【宣】 可以去壅，姜、橘之属是也。郁而不散，宜宣剂以散之。俚之人皆以宣为泻剂，抑
不知十剂之中已有通剂。举世皆曰∶春宜宣，以为下夺之药，抑不知仲景曰∶大法春宜吐，以春
病则人病在头故也。况十剂之中独不见吐剂，岂非宣剂则所谓吐剂者乎？《内经》曰∶其高者，因
而越之，即宣者升而上之也。以君召臣曰宣，义或同。伤寒邪气在上，宜瓜蒂散。头痛，葱根
豆豉汤。伤寒懊 ，宜栀子豉汤。精神昏愦，宜栀子浓朴汤。自瓜蒂而下皆涌剂也。乃仲景不传
之妙，令人皆作平剂用之，未有发其秘者。予因发之，然则为涌明矣。故风痫中风、胸中诸实、痰
饮寒结，胸中热郁于上，上而不下，下久则喘嗽、胀满、水肿之病生焉，非宣剂莫能愈也。
【通】 可以去滞，木通、防己之属是也。留而不行，宣通剂以行之，流通之谓也。前后不得
溲便，宜木通、海金沙、大黄、琥珀、八正散之属。里急后重，数至圊而不便。虽通与泻相类，
大率通为轻而泻为重也。凡麻痹、郁滞经隧不利，非通剂莫能愈也。
【补】 可以去弱，人参、羊肉之属是也。弱而不足，宜补剂以扶之，补其不足也。俚
人皆知山药丸、鹿茸丸之补剂，然此乃衰老下脱之人方宜用之。今往往于少年之人用之，其极
甚矣！古之甘平、甘温、苦温、辛温皆作补剂，岂独硫黄、天雄为补哉？况五脏各有补泻，肝实
泻心，肺虚补肾。经曰∶东方实，西方虚，泻南方，补北方。大率虚有六∶表虚、里虚、上虚、
下虚、阴虚、阳虚。设阳虚则以干姜、附子，阴虚则补以大黄、硝石。世传以热为补，以寒为泻，
虽非一日，岂知苦酸甘辛咸各补其脏。经曰∶精不足者，补之以味。善用药者，使病者进五谷，
真得补之道也。若大邪未去，方满方闷，心火方实，肾水方耗，而骤言鹿茸、附子，庸讵知其所
谓补剂者乎？
【泻】 可以去结，葶苈、硝黄之属是也。闲而有余，宜泻剂以除之，泄泻之谓也。诸痛
为实，痛随利减。经曰∶实则泻之，其实者散而泻之，中满者泻之于内，大黄、牵牛、甘遂、巴豆
之属皆泻剂也。惟巴豆不可不慎焉。盖巴豆之性燥热，毒不去变生他疾，纵不得已而用之，
必以他药制其毒，百千证中或可一二用之。非有暴急之疾，大黄、牵牛、甘遂、芒硝足矣。令人
往往以巴豆热而不畏，以大黄寒而反畏，庸讵知其所谓泻剂者乎？
【轻】 可以去实，麻黄、葛根之属是也。实而气蕴，宜轻剂以扬之。风寒之邪始发皮肤，
头痛、身热宜轻剂或风散，升麻、葛根之属是也。经曰∶因其轻而扬之，发散所谓解表也。疥癣
痤痱宜解表，汗以泄之，毒以熏之，皆轻剂也，故桂枝、麻黄、防风之属亦然。设感冒伤风头痛
身热，二日内用双解散及嚏药，解表出汗皆轻剂之云耳。
【重】 可以去怯，磁石、铁粉之属是也。怯则气浮，宜重剂以镇之，镇坠之谓也。
其药则朱砂、水银、寒水石、黄丹之类，以其体重故也。久病咳嗽，涎潮于上，咽喉不利，形
羸不可峻攻，以此坠之。故《内经》曰∶重者因而减之，贵其渐也。
【滑】 可以去着，冬葵子、榆白皮之属是也。涩则气着，宜滑剂以利之。《周礼》曰∶
滑以养窍。大便燥结，小便淋涩，皆宜滑剂。燥结者，其麻仁、郁李之类乎？淋涩者，其葵子、
滑石之类乎？前后不通者，前后两阴俱闭也，此名曰三焦约也。约，犹束也。先以滑剂润养其燥，
然后攻之，则无失矣。
【涩】 可以去脱，牡蛎、龙骨之属是也。滑利气脱，宜涩剂以收之。寝汗不禁，涩以麻黄
根。滑泻不已，涩以豆蔻、枯白矾、乌贼鱼骨、罂粟壳。凡酸味皆同乎涩者，收敛之意也。
咳嗽上奔，以荠汁、乌梅煎宁肺者，皆酸涩剂也。然此数种当治本以去邪，不可执一以便涩，
斯为万全也。
【燥】 可以去湿，桑白皮、赤小豆之属是也。湿则为重，宜燥剂以除之。积寒久冷，食
已不饥，吐利腥秽，屈伸不便，上下水液澄澈清冷，此为大寒之故，宜用干姜、良姜、附子、胡
椒辈以燥之，非积寒之病不可用也。若久服则变血溢、血泄、大枯大涸、溲便癃秘、聋瞽委弱之
疾。设有久服而此疾不作者，慎勿执以为是。盖疾不作者一二，误死者百千也。若病湿者，则白
术、陈皮、木香、防己、苍术皆能除湿，亦燥之平剂也。若黄连、黄柏、黄芩、大黄其味皆苦，
苦属火，皆能燥湿，此《内经》之本旨也。然世相违久矣，呜呼！其独姜、附之俦方为燥剂乎？
【湿】 可以去枯，紫石英、白石英之属是也。枯则为燥，宜湿剂以润之。润虽与滑相类，
其间少有不同。经曰∶辛以润之，盖辛走气化液故也。若夫硝性虽咸，本属真阴之水，诚濡枯之
上药也，人有枯涸皱褐之病，非独金化为然，盖有火以乘之，非湿剂莫能愈也。
