赭石∶色赤，性微凉。能生血兼能凉血，而其质重坠，又善镇逆气，降痰涎，止呕吐，通燥结，用之得当，
能建奇效。其原质为铁养化合而成，其结体虽坚而层层如铁锈（铁锈亦铁养化合），生研服之不伤肠胃，即服
其稍粗之末亦与肠胃无损。且生服则养气纯全，大能养血，故《神农本草经》谓其治赤沃漏下；《日华诸家本
草》谓其治月经不止也。若 用之即无斯效， 之复以醋淬之，尤非所宜。且性甚和平，虽降逆气而不伤
正气，通燥结而毫无开破，原无需乎 也。其形为薄片，迭迭而成，一面点点作凸形，一面
点点作凹形者，方堪入药。
赭石为铁养化合，性同铁锈，原不宜 。徐灵胎谓若 之复用醋淬，即能伤肺。此书诸方中有赭石者，
皆宜将生赭石轧细用之。
【附案】邻村迟某，年四十许，当上脘处发疮，大如核桃，破后调治三年不愈。疮口大如钱，自内溃烂，
循胁渐至背后，每日
自背后排挤至疮口流出脓水若干。求治于愚，自言患此疮后三年未尝安枕，强卧片时，即觉有气起自下焦，
上逆冲心。愚曰∶“此即子疮之病根也。”俾用生芡实一两，煮浓汁送服生赭石细末五钱，遂可安卧。又
服数次，彻夜稳睡。盖气上逆者乃冲气之上冲，用赭石以镇之，芡实以敛之，冲气自安其宅也。继用活络
效灵丹，加生黄 、生赭石各三钱煎服，日进一剂，半月全愈。
邻村毛姓少年，于伤寒病瘥后，忽痰涎上壅，杜塞咽喉，几不能息。其父知医，用手大指点其天突穴
（宜指甲贴喉，指端着穴，向下用力，勿向内用力），息微通，急迎愚调治。遂用香油二两，炖热调麝香一
分灌之，旋灌旋即流出痰涎若干。继用生赭石一两，人参六钱，苏子四钱，煎汤，徐徐饮下，痰涎顿开。
周姓妇，年三十许，连连呕吐，五六日间，勺水不存，大便亦不通行，自觉下脘之处疼而且结，凡
药之有味者入口即吐，其无味者须臾亦复吐出，医者辞不治。后愚诊视其脉有滑象，上盛下虚，疑其有妊，
询之月信不见者五十日矣，然结证不开，危在目前，《内经》谓“有故无殒亦无殒也”。遂单用赭石二两，煎
汤饮下，觉药至结处不能下行，复返而吐出。继用赭石四两，又
重罗出细末两许，将余三两煎汤，调细末服下，其结遂开，大便亦通，自此安然无恙，至期方产。
或问∶赭石，《名医别录》谓其坠胎，今治妊妇竟用赭石如此之多，即幸而奏效，岂非行险之道乎？答
曰∶愚生平治病，必熟筹其完全而后为疏方，初不敢为孤注之一掷也。赭石质重，其镇坠之力原能下有形
滞物，若胎至六七个月时，服之或有妨碍，至受妊之初，因恶阻而成结证，此时其胞室之中不过血液凝结，
赭石毫无破血之弊，且有治赤沃与下血不止之效，重用之亦何妨乎？况此证五六日间，勺饮不能下行，其
气机之上逆，气化之壅滞，已至极点，以赭石以降逆开壅，不过调脏腑之气化使之适得
其平，又何至有他虞乎？
广平县吕××妻，年二十余，因恶阻呕吐甚剧。九日之间饮水或少存，食物则尽吐出。延为诊视，脉象有
力，舌有黄苔，询其心中发热，知系夹杂外感，遂先用生石膏两半，煎汤一茶杯，防其呕吐，徐徐温饮下，
热稍退。继用生赭石二两，煎汤一大茶杯，分两次温饮下，觉行至下脘作疼，不复下行转而上逆吐出，
知其下脘所结甚坚，原非轻剂所能通。亦用生赭石细末四两，从中再罗出极细末一两，将余三两煎汤，
送服其极细末，其结遂开，从此饮食顺利，及期而产。
一室女，中秋节后，感冒风寒，三四日间，胸膈满闷，不受饮食，饮水一口亦吐出，剧时恒以手自
挠其胸。脉象滑实，右部尤甚，遂单用生赭石细末两半，俾煎汤温饮下，顿饭顷仍吐出。
盖其胃口皆为痰涎壅滞，药不胜病，下行不通复转而吐出也。遂更用赭石四两，煎汤一大碗，分三次陆续
温饮下，胸次遂通，饮水不吐。翌日，脉象洪长，其舌苔从先微黄，忽变黑色，又重用白虎汤
连进两大剂，每剂用生石膏四两，分数次温饮下，大便得通而愈。
曲××，年三十余，得瘟病，两三日恶心呕吐，五日之间饮食不能下咽，来院求为延医。其脉浮弦，数
近六至，重按无力，口苦心热，舌苔微黄。因思其脉象浮弦者，阳明与少阳合病也，二经之病机相并上冲，
故作呕吐也，心热口苦者，内热已实也，其脉无力而数者，无谷气相助又为内热所迫也。因思但用生赭石
煮水饮之，既无臭味，且有凉镇之力，或可不吐。遂用生赭石二两，煎水两茶杯，分二次温饮下，饮完仍复
吐出，病患甚觉惶恐，加以久不饮食，形状若莫可支持。愚曰∶“无恐，再用药末数钱，必能立止
呕吐。”遂单用生赭石细末五钱，开水送服，觉恶心立止，须臾胸次通畅，进薄粥一杯，下行顺利。从
此饮食不复呕吐，而心中犹发热，舌根肿胀，言语不利，又用生石膏一
两，丹参、乳香、没药、连翘各三钱，连服两剂全愈。
癸亥秋，李××之族姊，周身灼热，脉象洪实，心中烦躁怔忡，饮食下咽即呕吐，屡次所服之药，亦皆
呕吐不受。视其舌苔黄浓，大便数日未行，知其外感之热已入阳明之府，又挟胃气上逆，冲气上冲也。为疏
方，用生赭石细末八钱，生石膏细末两半，蒌仁一两，玄参、天冬各六钱，甘草二钱，将后五味煎汤一大
茶杯，先用开水送服赭石细末，继将汤药服下，遂受药不吐，再服一剂全愈。
一妇人，年近五旬，得温病，七八日表里俱热，舌苔甚薄作黑色，状类舌斑，此乃外感兼内亏之证。医
者用降药两次下之，遂发喘逆。令其子两手按其心口，即可不喘。须臾又喘，又令以手紧紧按住，喘又
少停。诊其脉尺部无根，寸部摇摇，此将脱之候也。时当仲夏，俾用生鸡子黄四枚，调新汲井泉水服之，喘稍
定。可容取药。遂用赭石细末二钱同生鸡子黄二枚，温水调和服之，喘遂愈，脉亦安定。继服
参赭镇气汤以善其后。
友人毛××曾治一妇人，胸次郁结，饮食至胃不能下行，时作呕吐。毛××用赭石细末六钱，浓煎人
