金银花李士材已表其治痢治胀之功，而不知尚有清络中风火湿热、解温疫秽恶浊邪、息肝胆浮越风阳、治
痉厥癫痫诸证也。
木通味苦，故泻心火由小肠出。诸本草皆云甘淡，或言微辛，岂诸公不但未经口尝，且刍荛亦未询乎？
葛根风药也，风药皆燥。古人言其生津止渴者，“生”乃“升”字之讹也。以风药性主上行，能升举下陷
之清阳，清阳上升，则阴气随之而起，津腾液达，渴自止矣。设非清阳下陷而火炎津耗之渴，误服此药，则火
藉风威，燎原莫遏。即非阴虚火炎之证，凡胃津不足而渴者，亦当忌之。
（刊）林北海重刻张司农《治暑全书》序云∶柴胡劫肝阴，葛根竭胃汁，二语可谓开千古之群蒙也。叶氏
《幼科要略》曾引及之，而洄溪评为杜撰。雄谓言而中理，虽杜撰何妨。固哉！徐子之评书也。
茜草根晓岚先生云能解巴蜡虫毒，以此推之，似可治蛇蝎毒虫诸螫。
泽泻有聪耳明目之功，人皆疑之。《理虚元鉴》谓究其命名之义，盖泽者泽其不足之水，泻者泻其有余之
火，不若猪苓、木通之直走无余，不可视为消阴损肾之品也。
（刊）《理虚元鉴》论证最精，论药次之，立方则不佳。
黄柏之功，昔人已详之矣。或竟视为毒药，痛戒勿用，毋乃议药不议病之陋习耶？经言肾欲坚，急食苦以
坚之。凡下部不坚之病多矣，如茎痿、遗浊、带漏、痿 、便血、泻痢诸证，今人不察病情，但从虚寒治之，
而不知大半属于虚热也。盖下焦多湿，始因阴虚火盛而湿渐化热，继则湿热阻夫气化，反耗精液，遂成不坚之
病。皆黄柏之专司也。去其蚀阴之病，正是保全生气，谁谓苦寒无益于生气哉！盖黄柏治下焦湿热诸证，正与
蛇床子治下焦寒湿诸证为对待。
槐实味苦色黄，清肝胆而凉血。清肝凉血之品类可安胎，独槐
实既不能安胎而反堕胎者何也？则《本经》主子藏急痛一言已括其义矣。子藏即胎宫，属任脉，为受精之所。
急痛者，因交合不节所致。槐实专通任脉，直达子宫，能涤射入之精，而泻淫欲之火，故孕妇用之，其胎即堕。
推之霉疮便毒，利西泰谓发于外肾横骨上，亦秽毒入于任脉之病。《景岳全书》有一味槐蕊之方，不知传自何
人，余服其妙。
竹类甚多，其名不一，但验其节起双线者，皆可入药。以壮嫩者为良。若节间单线者，名毛竹。所谓“刮
肠蓖”者，即毛竹之笋也。其箨有毛，故名毛竹，勿入药用。凡种竹向西北，其根无不向东南行者，卢氏谓其
禀木火之气信矣。然既傲雪凌霜，亦能忘炎敌暑，四时不改其操，性极平和，号为君子。且植物之本，无不由
小而渐大，惟竹出土之后，虽干青云而直上，能不改其本体之恒，故“节”字从竹，表其无毫发之放溢也。其
皮最韧而紧，名之曰筠，塞舟不漏。以鲜者入药曰茹，清五志之火，祛秽浊之邪，调气养营，可塞血窦，胎前
产后，无所不宜。叶则内息肝胆之风，外清温暑之热，故有安神止痉之功。沥则其液也，故能补血养经络，达
四肢而起废疾。凡病患久不理发，结而难梳者，用竹沥少加麻油和匀润之，即可梳通。故一切忧思郁结之病，
无不治之。世人但用以开痰结，陋矣。
黑枣肉腴味浓，红枣色赤气香，均以大而坚者为良。入药各有所宜，随证分别而用可也。南枣香味皆逊于
北枣，徒以形貌取悦于人者。宜供食品，入药力薄。《备要》之言，不可从也。
梨亦以北产者良，南产以义乌之插花梨为最。徽州悉尼皮色甚佳而味带酸，不可入药。盖梨不论形色，总
以心小肉细，
嚼之无渣而味纯甘者为佳。凡丹石、烟火、煤火、酒毒，一切热药为患者，啖之立解；温热燥病及阴虚火炽津
液燔涸者，捣汁饮之立效。此果中之甘露子，药中之圣醍醐也。濒湖发明，详着其功矣。
（校）甘露子，蕉实也。生津解渴，润燥除烦，更胜于梨。乃果中之仙品，惜不易结耳。
鲜柿以熟透不生核者良。味甘性寒，养肺胃之阴。宜于火燥津枯之体，脾气虚寒者啖之即泻。干柿以北产
无核者良。本草已载其功，而滋补脾胃，最宜于小儿。凡小儿忌食香燥干硬等物，以疳者干也，又疳字从甘，
弗食甘酸果品杂物。惟柿树不生蠹，故小儿初进谷食，宜用干柿饭上蒸熟，嚼饭喂之，自无疳虫胀泻诸病。此
古人所未言也。
木瓜一味为末，治霉疮结毒，惟《解要》载此方。
枇杷叶毛多质劲，味苦气凉，隆冬不调，盛夏不萎，禀激浊扬清之性，抱忘炎耐冷之姿。静而能宣，凡风
温、温热、暑燥诸邪在肺者，皆可用以保柔金而肃治节；香而不燥，凡湿温、疫疠、秽毒之邪在胃者，皆可用
以澄浊气而廓中州。本草但云其下气治嗽 ，则伟绩未彰，故发明之。
（刊）香岩先生尝云∶天气郁勃泛潮，宜以枇杷叶拭去毛，净锅炒香，泡汤常饮。清香不燥，能辟秽浊，
可免夏秋时令之病。与此暗合。
龙眼肉味纯甘而温，大补血液，蒸透者良。然湿盛者能生痰，脾弱者滑大便，不可不知也。其核研敷金疮
磕跌诸伤，立即止血止痛，愈后无瘢，名骊珠散，真妙药也。其壳研细治汤火伤亦佳，若焚之可辟蛇。皆有用
之物。凡啖龙眼者，何可轻弃耶？
藕以仁和产者为良。熬浓汁服，既能补血，亦能通气，故无腻滞之偏。莲子交心肾，不可去心，然能滞气
。单用心，则大降心火。荷叶烧饭，大升脾气，以荷叶属震，震为木，土得木而达也。烧饭者，以荷叶同米煮
为饭也。杭州呼煮饭曰“烧饭”是矣。谬者解为荷叶包饭于火中烧之，不通甚矣。
蒲桃以北产者良，吐尔番出者，纯甘无核尤胜。大补肝脾之血，与枸杞子同功。胎上冲心，单用蒲桃一两
煎服，立愈。
甘蔗以青皮者良，名竹蔗。台州所产，长大如竹。甘凉清热充津。俞文起先生云∶一名接肠草，昔有肠断
者，频饮此汁而愈。
芦菔能制面毒，故一名来服，言来 之所服也。俗作莱菔、萝卜，失其旨矣，种类甚多，厥功甚大。生用
能解风火、温燥、湿热之邪，故烟毒、煤毒、酒毒、火毒，失音、痰闭、中风、咽喉诸病，无不立奏神效；熟
用补脾肺，和肠胃，耐风寒，肥健人，可以代粮救荒，诚蔬圃中之一路福星也。本草既没其丰功，更诬以耗渗
