然而人事何常，万一有误饮鸩酒者，以此方救之，实再生之丹也。
此症用加味连草汤亦可救。
黄连（三钱） 生甘草（一两） 菖蒲（一钱） 贝母（三钱） 生姜汁（半荼钟）
竹沥（半茶钟）水煎一碗，服之即解，不必二服，得吐犹愈之速也。
人有食鳖而腹痛欲死，往往有手足发青而亡者。夫鳖虽介属，本无大毒，然鳖之类多
属化生，有蛇化者，有龟化者，有鱼化者。龟、鱼所化，俱能益人；惟蛇最
毒，其鳖腹之下必有隐隐蛇皮之状，且其色大红，断不可食，食必杀人。人苟误食，腹必大
痛，以毒瓦斯之攻肠也。手足发青者，手足属脾，毒中于脾，外现于手足也。治法不可解鳖之
味，而仍当解蛇之毒。方用∶
白芷（三钱） 雄黄末（三钱） 山楂（一钱） 丹砂末（一钱） 枳实（一钱） 茯
苓（五钱）水煎服。一剂疼痛止，二剂秽毒出矣，不必三剂。
此方白芷、雄黄俱是制蛇之药，而山楂、丹砂善化鱼肉之味，合而用之，则鳖毒易
消。加入枳实、茯苓者，枳实最能去积，茯苓尤能利水，水族之物，毒随水化，更易于解散耳。
此症用驹溺汤甚神。
马尿（一碗） 生甘草（一两）水煎服。得吐即愈，不吐即再饮二煎，无不愈者。
人有道途之间，误服 汗之药，以致头重脚轻，口吐涎沫，眼瞪不语，此迷心之故也。
山东村店，最多此药。乘其一时心迷，以取财物。醒来多不记忆，
恍恍惚惚，辨别不真。其药大约用天仙子为君，加入狐心等物，虽不至杀人，然久迷不醒，
亦为可畏。世人以凉水解之，亦能少醒，但凉水入心，水停心下，倘系虚人，必变他症，
非解法之善也。方用止迷汤∶
茯苓（五钱） 生甘草（三钱） 瓜蒂（七枚） 陈皮（五分）水煎服。即大吐而醒。
其从前情景，断不遗亡，不似凉水之解，如醉如痴也。
盖茯苓通其心，生甘草解其毒，陈皮清其痰，宽其中，又得瓜蒂上通，使药不停心，一
吐，气清神朗，不至五脏反复也。或问 汗药必是痰迷心窍，宜用生姜以开之，何故不用？
未审止迷汤中，可少投姜汁，否耶。不知 汗药中用天仙子居多，天仙子得姜而愈迷其心矣，
故中毒者，断不可轻与姜汤，反致久迷耳。
此症用解 汤亦神效。
黄连 枳壳（各一钱） 天花粉 白芥子 神曲 人参（各三钱） 生甘草 栝蒌（各二
钱） 茯神（五钱） 附子（一片）
水煎服。一剂即解。
人有游两粤之间，或与妇女交好，或与男子成仇，多下蛊毒于饮食之中，人食之则面目
渐黄，饮食倦怠，或一年，或三载，无药解之，必至暴死。世传蛊毒，
土人将各毒虫与蛇、竭等物投于缸中，听其彼此相食，食完止存一物，不死者，取之以为蛊
母，此讹也。盖彼地别有蛊药，乃天生之毒也。土人治蛊，有方法可解，大约皆用矾石以化
蛊，惟恐外人知之，故秘而不言。矾石清痰，又善化坚，蛊积于腹中，内必坚硬，外以痰包
之。所以一物两用，奏功颇神。惟是人身柔弱者多，刚强者少，又得蛊毒结于胸腹之间，必
然正气大虚，倘徒用矾石，不更虚其虚乎。必须于补气补血之中，而加用消痰化蛊之药，则
有益无损，始称万全。方用破蛊全生汤∶
人参（一两） 茯苓（五钱） 当归（一两） 生甘草（三钱） 白矾（三钱） 半
夏（三钱）水煎服。一剂胸腹爽，再剂胃气开，三剂蛊毒渐消于乌有矣。
此方补气血之亏，化痰涎之块。正气既旺，邪气自消，况有攻坚、消蛊之品，蛊何能再
聚而不散哉。
此症用散蛊丸亦佳妙。
白矾入于鸭蛋内，火 为枯矾后用 茯苓（一斤） 白术（一斤） 枯矾（四两） 同为绝
细末，米饮为丸。每日白滚水送下三钱，不须服完愈。
人有误食竹间之蕈，或轻吞树上之菌，遂至胸胀心疼，腹痛肠泻而死。夫蕈、菌之物，
亦芝草之类。竹根、树柯生蕈、生菌者，以土之湿热也。其下必丛聚蛇、蝎、恶虫，其气上
腾，蕈、菌得气，温而不寒，易于生发，故较他产更加肥壮，其味最美，而其气实毒也。方
用解菌汤救之。
生甘草（二两） 白芷（三钱）水煎服。服后，乃用鹅翎扫其咽喉，引其上吐，必尽
吐出而愈。即或已过胃中，鹅翎探引不吐，亦必腹疼下泻，可庆安全。
盖生甘草原是解毒之神品，又得白芷，最解蛇毒，相助同攻，自易下逐而尽消也。
此症用∶
白矾（五钱） 栝蒂（七枚）水煎服。非吐即泻而愈。
人有食牛、犬之肉，一时心痛，欲吐不能，欲泻不可，此毒结于心胃，不升不降也。论理
