肝（气柴胡血黄芩） 心（气麦门冬血黄连） 脾（气白芍血大黄） 肺（气石膏血山栀） 肾（气玄参血黄柏）
胆（气连翘血柴胡） 胃（石葛根血大黄） 三焦（气连翘血地皮） 膀胱（气滑石血黄柏） 大肠（气连翘血大黄）
小肠（气赤茯血木通） 胞络（气麦门冬血牡丹皮）
肝（气当归血柴胡） 心（气生地血黄连） 脾（气芍药血木瓜） 肺（气石膏血桑皮） 肾（气知母血生地）
胆（气柴胡血栝蒌） 胃（气血膏血芒硝） 三焦（气石膏血竹叶） 膀胱（气滑石血泽泻） 大肠（气芒硝血大黄）
小肠（气赤茯血木通）
以上诸药，治上中下三焦内热，兼治湿热之剂。
即《汤液》湿化成也。古庵云∶气虚不能运化水谷而生湿，宜补气除湿药，又宜调中消导药、行湿利二
便药。外湿宜汗散，宜用风门药，风能胜湿也。夫湿寒皆属阴，宜与治寒门通看。
人参
人参甘温补五脏，止渴调中利湿痰，明目开心通血脉，安魂定魄解虚烦。
参，参也。久服补元气，有参赞之功，五参皆然。无毒。浮而升，阳也。主补五脏，随本脏药为使。以
升麻引，则泻肺脾中火邪，以补上升之气；以茯苓引，则泻肾中火邪，以补下焦元气。一切劳伤，肺脾阳气不
足，喘促、短气、少气最妙，惟阴虚火嗽、吐血者慎用。故曰∶肺寒还可用，肺热则伤肺。肺寒者，脉滞濡行
迟，假参之力，通经活血，则元气亦自是发生而盛矣；肺热者，气血激行，再加通迅以助其激速，而脾气耗甚
矣。止渴者，生津也。调中安脾助胃，去肠胃中冷，心痛胁满，霍乱反胃，消湿痰，定喘，消积，明目，开心。
入手太阴而能补阴火，乃气中之血药也。故生脉散及表药、痘疮药中多用者，亦取其通经而走表也。善能安魂定
魄，辟邪止惊，除中虚烦热。与黄 同用，则助其补表；与白术同用，则助其补中；与熟地同用，而佐以茯苓，
则助补下焦而补肾。或泥于作饱而不敢用，盖不知少服则湿壅，多服则宣通意也。形如人形，大如鸡腿者佳∶
去芦不令人吐。和细辛密封，千年不坏。反藜芦，恶卤咸。
黄
黄 甘温性无毒，补益三焦呼羊肉，内托痈疽外敛汗，生津退热效尤速。
黄，色； ，老也，服之延年。又名 者，底也，补下元也。可升可降，阴中之阳也，入手少阳，手
足太阴经。东垣云∶温肉分而实腠理，益元气而补三焦。盖补肺，皮毛自实。治上焦虚喘短气者，泻肺中火也；
中焦脾胃虚弱，脉弦，血脉不行，羸瘦，腹痛；下焦久泻痢，肠风，崩带，月事不匀，胎前产后诸虚疾，小儿百
病。补三焦、肾、命门不足，呼为羊肉。又云∶内托阴症之疮疡，外固表虚之盗汗。治痈疽久败，排脓、止痛、
生肌收口。逐五脏恶血，大风癞疾，五痔鼠 。肺痈已溃者，用此从里托出。有汗则止，无汗则发。表虚有邪
发汗不出者，服此则汗。兼止渴生津，生血补中。泻阴火，退虚热之圣药也。惟苍黑气盛者禁用，表邪旺者亦
不可用，用之反助邪气。阴虚者亦宜少用，用之以升气于表，则内反虚耗矣。皮微黄，肉白柔软。出绵上者，
服之长肉。疮疡生用，肺虚蜜炙，下虚盐水炒。恶龟甲、白鲜皮，畏防风。风能制 ， 得防风，其功愈大，
盖相畏而相使者也。
甘草
甘草甘平生泻火，炙之健胃可和中，解毒养血坚筋骨，下气通经消肿红。
甘，甜草也。性缓，能解诸急。热药用之缓其热，寒药用之缓其寒。善和诸药，解百药毒。故又名国老。
无毒。可升可降，阴中之阳也，入
足三阴经。生则分身、梢，泻火。梢、子生用，性寒，能泻胃火，解热毒，除胸中积热，去茎中痛。节，生用
消肿导毒，治咽痛；炙则性温，能健脾胃和中。身大者，补三焦元气，止渴止嗽，及肺痿吐脓。腹中急痛，赤
