《葛仙翁肘後備急方》Vol. 2

This passage discusses emergency treatment methods for sudden-onset "huoluan" (ancient term for acute gastrointestinal diseases). Ge Hong (the Immortal Lord Ge) points out that huoluan is often caused by improper diet—such as consuming raw, cold, greasy, or meat-heavy foods followed by exposure to cold, or sleeping uncovered at night.

At the onset of symptoms, immediate warming is crucial: One can spread charcoal beneath the bed for warmth, reducing the fire if too hot. Alternatively, wrap the body in steamed blankets, or heat the ground, sprinkle water, lay thin cloth over it, and cover with thick quilts. Other methods include soaking feet in hot water up to the knees or applying copper vessels filled with hot water to the abdomen, replacing them when cooled. A charcoal-heated iron can also warm the stomach.

If these methods fail, immediate moxibustion is necessary. However, caution is advised: Select acupuncture points accurately based on symptoms, and avoid unnecessary moxibustion for healthy individuals. Even if moxibustion doesn't cure instantly, it can certainly save lives. Don't abandon treatment if initial results are slow—for huoluan, use larger moxa cones and more sessions. While traditional prescriptions suggest seven "zhuang" (units of moxibustion), even forty to fifty zhuang are acceptable; sweating indicates survival.

Older remedies like Lizhong Pills, houpo (magnolia bark), fermented soybeans, and Banxia Decoction are hard to obtain. Today, mastering proper moxibustion and simple formulas can match the efficacy of rare medicines. Even recently deceased patients may be revived with moxibustion.

While other medicines are difficult to prepare, keep Lizhong Pills, Sishen Decoction, and Houpo Decoction on hand, especially in autumn.

Specific moxibustion techniques:

1. For abdominal pain first: Moxibustion 14 zhuang above the navel at Tai Cang (four inches below the solar plexus).

2. For diarrhea first: Moxibustion 14 zhuang one inch beside the navel (left for men, right for women). Severe cases may require 30–40 zhuang at Da Chang Mu (effective for diarrhea).

3. For vomiting first: Moxibustion 14 zhuang two inches below the solar plexus at Juque (one inch directly below the xiphoid process)—also treats dysentery and asthma, up to 50 zhuang.

4. For cold extremities first: Moxibustion at the pointed bone above the inner ankles of both feet.

(Note: In moxibustion, one "zhuang" refers to burning one moxa cone completely; "Mu" points are where the qi of organs gathers in traditional medicine.)

This passage describes ancient moxibustion techniques (therapeutic burning of mugwort on acupuncture points) for treating acute conditions. The methods primarily address sudden-onset symptoms like cholera, muscle cramps (especially leg spasms), vomiting, and diarrhea.

For treating leg cramps, apply moxibustion seven times at the Sanyinjiao point (located three cun above the inner ankle tip). When cramps occur near the big toe's major tendon, administer six or seven treatments at the Yongquan point, or seven treatments along the edge of the big toenail. If cramps extend to abdominal pain, have four people restrain the patient's limbs while applying fourteen moxibustion treatments two cun left of the navel, followed by treatment on the inner thigh's major tendon one cun from the groin.

For persistent vomiting, apply seven treatments along the inner wrist's central line (Heart Master point). For unrelenting diarrhea, administer seven treatments on both sides at the Dadu point along the inner edge of the big toe's white flesh. For dry heaving, apply seven treatments bilaterally at the Jianshi point between the two tendons three cun behind the wrist—particularly effective for sudden fainting with vomiting.

For simultaneous vomiting and diarrhea, administer seven to fourteen treatments on both sides where the white flesh meets the abdomen outside the breasts. If vomiting stops but diarrhea continues, apply seven treatments at the navel's center or fourteen treatments one cun below it. For oppressive fullness in the chest, treat seven times at the Weiguan point three cun below the heart region, or place salt on the navel before fourteen moxibustion treatments. For periumbilical pain, administer twenty-one treatments at the Guanyuan point three cun below the navel.

A special mention goes to Hua Tuo's (renowned Eastern Han physician) emergency protocol: For cholera patients appearing lifeless, first measure the distance from the philtrum to the heart region, then apply moxibustion along the corresponding spinal midline before treating bilateral points. The text also records his unique method of having patients lie prone while measuring the distance between elbow tips with rope, then administering one hundred treatments one cun lateral to the spine—reportedly saving hundreds of lives, with Hua Tuo passing down this secret formula through generations.

All techniques emphasize precise point location and dosage count (measured in "zhuang" units per moxibustion session). Many remain in contemporary Chinese medical practice, though modern emergencies still warrant hospital care first. These ancient methods demonstrate traditional medicine's crisis-management wisdom when medical resources were scarce.

This passage documents various emergency remedies from ancient times for treating cholera (acute gastrointestinal disease) accompanied by heart and abdominal distension pain, restlessness, and shortness of breath. Here are the specific treatment methods:

The first method involves boiling two sheng of salt with five sheng of water to make two sheng of saline solution, which is consumed in one go to induce vomiting. The second method uses one to two sheng of fresh or dried ginger, chopped and boiled in six sheng of water until reduced by three boils before consumption. If ineffective, the dregs can be reboiled for reuse. The third method prescribes drinking three sheng of high-quality vinegar, reduced to one or two sheng for weaker constitutions.

Other approaches include: drinking warm wine mixed with melted wax pills (or substituting two spoonfuls of salt if wax is unavailable); taking half a sheng of cinnamon powder dissolved in two sheng of warm water; applying hot compresses of concentrated bamboo leaf decoction (boiled from five to six sheng) to cramping areas; using hot compresses of nanmu or camphor wood chips boiled through three boils; consuming three spoonfuls of dried ginger powder; drinking boiled knotweed leaf water or perilla juice; consuming boiled garlic chive water or soaked garlic juice; and in extreme cases, taking human blood mixed with alchemical elixirs (dan).

For severe cramping symptoms, two external treatments are recorded: first, applying red-hot iron to the heel muscles until blisters form; second, applying boiled vinegar mixed with powder to the affected area, then wrapping with cotton cloth from knee to foot. The text mentions "ji shang gou" (oil deposits accumulated on looms) and "zhu li" (bamboo sap obtained by roasting bamboo poles) as common medicinal substances in ancient times.

Note: These methods reflect ancient medical practices, with some containing risky procedures (like iron cauterization). Modern applications should follow professional medical guidance.

