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Medicines for tonifying essence (Jing, vital essence) are inherently contraindicated to be warm and hot. However, verifying this against the laws of Heaven, if the season is not warm, the Qi of the Earth cannot ascend to become rain; likewise, the physiological principles of the human body follow no other path than this.

Therefore, although Kidney Qi (Kidney Energy) is naturally cold, tonifying it truly relies on warm assistance. Thus, ancient practitioners used herbs such as Roushouyu (Cistanche), Bajitian (Morinda officinalis), Guzhi (Psoralea corylifolia), and Huixiang (Fennel) to promote Kidney Qi, allowing Yin and Yang to interact and steam each other to generate essence. This demonstrates an understanding of this principle. Since Zhu Danxi emerged, advocating the use of Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) as medicines for tonifying the Kidney, many have been misled. Huangbai and Zhimu (Note: Zhi Mu and Huang Bai should only be taken temporarily in the early stage by those with blazing fire and robust constitution; long-term use transforms into fire.) Although they grow in the environment of Northern Cold Water Qi, their nature is descending rather than ascending, killing rather than generating. Temporarily using their coldness can benefit Water (Kidney); however, long-term consumption of their bitterness can instead assist Fire. The Classics do not say, "Prolonged intake increases Qi, which is the constant of transformation." When Qi increases for a long time, it becomes the cause of premature death. Can one not be cautious?

Jiajian Sizhu Yin (Modified Four Pillars Decoction) treats deficiency labor (Xu Lao) characterized by shortness of breath, fatigue, weak voice, and poor appetite. The formula consists of Renshen (Ginseng), Huangqi (Astragalus), Gan Shanyao (Dioscorea), Baifuling (Poria), and Shu Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root, 5 fen). The Fuzi is peeled, removed of its navel, soaked in child's urine for three days and nights, wrapped in paper, baked three times, and sliced. Add Sichuan Pepper Red (Chuanjiao Hong, 24 grains, removing eyes and closed-mouth ones), fresh ginger (3 slices), and jujube (1 piece). Decoct and take orally.

The Suo Sui Lu records: For men who contract Zhai disease (consumptive disease, such as tuberculosis) due to labor injury, gradually becoming emaciated, use two cups of child's urine and one cup of unadulterated wine. Store them in a new porcelain bottle, add a whole pig kidney. (Using blood and flesh products with affectionate nature, following similarity, thus achieving rapid effect. This is for those with Kidney damage, replenishing essence through flavor, known as "tonifying via taste.") Seal with mud, simmer slowly at night until midnight, stop, then re-warm at dawn. Drink the wine and eat the kidney. Even severe cases show improvement within one month. Those who are naturally thin and weak should also take this, as it uses blood to nourish blood, surpassing all minerals and herbal medicines.

Secret Formula: Treats deficiency syndromes with internal fire. If Renshen or Huangqi causes wheezing and coughing, and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis) or Dihuang (Rehmannia) reduces appetite, while taking fire-clearing and Yin-nourishing medicines weakens Yuan Qi without lowering the fire, this formula is suitable. It includes Gouqizi (Goji Berry), Shihu (Dendrobium, steamed in wine, used in large doses), Maidong (Ophiopogon, heart removed, used in large doses), Tiantian Dong (Asparagus Fern Root), and Gan Shanyao (Chinese Yam). The above five herbs are all tonifying deficiency medicines. (Among them, sweet and cool herbs do not stagnate Spleen Qi, making them exquisite for deficiency syndromes with fire.) Add Shanzhuyu (Cornus Fruit), Szaoren (Ziziphus Seed, stir-fried and ground, used in large doses), Yiyiren (Coix Seed), and Baifuling (Poria). If cough is present, use Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry, over ten grains), Ganjiang (Dried Ginger, 2-3 fen), Bohe (Mint, 4-5 fen). Avoid Sangpi (Mulberry Bark), Xingren (Apricot Seed), Suzi (Perilla Seed), and Qi-descending medicines. If irritability occurs, increase the dosage of astringent medicines to gather Fire and return it to its source. Avoid bitter-cold medicines like Zhimu and Huangbai; violating this will worsen the irritability.