新绛，《金匮》旋复汤用之，治肝着，亦治妇人半产漏下。《本草纲目》独遗之，黄坤
载《
长沙药解》言之较详，云∶新绛味平，入足厥阴肝经，行经脉而通瘀涩，敛血海而止崩漏。
又云∶新绛利水渗湿，湿去则木达而血升，故能止崩漏。其诸主治止崩漏吐衄泄痢诸血，除
男子消渴，通产后淋沥。止血，烧灰存性研用。消渴淋沥，煮汤温服。其云诸症消渴，皆缘
土湿而不及于火，盖其生平深恶滋阴，故立言不免于偏也。
左牡蛎、（取壳以项向北、腹向南，视之口斜向东者为左顾，左顾者雄，右顾者雌。）左
盘龙
、（鸽粪。）左缠藤，（金银花。）皆以左为贵。秦艽根有罗纹，亦以左旋者入药，右旋者令人
发香港脚病。卢子繇云∶盖天道左旋，而人生气从之也。
桃仁最易发胀，震泽某氏子甫十余岁，食之过多胀死，棺殓即殡之效，逾年启棺焚葬，
覆卧棺中，手足皆作撑抵势，盖桃仁之性既过而苏，棺甚脆薄，得不闷死，转侧其身以求出
，力微卒不能破棺而死耳。
猪肤，王海藏以为鲜猪皮，吴绶认为 猪时刮下黑肤，汪石山谓考《礼运疏》∶革，肤
皮也；肤，革外薄皮也。则吴说为是。肤者，肤浅之义。谨按御纂《医宗金鉴》方解云∶猪
肤者，乃革外之肤皮也，其体轻，其味咸，轻则能散，咸则入肾，故治少阴咽痛，是以解热
中寓散之意也。诠释详明，可以括诸家之说矣。
麦冬通胃络不去心，入养肺阴药则宜去心，陈载庵说其生平治验如此。
凡木之花皆五出，惟桂花四出，栀子花六出。桂乃月中之木，栀子即西域之檐 也。（
桃杏花六出者，子必双仁，食之杀人。）
《伤寒论》之蜀漆，乃常山之茎也。《金匮要略》之泽漆，乃与大戟同类而各种也。今
皆不以入药。惟草泽医人用以猫儿眼睛草治水虫者，即泽漆也。
李东璧谓香薷乃夏月解表之药，犹冬月之用麻黄，气虚者尤不可多服。今人谓能解暑，
概用代茶，误矣。程氏钟龄谓香薷乃消暑要药，而方书称为散剂，俗称为夏日禁剂，夏既禁用，
则当用于何时？此不经之说，致令良药受屈。此二说程杏轩《医述》并载之。余谓李说为是
，程说不可从。（香薷虽非夏日禁剂，然维阳气为阴邪所遏，用以发越阳气则宜，其余中暑
之病，均不可用。）今人夏月又有以藿香代茶者，亦误。夏月可常服以涤暑者，惟陈青蒿耳
。余每于秋仲采青蒿洗晒收藏，次年夏入甑煎露，用以代茶，殊胜。
连翘功专泻心与小肠之热，《本经》及诸家本草，并未言其除湿，惟朱丹溪谓除脾胃湿热，
沈则施谓从苍术、黄柏则治湿热，而吴氏《本草从新》又谓除三焦大肠湿热，近世医家宗之
，遂以为利湿要药。不知连翘之用有三∶泻心经客热一也；去上焦诸热二也；为疮家圣药三
也。此足以尽其功能矣。
枸杞子，诸家本草有谓其甘平者，有谓其苦寒者，有谓其微寒者，有谓其甘微温者，均未尝
抉发其理。惟张石顽《本经逢原》谓味甘色赤，性温无疑，缘《本经》根子合论无分，以致
后人或言子性微寒，根性大寒，盖有惑于一本无寒热两殊之理。夫天之生物不齐，往往丰于
此而涩于彼，如山茱萸之肉涩精，核滑精，当归之头止血，尾破血，橘实之皮涤痰，膜聚痰
，不一而足。即炎帝之尝药，亦不过详气味形色，安有味甘色赤形质滋腴之物性寒之理？其
辨别独精胜于诸家。余壮岁服药，每用枸杞子必齿痛，中年后服之甚安。又尝验之肝病有火
者，服枸杞子往往增剧，谓非性温之征耶？
张叔承《本草选》谓方书所用大枣，不分黑白，细详之，乃是红枣之大者，若黑枣则加
蜜蒸过者。又谓今人蒸枣多用糖蜜拌过，久食最损脾胃，助湿热也。窃意红枣力薄，和胃则宜，
黑枣味浓，补中当用，似不得混同施治。至助湿热之说，理不可易，是以多食则齿生虫而致
《龙木论》治内障眼有五蜕散，用龙蜕（蛇皮）、蝉蜕、凤凰蜕（乌鸡卵壳）、佛蜕（蚕纸）、人
蜕（男子奶发）等分，一处同烧作灰，研为细末，每服一钱，用熟羊肝吃，不拘时候，日进三
服，佛蜕、人蜕之名甚新，可补入药品异名中也。
竹 从竹，而俗或从草作茹，青葙子从草，而俗或从竹作箱，皆误。
松之余气为茯苓，枫之余气为猪苓，竹之余气为雷丸，亦名竹苓。猪苓在《本经》中品，雷
丸在下品，茯苓在上品，方药用之独多，以其得松之精英，久服可安魂养神，不饥延年也。
又有橘苓。生于橘树如蕈，可治乳痈，见赵恕轩《本草纲目拾遗》。
葛仙米乃山穴中石上为水所渍而成，楚蜀越深山中皆有之。龙青霏《食物考》谓清神解热
疗痰火，久服延年。《本草纲目拾遗》则谓性寒，不宜多食。按∶此物不入药用，只宜作羹，味
殊鲜美。凡煮食者，先入醋少许，方以滚水发之，则大而和软。
木之用桑为多，曰叶，曰枝，曰花，曰椹，曰根皮，曰汁，曰耳，曰瘿，曰油，曰虫，
曰寄生，曰螵蛸，凡十有二。果之用莲为多，曰密，曰节，曰茎，曰叶，曰蒂，曰须，曰花，曰
房，曰实，曰薏，曰汁，曰粉，亦十有二。二物皆有丝，一禀金气，一得水精，《理虚元鉴
》谓物性有全身上下纯粹无疵者，惟桑与莲，良有以也。
《金匮要略》王不留行散自注云∶如风寒，桑东南根勿取之。后世注释家谓风寒表邪在
经络，桑根下降，止利肺气，不能逐外邪，故勿取之。吴鞠通推阐其义∶桑根之性下达而坚结，
由肺下走肝肾者也，内伤不妨用之，外感则引邪入肝肾之阴，而咳嗽久不愈矣。地骨皮为枸
杞之根，入下最深，力能至骨，有风寒外感者，亦忌用之。其说详见《温病条辨》，可补诸
家本草之阙，近世医士能细辨药性者少矣。丙辰秋，余戚吴氏妇，偶感风寒咳嗽气急，某医
诊之，用桑白皮为君，咳嗽转剧，急令勿服，改用杏苏散加减乃愈。
万历间陆祖愚（见《三世医验》）。治沈姓妻疫病垂危，其邻邵南桥助银两许，以备殡殓
之资
前方加白芍，只用人参一钱，服四剂而愈。此可想见其时参价之贱，今之贫人遇病，如需一
两参，非银十余两不可，虽有良医，将如之何？
杏仁润肺利气，宜汤浸去皮尖，麸炒黄，若治风寒病，则宜连皮尖生用，取其发散也。