Here are several emergency remedies recorded for treating "huoluan" (ancient term for acute gastrointestinal disorders) and muscle cramps:

For treating muscle cramps:

1. Char and grind 14 gardenia seeds into powder for oral administration

2. Grind equal parts cinnamon bark and pinellia rhizome, take one fangcun spoon (approx. 1g) with one sheng (≈200ml) of water

3. Grind raw soybeans into powder, take with wine

4. Make topical ointment from charred centipedes

5. Boach one cun (≈3cm) of white chicken droppings in water for three boils and administer immediately (conceal ingredient from patient)

6. Steep cloth scraps in vinegar, apply hot as compress

7. Burn straw rope into ash, take three pinches with wine

8. Take stove-bottom soot with wine

Special case protocols:

• For abdominal cramps: Suspend patient upside down until symptoms subside
• For limb/chest cramps: Apply hot saltwater compress or wash
• Severe cases with genital retraction: Immediately suspend patient upside down

For persistent diarrhea with cramps:

Crush one liang (≈40g) fresh ginger, boil with wine for 3-4 boils and administer immediately

Other symptom-specific formulas:

• Post-vomiting/diarrhea chest distress: Boach gardenia with fermented soybeans; add tangerine peel for vomiting, or soybean paste/licorice/honey for anxiety
• Restlessness: Decoction of scallion whites and jujubes
• Post-vomiting/diarrhea thirst: Slowly drink foxtail millet broth

The text concludes with Master Cui's Lizhong Pill formula:

3 liang licorice, 1 liang each dried ginger, ginseng and white atractylodes (ground into honey pills). Additional pill may be taken if ineffective.

(Note: These remedies reflect historical medical approaches. Modern treatment should follow professional medical advice.)

Here are several medicinal formulas and emergency treatments for "huoluan" (ancient term referring to acute gastroenteritis):

The first is Sishen Tang (Four-Gentlemen Decoction), used for vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal coldness, and cold extremities. Prepare with 2 liang each of dried ginger, licorice root, ginseng, and aconite, boiled in 6 sheng of water until reduced to 3.5 sheng. Divide into three doses. For persistent diarrhea, add 1 liang of dragon bone; for severe abdominal pain, add 2 liang of Chinese angelica.

The second is Houpo Tang (Magnolia Bark Decoction), treating nausea, vomiting, and abdominal distension. Use 4 liang of roasted magnolia bark, 2 liang of cinnamon, 5 pieces of roasted bitter orange, and 3 liang of fresh ginger, boiled in 6 sheng of water until reduced to 2 sheng, taken in three doses.

Several simpler remedies include: Master Sun's prescription of swallowing 30-40 peppercorns; the Doumen method using concentrated decoction of yellow cedar wood chips; the Waitai Biyao formula combining charred human hair with salted broth; the peach leaf method boiling 3 sheng of peach leaves into two warm doses; pear leaf decoction from pear tree branches; and scallion-jujube decoction using scallion whites and jujubes.

Particularly noteworthy is the Ministry of War's highly effective hand-collected formula: simmer ginger powder in slightly sour rice water—exceptionally potent for summer gastrointestinal disorders. Sun Yonghe's method uses processed aconite powder (4 qian per dose) boiled in saltwater, which can immediately stop severe diarrhea.

All formulas specify applications for huoluan and its complications. When angina-like symptoms appear, they should be combined with treatments for "zhong'e" (sudden syncope).

Here are several traditional Chinese medical prescriptions for treating acute conditions, all being simple and practical emergency remedies:

For persistent vomiting, diarrhea, cold extremities, or even unconsciousness: Grind Arisaema rhizome (tiannanxing) into powder. Take three qian (about 9g) each time with three jujubes, decoct in 1.5 bowls of water until reduced to 80% volume, and drink while warm. If consciousness isn't restored, administer another dose.

For life-threatening cramps caused by cholera (acute gastroenteritis): Chop an old cattail mat into pieces, boil in one bowl of rice water, and drink the warm decoction in one go.

Three prescriptions for liver deficiency cramps:

1) Chop three ge (about 300ml) of red knotweed stems and leaves, add one bowl of water and three ge of wine, decoct until reduced to one quarter, and take in two warm doses.

2) Soak the affected area in hot water boiled with half a jin (about 250g) of salt.

3) Sun Shangyao's (an ancient renowned physician) prescription: Chop one liang (about 30g) of pine nodes into rice-sized pieces, add one qian (about 3g) of frankincense, stir-fry in a silver vessel over low heat until slightly charred, then grind finely. Take 1-2 qian per dose with warm papaya wine.

Another cholera cramp remedy: Remove both ends from one handful of knotweed, decoct in 2.5 sheng (about 500ml) of water until reduced to 1.5 sheng, and drink in one go.

Six prescriptions for typhoid/epidemic diseases with headache and high fever:

1) Pound three sheng (about 600ml) of [unidentified] root and leaves, add one liang of cinnabar (zhusha) and one sheng of water, boil the decoction and drink until vomiting occurs.

2) Pound one sheng of wild garlic to extract two ge (about 40ml) of juice for one dose.

3) Boil fourteen smoked plums with five ge of salt in three sheng of water until reduced to one sheng.

4) Remove black bark from one sheng of fresh [unidentified] wood white bark, decoct in 2.5 sheng of water until reduced to eight ge, divided into three doses.

5) Crush fourteen atractylodes pills, boil in five sheng of water and drink all the decoction.

6) Mix one egg with half sheng of cold water, stir well, cook thoroughly and consume.

These prescriptions emphasize simplicity and accessibility, using commonly available ingredients like old cattail mats, salt, and eggs with straightforward preparation methods. They reflect the ancient medical philosophy of "keeping emergency remedies at hand" (zhouhou beiji), designed for urgent situations.

Here are several emergency remedies for treating cold and fever syndromes:

The first method involves boiling three liters of water, adding a pre-prepared medicinal solution while stirring rapidly, then drinking the mixture in one gulp when warm to induce sweating.

The second method requires coating the entire body with cinnabar (Zhen Dan), then sitting near a fire to promote perspiration.

The third remedy uses fresh ginger lily roots and leaves pounded together to extract juice, consuming three to four liters of the liquid.

For the fourth treatment, simmer three jin of dried mugwort in one dou of water until reduced to one liter of medicinal decoction. Strain and drink the entire amount at once to induce sweating.

The fifth approach involves consuming one liter of salt with hot water, then covering with blankets to sweat after abdominal cramps and vomiting occur.

The sixth remedy boils 157 ancient coins in one dou of water until reduced to seven liters. Drink this first, then boil five liters of water down to one liter. Combine both decoctions into three liters for consumption to induce vomiting and detoxification.

The seventh method prescribes taking a pellet-sized portion of lard three times daily for three consecutive days.

The eighth treatment combines 30 pitted dark plums, one liter of fermented beans, and three liters of vinegar, boiled down to one and a half liters. Strain and consume in one dose.

For undifferentiated cold syndromes with initial headache and fever, use Scallion-Fermented Bean Decoction: one handful of scallion whites and one liter of fermented beans boiled in three liters of water until reduced to one liter. Drink in one dose to induce sweating. If no sweating occurs, add two liang of kudzu root and three liang of bugbane rhizome boiled in five liters of water until reduced to two liters, taken in two doses. Still no sweating? Add another two liang of ephedra.

Additional sweating formulas include: one liter of fermented beans boiled in three liters of children's urine until reduced to one liter, taken in two doses; or four liang of kudzu root boiled in one dou of water until reduced to three liters, then adding one liter of fermented beans and reducing further to one and a half liters for consumption. Alternatively, drink one to two liters of fresh kudzu juice directly.

