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Medicines possess inherent natures; they constrain each other through their materials and harmonize through their flavors, thereby achieving efficacy. Regarding medicinal properties, ancient texts such as the *Bencao* (Materia Medica) have recorded them, encompassing chapters from the *Tangye Jing* (Classic of Decoctions) and *Zhenzhu Nang* (Pearl Bag), but I cannot memorize all of them. However, the rising and sinking of Yin-Yang and the Five Elements, along with the effects of the salty, bitter, sour, pungent, and sweet flavors, are present in all things. I will briefly list a few general principles, from which the rest can be deduced.

To treat biao diseases (superficial or symptomatic conditions), raw ingredients should be used because their qi is pure and potency is strong; to treat ben diseases (root or fundamental conditions), processed and adjusted medicines should be administered. Generally, when testing the condition based on Yuan Qi (Original Qi), medicines with mellow and bland flavors should be used. A flavor that is pure and uniform is called "mellow" (Chun); one that goes beyond the five flavors is called "bland" (Dan). Tai Geng (ancient unseasoned meat broth) and Yuan Jiu (unfiltered wine). [Text appears incomplete here.]

Ginseng refined into paste can restore Yuan Qi in the realm of nothingness; this is the "King's Way" (Wang Dao) therapy. Black Fu Zi (Aconite Root) restores Yang with majestic and domineering power. Gan Cao (Licorice Root) harmonizes Yuan Qi and is versatile.

Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) primarily treats blood-related diseases. The Sichuan variety has a rigid nature suitable for attacking pathogens, while the Qin (Shaanxi) variety has a soft nature suitable for tonifying. For treating root diseases, alcohol processing is generally used; however, for phlegm specifically, it is soaked in ginger juice to guide blood back to its source. Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) follows the same principle. For blood deficiency, Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Chi Shi Zhi (Red Halloysite) serve as assistant herbs; for blood heat, Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root), Jiang Huang (Turmeric), and Tiao Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis) are used to ensure the continuous source of generation and transformation; for blood stasis, Da Huang (Rhubarb) is combined. In women with obesity where blood transforms into phlegm, these two types of herbs are soaked in ginger juice and assisted by diuretic agents. In summary, blood-regulating herbs cannot exclude Dang Gui; thus, in the ancient formula Si Wu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), Dang Gui is the Sovereign herb, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) is the Minister herb, Sheng Di Huang and Shu Di Huang act as Assistant herbs, and Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong) is the Envoy herb. This can be considered a classic guideline.

Xiang Fu (Cyperus Rotundus) primarily treats qi-related diseases. Its fragrance allows penetration, and its bitterness allows descent, pushing out the old and bringing forth the new. Therefore, various texts claim it tonifies Qi, yet there is a common misconception that it consumes Qi, and it is incorrectly regarded as exclusive to gynecology. For treating root diseases, it is lightly stir-fried; for concurrent blood issues, it is decocted in wine; for phlegm, in ginger juice; for deficiency, in child's urine; for excess, in salt water; and for accumulation, in vinegar followed by water decoction. During menstruation, when blood is active, moving Qi prevents phlegm formation. In the elderly with depleted essence and closed blood vessels, Qi is the sole resource. In children, as Qi daily increases, the body becomes solid. Generally, illness causes Qi stagnation and weakness; thus, Xiang Fu serves as the Sovereign herb for Qi disorders, though few realize this. It is assisted by Mu Xiang (Vladimiria Root) to disperse stagnation and vent Lung Qi; by Chen Xiang (Aquilaria Wood) to regulate ascending and descending Qi; by Xiao Hui Xiang (Fennel Fruit) to move meridians; and when stir-fried with salt, it tonifies the Original Qi in the Kidney. With Xiang Fu as Sovereign, Ren Shen and [missing character, likely Bai Zhu or similar] as Ministers, and Gan Cao as Assistant, it rapidly treats severe Qi deficiency. Assisted by Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) to resolve obstruction; by E Zhu (Curcuma Zedoaria) and Leng (Bletilla Striata) to attack severe accumulations. I once avoided the heat of aromatic herbs and used Tan Xiang (Sandalwood) to assist Fu Zi, effectively circulating Qi, which was excellent!

