Library

Lei Gong said: Gui Du Lou (Ghost Skull, referring to dried seeds of double-petaled peach flowers) should not be allowed to come into contact with dried peaches. The so-called Gui Du Lou refers only to the fruits formed by double-petaled peach blossoms that remain on the tree and dry naturally without falling. If harvested within the eleventh lunar month, its efficacy is miraculous.

In all processing procedures for Gui Du Lou, mix it with wine and steam it from Si hour (09:00–11:00) to Wei hour (13:00–15:00), then bake it until dry. Slice it using a copper knife, bake again, and use the inner flesh.

Lei Gong said: Whenever using Gui Du Lou, it must first be soaked in boiling water for a short time, then the skin and membrane removed, the tip discarded, and split into two halves. Place Bai Huo Shi (White Fire Stone), Wu Dou (Black Soybean), and Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) in a pot, add flowing water from the east, and boil from Si hour to Wu hour (11:00–13:00). When the color of the Apricot Seeds turns brownish-yellow, remove the tips and proceed with use.

For every jin (approx. 500g) processed, use one jin of Bai Huo Shi, three he (a traditional volume unit) of Wu Dou, and replenish water as needed to prevent it from drying up, which avoids the phenomenon of "Fan Xue" (reverse blood/toxic reaction), ensuring optimal results.

Lei Gong said: When using the bark, leaves, or roots of pomegranate, do not let them touch iron.

If using pomegranate rind, regardless of whether it is dry or fresh, soak it in Jiang Shui (fermented grain water) overnight. Strain it out the next morning; the water will appear black like ink.

Lei Gong said: If using pomegranate leaves, soak them in Jiang Shui overnight before use.

Lei Gong said: If using pomegranate roots, soak them in Jiang Shui overnight before use.

Lei Gong said: If using pomegranate branches, soak them in Jiang Shui overnight before use.

Lei Gong said: In all processing, after harvesting, crush and split according to the text. Mix with Lv Mei Zi (Green Plum) and steam for one Fu Shi (a period of time, approx. 6–8 hours). Remove the green plums, grind the material into a paste in a mortar, spread it on a new tile vessel, and dry it in the sun for use.

Lei Gong said: When using Ma Chi Cao (Purslane), do not use those with large leaves, as they are not true Purslane and do not contain mercury (Note: This refers to historical identification standards where certain look-alikes were distinguished by physical properties or alleged mineral content).

When a prescription states pills should be the size of fine hemp seeds, compare them to carp eyes weighing four liang.

When stated as the size of large hemp seeds, compare them to carp eyes weighing six liang.

When stated as the size of small beans, compare them to carp eyes weighing eight liang.

When stated as the size of large beans, compare them to carp eyes weighing ten liang.

When stated as the size of Tu Xun (rabbit mushroom, colloquially rabbit droppings), compare them to carp eyes weighing twelve liang.

When stated as the size of parasol tree seeds, compare them to carp eyes weighing fourteen liang.

When stated as the size of a marble, compare them to carp eyes weighing sixteen liang. Fifteen white pearls serve as the standard for one pill of this size.

When prescriptions specify water volumes such as one yi, two yi, up to ten yi, each yi corresponds to a weight of twelve liang.

When prescriptions specify weights such as one liang, one fen, or one zhu, use the current silk-cotton scale. Do not mistake four zhu for one fen, as errors will inevitably damage the medicinal efficacy.

Prescriptions specifying powders should only be made into powders; those specifying pills should only be made into pills. Whether boiled in wine, decocted in vinegar, or fried in milk, all procedures must strictly follow the established rules.

When refining honey for prescriptions, one jin of honey yields only twelve and a half liang (or one fen less) after refinement. If the heat is insufficient or excessive, the honey cannot be used.

When using fats/oils in the preparation of ointments, the leather-like membranes must first be refined away before use.

In the processing of all medicinal materials, one must focus attentively and avoid cross-contamination. Whether frying first then boiling, or boiling first then frying, the order must not be altered; all must follow the prescribed rules.

When preparing pill medicines, if using honey, use only honey; if using maltose (Xing), use only maltose; if using sugar, use only sugar. Do not mix them, as doing so will inevitably cause diarrhea in patients.