耳。
服参不投者，服生莱菔。姚 云《本草分经》谓服山楂可解。《本草纲目拾遗》粟子壳
煎汤服，解参之力尤胜。余谓疾之轻者犹可解，重则无药可解，要在审所当用，勿妄投而已。
玉簪、凤仙，《本草纲目》入毒草部，玉簪之毒在根，凤仙之毒在子，皆能透骨损齿。
又如珍珠兰、茉莉等，其根亦皆有毒杀人。
烟草明季始有之，其种出于淡巴国，流入吕宋国，转入闽，闽石马镇产者最良。诸家本
草皆加载毒草门，《汇言》谓偶有食之，其气闭闷，昏溃如死，其非善物可知。《备要》谓火气
熏灼，耗血损年，取其所长，惟辟瘴除秽而已。今人嗜此者众，烟肆之多，几于酒肆埒，虽
不若鸦片烟之为害甚烈，然能耗肺气，伤阴血。凡患咳嗽、哮喘、虚损、吐血、气虚、火炎等症，尤宜远之。
轻粉辛燥有毒，以治杨梅疮，奏效虽捷，而毒瓦斯窜入筋骨，变生他疾，为害无穷。大风
子之治疠风亦然，制方药者其慎之。
本草谓栀子生用泻火，炒黑止血。《临证指南》治外感证，多用黑山栀。黄退庵云，近多炒
用，用生者绝少。余按∶仲景栀子汤，有病患旧微溏不可与服之禁，盖以其苦寒也，若炒黑
则寒性减，无论旧溏与否，皆可服矣，此所以用生者少欤。
药物来自海外者甚多，中国之药，亦有遐方所宝重者，如西戎之需茶，唐古忒之需大黄，
日本之需僵蚕是也。又往时专城入贡者，特市土茯苓，一时价昂百倍，见《钱塘县志》。
薄荷气清轻，而升散最甚，老人病患，均不可多服，台州罗镜涵体质素健，年逾七旬，偶患
感冒无汗，以薄荷数钱，煎汤服之，汗出不止而死。舅氏周愚堂先生桢，患怔忡甫痊，偶啖
薄荷糕，即气喘自汗不得寐，药中重用参 乃安。
药中所用橡实，其木之名称。《诗经》曰栎、曰栩、曰柞、曰 ，（不结实者名 ），《尔雅
》又曰柔橡实，一名皂斗，俗称野栗子，涩肠止痢，功胜罂粟。杭州学廨傍有一大株，夏日
阴浓，借以避暑，深秋结实繁茂，凉风吹堕，扑檐抛屋，终夜有声，颇耐清听。
卢子繇《本草乘雅半偈》备称茶之功用，采录古今名家论说以为谱，因谓常食令人瘦，去人
脂，倍人力，悦人志，益人意思，开人聋瞽，畅人四肢，舒人百节，消人烦闷，使人能诵无
忘，不寐而惺寂。章杏云《调疾饮食辨》则谓茶耗人精血，有消无息，欲使举世不饮，实难
劝喻，惟饮宜清，忌多忌浓，或以它草木之可煎饮者代之尤妙。若夫渴症及诸热症发渴者多
饮之，病更难愈。又谓古不专以茶作饮，故《尔雅注疏》但云可作羹饮，并代茶两字无之。
由是观之，《茶经》、《茶录》，明理人不屑挂诸齿颊矣。二说迥殊，当以章说为正，如不
能以他草木代之，则宜少宜清之言，切宜遵守。章又谓俗尚陈茶，仅隔年或二年止矣，乃竟
有陈至五七年一二十年者，能令人失音或暴死，盖凡物过陈者，皆有毒也。此说亦世所罕知者。
杨希洛《本草经解要考证》谓葳蕤、漆叶治阴虚，兼令人有子，即华佗漆叶青粘散，青粘世
无能识，或云黄精之正叶，或云即葳蕤也，然吾乡有两老儒，先后服此方皆致殒。或云漆叶
乃五加皮叶，《本经》名豺漆也，里有兵子臂痛不能挽弓，或教用葳蕤一斤，五加皮浸酒饮
尽，自健旺胜常，岂古方正尔，《纲目》殆误附漆树耶？漆本有毒，《本经》久服轻身，及
《抱朴子》通神长生，皆难信。有割漆人误覆漆，遍体疮，至莫救，向在中山亲见，况服食
乎？陶宏景云∶生漆毒烈是也。古无用叶者，故气味缺，《纲目》殆因古方臆立主治耳。余
按∶以五加皮叶为漆叶，前此所未闻，然二物气类迥别，是以应验亦殊，明理之士，自当舍
漆叶而取五加皮。究之古方药品，最宜详审，不可过信前人之说，为所误也。《本草纲目拾
遗》有鸡神水，云可明目去障，制法择大萝卜一个，开大孔，须近茎一头开，勿在根边方可
活，孔内入鸡蛋一枚，种地上，使其叶长成，取鸡蛋内水点眼，其目如童。《重庆堂随笔》又
载制赛空青法，冬至日取大萝卜一枚，开盖挖空，入新生紫壳鸡卵一个在内，盖仍嵌好，埋
净土中，均四五尺深，到夏至日取出，用女人衣具包裹，藏瓷器中，否则恐遇雷电被龙摄去
也。卵内黄白，俱成清水，用点诸目疾，虽瞽者可以复明。二法并可试用，录之。
救逆汤之用蜀漆，柯韵伯疑之，邹润庵谓脉浮热反灸之，此为实，实以虚治，因火而动
咽燥吐血，可见脉浮被火，应至吐血，今更吐之，是速其血耳。矧《千金》、《外台》两书
，非疫非疟，不用是物，则是方之有舛误无疑。吴中方大章变则谓蜀漆乃蜀黍之误，古漆字
无水旁，与黍相似故也。黍为心谷，用以救惊狂起卧不安者，取其温中而涩肠胃，协龙牡成
宁神镇脱之功也。（说见《瘦吟医赘》。）
草药形状相类者甚多，如宕芋似何首乌，钩吻似黄精，透山根似蘼芜，天炙似石龙芮，
鸡冠子似青葙子，赤柳草根似茜草根等，不胜枚举，良毒各殊，服食家均宜慎辨。
何首乌具人形者不可多得，得而服之，可以益寿，然亦有不尽然者，汤芷卿用中《翼驹稗编
》云∶吴江秀才某，见邻翁锄地，得二首乌如人形，以钱二千买之，用赤豆如法制食，未数
日，腹泻死，此岂气体有未合欤？抑首乌或挟毒物之气能害人也，服食之当慎也。观于此而
费星甫《西吴蚕略》所述头二蚕，较《本草》诸注家为详备，录于此。头二蚕即 珍
《周礼》夏官司马职禁原蚕，注云∶原，再也，字书作 。《本草》有晚蚕沙、晚僵蚕等目
，皆未详辨，遂误以初蚕再出为晚蚕、原蚕矣，不知其种迥别。凡二蚕茧蛾生种，谓之头二
蚕种，次年清明后即养之，名头二蚕，时头蚕尚未出也，其眠其老甚速，缠两旬即收茧，时头
蚕甫大眠也，出蛾生子，是谓二蚕种，凡养头二蚕皆甚少，无缫丝者，其茧壳、茧黄、蚕砂
皆入药，其僵者尤不可得，治痘有回生之功。盖时方春杪蚕亦得清淑之气，故堪治疾，殆珍
之名所由起欤。《本草》所载专指此，即《周礼》原字之义，未必不指此。又云∶二蚕始称
晚蚕，出于头蚕登簇之际，饲以二叶，自眠至老，皆值黄梅时候，郁蒸日甚，蝇蚋蛄嘬，臭