白痢疾。又养血补血，坚筋骨，长肌肉倍力，下气除烦满逆气，通经脉。消诸痈疽疮疡红肿，与黄 同功，若
未溃者宜生，已消与不红肿者宜炙。大抵脾胃气有余，如心下满及肿胀呕吐，痢疾初作，皆不可用。下焦药亦
少用，恐缓不能达。凡药宜少用，多用则泥膈而不思食，抑恐缓药力而少效。白术、苦参为使。恶远志，反大
戟、芫花、甘遂、海藻。忌菘菜，猪肉。
白茯苓
白茯苓甘平渗湿，消痰润肺伐肾邪，养心神又调脾脏，益气助血补虚家，赤者须知破气血，利溲入丙功尤
赊。
茯，伏也；苓，灵也。松脂伏于地中而生，治病有灵验也。味甘、淡，气平。无毒。浮而升，阳也。入手
太阴、足太阳少阳经。东垣曰∶白茯苓补虚劳，多在心脾之有准。又云∶白者入壬癸，是三焦通行药也。渗湿
者，利小便，消浮肿，暴病行水之圣药也。消痰润肺者，主胸胁逆气，烦满咳逆，口焦舌干，消渴津少，一切
痰壅痰饮、肺痿肺火不可缺也。肾邪者，淋沥淋结白浊，腰胫肿痛，无力等症，皆肾经停蓄邪水之所为也。惟此
药能伐去邪水，以安真水。养心神者，治忧恚惊邪，恐悸健忘好睡，心下结痛保神养神安魂之主药也。调脾胃
脏气者，小便涩而能利，小便多而能止；大便结而能通，大便多而能止。一切脾胃不和，水谷不分，寒热无定，
呕逆不止，须用之。补虚者，《本经》云∶长阴益气力。《日华》云∶补五劳七伤，安胎，暖腰膝。丹溪云∶
凡药气重者主气，味重者助血。茯苓虽曰淡渗，而味甘且重，不走真气。佐以人参等补剂下行，亦能补虚固肾。
阴虚者少用无害。养生家，每取白者蒸暴三次，为末，以牛乳汁和膏服之。或蜜浸，或酒浸，封固百日后，常
服不饥延年，肠化为筋，通神致灵。要知虚而上有痰火，下有湿热者最宜。若劳役阳虚，小便多、汗多者，禁
用。赤茯苓，味淡，入足太阴，手少阳少阴经。东垣云∶赤者入丙丁，主破结血结气，泻小肠火，利小便，
分水谷。阴虚者切忌，盖白补而赤泻。出云南，似人形、龟鸟，味甘者佳。去粗皮杵末，水飞浮去赤膜，晒干，
免致损目。有生山之阴，味苦者，须热汤淋去苦味。马刀为使。恶白蔹，畏牡蒙、地榆、雄黄、秦艽、龟甲，
忌醋及酸物。得甘草、防风、芍药、紫石英、麦门冬，共疗五脏。
茯神
茯神能疗风虚眩，恚怒惊悸善忘健，补虚劳乏辟不祥，心下坚满亦可羡。
假松之气，津盛发泄于外者，结为茯苓；津气不甚盛者，抱根而生，名为茯神，言专能敛伏神气也。味
甘，气平。无毒。阳也。治风眩、风虚、心虚之要药。止恚怒、惊悸、善忘，开心益智，定魂魄，养精神；
疗五劳口干，补虚乏，辟不祥；又治心下急痛坚满。人虚而小便不利者，加而用之。去皮及根，畏恶同茯苓。
薯蓣
薯蓣甘温气最平，能补荣卫治湿凝，腰疼梦失虚羸热，又止头风眼眩睛。
薯，署色明也；蓣，形如芋也。俗名山药。无毒。手太阴经药也。凉而能补，凡脾胃中气不足，久泄者
必用之。补心气，开达心孔。安魂多记。补肺津，润皮毛干燥，除烦热或寒热邪气，下逆气。补肾阳气，强阴，
涩梦泄，止腰疼。东垣云∶山药而腰湿能医。丹溪云∶生者消肿硬。盖补气血则留滞自不容不行也，补肝能坚
筋骨及头面游风、头风眼眩。久服益颜色，长肌肉。病患虚羸，加而用之。怀庆者佳。熟则滞气，湿则滑，
惟干实者入药。二门冬、紫芝为使，恶甘遂。
白术
白术甘温健胃脾，寒湿热湿尽相宜，痰痞呕泄肿汗渴，兼补气血安胎儿。
术，浊也，色白而形浊也。味甘而辛苦不烈。无毒。可升可降，阳也。入手太阳少阴、足阳明太阴经。