亦宜用吐法，然亦有探吐之不应者。夫牛、犬乃资补精血之物，何以有毒？此必牛、犬抱
病将死未死之时，又加束缚，以激动其怒气，毒结于皮肉心肝之
间，人不知而食之，适当其处，故食而成病，重至暴亡也。治法消化其肉食，佐之以解
毒之品，则胀闷一宽，即可不死。方用消肉化毒丹∶
山楂（三钱） 枳壳（一钱） 神曲（三钱） 雷丸（三钱） 浓朴（一钱） 大黄（
三钱）水煎服。一剂而大下之，则犬、牛之肉尽消而出，不必二剂。
然此方乃下逐之神方，倘可上涌，不必用此。苟用吐法不效，急用此方，无不可救疗也。
此症用黄萝饮亦神效。
大黄 当归（各五钱） 山楂肉 萝卜子（各三钱） 枳壳 槟榔（各一钱） 柴胡（
五分） 丹皮（二钱）水煎服。
人有一时短见，服盐卤之毒，必至口咸作渴，腹中疼痛，身蜷脚缩而死。夫盐能补肾，何
便杀人？不知盐卤味苦，苦先入心，心遇盐卤，心气抑郁不通，盐卤见心不受，乃犯于肾，
肾见其味苦，肾又不受，遂往来于心肾之间，心肾之气不交，而盐卤流入于肠，而不可救矣。
盖大小肠最恶盐卤，入之必缩小其肠而成结，肠结而气又不通，安得不蜷曲而死乎。治法必
用甘以解之，方用∶
生甘草（三两）煎汤救之。如服卤未久，生甘草汤中加淡豆豉一两，同煎饮之，
必吐。如服已久，生甘草汤中加入当归二两，同煎饮之，肠润未必皆死也。要在人活变耳。
此症亦可用归冬榆草汤救之。
生甘草（二两） 当归（一两） 麦冬（一两） 地榆（五钱）水煎服。
人有恣饮烧酒，大醉而死，其身体必腐烂臭秽。夫酒为大热之物，况烧酒纯阳无阴，尤
为至热者乎。多饮过度，力不能胜，一时醉倒，热性发作，腐肠烂胃，往往不免。必须用井
水频扑其心胸。解其头发，浸头于冷水之中，候温即易凉水，后用解炎化酒汤救之。
人参（一两） 柞木枝（二两） 黄连（三钱） 茯苓（五钱） 菖蒲（一钱） 寒水
石（三钱）水煎，服一碗，以冰水探冷灌之，得入口中，即不死矣。
此方以柞木解其酒毒，黄连、寒水石解其火毒，菖蒲引入心中，用茯苓以分消其酒湿之
气，然必用人参以固真气者，使气不随酒俱散。盖烧酒系气酒也，热极则气易散越，固其真
气，而火可泻，毒可解也。倘止泻其火而解其毒，火泻毒解而气脱矣。气脱而身将何在哉？此
人参之所以必用。苟无人参，以黄 二两代之可也。
此症用地龙汤救之亦神妙。
蚯蚓（二十条） 葱（四十条）同捣烂如泥，以井水二碗漉过，取汁一碗，灌醉人口
中，即可保其不死也。
人有爱食河 ，以致血毒中人，舌麻心闷，重者腹胀而气难舒，口开而声不出，若久不
治，亦能害人。大约肝经血燥，而胃气又弱者，多能中毒。盖河 乃鱼中之最善怒者也，食之
自能动气。况肝经血燥之人，则肝气自急，以急投急，安有不增其急暴之气乎。气急而腹难
舒，故心闷也。气急而声难出，故舌麻也。治法吐出其肉，则气舒腹宽，声出而口闭，何
至有心闷、舌麻之症哉。方用瓜蒂散加味治之。
瓜蒂（七枚） 白茅根（一两） 芦根（一两）水煎汁饮之。必大吐，吐后前证尽解，
不必再服。
古人有拼死食河 之语，亦是爱食之也。其实河纯不能杀人，但与性怒者不甚相宜耳。
此症用芦姜汤救之亦神效。
神曲（三钱） 半夏（二钱） 茯苓（三钱） 芦根汁（一碗） 生姜汁（一合）水煎。
一剂即安。
[Background Information]
Book: Bian Zheng Lu (Record of Syndrome Differentiation)
Author: Chen Shiduo
Dynasty: Qing
Chapter: Poisoning Section (12 Cases)
Category: Comprehensive
[English Translation]
