According to the size of drug toxicity and the speed of its effects, corresponding methods of drug administration are established, known as the drug property-based administration method.
Based on the size of drug toxicity
The book "Zhou Hou Fang" states, "Medications for treating diseases should be taken before meals, while medications for health maintenance should be taken after meals." Because the amount of light received by drugs from heaven and earth varies, there are drugs with strong effects, moderate effects, spicy and warm effects, and cold and cool effects. Some drugs are highly toxic, while others are non-toxic. Therefore, when taking medication, it is necessary to know the size of drug toxicity and the speed of its effects. Without this knowledge, it is unlikely to achieve good results and may even cause harm. In the "Plain Questions · The Great Treatise on the Five Constant Factors", it is stated, "The Emperor asked: 'Are there any restrictions on the use of toxic and non-toxic drugs?' Qi Bo replied: 'There are long-standing and newly-occurring diseases, and formulations with varying sizes. Toxic and non-toxic drugs should be regulated accordingly. When using highly toxic drugs for treatment, six out of ten doses should be reduced. When using moderately toxic drugs for treatment, seven out of ten doses should be reduced. When using mildly toxic drugs for treatment, eight out of ten doses should be reduced. When using non-toxic drugs for treatment, nine out of ten doses should be reduced.' From this, it can be seen that ancient people attached great importance to the size of drug toxicity. Depending on the difference in drug toxicity, there are certain requirements for the dosage and duration of administration. Generally, it is believed that drugs with high toxicity can have a rapid effect in treating diseases, but they can also damage the body's vitality. The "Compendium of Diagnosis and Treatment · Accumulation and Aggregation" states, "All drugs that treat diseases are harmful to qi and blood." Therefore, when taking toxic drugs, the dosage should be strictly controlled and excessive intake should be avoided, even if the medicine has a remarkable effect. Overdosing may not only be ineffective, but also harm the vitality. Adequate protective measures should be taken when taking toxic drugs. For example, the medication should be taken after meals, or it can be taken with congee to protect the stomach qi. The "Tai Ping Hui Min He Ji Fang" uses porridge to administer the Hua Chong Pill, because the pill contains highly toxic ingredients such as lead powder. Alternatively, the administration time can be extended to reduce toxicity. After prescribing the Da Wu Tou Decoction in the "Synopsis of the Golden Chamber", it is stated, "If there is no improvement, take it again tomorrow; do not take it again within one day." This method extends the interval between doses to prevent poisoning. The aforementioned lead powder and Aconitum are both highly toxic substances. Lead powder, in particular, is toxic to various tissues of the body, especially the nervous and hematopoietic systems. Therefore, it is important to avoid excessive and continuous intake to prevent acute or chronic lead poisoning. The "Shen Nong's Materia Medica Classic" has long warned against prolonged use of toxic drugs.
Based on the speed of drug effects
Drugs with strong effects mainly refer to sweating, purging, promoting qi circulation, and breaking stagnant blood. If taken in excessive amounts or for a long time, they can cause excessive diarrhea or unstoppable bleeding. For example, after the prescription for Shi Zao Tang, it is stated, "If the disease is not relieved after a small amount of purging, take an additional half qian the next day." This emphasizes that the prescription should not be taken again within a day and implies that excessive dosage should be avoided. The prescription for Zhi Tang only states, "Take one sheng warm, if it doesn't work, take it again." Even for the highly effective and strong-sweating Da Du Long Tang, it should only be taken until the disease is under control. Otherwise, it can harm yin blood and deplete yang qi. Besides not being suitable for long-term use, drugs with strong effects should also be taken after meals to reduce damage to the spleen and stomach. For diseases with a combination of deficiency and excess, the principles of both tonifying and attacking should be applied. This can be achieved by alternating between tonifying and attacking drugs or adding tonifying drugs to attacking prescriptions. In comparison to highly toxic drugs, the administration time for mild drugs can be relatively extended, and the dosage can be slightly increased. However, this does not mean that they can be taken in unlimited quantities. In the "Plain Questions · The Great Treatise on the Five Constant Factors", it is also stated, "Non-toxic drugs have a success rate of nine out of ten in treating diseases." The reason why drugs can treat diseases lies in the balance between the predominance of medicinal plants and the predominance of internal organs. If only one drug or prescription is favored, it will inevitably lead to an imbalance between yin and yang in the body. Therefore, it is important to understand the principle of moderation.