秽生蛆，性偏热有毒，其茧其丝价亦较廉，凡所弃余，仅以肥田，从未入药。余按∶今药肆
所售蚕砂、僵蚕，大抵皆出于头蚕耳。药类鲜真，此其一也。
乳性热补阳，虚寒体弱者服之，获效甚捷。余戚王祉亭居长兴和平山中，言其地产 ，取
乳恒在夏月，土人伺有 处，逐去母 ，捕乳 杀之，以肠胃曝干，取乳凝结成块，每两可
新绛，在《金匮要略》的旋复花汤中使用，用于治疗肝着病（肝脏气血郁滞），也治疗妇女半产后的漏下出血。《本草纲目》唯独遗漏了它，黄坤载在《长沙药解》中对此论述较为详细，说：新绛味道平和，归入足厥阴肝经，能疏通经脉并打通瘀血阻滞，收敛血海以制止崩漏。又说：新绛有利水渗湿的功效，湿气去除后，肝木之气得以舒展而血液上升，所以能止住崩漏。其各种主治功能包括止住崩漏、吐血、衄血、泄痢等各种出血症状，消除男子的消渴病，通治产后小便淋漓不尽。止血时，将其烧成灰但保留药性，研成粉末使用；治疗消渴和小便淋漓，煮汤温服。文中提到各种病症中的消渴，都是由于脾土湿气过重而火气不足造成的，大概是因为作者生平深恶痛绝滋阴疗法，所以立论难免有偏颇之处。
左牡蛎，（选取贝壳，以壳顶朝北、腹部朝南，观察其开口斜向东方的为“左顾”，左顾者为雄性，右顾者为雌性。）左盘龙，（即鸽粪。）左缠藤，（即金银花。）都以“左”为珍贵。秦艽根上有罗纹，也以向左旋转的入药，向右旋转的会让人患上香港脚病。卢子繇说：这是因为天道向左旋转，而人的生气随之顺应它。
桃仁最容易引起腹胀，震泽某姓人家的儿子刚十多岁，吃桃仁过多导致腹胀而死，棺材殓好准备下葬时效果显著，过了一年打开棺材焚烧安葬时，发现尸体俯卧在棺中，手脚都做出撑抵的姿势，大概是桃仁的药性发作后又苏醒过来，棺材很脆薄，不至于闷死，只是辗转身体想出来，力气微弱最终没能破棺而死罢了。
猪肤，王海藏认为是鲜猪皮，吴绶认为是宰猪时刮下的黑色表皮，汪石山考证《礼运疏》说：革，是皮；肤，是革外面的薄皮。那么吴绶的说法是对的。“肤”字，取肤浅之意。谨按御纂《医宗金鉴》方解说：猪肤，就是革外面的肤皮，它的质地轻，味道咸，轻则能发散，咸则入肾，所以治疗少阴咽痛，是在清热中寓含发散的意思。解释详尽明确，可以概括各家之说。
麦冬通胃络，不去心；如果是入养肺阴的药方，则应该去心，陈载庵说他生平的治疗经验就是这样。
凡是树木的花都是五瓣，只有桂花四瓣，栀子花六瓣。桂树是月亮中的树木，栀子就是西域的檐卜花。（桃花杏花六瓣的，果实一定是双仁，吃了会杀人。）
《伤寒论》中的蜀漆，是常山的茎。《金匮要略》中的泽漆，是与大戟同类但不同种的植物。现在都不作为药材使用。只有江湖医生用来治疗水虫病的猫儿眼睛草，就是泽漆。
李东璧认为香薷是夏季解表的药物，就像冬季用麻黄一样，气虚的人尤其不能多服。现在的人认为它能解暑，一概用来代茶，这是错误的。程氏钟龄认为香薷是消暑的要药，而方书称为散剂，俗称夏日禁剂，既然夏天禁用，那该什么时候用呢？这是不经之谈，致使良药受委屈。这两种说法程杏轩的《医述》都记载了。我认为李东璧的说法是对的，程氏的说法不可从。（香薷虽然不是夏日禁剂，但如果阳气被阴邪遏制，用它来发越阳气是适宜的，其余中暑的病，都不可用。）现在的人夏天又有用藿香代茶的，也是错误的。夏天可以常服以清除暑气的，只有陈年的青蒿而已。我每年在仲秋采摘青蒿清洗晾晒收藏，第二年夏天放入甑中煎煮取露，用来代茶，效果特别好。
连翘的功效专门在于泻心与小肠的热，《本经》及各家本草，都没有说它能除湿，只有朱丹溪说它能除脾胃湿热，沈则施说配合苍术、黄柏就能治湿热，而吴氏的《本草从新》又说它能除三焦大肠湿热，近世医家遵循这一说法，于是把它当作利湿的要药。不知道连翘的作用有三点：一是泻心经客热；二是去上焦诸热；三是疮家的圣药。这足以穷尽其功能了。
枸杞子，各家本草有的说它甘平，有的说它苦寒，有的说它微寒，有的说它甘微温，都没有探究其中的道理。只有张石顽在《本经逢原》中说它味甘色赤，性质温无疑，因为《本经》将根和子合在一起论述没有区分，导致后人有的说子性微寒，根性大寒，大概是被一本之中没有寒热两殊的道理所迷惑。天地的生物不齐，往往在此处丰富而在彼处匮乏，如山茱萸的肉涩精，核滑精，当归的头止血，尾破血，橘实的皮涤痰，膜聚痰，不一而足。即使是炎帝尝百草，也不过详细记录气味形色，哪有味甘色赤形质滋腴的东西性质是寒的道理？他的辨别独精胜过各家。我年轻时服药，每次用枸杞子必定牙痛，中年后服用非常安稳。又曾验证患肝病有火的，服用枸杞子往往加重，这难道不是性温的证据吗？
张叔承的《本草选》说方书中用的大枣，不分黑白，仔细详查，其实是红枣中较大的，如果黑枣则是加蜜蒸过的。又说现在人蒸枣多用糖蜜拌过，久食最伤脾胃，助长湿热。我私下认为红枣力量薄弱，调和胃气适宜，黑枣味道浓郁，补中益气应当使用，似乎不能混同施治。至于助湿热的说法，道理不可改变，所以多吃会导致牙齿生虫而致……《龙木论》治疗内障眼有五蜕散，用龙蜕（蛇皮）、蝉蜕、凤凰蜕（乌鸡卵壳）、佛蜕（蚕纸）、人蜕（男子奶发）等分，一处同烧成灰，研为细末，每次服一钱，用熟羊肝送服，不拘时候，每天进三服，佛蜕、人蜕的名字很新，可以补入药品异名中。
竹茹从竹字旁，而俗体有时从草字头作“茹”，青葙子从草字头，而俗体有时从竹字旁作“箱”，都是错误的。
松树的余气化为茯苓，枫树的余气化为猪苓，竹子的余气化为雷丸，也叫竹苓。猪苓在《本经》中品，雷丸在下品，茯苓在上品，方药中用得最多，因为它得松树的精英，久服可安魂养神，不饥延年。还有橘苓，生长在橘树上像菌类，可治乳痈，见赵恕轩《本草纲目拾遗》。