For phlegm disorders, Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome) is the main herb. The Spleen governs dampness and dislikes it; dampness generates phlegm, and cold generates dampness. Thus, the pungency of Ban Xia dries dampness. However, it must be processed into Qu (medicinal yeast cake): equal parts fresh ginger juice and raw Bai Fan (Alum) solution are mixed to form the Qu, wrapped in Broussonetia papyrifera leaves, air-dried, and then used. For wind-phlegm, Zhu Ya Zao Jiao (Taro Pod) is boiled, strained, refined into a paste like maltose, and mixed with ginger juice. Fire-phlegm is black; old phlegm is gelatinous; add Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap) or Jing Li (Bambusa Textilis Sap) and ginger juice. Damp-phlegm is white; cold-phlegm is clear; add concentrated old ginger decoction and one-third amount of Bai Fan (e.g., 3 liang Ban Xia to 1 liang Bai Fan), processed into Qu as before. I also use Xia Tian Gao (Gelatin Paste) with two-thirds Bai Jie Zi (White Mustard Seed), ginger juice, alum solution, and bamboo sap to make Qu, treating stubborn phlegm accumulations, causing phlegm to decompose and exit via stool or urine, or dissipate into sores. This is the wonder of Ban Xia Qu. In the ancient formula Er Chen Tang (Two-Cured Decoction), this Qu is the Sovereign herb. Modern physicians, fearing its pungency, reduce it to a tiny amount, while Fu Ling (Poria), Chen Pi (Tangerine Peel), and Gan Cao (Licorice)—which drain dampness, move Qi, and awaken the Spleen, serving as Minister, Assistant, and Envoy—are used in larger quantities. This error stems from not making the Qu. Observing processed Ban Xia, where ginger and alum curb its pungency, allowing it to be chewed directly confirms this. Assisted by Nan Xing (Arisaema Rhizome) for wind-phlegm; by ginger/wine-processed Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Huang Lian (Coptis), and Gua Lou Shi (Trichosanthes Fruit) with sesame oil-Qu for fire-phlegm; by bran-fried Zhi Ke (Aurantium) and Zhi Shi (Immature Aurantium), ginger-processed Da Huang (Rhubarb), and Hai Fen (Sepia Shell) for old phlegm; by Cang Zhu (Atractylodes) and Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes) soaked in rice wash and ginger juice, even Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Wu Tou (Aconite) for damp-phlegm. For those with frequent Spleen diarrhea, Rou Dou Kou (Nutmeg) paired with Ban Xia Qu, plus Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven) and Mai Ya (Barley Sprout) made into pills, yields remarkable results. Over-nourished individuals often suffer this after drinking; bitter-phlegm disease accounts for eight or nine out of ten cases. Medical texts state: "There is no backward-flowing water in the world, but there is upward-reversing phlegm in the human body." Chaotic Qi and surplus blood transform into phlegm; thus, treating phlegm requires moving Qi and breaking blood stasis.

For fire disorders, Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) is the main herb. All five Zang organs contain fire; when balanced, it functions normally; when diseased, it causes chaos. Texts discuss Jun Huo (Monarch Fire), Xiang Huo (Minister Fire), Xie Huo (Evil Fire), and Long Huo (Dragon Fire), but essentially, it is one Qi. Thus, Zhu Danxi said: "Excess Qi is Fire." It is categorized into several types. To treat root diseases, lightly stir-fry to accommodate pathogenic factors; for Excess Fire, use Pu Xiao (Mirabilite) solution; for False Fire, use wine; for Deficiency Fire, use vinegar; for Phlegm-Fire, use ginger juice; soak thoroughly and stir-fry. For Qi-stagnation Fire, use Zhu Yu (Evodia Fruit); for Food Stagnation, use Yellow Earth; for Blood Mass Pain, use Gan Qi (Dry Lacquer); mix with water and stir-fry together, removing Zhu Yu, Earth, and Lacquer. For latent Fire in the Lower Jiao, soak in salt water and roast. For Blood disorders, steam in human milk, or apply topically/orally. Used raw as Sovereign, assisted by a small amount of Guan Gui (Cinnamon Bark), boiled vigorously, mixed with honey, taken on an empty stomach, it facilitates Heart-Kidney interaction instantly. Added to Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) and Hua Shi (Talcum), it effectively treats nocturnal emission. When processed with Earth, Ginger, Wine, and Honey (four-fold frying) as Sovereign, Shi Jun Zi (Quisqualis Fruit) as Minister, Bai Shao (White Peony Root) wine-processed as Assistant, and Guang Mu Xiang (Vladimiria Root) as Envoy, it treats pediatric Wigan (five kinds of childhood malnutrition). When fried with Zhu Yu, added with equal Mu Xiang and double Sheng Da Huang, water-pilled, it treats five types of dysentery. When wine-cooked with ginger juice, powdered, and mixed with Xia Tian Gao, it treats epilepsy, various wind syndromes, vertigo, and sores with divine efficacy. This differs from merely claiming to drain Heart Fire alongside bitter herbs like Huang Qin and Huang Bo.