【宣】能够消除壅滞，姜、橘之类的药物属于此类。气机郁结而不能发散，适宜用宣剂来疏散它。民间百姓都误以为“宣”就是泻下剂，却不知道在十剂之中已经有专门的通剂了。世人都说：“春季适宜用宣剂”，认为它是用于攻下夺邪的药物，却不知道张仲景说过：“大原则是春季适宜用吐法”，因为春季发病时，病邪往往在人身体上部（头部）。况且在十剂之中唯独没有列出“吐剂”，难道“宣剂”就是所谓的“吐剂”吗？《黄帝内经》说：“病位在高处的，应当因势利导使其从上而出”，这就是宣剂具有升提向上作用的意思。以君主召唤臣子称为“宣”，其中的含义或许也是相通的。伤寒邪气位于上焦，适宜用瓜蒂散。头痛，适宜用葱根豆豉汤。伤寒后心中烦闷懊恼，适宜用栀子豉汤。精神昏沉迷糊，适宜用栀子厚朴汤。从瓜蒂散往下所列的方剂都属于涌吐剂。这是张仲景不轻易传授的精妙之处，让人都把它当作平和的药剂使用，没有人揭示其中的奥秘。我因此将其揭示出来，那么它作为涌吐剂就很明确了。所以风痫、中风、胸中的各种实证、痰饮寒凝，热气郁结在上部而不下行，如果长期停滞在下部，就会产生喘咳、胀满、水肿等疾病，不用宣剂是不能治愈的。
【通】能够消除阻滞，木通、防己之类的药物属于此类。水湿停留而不流动，适宜用通剂来推动它运行，这就是流通的意思。前后二便不通，适宜用木通、海金沙、大黄、琥珀、八正散之类的药物。里急后重，频繁去厕所却排便不畅。虽然“通”与“泻”看起来相似，但大体上“通”药性较轻，“泻”药性较重。凡是出现麻痹、经络隧道郁滞不通利的情况，不用通剂是不能治愈的。
【补】能够消除虚弱，人参、羊肉之类的药物属于此类。身体虚弱不足，适宜用补剂来扶持它，补充其不足之处。世俗之人都知道山药丸、鹿茸丸是补剂，然而这些只适合衰老且元气下脱的人使用。现在往往给年轻人使用，这太严重了！古代的甘平、甘温、苦温、辛温药物都被用作补剂，难道只有硫黄、天雄才是补剂吗？况且五脏各有补泻之法，肝实则泻心，肺虚则补肾。经文说：“东方实（肝实），西方虚（肺虚），泻南方（心），补北方（肾）。”大体上虚证有六种：表虚、里虚、上虚、下虚、阴虚、阳虚。如果是阳虚，就用干姜、附子；如果是阴虚，就用大黄、硝石来补（注：此处原文逻辑特殊，通常阴虚忌苦寒，但依原文翻译）。世间流传以热药为补，以寒药为泻，虽然这不是第一天的说法，但哪里知道酸、苦、甘、辛、咸五味各自能补益相应的脏腑。经文说：“精气不足的，用味厚的药物来补益。”善于用药的人，能让病人进食五谷，这才是真正掌握了补益的道理。如果大邪尚未去除，腹部胀满憋闷，心火正盛，肾水正耗，却突然谈论使用鹿茸、附子，这些人哪里懂得什么是真正的补剂呢？
【泻】能够消除结聚，葶苈子、芒硝、大黄之类的药物属于此类。闲静而有余邪，适宜用泻剂来清除它，这就是泄泻的意思。各种疼痛多属实证，疼痛随着通利而减轻。经文说：“实证应当用泻法”，其实实的病症要疏散并泻下，中焦胀满的要从内部泻下，大黄、牵牛子、甘遂、巴豆之类的药物都是泻剂。只有巴豆不可不谨慎。因为巴豆的药性燥热，毒性强，如果不加控制会引发其他疾病，即使不得已而使用它，也必须用其他药物来制约它的毒性，在千百种病症中或许可以一两次使用它。如果没有暴急的疾病，大黄、牵牛子、甘遂、芒硝就足够了。人们往往因为巴豆热性而不害怕，反而因为大黄寒性而畏惧，这些人哪里懂得什么是真正的泻剂呢？
【轻】能够消除实邪（指在表之实），麻黄、葛根之类的药物属于此类。实邪导致气机蕴结，适宜用轻剂来扬散它。风寒邪气刚开始侵犯皮肤，出现头痛、身热，适宜用轻剂如风散，或者升麻、葛根之类的药物。经文说：“因其性质轻扬而发散”，发散就是所谓的解表。疥癣、痤疮、痱子适宜解表，通过发汗来泄出邪气，通过熏蒸来解毒，这些都是轻剂，所以桂枝、麻黄、防风之类的药物也是如此。如果是感冒伤风引起的头痛身热，在两天内使用双解散及嚏药，解表出汗，都算是轻剂的应用。
【重】能够消除怯弱（指心神浮越之怯），磁石、铁粉之类的药物属于此类。怯弱则气机浮越，适宜用重剂来镇摄它，这就是镇坠的意思。这类药物包括朱砂、水银、寒水石、黄丹等，因为它们质地沉重。久病咳嗽，痰涎上涌，咽喉不利，形体消瘦不能峻猛攻伐，用这些药物来镇坠它。所以《黄帝内经》说：“重的病症要因势利导使其减弱”，贵在逐渐进行。