For chest congestion and nausea persisting three to four days after sweating, boil three liters of fermented beans in seven liters of water until reduced to two and a half liters. Strain, add one liang of honey, bring to boil again, and consume in one dose while resting to induce vomiting. Repeat if ineffective.

These are emergency medicinal formulas recorded in Ge Hong's Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve, specifically designed to treat severe high fever and poisoning symptoms. They primarily target patients who have been ill for five to six days or more and exhibit signs of delirium, aiming to expel toxic heat from the body through methods like inducing sweating, vomiting, or purging.

For high fever, one prescription involves taking three catties of fresh rehmannia root (生地黄), chopped and boiled in one peck of water until reduced to three liters of medicinal decoction, to be taken in three doses. Alternatively, one may use the vomiting powder made from hellebore (藜芦催吐散) or the gentian-scutellaria powder (苦参龙胆散). If the fever has persisted for five to six days, fresh bamboo sap (鲜竹沥), extracted by roasting fresh bamboo stalks, can be prepared in large quantities, lightly boiled, and consumed in multiple doses. After taking the medicine, the patient should be covered with thick blankets to induce sweating.

Another formula combines half an ounce each of rhubarb (大黄), coptis (黄连), phellodendron bark (黄柏), and gardenia (栀子), boiled in eight liters of water until it boils six to seven times. Then, one peck of fermented black beans (豆豉) and seven stalks of scallion whites (葱白) are added, and the mixture is boiled down to three liters of decoction, to be taken in divided doses. This formula is suitable for both young and old. Another option is boiling two ounces of sophora root (苦参), two ounces of scutellaria (黄芩), and half a catty of fresh rehmannia root (生地黄) in eight liters of water until reduced to one liter, to be taken in two doses, inducing detoxification through vomiting or diarrhea.

For patients with high fever lasting six to seven days, accompanied by restlessness, chest tightness, delirium, and hallucinations, three pecks of dried evodia fruit (干茱萸) can be boiled in two liters of water until reduced to one liter. The strained liquid is then taken warm, and sweating will bring recovery. This secret formula is highly reliable.

For detoxification, one method involves splitting open one peck of earthworms (蚯蚓) and boiling them in human urine before straining and consuming the liquid. Alternatively, fresh earthworms can be juiced, boiled in water, or even their excrement can be squeezed for juice—one to two liters of this "Yellow Dragon Decoction" (黄龙汤), which becomes more effective with age. Another method involves drawing blood from the back of a white dog (or any solid-colored dog if a white one is unavailable) and applying it hot to the patient’s chest, replacing it once cooled. This formula can revive those on the verge of death.

Vomiting-inducing detox formulas include: peeling the black bark of a phoenix tree (梧桐树皮), cutting it into long strips, boiling it in wine and water, and taking it in one dose—this causes the expulsion of greenish-yellow toxic fluids. Another method involves mixing three eggs with mirabilite (芒硝) and wine for consumption. For irritability, vomiting, and insomnia, two ounces each of coptis (黄连), phellodendron bark (黄柏), and scutellaria (黄芩), boiled with gardenia (栀子), can be administered.

In extreme cases, the "Life-Saving Coffin-Breaking Decoction" (破棺千金汤) is used: one ounce of sophora root (苦参) is pounded and boiled in wine, then taken while warm. This bitter and cold formula induces vomiting to expel toxins.

Ge Hong (the Immortal Lord Ge) records several emergency prescriptions for treating epidemics and febrile toxicity in his Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies:

The first method involves boiling one hundred copper coins in water until reduced, then adding musk (a precious medicinal ingredient) and a plum-sized portion of medicinal powder. The patient drinks the decoction slowly to expel toxins through sweating or vomiting.

For treating "warm toxin eruptions" (a severe epidemic with high fever and skin rashes), there is a black ointment formula: Chop half a jin of fresh rehmannia root, combine it with one sheng of fermented soybeans and two jin of lard, then boil the mixture five or six times until thickened. After straining, add realgar and musk (each the size of a soybean), stir well, and administer. The toxins will be expelled through the skin.

Another folk remedy involves gutting a live toad, mashing it, and swallowing it. Alternatively, toads dried in the sun on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month can be burned to ashes and taken for similar effects.

The "Black Slave Pill" (also called "Water-Dissolving Pill") recipe includes two liang each of ephedra and rhubarb, one liang each of skullcap root and mirabilitum, plus one liang each of stove-bottom soot, chimney soot, and roof-beam dust. These ingredients are pounded and mixed with honey to form pills. Take one pill with freshly drawn well water, followed by plenty of water to induce sweating. If the fever persists after five hours, take another pill. This is specifically for critical cases of unrelenting high fever, chest oppression, and lockjaw.

Another fever-reducing formula combines four liang of woad leaf with two liang each of licorice root and donkey-hide gelatin, plus eight ge of fermented soybeans, boiled and divided into four doses. This is particularly effective for persistent high fever.

For epidemic prevention, a pill containing rhubarb, licorice, ephedra, apricot kernels, mirabilitum, skullcap root, and croton seeds is made into bean-sized pellets. Taking three pills induces diarrhea to purge toxins; if diarrhea persists, rice water can stop it. Healthy individuals can also take it preventively.

There is also the "Ephedra Muscle-Resolving Decoction": one liang each of ephedra, licorice, cimicifuga, peony root, and gypsum, plus thirty apricot kernels and three clam shells, boiled for use in early-stage illness. These prescriptions reflect the ancient treatment philosophy of addressing epidemics through both internal and external methods, employing sweating, vomiting, and purging techniques.

This medical prescription primarily discusses several herbal formulas and precautions for treating shanghan (ancient term for externally contracted febrile diseases).

The first method involves administering medicine to induce sweating under blankets—once the patient sweats, the illness should subside, after which fermented soybean porridge can be consumed for nourishment. Another formula uses two liang of ephedra (麻黄), one liang each of scutellaria (黄芩) and cinnamon twig (桂枝), three liang of fresh ginger (生姜), boiled in six sheng of water until reduced to two sheng, to be taken in four doses.

The Gegen Jieji Decoction can also be administered: four liang of kudzu root (葛根), two liang of peony root (芍药), one liang each of ephedra (麻黄), daqingye (大青叶), licorice (甘草), scutellaria (黄芩), gypsum (石膏), and cinnamon twig (桂枝), with four jujubes (大枣), boiled in five sheng of water until reduced to two and a half sheng, taken in three doses to induce mild sweating.

For persistent illness lasting three to eight days without improvement, the Minor Bupleurum Decoction (小柴胡汤) is recommended: eight liang of bupleurum (柴胡), three liang each of ginseng (人参), licorice (甘草), and scutellaria (黄芩), eight liang of fresh ginger (生姜)—or three liang of dried ginger if unavailable—five liang of pinellia (半夏, rinsed with hot water), and twelve jujubes (大枣), boiled in nine sheng of water until reduced to two and a half sheng, taken in three doses. After administration, the patient should sweat under blankets, with effects expected within half a day; if ineffective, repeat the dose.

