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Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) is born from the qi of yang ascending in heaven and earth; therefore, its flavor is pungent and warm, and it is non-toxic. It is a wind-dispelling herb entering the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian.
Xixin also treats Shaoying headache, unblocks the nasal orifices, and treats toothache. The pungency can attack the exterior, thus resolving yang pathogens located above; the warmth can rescue the interior, thus dispersing latent pathogens located inside. Sometimes used with Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) as a guiding drug, it treats headaches of this meridian with divine efficacy and resolves various wind-dampness conditions immediately. It warms the Yin meridians, eliminates internal cold, benefits orifices and unblocks essence, clears phlegm and directs qi downward. Combined with Shijueming (Concha Arcae), Qingyudan (Gallus Pisci Nigri), and Qingyanggan (Hepar Caprae Hirci), it treats wind-tearing and eye pain. A dose exceeding half qian constitutes a drastic agent. Taken alone, it causes qi blockage and life-threatening conditions, for Xixin is pungent, warm, dry, and fierce, and should not be used frequently. Those with blood deficiency causing headache are especially cautioned against its use.

Indications (Integration with Smallpox and Measles) Treats toothache, opens orifices and stops cough, relieves spasms and contractures of all joints, disperses various winds on the head and face, dissipates water-dampness, treats internal cold, eliminates necrotic tissue, and primarily treats Houbi (obstructive sore throat). When initially releasing the exterior in smallpox/measles, or when itching and collapsing occur, it is occasionally used, but should not be used frequently or in large doses. It is included in Tongguan San (Pass-Through Powder) to utilize its ability to disperse cold and open orifices.

Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) is born from the yang qi of summer and autumn and formed by the yang essence of the earth; thus, its nature is purely yang, its flavor is pungent and warm, and it is non-toxic. Those resembling withered bones are superior. To move accumulation and transform stagnation, it is best ground separately and taken with liquid. If used to regulate qi, it should be decocted with harmonizing agents. If intended to stop diarrhea and treat cold-deficiency syndromes, it should be fire-roasted before use.
Muxiang has a weak aroma. When qi is insufficient, it can tonify; when there is qi distension or obstruction, it can unblock. It harmonizes Stomach qi with divine efficacy, moves Liver qi most swiftly, disperses stagnant qi in the upper chest and lungs, and breaks consolidated qi in the middle and lower jiao. It drives away nine types of heart pain, expels chronic cold qi, stops cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, retching and reverse flow of stomach contents, eliminates痞 (fullness masses) and accumulations, umbilical and abdominal pain, calms the fetus, strengthens the Spleen, eradicates abscesses, and dissipates toxins. Combined with Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), it treats sudden dysentery; fire-roasted Muxiang solidifies the Large Intestine but breaks qi; combined with Binglang (Arecae Semen) to harmonize the Stomach, and assisted by Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Guirou (Cinnamomi Cortex) to treat nightmares. It facilitates the action of other herbs' essences. When Lung qi is regulated, Metal controls Wood, and Liver qi becomes peaceful. Anger causes Liver qi to rebel and damage Yuan qi. If the Heart cannot restrain the Liver's emotions, leading to excessive Liver qi, taking Muxang soothes the Heart, allowing Zheng qi (Upright Qi) to flow freely, preventing Liver qi rebellion. This is the substance itself moving Liver qi, not the Liver organ acting on itself.

Indications (Integration with Smallpox and Measles) Harmonizes the Stomach and strengthens the Spleen, treating smallpox/dysentery and dispersing various stagnant qi with divine efficacy. For slow eruption of rashes, it is used to smooth qi and move toxins; if eruptions are naturally rapid, depressed tops can rise. However, excessive or prolonged use may cause excessive leakage, making it contraindicated in heat syndromes and dryness syndromes.

Commentary: Muxiang is a top-tier herb for the Qi aspect of the Triple Burner. Its pure yang aroma dispels evil and stops pain. Vomiting, diarrhea, and food stagnation are Spleen diseases. Earth prefers warmth and dryness, so efficacy is immediate. Qi stagnation and rebellion are Liver diseases. Wood prefers free flow, so peace is achieved upon administration. Before childbirth, qi must be smoothed, hence it calms the fetus. However, being purely yang, aromatic, and drying, it is strictly contraindicated in Yin deficiency; its pungent-aromatic dispersing nature is forbidden in collapse syndromes; even for healthy individuals, long-term use is inadvisable.