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Shashen (Glehniae Radix), Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), and Huangqi (Astragali Radix) are all classified as superior-grade herbs in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica). They all primarily serve to tonify and nourish Yuan Qi (Primordial Qi). Shashen is white in color, with a sweet and bitter taste and a slightly cold nature; it mainly tonifies the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner) and benefits Lung Qi. Lung Qi refers to the Zong Qi (Gathering Qi) generated by the Stomach Fu organ, which ascends to the Lungs to govern respiration. With each exhalation, 84,000 hair pores close; with each inhalation, they open. Thus, the Lungs govern the skin and hair. "Tonifying the Middle" means that Zong Qi is born within the Stomach Fu. Renshen is white with a slight yellow hue, has a sweet and warm flavor, and nourishes the essence and qi of the Stomach Fu. Therefore, it mainly tonifies the Five Viscera, calms the spirit, stabilizes the soul, stops palpitations and fright, eliminates pathogenic factors, brightens the eyes, opens the mind, and enhances willpower. This is because the essence, qi, spirit, and will of the Five Viscera are generated by the Stomach Fu. Huangqi is yellow in color, has a sweet and warm flavor, and tonifies Spleen Qi. Spleen Qi is the Yuanzhen Qi (Primordial True Qi). (Yuanzhen refers to the innate primordial essence, generated from earth and water.) The Sanjiao (Triple Burner) communicates and gathers Yuanzhen Qi in the muscle interstices (Cou Li); thus, the Spleen governs the muscles. Huangqi is mainly used for treating chronic abscesses and ulcers, expelling pus and relieving pain, severe wind-type leprosy (Leprosy), five types of hemorrhoids, and shu lou (scrofula/lymphatic tuberculosis). It tonifies deficiency and treats various diseases in children. This is because when blood and qi stagnate in the muscles, abscesses and swellings form; when the qi circulates freely in the muscle interstices, muscles regenerate and abscesses resolve. Severe wind-type leprosy occurs when wind pathogens damage the Ying (Nutritive) level, and heat emerges from the muscles, causing turbid qi, leading to the collapse of the nasal bridge, deterioration of complexion, and ulceration of the skin. The Classics state: "Chang Pi (Dysentery) develops into hemorrhoids." This arises because weak and isolated Spleen Qi causes the five fluids to flow downward, resulting in hemorrhoids and fistulas. Shu lou refers to pathogens sinking into the vessels forming luoli (scrofula); if they remain in the muscle interstices, they become machdao xia ying (neck lymphatic tuberculosis). When Spleen Earth is abundant and Yuan Qi circulates, various conditions such as abscesses and ulcers are resolved. "Tonifying deficiency" refers to treating emaciation of the muscles. "Treating hundred diseases in children" is because children's Five Viscera are tender and fragile, and their Middle Earth (Spleen/Stomach) qi is insufficient. If diet is excessive, Spleen Qi is damaged and fails to transform and transport. Weak Spleen leads to strong Stomach; strong Stomach leads to rapid digestion and hunger; weak Spleen leads to muscle wasting; Stomach heat prevents the generation of body fluids, giving rise to Re Gan (Heat Malnutrition) and Shi Gan (Food Malnutrition). Therefore, Huangqi, Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) are essential medicines for children. By clearing Stomach heat and allowing Spleen Qi to circulate, diseases of the five Gans and five Laos can be prevented; by consolidating the Cou Li, syndromes of acute and chronic convulsive disorders (Jing Feng) can be avoided. These three herbs are all agents for tonifying the Middle, yet each has its specific indications.

Note: There are over a thousand kinds of herbs recorded in Materia Medica texts. My discussion here covers only a fraction of the complex dialectical analysis, less than one percent. Fellow scholars of high insight, if you can extend and apply these principles, understanding one allows you to comprehend ten, and ten allows you to comprehend a hundred. Regarding the discussions of predecessors, affirm what is correct and reject what is incorrect. Elucidating the profound meanings of the ancient sages to guide future learners is my deepest hope!