参汤送下，须臾腹中如爆竹之声，胸次胃中俱觉通豁，至此饮食如常。
友人高××曾治一人，上焦满闷，艰于饮食，胸中觉有物窒塞。医者用大黄、蒌实陷胸之品十余剂，转
觉胸中积满，上至咽喉，饮水一口即溢出。高××用赭石二两，人参六钱为方煎服，
顿觉窒塞之物降至下焦。又加当归、肉苁蓉，再服一剂，降下瘀滞之物若干，病若失。
友人李××曾治一人，寒痰壅滞胃中，呕吐不受饮食，大便旬日未行。用人参八钱、干姜六钱、赭石
一两，一剂呕吐即止。又加当归五钱，大便得通而愈。
门人高××曾治一叟，年七十余，得呃逆证，兼小便不通，剧时觉杜塞咽喉，息不能通，两目上翻，身躯后挺，更
医数人治
不效。高××诊其脉浮而无力，遂用赭石、台参、生山药、生芡实、牛蒡子为方投之，呃逆顿愈。又加竹茹服一剂，
小便亦通利。
历观以上诸治验案，赭石诚为救颠扶危之大药也。乃如此良药，今人罕用，间有用者，不过二三钱，药不胜
病，用与不用同也。且愚放胆用至数两者，非卤莽也。诚以临证既久，凡药之性情能力及宜轻宜重之际，
研究数十年，心中皆有定见，而后敢如此放胆，百用不至一失。且赭石所以能镇逆气，能下有形瘀滞
者，以其饶有重坠之力，于气分实分毫无损。况气虚者又佐以人参，尤为万全之策也。
参、赭并用，不但能纳气归原也，设于逆气上干，填塞胸臆，或兼呕吐，其证之上盛下虚者，皆可参、
赭并用以治之。
《内经》谓阳明厥逆、喘咳、身热、善惊、衄、呕血。黄坤载衍《内经》之旨，谓“血之失于便溺者，太
阴之不升也；亡于吐衄者，阳明之不降也。”是语，深明《内经》者也。盖阳明胃气，以息息下降为顺，
时或不降，则必壅滞转而上逆，上逆之极，血即随之上升而吐衄作矣。治吐衄之证，当以降胃为主，
而降胃之药，实以赭石为最效。然胃之所以不降，有因热者，宜降之以赭石，而以蒌仁、白芍诸药佐之；
其热而兼虚者，可兼佐以人参；有因凉者，宜降以赭石而以干姜、白芍诸药佐之（因凉犹用白芍者，防干姜之热
侵肝胆也，然吐衄之证，由于胃气凉而不降者甚少）；其凉而兼虚者，可兼佐以白术；有因下焦虚损，冲
气不摄上冲胃气不降者，宜降以赭石而以生山药、生芡实诸药佐之，有因胃气不降，致胃中血管破裂，
其证久不愈者，宜降以赭石而以龙骨、牡蛎、三七诸药佐之。无论吐衄之证，种种病因不同，疏方皆以
赭石为主，而随证制宜，佐以相当之药品，吐衄未有不愈者。
奉天张××，年近四旬，陡然鼻中衄血甚剧，脉象关前洪
滑，两尺不任重按，知系上盛下虚之证，自言头目恒不清爽，每
睡醒舌干无津，大便甚燥，数日一行。为疏方∶赭石、生地黄、生山药各一两，当归、白芍、生龙骨、生
牡蛎、怀牛膝各五钱，煎汤送服旱三七细末二钱（凡用生地治吐衄者，皆宜佐以三七，血止后不至淤血留于经络
），一剂血顿止。后将生地减去四钱，加熟地、枸杞各五钱，连服数剂，脉亦平和。
伤寒下早成结胸，瘟疫未下亦可成结胸。所谓结胸者，乃外感之邪与胸中痰涎互相凝结，滞塞
气道，几难呼吸也。仲景有大陷胸汤、丸，原为治此证良方，然因二方中皆有甘遂，医者不敢轻
用，病家亦不敢轻服，一切利气理痰之药，又皆无效，故恒至束手无策。向愚治此等证，俾用新炒蒌仁四
两，捣碎煮汤服之，恒能奏效。后拟得一方，用赭石、蒌仁各二两，苏子六钱（方名荡胸汤），
用之代大陷胸汤、丸，屡试皆能奏效。若其结在胃口，心下满闷，按之作疼者，系小陷胸汤证，又可将方
中分量减半以代小陷胸汤，其功效较小陷胸汤尤捷。自拟此方以来，救人多矣，至寒温之证已
传阳明之府，却无大热，惟上焦痰涎壅滞，下焦大便不通者，亦可投以此方（分量亦宜斟酌少用），上清其
痰，下通其便，诚一举两得之方也。
至寒温之证，不至结胸及心下满闷，惟逆气挟胃热上冲，不能饮食，并不能受药者，宜赭石与
清热之药并用。曾治奉天安××之妻，年四十余，临产双生，异常劳顿，恶心呕吐，数日不能
饮食，服药亦恒呕吐，精神昏愦，情势垂危，群医辞不治。延愚诊视，其脉洪实，面有火，舌苔黄
浓，知系产后温病，其呕吐若是者，阳明府热已实，胃气因热而上逆也。遂俾用玄参两半，赭
石一两，同煎服，一剂即热退呕止，可以受食。继用玄参、白芍、连翘以清其余热，病遂全愈。至放胆
用玄参而无所顾忌者，以玄参原宜于产乳，《神农本草经》有明文也。
下有实寒，上有浮热之证，欲用温热之药以祛其寒，上焦恒格拒不受，惟佐以赭石使之速于下行，
直达病所，上焦之浮热转能因之下降。曾治邻村刘某，因房事后恣食生冷，忽然少腹抽
疼，肾囊紧缩，大便不通，上焦兼有烦热。医者投以大黄附子细辛汤，上焦烦热益甚，两胁疼胀，便结囊缩，
腹疼如故。病家甚觉惶恐，求为诊视。其脉弦而沉，两尺之沉尤甚，先用醋炒葱白熨其脐及脐下，腹
中作响，大有开通之意，囊缩腹疼亦见愈，便仍未通。遂用赭石二两，乌附子五钱，当归、苏子各一两，
煎汤饮下，即觉药力下行，过两句钟俾煎渣饮之，有顷，降下结粪若干，诸病皆愈。
膈食之证，千古难治之证也。《伤寒论》有旋复代赭石汤，原治伤寒发汗，若吐若下解后，心下痞硬、噫气
不除者。周扬俊、喻嘉言皆谓治膈证甚效。然《神农本草经》谓旋复花味咸，若真好旋复花实
咸而兼有辛味（敝邑武帝台污所产旋复花咸而辛），今药坊间所鬻旋复花皆甚苦，实不堪用。是以愚治膈
证，恒用其方去旋复花，将赭石加重，其冲气上冲过甚，兼大便甚干结者，赭石恒用至两许，再加当归、柿
霜、天冬诸药以润燥生津，且更临时制宜，随证加减，治愈者不胜录。盖此证因胃气衰弱，不能撑悬贲门，
下焦冲气又挟痰涎上冲，以杜塞之，是以不受饮食。故用人参以壮胃气，气壮自能撑悬贲门，使之
宽展；赭石以降冲气，冲降自挟痰涎下行，不虑杜塞，此方之所以效也。若药局间偶有咸而且辛之旋复花，亦