【滑】能够消除着留（指津液干枯或排泄不畅导致的附着），冬葵子、榆白皮之类的药物属于此类。涩滞则气机附着，适宜用滑剂来通利它。《周礼》说：“滑润可以滋养孔窍”。大便燥结，小便淋沥涩痛，都适宜用滑剂。燥结的，大概是麻仁、郁李仁之类的吧？淋涩的，大概是葵子、滑石之类的吧？前后二便都不通的，是前后两阴都闭塞，这名叫“三焦约”。约，就是束缚的意思。先用滑剂润养其干燥，然后再攻逐，就不会失误了。
【涩】能够消除脱失（指滑脱不禁），牡蛎、龙骨之类的药物属于此类。滑利过度导致气机脱失，适宜用涩剂来收敛它。盗汗不止，用麻黄根来涩止。滑泻不停，用豆蔻、枯白矾、乌贼骨、罂粟壳来涩止。凡是酸味的药物都与涩药相同，都有收敛的意思。咳嗽气逆上奔，用荠汁、乌梅煎制来宁肺的，都是酸涩剂。然而这几类药物应当治本以祛除邪气，不可固执于单一地使用涩法，这才是万全之策。
【燥】能够消除湿气，桑白皮、赤小豆之类的药物属于此类。湿邪会导致身体沉重，适宜用燥剂来清除它。积寒久冷，吃完饭不觉得饿，呕吐腹泻物腥臭秽浊，屈伸不便，上下排泄物清澈寒冷，这是大寒的缘故，适宜用干姜、良姜、附子、胡椒等药物来燥湿，不是积寒的病不可使用。如果长期服用，会导致血溢、血泄、极度干枯涸竭、小便癃闭、耳聋目盲、委顿虚弱等疾病。如果有长期服用而没有产生这些疾病的，千万不要固执地认为这是对的。大概疾病没发生的是一两个，误人致死的却是成千上万。如果是湿病，那么白术、陈皮、木香、防己、苍术都能除湿，这也是燥剂的平和用法。至于黄连、黄柏、黄芩、大黄，它们的味都是苦的，苦属火，都能燥湿，这是《黄帝内经》的本意。然而世人违背这一点已经很久了，唉！难道只有姜、附这一类才算是燥剂吗？
【湿】能够消除枯槁（指津液枯竭），紫石英、白石英之类的药物属于此类。枯槁就会表现为燥，适宜用湿剂来滋润它。润虽然与滑相似，但其中略有不同。经文说：“辛味可以润燥”，因为辛味走气化液的原因。至于硝石，性质虽咸，原本属于真阴之水，确实是濡润枯槁的上好药物。人有枯涸皱褐的疾病，不仅仅是金（肺）化所致，大概是有火邪乘袭，不用湿剂是不能治愈的。
[Xuan (Dispersing/Ascending)] Can eliminate stagnation and obstruction; herbs such as Ginger (Shengjiang, 生姜) and Citrus Peel (Chenpi, 陈皮) belong to this category. When Qi is depressed and fails to disperse, it is appropriate to use a Xuan formula to scatter it. Laypeople often mistake "Xuan" for a purgative, not realizing that among the Ten Formulas, there is already a specific "Tong" (Unblocking) category. The world generally claims: "Spring is suitable for Xuan," regarding it as a drug for downward purging, yet they fail to know that Zhang Zhongjing stated: "The general principle is that Spring is suitable for emesis," because in spring illnesses, the pathogen tends to reside in the head. Moreover, among the Ten Formulas, an "Emetic" category is conspicuously absent; could it be that "Xuan" refers to what is called an emetic? The *Neijing* states: "For pathogens located high, induce vomiting to expel them." This means Xuan agents lift and ascend. Just as a ruler summons ministers is called "Xuan," the meaning may be similar. For Shanghan (Cold Damage) with pathogenic factors in the upper jiao, Gouti San (Melon Seed Powder) is indicated. For headache, Congen Douchi Tang (Scallion Root and Fermented Soybean Decoction) is indicated. For post-Shanghan mental restlessness and discomfort, Zhizi Douchi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction) is indicated. For mental confusion and lethargy, Zhizi Houpo Tang (Gardenia and Magnolia Bark Decoction) is indicated. From Gouti San downwards, all are emetic agents. This is a subtle secret of Zhang Zhongjing that has not been fully transmitted; people use them as mild formulas, and no one has revealed their mystery. I hereby reveal it, thus clarifying that they are indeed emetics. Therefore, for wind epilepsy, stroke, various excess patterns in the chest, phlegm-fluid retention, cold coagulation, and heat depression in the upper body that does not descend, if left stagnant for long, it will generate diseases such as wheezing, cough, distension, fullness, and edema. Only Xuan formulas can cure these.
[Tong (Unblocking)] Can eliminate stasis; herbs such as Akebia Caulis (Mutong, 木通) and Stephania Root (Fangji, 防己) belong to this category. When fluids remain without flowing, it is appropriate to use a Tong agent to promote circulation, which is defined as unblocking flow. For inability to urinate or defecate, herbs such as Mutong, Catharanthus Rosea Seed (Haijinsha, 海金沙), Rhubarb (Dahuang, 大黄), Amber (Hupo, 琥珀), and Bazheng San (Eight-Right Powder) are indicated. For tenesmus, frequent trips to the toilet without ease of defecation. Although "Tong" resembles "Xie" (Purging), generally Tong agents are mild while Xie agents are heavy. For any numbness, depression, or blockage in the meridians and collaterals, only Tong formulas can cure it.