，岂不冤哉！然薄海蕃滋，乡人广种，以充粮食，终身啖之而康强寿考，且有垂老而发不白者。此人所共睹之
事，何以修本草者独贸贸也。
（校）本草言茄子最不益人，女人食之伤子宫，而内君独嗜之，虽有娠亦不忌，然生育颇易。可见谷肉果
菜，皆是养人之物，不必讲求服食饕餮肥甘也。
冬瓜以杭州搭棚而种，使其悬生棚内，既遮日晒，又不着地。味纯甘而不带酸者良。凉而润肺，甘能养胃
，极清暑湿，止烦渴，利二便，消胀满，治暑湿霍乱泻痢有殊功。子润肺化
浊痰。皮解风热，消浮肿。蔬圃中妙品也。
食茱萸即古人重九登高所佩者，种类不一；俗名辣椒、辣茄、辣虎，称谓亦不一也。味极辛，性大热。少
食能疏风秘，故世人误以为性凉，而阴受其祸者多矣。凡阴虚血热之人，切不可食。
糯米可酿酒，甘酒之人日多，酿酒之家日众，种糯之田日广，则种粳之田日夺，而米价日增矣。民无盖藏，
岂非大病？医国之工，可不为之计乎！
（刊）米价日贵，固病国病民之大故也。今则银价日昂，漏卮莫塞，其病益剧矣。医国之工，尤当早为之
计也。
粳米为养人之至宝，而荒歉时有，不可不豫筹积储之法也。最简易者，但将饭干晒透，永远不坏。饥者嚼
一撮，得米气便可不死。每年各家留饭一斗，晒透入瓮，存储干燥处，甚不费力，贫富皆可为之。若得家家如
此，远胜积谷备荒多矣。
（注）以糯米一斗淘净，百蒸百晒，捣细入瓮，存干燥处亦不坏。日服三勺，渴则饮之，斗米可度一月。
家有老人不能嚼饭干者，不可不知此法。故补录之。
蚕豆实于蚕时故名，一名佛豆，佛诞可荐新也。补中益气。小儿禁食，恐难化也。龙喜取之，故开花遇雷
电，则不结实。海船内有蚕豆一粒，即不能出洋，龙欲取之也。航海者不可不知。
石膏余师愚以为治疫主药，而吴又可专用大黄，谓石膏不可用，何也？盖师愚所论者，暑热为病，暑为天
气，即仲圣所谓清邪中上之疫也，又可所论者，湿温为病，湿为地气，即仲圣所云浊邪中下之疫也。清邪乃无
形之燥火，故宜清而不宜下，浊邪乃有形之湿秽，故宜下而不宜清。二公皆卓识，可为
治疫两大法门。故学医不比学诗文之可专尚一家，如诗法三唐、文宗两汉，已可横绝一时，医必博览诸书而知
所取舍，不为古人所欺，庶能随证用药而不误世也。
（校）林观子先生云∶陶节庵之于伤寒，其所窥者止大纲粗迹，而非穷神极变之精微，故王金坛谓其聋瞽
后学，为仲圣之罪人，非过论也。奈今之治伤寒者，率守陶氏一家之书，以为轨则，可不叹哉！又王予中太史
《白田集》，论陶氏以伤寒与温暑诸证解表不同，而治里则同为大不然，且谓承气、白虎岂可以治温暑。噫！
太史虽深究理学，实未知医学，何必发此议论以误后人耶！深恐世之读其书者，信其学问而并信其医，故附及之。
（刊）萧山郁龙士《瑶史》载杨天安云∶杭州李车儿后裔仁山先生，真痘科大作手。一火痘闷证，用石膏
斤半熬汤，煎黄连五钱为剂，发犹未透，为加金汁一盏始愈。以金汁乃浊阴，可治亢阳也。雄按∶此深得费氏
之法者，痘证挟疫，岂不信然。
盐味最咸，《泰西水法》云∶辛甘酸苦皆寄草木，独咸寄于海水，而海水不冰者，海水咸也。故曰咸者，
生于火也。火燃薪木既已成灰，用水淋灌即成灰卤，燥干之极，遇水即咸，此其验也。愚谓惟其属火，故生物
遇之即死，盖体润而用燥之物也。古人但云咸能软坚，咸能润燥，而不知咸能坚软，咸能燥湿。试观一切易腐
之物，得盐腌之，即坚干而可经久。凡盐仓任务之人，从无患香港脚者，以其日践踏于盐地，故湿气不能
病也。然燥物遇咸则润，故盐能烂铁，是软坚也，湿物遇咸则燥，故盐能干液而坚软也。味过咸即渴者，干液
之征也。既能干液，则盐味属火无疑。燥湿坚软，固其宜矣。但味虽属火而性下行，虚火上炎者，饮淡盐汤即降，故为
引火归元之妙品。吐衄不止者，盐卤浸足立愈。
豕脑多食能痿阳，何也？盖坎为豕，在地支则属亥，水畜也，水性最弱，而脑者其一身之主脑也，故能柔
物，可以熟皮，久食之不仅阳痿，云有患软瘫者。惟为木畜，故肉最多而无筋，肾极盛而多子，性喜卑湿，
秽食偏肥，能化秽食为肥脂者，非其脾运之独健，乃其胰独大于他兽也，胰主消化食物，大而浓力，故能变朽
腐为神奇。观染家用以洗绢帛，则黑者可白，人用以为面脂，则黎者可泽。若蒸熟食之，可以助消化，涤浊痰。
故妇人子宫脂满不受孕，及交合不节而子宫不净，此能走任脉，清子官，且血肉之品无克伐之虑，最为妙药。
若孕妇食之，则蠲胎垢，其儿出痘必稀。
牛乳滋润补液，宜于血少无痰之证。惟性温而腻，若有痰火者，反能助痰滞膈而增病也。用者察之。人乳
亦然。诸滋腻药无不然也。
驴皮煎胶而用阿井水者，取济水之伏流也。其不名驴皮胶而名阿胶，乃功归至静之水，以制浮动之火，故
能愈血证。夫水尚欲其伏流，顾可以火炒而用乎？以此推之，则驴皮胶不必定以阿水煎也，伏流之泉无不可用
。滋阴清热之药，皆不可以火炒也。一经火炒，则凉者温而静者动，清润失而燥烈存，所谓火能革物之性也。
或大苦大寒大毒之品，恐其太过，则或炒或炮，古人制法亦详，最可笑者，如竹茹之类，用者不过取其
清气，而后人必炒而用之，不知是何肺肠？不但此也，凡清解
之剂，煎须急火，则药气尚在，设缓煎浓煮，即全失清凉之味矣，况炒焦其药哉！
鹿茸性热升阳，阴虚而阳易浮越者不可擅用，目击误用而血脱于上以殒者多人矣。
鼠矢不但治女劳复也，可以散乳痈，通淋浊，已疳胀，消疝瘕。
海 本水结成，煮之可化为水。夫身中之痰，亦由火搏其水而成者，故为化痰之主药。且泄郁火，宣滞气，
能消食积，通二便，止腹痛，除胀满。惜无知之者，故表之。
鳖一名神守，故鳖甲乃安神妙药。
珍珠补阴明目，镇逆安神，皆取蚌性纯阴，感月而胎之效也。今肆中所售皆粤产蛇珠，但可以治风痰，通
经络，理痫痉，与蚌珠动静悬珠，不可以之治心病也，用者辨之。
童子小便最是滋阴降火妙品，故为血证要药。必用童子者，取其知识未开而无妄动之火也。尤须澹泊滋味，
