Dogbao, also known as dog calculus, is recorded in the "Compendium of Materia Medica". It is a calculus found in the stomach of the Canis familiaris Linnaeus, a member of the Canidae family. When collected, the dog is slaughtered and its stomach is opened. If any calculi are found, they are removed, cleaned, and dried in the shade.
【Processing method】Take the raw material, brush it clean, smash it, remove any foreign objects in the core, and grind it into a fine powder.
【Appearance of medicinal slices】They are round in shape, varying in size, generally with a diameter of 1.5 to 5 cm. The surface is grayish-white or brownish-white, slightly shiny, with numerous round protrusions. The texture is heavy, solid, and delicate, leaving marks when scratched with a fingernail. The cross-section shows concentric ring-like layers, with the center being softer. The powder is grayish-white, with a slight fishy odor and a slightly bitter taste.
【Processing function】Dogbao has a sweet and bitter taste, is warm in nature, and has a slightly toxic property. It has the functions of descending rebellious qi, resolving stagnation, and detoxifying. Processing can remove impurities, clean the medicine, and facilitate formulation and preparation. It is used for symptoms such as retching, stomach pain, and abscesses. For example, it is combined with Gaoxiang to treat retching (as mentioned in "Shandong Medicinal Animals"); Dogbao pills are used to treat erysipelas (as mentioned in the "Compendium of Materia Medica" quoting "Tong Xuan Lun").