[Bu (Tonifying)] Can eliminate weakness; herbs such as Ginseng (Renshen, 人参) and Mutton (Yangrou, 羊肉) belong to this category. When the body is weak and insufficient, it is appropriate to use a Bu agent to support it, replenishing what is lacking. Laypeople all know that Shanyao Wan (Chinese Yam Pill) and Lurong Wan (Deer Antler Pill) are tonics, but these are only suitable for the elderly with sinking Yuan Qi. Nowadays, they are often used on young people, which is extremely harmful! In ancient times, sweet-ping, sweet-warm, bitter-warm, and pungent-warm substances were all used as tonics; are only Sulfur (Liuhuang, 硫黄) and Aconite Lateralis Preparata (Tianxiong, 天雄) considered tonics? Moreover, each of the Five Zang organs has its own tonification and sedation methods: when Liver is excess, drain Heart; when Lung is deficient, tonify Kidney. The classics state: "When East is excess and West is deficient, drain South and tonify North." Generally, deficiency has six types: Exterior deficiency, Interior deficiency, Upper deficiency, Lower deficiency, Yin deficiency, and Yang deficiency. If Yang is deficient, use Dried Ginger (Ganjiang, 干姜) and Prepared Aconite Root (Fuzi, 附子); if Yin is deficient, tonify with Rhubarb (Dahuang, 大黄) and Mirabilite (Xiaoshi, 硝石). The world transmits that hot substances are tonics and cold substances are sedatives, but this view has persisted for days. Do they not know that sour, bitter, sweet, pungent, and salty flavors each tonify their respective organs? The classics state: "When essence is insufficient, tonify with flavor." A skilled prescriber enables the patient to consume the five grains, truly grasping the way of tonification. If major pathogens have not yet been expelled, and the abdomen is full and stifling, Heart Fire is flourishing, and Kidney Water is depleted, suddenly discussing the use of Deer Antler (Lurong, 鹿茸) and Aconite (Fuzi, 附子)—how would such people understand what a true tonic is?
[Xie (Purging)] Can eliminate accumulation; herbs such as Lepidium Seed (Tinglizi, 葶苈子), Mirabilite (Xiaoshi, 芒硝), and Rhubarb (Dahuang, 大黄) belong to this category. When there is leisure but excess pathogens, it is appropriate to use a Xie agent to remove them, which refers to purging. All pain indicates excess; pain decreases with free flow. The classics state: "Excess should be purged." For solid excess, scatter and purge; for middle-jiao fullness, purge from within. Herbs such as Rhubarb (Dahuang, 大黄), Morning Glory Seed (Qianniu, 牵牛子), Kansui Root (Gansui, 甘遂), and Croton Seed (Badou, 巴豆) are all purgatives. One must be extremely cautious with Badou. Its nature is dry and hot, and its toxicity, if unchecked, generates other diseases. Even if unavoidable, it must be controlled by other herbs to mitigate its toxicity. Among thousands of cases, it might be used once or twice. Unless there is an acute emergency, Rhubarb, Morning Glory Seed, Kansui, and Mirabilite are sufficient. People often do not fear Badou due to its heat, but fear Dahuang due to its coldness. How do they understand what a true purgative is?
[Qing (Light)] Can eliminate exterior excess; herbs such as Ephedra Herb (Mahuang, 麻黄) and Kudzu Root (Gegen, 葛根) belong to this category. When excess causes Qi stagnation, it is appropriate to use a Qing agent to disperse it. When Wind-Cold pathogens first invade the skin, causing headache and fever, light agents such as Fengsan (Wind-Dispersing Powder) or herbs like Cimicifuga Rhizome (Shengma, 升麻) and Kudzu Root (Gegen, 葛根) are indicated. The classics state: "Because it is light, disperse it." Dispersing is what is called releasing the exterior. For scabies, tinea, acne, and prickly heat, releasing the exterior via sweating to vent pathogens and fumigation to detoxify are all light methods. Thus, Cinnamon Twig (Guizhi, 桂枝), Ephedra (Mahuang, 麻黄), and Saposhnikovia Root (Fangfeng, 防风) are also light agents. If suffering from common cold with headache and fever, using Shuangjie San (Double-Release Powder) and sneezing medicines within two days to release the exterior and induce sweat are applications of light agents.
[Zhong (Heavy)] Can eliminate timidity (floating Qi); minerals such as Magnetite (Cishi, 磁石) and Iron Powder (Tiefen, 铁粉) belong to this category. Timidity implies floating Qi, so it is appropriate to use a Zhong agent to anchor it, which is called descending and anchoring. These drugs include Cinnabar (Zhusha, 朱砂), Mercury (Shuiyin, 水银), Natrii Sulfas (Han Shuishí, 寒水石), and Minium (Huandan, 黄丹), because of their heavy weight. For chronic cough with phlegm flooding upward, throat discomfort, and emaciation where harsh attack is contraindicated, use these to anchor. Thus, the *Neijing* states: "For heavy conditions, reduce them gradually," emphasizing slowness.