不食荤膻，去其头尾，但以中间一段清澈如水者，始有功效。若炼成秋石，昔人尚谓其中寓暖气，在所不取，
何后人妄造回轮酒之名，令病患自饮己溺，愚者误信，良可悯也。夫人既病矣，溺即病溺，以病溺犹堪治病，
则无病之溺皆可为药，何必取童子，戒荤腥，去头尾，欲清澈，而故难其事哉？盖人虽无病，其饮食之精华皆
金银花：李士材已经阐明了它治疗痢疾和腹胀的功效，却不知道它还有清除经络中风、火、湿、热邪气，解除温疫中秽恶浊邪，平息肝胆浮越的风阳，以及治疗痉厥、癫痫等各种病症的作用。
木通：味道苦，所以能泻心火，使火热从小肠排出。各种本草书籍都说它味甘淡，或者说是微辛，难道这些医家不仅没有亲自品尝过，连向樵夫草野之人询问都没有做过吗？
葛根：属于风药，风药性质大多燥烈。古人说它能生津止渴，“生”字其实是“升”字的讹误。因为风药的药性主向上行，能够升举下陷的清阳之气；清阳上升，阴气随之而起，津液腾达，口渴自然停止。如果不是因为清阳下陷而是由于火炎津耗导致的口渴，误服此药，则火势借助风势，像燎原大火一样无法遏制。即使不是阴虚火炎的证候，凡是胃津不足而口渴的，也应当忌用。
（刊）林北海在重刻张司农《治暑全书》的序言中说：“柴胡劫伤肝阴，葛根竭耗胃汁”，这两句话可以说是开启了千古以来众人的蒙昧。叶天士的《幼科要略》曾引用过这句话，但徐灵胎（洄溪）评价为杜撰。我认为言论如果合乎道理，即使是杜撰又何妨？徐子评书真是太固执了！
茜草根：晓岚先生说它能解巴豆蜡虫的毒，由此推断，似乎可以治疗蛇蝎毒虫等咬伤。
泽泻：有聪耳明目的功效，人们都对此表示怀疑。《理虚元鉴》探究其命名的含义，认为“泽”是润泽其不足的水，“泻”是泻去其有余的火，不像猪苓、木通那样直走无余，因此不能将其视为消损阴精、伤害肾脏的药物。
（刊）《理虚元鉴》论证最为精辟，论药次之，组方则不佳。
黄柏：它的功效，前人已经详细论述过了。有人竟将其视为毒药，严厉告诫不要使用，这岂不是只议药不议病的陋习吗？《内经》说肾欲坚，急食苦以坚之。下部不坚的疾病很多，如茎痿、遗浊、带漏、痿躄、便血、泻痢等证候，今人不考察病情，只从虚寒治疗，却不知道大半属于虚热。这是因为下焦多湿，起初因阴虚火盛而湿渐化热，随后湿热阻碍气化，反而耗伤精液，遂成不坚之病。这些都是黄柏专门主治的范围。去除侵蚀阴精的病因，正是保全生气，谁说苦寒对生气没有益处呢？黄柏治疗下焦湿热诸证，正与蛇床子治疗下焦寒湿诸证相对待。
槐实：味道苦，色黄，能清肝胆而凉血。清肝凉血的药物品类大多可以安胎，唯独槐实既不能安胎反而堕胎，为什么呢？《本经》中关于“主子宫急痛”一句话已经概括了其含义。子宫即胎宫，属任脉，是受精的场所。急痛是因为交合不节所致。槐实专通任脉，直达子宫，能涤除射入的精液，并泻淫欲之火，所以孕妇服用，胎儿就会堕落。推及霉疮便毒，利西泰认为发于外肾横骨上，也是秽毒侵入任脉的疾病。《景岳全书》中有一味槐蕊的方子，不知传自何人，我佩服其疗效奇妙。
竹类：非常多，名称不一，但只要验证其竹节处起双线者，都可以入药。以壮嫩者为良。如果节间是单线者，名叫毛竹。所谓“刮肠篦”的，就是毛竹的笋。它的箨（笋壳）有毛，所以名叫毛竹，不可入药。凡是种植竹子朝向西北，其根无不向东南生长的，卢氏说它禀受木火之气，确实如此。然而它既傲雪凌霜，也能忘炎敌暑，四季不改其操守，性质极其平和，号称君子。而且植物的根本，无不由小逐渐变大，只有竹子出土之后，虽然干青云而直上，能不改其本体之恒定，所以“节”字从竹，表示其没有丝毫的放溢。竹皮最坚韧紧密，名叫筠，塞舟不漏。以新鲜的入药叫茹，能清五志之火，祛秽浊之邪，调气养营，可堵塞血窦，胎前产后，无所不宜。竹叶则内息肝胆之风，外清温暑之热，所以有安神止痉的功效。竹沥则是竹子的汁液，所以能补血养经络，通达四肢而起废疾。凡是病人久不理发，打结难梳的，用少量竹沥加麻油调和润之，即可梳通。所以一切忧思郁结之病，没有不治疗的。世人只用来开痰结，太浅陋了。
黑枣肉：丰腴味浓，红枣色赤气香，都以大而坚实者为良。入药各有所宜，随证分别使用即可。南枣香味皆逊于北枣，只是徒以形貌取悦于人。适宜作为食品，入药力薄。《备要》的说法，不可听从。
梨：也以北方产的为好，南方产中以义乌的插花梨为最好。徽州悉尼梨皮色甚佳但味道带酸，不可入药。梨不论形色，总以心小肉细，嚼之无渣而味道纯甘者为佳。凡是丹石、烟火、煤火、酒毒，以及一切热药为患者，吃梨立刻缓解；温热燥病及阴虚火炽津液燔涸者，捣汁饮之立刻见效。这是果中的甘露子，药中的圣醍醐。李时珍（濒湖）发明并详细记载了其功效。
（校）甘露子，是香蕉的果实。生津解渴，润燥除烦，更胜于梨。乃是果中的仙品，可惜不易结果罢了。
鲜柿：以熟透不生核者为良。味甘性寒，养肺胃之阴。适宜于火燥津枯体质的人，脾气虚寒的人吃了就会腹泻。干柿：以北方产无核者为良。本草已记载其功效，而滋补脾胃，最适合小儿。凡是小儿忌食香燥干硬等物，因为疳者干也，又疳字从甘，不吃甘酸果品杂物。只有柿树不生蛀虫，所以小儿刚开始进食谷物时，适宜用干柿放在饭上蒸熟，嚼碎喂给小儿，自然不会有疳虫、胀泻等病。这是古人所未曾言说的。
木瓜：一味研为末，治疗霉疮结毒，只有《解要》记载了这个方子。
枇杷叶：毛多质地劲挺，味苦气凉，隆冬不调谢，盛夏不枯萎，禀受激浊扬清的性质，怀抱忘炎耐冷的姿态。静而能宣，凡风温、温热、暑燥等邪气在肺的，都可以用它来保护柔金而肃清治节；香而不燥，凡湿温、疫疠、秽毒等邪气在胃的，都可以用它来澄清浊气而廓清中州。本草只说它下气治咳嗽，则伟大功绩未彰显，所以我加以发明。
（刊）香岩先生曾经说：“天气郁勃泛潮，适宜用枇杷叶拭去毛，净锅炒香，泡汤常饮。清香不燥，能辟秽浊，可避免夏秋时令之病。”与此暗合。
