禀土得真阳之精气,兼得天之阳和,阳主发散,散则横行,是当木之令,而兼金之
用也,故味辛、甘,微温,无毒。水泡去心用。
巴戟天,禁梦遗精滑,虚损劳伤,头面游风,及大风当浸淫血癞,主阴痿不起及小
腹牵引绞疼,安五脏,健骨强筋,定心气,利水消肿,益精增志,惟利男人,温补肾脏
虚寒之要药。惟相火炽者,勿用。
禀地中阳气以生,感天之春夏之气而成,味辛、苦,微寒,微温,无毒。入手足
厥阴经。补而能行,辛散而兼润者也。午月五日收采,阴干,如入行瘀去滞药内宜生
用。如入调补安胎药中宜蜜酒,拌蒸晒干焙用。
益母草,一名茺蔚。补而能行,辛而能润,总调胎产诸症,去死胎,安主胎,行瘀
血,生新血,主欲产胎滞而不行,疗新血血滞而不利,行血活血而不伤,已产未产之良
剂,通为治血之需。更有调气之意,治小儿疳痢,敷疔肿乳痈,汁滴耳中,又治 耳。
醋调细末,堪为马啮,制硫磺,解蛇毒,多服消肿下水,久服益精轻身。子味相同,亦
理胎产,善除目翳,易去心痛,但茺蔚虽谓有活血行气补阴之功,然用其通利之性则
可,求其补益之功尚未也。况即有行血除水通利之力,则益母不益子之义已寓于中。兼
归芍地黄则无损矣。凡崩漏瞳神散大者禁用。
李时珍曰∶益母根茎花叶实皆可用,若治血分风热明目调经用子为良,若胎产疮肿
消水,行血则可并用,盖根茎花叶,专于行子则行中有补也。
Ba Ji Tian (Morinda officinalis Root) inherits the essence of true Yang from Earth and combines with the Yang and harmonious Qi of Heaven. Yang governs dispersion; dispersion leads to horizontal movement, which aligns with the command of Wood and incorporates the function of Metal. Therefore, its taste is Acrid (Pungent) and Sweet, nature is slightly warm, and it is non-toxic. For use, soak in water and remove the heart before using.
Ba Ji Tian prevents nocturnal emission and seminal leakage, treats deficiency damage and labor injury, wandering wind on the head and face, and severe wind pathogens causing creeping leprosy-like conditions. It primarily treats impotence and pulling/cramping pain in the lower abdomen, calms the Five Zang organs, strengthens bones and sinews, stabilizes Heart Qi, promotes urination and reduces edema, benefits Essence and increases willpower. It is particularly beneficial for men and is a key herb for warming and tonifying Kidney deficiency-cold. However, it should not be used when Ministerial Fire is blazing.
Yi Mu Cao (Motherwort Herb) grows by inheriting Yang Qi from the earth and matures by sensing the Spring and Summer Qi of Heaven. Its taste is Acrid and Bitter, nature is slightly cold (or slightly warm), and it is non-toxic. It enters the Hand Jueyin (Pericardium) and Foot Jueyin (Liver) meridians. It is tonifying yet moving, Acrid in dispersion yet moistening. Harvest on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, dry in shade. When included in formulas for moving blood stasis and removing stagnation, use raw. When included in formulas for regulating tonification and calming the fetus, mix with honey and wine, steam, sun-dry, and roast before use.
Yi Mu Cao, also known as Chong Wei, is tonifying yet moving, Acrid yet moistening. It generally regulates various pregnancy and postpartum conditions. It expels dead fetuses, secures living fetuses, moves blood stasis, generates new blood. It treats difficult labor due to fetal stagnation and postpartum blood stasis causing poor lochia discharge. It moves and invigorates blood without damaging healthy Qi, making it an excellent formula for both pre- and postpartum stages, universally regarded as essential for treating blood disorders. It also has the intention of regulating Qi, treating pediatric malnutrition dysentery, applying externally to treat carbuncles, sores, mastitis. Dripping juice into the ear treats ear diseases. Mixed with vinegar and ground into fine powder, it can treat horse bites. It can moderate the toxicity of Sulfur and snake venom. Taken in large amounts, it reduces swelling and promotes urination; taken long-term, it benefits Essence and lightens the body. The seeds have the same taste and also manage pregnancy and childbirth, effectively removing corneal opacities and relieving heart pain. Although Chong Wei is said to have effects of moving blood, regulating Qi, and tonifying Yin, utilizing its penetrating and draining properties is acceptable, but seeking its tonifying efficacy is insufficient. Moreover, even if it possesses the power to move blood, remove water, and drain, the meaning that "it benefits the mother but not the child" is implied within. Combined with Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis), Bai Shao (White Peony Root), and Di Huang (Rehmannia Root), there is no harm. It is strictly contraindicated in cases of metrorrhagia/hemometra and dilated pupils.
Li Shizhen stated: The roots, stems, flowers, leaves, and fruits of Yi Mu Cao are all usable. If treating blood-level wind-heat, brightening the eyes, or regulating menstruation, the seeds are superior. If treating pregnancy/childbirth issues, sores/swellings, reducing edema, or moving blood, they can all be used together. This is because the roots, stems, flowers, and leaves specialize in moving, while the seeds contain tonification within their moving action.