葛仙米是山穴中石头上被水浸泡而成的，楚地、蜀地、越地深山都有。龙青霏《食物考》说它能清神解热疗痰火，久服延年。《本草纲目拾遗》则说它性寒，不宜多吃。按：此物不入药用，只宜做羹，味道特别鲜美。凡煮食者，先放少许醋，然后用滚水发开，就大而和软。
木的使用桑最多，有叶、枝、花、椹、根皮、汁、耳、瘿、油、虫、寄生、螵蛸，共十二种。果的使用莲最多，有密、节、茎、叶、蒂、须、花、房、实、薏、汁、粉，也是十二种。这两种东西都有丝，一种禀受金气，一种得水精，《理虚元鉴》说物性有全身上下纯粹无疵的，只有桑与莲，确实是有道理的。
《金匮要略》王不留行散的自注说：如果有风寒，不要取桑树的东南根。后世注释家认为风寒表邪在经络，桑根下降，只利肺气，不能驱逐外邪，所以不要取。吴鞠通推阐其义：桑根的性质下达而坚结，由肺下走肝肾，内伤不妨用之，外感则会引邪入肝肾之阴，导致咳嗽久不愈。地骨皮是枸杞的根，入下最深，力能至骨，有风寒外感者，也忌用。这些说法详见《温病条辨》，可以补充各家本草的缺失，近世医士能细辨药性的很少了。丙辰年秋天，我的亲戚吴氏妇人，偶然感受风寒咳嗽气急，某医生诊治，用桑白皮为主药，咳嗽反而加剧，急忙令其停服，改用杏苏散加减才痊愈。
万历年间陆祖愚（见《三世医验》）。治疗沈姓妻子的疫病垂危，邻居邵南桥资助银两若干，以备殡葬的费用。前方加白芍，只用一人参一钱，服四剂而愈。这可以想见当时人参价格之贱，现在穷人遇到病，如果需要一两参，非银十余两不可，虽然有良医，又能怎么样呢？
杏仁润肺利气，宜汤浸去皮尖，麸炒黄，如果治风寒病，则宜连皮尖生用，取其发散作用。
服用参不投者，服生莱菔。姚云《本草分经》说服山楂可解。《本草纲目拾遗》栗子壳煎汤服，解参之力尤胜。我认为病轻的还可以解，重则无药可解，关键在于审察是否应当使用，不要妄投而已。
玉簪、凤仙，《本草纲目》列入毒草部，玉簪的毒在根，凤仙的毒在子，都能透骨损齿。又如珍珠兰、茉莉等，它们的根也都毒性杀人。
烟草明朝末年才有，它的种子出自淡巴国，流入吕宋国，转入福建，福建石马镇出产的最好。各家本草都记载在毒草门，《汇言》说偶尔有人吃了它，气息闭闷，昏溃如死，可知它不是好东西。《备要》说火气熏灼，耗血损年，取其所长，只有辟瘴除秽而已。现在嗜好此物的人很多，烟肆之多，几乎与酒肆相等，虽然不如鸦片烟危害甚烈，然而能耗肺气，伤阴血。凡患咳嗽、哮喘、虚损、吐血、气虚、火炎等症状，尤其应该远离它。
轻粉辛燥有毒，用来治杨梅疮，奏效虽快，而毒瓦斯窜入筋骨，变生其他疾病，为害无穷。大风子治疗疠风也是这样，制方药的人要谨慎啊。
本草说栀子生用泻火，炒黑止血。《临证指南》治外感证，多用黑山栀。黄退庵说，近来多炒用，用生者的极少。我按：仲景栀子汤，有病患旧微溏不可与服的禁忌，大概是因为它苦寒，如果炒黑则寒性减，无论旧溏与否，都可以服了，这就是为什么用生者少的原因吧。
药物来自海外者很多，中国的药，也有远方所珍重的，如西戎需茶，唐古忒需大黄，日本需僵蚕是也。又过去专城入贡的，特市土茯苓，一时价格昂贵百倍，见《钱塘县志》。
薄荷气清轻，而升散最甚，老人病患，都不可多服，台州罗镜涵体质素健，年逾七旬，偶然患感冒无汗，用薄荷数钱，煎汤服之，汗出不止而死。舅氏周愚堂先生桢，患怔忡刚痊愈，偶然吃薄荷糕，即气喘自汗不得寐，药中重用参附才安宁。
药中所用橡实，是其木的名称。《诗经》曰栎、曰栩、曰柞、曰樗，（不结实者名樗），《尔雅》又曰柔橡实，一名皂斗，俗称野栗子，涩肠止痢，功效胜过罂粟。杭州学廨旁边有一棵大树，夏日阴凉浓密，借以避暑，深秋结实繁茂，凉风吹堕，扑檐抛屋，终夜有声，颇耐清听。
卢子繇《本草乘雅半偈》备称茶之功用，采录古今名家论说以为谱，因而说常食令人瘦，去人脂，倍人力，悦人志，益人意思，开人聋瞽，畅人四肢，舒人百节，消人烦闷，使人能诵无忘，不寐而惺寂。章杏云《调疾饮食辨》则说茶耗人精血，有消无息，欲使举世不饮，实在难以劝喻，惟饮宜清，忌多忌浓，或以它草木之可煎饮者代之尤妙。如果渴症及诸热症发渴者多喝它，病更难愈。又说古人不专以茶作饮，所以《尔雅注疏》只说可作羹饮，并没有“代茶”二字。由此观之，《茶经》、《茶录》，明理人不屑挂在嘴边。两种说法迥然不同，应当以章说为正，如果不能以他草木替代，则宜少宜清之言，切宜遵守。章又说俗尚陈茶，仅隔年或二年罢了，竟然有陈至五七年一二十年的，能令人失音或暴死，大概凡物过陈者，都有毒。这种说法也是世人罕知的。
杨希洛《本草经解要考证》说葳蕤、漆叶治阴虚，兼令人有子，即华佗漆叶青粘散，青粘世人无人能识，有人说黄精的正叶，有人说即葳蕤，但我家乡有两个老儒，先后服此方都致死。有人说漆叶乃五加皮叶，《本经》名豺漆也，乡里有兵子臂痛不能挽弓，有人教他用葳蕤一斤，五加皮浸酒饮尽，自己健旺胜常，难道古方正如此，《纲目》恐怕误附漆树耶？漆本有毒，《本经》说久服轻身，及《抱朴子》说通神长生，都难信。有割漆人误覆漆，遍体疮，至莫救，我在中山亲眼见过，何况服食呢？陶宏景说：生漆毒烈是也。古时无用叶的，所以气味缺，《纲目》恐怕是因古方臆立主治耳。我按：以五加皮叶为漆叶，此前所未闻，然而二物气类迥别，所以应验亦殊，明理之士，自然应当舍漆叶而取五加皮。究之古方药品，最宜详审，不可过信前人之说，为所误也。《本草纲目拾遗》有鸡神水，说可明目去障，制法择大萝卜一个，开大孔，须近茎一头开，勿在根边方可活，孔内入鸡蛋一枚，种地上，使其叶长成，取鸡蛋内水点眼，其目如童。《重庆堂随笔》又载制赛空青法，冬至日取大萝卜一枚，开盖挖空，入新生紫壳鸡卵一个在内，盖仍嵌好，埋净土中，均四五尺深，到夏至日取出，用女人衣具包裹，藏瓷器中，否则恐遇雷电被龙摄去也。卵内黄白，俱成清水，用点诸目疾，虽瞽者可以复明。二法并可试用，录之。