[Hua (Slippery)] Can eliminate adherence; herbs such as Okra Seed (Dongkuizi, 冬葵子) and Elm Bark (Yubai Pi, 榆白皮) belong to this category. Astringency causes Qi to adhere, so it is appropriate to use a Hua agent to lubricate it. The *Zhou Li* states: "Slipperiness nourishes the orifices." For dry stool constipation and dysuria with dribbling, slippery agents are indicated. For dry constipation, perhaps Hemp Seed (Hren, 火麻仁) and Plum Seed (Yulizi, 郁李仁)? For dribbling dysuria, perhaps Okra Seed (Kuizi, 葵子) and Talcum (Huashi, 滑石)? For complete obstruction of both anterior and posterior orifices, this is named "Sanjiao Yue" (Contraction of the Triple Burner). "Yue" means binding. First, use slippery agents to moisten and nourish the dryness, then attack, and there will be no error.
[Sè (Astringent)] Can eliminate leakage; herbs such as Oyster Shell (Muli, 牡蛎) and Dragon Bone (Longgu, 龙骨) belong to this category. Slipperiness leads to Qi leakage, so it is appropriate to use a Se agent to consolidate it. For uncontrollable night sweats, use Ephedra Root (Mahuanggen, 麻黄根) to astringe. For incessant loose stools, use Cardamom (Doukou, 豆蔻), Calcined White Alum (Kubaifan, 枯白矾), Cuttlefish Bone (Wuzheyu Gu, 乌贼鱼骨), and Poppy Shell (Yangsuke, 罂粟壳) to astringe. All sour flavors act similarly to astringents, having a consolidating intent. For cough with rebellious Qi, using Shepherd's Purse Juice (Qizhi, 荠汁) or Sour Plum Decoction (Wumei Jian, 乌梅煎) to calm the Lung are all sour-astringent agents. However, these few types should treat the root to eliminate pathogens; do not rigidly stick to astringency alone, which ensures perfection.
[Zao (Drying)] Can eliminate dampness; herbs such as Mulberry Root Bark (Sangbaipi, 桑白皮) and Adzuki Bean (Chixiaodou, 赤小豆) belong to this category. Dampness causes heaviness, so it is appropriate to use a Zao agent to remove it. For accumulated cold and long-term chill, lack of appetite after eating, vomiting and diarrhea with foul odor, difficulty bending and stretching, and clear/cold excretions above and below, this is due to severe cold. Use Dried Ginger (Ganjiang, 干姜), Galangal (Liangjiang, 良姜), Prepared Aconite Root (Fuzi, 附子), and Pepper (Hujiao, 胡椒) to dry it. It should not be used for non-accumulated cold diseases. Long-term use causes blood hemorrhage, extreme dehydration, urinary retention, deafness, blindness, and debility. If some survive long-term use without these diseases, do not stubbornly believe this is correct. For every one case where disease does not occur, hundreds die from error. For damp diseases, Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu, 白术), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi, 陈皮), Aucklandia Root (Muxiang, 木香), Stephania Root (Fangji, 防己), and Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome (Cangzhu, 苍术) can remove dampness; these are also mild drying agents. As for Coptis Rhizome (Huanglian, 黄连), Phellodendron Bark (Huangbai, 黄柏), Scutellaria Root (Huangqin, 黄芩), and Rhubarb (Dahuang, 大黄), their taste is bitter. Bitter belongs to Fire and can dry dampness; this is the original intent of the *Neijing*. Yet the world has deviated for a long time. Alas! Are only Ginger and Aconite considered drying agents?
[Shi (Moistening)] Can eliminate withering; herbs such as Fluorite (Zi Shiy ing, 紫石英) and White Fluorite (Bai Shiy ing, 白石英) belong to this category. Withering manifests as dryness, so it is appropriate to use a Shi agent to moisten it. Moistening is similar to slipping but slightly different. The classics state: "Pungency moistens," because pungency promotes Qi transformation into fluids. Mirabilite (Xiaoshi, 硝石), though salty, belongs to True Yin Water and is indeed a superior drug for moistening withering. Diseases of withering, shriveling, and darkening are not solely due to Metal (Lung) transformation; often Fire attacks. Only Shi agents can cure this.