龙眼肉：味道纯甘而温，大补血液，蒸透者为良。但是湿气盛者能生痰，脾弱者滑大便，不可不知道。其核研粉敷在金疮磕跌等伤口上，立即止血止痛，愈合后无疤痕，名叫骊珠散，真是妙药。其壳研细治疗汤火伤也很好，如果焚烧可以辟蛇。都是有用的东西。凡是吃龙眼的人，怎么可以轻易丢弃呢？
藕：以仁和产者为良。熬成浓汁服用，既能补血，也能通气，所以没有腻滞的偏弊。莲子：交通心肾，不可去心，但是能滞气。单用心，则大降心火。荷叶烧饭，大升脾气，因为荷叶属震卦，震为木，土得木而通达。烧饭，是指用荷叶同米煮为饭。杭州人称煮饭为“烧饭”是对的。错误地解释为用荷叶包饭在火中烧，不通之极。
蒲桃：以北方产的为好，吐尔番出产的，纯甘无核尤其好。大补肝脾之血，与枸杞子功效相同。胎上冲心，单用蒲桃一两煎服，立刻痊愈。
甘蔗：以青皮者为良，名叫竹蔗。台州所产，长大如竹。甘凉清热充津。俞文起先生说：一名接肠草，昔日有肠断者，频繁饮用此汁而痊愈。
芦菔：能制面毒，所以一名来服，意思是来其所服也。俗作莱菔、萝卜，失去了其旨意，种类很多，功效很大。生用能解风火、温燥、湿热之邪，所以烟毒、煤毒、酒毒、火毒，失音、痰闭、中风、咽喉等病，没有不立刻奏效的；熟用补脾肺，和肠胃，耐风寒，肥健人，可以代粮救荒，确实是菜园中的一路福星。本草既然埋没了它的丰功，更诬蔑它耗渗，岂不冤枉！然而四海之内广泛种植，乡人广种以充粮食，终身食用而康强寿考，甚至有年老头发不白的。这是人所共睹的事，为什么修本草的人独独匆忙糊涂呢？
（校）本草说茄子最不益人，女人吃了伤子宫，而内君独爱吃的，虽然有孕也不忌讳，然而生育颇容易。可见谷肉果菜，都是养人之物，不必讲究服食饕餮肥甘。
冬瓜：以杭州搭棚种植，使其悬生在棚内，既遮日晒，又不着地。味道纯甘而不带酸者为良。凉而润肺，甘能养胃，极清暑湿，止烦渴，利二便，消胀满，治疗暑湿霍乱泻痢有特殊功效。子润肺化痰浊。皮解风热，消浮肿。是菜园中的妙品。
食茱萸：即古人重九登高所佩戴的，种类不一；俗名辣椒、辣茄、辣虎，称谓也不一。味道极辛，性大热。少食能疏风秘，所以世人误以为性凉，而阴受其祸的人很多。凡是阴虚血热的人，切不可吃。
糯米：可以酿酒，喝甜酒的人日益增多，酿酒之家日益众多，种糯的田地日益广阔，那么种粳米的田地日益被夺，而米价日益增加。百姓没有积蓄，难道不是大病吗？医治国家的工匠，可不为此谋划吗？
（刊）米价日益昂贵，固然是病国病民的大故。现在银价日益高昂，漏洞莫塞，其病更加严重了。医治国家的工匠，尤其应当早为之计。
粳米：是养人的至宝，而在荒歉时有，不可不预先筹划积储的方法。最简易的，只要将饭晒干晒透，永远不坏。饥饿者嚼一撮，得到米气便可不死。每年各家留饭一斗，晒透入瓮，存储在干燥处，很不费力，贫富都可以做到。如果家家如此，远胜过积谷备荒多了。
（注）用糯米一斗淘净，百蒸百晒，捣细入瓮，存干燥处也不坏。每日服三勺，渴则饮之，一斗米可度一月。家有老人不能嚼饭干的，不可不知道这个方法。所以补录之。
蚕豆：实于蚕时故名，一名佛豆，佛诞可荐新也。补中益气。小儿禁食，恐怕难消化。龙喜欢取食它，所以开花遇雷电，就不结实。海船内有蚕豆一粒，就不能出洋，因为龙想取食它。航海者不可不知道。
石膏：余师愚认为治疗瘟疫的主药，而吴又可专用大黄，说石膏不可用，为什么呢？大概师愚所论述的是暑热为病，暑为天气，即仲景所谓清邪中上之疫；又可所论述的是湿温为病，湿为地气，即仲景所谓浊邪中下之疫。清邪乃无形之燥火，所以宜清不宜下；浊邪乃有形之湿秽，所以宜下不宜清。两位公都是卓识，可作为治疫两大法门。所以学医不比学诗文可以专尚一家，如诗法三唐、文宗两汉，已可横绝一时，医必博览诸书而知所取舍，不被古人欺骗，才能随证用药而不误世。
（校）林观子先生说：陶节庵对于伤寒，他所窥探的只是大纲粗迹，而非穷神极变的精微，所以王金坛说他聋瞽后学，是仲景的罪人，并非过论。奈何今之治伤寒者，大都遵守陶氏一家之书，以为轨则，可不叹哉！又王予中太史《白田集》，论述陶氏以伤寒与温暑诸证解表不同，而治里则同，为大不然，且谓承气、白虎岂可以治温暑。噫！太史虽深究理学，实则未知医学，何必发此议论以误后人耶！深恐世之读其书者，信其学问而并信其医，所以附及之。
（刊）萧山郁龙士《瑶史》记载杨天安说：杭州李车儿后裔仁山先生，真是痘科大作家。一例火痘闷证，用石膏斤半熬汤，煎黄连五钱为剂，发犹未透，加上金汁一盏才痊愈。因为金汁乃浊阴，可治亢阳。雄按：此深得费氏之法者，痘证挟疫，岂不信然。
盐：味道最咸，《泰西水法》说：辛甘酸苦皆寄草木，独咸寄于海水，而海水不冰者，是因为海水咸。所以说咸者，生于火也。火燃薪木既已成灰，用水淋灌即成灰卤，燥干之极，遇水即咸，这是验证。我认为正因为属火，所以生物遇之即死，因为它是体润而用燥之物。古人只说咸能软坚，咸能润燥，而不知道咸能坚软，咸能燥湿。试看一切易腐之物，得盐腌之，即坚干而可经久。凡盐仓任务之人，从无患香港脚者，因为他们日践踏于盐地，所以湿气不能致病。然而燥物遇咸则润，所以盐能烂铁，是软坚也；湿物遇咸则燥，所以盐能干液而坚软也。味过咸即渴者，是干液之征。既然能干液，则盐味属火无疑。燥湿坚软，固其宜矣。但味虽属火而性下行，虚火上炎者，饮淡盐汤即降，所以为引火归元之妙品。吐衄不止者，盐卤浸足立愈。
豕脑：多食能痿阳，为什么呢？盖坎为豕，在地支则属亥，是水畜，水性最弱，而脑是其一身之主脑，所以能柔物，可以熟皮，久食之不仅阳痿，据说有患软瘫者。惟为木畜，所以肉最多而无筋，肾极盛而多子，性喜卑湿，秽食偏肥，能化秽食为肥脂者，非其脾运之独健，乃其胰独大于他兽也，胰主消化食物，大而浓力，故能变腐朽为神奇。看染家用以洗绢帛，则黑者可白，人用以为面脂，则黎者可泽。若蒸熟食之，可以助消化，涤浊痰。所以妇人子宫脂满不受孕，及交合不节而子宫不净，此能走任脉，清子宫，且血肉之品无克伐之虑，最为妙药。若孕妇食之，则蠲胎垢，其儿出痘必稀。