救逆汤之用蜀漆，柯韵伯怀疑它，邹润庵说脉浮热反灸之，此为实，实以虚治，因火而动咽燥吐血，可见脉浮被火，应至吐血，现在更吐之，是加速其血罢了。况且《千金》、《外台》两书，非疫非疟，不用是物，则是方之有舛误无疑。吴中方大章变则谓蜀漆乃蜀黍之误，古漆字无水旁，与黍相似故也。黍为心谷，用以救惊狂起卧不安者，取其温中而涩肠胃，协龙牡成宁神镇脱之功也。（说见《瘦吟医赘》。）
草药形状相类者很多，如宕芋似何首乌，钩吻似黄精，透山根似蘼芜，天炙似石龙芮，鸡冠子似青葙子，赤柳草根似茜草根等，不胜枚举，良毒各殊，服食家都应当谨慎辨别。
何首乌具人形的不可多得，得而服之，可以益寿，然而也有不尽如此的，汤芷卿用中《翼驹稗编》说：吴江秀才某，见邻翁锄地，得二首乌如人形，以钱二千买之，用赤豆如法制食，未数日，腹泻死，这难道是气体有未合欤？还是首乌或挟毒物之气能害人，服食之当慎也。观于此而费星甫《西吴蚕略》所述头二蚕，较《本草》诸注家为详备，录于此。头二蚕即《珍》《周礼》夏官司马职禁原蚕，注云：原，再也，字书作 。《本草》有晚蚕沙、晚僵蚕等目，皆未详辨，遂误以初蚕再出为晚蚕、原蚕矣，不知其种迥别。凡二蚕茧蛾生种，谓之头二蚕种，次年清明后即养之，名头二蚕，时头蚕尚未出也，其眠其老甚速，缠两旬即收茧，时头蚕甫大眠也，出蛾生子，是谓二蚕种，凡养头二蚕皆甚少，无缫丝者，其茧壳、茧黄、蚕砂皆入药，其僵者尤不可得，治痘有回生之功。盖时方春杪蚕亦得清淑之气，故堪治疾，殆珍之名所由起欤。《本草》所载专指此，即《周礼》原字之义，未必不指此。又说：二蚕始称晚蚕，出于头蚕登簇之际，饲以二叶，自眠至老，皆值黄梅时候，郁蒸日甚，蝇蚋蛄嘬，臭秽生蛆，性偏热有毒，其茧其丝价亦较廉，凡所弃余，仅以肥田，从未入药。我按：今药肆所售蚕砂、僵蚕，大抵皆出于头蚕耳。药类鲜真，此其一也。
乳性热补阳，虚寒体弱者服之，获效甚捷。我亲戚王祉亭居长兴和平山中，说当地产 ，取乳恒在夏月，土人伺有 处，逐去母 ，捕乳 杀之，以肠胃曝干，取乳凝结成块，每两可
Xinjiang (New Crimson Fabric), used in Xuanfu Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Inula Decoction) from *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), treats Gan Zhuo (Liver Qi Stagnation), and also treats post-miscarriage bleeding in women. *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) alone omitted it; Huang Kunzai discussed it in detail in *Changsha Yaojie* (Explanation of Medicinals from Changsha), stating: Xinjiang has a neutral flavor, enters the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, promotes meridian circulation and resolves blood stasis, consolidates the Blood Sea to stop metrorrhagia. It is further stated that Xinjiang promotes urination and leaches out dampness; once dampness is removed, Wood Qi flourishes and blood rises, thus stopping metrorrhagia. Its various indications include stopping metrorrhagia, hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleed), bloody dysentery, and other hemorrhagic conditions; eliminating Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) in men; and treating postpartum dribbling urine. For stopping bleeding, it is burned to ash while retaining its nature and ground into powder; for Xiao Ke and urinary dribbling, it is decocted in water and taken warm. The mention of Xiao Ke in various conditions is attributed to excessive Spleen Earth dampness and insufficient Fire; this is likely because the author deeply detested Yin-nourishing therapies, so his statements were inevitably biased.