For persistent fever without post-sweating recovery, accompanied by abdominal distension, pain, irritability, and delirium, use the Major Bupleurum Decoction (大柴胡汤): half a jin of bupleurum (柴胡), two liang of rhubarb (大黄), three liang of scutellaria (黄芩), two liang of peony root (芍药), ten pieces of immature bitter orange (枳实), five liang of rinsed pinellia (半夏), five liang of fresh ginger (生姜), and twelve jujubes (大枣), boiled in one dou of water until reduced to four sheng, taken in four doses—mild diarrhea may follow.

These four formulas are the most critical for urgent cases. If treatment is delayed or improperly administered beyond ten days, the condition deteriorates into a "spoiled illness" requiring Greater and Lesser Turtle Shell Decoctions (大小鳖甲汤). However, these formulas involve numerous ingredients in small quantities, making them impractical for ordinary households to prepare, hence they are not detailed here.

Special note: When inducing sweat for shanghan treatment, excessive sweating must be avoided—cease immediately upon mild perspiration. For uncontrolled sweating, apply body powder and avoid wind exposure. Early-stage shanghan presenting with heaviness, lumbar pain, unrelenting distress, floating pulse, facial erythema, sore throat, diarrhea, or delirium indicates yang toxin invasion (中阳毒), treatable within five days but fatal thereafter. Use this formula: one fen each of realgar (雄黄), licorice (甘草), cimicifuga (升麻), angelica (当归), zanthoxylum (花椒), and cinnamon twig (桂枝), boiled in five sheng of water until reduced to two and a half sheng, taken in three doses with induced sweating. If no sweating occurs, continue treatment.

This text records several medicinal formulas for treating yin toxin (a severe cold toxin syndrome) and heat-toxin dysentery. When symptoms such as heavy body sensation, stiff back as if beaten, abdominal pain, chest tightness with shortness of breath, vomiting, bluish lips, dark facial complexion, cold extremities, and deep-thin-tight-rapid pulse appear, this indicates yin toxin poisoning. The condition is treatable within five days, but fatal if delayed beyond that.

The first formula uses two fen each of licorice (Gancao) and cimicifuga (Shengma), one fen each of Chinese angelica (Danggui) and zanthoxylum (Huajiao), with one liang of turtle shell (Biejia). Boil in five sheng of water until reduced to two and a half sheng. Divide into three doses, and cover with blankets to induce sweating after taking. If no sweating occurs, concentrate the decoction further before consumption.

For yin toxin causing cold sensation in mouth and nose, grind one fen each of dried ginger (Ganjiang) and cinnamon (Rougui) into powder, taken with three ge of warm wine. Profuse sweating will follow with recovery. These formulas apply to both yin and yang toxins, whether manifesting initially or after one or two days.

For febrile diseases with persistent high fever and life-threatening severe diarrhea, use Great Blue Decoction: four liang of isatis leaf (Daqing), three liang of licorice, two liang of donkey-hide gelatin (Ejiao), eight ge of fermented soybeans (Douchi), and three liang of red halloysite (Chishizhi). Boil in one dou of water until reduced to three sheng. Take in three divided doses, with two full courses daily (day and night) for efficacy.

Additional dysentery formulas include: 1) one sheng of fermented soybeans, fourteen gardenia fruits (Zhizi), and one handful of Chinese chive whites (Jiubai), boiled in five sheng of water to three and a half sheng, taken in three doses; 2) half a jin of crushed dragon bone (Longgu), boiled in one dou of water to five sheng, cooled and taken frequently in small amounts until sweating brings recovery.

For heat-toxin dysentery pills: two liang each of coptis (Huanglian) and Chinese angelica, one liang of dried ginger, and two liang of red halloysite, mixed with honey to form firmiana seed-sized pills. Take twenty pills thrice daily and twice nightly. For emergencies, boil two liang of coptis with cooked mugwort (Aiye, the size of a duck egg) in two dou of water to one sheng, consuming the entire dose at once.

The primary formula for epidemic dysentery: three liang of coptis, two liang each of phellodendron bark (Huangbai), Chinese angelica, and dragon bone. Boil in six sheng of water to two sheng, strain and add seven ge of honey, then decoct further to one and a half sheng. Take in three doses. For epidemic heat-toxin with abdominal pain and diarrhea: half a liang each of cimpicifuga, licorice, coptis, Chinese angelica, peony root (Shaoyao), cinnamon heart (Guixin), and phellodendron bark. Boil in three sheng to one sheng for consumption. For heat-toxin dysentery persisting four to five days: three liang each of coptis and phellodendron bark, three liang of dragon bone, and a mugwort bundle (egg-sized). Boil in six sheng to two sheng for administration.

This records emergency medical prescriptions and applications from Ge Hong's (the Immortal Lord Ge) Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve. It primarily covers first-aid treatments for several common acute conditions:

For persistent diarrhea with bloody stool, use one jin (≈500g) of halloysite (a mineral medicine), one liang (≈40g) of dried ginger, and one sheng (≈200ml) of japonica rice. Boil with seven sheng of water until the rice cooks, strain, and take seven ge (≈140ml) per dose, twice daily. Another formula combines one jin of halloysite with two liang of dried ginger, boiled in five sheng of water until reduced to three sheng, divided into two doses. For accompanying periumbilical colic, add one liang of Chinese angelica root, two liang of peony root, and an additional sheng of water.

For constipation symptoms, use four liang of rhubarb root, two liang of magnolia bark, and four pieces of bitter orange. Boil in four sheng of water until reduced to one sheng two ge, divided into two doses—discontinue upon bowel movement. If constipation persists over ten days, use Qi-Receiving Pills: two liang each of rhubarb root and apricot kernel, one liang of bitter orange, and one ge of mirabilite. Crush and mix with honey to form pellet-sized pills. Take six to seven ge with warm water per dose, repeating if ineffective.

For dysentery-induced anorexia, combine one sheng of coptis root with twenty baked black plums. Grind into powder, add beeswax (chess-piece sized portion) and one sheng of honey, then heat over low flame to form firmiana seed-sized pills. Take two pills thrice daily. For urinary retention, insert jujube pit-sized pills made from orpiment powder and honey half a cun (≈1.5cm) into the urethra, or use bamboo tubes for catheterization.

For chest distress with labored breathing, make pills from one liang each of ginseng and white atractylodes, two liang of bitter orange, and one liang of dried ginger mixed with honey—take one pill per dose. Add two liang of trichosanthes fruit for cough or two liang of oyster shell for vomiting, consuming five to six pills daily.

For throat swelling and pain, slice and heat phytolacca root, wrapping it in cloth to apply as a warm compress—replace when cooled. Alternatively, hold small amounts of aloe vera in the mouth, chewing gently to let the juice coat the throat.

For post-toxicity eye discomfort, wash eyes six to seven times daily with boiled honeycomb water, or apply cold water-soaked green cloth compresses. For corneal opacity (nebula), blow charred fermented soybean powder into nostrils using a thin tube.