牛乳：滋润补液，适宜于血少无痰之证。惟性温而腻，若有痰火者，反能助痰滞膈而增病也。使用者察之。人乳亦然。诸滋腻药无不然也。
驴皮胶：煎胶而用阿井水者，取济水之伏流也。其不名驴皮胶而名阿胶，乃功归至静之水，以制浮动之火，所以能愈血证。水尚欲其伏流，何况可以用火炒而用乎？以此推之，则驴皮胶不必定以阿水煎也，伏流之泉无不可用。滋阴清热之药，都不可以用火炒。一经火炒，则凉者温而静者动，清润失而燥烈存，所谓火能革物之性也。或大苦大寒大毒之品，恐其太过，则或炒或炮，古人制法亦详，最可笑者，如竹茹之类，用者不过取其清气，而后人必炒而用之，不知是何肺肠？不但此也，凡清解之剂，煎须急火，则药气尚在，设缓煎浓煮，即全失清凉之味矣，况炒焦其药哉！
鹿茸：性热升阳，阴虚而阳易浮越者不可擅用，目击误用而血脱于上以殒者多人矣。
鼠矢：不但治女劳复也，可以散乳痈，通淋浊，已疳胀，消疝瘕。
海蜇：本水结成，煮之可化为水。夫身中之痰，亦由火搏其水而成者，所以为化痰之主药。且泄郁火，宣滞气，能消食积，通二便，止腹痛，除胀满。惜无知之者，所以表之。
鳖：一名神守，所以鳖甲乃安神妙药。
珍珠：补阴明目，镇逆安神，皆取蚌性纯阴，感月而胎之效也。今肆中所售皆粤产蛇珠，但可以治风痰，通经络，理痫痉，与蚌珠动静悬殊，不可以之治心病也，用者辨之。
童子小便：最是滋阴降火妙品，所以为血证要药。必用童子者，取其知识未开而无妄动之火也。尤须澹泊滋味，不食荤膻，去其头尾，但以中间一段清澈如水者，始有功效。若炼成秋石，昔人尚谓其中寓暖气，在所不取，何后人妄造回轮酒之名，令病患自饮己溺，愚者误信，良可悯也。夫人既病矣，溺即病溺，以病溺犹堪治病，则无病之溺皆可为药，何必取童子，戒荤腥，去头尾，欲清澈，而故难其事哉？盖人虽无病，其饮食之精华皆
Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos): Li Shicai has already expounded its efficacy in treating dysentery and abdominal distension, but is unaware that it also clears wind, fire, dampness, and heat from the collaterals; resolves turbid pathogens of miasma and pestilence; pacifies floating and hyperactive wind-yang of the Liver and Gallbladder; and treats various conditions such as spasms, convulsions, and epilepsy.
Mutong (Akebiae Caulis): Its flavor is bitter, thus it drains Heart Fire which exits via the Small Intestine. All materia medica texts state it is sweet and bland, or slightly acrid. Have these physicians not tasted it themselves, nor even consulted woodcutters and commoners?
Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix): It belongs to wind-dispelling herbs, all of which have drying properties. When ancients said it generates fluids and quenches thirst, the character "sheng" (generate) is actually a corruption of "sheng" (ascend). Since wind herbs primarily ascend, they can raise sinking clear Yang. When clear Yang ascends, Yin Qi follows, fluids rise and reach the mouth, and thirst ceases. If one suffers from thirst due to fire blazing and fluid consumption rather than sinking clear Yang, taking this herb by mistake will allow fire to ride the wind, becoming an uncontrollable prairie fire. Even if not a case of Yin deficiency with fire blazing, anyone with insufficient Stomach fluids and thirst should avoid it.