There are cases where individuals accidentally ingest arsenic trioxide (Pishuang), suffering unbearable pain bordering on death. If not treated urgently, it will inevitably lead to the rotting of the intestines and stomach, vomiting of purple blood, and death. Arsenic trioxide is a naturally occurring mineral that has never been smelted by fire; how can its toxicity be so severe? It is unknown that arsenic trioxide originates from the mountains of Southern Yue, absorbing the toxic heat of the South, and further intensified by fire energy, making its nature extremely hot. With toxicity added to heat, it becomes extremely fierce, how could it not kill people? Moreover, its nature is agile and mobile; upon entering the throat, it ascends and descends within the upper and lower gastrointestinal tract. The intestinal wall is thin, and if perforated, death ensues. Among all poisonous substances in the world, none are as ruthless as this. The emergency treatment must involve inducing vomiting to expel the toxin. However, even after vomiting, the toxin cannot be completely expelled; therefore, antidotal herbs must be used. People often use sheep blood to induce vomiting, which can sometimes save lives. But this is only effective for those who have just ingested the poison; if ingested for a long time and retained in the stomach, it is of no benefit. I have a prescription passed down from an extraordinary person, effective regardless of the time elapsed since ingestion. The formula is named "Jiu Si Dan" (Resurrection Pill): Raw Licorice Root (Lianggucao, 2 liang), Melon Tip (Gua Di, 7 pieces), Scrophularia Root (Xuanshen, 2 liang), and Sanguisorba Root (Diyu, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take orally. Vomiting occurs immediately upon ingestion. Decoct the dregs again and take; more vomiting will occur, and the arsenic trioxide toxicity will surely be completely resolved.