可斟酌加入，然加旋复花又须少减赭石也。此证有因贲门肿胀，内有瘀血致贲门窄小者，宜于方
中加苏木、 虫（俗名土鳖）各二钱。
头疼之证，西人所谓脑气筋病也。然恒可重用赭石治愈。近在奉天曾治何姓女，年二十余岁，每日至巳
头疼异常，左边尤甚，过午则愈。先经东人治之，投以麻醉脑筋之品不效。后求为诊视，
其左脉浮弦有力者，系少阳之火挟心经之热，乘阳旺之时而上升
以冲突脑部也。为疏方∶赭石、龙骨、牡蛎、龟板、萸肉、白芍各六钱，龙胆草二钱，药料皆用生者，
赭石：颜色赤红，性质微凉。既能生血又能凉血，且因其质地沉重坠降，又善于镇压上逆之气，下降痰涎，止住呕吐，打通燥结，使用得当，能建立奇效。它的原质是由铁氧化物化合而成，其结构虽然坚硬但层层叠叠如同铁锈（铁锈也是铁氧化物化合），生研后服用不损伤肠胃，即使服用稍粗的粉末也对肠胃没有损害。而且生服则氧化铁成分纯全，大能养血，所以《神农本草经》说它治疗赤沃漏下；《日华诸家本草》说它治疗月经不止。如果经过煅烧就失去这种功效，再用醋淬炼，尤其不适宜。况且性质非常平和，虽然降逆气却不伤正气，通燥结而毫无攻破之弊，原本不需要煅烧。其形状为薄片，层层叠叠而成，一面点点呈凸形，一面点点呈凹形的，才堪入药。
赭石是铁氧化物化合，性质同铁锈，原本就不宜煅烧。徐灵胎说如果煅烧后再用醋淬炼，就能伤肺。本书各方中有赭石的，都应当将生赭石轧细使用。
【附案】邻村迟某，年龄四十岁左右，在上脘处发疮，大如核桃，破溃后调治三年不愈。疮口大如铜钱，从内部溃烂，顺着胁肋逐渐蔓延到背后，每天脓水从背后排挤流向疮口流出若干。求治于我，自称患此疮后三年未曾安枕，勉强躺卧片刻，即觉得有气自下焦升起，上逆冲心。我说：“这就是子疮的病根。”让他用生芡实一两，煮浓汁送服生赭石细末五钱，于是可以安卧。又服数次，彻夜稳睡。因为气上逆乃是冲气之上冲，用赭石来镇压它，芡实来收敛它，冲气自然安守其宅。继用活络效灵丹，加生黄芪、生赭石各三钱煎服，每日一剂，半月痊愈。
邻村毛姓少年，在伤寒病愈后，忽然痰涎上壅，堵塞咽喉，几乎不能呼吸。其父懂医，用手大指点按天突穴（指甲应贴喉，指端着穴，向下用力，勿向内用力），气息微微通畅，急忙迎我调治。遂用香油二两，炖热调麝香一分灌之，随即灌入随即流出痰涎若干。继用生赭石一两，人参六钱，苏子四钱，煎汤，徐徐饮下，痰涎顿时开通。
周姓妇女，年龄三十岁左右，连连呕吐，五六日间，勺水不进，大便也不通行，自觉下脘处疼痛且结滞，凡有味道的药入口即吐，无味的药片刻也吐出，医生推辞不治。后来我诊视其脉有滑象，上盛下虚，怀疑她有妊娠，询问月事不见已有五十天了，然而结证不开，危险就在眼前，《内经》说“有故无殒亦无殒也”。于是单用赭石二两，煎汤饮下，感觉药至结处不能下行，反而返上来吐出。继用赭石四两，又再次过筛出细末约一两，将剩余三两煎汤，调细末服下，其结遂开，大便也通了，从此安然无恙，到期分娩。
有人问：赭石，《名医别录》说它坠胎，现在治疗孕妇竟用这么多赭石，即使侥幸奏效，岂不是行险之道吗？回答说：我生平治病，必定熟筹周全后才开方，起初不敢孤注一掷。赭石质地重，其镇坠之力原本能下有形滞物，若胎儿至六七个月时，服用或许会有妨碍，至于受孕之初，因恶阻而成结证，此时胞室之中不过是血液凝结，赭石毫无破血之弊，且有治赤沃与下血不止之效，重用又有什么妨害呢？况且此证五六日间，勺饮不能下行，其气机上逆，气化之壅滞，已到极点，以赭石以降逆开壅，不过是调脏腑之气化使之适得其平，又何至于有其他忧虑呢？
广平县吕××的妻子，年龄二十多岁，因恶阻呕吐很剧烈。九日之间饮水或稍存留，食物则尽吐出。请我为其诊视，脉象有力，舌有黄苔，询问其心中发热，知系夹杂外感，遂先用生石膏一两半，煎汤一杯，防其呕吐，徐徐温饮下，热稍退。继用生赭石二两，煎汤一大杯，分两次温饮下，感觉行至下脘作疼，不复下行转而向上逆吐出，知道其下脘所结甚坚，原本非轻剂所能通。也用生赭石细末四两，从中再筛出极细末一两，将剩余三两煎汤，送服其极细末，其结遂开，从此饮食顺利，到期分娩。
一未婚女子，中秋节后，感冒风寒，三四日间，胸膈满闷，不受饮食，饮水一口也吐出，严重时常用手抓挠其胸。脉象滑实，右部尤其甚，遂单用生赭石细末一两半，让她煎汤温饮下，一顿饭工夫仍吐出。因为她的胃口皆为痰涎壅滞，药不胜病，下行不通复转而吐出。遂改用赭石四两，煎汤一大碗，分三次陆续温饮下，胸次遂通，饮水不吐。次日，脉象洪长，其舌苔从先前微黄，忽变黑色，又重用白虎汤连进两大剂，每剂用生石膏四两，分数次温饮下，大便得通而愈。
曲××，年龄三十多岁，得瘟病，两三日恶心呕吐，五日之间饮食不能下咽，来院求延医。其脉浮弦，数近六至，重按无力，口苦心热，舌苔微黄。因思其脉象浮弦者，阳明与少阳合病也，二经之病机相并上冲，故作呕吐也，心热口苦者，内热已实也，其脉无力而数者，无谷气相助又为内热所迫也。因思但用生赭石煮水饮之，既无臭味，且有凉镇之力，或许可不吐。遂用生赭石二两，煎水两杯，分二次温饮下，饮完仍复吐出，病患甚觉惶恐，加上久不饮食，形状似莫可支持。我说：“不要怕，再用药末数钱，必能立止呕吐。”遂单用生赭石细末五钱，开水送服，感觉恶心立止，须臾胸次通畅，进薄粥一杯，下行顺利。从此饮食不再呕吐，而心中犹发热，舌根肿胀，言语不利，又用生石膏一两，丹参、乳香、没药、连翘各三钱，连服两剂全愈。