(Published) In the preface to Lin Beihai's re-edition of Zhang Sinong's *Zhi Shu Quan Shu* (Complete Book on Treating Summerheat), it is stated: "Chaihu depletes Liver Yin, Gegen exhausts Stomach juice." These two phrases can be said to have enlightened the masses for millennia. Ye Tianshi cited them in *You Ke Yao Lve* (Essentials for Pediatric Medicine), but Xu Lingtai (Hui Xi) criticized them as fabricated. I argue that if a statement is reasonable, what does it matter if it was fabricated? Mr. Xu's criticism of books is too rigid!
Qiancaogen (Cibotii Rhizoma - Note: Text likely refers to Qian Niu Gen or similar root, but literal translation of entity name): Mr. Xiaolan stated it can resolve the toxicity of Ba Dou La Chong (Castor bean insect poison). By extension, it seems it could treat stings from snakes, scorpions, and other venomous insects.
Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma): It has the merit of improving hearing and vision, which people doubt. *Li Xu Yuan Jian* explores its etymology: "Ze" means to moisten insufficient water, and "Xie" means to drain excessive fire. Unlike Zhuling and Mutong which drain directly without remainder, it should not be viewed as a substance that consumes Yin and damages the Kidneys.
(Published) *Li Xu Yuan Jian* offers the most refined arguments on syndrome differentiation, secondary arguments on herbs, and poor prescriptions.
Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex): Its merits were detailed by predecessors. Some regard it as a toxic drug and strictly warn against its use. Is this not the vulgar habit of discussing drugs without discussing syndromes? The Classic states: "The Kidney desires firmness; hasten to eat bitter substances to firm it." There are many diseases of flaccidity in the lower body, such as impotence, seminal emission, leukorrhea, atrophy, hematochezia, and dysentery. Modern practitioners fail to examine the condition and treat only as deficiency-cold, unaware that most belong to deficiency-heat. This is because the Lower Jiao often has dampness; initially, Yin deficiency and fire excess cause dampness to transform into heat; subsequently, damp-heat obstructs Qi transformation, consuming essence and fluids, leading to flaccidity. Huangbai specifically governs these cases. Removing the disease that erodes Yin preserves vital Qi. Who says bitter-cold is unbeneficial to vital Qi? Huangbai's treatment of Lower Jiao damp-heat stands in contrast to Chuangzi's treatment of Lower Jiao cold-dampness.
Huai Shi (Stemonae Semen / or possibly Sophorae Fructus based on context of uterus pain, text says Huai Shi): Bitter and yellow, it clears the Liver and Gallbladder and cools blood. Most herbs that clear Liver and cool blood can calm the fetus, but why does Huai Shi fail to calm the fetus and instead abort it? The *Shennong Ben Cao Jing*'s statement "mainly treats uterine urgency and pain" covers its meaning. The uterus (Zi Zang) belongs to the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel) and is the site of fertilization. Urgency and pain result from irregular intercourse. Huai Shi specifically opens the Ren Mai, reaches the uterus directly, washes out injected semen, and drains the fire of lust. Thus, when pregnant women take it, the fetus is aborted. Extending this reasoning to chancre and bubo, Li Xitai stated they occur above the pubic bone and are diseases where turbid toxins enter the Ren Mai. *Jing Yue Quan Shu* contains a formula with a single herb, Huai Rui (Stamen), whose origin is unknown, but I admire its miraculous effect.
Bamboo: There are many types with different names, but those with double lines at the nodes can be used medicinally. Young and strong ones are best. Those with single lines at the nodes are called Mao Zhu (Moso Bamboo). What is called "Gua Chang Bi" (Intestine-scraping comb) is the shoot of Moso Bamboo. Its husk has hairs, hence the name, and it should not be used medicinally. Generally, bamboo planted facing northwest has roots growing southeast. Lu Zhi said it inherits the Qi of Wood and Fire, which is true. Yet it braves snow and frost, ignores heat and summer, and keeps its integrity through four seasons; its nature is extremely peaceful, hailed as a gentleman. Plants generally grow from small to large, but bamboo, though rising straight to the clouds after emerging, retains its original constant form. Hence the character "Jie" (node) contains the bamboo radical, indicating no leakage or overflow. The skin is tough and tight, called Yun, capable of sealing boats without leaking. Fresh bamboo skin used medicinally is called Ru, clearing fire of the Five Emotions, dispelling turbid pathogens, regulating Qi, nourishing Ying, and stopping bleeding. It is suitable before and after childbirth. Bamboo leaves internally pacify Liver/GB wind and externally clear warm/summerheat heat, thus calming the spirit and stopping spasms. Bamboo sap (Zhuli) is the liquid, thus it nourishes blood and meridians, reaches the limbs, and revives paralysis. For patients with long-uncombed, knotted hair, mixing a little bamboo sap with sesame oil allows easy combing. Thus, it treats all diseases of sorrow, worry, and depression. People only use it to resolve phlegm knots, which is shallow.
Hei Zao Rou (Black Date Flesh): Plump and rich-flavored. Hong Zao (Red Date) is red and fragrant. Both are best when large and solid. They have specific uses in medicine and should be chosen according to the syndrome. Southern dates are inferior to Northern dates in fragrance and taste, pleasing only in appearance. Suitable for food, weak in medicinal power. The statement in *Bei Yao* should not be followed.
Li (Pear): Northern varieties are best; among Southern ones, Yiwu Cha Hua Li is superior. Hui Zhou Xi Ni Li has good color but sour taste, unsuitable for medicine. Regardless of color or shape, pears are best when the core is small, flesh fine, residue-free when chewed, and purely sweet. They instantly relieve poisoning from cinnabar/stones, smoke/fire, coal fire, alcohol, and all heat-inducing drugs. Juicing and drinking them instantly helps warm-heat dryness diseases and Yin deficiency with blazing fire and dried fluids. This fruit is the甘露子 (Sweet Dew Seed) of fruits and the holy ghee of medicines. Binhu (Li Shizhen) elucidated and detailed its merits.
(Corrected) Ganlu Zi is the fruit of the banana. It generates fluids, quenches thirst, moistens dryness, and removes irritability, surpassing the pear. It is a celestial fruit, unfortunately hard to bear fruit.
Xian Shi (Fresh Persimmon): Best when ripe and seedless. Sweet and cold, it nourishes Lung and Stomach Yin. Suitable for constitutions with fire-dryness and fluid depletion, but causes diarrhea in those with Spleen deficiency-cold. Gan Shi (Dried Persimmon): Northern seedless varieties are best. Materia medica records its merits; it tonifies Spleen and Stomach, ideal for children. Children should avoid spicy, dry, and hard foods because "Gan" (malnutrition) implies dryness, and the character contains "Gan" (sweet), so they should not eat sweet/sour fruits/miscellaneous items. Persimmon trees do not harbor borers. Thus, when infants start eating grain, dried persimmons steamed with rice and chewed to feed them prevent worm-induced malnutrition, distension, and diarrhea. This was unspoken by ancients.