Licorice Root is best at resolving toxins. Combined with Melon Tip, it induces upward surging and vomiting. Since arsenic trioxide tends to rise, this guides it out completely. However, arsenic trioxide also tends to descend. Scrophularia Root and Sanguisorba Root are excellent at clearing fire-toxicity from the large intestine. The major toxicity of arsenic trioxide exits from above, while what moves downward is merely residual toxin. By adding Scrophularia Root and Sanguisorba Root to resolve it, both upper and lower aspects jointly dissipate the toxic qi, preventing the toxin from exerting its dry and fierce tyranny. Furthermore, Scrophularia Root and Sanguisorba Root are moistening and detoxifying, thus capable of restraining its extreme harshness. Approximately, among ten people using this formula, eight can certainly be saved. Only those who cannot vomit after taking the medicine indicate that the intestines and stomach are already ruined, making them incurable; this is not due to the ineffectiveness of the medicine, but rather a failure to seek urgent rescue. If there is no time to decoct and drink the medicine, boil the previous medicinal juice in a rice cooker and administer it, so as not to miss the opportunity for rescue due to delay. For this condition, using Sophora Root (Kushen) decoction is also miraculous. Sophora Root (2 liang), decoct into one bowl of soup, drink in one go, resulting in heavy vomiting and recovery.
There are cases where individuals accidentally ingest Gelsemium (Duanchang Cao / Hook吻), initially experiencing dull pain in the chest. After a long time, qi circulation stops. When abdominal pain sets in, both urination and defecation cease, leading to death. Gelsemium is also known as Hook吻, a substance of extreme yin nature, resembling Polygonatum (Huangjing), but with two hooked hairs on its leaves. This substance is most adept at blocking qi, even stopping blood circulation. Qi and blood blockage causes death; it is not that the intestines actually break. In Fujian and Guangdong regions, this plant grows abundantly. Women, driven by minor grievances, often resort to suicide by secretly eating it because it causes less pain. People also use sheep blood to induce vomiting; if vomiting occurs, life can be saved. However, some do not vomit even after drinking sheep blood, and these cases are often fatal. One should know that Gelsemium kills slowly. If antidotal and purgative medicines are used, survival is certain, unlike the fierce toxicity of arsenic. The formula used is Tong Chang Jie Du Tang (Intestine-Opening and Detoxifying Decoction): Raw Licorice Root (1 liang), Rhubarb (Dahuang, 1 liang), and Honeysuckle Flower (Jinyinhua, 1 liang). Decoct in water and take. Recovery follows one bowel movement; a second dose is unnecessary.
This formula uses Honeysuckle Flower and Raw Licorice Root to resolve toxicity, and Rhubarb to swiftly purge and unblock qi. Once toxicity is resolved and qi flows freely, how can Gelsemium cause harm? For this condition, using Alum (Baifan) decoction is also miraculous. White Peony Root (Baishao, 3 liang), Alum (5 qian), Angelica Sinensis (Danggui), and Moutan Cortex (Danpi) (each 1 liang), Bupleurum (Chaihu, 3 qian), and Aconite Root (Fuzi, 1 qian). Decoct in water and take. Qi flows and recovery occurs after one dose.
There are cases where individuals eat "Lou Fu" (meat exposed to rain) to satisfy hunger, leading to fullness in the chest and diaphragm, vomiting and diarrhea, excruciating pain in the large intestine like knife cuts, and unstoppable diarrhea leading to death. "Lou Fu" refers to leftover meat from the previous night into which roof leak water has dripped. It seems harmless, yet why does it become toxic and kill? This is because old houses accumulate much dust; snakes and scorpions walk on the roof, and spider webs hang down, all being toxic substances. Rainwater flows down, and toxic vapors dissolve in water. When this water enters the meat, where does the toxin go? It naturally condenses in the meat and does not dissipate. Using toxic substances to fill the stomach, how can unexpected disasters not occur? Yet many people eat Lou Fu without dying. Why? Because their houses are not old enough to have had snakes and scorpions walking on them. Eating it may not cause death, but illness is inevitable, hence Lou Fu is prohibited by the Supreme Lord. If someone accidentally eats it and experiences pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, urgent use of detoxifying medicine can save them. The formula is Hua Lou Tang (Leak-Meat Resolving Decoction): Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha, 3 qian), Raw Licorice Root (5 qian), Rhubarb (3 qian), Magnolia Bark (Houpo, 3 qian), Angelica Dahurica (Baizhi, 2 qian), and Malt (Maiya, 2 qian). Decoct in water and take. Toxin is expelled after one dose, pain subsides after two doses; a third dose is unnecessary.