癸亥年秋，李××的族姊，周身灼热，脉象洪实，心中烦躁怔忡，饮食下咽即呕吐，屡次所服之药，亦皆呕吐不受。看其舌苔黄浓，大便数日未行，知其外感之热已入阳明之府，又挟胃气上逆，冲气上冲也。为其开方，用生赭石细末八钱，生石膏细末一两半，瓜蒌仁一两，玄参、天冬各六钱，甘草二钱，将后五味煎汤一大杯，先用开水送服赭石细末，继将汤药服下，遂受药不吐，再服一剂全愈。
一妇人，年龄近五十岁，得温病，七八日表里俱热，舌苔甚薄作黑色，状类舌斑，此乃外感兼内亏之证。医者用降药两次下之，遂发喘逆。令其子两手按其心口，即可不喘。须臾又喘，又令以手紧紧按住，喘又稍停。诊其脉尺部无根，寸部摇摇，此将脱之候也。时当仲夏，让用生鸡蛋黄四个，调新汲井泉水服之，喘稍定。可容取药。遂用赭石细末二钱同生鸡蛋黄两个，温水调和服之，喘遂愈，脉亦安定。继服参赭镇气汤以善其后。
友人毛××曾治一妇人，胸次郁结，饮食至胃不能下行，时作呕吐。毛××用赭石细末六钱，浓煎人参汤送下，须臾腹中如爆竹之声，胸次胃中俱觉通豁，至此饮食如常。
友人高××曾治一人，上焦满闷，艰于饮食，胸中觉有物窒塞。医者用大黄、蒌实陷胸之品十余剂，转觉胸中积满，上至咽喉，饮水一口即溢出。高××用赭石二两，人参六钱为方煎服，顿觉窒塞之物降至下焦。又加当归、肉苁蓉，再服一剂，降下瘀滞之物若干，病若失。
友人李××曾治一人，寒痰壅滞胃中，呕吐不受饮食，大便旬日未行。用人参八钱、干姜六钱、赭石一两，一剂呕吐即止。又加当归五钱，大便得通而愈。
门人高××曾治一老翁，年龄七十多岁，得呃逆证，兼小便不通，剧时觉堵塞咽喉，息不能通，两目上翻，身躯后挺，更医数人治不效。高××诊其脉浮而无力，遂用赭石、台参、生山药、生芡实、牛蒡子为方投之，呃逆顿愈。又加竹茹服一剂，小便亦通利。
历观以上诸治验案，赭石诚为救颠扶危之大药也。乃如此良药，今人罕用，间有用者，不过二三钱，药不胜病，用与不用同也。且我放胆用至数两者，并非卤莽。诚以临证既久，凡药之性情能力及宜轻宜重之际，研究数十年，心中皆有定见，而后敢如此放胆，百用不至一失。且赭石所以能镇逆气，能下有形瘀滞者，以其饶有重坠之力，于气分实分毫无损。况气虚者又佐以人参，尤为万全之策也。
人参、赭石并用，不但能纳气归原也，设于逆气上干，填塞胸臆，或兼呕吐，其证之上盛下虚者，皆可参、赭并用以治之。
《内经》说阳明厥逆、喘咳、身热、善惊、衄、呕血。黄坤载阐发《内经》之旨，说“血之失于便溺者，太阴之不升也；亡于吐衄者，阳明之不降也。”这话，深明《内经》者也。盖阳明胃气，以息息下降为顺，时或不降，则必壅滞转而上逆，上逆之极，血即随之上升而吐衄作矣。治吐衄之证，当以降胃为主，而降胃之药，实以赭石为最效。然胃之所以不降，有因热者，宜降之以赭石，而以瓜蒌仁、白芍诸药佐之；其热而兼虚者，可兼佐以人参；有因凉者，宜降以赭石而以干姜、白芍诸药佐之（因凉犹用白芍者，防干姜之热侵肝胆也，然吐衄之证，由于胃气凉而不降者甚少）；其凉而兼虚者，可兼佐以白术；有因下焦虚损，冲气不摄上冲胃气不降者，宜降以赭石而以生山药、生芡实诸药佐之，有因胃气不降，致胃中血管破裂，其证久不愈者，宜降以赭石而以龙骨、牡蛎、三七诸药佐之。无论吐衄之证，种种病因不同，疏方皆以赭石为主，而随证制宜，佐以相当之药品，吐衄未有不愈者。
奉天张××，年龄近四十岁，陡然鼻中衄血甚剧，脉象关前洪滑，两尺不任重按，知系上盛下虚之证，自言头目恒不清爽，每睡醒舌干无津，大便甚燥，数日一行。为其开方：赭石、生地黄、生山药各一两，当归、白芍、生龙骨、生牡蛎、怀牛膝各五钱，煎汤送服旱三七细末二钱（凡用生地治吐衄者，皆宜佐以三七，血止后不至淤血留于经络），一剂血顿止。后将生地减去四钱，加熟地、枸杞各五钱，连服数剂，脉亦平和。
伤寒下早成结胸，瘟疫未下亦可成结胸。所谓结胸者，乃外感之邪与胸中痰涎互相凝结，滞塞气道，几难呼吸也。仲景有大陷胸汤、丸，原为治此证良方，然因二方中皆有甘遂，医者不敢轻用，病家亦不敢轻服，一切利气理痰之药，又皆无效，故恒至束手无策。向我治此等证，让用新炒瓜蒌仁四两，捣碎煮汤服之，恒能奏效。后拟得一方，用赭石、瓜蒌仁各二两，苏子六钱（方名荡胸汤），用它代替大陷胸汤、丸，屡试皆能奏效。若其结在胃口，心下满闷，按之作疼者，系小陷胸汤证，又可将方中分量减半以代小陷胸汤，其功效较小陷胸汤尤捷。自拟此方以来，救人多矣，至寒温之证已传阳明之府，却无大热，惟上焦痰涎壅滞，下焦大便不通者，亦可投以此方（分量亦宜斟酌少用），上清其痰，下通其便，诚一举两得之方也。
至于寒温之证，不至结胸及心下满闷，惟逆气挟胃热上冲，不能饮食，并不能受药者，宜赭石与清热之药并用。曾治奉天安××之妻，年龄四十多岁，临产双生，异常劳顿，恶心呕吐，数日不能饮食，服药亦恒呕吐，精神昏愦，情势垂危，群医辞不治。请我诊视，其脉洪实，面有火色，舌苔黄浓，知系产后温病，其呕吐若是者，阳明府热已实，胃气因热而上逆也。遂让其用玄参一两半，赭石一两，同煎服，一剂即热退呕止，可以受食。继用玄参、白芍、连翘以清其余热，病遂全愈。至放胆用玄参而无所顾忌者，以玄参原宜于产乳，《神农本草经》有明文也。
下有实寒，上有浮热之证，欲用温热之药以祛其寒，上焦恒格拒不受，惟佐以赭石使之速于下行，直达病所，上焦之浮热转能因之下降。曾治邻村刘某，因房事后恣食生冷，忽然少腹抽疼，肾囊紧缩，大便不通，上焦兼有烦热。医者投以大黄附子细辛汤，上焦烦热益甚，两胁疼胀，便结囊缩，腹疼如故。病家甚觉惶恐，求为诊视。其脉弦而沉，两尺之沉尤甚，先用醋炒葱白熨其脐及脐下，腹中作响，大有开通之意，囊缩腹疼亦见愈，便仍未通。遂用赭石二两，乌附子五钱，当归、苏子各一两，煎汤饮下，即觉药力下行，过两小时让其煎渣饮之，有顷，降下结粪若干，诸病皆愈。
