Five-Layer Ointment，*New Compilation for the Relief of the Masses*, Volume 2.，For consumptive debility.
Five-Layer Ointment
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. All references in this article to TCM syndrome differentiation, herbal medicines, teas, and decoctions are intended to promote TCM culture and are provided solely for educational and reference purposes.
Formulas Name : Five-Layer Ointment
Chinese Name : 五重膏
Drug Formulation
1 large crucian carp (scaled and gutted), 1 qian of fresh ginger, 1 qian of dried ginger, 1 qian of black pepper, 1 qian of white mustard seeds (or Sichuan pepper), and 1 qian of single-clove garlic.
Source
*New Compilation for the Relief of the Masses*, Volume 2.
Benefits
For consumptive debility.
Instructions for Use
Grind the ingredients into a fine powder, fill the crucian carp with it, and sew it shut with thread. Place the stuffed crucian carp inside the abdomen of an aged yellow chicken and sew it shut. Place the chicken inside a piece of cow’s hide and sew it shut. Place the hide inside the abdomen of a yellow dog and sew it shut. Remove the internal organs from the chicken and dog in the same manner as the crucian carp, and cook thoroughly. Place the yellow dog inside a piece of cowhide and sew it shut; then use a knife to pierce it in several places to allow water vapor to escape.Set up two bridges inside a large cauldron and place blocks of cowhide on them, as if suspending a fetus. Pour 1 dou of water, 1 sheng of pure oil, 1 sheng of rice wine, and 1 sheng of clear soy sauce into the cauldron. Cover the cauldron with a brass washbasin; seal any gaps with salt mud and fill it with cold water, just as the rice wine cover plate is used. Add several he of soybeans to the water, then begin simmering over low heat.Once the beans are cooked, replace them with fresh beans and water. After repeating this process several times, turn the meat chunks in the cauldron. Replace the lid as before, fill it with water, and add beans. Wait until the beans are cooked, then repeat the process of replacing the beans and water several more times; the meat will then naturally become tender and fully cooked. Consume the meat as desired, and drink the meat broth as desired. Although this is the general method, adjustments should be made according to the specific condition.
Note
This remedy should not be used after the Winter Solstice or before the Beginning of Spring.
Copyright: Excerpt from *New Compilation for the Relief of the Masses*, Volume 2., Copyright belongs to the Original Author and all original sources, This article was shared by DeDe on August 31, 2026, Please credit the source and include a link to the original article when reposting.
Terminology Proofreading: [Cheng Bo] | August 31, 2026 Reviewed by: [Wang Zhongxiang, Associate Chief TCM Physician (China)] | August 31, 2026
Correct Content Errors: Errors may occur during the writing, editing, translation, and publication of website content. If you find any errors or inaccurate information in this article, please feel free to Contact Us to report them, and we will correct them promptly.
FDA Disclaimer: The descriptions of the efficacy of Chinese herbal medicines, herbal teas, decoctions, and formulas, as well as the content on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) diagnostic theory and traditional TCM therapies contained on this site, are intended solely for the purpose of popularizing TCM culture and serving as an educational reference; they do not constitute medical diagnosis or treatment advice. Please do not attempt to use these products on your own without proper guidance. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. If you are experiencing any physical discomfort, please consult a licensed healthcare professional and seek treatment at a reputable medical institution. This platform assumes no responsibility for any consequences resulting from the use of herbs or formulas by any individual based on the information provided on this site. Please read Medical Disclaimer.
Five-Layer Ointment,For consumptive debility.