This formula digests the meat, making the residue easier to change. Then Rhubarb pushes it down, while Baizhi and Licorice Root detoxify from the middle, facilitating smooth elimination. For this condition, Cha Tang (Hawthorn Decoction) is wonderful. Shepherd's Purse Juice (Qini Zhi, 3 large bowls), Hawthorn Meat (3 qian), Medicated Leaven (Shenqu, 3 qian), Malt and Raw Licorice Root (each 3 qian), with one bowl of water. Decoct together with the juice, obtain two bowls, and take in one sitting. Vomiting and diarrhea stop, and recovery ensues.
There are cases where individuals drink Zhen Wine (poisonous wine made from bird feces), staring upwards with white eyes, shivering with cold, confused and unaware, appearing heavily intoxicated but conscious yet unable to speak. Death occurs when the eyes close. Zhen toxicity comes from the feces of the Zhen bird, not its feathers or the red crown of the crane. Zhen bird feathers and crane crowns do not kill but cause illness; only Zhen feces are toxic. This bird comes from foreign lands. Foreigners, fearing that calling it "bird feces" would diminish its value, name it "Zhen" to confer prestige. This bird eats only snakes and scorpions, so its toxicity surpasses that of peacock feces. Drinking peacock feces mixed with wine results in death for some and survival for others; drinking Zhen wine results in death for all. Zhen toxicity is hot and slow-acting, adept at closing off human qi. Hence, drinkers lose speech ability. Shivering indicates internal heat. The heart meridian connects to the outer canthus of the eye; heart heat causes upward gaze. Eye closure signifies the exhaustion of heart qi. Fortunately, its slow action allows for rescue methods, though people are unaware. I, Shiduo, received this transmission from an extraordinary person and dare not hide it. For those who drank Zhen wine, if the eyes have not closed, they can still be saved within three days using medicine. The formula is Xiao Zhen Tang (Zhen-Toxin Eliminating Decoction): Honeysuckle Flower (8 liang, decoct to obtain 2 bowls of juice), Alum (3 qian), Cold Water Stone (Hanshui Shi, 3 qian), Acorus Tatarinowii (Changpu, 2 qian), Trichosanthes Root (Tianhuafen, 3 qian), and Ophiopogon Root (Maidong, 5 qian). Decoct again to obtain one bowl and administer. After one shichen (two hours), the eyes no longer look up, and speech returns. Use half of the previous amount, decoct and drink as before. Two doses ensure recovery and prevent death.
Alas! Medical classics never mention that Zhen poisoning can be treated, and few people consume it, so transmitting this formula might seem unnecessary. However, human affairs are unpredictable. If someone accidentally drinks Zhen wine, this formula can truly restore life. For this condition, Jia Wei Lian Cao Tang (Modified Coptis and Licorice Decoction) can also save lives. Coptis Rhizome (Huanglian, 3 qian), Raw Licorice Root (1 liang), Acorus Tatarinowii (1 qian), Fritillaria Bulb (Beimu, 3 qian), Fresh Ginger Juice (Ban cha zhong), and Bamboo Sap (Ban cha zhong). Decoct one bowl of water, take orally, and resolution occurs. A second dose is unnecessary; vomiting accelerates recovery.
There are cases where individuals eat soft-shelled turtle and suffer severe abdominal pain, sometimes leading to death with blue-black discoloration of hands and feet. Although turtles are shellfish and generally non-toxic, their origins vary: some transform from snakes, some from tortoises, and some from fish. Transformations from tortoises and fish benefit humans; only snake transformations are highly toxic. The underside of such turtles shows faint snake-skin patterns and bright red coloration; they must not be eaten, as consumption is fatal. Accidental ingestion causes severe abdominal pain due to toxic vapors attacking the intestines. Blue-black hands and feet indicate spleen involvement, as extremities belong to the spleen, and toxicity manifests externally. Treatment should not focus on resolving turtle-specific flavors but rather snake toxicity. The formula is: Angelica Dahurica (Baizhi, 3 qian), Realgar Powder (Xionghuang Mo, 3 qian), Hawthorn Fruit (Shanzha, 1 qian), Cinnabar Powder (Dansha Mo, 1 qian), Immature Bitter Orange (Zhishi, 1 qian), and Poria (Fuling, 5 qian). Decoct in water and take. Pain stops after one dose, foul toxin is expelled after two doses; a third dose is unnecessary.