These formulas specify precise herbal ratios, preparation methods, and dosages, reflecting ancient emergency medicine characteristics. Note that these traditional prescriptions require professional guidance, and all measurements (liang, sheng, ge etc.) follow historical metrological standards.

Here are several ancient medicinal formulas for treating cold-induced vomiting, ulcerative toxins, and jaundice:

For persistent vomiting due to cold damage:

The first prescription uses 30g of licorice root (Gancao), 15g of black cohosh (Shengma), 90g of fresh ginger (Shengjiang), and 60g of tangerine peel (Jupi), decocted in 600ml water until reduced to 400ml. Consuming the entire dose at once effects a cure. Another method involves grinding 0.6g dried ginger (Ganjiang) and 0.4g aconite (Fuzi) into powder, forming honeyed pills the size of phoenix tree seeds (Wutongzi). Take three pills three times daily.

For cold-induced hiccups:

Decoct 90g licorice with 200ml tangerine peel in 1L water until reduced to 600ml, divided into three daily doses. Alternative options include: taking 3g of pinellia (Banxia) powder; brewing a handful of red perilla (Chisu) as tea; or using the same dried ginger-aconite pills mentioned above.

Regarding epidemic ulcerative toxins (anciently called "barbarian sores"):

These lesions spread rapidly across the face and body, presenting as fiery blisters with white pus. Treatment involves boiling mallow vegetables (Kuicai) with garlic paste for consumption, applying honey topically, or taking black cohosh decoction with honey. Another method uses concentrated black cohosh decoction for washing lesions—vinegar soaking enhances efficacy despite causing discomfort.

For epidemic jaundice therapy:

Decoct 180g capillary wormwood (Yinchenhao) first, then add 60g rhubarb (Dahuang) and 12 gardenia fruits (Zhizi), dividing the final decoction into four doses. Supplementary jaundice treatments may be combined.

The text also describes "barbarian jaundice disease": initial symptoms include heavy limbs, progressing rapidly to yellowed eyes, face, and eventually whole-body jaundice. Diagnostic testing involves urinating on white paper—if the stain resembles phellodendron yellow (Huangbo), it indicates heat toxins have penetrated deeply, requiring emergency treatment.

Note: Herbs mentioned like Shengma (Cimicifuga) and Yinchenhao (Artemisia capillaris) retain their Chinese pharmacological names. "Phoenix tree seed-sized" refers to pills approximately 6mm in diameter. The measurement "fen" equals roughly 0.3g. These formulas reflect traditional epidemic response methods—modern application requires professional medical supervision.

This passage describes various ancient methods for treating jaundice and swelling pain in the extremities. In the early stages of jaundice, one could grind melon pedicel and red beans into powder to blow into the nostrils, allowing several liters of yellow fluid to drain from the nose, which often brought relief. For severe cases, practitioners would examine the white veins beneath both sides of the tongue, using a reed knife to make incisions and release several liters of stagnant purple blood. However, this required skilled hands—accidentally cutting the green veins under the tongue could cause fatal hemorrhage, requiring immediate cauterization with a red-hot spinning wheel iron to stop the bleeding.

Other jaundice remedies included: pounding melon pedicel and croton seeds into pills for oral consumption to expel yellow fluid through urination and defecation; drinking bamboo boiled in water; consuming one to three liters of fresh melon root juice; eating several egg whites soaked overnight in vinegar wine; drinking water boiled with bamboo leaves, wheat, and gypsum powder wrapped in cotton cloth; taking a decoction of kudzu root juice, fermented beans, gardenia, and capillary wormwood herb divided into five doses; and consuming the blood and meat of golden-footed hens (seasoned with fermented bean sauce if desired).

For swollen, painfully cracked hands and feet, these methods were recommended: soaking feet in giant knotweed root decoction until ankles turned red; immersing limbs in rice stalk ash solution; foot baths with bitter peony root boiled in wine; applying poultices of fermented bean sauce mixed with sheep urine; soaking in amur cork tree decoction (also effective for genital swelling); standing in wooden clogs over a three-foot-deep pit filled with heated wine vapors; foot baths with kiwi fruit juice and fermented beans; soaking in horse or sheep dung decoction; applying lard-mixed sheep dung paste; or wrapping swollen areas with raw beef.

All treatments emphasized dietary restrictions during recovery and careful differentiation between jaundice types. The formulas predominantly used locally available herbs for topical application, soaking, or oral administration, demonstrating ancient medical wisdom of "utilizing readily accessible materials."

Here are several folk remedies for treating lower body ailments (referring to the lower half of the body, particularly the anal and genital regions). Most formulas use common medicinal ingredients and simple procedures suitable for emergency use.

Crush changsi grass (a common herb) to extract its juice for foot soaking. Alternatively, simmer pig's trotters with scallions into broth, strain the residue, add a pinch of salt, and soak the affected area. For sores caused by toxic conditions, insert heated salt deep into the affected area—no more than three applications.

Other methods include: applying raw lacquer before inserting cotton strips; using large moxa cones (mugwort combustion therapy) to fumigate the area—an emergency measure when medical resources are scarce; boil three sheng (≈1.8L) of earthworms with five sheng of water until reduced to two and a half sheng, then consume entirely; boil peach bark into syrup consistency and apply with cotton strips.

Additional remedies: crush aquatic Nymphoides peltatum to wrap in cotton for insertion, changing five times daily; combine elm bark and oak bark to boil into a sticky syrup for application, while drinking concentrated peach bark decoction for optimal effect; take three ge (≈300ml) of Duchesnea indica juice thrice daily; drink concentrated smoked plum decoction mixed with wild honey multiple times.

Emergency intervention is required if patients exhibit pale gums, white tongue coating, lethargy, insensitivity to pain, or diarrhea. Untreated cases may develop parasitic infestations that erode the anus—when parasites reach the internal organs, the condition becomes fatal. Treatment: mix egg white with raw lacquer, return to shell, and swallow while tilting the head backward to induce parasite expulsion.

Further therapies: grind charred horse hooves into powder, blend with lard, apply to cotton strips for frequent insertion; boil fifteen peach kernels with two sheng of bitter wine (vinegar) and one ge salt until reduced to six ge for consumption; fumigate with burning mugwort in a tube to direct smoke into the affected area—adding minimal realgar enhances efficacy.

For persistent diarrhea: combine two liang of aconite, one liang of Cynanchum otophyllum, one liang of Caesalpinia decapetala, and two fen of cinnamon into honey pills the size of tung seeds—take five pills thrice daily. For sudden lower body pain resembling bird pecking: crush equal parts red and yellow soybeans (one sheng each), divide into two cloth bags, steam until warm, and alternate as sitting compresses.

Originally categorized under miscellaneous treatments, these address ailments caused by cold damage pathogenic qi. While numerous cold damage formulas exist—including Ephedra Decoction, Kudzu Decoction, Cinnamon Twig Decoction, Bupleurum Decoction, Bluegreen Dragon Decoction, White Tiger Decoction, Four Harmonious Decoctions, and Four Counterflow Decoctions (over twenty key formulas)...

