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Bile Calculus Bovis (Niuhuang):
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Meridian Tropism: Heart Meridian. Indications: Mainly treats mania and madness in adults, aphasia due to phlegm obstruction in stroke, infantile convulsions and Tian Diao syndrome (a pediatric emergency characterized by neck stiffness and opisthotonos), Ke Wu (sudden fright/spasm caused by external pathogens) with lockjaw, expels evil spirits, stabilizes the soul and calms the spirit, and can induce abortion. Authentic Bile Calculus Bovis should be light in texture, fragrant, transparent in color when ground, bitter first then sweet on the tongue, with a cooling sensation penetrating the heart. Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen) is used as an guiding herb. It is incompatible with Os Draconis (Longgu), Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang), Gentianae Radix (Longdan), Blatta orientalis (Feilongchang), Dichroae Radix (Changshan), and fears Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi) and Xanthii Fructus immitis processed with dry lacquer (Ganqi).

Commentary: Bile Calculus Bovis is bitter and suitable for entering the Heart organ. Why do mania and similar symptoms not belong to the Heart? If there are cases that are not cured, what is the reason?

Lei Gong states: There are four types when using Bile Calculus Bovis. The first is "Sheng Shen Huang" (Living Divine Yellow), obtained through deception; the second is "Jiao Huang" (Horn Yellow), taken from the horn; the third is "Xin Huang" (Heart Yellow), from a cow that died of illness. Those who recognize it will slaughter the cow, open the chest to take the heart. The bile inside the heart resembles thick yellow sauce. Upon collection, it must be stored immediately in water. After touching water, the bile forms particles like broken Tribulus seeds, some bean-sized, others like imperial pearls. The fourth is "Gan Huang" (Liver Yellow). On the cow, it manifests as eyes bright red like blood, frequent roaring, shiny skin when reflecting in water, fleeing from fear of humans, or collected separately by others, said to have miraculous properties. Before processing, it must be finely ground into dust, wrapped in silk, then wrapped in fresh yellow cowhide, placed over a well surface at a distance of three to four chi from the water, left overnight, and used only at dawn.

Musk (Shexiang):
Taste: Pungent. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Meridian Tropism: Enters all twelve meridians. Indications: Mainly treats malignant qi and evil spirits, snake venom and gu poison, palpitations and fright, carbuncles and sores, sudden abdominal pain and distension due to central cold/evil, corneal opacity in eyes, excessive tearing and wind toxicity, warm malaria and epilepsy, opens orifices, kills parasites and lice, induces labor, and induces abortion. Avoid garlic.

Commentary: Musk is the most precious of all aromatic substances. Its aroma penetrates to the bone marrow, thus entering all meridians without exception. However, pungent and aromatic preparations inevitably consume the true yuan (vital essence), so they must be used with caution.

Lei Gong states: There are many counterfeit musks available, so it is better not to use them if authenticity cannot be guaranteed. The quality of musk is divided into three grades: The first grade is "Yi Xiang" (Lost Fragrance), which is excreted by young calves when their umbilical cords close tightly, scraped out by their own hooves on stones. Wherever it falls, grass and water fail to grow within one li, and it appears scorched yellow. If obtained, its price equals that of pearls. The second grade is "Qi Xiang" (Umbilical Fragrance), which is very suitable for medicinal use after collection. The third grade is "Jie Xiang" (Knot Fragrance), resulting from a calf being chased by large beasts, dying of fright and falling. When collected and opened, blood and heart tissue are found on the spleen, forming a dried blood clot, which is unsuitable for medicine. When using Musk, avoid fire and direct sunlight. It should be finely ground in a porcelain mortar before use.