Zuo Muli (Left Oyster Shell), (select shells with the apex facing north and the ventral side facing south; those whose opening slants eastward are called "Left-Gazing," which are male, while right-gazing are female.) Zuo Panlong (Left Coiling Dragon), (which is pigeon droppings.) Zuo Chan Teng (Left-Coiling Vine), (which is Jin Yin Hua/Honeysuckle Flower). All are prized for being "left." Qin Jiao Root has spiral patterns; only those spiraling to the left are used as medicine, while those spiraling to the right cause Hong Kong Foot disease (Gouty Arthritis). Lu Ziyao said: This is because Heaven's Dao rotates to the left, and human vital Qi follows it.
Tao Ren (Peach Seed) easily causes abdominal distension. A son of a certain family in Zhenze, just over ten years old, died of abdominal distension after eating too many. The coffin was prepared for burial, but when opened a year later for cremation, the body was found lying prone in the coffin, hands and feet in a pushing position. It seems the properties of Tao Ren had subsided and then revived; the coffin was thin and brittle, preventing suffocation, but he turned his body trying to get out, lacked the strength to break the coffin, and died.
Zhu Fu (Pig Skin), Wang Haicang considered it fresh pig skin; Wu Shou considered it the black skin scraped off during slaughter; Wang Shishan cited *Li Yun Shu*: "Ge" is leather; "Fu" is the thin outer layer of the leather. Thus, Wu's view is correct. "Fu" implies superficiality. According to the commentary in the Imperially Commissioned *Yizong Jinjian* (Golden Mirror of Medical Tradition): Zhu Fu is the thin skin outside the leather; its texture is light, its flavor salty. Lightness allows dispersion, saltiness enters the Kidney. Hence, it treats Shaoyin sore throat, embodying dispersion within heat-clearing. This interpretation is detailed and covers the views of various schools.
Mai Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) unblocks Stomach collaterals without removing the heart; if used in formulas nourishing Lung Yin, the heart should be removed. Chen Zaian stated this based on his clinical experience.
Flowers of all trees have five petals, except Osmanthus (Gui), which has four, and Gardenia (Zhi Zi), which has six. Gui is the tree of the moon; Zhi Zi is the Yexia/Zhanbo flower from the Western Regions. (Peach and Apricot flowers with six petals produce fruits with double kernels, which are poisonous and can kill.)
Shu Qi (Herb from Shu) in *Shanghan Lun* is the stem of Chang Shan ( Dichroa root). Ze Qi (Painted Plantain) in *Jingui Yaolue* is a different variety of the same genus as Da Ji (Euphorbia). They are no longer used as medicines. Only folk healers use Mao Er Yan Cao (Cat's Eye Grass) to treat water parasites, which is Ze Qi.
Li Dongbi considered Xiang Ru (Mosla Herb) a summer exterior-releasing drug, similar to using Ma Huang (Ephedra) in winter; those with Qi deficiency especially should not take it in excess. Modern people believe it relieves summerheat and generally use it as tea, which is wrong. Cheng Zhongling considered Xiang Ru an essential summerheat-relieving drug, yet medical texts call it a powder, and commoners call it a summer prohibition. If prohibited in summer, when should it be used? This is absurd and unjustly harms good herbs. Both views are recorded in Cheng Xingxuan's *Yi Shu*. I consider Li's view correct and reject Cheng's. (Although Xiang Ru is not a summer prohibition, it is suitable for releasing Yang Qi obstructed by Yin pathogens; it is not suitable for other summerheat diseases.) Modern people also wrongly use Huo Xiang (Patchouli Leaf) as summer tea. The only herb suitable for daily summer use to clear summerheat is aged Qing Hao (Sweet Wormwood Herb). I harvest Qing Hao in mid-autumn, clean and dry it, store it, and next summer decoct it in a steamer to collect the dew for tea, which is very effective.
Lian Qiao (Forsythia Fruit) specializes in clearing heat from the Heart and Small Intestine. *Benjing* and various materia medica do not mention its ability to resolve dampness. Only Zhu Danxi said it clears Spleen-Stomach damp-heat; Shen Zeshi said combined with Cang Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) and Huang Bai (Phellodendron Bark) it treats damp-heat; Wu Shi's *Bencao Congxin* said it clears Sanjiao and Large Intestine damp-heat. Recent physicians follow this, regarding it as a key damp-draining herb. However, Lian Qiao has three uses: 1. Clears guest-heat from the Heart Meridian; 2. Clears heat from the Upper Jiao; 3. Is the sacred herb for sores and ulcers. This exhausts its functions.