Ge Hong's Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve presents practical methods for handling epidemics in ancient times. The text emphasizes that while it may be difficult to prepare all necessary medicines, accurate diagnosis of the root cause remains essential. It highlights four most urgent formulas, among which the Yellow Paste and Red Powder prescriptions are categorized under plague prevention, recommending immediate administration upon symptom onset.

The text explains that Cold Damage (shanghan), seasonal epidemics (shixingbing), and warm pestilence (wenyi, infectious febrile diseases) share the same fundamental nature with slight variations in origin: Cold Damage refers to illnesses contracted in winter through exposure to cold or wind after exertion-induced sweating, manifesting in summer; seasonal epidemics result from wind pathogens encountered during unseasonably warm winters, emerging in spring; warm diseases occur when encountering exceptionally virulent epidemic qi (vital energy) carrying toxic contagion. Though symptoms are similar, physicians collectively term them Cold Damage while common folk call them seasonal epidemics. Notably, the Lesser Yin syndrome (a deficiency-cold pattern) proves most dangerous, presenting without fever but with abdominal distension and diarrhea—exceptionally difficult to treat.

Several practical formulas follow:

For initial stages of epidemic febrile diseases, boil ephedra (mahuang) to remove foam, then cook with rice and fermented beans (douchi) into porridge. Wash hair thoroughly with hot water before administration—taking the medicine at night induces optimal sweating.

For chest oppression during days 3-4 of Cold Damage, decoct fermented beans with salt to induce vomiting.

For Cold Damage vomiting, take two qian (approx. 6g) of sophora root (kushen) powder with wine to provoke vomiting.

For febrile disease with irritability, drink half-spoonful of indigo powder (dianding) in water.

For persistent headache, apply crude saltpeter (puxiao) powder blended with raw oil to the crown.

For thirst, drink fresh lotus root juice mixed with honey in two doses.

For high fever with delirium, decoct two qian of roasted sophora root powder.

These formulas demonstrate ancient medical wisdom of "simplicity, convenience, efficacy, and affordability" in symptom-specific emergency treatments. Note these methods require professional guidance, as herb dosages and procedures follow specific protocols.

This scripture records several ancient medicinal formulas and treatments for yin-poison and yang-poison types of cold damage disorders.

Regarding the preparation of Black Dragon Elixir: Take one liang of imported sulfur (foreign sulfur) and grind it for two to three days using a willow wood pestle. Then take one liang of croton seeds with shells, keeping precise count. Use a two-sheng capacity ancient medicine cauldron (铛子), first laying sulfur at the bottom, placing the croton seeds atop, then covering with more sulfur. Pour in half sheng of strong vinegar, seal the lid tightly, and paste wet paper over the seams to prevent qi leakage. When the paper dries, moisten it again with vinegar. Simmer over alternating medium and low flames (文武火), requiring constant supervision. When over half the croton seeds have popped, immediately remove from heat, transfer to a mortar and quickly pound while adding small amounts of rice vinegar and steamed cakes. Continue pounding until cooled, then roll into chicken-head-sized pills.

For treating yin-poison: Boil 49 Sichuan peppercorns and two scallion whites in one bowl of water until reduced to 60%. Take with one pill. For yang-poison: Boil 49 fermented soybeans and two scallion whites similarly, swallowing the whole pill without chewing.

Sun Yonghe's formula for yang-poison entering the stomach with bloody stool and pain: Take five large curcuma roots and ox bezoar (牛黄, cattle gallstone) the size of soapberry seeds, finely ground and mixed. Each dose should be boiled three times in one bowl of sour fermented water and taken warm.

Sun Zhao's口诀 (oral formula) for yin-poison cold damage with cold extremities, faint pulse, headache and heavy lumbar region: Coarsely grind equal parts aconite root and dried ginger, stir-fry until color changes, cool then finely powder. Take one qian with one bowl water and pinch of salt, boiled to half bowl and taken warm.

Another formula for "yin excess repelling yang" (阴盛格阳) where patients feel dry heat but reject water: Burn one monkshood root (附子) to ash (retaining medicinal properties), powder and take with honey water. This "Thunderbolt Powder" disperses cold qi, allowing warm qi to rise and induce sweating for recovery.

The "Sheng Hui Fang" records an external treatment for yin-poison cold damage with icy limbs: Mix one sheng of evodia fruit with wine, divide into two silk bags, steam until extremely hot and apply to soles until qi-blood circulates and limbs warm. This method has proven effective through repeated verification.

(Note: "Yin-poison" here indicates severe conditions caused by deep cold pathogens, while "yang-poison" refers to excessive heat pathogens. These ancient formulas contain toxic ingredients and should never be used without professional guidance today.)

This passage records several medicinal formulas from Tang Dynasty physician Cui Yuanliang for treating seasonal epidemics and various acute conditions, along with methods for addressing beriberi (a condition attributed to damp pathogens).

For patients exhibiting jaundice, manic behavior, feverish restlessness, and mental confusion, one may use a large medicinal gourd (Dahuang Gualou) soaked in nine ge (approximately 180ml) of freshly drawn well water for oral administration. If ineffective, the dose may be repeated.

Another approach involves acupuncture: needle 1.5 cun beside the Dazhui (GV14) acupoint, then retain the needle after inserting at lower points. Alternatively, wrap alum and cinnamon powder in cotton to form a date-sized bundle placed under the tongue—discard after saliva production occurs. Or heat a horse bridle ring until red-hot, immerse in one sheng of vinegar, then mix in an egg for drinking.

For sudden hoarseness due to cold exposure: combine 1 liang of licorice, 2 liang of cinnamon bark, 2 liang of schisandra berries, 30 apricot kernels, and 8 liang of sliced ginger. Boil in 7 sheng of water until reduced to 2 sheng, divided into two doses.

Supplementary formulas record treatments for wind-stroke induced muteness: simmer 1 liang of sliced Angelica pubescens in 2 sheng of wine until reduced to 1 sheng. Simultaneously stir-fry 5 ge of soybeans until crackling, pour the hot medicinal wine over them, cover, and administer 3 ge (about 60ml) warm—repeat if unrelieved. Another method combines 1 fen of Veratrum root with one skinned Arisaema rhizome. Dig a depression at the navel, pour in 1 xiangdou (approx. 1 sheng) of aged vinegar, roast from four sides until yellow, then pulverize and mix with raw honey to form red bean-sized pills. Take three pills with warm wine.

The "Sheng Hui Fang" documents a treatment for wind-stroke with throat obstruction: extract juice from 2 liang of Zingiber mioga root, blend with one large cup of wine, and take half-cup doses warmed as needed.

Regarding beriberi (here referring to lower limb swelling/pain caused by damp pathogens), the condition was initially prevalent in Lingnan region before spreading to Jiangdong. Symptoms include mild numbness, calf distension, walking weakness, abdominal insensitivity, and alternating chills/fever. Untreated cases may worsen fatally. Treatments typically employ decoctions, medicated wines, or topical ointments. One simple effective formula recommends: steam and sun-dry 1 sheng of premium fermented black beans three times, then steep in 3 dou of quality wine for three nights. Dosage varies by individual, and it may serve preventively without awaiting symptom onset.

