典藏书目

Zeke (Euphorbia helioscopia), the young shoot of Daji (Euphorbia pekinensis). It tastes pungent and has a cold nature, belonging to Yin with slight Yang. It clears pathogenic heat from the skin, reduces edema of the face and eyes, and is especially effective in resolving fluid retention.

One might ask: Zeke shares the same flavor and nature as Daji. Since Daji has been omitted, why is Zeke selected? Can Daji be replaced by Zeke in Yushu Dan (Jade Pivot Pill)? If Daji in Yushu Dan were replaced by Zeke, its efficacy would be even more miraculous. The reason it uses Daji instead of Zeke is that it can only expel pathogens but cannot harmonize healthy Qi. Then, why not add Zeke? It is unknown that using Daji alone already causes severe damage to healthy Qi; how could one increase its "partisans" (similar herbs) to further harm the body?

Sanqi Gen (Radix Notoginseng), tastes sweet and pungent, has a slightly cold nature, and enters the meridians of the five Zang organs. It is most effective in stopping various types of bleeding: external bleeding can be arrested, internal bleeding can be controlled, and metrorrhagia and metrostaxis can be eliminated. People are unaware of its merits. I have used it to treat hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis, bleeding from the umbilicus, and oozing blood from pores, achieving miraculous effects in all cases. However, it must be used within formulas for nourishing blood to achieve rapid results. Typically, three qian (approx. 9-10g) are required, ground into fine powder, and mixed into the decoction after brewing. Reducing the dose to two qian or slicing and boiling it will not yield efficacy.

Sanqi Gen is a divine herb for stopping bleeding. Regardless of whether the bleeding is upper, middle, or lower, if it is extravasating, using it singly is effective; adding it to formulas for nourishing blood and tonifying Qi makes it even more miraculous. This is because hemostatic herbs combined with tonic herbs prevent the turmoil of boiling Qi, while tonic herbs combined with hemostatic herbs allow for peaceful rest.

Sanqi Gen is produced everywhere and can be used universally. However, the variety from Xiyue (Western Guangdong/Guangxi region) is superior. Its initial taste resembles Ginseng, differing only after a moment, thus possessing both hemostatic and tonifying properties. Other varieties lack this specific taste profile but are still suitable for treating bleeding.

Wannianqing (Rohdea japonica), tastes bitter and astringent, has a slightly cold nature. It enters the Kidney meridian and specifically unblocks the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and Du Mai (Governing Vessel). It can also enter the Lung meridian to kill tuberculosis worms and treat corpse-qi (pestilential qi). It is particularly effective in darkening beard and hair. When combined with Black Sesame, Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao), Rehmannia glutinosa preparata (Shudi), Polygonum multiflorum preparatum (Heshouwu), small yellow millet, and white sugar, it is extremely effective. However, it is difficult to dry; it must be carried on the person for three days before being ground into powder and added to decoctions. Due to its cold nature, excessive use is contraindicated as it damages Qi. Generally, when using one jin (approx. 500g) each of Black Sesame and other ingredients, only ten slices of Wannianqing should be used; do not exceed this amount.

Wannianqing kills parasites imperceptibly. However, excessive use kills them abruptly, causing vomiting, which severely damages Lung Qi and poses a life-threatening risk. It is better to use it within Yin-nourishing formulas to subtly eliminate parasites without injuring healthy Qi.

The fruit of Wannianqing is superior to its leaves. Where three leaves are used, only one fruit is needed. Its functions are identical to the leaves: darkening hair/beard, killing tuberculosis worms, and resolving corpse-qi. Cultivating this plant is said to ward off evil spirits.

Some doubt that ancient texts mention Wannianqing darkening hair, asking for evidence. Chen Shiduo indeed heard this from unusual sources, and his verification of its ability to kill tuberculosis worms was based on personal experience. Once staying in Hankou, Hubei, I treated a host suffering from chronic cough. He reported that itching in the chest triggered uncontrollable coughing, and pain would lead to hemoptysis. Upon inquiry, he explained that while mooring at Xunjiang, a sudden night storm occurred. While calling the helmsman to secure sails and ropes, heavy rain soaked his back, causing intense coldness, leading to persistent coughing. Initially, there was no itching or pain, but it progressed from itching to pain, and then to hemoptysis. I stated: "Cold rain penetrated the Feishu (BL13) acupoint, likely causing worms to grow in the lungs." He did not believe me. Soon, chest pain developed, and he feared hemoptysis. I advised: "Quickly consume Smoked Plum (Wumei) to stop it." He took it and stabilized. When asked why, I replied: "This is a provisional method to test for parasites. Parasites subside with sour flavors. The cessation of pain after drinking Wumei soup indicates their presence." He accepted this. I prepared juice from Wannianqing, diluted with wine, and instructed him to take it urgently when chest pain occurred. At midnight, the pain returned. He took the Wannianqing juice, resulting in severe pain, nearly unbearable. He wanted tea, but I refused. Thirsty, I urged him to take more Wannianqing, but he refused despite my insistence. The pain intensified, and throat itching became severe. I said: "The parasites are attempting to exit. Drink more Wannianqing juice immediately." After taking it, he vomited blood, and a parasite emerged. It was two cun and half long, as thick as a finger, shaped like a long cricket, with legs like a mantis, pure purple in color, appearing fiery under lamplight. It had two antennae about one cun long on the forehead, undeveloped wings on the back, and an incomplete abdomen, resembling a large blood clot the size of a thumb. Had it fully matured, it would not have remained in the diaphragm. Those present marveled at my skill as a divine physician. The patient fainted upon seeing it. I reassured him: "You need no longer fear death." I prescribed ten doses of Yin-nourishing herbs (Ren Shen, Ophiopogon japonicus, Angelica sinensis, Rehmannia glutinosa preparata) followed by ten doses of Spleen-strengthening and Qi-tonifying herbs. He recovered. In total, less than one plant of Wannianqing was used. Alas! How extraordinary. Had I not followed the teachings of the unusual source, I would never have known Wannianqing's ability to kill tuberculosis worms. Moreover, without the patient's firm trust, such miraculous efficacy would not have been achieved. The parasite remained alive for several days. A guest suggested roasting and consuming it to restore Qi and blood. I forbade it. The host hesitated. I explained: "The parasite derives spiritual energy from humans to survive in the chest. Who knows if it is not like scorpions, locusts, or leeches, capable of regeneration upon contact with water?" The host grew fearful. I burned the parasite and buried it by the river. Thus, the efficacy of Wannianqing in killing parasites was verified so miraculously that its ability to darken hair can be believed by analogy.