In this formula, Baizhi and Xionghuang counteract snake toxicity, while Shanzha and Dansha resolve fish/meat flavors. Together, they easily eliminate turtle toxicity. Zhishi removes accumulation, and Fuling promotes water metabolism. Aquatic toxins dissolve with water, making them easier to disperse. For this condition, Ju Ni Tang (Horse Urine Decoction) is very miraculous. Horse Urine (1 bowl), Raw Licorice Root (1 liang). Decoct in water and take. Recovery follows vomiting; if vomiting does not occur, drink the second decoction, and recovery is assured.
There are cases where individuals on roads accidentally ingest "Mi Han Yao" (confusing sweat medicine), resulting in heavy head, light limbs, foaming at the mouth, wide-eyed stare, and muteness due to heart confusion. In Shandong village shops, this drug is common. Perpetrators exploit temporary mental confusion to steal property. Victims wake up with amnesia, feeling恍惚 (trance-like) and unable to distinguish reality. The drug mainly contains Hyoscyamus niger (Tianxianzi) and fox heart, etc. While not lethal, prolonged unconsciousness is terrifying. People use cool water to counteract it, which may provide slight awakening. However, cool water entering the heart causes fluid retention; in deficient patients, it may trigger other syndromes, making it an inferior method. The formula is Zhi Mi Tang (Confusion-Stopping Decoction): Poria (5 qian), Raw Licorice Root (3 qian), Melon Tip (7 pieces), and Tangerine Peel (Chenpi, 5 fen). Decoct in water and take. Heavy vomiting leads to awakening. Memories remain intact, unlike the trance state induced by cool water.
Poria opens the heart orifices, Raw Licorice Root resolves toxicity, Chenpi clears phlegm and expands the middle, and Melon Tip promotes upward movement, preventing the drug from stagnating in the heart. One episode of vomiting clears qi and spirit, preventing five zang organs from rebelling. Someone asks: Since the drug causes phlegm-confused heart orifices, why not use Fresh Ginger to open them? Can we add ginger juice to Zhi Mi Tang? Unknown to them, Tianxianzi is the main ingredient; Tianxianzi combined with ginger increases mental confusion. Therefore, poisoned individuals must not lightly receive ginger soup, as it prolongs coma. For this condition, Jie Mi Tang (Confusion-Resolving Decoction) is also miraculous. Coptis Rhizome and Bitter Orange (Zhiqiao) (each 1 qian), Trichosanthes Root, White Mustard Seed (Baijiezi), Medicated Leaven, and Ginseng (each 3 qian), Raw Licorice Root and Trichosanthes Fruit (Gualou) (each 2 qian), Polygala Root (Fushen, 5 qian), and Aconite Root (one slice). Decoct in water and take. Resolution occurs after one dose.
There are cases where individuals traveling between Liangyue (Guangdong/Guangxi) encounter Gu poison (curse poison) placed in food by enemies or jealous lovers. Symptoms include gradual yellowing of face and eyes, fatigue during eating, progressing over one year or three years to sudden death if untreated. The popular belief that Gu poison involves placing various insects, snakes, and scorpions in a jar to fight until one survivor remains is erroneous. There are specific natural toxins in that region. Locals treat Gu poison using Alum (Fanshi) to dissolve it, keeping the method secret. Alum clears phlegm and dissolves hardness. Gu accumulates in the abdomen, becoming hard internally and wrapped in phlegm externally. Thus, Alum serves a dual purpose. However, most people are physically weak, and Gu poison in the chest/abdomen causes significant deficiency of healthy qi. Using only Alum would further weaken the patient. Therefore, tonifying qi and blood while adding phlegm-resolving and Gu-dissolving herbs ensures safety without harm. The formula is Po Gu Quan Sheng Tang (Gu-Breaking Life-Preserving Decoction): Ginseng (1 liang), Poria (5 qian), Angelica Sinensis (1 liang), Raw Licorice Root (3 qian), Alum (3 qian), and Pinellia Tuber (Banxia, 3 qian). Decoct in water and take. Chest and abdomen feel relieved after one dose, stomach qi opens after two doses, and Gu toxin gradually vanishes after three doses.