This records several medicinal formulas from Ge Hong's (the Immortal Lord Ge) Emergency Formulas to Keep Up One's Sleeve for treating beriberi and regulating the body. These prescriptions primarily involve steeping herbs in wine for oral administration, showing efficacy in alleviating symptoms of leg weakness.

The first formula uses five liang of duhuo (Angelica pubescens) and five liang of raw fuzi (aconite) sliced finely, steeped in one dou of wine for three days and nights. Begin with a small cup as dosage, adjusting until mild numbness is felt—this indicates the appropriate amount.

The second formula employs two jin of alum stone (or alternatively, powdered stalactite), plus three liang of fuzi and three sheng of fermented black beans, steeped in three dou of wine for four to five days before gradual consumption. If chest tightness occurs, add two sheng of perilla seeds.

The third formula uses three liang of high-quality powdered sulfur mixed into five sheng of cow's milk (goat's milk may substitute if unavailable). First boil the milk, then add sulfur and simmer until three sheng of liquid remains. Take three ge per dose. Alternatively, simmer sulfur directly in milk without adding water.

Administration method: First decoct three sheng of milk until reduced by half. Combine five ge of this concentrate with one liang of sulfur powder per dose. After ingestion, cover with thick blankets to induce sweating while avoiding wind exposure. Take at noon and dusk—discontinue sweating therapy once perspiration occurs, focusing on recuperation. If symptoms persist, repeat after several days. Northerners commonly use this for beriberi with excellent results, but only premium-grade sulfur should be employed.

For severe calf swelling leaving fingerprint indentations when pressed, drink two to three sheng of black calf's urine (fresh preferred; yellow ox urine may substitute if unavailable) to promote diuresis and reduce edema.

Another formula involves crushing qianniuzi (morning glory seeds) and mixing with honey to form pills the size of small beans. Take five pills per dose. In summer, add licorice and decoct until achieving amber-colored, sweet-tasting liquid. Bottle and cool with well water, serving in white porcelain or silver vessels as a beverage anciently called "cold infusion." This also treats amenorrhea when taken regularly in wine infusion (contraindicated for pregnant women due to blood-breaking properties).

Final caution: For 100 days after recovering from febrile diseases, strictly avoid pork, dog meat, mutton, blood-depleting fatty fish, or salted fish—otherwise severe diarrhea may ensue.

This passage describes several remedies for relapse of illness and discomfort caused by overexertion, along with certain dietary restrictions.

First, it warns that after recovering from illness, one should avoid eating wheat products, garlic, leeks, scallions (or similar allium vegetables), raw greens, shrimp, and crab, as these may trigger recurrence—sometimes even years later.

Several treatment methods are then listed:

1. Burn a turtle shell, grind it into powder, and take one small spoonful (fangcunbi measure).

2. Take a small amount of huben (a mineral powder) mixed with water.

3. Mix three sheng of fen (likely rice or medicinal powder) with hot water, consume it, then sweat under heavy blankets.

4. Boil a handful of dried perilla leaves in five sheng of water until reduced to two sheng, then drink it all. If dried leaves are unavailable, fresh ones may be used instead, along with four liang of ginger and one sheng of fermented soybeans (douchi).

5. Boil fourteen pointed mouse droppings and five ge of douchi in three sheng of water, then drink while hot and sweat under blankets. Adding one sheng of hemp seeds enhances the effect; alternatively, add bitter orange (zhishi) and a handful of scallion whites.

6. Crush and roast the shell of a fu chicken (possibly eggs from a specific period) until yellow-black, grind it finely, mix one ge with hot water, and drink to induce sweating.

7. Boil two liang each of rhubarb (dahuang) and ephedra (mahuang), fourteen gardenia fruits, and one sheng of douchi in five sheng of water until reduced to three sheng. Divide into two doses—this induces mild sweating and bowel movement.

8. Boil citrus peel into a strong decoction and drink; reed rhizome decoction also works.

9. If relapse is suspected, burn cooked rice, sift the ashes, and take one small spoonful.

For fatigue relapse due to sexual overindulgence, with symptoms like swollen or retracted testicles, severe abdominal pain, or even unconsciousness, the following methods are suggested:

1. Burn a woman’s menstrual garment and take one small spoonful of the ashes.

2. Capture a male pig (jiatun), strike it thirty-six times, and place it at the doorstep until it pants violently. Then pierce its flank to collect one sheng of blood, mix it with one sheng of wine, and drink. If no pig is available, the blood alone may be consumed—but never cold.

3. Cover the man with the clothing of a woman he has had relations with for the duration of a meal.

4. Take the lower leg and blood of a male pig, mix with wine, and drink.

5. Scrape two sheng of green bamboo shavings, boil in three sheng of water, strain, and drink the warm decoction. This also works for general fatigue relapse.

6. Grind one fen of alum (fanshi) and three fen of saltpeter (xiaoshi), then take one small spoonful with barley porridge—heat toxins will be expelled through urine and stool.

These methods largely follow principles of inducing sweat, purging, and detoxification, with some prescriptions reflecting the characteristics of ancient folk remedies.

This text records several emergency remedies for treating "Yinyi disease" (an ancient term referring to febrile illnesses transmitted through sexual contact between men and women):

The first method involves drinking one liter of freshly pressed knotweed juice, or consuming a concentrated decoction if using dried knotweed. Alternatively, crushed scallion bulbs mixed with vinegar can be administered.

The second method requires ingesting several liters of earthworm juice. If the illness recurs after recovery when partners resume sexual relations—a condition specifically called "Yinyi"—the patient will likely die. This disease is more dangerous than common seasonal epidemics and requires prompt treatment. Symptoms include bodily heaviness, severe lower abdominal pain, chest heat with swelling, debilitating headaches, eye discomfort, and calf cramps.

Treatment protocols include: taking the crotch portion of a woman's undergarment, burning it to ash, and consuming approximately 1 gram (one square-inch spoonful) three times daily; or boiling fourteen两头尖的老鼠屎 (double-pointed mouse droppings) with a handful of indigo plant to induce sweating; alternatively drinking a decoction of twenty-four earthworms; or taking four liang of dried ginger powder with hot water to promote sweating.

For male patients at onset, direct moxibustion (moxa cone cauterization) should be applied to the genital area—21 cones for initial cases, or 100 cones for severe conditions. This disease primarily transmits between opposite sexes, with no transmission occurring between same-sex partners.

To prevent recurrence: burn twenty fingernail/toenail clippings and one chi-length waistband from a woman's undergarment, then take the ashes with wine or rice water.

Post-recovery nosebleeds caused by overexertion can be treated with oyster shell and gypsum powder taken with wine, or prepared as honey pills. For post-illness excessive sweating or tearing, take equal parts eucommia bark and oyster shell with water before bed for five to seven doses. Another formula combines two liang each of licorice and gypsum powder taken with rice water.