Gou Qi Zi (Goji Berry) is described as sweet-neutral, bitter-cold, slightly cold, or sweet-slightly-warm by various texts, without explaining the rationale. Only Zhang Shiwang in *Benjing Fengyuan* stated it is sweet, red, and undoubtedly warm. Because *Benjing* grouped roots and fruits together without distinction, later authors confused the fruit's slight coldness with the root's great coldness. Nature produces things unevenly; e.g., Cornus Officinalis Flesh astringes essence while the seed slides essence; Angelica Sinensis Head stops bleeding while the Tail breaks blood; Citrus Rind eliminates phlegm while the membrane gathers phlegm. Even Yan Di tasting herbs only recorded flavor, color, and shape; how can a sweet, red, plump substance be cold? His discrimination surpassed others. In my youth, taking Gou Qi Zi caused toothache; in middle age, it was comfortable. Also, patients with Liver disease and fire often worsened with Gou Qi Zi, confirming its warming nature.
Zhang Shucheng's *Bencao Xuan* stated that dates used in formulas, regardless of black or red, are actually large red dates; black dates are steamed with honey. Steaming dates with sugar and honey damages the Spleen and Stomach and aids damp-heat over time. Red dates are mild and harmonize the Stomach; black dates are rich and tonify the Middle. They should not be mixed. The idea that they aid damp-heat is sound; excessive consumption causes dental caries... *Long Mu Lun* treats internal cataracts with Wu Tui San (Five-Shed Powder), using Long Tui (Snake Skin), Chan Tui (Cicada Slough), Feng Huang Tui (Hen Eggshell), Fo Tui (Silkworm Paper), and Ren Tui (Male Infant Hair) in equal parts, burned to ash, powdered, taken with cooked mutton liver. Fo Tui and Ren Tui are new names, supplementing medicinal aliases.
Zhu Ru (Bamboo Shavings) takes the bamboo radical, but colloquially sometimes uses the grass radical as "Ru"; Qing Xiang Zi (Celosia Seed) takes the grass radical, but colloquially sometimes uses the bamboo radical as "Xiang". Both are errors.
Fu Ling (Poria) is the residual Qi of Pine; Zhu Ling (Polyporus) is the residual Qi of Maple; Lei Wan (Omphalia) is the residual Qi of Bamboo, also called Zhu Ling. Zhu Ling is in the Middle Grade of *Benjing*, Lei Wan in the Lower Grade, Fu Ling in the Upper Grade. Fu Ling is most used in formulas because it absorbs Pine's essence; long-term use calms the soul, nourishes spirit, prevents hunger, and prolongs life. Ju Ling grows on orange trees like mushrooms and treats mastitis, seen in Zhao Shuxuan's *Bencao Gangmu Shiyi*.
Ge Xian Mi (Green Algae) forms on stones in mountain caves soaked by water, found in deep mountains of Chu, Shu, and Yue. Long Qingfei's *Shiwu Kao* says it clears spirit, resolves heat, treats phlegm-fire, and prolongs life with long-term use. *Bencao Gangmu Shiyi* says it is cold and should not be eaten much. It is not used medicinally but makes delicious soup. Add vinegar first, then soak in boiling water until soft.
Mulberry is widely used: leaf, branch, flower, fruit, root bark, juice, ear fungus, gall, oil, insect, parasite, mantis egg case—twelve types. Lotus is widely used: seed pod, node, stem, leaf, calyx, rootlet, flower, receptacle, fruit, coix seed, juice, starch—twelve types. Both have fibers; one embodies Metal Qi, the other Water Essence. *Lixu Yuanjian* states only Mulberry and Lotus are pure throughout.
The annotation for Wang Bu Liu Xing San in *Jingui Yaolue* says: If Wind-Cold is present, do not take the southeast root of Mulberry. Later commentators argued that Wind-Cold pathogens in collaterals require upward dispersal, but Mulberry root descends and benefits Lung Qi, failing to expel external pathogens. Wu Jutong elaborated: Mulberry root descends firmly from Lung to Liver/Kidney; acceptable for internal injury, but for external contraction, it draws pathogens into Yin, causing chronic cough. Di Gu Pi (Wolfberry Bark), the deepest root of Wolfberry, reaches bone; contraindicated in Wind-Cold external contraction. These details are in *Wenbing Tiaobian*, supplementing materia medica. Few modern physicians distinguish drug properties carefully. In autumn of Bingchen year, my relative Mrs. Wu contracted Wind-Cold with cough and asthma. A doctor used Sang Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark) as the chief ingredient, worsening the cough. She stopped it, switched to Xing Su San (Apricot and Perilla Decoction) modified, and recovered.
During the Wanli reign, Lu Zuyi (see *Sanshi Yiyan*) treated a dying plague patient, wife of Mr. Shen. Neighbor Shao Nanqiao donated silver for funeral costs. Adding Bai Shao (White Peony Root) and using only 1 qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), she recovered in four doses. This shows Ginseng was cheap then; now poor people need over 10 taels for 1 liang. Even with good doctors, what can be done?
Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) moistens Lungs and moves Qi. Soak in water, remove skin and tip, stir-fry with bran until yellow. For Wind-Cold, use raw with skin and tip for dispersal.
If Ginseng does not agree, eat raw Radish. Yao Yun's *Bencao Fenjing* says Hawthorn resolves it. *Bencao Gangmu Shiyi* says Chestnut Shell decoction resolves Ginseng power better. I believe mild cases can be resolved, severe ones cannot. Use cautiously, do not prescribe blindly.
Yu Zan (Hemerocallis Bulb) and Feng Xian (Impatiens Stem) are in the Poisonous Herbs section of *Bencao Gangmu*. Yu Zan's poison is in the root; Feng Xian's in the seed. Both penetrate bones and damage teeth. Pearl Orchid and Jasmine roots are also poisonous and lethal.
Tobacco appeared in the late Ming Dynasty, originating from Tabasco, flowing to Luzon, then to Fujian. Shima Town in Fujian produced the best. Materia medica list it in the Poisonous Herbs section. *Huiyan* says eating it causes breathlessness and coma, proving it is harmful. *Beiyao* says fire smoke consumes blood and shortens life; its only benefit is dispelling miasma and purifying filth. Many enjoy it; tobacco shops rival wine shops. Though less harmful than Opium, it consumes Lung Qi and injures Yin Blood. Patients with cough, asthma, consumptive disease, hemoptysis, Qi deficiency, or flaming fire should avoid it.
Qing Fen (Calomel) is acrid, dry, and toxic. Effective for Yamei Chuang (Syphilis), but toxins enter sinews and bones, causing other diseases. Da Feng Zi (Croton Seed) for Leprosy is similar. Formulators must be cautious.
