Library

Caoguo (Tsaoko Fructus): It tastes pungent and is hot in nature, with a vigorous and turbid qi. Therefore, it is good at breaking through miasma, digesting grain and food, and eliminating all distension, chest fullness, and pain caused by stagnation of retained solid matter. When assisted by Changshan (Cortex Dichroiae), it can arrest epidemic malaria.

Caoguo eliminates retained food, immediately relieves distension and fullness, expels pathogenic factors, and alleviates cold pain. Combined with Suosha (Amomi Fructus Rotundus), it warms the middle jiao; when assisted by Changshan, it arrests epidemic malaria, wards off mountainous miasma, stops nausea associated with cholera, yet its qi is vigorous and turbid. If one's qi is not substantial or the pathogen is not severe, it need not be used.

Gaoliangjiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma): It is born from the qi of Earth Number Two, thus possessing a purely yang nature that is pungent and hot, with an ascending quality. It enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach meridian and the Foot-Taiyin Spleen meridian, treating conditions such as cold reversal and various syndromes involving the expulsion of cold pathogens.

Gaoliangjiang strengthens the spleen, aids digestion, directs qi downward, warms the middle, removes cold reversal rushing to the heart from the stomach, eliminates convulsions, diarrhea, and dysentery associated with cholera, stops vomiting and regurgitation, and drives away abdominal pain and accumulated cold. However, while it is suitable for epigastric and abdominal cold pain caused by exogenous cold invading the stomach, it is strictly contraindicated for diarrhea due to summerheat invasion, heart-deficiency-induced pain, and abdominal pain due to excess heat.

Hongdoukou (Cardamomi Fructus Ruber, the seed of Gaoliangjiang): Stir-fried before use, it awakens the spleen, warms the lungs, disperses cold, and dries dampness. Therefore, Li Dongyuan often included it in formulas for the spleen and stomach. It is also excellent at resolving alcohol toxicity, with other effects similar to those mentioned above. However, it tends to stir up fire, damage the eyes, and cause epistaxis, so it should not be used frequently over long periods.

Zicao (Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma / Lithospermi Radix): It inherits the yin-cold, clear, and harmonious qi of Heaven and Earth; thus, it tastes bitter, is cold in nature, and is non-toxic. It enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney meridian and the Foot-Jueyin Liver meridian, serving as a supreme herb for cooling blood. The soft, tender, and purple ones are superior. Remove the roots and use the hairy parts. For excess heat in the blood level, use raw; for spleen deficiency, wash with wine and bake dry.

Zicao mixed into ointments is applied to hot-toxin carbuncles and sores; decocted and taken orally, it cools blood, resolves macules, promotes the eruption of smallpox/varioloid rashes, and unblocks the nine orifices and water passages. It is an essential herb for cooling blood, smoothing skin, unblocking orifices, and treating blood-heat-related smallpox/varioloid eruptions. However, due to its bitter-cold and purgative nature, it should not be taken in large doses or for prolonged periods to avoid the risk of middle-jiao cold leading to diarrhea.

Main Indications (Comprehensive Analysis of Smallpox and Varioloid): Treats smallpox/varioloid eruptions that are red-purple with red eyes, representing syndromes of excessive blood heat and toxin. This type of eruption occurs because heat in the Heart meridian causes blockage, leading to stagnation of blood and qi, and toxins causing a purple color. Using this herb cools the blood and opens the orifices, allowing the heat and toxin to disperse, facilitating the eruption of the rash. When used on the fifth or sixth day, it should be combined with Zhanmi (Oryza Sativa Glutinosa), as glutinous rice can restrain the residual cold of Zicao. Nevertheless, since it is inherently cold and slippery, it should not be used long-term or universally, lest it cause diarrhea and transform into deficiency. Do not use if there is no blood heat or if the stool is already loose.