Library

(Sha Ren, Amomi Fructus Rotundus) Born from the Yang and harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth, it tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and is non-toxic. It enters the Foot Taiyin (Spleen), Foot Yangming (Stomach), Foot Shaoyin (Kidney), and Foot Jueyin (Liver) meridians; it also enters the Hand Taiyin (Lung), Hand Yangming (Large Intestine), and Hand Jueyin (Pericardium) meridians. Its action can ascend and descend, with descending being predominant, thus belonging to Yang. Pungency can disperse and moisten, while warmth can harmonize, unblock, and penetrate; therefore, it treats all conditions of condensation and Qi stagnation caused by deficiency-cold.

Sha Ren has a pungent, warm, and aromatic penetrating quality. It tonifies the Lung and benefits the Kidney, harmonizes the Stomach and awakens the Spleen, promotes Qi movement and regulates the Middle Jiao, and unblocks stagnation. It eliminates nausea associated with Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome), relieves abdominal pain and calms the fetus, warms the Spleen and Stomach, directs Qi downward, and aids digestion. It treats cold diarrhea, dysentery with red and white discharge, as well as intermittent dysentery, Shangqi Bentun (Rising Qi resembling a pig rushing up), Guizhu Xiezhu (ghostly infections characterized by chronic wasting), muscle spasms with vomiting and diarrhea, Stomach Qi obstruction, and Xuhan of the Dantian. It warms the Spleen and Stomach and alleviates fatigue. However, its nature is inevitably aromatic, dry, and penetrating. Pregnant women with Qi deficiency should avoid excessive use, as it may lead to difficult labor; this must be known. In cases of Lung-heat cough, fullness and swelling due to Qi deficiency, abdominal pain due to fire-heat, or fetal restlessness due to blood-heat, it is strictly contraindicated.

Main Indications (Reference for Smallpox and Measles): Use the peeled seed, stir-fried and ground. If used for calming the fetus in pregnancy, use the shell-on seed, stir-fried and ground. It is essential for treating abdominal pain due to deficiency-cold in smallpox/measles patients, chest oppression due to stagnant Qi in the Spleen and Stomach, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea due to deficiency-cold, and for aiding digestion, strengthening the Stomach, and calming the fetus. However, due to its aromatic and drying nature, it should be strictly avoided during the pustule-filling stage of smallpox/measles and in conditions involving cough, sore throat, and hoarseness. If unavoidable use is required for individuals with Yin deficiency and fire, it should be soaked in salt water and then stir-fried before use.

(Huo Xiang, Patchouli Herba) Born from clear, harmonious, and fragrant-aromatic Qi, it tastes pungent, is warm in nature, and is non-toxic. Its Qi is strong while its taste is light; it floats and ascends, thus belonging to Yang. It enters the Hand Taiyin (Lung), Hand Yangming (Large Intestine), Foot Taiyin (Spleen), and Foot Yangming (Stomach) meridians. Therefore, it is a key herb for warming the Middle Jiao, promoting Qi movement, and treating Fengshui Du Zhong (wind-water toxic swelling), internal invasion of foul Qi, and abdominal pain associated with Huoluan.

Huo Xiang should have its branches and stems removed before decoction. It specifically regulates the Spleen and Lung meridians, treats Huoluan, stops vomiting, opens the appetite, promotes food intake, treats offensive breath, and resolves wind-water swelling. Its fragrant righteous Qi repels various pathogens; its pungent and warm nature generally treats various types of vomiting. However, it is not suitable for vomiting caused by Kidney heat and weak Stomach function. For abdominal pain caused by cold or filth invasion, it is indeed a crucial herb.

Main Indications (Reference for Smallpox and Measles): Opens the stomach, warms the Middle Jiao to promote eating, stops vomiting, and dispels evil cold.

Commentary: Known as Dou Lou Po Xiang in the *Shurangama Sutra*. Born from clear, harmonious, and fragrant-aromatic Qi, it is a key herb for venting Qi in the Spleen and Lung. It should be prohibited for those with Yin deficiency and hyperactive fire, or vomiting caused by Stomach heat.