Materia Medica states Gardenia clears fire when raw, stops bleeding when charred. *Linzheng Zhinan* uses charred Gardenia for external contractions. Huang Tuian noted recent preference for charred over raw. Zhang Zhongjing's Gardenia Decoction forbids use in patients with loose stools due to bitterness/coldness. Charring reduces coldness, making it safe for loose stools, explaining why raw use is rare.
Many drugs come from overseas; Chinese drugs are treasured abroad, e.g., Tea for Western Regions, Rhubarb for Tanggu Te, Bombyx Batryticatus for Japan. Previously, special tribute included Tu Fu Ling (Smilax Glabra Rhizome), raising prices 100-fold (*Qiantang County Gazetteer*).
Bo He (Mint Leaf) is light and dispersing. Elderly and sick should not take much. Luo Jinghan from Taizhou, healthy over 70, took Mint for wind-cold without sweat, sweated profusely, and died. Uncle Zhou Yutang recovered from palpitations but ate Mint Cake, causing asthma, sweating, and insomnia; treated with heavy Ginseng and Aconite to calm him.
Xiang Shi (Acorn) refers to the Oak tree. *Shijing* calls it Li, Xu, Zuo, Chu (non-fructifying). *Erya* calls it Rou Xiang Shi, also Zao Dou, wild chestnut. Astringes intestines, stops dysentery, surpasses Poppy. A large tree near Hangzhou Academy provides shade; nuts fall at night, sounding pleasant.
Lu Ziyao's *Bencao Chengya Banji* lists Tea's benefits: slimming, removing fat, increasing strength, pleasing mind, benefiting memory, opening ears/eyes, relaxing limbs/joints, relieving depression, aiding recitation, promoting alert sleep. Zhang Xingyun's *Tiaoji Yinshi Bian* says Tea consumes essence/blood, having no restorative effect. Persuading everyone to stop drinking is hard; drink clear, avoid strong/excessive amounts, substitute with other herbs if possible. Thirst/heat syndromes worsen with Tea. Ancients didn't drink Tea exclusively; *Erya* only mentioned soup/drink. *Chajing* and *Chalu* are ignored by rational scholars. Zhang's view is correct; if substitution isn't possible, adhere to "less and clear." Old Tea (5-20 years) may cause aphonia or sudden death due to toxicity. Rarely known.
Yang Xiluo's *Benjing Jieyao Kaozheng* says Wei Rui (Polygonatum) and Qi Ye (Toxicodendron Leaf) treat Yin deficiency and promote fertility (Hua Tuo's Qi Ye Qing Zhan San). Qing Zhan is unrecognized; some say Polygonatum leaves, others Wei Rui. Two elderly scholars in my hometown died taking it. Some say Qi Ye is Wu Jia Pi (Acanthopanacis Cortex); *Benjing* calls it Chai Qi. A soldier with arm pain drank Wu Jia Pi wine with Wei Rui and recovered. Did ancient formulas work like this? *Gangmu* may have mistakenly attached Toxicodendron. Toxicodendron is toxic; *Benjing*'s "prolonged use lightens body" and *Baopuzi*'s "immortality" are unbelievable. I saw a lacquer worker covered in sores from accidental exposure; ingestion is dangerous. Tao Hongjing said raw lacquer is highly toxic. Ancient texts didn't use leaves, so flavor/nature is missing; *Gangmu* likely guessed indications. Using Wu Jia Pi instead of Qi Ye is rational. Ancient formulas require careful scrutiny; don't blindly trust predecessors.
*Bencao Gangmu Shiyi* records Ji Shen Shui (Chicken Spirit Water) for eyes: hollow a radish near the stem, insert an egg, plant until leaves grow, extract liquid for eyes to restore vision. *Chongqing Tang Suibi* records Sai Kong Qing method: bury a radish with an egg underground from Winter Solstice to Summer Solstice, wrap in women's clothes, store in porcelain to avoid lightning. Yolk and white turn to clear water; drops cure blindness. Try these methods.
Ke Yunbo doubted Shu Qi in Niujie Decoction. Zou Run'an argued pulse floating with heat cauterization indicates excess; treating excess as deficiency causes throat dryness/hematemesis. Causing vomiting accelerates blood loss. *Qianjin* and *Waitai* don't use Shu Qi for non-plague/non-malaria cases, suggesting formula error. Fang Dazhang suggested Shu Qi is a typo for Shu Shu (Millet). Ancient "Qi" lacked water radical, resembling "Shu". Millet nourishes Heart, warms Middle, astringes intestines, calming spirit with Long Gu/Mu Li. (See *Shouyin Yizhui*.)
Many herbal shapes are similar: Dang Yu resembles He Shou Wu; Gou Wen resembles Huang Jing; Tou Shan Gen resembles Mi Wu; Tian Zha resembles Shi Long Rui; Ji Guan Zi resembles Qing Xiang Zi; Chi Liu Cao Gen resembles Qian Cao Gen. Good/poisonous differences are vast; users must distinguish carefully.
Human-shaped He Shou Wu is rare and extends life, but not always. Tang Zhiqing's *Yiju Baibian* recounts a scholar buying two human-shaped roots for 2000 cash, preparing with Adzuki beans, dying of diarrhea days later. Was it incompatible constitution or hidden toxicity? Be cautious. Fei Xingfu's *Xi Wu Can Lue* details Tou Er Can (First/Second Silkworms) better than other commentaries. *Zhou Li* prohibits Yuan Can (second-generation silkworms). *Bencao* mentions Late Silkworm Sand/Cocoons but doesn't distinguish. First-generation second-batch silkworms are distinct. Hatched from first-batch moths, raised after Qingming, mature quickly, harvested in 20 days. Cocoons, pupae, sand, and dead silkworms are medicinal; dead ones treat smallpox effectively. Spring air gives them healing properties. *Bencao* likely refers to this. Second-batch silkworms, fed mulberry leaves during plum rains, become hot/toxic, infested with maggots. Cocoons/silk are cheap, used only for fertilizer, never medicine. Modern pharmacies sell mostly first-batch silkworm sand/cocoons. Authenticity is lacking.
Cow milk is hot and tonifies Yang; effective for deficiency-cold. Relative Wang Zhiting in Changxing reported local production. Milk is collected in summer; locals chase away mother cows, catch calves, slaughter them, dry guts, and collect coagulated milk blocks. Each tael can...