膈食之证，千古难治之证也。《伤寒论》有旋复代赭石汤，原治伤寒发汗，若吐若下解后，心下痞硬、噫气不除者。周扬俊、喻嘉言皆谓治膈证甚效。然《神农本草经》说旋复花味咸，若真好旋复花实咸而兼有辛味（我县武帝台污所产旋复花咸而辛），今药坊间所卖旋复花皆甚苦，实不堪用。是以我治膈证，常用其方去旋复花，将赭石加重，其冲气上冲过甚，兼大便甚干结者，赭石常用至一两许，再加当归、柿霜、天冬诸药以润燥生津，且更临时制宜，随证加减，治愈者不胜录。盖此证因胃气衰弱，不能撑悬贲门，下焦冲气又挟痰涎上冲，以杜塞之，是以不受饮食。故用人参以壮胃气，气壮自能撑悬贲门，使之宽展；赭石以降冲气，冲降自挟痰涎下行，不虑杜塞，此方之所以效也。若药局间偶有咸而且辛之旋复花，也可斟酌加入，然加旋复花又须少减赭石也。此证有因贲门肿胀，内有瘀血致贲门窄小者，宜于方中加苏木、土鳖虫（俗名土鳖）各二钱。
头疼之证，西人所谓脑气筋病也。然恒可重用赭石治愈。近在奉天曾治何姓女，年龄二十多岁，每日至巳时头疼异常，左边尤甚，过午则愈。先经东人治之，投以麻醉脑筋之品不效。后求为诊视，其左脉浮弦有力者，系少阳之火挟心经之热，乘阳旺之时而上升以冲突脑部也。为其开方：赭石、龙骨、牡蛎、龟板、山茱萸、白芍各六钱，龙胆草二钱，药料皆用生者，
Hematitum (Zhe Shi): Red in color, slightly cool in nature. It can generate blood and also cool blood. Due to its heavy and descending quality, it is excellent at suppressing rebellious Qi, descending phlegm-fluids, stopping vomiting, and unblocking dry impactions. When used appropriately, it can achieve remarkable effects. Its original substance is formed by the combination of iron oxide. Although its structure is hard, it is layered like rust (rust is also a compound of iron oxide). When raw and ground for consumption, it does not damage the stomach and intestines; even consuming slightly coarse powder causes no harm to the gastrointestinal tract. Moreover, when taken raw, the iron oxide component remains pure and complete, greatly nourishing blood. Therefore, *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats "chi wo" (blood discharge) and metrorrhagia; *Rihua Zhujia Bencao* states it treats menorrhagia. If calcined, it loses this efficacy. Quenching it in vinegar after calcination is particularly inappropriate. Furthermore, its nature is very mild; although it descends rebellious Qi, it does not damage healthy Qi, and unblocks dry impactions without any destructive properties. Thus, calcination is originally unnecessary. The form suitable for medicine consists of thin sheets, layered upon each other, with one side dotted with convex bumps and the other side with concave depressions.
Hematitum is a compound of iron oxide, with a nature similar to rust, and is originally unsuitable for calcination. Xu Lingtai stated that if calcined and then quenched in vinegar, it can damage the lungs. In all prescriptions in this book containing Hematitum, raw Hematitum should be crushed into fine powder for use.