(Note: These ancient medical formulas contain special ingredients and therapies that should not be casually attempted today—presented here solely for understanding historical medical thought)

The text records several ancient medicinal formulas for treating common ailments and methods for epidemic prevention:

The first prescription addresses night sweats: Grind dragon bone (longgu), oyster shell (muli), and ephedra root (mahuanggen) into powder, then mix with other medicinal powders for external application, which proves highly effective.

For post-illness weakness, restlessness with insomnia, and eye soreness: Use seven portions of fermented black beans (douchi, approximately 420ml) and fourteen dark plums (wumei). Boil the plums first in four liters of water until reduced to two and a half liters, then add the fermented beans and further boil down to one and a half liters. Divide into two doses. If dark plums are unavailable, substitute with fourteen gardenia fruits (zhizi).

Another formula: Four taels of coptis root (huanglian), two taels of peony root (shaoyao), one tael of skullcap root (huangqin), and three small pieces of donkey-hide gelatin (ejiao). Boil in six liters of water until reduced to three liters, then divide into three doses. Two fresh egg yolks may be added.

For insomnia treatment: Take one dan (approximately 60 liters) of flowing river water, stir vigorously and collect two and a half dou (about 15 liters). Add two taels of pinellia tuber (banxia), one dou of glutinous millet (shumi), and four taels of poria mushroom (fuling). Boil until reduced to five liters and divide into five doses.

Supplementary prescriptions note:

For post-febrile disease complications: Boil thirty gardenia fruits in three liters of water until reduced to one liter for oral administration.

Epidemic prevention section:

Dry Powder for Plague Prevention: Equal parts (one tael each) of hemp seeds (maren), arborvitae seeds (baiziren), dried ginger (ganjiang), and asarum herb (xixin), plus half tael of processed aconite (fuzi). Pound and sift. On New Year's Day, all family members should take one small spoonful (fangcunbi) with well water. During severe outbreaks, administer three times daily.

Laojun Divine Bright Powder: One tael of atractylodes (baizhu), three taels of aconite (fuzi), four taels of aconite main tuber (wutou), two and a half taels of platycodon root (jiegeng), and one tael of asarum herb (xixin). Pound and sift. On New Year's Day, take one qianbi (approximately 1g) - if the whole family consumes it, the entire village may avoid illness. Carry when traveling to dispel pathogenic qi. For those already ill for four to five days, boil the powder in three liters of water until reduced to one liter, consume and induce sweating under blankets.

Red Powder Formula: Five parts each of peony bark (mudanpi) and roasted honey locust pod (zaojia), three parts each of asarum herb (xixin), dried ginger (ganjiang), and aconite (fuzi), two parts of cinnamon (rougui), four parts each of pearl (zhenzhu) and rhododendron flower (naoyanghua). Pound and sift. At initial signs of heavy-headed discomfort, blow a small amount into the nostrils to induce vomiting, or take one spoonful with warm wine and induce sweating under blankets for recovery. When visiting patients or traveling, lightly dust the body with the powder. For treating livestock epidemics, place one spoonful under the tongue three to four times daily for excellent results.

Here are several ancient prescriptions for preventing and treating epidemic diseases and miasma. These formulas primarily address conditions like mountain forest miasma and plague outbreaks, employing methods such as carrying on one's person, fumigation by burning, or oral ingestion.

The first formula, Du Zhang San (Miasma-Dispersing Powder), uses ephedra, Sichuan pepper, and aconite ground into powder, taken with wine at dawn to prevent toxic qi and fog-borne miasma. It's particularly suitable for those needing to travel in foggy weather.

The Taiyi Liujin Fang (Great One's Flowing Gold Formula) combines realgar, orpiment, and other medicinal ingredients into powder, carried in a red triangular pouch or burned in courtyards to fumigate patients—said to cure illnesses.

For plague prevention, the Xionghuang Dansha Wan (Realgar-Cinnabar Pill) mixes realgar, cinnabar, and other herbs with honey to form sesame-sized pills. Taken facing the sun at dawn for nine consecutive days.

The common Bi Wenbing San (Epidemic-Preventing Powder) uses pearl and cinnamon bark among other ingredients. Taken once at year's beginning, or monthly on the 1st and 15th if frequently ill—reportedly curing diseases immediately.

The Hutou Shagui Fang (Tiger Head Demon-Slaying Formula) forms tiger skull bone and cinnabar into pellet-sized pills carried in red pouches (left for men, right for women), or hung at house corners. One pill burned in courtyards at midnight on the 1st and 15th monthly.

Zhao Quan Huang Gao Fang (Imperial Yellow Ointment) soaks rhubarb and monkshood before boiling with lard. Taken at first discomfort or applied topically—said to treat "thief winds" wandering beneath skin.

The simplest single-ingredient remedy uses dried and powdered southeast-facing cypress branches—reportedly effective immediately.

All formulas emphasize specific timings (dawn, month beginnings) and methods (wearing, burning), reflecting ancient Daoist medical chronobiology and ritual sensibility. Ingredients predominantly feature mineral drugs like realgar/cinnabar and animal derivatives like tiger bone, demonstrating clear apotropaic (evil-warding) concepts.

Here are several ancient folk methods and medicinal formulas for preventing and treating epidemics. On the first Yin day of the lunar new year (正月上寅日), crush the herb Nüqingcao and place it in a triangular cloth bag to hang above doorframes or bed curtains, believed to bring auspicious protection.

Another method involves grinding two liang of Matimu into powder, placing it in a red cloth bag—men wear it on the left side, women on the right. On the first day of the lunar year and the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, swallow fourteen hemp seeds and fourteen small beans each, then toss the same quantities into a well. Additionally, women should cast two aconite roots and seven small beans into the well.

At the winter solstice, prepare a preserved red rooster and consume it entirely by the start of spring without sharing. On the second month’s first day, harvest an east-facing mulberry root as thick as a finger to hang on doors, with each person carrying a piece. Another practice involves burying a magpie in front of a latrine.

To ward off contagion: cut a seven-inch strand of hair to place beneath the sick person’s mat; measure the household walls with a rope, then fold and knot it; secretly moxibust (using mugwort) one zhuang at each corner of the patient’s bed without their knowledge.

Soak small beans in a new cloth bag in a well for three days—men consume ten beans, women twenty. Swallow one square-cun spoonful of peach tree insect frass. For women, mix three finger-pinches of abalone head ash with seven small beans (or twenty-seven for women). Regularly consume fermented beans and earth steeped in wine. Secretly place a crucian carp under the patient’s bed.

A powder blend of three fen each of cypress seeds, asarum herb, rice, and dried ginger, plus one fen of aconite, taken with wine (one square-cun spoon thrice daily for ten days). Wheat sprouts, rice, and dried ginger are alternatives; hemp seed permits three formulations.

The Waitai Miyao records an epidemic-prevention recipe: grind one liang of premium cinnabar with white honey into pills the size of hemp seeds. At dawn on the Grand Duke Jupiter day (太岁日), the entire household faces east on empty stomachs to swallow twenty-one pills, believed to prevent plague.