Mu Gua (Chaenomeles Fruit): Ground into powder, it treats chancre condensation toxins. Only *Jie Yao* records this formula.
Pipaye (Loquat Leaf): Hairy and tough, bitter and cool. It remains green in deep winter and does not wither in midsummer, inheriting the nature of stirring up turbidity and raising clarity, embracing the posture of ignoring heat and enduring cold. Still yet able to diffuse, it protects the delicate Metal (Lung) and regulates governance/responsibility for wind-warmth, warm-heat, and summer-dryness pathogens in the Lung. Fragrant yet not drying, it clarifies turbid Qi and cleanses the Middle Jiao for damp-warmth, epidemic pestilence, and turbid toxin pathogens in the Stomach. Materia medica only mentions descending Qi and treating cough, obscuring its great merits, hence my elucidation.
(Published) Mriang Xiangyan once said: "When weather is oppressive and humid, wipe the hairs off Loquat leaves, stir-fry until fragrant in a clean pot, brew as tea for daily drinking. Clear fragrance without dryness, dispels turbidity, preventing seasonal diseases of summer and autumn." This coincides with my view.
Longyan Rou (Longan Aril): Purely sweet and warm, greatly tonifies Blood. Steamed thoroughly is best. However, it generates phlegm in dampness abundance and causes loose stools in Spleen weakness, which must be known. Its seeds, ground and applied to traumatic wounds and bruises, stop bleeding and pain immediately, healing without scars. Named Lizhu San, it is a truly miraculous medicine. Its shell, finely ground, is good for burns/scalds; burning it repels snakes. All are useful parts. Why discard them when eating Longan?
Ou (Lotus Rhizome): Renhe variety is best. Boiled to thick juice, it tonifies Blood and moves Qi, avoiding greasiness/stagnation. Lian Zi (Lotus Seed) connects Heart and Kidney; the heart (embryo) should not be removed, but it can stagnate Qi. Using only the heart greatly descends Heart Fire. He Ye (Lotus Leaf) roasted with rice greatly raises Spleen Qi because Lotus Leaf belongs to Zhen (Thunder/Wood), and Earth reaches/via Wood. Roasting rice means cooking rice with Lotus Leaves. Hangzhou calls cooking rice "Shao Fan". Misinterpreting it as wrapping rice in leaves and roasting in fire is extremely incorrect.
Putao (Grape): Northern varieties are best; Turpan varieties, purely sweet and seedless, are superior. Greatly tonifies Liver and Spleen Blood, same function as Gouqi Zi. For fetal pressure rushing to the heart, using 1 liang of Putao decocted alone cures it instantly.
Ganzhe (Sugarcane): Green-skinned is best, named Zhu Zhe. Produced in Taizhou, long like bamboo. Sweet and cool, clears heat and replenishes fluids. Mr. Yu Wenqi said: Also named Jie Chang Cao. Once someone with severed intestines recovered by frequently drinking this juice.
Lafu (Radish): Controls noodle toxicity, hence named Lai Fu (Come to be served). Commonly written as Laifu or Luobo, losing its meaning. Many varieties, great merits. Raw: resolves wind-fire, warm-dryness, damp-heat pathogens. Instantly effective for smoke/coal/alcohol/fire toxicity, aphonia, phlegm obstruction, stroke, throat diseases. Cooked: tonifies Spleen/Lung, harmonizes Stomach/Intestines, resists wind-cold, fattens and strengthens, serves as grain for famine relief. A lucky star in the vegetable garden. Materia medica hides its merits and falsely claims it dissipates Qi, how unjust! Yet widely grown nationwide, people eat it lifelong for health and longevity, some old age with white hair. Common sight, why did materia medica compilers rush to judgment?
(Corrected) Materia medica says Eggplant is least beneficial, harming the uterus in women. But Inner Lord loves it, even during pregnancy, and birth is easy. Thus, grains, meats, fruits, and vegetables are all nourishing; one need not obsess over luxurious feasting.
Donggua (Winter Melon): Grown on trellises in Hangzhou, hanging inside to avoid sun and ground contact. Purely sweet without sourness is best. Cool and moistens Lung, sweet nourishes Stomach, clears summer-dampness, stops thirst, promotes urination/defecation, reduces distension. Special merit in treating summer-dampness cholera and dysentery. Seeds: moisten Lung, resolve turbid phlegm. Skin: resolves wind-heat, reduces edema. A wonderful product in the vegetable garden.
Shi Zhuyu (Chinese Pepper): Worn by ancients during Double Ninth Festival climbing. Various species; commonly called Chili Pepper, Spicy Eggplant, Spicy Tiger. Extremely acrid, very hot. Small amounts disperse wind and relieve constipation, so people mistakenly think it is cool, causing harm to Yin. Those with Yin deficiency and blood-heat must absolutely avoid it.
Nuomi (Glutinous Rice): Can make wine. More drinkers, more brewers, more glutinous fields, less japonica fields, rising rice prices. People lack reserves; isn't this a major illness? Physicians of the state should plan for this.
(Published) Rising rice prices are indeed a major disaster for state and people. Now silver prices rise, leaks cannot be plugged, illness worsens. Physicians of the state must plan early.
Jingmi (Rice): Treasure for nourishing humans. During famine, storage methods must be planned. Simplest: dry cooked rice thoroughly, never spoils. Hungry people chew a pinch, get rice Qi, survive. Keep one dou of cooked rice per family annually, dry, store in jar in dry place. Easy for rich and poor. Better than storing grain for famine.
(Note) Wash one dou Nuomi, steam and dry 100 times, grind fine, store in jar in dry place, never spoils. Take 3 spoons daily, drink water if thirsty. One dou lasts a month. Elderly who cannot chew dry rice must know this. Recorded here.
Candou (Fava Bean): Named because it grows during silkworm season. Also Fo Dou (Buddha Bean), offered on Buddha's birthday. Tonifies Middle and benefits Qi. Forbidden for children, fearing indigestion. Dragons like to eat it; thus, if thunder/lightning occurs during flowering, it bears no fruit. One fava bean on a ship prevents sailing, as dragons want to eat it. Navigators must know this.
Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum): Yu Shiyu considered it the main drug for plague. Wu Keyou used only Dahuang, saying Shigao is unusable. Why? Yu discussed summerheat-pathogen disease (Summerheat is Heaven Qi, clear pathogen attacking upper Jiao). Wu discussed damp-warmth disease (Dampness is Earth Qi, turbid pathogen attacking lower Jiao). Clear pathogen is formless dry-fire, suitable for clearing not purging. Turbid pathogen is formless damp-turbidity, suitable for purging not clearing. Both had profound insight, forming two major methods for treating plague. Learning medicine is not like poetry/prose focusing on one school (Tang poetry, Han prose); one must read widely, select appropriately, not be deceived by ancients, to prescribe correctly.
(Corrected) Mr. Lin Guanzi said: Tao Jie'an's understanding of Shanghan is merely broad outlines, lacking profound subtlety. Wang Jin Tan called him deaf/blind to later learners, a sinner to Zhang Zhongjing, not an exaggeration. Yet modern Shanghan practitioners follow Tao's book exclusively. Sigh! Wang Yuzhong Taishi in *Bai Tian Ji* argued Tao's view that Shanghan and Warmth diseases differ in releasing exterior but are same in treating interior is wrong, claiming Chengqi and Baihu formulas cannot treat Warmth diseases. Alas! Though Taishi studied Neo-Confucianism deeply, he knew little medicine. Why mislead later learners? Fearing readers trust his scholarship and thus his medicine, I add this note.
(Published) *Yao Shi* by Yu Longshi records Yang Tian'an saying: Mr. Rishan, descendant of Li Che'er in Hangzhou, was a master of smallpox. In a case of stifled fire-smallpox, he used 1.5 jin Gypsum decocted with 5 qian Coptis. Eruption was incomplete, added 1 cup Jin Zhi (Gold Juice/Turkey Berry Char), then cured. Jin Zhi is turbid Yin, treating hyperactive Yang. Xiong notes: This deeply understands Fei's method. Smallpox complicated by plague, truly可信 (credible).
Yan (Salt): Salty flavor. *Tai Xi Shui Fa* says: Acrid, sweet, sour, bitter reside in plants; salty resides in seawater. Seawater doesn't freeze because it's salty. Thus, salty is born from Fire. Burning wood to ash, leaching with water makes brine. Extreme dryness meets water becomes salty. This verifies it. I believe because it belongs to Fire, living things die upon contact, as it is moist in substance but drying in function. Ancients said salty softens hardness and moistens dryness, but didn't know it firms softness and dries dampness. Preserved foods become hard/dry with salt. Salt warehouse workers never suffer from gout/podagra because they tread on salt, keeping dampness away. Dry substances become moist with salt (salt rusts iron = softens hardness). Wet substances become dry with salt (salt dries liquids/firms softness). Excessive salt causes thirst, sign of drying fluids. Since it dries fluids, salt belongs to Fire. Drying dampness/firming softness is appropriate. But although flavor belongs to Fire, nature descends. For deficient fire flaming upward, drinking light salt water descends it, making it a wonder for guiding fire back to source. For persistent vomiting/epistaxis, soaking feet in salt brine cures instantly.
Shinao (Pig Brain): Overconsumption causes impotence. Why? Kan represents Pig, corresponds to Hai in Earthly Branches, a Water animal. Water nature is weakest. Brain is the master of the body, thus it softens things, can tan leather. Long-term consumption causes not just impotence but reportedly soft paralysis. As a Wood animal, it has most meat/no sinew, strongest kidneys/most offspring, likes low/wet places, eats filth/fat, transforms filth to fat. Not just strong Spleen transport, but unique large pancreas. Pancreas digests food; large/concentrated power transforms rot into magic. Dyers use it to whiten silk; people use it as face cream to brighten skin. Steamed/cooked, aids digestion, clears turbid phlegm. Thus, for women with fatty uterus unable to conceive, or uncleanness from irregular intercourse, it travels Ren Mai, cleans uterus. Being flesh/blood product, no fear of damaging healthy Qi, most miraculous. Pregnant women eating it cleanses placental debris, resulting in sparse smallpox eruption.
Niu Nai (Cow Milk): Moistening and fluid-tonifying, suitable for blood-deficiency without phlegm. Nature warm and greasy; if phlegm-fire exists, it assists phlegm, stagnates diaphragm, worsens disease. Users must observe. Human milk is similar. All greasy tonics are alike.
Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin): Made with Ejing water to utilize the underground flow of Ji River. Named Ejiao not because of donkey hide, but attributing merit to still water controlling floating fire, thus curing blood disorders. If water prefers underground flow, how can it be stir-fried? Thus, Ejiao need not strictly use Ejing water; any underground spring works. Yin-nourishing/clearing-heat herbs must not be stir-fried. Stir-frying makes cool herbs warm and quiet herbs active, losing cooling/moistening properties, retaining drying/acrid ones. Fire changes material nature. For overly bitter/cold/toxic herbs, frying/parching moderates them, detailed in ancient methods. Ridiculous is frying Zhuru (Bamboo Shavings) to extract clear Qi. Furthermore, clearing/resolving decoctions require rapid boiling to preserve Qi; slow boiling loses cooling taste, let alone charring!
Lurong (Deer Antler): Hot nature, raises Yang. Cannot be used casually in Yin deficiency with floating Yang. Witnessed many deaths from upper hemorrhage due to misuse.
Shushi (Mouse Droppings): Treats female relapse after labor. Also disperses breast abscess, unblocks strangury/turbid urine, stops infantile malnutrition distension, eliminates hernia masses.
Haizhe (Sea Squirt): Formed from water, boils down to water. Phlegm in body is formed by fire battling water, thus it is a main drug for resolving phlegm. Also drains depressed fire, spreads stagnant Qi, digests food accumulation, unblocks bowels/bladder, stops abdominal pain, removes distension. Regrettably unknown, hence recorded.
Bie (Softshell Turtle): Also named Shenshou (Divine Guardian), thus Biejia (Softshell Turtle Shell) is a miraculous sedative.
Zhenzhu (Pearl): Nourishes Yin, brightens eyes, calms rebellious Qi, sedates spirit. Takes advantage of clam's pure Yin nature and lunar conception effect. Market sells Guangdong snake pearls, treating wind-phlegm, unblocking meridians, managing epilepsy/spasms. Distinct from clam pearls in movement/stillness; cannot treat Heart diseases. Users must distinguish.
Tongzi Xiaosui (Boy's Urine): Miraculous for nourishing Yin and descending fire, essential for blood disorders. Must use boys because their knowledge is undeveloped, lacking reckless fire. Must have bland diet, no meat/fish, remove head/tail, use only middle clear section for efficacy. If processed into Qiushi (Autumn Stone), ancients said it contains warm Qi, unacceptable. Later generations created "Huilun Jiu" (Revolving Wine), letting patients drink own urine. Foolish belief, pitiable. Once sick, urine is sick urine. If sick urine cures disease, healthy urine can too. Why restrict to boys, vegetarian diet, removing ends, seeking clarity, making it difficult? Although healthy, dietary essence...