[Attached Case 1] Chi from the neighboring village, approximately forty years old, developed a sore on the upper epigastrium, the size of a walnut. After rupture, treatment failed to heal it for three years. The sore opening was the size of a coin, ulcerating internally and spreading along the hypochondrium to the back. Daily, pus drained from the back towards the sore opening. He sought my treatment, stating that since contracting this sore three years ago, he had never slept peacefully. Lying down briefly caused him to feel Qi rising from the lower Jiao, rebelling upwards and rushing to the heart. I said, "This is the root cause of your condition." I instructed him to use one liang of raw Euryale Seed (Qianshi), boiled into a thick decoction, to deliver five qian of raw Hematitum fine powder. He was then able to sleep. After several more doses, he slept steadily through the night. The upward rebellion of Qi was actually the rebellion of Chong Qi. Using Hematitum to suppress it and Euryale Seed to astringe it allowed the Chong Qi to settle in its residence. Subsequently, using Huoluo Xiaoling Dan (Active Collaterals Efficacious Spirit Pill) with added three qian of raw Astragali Radix (Huangqi) and three qian of raw Hematitum, taken as one dose daily, resulted in complete recovery within half a month.
A young man surnamed Mao from the neighboring village, after recovering from a cold damage disease, suddenly experienced phlegm-fluids obstructing upwards, blocking the throat, making breathing nearly impossible. His father, who knew medicine, pressed the Tiantu (CV22) acupoint with his thumb (nail against the throat, fingertip on the point, pressing downwards, not inwards). Breathing became slightly clear, and he urgently invited me for treatment. I used two liang of sesame oil, heated and mixed with one fen of Moschus (Shexiang), and administered it orally. Immediately, some phlegm-fluids flowed out. Then, I used one liang of raw Hematitum, six qian of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), and four qian of Perillae Fructus (Suzi), decocted in water, and administered slowly. The phlegm obstruction cleared instantly.
A woman surnamed Zhou, approximately thirty years old, suffered from continuous vomiting. For five or six days, she could not retain even a spoonful of water, and her bowels did not move. She felt pain and stagnation in the lower epigastrium. Any medicine with flavor was vomited immediately upon entering the mouth, and even flavorless medicine was vomited shortly after. Doctors refused to treat her. Later, I examined her pulse, which showed a slippery aspect, with excess above and deficiency below. Suspecting pregnancy, I asked if her menstruation had ceased for fifty days. Indeed, the stagnation was severe, and danger was imminent. *Neijing* states: "If there is a cause, there is no injury." I used only two liang of Hematitum, decocted in water and drunk. She felt the medicine reaching the site of stagnation but unable to descend, so it was vomited back up. I then used four liang of Hematitum, sifted to obtain about one liang of fine powder, decocted the remaining three liang in water, and mixed the fine powder into the decoction for administration. The stagnation cleared, bowels moved, and she remained safe until delivery.
Someone asked: *Mingyi Bielu* states Hematitum causes miscarriage. Yet now you treat pregnant women with such large amounts of Hematitum. Even if effective, is this not taking undue risks? I replied: In my life treating patients, I always deliberate thoroughly before prescribing; I never gamble blindly. Hematitum is heavy, and its descending power can push down有形 (tangible) stagnation. If the fetus is at six or seven months, its use might be problematic. However, in early pregnancy, where morning sickness leads to stagnation, the uterine cavity contains only coagulated blood. Hematitum has no blood-breaking弊端 (drawbacks) and effectively treats blood discharge and metrorrhagia. What harm is there in heavy use? Moreover, in this case, for five or six days, no fluid could pass downward. The rebellion of Qi and stagnation of Qi transformation reached their peak. Using Hematitum to descend rebellion and open stagnation merely harmonizes the Qi transformation of the Zang-Fu organs to reach balance. How could it cause other harms?
The wife of Lv XX in Guangping County, over twenty years old, suffered severe vomiting due to morning sickness. Within nine days, she retained little water and vomited all food. I examined her pulse, which was forceful, and her tongue had a yellow coating. Asking about her symptoms, she reported heat in the heart. Knowing this involved an external pathogen, I first used one and a half liang of raw Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), decocted in a cup of water, to prevent vomiting, administering it slowly while warm. The heat subsided slightly. Then, I used two liang of raw Hematitum, decocted in a large cup of water, divided into two warm doses. She felt pain in the lower epigastrium as the medicine reached it, and it reverted upwards and was vomited. Knowing the stagnation in the lower epigastrium was very firm and light agents could not penetrate it, I used four liang of raw Hematitum fine powder, sifted to obtain one liang of extremely fine powder, decocted the remaining three liang in water, and delivered the extremely fine powder with the decoction. The stagnation cleared, diet proceeded smoothly, and she delivered at term.
An unmarried girl, after the Mid-Autumn Festival, contracted wind-cold. For three or four days, she experienced fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm, unable to eat or drink. Even one sip of water caused vomiting. At times, she scratched her chest with her hands. Her pulse was slippery and solid, especially on the right side. I used only one and a half liang of raw Hematitum fine powder, decocted in water for warm drinking. After a meal's time, she still vomited. This was because her stomach was blocked by phlegm-fluids; the medicine could not overcome the disease, failed to descend, and reverted upwards. I then changed to four liang of Hematitum, decocted in a large bowl of water, administered in three warm doses successively. The chest cleared, and she could drink water without vomiting. The next day, her pulse was surging and long, and her tongue coating changed from slightly yellow to black. I heavily used Baihu Tang (White Tiger Decoction) for two major doses, each with four liang of raw Gypsum Fibrosum, administered in divided warm doses. Bowels moved, and she recovered.
Qu XX, over thirty years old, contracted a pestilential disease. For two to three days, he experienced nausea and vomiting. For five days, he could not swallow food and came to the clinic seeking medical help. His pulse was floating and wiry, rapid with nearly six beats per breath, and weak upon heavy pressure. He had bitter taste, heat in the heart, and a slightly yellow tongue coating. I reasoned that the floating and wiry pulse indicated a combined disease of Yangming and Shaoyang. The pathogenic mechanisms of these two meridians rushed upwards together, causing vomiting. Heat in the heart and bitter taste indicated substantial internal heat. The weak and rapid pulse indicated lack of grain Qi support and pressure from internal heat. I thought that boiling raw Hematitum in water would have no odor and possess cooling and settling power, possibly stopping vomiting. I used two liang of raw Hematitum, boiled in two cups of water, administered in two warm doses. After finishing, he vomited again. The patient was terrified, and due to prolonged fasting, he looked weak. I said, "Do not fear. Take a few qian of the powder, and vomiting will stop immediately." I used only five qian of raw Hematitum fine powder, delivered with boiling water. Nausea stopped instantly, and the chest cleared. He drank a cup of thin porridge, which descended smoothly. Diet resumed without vomiting, but he still had heat in the heart, swelling of the tongue root, and difficulty speaking. I used one liang of raw Gypsum Fibrosum, and three qian each of Salvia Miltiorrhiza Radix et Rhizoma (Danshen), Boswellia Resina (Ruxiang), Myrrha Resina (Moyao), and Forsythiae Fructus (Lianqiao). Two doses resulted in complete recovery.