When I treat chronic ailments, I first follow the meridians to identify Jing Luo Bao Shi (Meridian-Guiding and Messenger) herbs, emphasizing accurate identification! For the Heart Meridian, Ren Shen tonifies Qi, Chi Shi Zhi nourishes Blood, Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) calms Fire, Tian Zhu Huang (Bamboo Residue) clears Phlegm, Ze Xie (Alisma) drains Heat, while Lian Rou (Lotus Plumule), Fu Shen (Poria with Hostwood), Chi Fu Ling (Red Poria), Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root), Yi Zhi Ren (Alpinia Oxyphylla), and Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphus Seed) benefit the Heart orifices to calm Spirit. The intermediate processing involves using bitter/scorched flavors to reach the meridian, salty flavors to guide feared herbs, pungent flavors to avoid overcoming herbs, sour flavors to tonify the Mother organ, and sweet flavors to drain the Child organ—all methods of tailoring medicinal properties.

Cooking rice with lotus leaf decoction broadens the Middle Jiao; mustard greens resolve phlegm; perilla leaves move Qi and release the exterior; mint leaves clear heat; light bamboo leaf decoction prevents summerheat. Making porridge: besides plain porridge, adding Fu Ling cheese clears the Upper and solidifies the Lower; yam powder regulates the Stomach; Sichuan pepper juice resolves mountain miasma. Ginger, scallion, and fermented soybean juice induce sweating. Ancient formulas using pig kidney, sheep kidney, etc., rely on medicinal power. One patient with Lin syndrome (dysuria/painful urination) who never took medicine was taught to eat only millet porridge and abstain from other foods; symptoms reduced in over ten days and resolved in over a month. This illustrates the healing power of the five grains.

Pear juice disperses wind and resolves phlegm; steamed dew treats internal heat. Lotus root juice ground into ink stops hematemesis and epistaxis. Peach kernel ground with wine breaks blood stasis. Walnut kernel assisted by Po Gu Zhi (Psoralea Fruit) in salt-water pill treats lumbar damp-pain miraculously. Red date decoction strained and refined into paste saves infants with Spleen deficiency and Stomach cold who cannot take medicine. Lotus seed powder treated with Su Geng (Perilla Stem) cures Jin Kou Li (anorexic dysentery). Persimmon calyx mixed with pestle-head bran stops food regurgitation. I use these for families indulging in luxury, illustrating the healing power of the five fruits.

Leek white cures Lin syndrome; leek seeds astringe essence. Scallion juice mixed with Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis) powder astringes dysentery due to collapse; do not use unless collapse is present. Amaranth juice cures initial dysentery. Air-dried radish cures cough due to food stagnation. White Lablab Bean benefits the Spleen and clears summerheat. Garlic juice boiled with Xiang Fu, plus Bi Bo (Long Pepper) and Da Huang, treats poisoning in miasma regions. Various vegetables can treat diseases if eaten exclusively.

Yellow beef tonifies Qi, functioning similarly to Mian Huang Qi (Milky Astragalus). Lamb nourishes Blood, functioning similarly to Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia). Pork has no tonic effect, but habitual consumption transforms it. Only connecting贴 (application/association) to Spleen, Stomach to Gut, Kidney to Waist, Bone Marrow to Bones, and Heart to Blood can guide herbs into their respective meridians. It is not inherently so. Deer provides comprehensive tonification; I often wished to refine deer meat juice into paste like Xia Tian Gao using the Xiao Dao Gui method, regretting not having enough. Yellow beef slices preserved with Mirabilite reduce epigastric masses; bone marrow oil rubbed on limbs treats injuries. Birds: Goose disperses wind; young chicken tonifies damage; old hen soup revitalizes decline. Insects: Dung beetle roasted and fed to children treats Wigan; mosquito skin made into pills treats fright, epilepsy, Wigan, and dysentery. I frequently used these for well-nourished patients, following their transformative nature. Only dog meat strengthens Yang, favored by vulgar people; the ancient formula Wu Xu Jiu (Wu Xu Wine) is designed for deficiency-cold syndromes. Some say: "Scholars do not kill dogs and pigs without cause," implying ancients found delicacies shameful. Perhaps the yellow and black colors sufficiently tonify Spleen and Kidney; they could be prepared like the Xiao Dao Gui method to treat deficiency-wasting tuberculosis and warn against excessive desire. It is cheap, labor-saving, and aids the poor. (Note: "Qiang Lang" should be "Tang Lang" (Mantis); "Nie Pi" should be "Ke Pi" (Oyster Shell).)

Shi Huisheng notes: For pediatric Wigan accumulation with abdominal distension and diarrhea, roasted cockroaches fed to the child are quite effective.