This formula replenishes qi and blood deficiencies and resolves phlegm masses. As healthy qi strengthens, pathogenic factors dissipate. With ingredients that attack hardness and dissolve Gu, how can Gu re-aggregate? For this condition, San Gu Wan (Gu-Dissolving Pill) is also excellent. Place Alum inside a duck egg, calcine to make Calcined Alum. Mix with Polyporus (Fuling, 1 jin), Atractylodes Macrocephala (Baizhu, 1 jin), and Calcined Alum (4 liang) into fine powder. Form pills with rice water. Take 3 qian daily with plain boiled water. Recovery occurs before finishing the course.
There are cases where individuals accidentally eat mushrooms from bamboo groves or trees, leading to chest distension, heart pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, resulting in death. Mushrooms and fungi are similar to Lingzhi. Those growing on bamboo roots or tree branches thrive due to soil dampness and heat. Below them gather snakes, scorpions, and harmful insects. Their vapors rise, and mushrooms absorb this warm, non-cold qi, promoting growth. Thus, they grow larger and tastier than others, but their qi is actually toxic. The formula is Jie Jun Tang (Mushroom-Toxin Resolving Decoction): Raw Licorice Root (2 liang), Angelica Dahurica (3 qian). Decoct in water and take. After ingestion, sweep the throat with a goose feather to induce vomiting. Complete expulsion leads to recovery. Even if the toxin has passed into the stomach, probing with a feather may not induce vomiting, but abdominal pain and diarrhea will occur, ensuring safety.
Raw Licorice Root is a divine detoxifier, and Baizhi specifically resolves snake toxicity. Together, they facilitate downward expulsion and complete dissolution. For this condition, Alum (5 qian) and Trichosanthes Fruit Tip (Gua Di, 7 pieces) decocted in water works. Recovery follows either vomiting or diarrhea.
There are cases where individuals eat beef or dog meat and suddenly experience heart pain, inability to vomit or defecate. This indicates toxin trapped in the heart and stomach, failing to ascend or descend. Inducing vomiting is theoretically appropriate, but sometimes fails. Beef and dog meat are nourishing; why are they toxic? This likely occurs when animals are sick near death, restrained to anger them, trapping toxicity in skin, flesh, heart, and liver. Unaware consumers eat them, encountering the toxin directly, causing severe illness or sudden death. Treatment involves digesting the meat and adding detoxifiers to relieve bloating and prevent death. The formula is Xiao Rou Hua Du Dan (Meat-Digesting Toxin-Resolving Pill): Hawthorn Fruit (3 qian), Bitter Orange (Zhiqiao, 1 qian), Medicated Leaven (3 qian), Alisma Rhizome (Leiwang, 3 qian), Magnolia Bark (Houpo, 1 qian), and Rhubarb (3 qian). Decoct in water and take. Profuse purgation after one dose eliminates all beef/dog meat residues; a second dose is unnecessary.
However, this is a powerful purgative formula. If upward expulsion is possible, do not use it. If vomiting fails, urgently use this formula, and rescue is possible. For this condition, Huang Luo Yin (Yellow Radish Drink) is also miraculous. Rhubarb and Angelica Sinensis (each 5 qian), Hawthorn Meat and Radish Seed (each 3 qian), Bitter Orange and Areca Seed (each 1 qian), Bupleurum (5 fen), and Moutan Cortex (2 qian). Decoct in water and take.