In autumn of the Guihai year, the clan sister of Li XX had burning heat throughout the body, a surging and solid pulse, restlessness, palpitations, and vomiting immediately after swallowing food or medicine. Her tongue coating was thick and yellow, and she had not had a bowel movement for several days. I knew the external heat had entered the Yangming Fu organ, accompanied by rebellious Stomach Qi and rushing Chong Qi. I prescribed eight qian of raw Hematitum fine powder, one and a half liang of raw Gypsum Fibrosum fine powder, one liang of Trichosanthis Semen (Gualouren), six qian each of Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen) and Asparagi Radix (Tian dong), and two qian of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao). The latter five herbs were decocted in a large cup of water. First, the Hematitum powder was delivered with boiling water, followed by the decoction. She retained the medicine without vomiting, and one more dose cured her.
A woman near fifty years old contracted a warm disease. For seven or eight days, both exterior and interior were hot. Her tongue coating was very thin and black, resembling spots. This was a condition of external contraction combined with internal deficiency. The doctor used purgative herbs twice, leading to wheezing and rebellion. Having her son press her heart area with both hands stopped the wheezing temporarily. Soon it returned, and pressing tightly stopped it again. Her pulse had no root in the chi position and was shaky in the cun position, indicating impending collapse. It was mid-summer. I instructed her to take four raw egg yolks mixed with fresh well water. Wheezing subsided slightly, allowing time to prepare medicine. I used two qian of Hematitum fine powder mixed with two raw egg yolks in warm water. Wheezing ceased, and pulse stabilized. Subsequently, Shen Zhen Zhen Qi Tang (Ginseng and Hematitum to Suppress Qi Decoction) was used to consolidate recovery.
My friend Mao XX treated a woman with chest oppression, inability of food to descend to the stomach, and occasional vomiting. Mao XX used six qian of Hematitum fine powder, delivered with strong Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma decoction. Shortly, sounds like firecrackers were heard in the abdomen, and the chest and stomach felt open. Diet returned to normal.
My friend Gao XX treated a man with fullness in the upper Jiao, difficulty eating, and a sensation of obstruction in the chest. The doctor used ten doses of Da Huang (Rhubarb Radix et Rhizoma) and Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus) formulas for Tanxiong (Chest Binding). The patient felt increased fullness in the chest, extending to the throat, overflowing water immediately upon drinking. Gao XX used two liang of Hematitum and six qian of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, decocted and administered. The obstruction sensation dropped to the lower Jiao. Adding Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui) and Cistanches Herba (Roucongrong), one more dose expelled stagnant material, and the illness vanished.
My friend Li XX treated a man with cold-phlegm stagnation in the stomach, vomiting refusing food, and no bowel movement for ten days. Eight qian of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, six qian of dried Ginger (Ganjiang), and one liang of Hematitum were used. One dose stopped vomiting. Adding five qian of Angelicae Sinensis Radix allowed bowel movement and recovery.
My disciple Gao XX treated an elderly man over seventy years old with hiccups and urinary retention. At severe times, he felt throat blockage, inability to breathe, eyes rolling up, and body arching backwards. Several doctors failed to treat him. Gao XX found a floating and weak pulse. He prescribed Hematitum, Taishen (Codonopsis Radix), raw Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao), raw Euryale Seed, and Fraxinidis Cortex (Niuxizi). Hiccups ceased instantly. Adding Bamboo Shavings (Zhuru) for one dose allowed urination to become smooth.
Observing the above cases, Hematitum is indeed a great medicine for saving critical conditions. Yet modern people rarely use it. Those who do use only two or three qian, insufficient to overcome the disease, making its use equivalent to non-use. When I boldly use amounts up to several liang, it is not rash. Having practiced clinically for a long time, I have studied the nature, capacity, and appropriate dosage of medicines for decades, forming firm convictions in my mind before daring to use them boldly. Hundred uses result in no errors. Hematitum can suppress rebellious Qi and push down tangible stasis because of its heavy descending power, without damaging Qi or Blood. Moreover, supplementing with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma for Qi deficiency makes it a perfect strategy.
Using Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Hematitum together not only guides Qi back to its origin but also treats conditions where rebellious Qi invades upwards, filling the chest, or accompanied by vomiting, characterized by excess above and deficiency below.
*Neijing* states: Yangming reversal leads to wheezing, cough, body heat, fright, epistaxis, and hematemesis. Huang Kunzai elaborated on *Neijing*, stating: "Blood loss via urine/feces is due to Taiyin failing to ascend; blood loss via vomiting/epistaxis is due to Yangming failing to descend." This statement deeply understands *Neijing*. Yangming Stomach Qi naturally descends. If it fails to descend, it stagnates and rebels upwards. Extreme rebellion causes blood to rise with it, leading to hematemesis and epistaxis. Treating these conditions requires descending Stomach Qi as the primary method, and Hematitum is the most effective herb for this. However, reasons for Stomach Qi failing to descend vary. If due to heat, descend with Hematitum assisted by Trichosanthis Semen and Paeoniae Radix Alba (Baishao); if heat combined with deficiency, add Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma. If due to cold, descend with Hematitum assisted by dried Ginger and Baishao (using Baishao prevents dried Ginger's heat from invading Liver/Gallbladder, though cold-induced non-descending Stomach Qi causing bleeding is rare); if cold combined with deficiency, add Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu). If due to lower Jiao deficiency and Chong Qi failing to control upward rushing of Stomach Qi, descend with Hematitum assisted by raw Dioscoreae Rhizoma and raw Euryale Seed. If due to Stomach Qi failure causing rupture of gastric vessels with chronic non-healing, descend with Hematitum assisted by Dragon Bone (Longgu), Oyster Shell (Muli), and Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Sanqi). Regardless of the cause, Hematitum is the main herb, adjusted with appropriate assistants based on syndrome. Hematemesis and epistaxis will invariably heal.
