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In the heavens, it inherits the vitalizing energy of spring yang; in the earth, it perceives the sweet nature of clear and mild conditions suitable for grain cultivation. Therefore, its taste is sweet, nature is neutral to slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. If used to nourish yin, moisten the lungs, and clear heart fire, it should be used raw; if used as a medicine for both the spleen and lungs, it is suitable to stir-fry with rice until yellow.

Ophiopogon tuber (Maidong), treats latent fire pathogens in the lung house, and pulmonary abscess/withered lung (Fei Wei) causing expectoration of pus with a fishy odor. It supplements heart deficiency and injury caused by overwork, regulates chaotic and reckless bleeding of heart blood. It benefits essence and strengthens yin, dispels vexation and relieves thirst. It can dissipate qi stagnation in the chest and abdomen without causing excessive damage from harsh purgation; it can eliminate deficiency and stagnation in the spleen and stomach, providing the benefit of relieving fullness and soothing the mind. It harmonizes complexion and pleases the skin, clears thick phlegm above the diaphragm; regulates meridians of the four limbs, removes subcostal distension, retreats deficient heat and external pathogens. For cases of dried meridians where lactation does not flow, it serves well as an guiding drug. When lung dryness causes continuous coughing, it must rely on this herb as the sovereign drug, decocted together with Ginseng root (Renshen) and Schisandra fruit (Wuweizi), named "Shengmai San" (Generate the Pulse Powder), specifically to supplement primordial qi. Used together with Rehmannia root (Dihuang), Donkey-hide gelatin (Ejiao), and Sesame seed (Maren), it can moisten meridians and benefit blood, restore the pulse and unblock the heart. It nourishes Lung Metal (Dry Metal) to strengthen Kidney Water, but its nature specializes in draining rather than astringing. Patients with middle jiao cold and dampness should take less; those with spleen-stomach deficiency-cold and postpartum diarrhea are forbidden to use it.

Indications (referencing smallpox/variolae): Calms the five zang organs, moistens meridians and benefits blood, clears heat and supplements the heart, generates fluids and stops vexation, clears heart and moistens lungs to vent rashes. It can be used when, on the fifth or sixth day of rash, there is lung qi deficiency with heat, upper asthma, thirst, and pustules that do not form pus. It is especially suitable after the rash, but should not be used early, lest it guide toxins inward. It is particularly contraindicated in patients with diarrhea.

Note: Ophiopogon tuber (Maimendong) inherits the slight cold of autumn regulations, thus having mostly the effects of clearing the heart and moistening the lungs. Heart fire causing焦烦 (scorching vexation) is like midsummer heat; once the autumn wind arrives, the hot steaming sensation disappears. Compared with Asparagus tuber (Tiandong), it has slightly more sweet taste and slightly less cold nature, making it superior. Those with abundant fire and strong qi may use it more and raw; those with weak qi and cold stomach should use it sparingly and stir-fried.

Asparagus tuber (Tiandong) is born precisely inheriting the initial qi of great cold, obtaining the yin essence of the earth, possessing a rich flavor. Its taste is bitter and sweet, nature is neutral, its qi is greatly cold, and its nature is non-toxic. It belongs to yin and descending. Generally, it is harvested, dried in shade, and the core removed before use.

Asparagus tuber (Tiandong), supplements deficiency and injury, strengthens marrow, moistens the five zang organs, beautifies complexion, nourishes skin, relieves thirst and vexation, eliminates phlegm and stops cough, protects lung qi from heat disturbance, unblocks kidney qi to remove painful urinary dysfunction (Lin syndrome), stops reckless bleeding, moistens stool to relieve dry constipation. Decocted and drunk with Ginseng root (Renshen), it is a divine prescription for stabilizing deficiency asthma. Boiled into paste with ginger and honey, it is a holy remedy for breaking stubborn phlegm and masses. It can rescue critical cases of lung abscess and withered lung; stopping vomiting of blood and pus truly saves lives. Bitterness drains and stops bleeding, sweetness assists true yuan, coldness retreats lung meridian fire—these three are the merits of Asparagus tuber (Tiandong). It works miraculously for people with deficiency-heat, but is contraindicated for those with deficiency-cold. Ophiopogon clears the heart to protect the lungs; Asparagus nourishes water to contain metal. One saves the upper, one nourishes the lower; their function of protecting the lungs is the same. However, the cold and heat of the upper and lower differ, so the contraindications for Asparagus also differ.

Indications (referencing smallpox/variolae): Drains lung fire and protects lung qi, treats heat toxin invading the qi level, epistaxis/hematemesis, cough, counterflow, and asthma. It also moistens dryness and stops polydipsia, calms the heart and moistens the five zang organs. However, rash treatment focuses on the spleen and stomach; damaging spleen yang and chilling the stomach, one must not lightly administer it. For those with flaccid skin and weak stomach qi, it should be strictly avoided.

Note: Asparagus tuber (Tiangdong) clears Lung Metal and descends fire, benefiting the source of Kidney Water. Thus, it can descend to unblock kidney qi and nourish the kidneys. It governs the five fluids; when dry, they congeal into phlegm. With moistening agents, the lungs no longer suffer from dryness, and phlegm transforms naturally. Therefore, Phlegm from damp-fire is treated by Pinellia ternata (Banxia); Phlegm from dry-fire is treated by Asparagus tuber (Tiandong). If the lungs and stomach are deficient and cold, taking it alone for a long time will inevitably cause intestinal sliding and diarrhea, becoming a chronic disease.