Library

Leiwan (Polyporus Umbellatus): Bitter and salty in flavor, cold in nature, slightly toxic. Enters the Lung, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. Primarily treats heat in the Stomach, manic episodes with running about, aversion to wind with sweating, resolves gu poison (Gu Du, a type of poisoning or parasitic disease), kills various parasites, and drives out water-dampness from beneath the skin and within membranes. Also prepared as a paste to eliminate various ailments in infants; it is beneficial for men but detrimental to women, and long-term use causes Yinwei (Impotence). It should be used after fire-processing. Li Shi (Litchi seed), Hou Po (Magnolia Bark), and Yuan Hua (Genkwa Flower) are its guiding herbs. It is incompatible with Ge Gen (Pueraria Root) and Bian Xu (Knotweed Herb); red-colored Leiwan is lethal.

Commentary: Leiwan's bitterness can dry dampness and strengthen the Spleen; the Stomach is its paired Fu organ, and the Lung is its Zi (Child) organ, hence it enters all three meridians. Parasites nest in damp-heat environments; once damp-heat is removed, the parasites can be killed. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it benefits men, while the *Mingyi Bielu* states long-term use causes impotence, which seems contradictory. Tao Hongjing doubted this, not realizing that "benefit" here refers to purgative or draining action, not general benefit or nourishment.

Leigong says: When using Gan Cao (Licorice Root), soak it in water overnight, scrape off the black skin with a knife, break it into four or five pieces, then soak again in Gan Cao decoction overnight before steaming from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Wei hour (1-3 PM). Sun-dry it, then mix with wine as before, and sun-dry again for use.

Gouteng (Uncaria Rhynchophylla): Sweet and bitter in flavor, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the twelve meridians. Primarily treats alternating chills and fever in infants, various types of convulsions and epilepsy, Tai Feng Ke Wu (Infantile Convulsion due to Wind Invasion), and night crying due to heat obstruction. It relaxes sinews and invigorates blood; those that are yellow, tender, and have many hooks are superior.

Commentary: Gouteng generates Qi and Blood, so it penetrates all meridians without exception. It is exclusively used for treating pediatric conditions and does not appear in other prescriptions.

Xuejie (Dragon's Blood): Sweet and slightly salty in flavor, neutral in nature, slightly toxic. Enters the Yin meridians. Primarily treats pathogenic factors in the five Zang organs, sudden pain in the heart and abdomen, eliminates leukorrhea, breaks up accumulated blood stasis, treats scabies, tinea, malignant sores, and Jinchuang (Metal Wounds/Incised Injuries), promotes tissue regeneration, and relieves pain. It works well when combined with Miduoseng (Litharge). Counterfeits exist, such as Sea Mother Blood (Hai Mu Xue), which is similar but distinguished by an extremely salty taste and fishy odor. Those that show luster when broken and stain fingernails red when rubbed are superior. They must be ground separately. If pounded together with other herbs, they turn into flying dust.

Commentary: Xuejie specifically governs the Blood level, hence it enters the Yin meridians. Ri Huazi stated: For chronic ulcers that fail to heal, apply this herb. However, it should not be used in large quantities...