Zhang XX from Fengtian, near forty years old, suddenly suffered severe epistaxis. Pulse was surging and slippery in the guan position, weak in the chi position upon heavy pressure, indicating excess above and deficiency below. He complained of unclear head and eyes, dry tongue upon waking, and dry stool occurring every few days. I prescribed: one liang each of Hematitum, raw Rehmanniae Radix (Shengdihuang), and raw Dioscoreae Rhizoma; five qian each of Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Baishao, raw Longgu, raw Muli, and Achyranthes Bidentatae Radix (Huainiuxi). Decocted in water, delivered with two qian of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma fine powder. (When using Shengdi for bleeding, Sanqi should be added to prevent blood stasis in collaterals after bleeding stops). One dose stopped bleeding. Later, reduced Shengdi by four qian, added four qian each of prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudi) and Lycii Fructus (Gouqi). Several doses normalized the pulse.
Early purgation in cold damage can lead to Tanxiong (Chest Binding); untreated plague can also cause it. Tanxiong is the binding of external pathogens with chest phlegm-fluids, blocking airways and making breathing difficult. Zhang Zhongjing's Daxiexiong Tang (Major Chest Binding Decoction) and Wan are good formulas for this. However, since both contain Kansui Radix (Gansui), doctors dare not use them lightly, nor do patients. All Qi-promoting and phlegm-resolving drugs are ineffective, leaving doctors helpless. Previously, I treated such cases by having patients consume four liang of newly stir-fried Trichosanthis Semen, crushed and decocted, which often worked. Later, I devised a formula: two liang each of Hematitum and Trichosanthis Semen, six qian of Perillae Fructus (named Dangxiong Tang). Used as a substitute for Daxiexiong Tang/Wan, it proved effective repeatedly. If the binding is at the stomach entrance, with epigastric fullness and tenderness on pressure (Xiaoxiexiong Tang syndrome), halving the dosage substitutes for Xiaoxiexiong Tang, with even faster efficacy. Since devising this formula, I have saved many people. For cold/warm diseases transmitted to Yangming Fu without high fever, but with upper Jiao phlegm stagnation and lower Jiao constipation, this formula can also be used (dosage should be reduced). It clears phlegm above and unblocks bowels below, achieving two goals with one action.
For cold/warm diseases not leading to Tanxiong or epigastric fullness, but where rebellious Qi carries Stomach heat upwards, preventing eating and medication tolerance, Hematitum should be used with heat-clearing herbs. I treated the wife of An XX from Fengtian, over forty years old, delivering twins, exhausted, with nausea, vomiting, inability to eat for days, and vomiting all medicine. Mental confusion and critical condition led doctors to refuse treatment. I found a surging and solid pulse, fiery face, and thick yellow tongue coating. Diagnosing postpartum warm disease with substantial Yangming Fu heat causing Stomach Qi rebellion due to heat, I instructed her to take one and a half liang of Scrophulariae Radix and one liang of Hematitum, decocted together. One dose cleared heat and stopped vomiting, allowing food intake. Subsequent use of Scrophulariae Radix, Baishao, and Forsythiae Fructus cleared residual heat, resulting in full recovery. I dared to use Scrophulariae Radix boldly because *Shennong Bencao Jing* explicitly states it is suitable for childbirth/lactation.
In conditions with substantial cold below and floating heat above, warming herbs may be rejected by the upper Jiao. Supplementing with Hematitum helps them descend quickly to the disease site, causing the upper Jiao floating heat to descend. I treated Liu XX from the neighboring village. After intercourse and excessive consumption of raw/cold foods, he suddenly had cramping pain in the lower abdomen, retracted testicles, constipation, and irritability/heat in the upper Jiao. The doctor prescribed Da Huang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Rhubarb, Aconite, and Asarum Decoction), worsening upper Jiao heat, hypochondriac pain/swelling, constipation, retracted testicles, and abdominal pain. The family was terrified. His pulse was wiry and deep, deeper in the chi position. I first applied vinegar-fried scallion white to the umbilicus and below, producing rumbling sounds, indicating opening. Testicle retraction and abdominal pain improved, but bowels remained blocked. I used two liang of Hematitum, five qian of processed Aconite Root (Wufuzi), and one liang each of Angelicae Sinensis Radix and Perillae Fructus, decocted and drunk. The medicine's power descended. After two hours, the dregs were decocted and drunk. Soon, hard stool was expelled, and all illnesses healed.
Dysphagia (Ge Shi) is a difficult-to-treat condition since ancient times. *Shanghan Lun* has Xuanfu Daizhe Shi Tang, originally for post-sweating/vomiting/purgation syndromes with epigastric hardness and persistent belching. Zhou Yangjun and Yu Jiayan considered it very effective for Ge Shi. However, *Shennong Bencao Jing* states Xuanfu Hua (Inula Flower) tastes salty. True Xuanfu Hua is salty and pungent (produced in Wudutai, my hometown). Modern pharmacy Xuanfu Hua is very bitter and unusable. Thus, I treat Ge Shi by removing Xuanfu Hua from the formula and increasing Hematitum. If Chong Qi rebellion is severe with dry constipation, I use Hematitum up to one liang, adding Angelicae Sinensis Radix, Diospyros Fruit Frost (Shishuang), and Asparagi Radix to moisten dryness and generate fluids. Adjusting according to the syndrome, many have been cured. This condition arises from weak Stomach Qi failing to support the cardia, and lower Jiao Chong Qi carrying phlegm upwards to block it, preventing food intake. Ginseng strengthens Stomach Qi, supporting the cardia to expand. Hematitum descends Chong Qi, carrying phlegm downwards, preventing blockage. This explains the formula's efficacy. If salty and pungent Xuanfu Hua is available, it can be added, but Hematitum dosage must be reduced. If the cardia is swollen with blood stasis causing narrowing, add Sappan Wood (Sumu) and Ground Beetle (Dubiechong), two qian each.
Headache, known in Western medicine as cerebrospinal nerve disease, can often be cured with heavy Hematitum. Recently in Fengtian, I treated a woman surnamed He, over twenty years old. Every day at Si hour, she had severe headache, worse on the left, resolving after noon. Japanese doctors tried anesthetics without effect. Her left pulse was floating, wiry, and forceful, indicating Shaoyang fire carrying Heart heat rising during Yang prosperity to conflict with the brain. I prescribed: six qian each of Hematitum, Longgu, Muli, Tortoise Carapace and Plastron (Guiban), Cornus Officinalis Fructus (Yurou), and Baishao; two qian of Gentiana Scabra Radix (Longdancao). All herbs were used raw.