Some individuals commit suicide by ingesting salt brine (Yanlu), resulting in salty taste, thirst, abdominal pain, curling up, and death. Salt benefits the kidneys; why does it kill? Salt brine is bitter; bitterness enters the heart first. Heart encounters salt brine, causing depression and blockage of heart qi. Rejected by the heart, it attacks the kidneys. Kidneys reject its bitterness, causing it to oscillate between heart and kidneys. Heart-kidney interaction fails, and salt brine flows into the intestines, becoming incurable. Large and small intestines detest salt brine; ingestion shrinks the intestines, causing constriction. Blocked qi and constricted intestines lead to curling and death. Treatment requires sweet flavor to resolve it. The formula is: Raw Licorice Root (3 liang) decocted in water. If ingested recently, add Fermented Soybean (Danshidou, 1 liang) to the Raw Licorice Root decoction; vomiting will occur. If ingested long ago, add Angelica Sinensis (2 liang); moistened intestines may survive. Flexibility is key. For this condition, Gui Dong Yu Cao Tang (Angelica, Ophiopogon, Sanguisorba, and Licorice Decoction) can also save lives. Raw Licorice Root (2 liang), Angelica Sinensis (1 liang), Ophiopogon Root (1 liang), and Sanguisorba Root (5 qian). Decoct in water and take.
Some individuals drink excessive distilled liquor (Sha Jiu) and die from drunkenness, their bodies rotting and smelling foul. Liquor is extremely hot; distilled liquor is pure yang without yin, making it intensely hot. Overconsumption overwhelms the body, causing sudden collapse. Heat erupts, rotting intestines and stomach, often fatally. Emergency measures include frequently splashing the chest and heart with well water. Untie the hair and immerse the head in cold water, replacing with cool water as it warms. Then use Jie Yan Hua Jiu Tang (Fire-Resolving Alcohol-Dissolving Decoction): Ginseng (1 liang), Oak Branch (Zuomuzhi, 2 liang), Coptis Rhizome (3 qian), Poria (5 qian), Acorus Tatarinowii (1 qian), and Cold Water Stone (3 qian). Decoct, take one bowl, and administer cooled with ice water. If it enters the mouth, death is prevented.
This formula uses Zuomuzhi to resolve alcohol toxicity, Huanglian and Hanshui Shi to clear fire toxicity, Changpu to guide into the heart, and Fuling to dissipate alcohol-dampness. Ginseng is essential to secure true qi, preventing qi from scattering with alcohol. Distilled liquor is a "qi-drinking" substance; extreme heat causes qi to scatter. Securing true qi allows fire to be drained and toxin resolved. Merely draining fire and resolving toxin risks qi collapse. Where would the body be without qi? This explains the necessity of Ginseng. If Ginseng is unavailable, Astragalus (Huangqi, 2 liang) can substitute. For this condition, Di Long Tang (Earthworm Decoction) is also miraculous. Earthworms (20 pieces) and Scallion (40 stems) mashed into paste, filtered through two bowls of well water to obtain one bowl of juice, administered to the drunkard's mouth, ensuring survival.
Some individuals love eating pufferfish (He Tun), leading to blood toxicity affecting the person, numb tongue, chest oppression, severe cases involving abdominal distension, difficulty breathing, open mouth, and voicelessness. If untreated long-term, it can be fatal. Liver meridian blood dryness and weak stomach qi predispose individuals to poisoning. Pufferfish is the angriest of fish; consuming it stirs qi. In individuals with liver blood dryness, liver qi is already urgent. Adding urgency to urgency exacerbates violent qi. Urgent qi causes abdominal discomfort (chest oppression) and voicelessness (numb tongue). Treatment involves vomiting out the meat to relieve qi, widen the abdomen, restore voice, and close the mouth, eliminating chest oppression and numb tongue. The formula is Gua Di San Modified: Melon Tip (7 pieces), Imperata Rhizome (Baimaogen, 1 liang), and Reed Rhizome (Lugen, 1 liang). Decoct juice and drink. Profuse vomiting occurs; symptoms resolve after vomiting; no further doses needed.
Ancients said "eat pufferfish risking death," indicating its appeal. Actually, pufferfish itself is not inherently lethal but unsuitable for those with angry dispositions. For this condition, Lu Jiang Tang (Reed and Ginger Decoction) is also miraculous. Medicated Leaven (3 qian), Pinellia Tuber (2 qian), Poria (3 qian), Reed Rhizome Juice (1 bowl), and Fresh Ginger Juice (1 he). Decoct in water. One dose brings peace.