补脾胃虚弱，不思饮食，去诸经湿。又退胃热，除寒热，消虚痰痞气宿滞，止霍乱、呕逆、泄泻、腹中冷痛，
利小便，消水肿胀满。又有汗则能止，无法则能发。缓脾生津除湿渴，利腰膝间血。上而皮毛，中而心胃，
下而腰膝。在气主气，在血主血，故补虚药多用之。兼安胎产，产后中风口噤及大风、痿痹、足胫毒疮，皆效。
丹溪云∶与二陈同用，则健胃消食，化痰除湿；与芍药、当归，枳实、生地之类同用，则补脾而清脾家湿热，
再加干姜，去脾家寒湿。东垣云∶佐黄芩有安胎之能，君枳实有消痞之妙，惟伤寒动气不宜用。米泔浸半日，
去芦。泻胃火生用，补胃虚土炒。防风、地榆为使。忌桃、李、雀、鸽肉。
以上补气除湿药。
苍术
苍术辛烈苦甘温，主风寒湿痹疸屯，肿满痰积疟皆散，止呕泻治头目昏。
苍，以色言，无毒。浮而升，阳也。入足阳明太阴经。主风寒湿痹，死肌痉疸，逐皮间风水结肿，心下
满闷，腹中胀痛窄狭，消痰饮、 癖、气块，祛疟，除瘟疫、山岚瘴气，止霍乱吐泻不止。治大风在身面，风
眩头痛，目泪出、青盲雀目、内外翳障。久服乌须注颜、壮筋骨、明耳目、润肌肤是验，然此皆为阳虚者言也。
丹溪云∶辛散雄壮，发汗甚速。以黄柏、牛膝、石膏下行之药引之，则治下焦湿疾。入平胃散，能去中焦湿疾，
而平胃中有余之气；入葱白、麻黄之类，则能散肉分至皮表之邪。惟血虚怯弱及七情气闷者慎用，误服耗气血，
燥津液，虚火动而痞闷愈甚。米泔浸七日夜，去粗皮，炒黄色，或童便浸。防风、地榆为使。忌桃、李、雀、
鸽肉。抑考《神农经》云∶若欲长生，须服山精。言术结阴阳之精，未尝分苍白也。自陶隐居分用，而后贵白
而贱苍，善乎！东垣云∶补中除湿，力不及白；宽中发汗，功过于白。
半夏
半夏味辛气亦平，去湿痰健胃脾经，伤寒呕咳咽喉肿，胸满头疼尽忌生。
夏至第三候生，叶亦半生，天然妙也。有毒。沉而降，阴中阳也。入足阳明太阴少阳经。性燥胜水，善去脾
经湿痰，痰去而脾胃主气自健，饮食自进。寒痰、风痰亦用者，辛温故也。主伤寒寒热，温疟呕吐，咳逆上气
及形寒厥冷伤肺而咳。治咽喉肿痛。心下坚胀、肠鸣、胸中痰气痞塞及痰饮头痛头眩，非此不除。兼消痈肿、瘿
瘤，气虚而面色痿黄有痰气者，加而用之。凡用，生令人吐，熟令人下，故《局方》多用熟者。但本草云∶生
微寒，熟温。宜生者，姜佐熟煎可也。凡诸血症及自汗渴者禁用。丹溪云∶燥而耗津，虽少阳病，渴者亦忌。惟
气症因动火上盛，用半夏调其气而动火伏，而渴自止。腊月热水泡洗，置露天冰过又泡其七次。留久极妙。如
虚证及孕妇恶阻用曲，免致损血堕胎。射干、柴胡为使。恶皂荚，畏雄黄、生干姜、秦皮、龟甲，反乌头，忌
海藻、羊肉、羊血、饴糖。造曲法∶先将半夏汤泡九次，晒干为末，随病用药，或煎膏，或绞汁，调末为丸如
弹子大，用楮叶或纸包裹，以稻草上下 七日生毛，取出悬风烟之上，愈久愈良。如治诸痰，用生姜自然汁；
风痰用牙皂煎膏，甚者少加麝香；寒痰青，湿痰白，用老姜煎浓汁，少加白矾三分之一；火痰黑、老痰胶，用竹
沥或荆沥，少入姜汁；皮里膜外痰核，用白芥子、竹沥；虚劳热痰，用麻油浸三五日，炒为末，面糊为曲。治
癫痫，一切健忘，舌强等似风痿症，用腊月黄牛胆汁，略入熟蜜；小儿惊风，加南星等分，用甘草煎膏；脾虚
慢惊及郁痰，用香附、苍术、川芎等分煎膏；中风卒厥，伤寒，并诸疮疡内结不便，一切宜下之病，用皮硝、
白粉霜十分之三，共享河水煮透，为末，以大黄煎膏，痰积沉痼，取二两，入海粉一两，雄黄五钱，为末蜜丸；
一切沉痼痰病，用黄牛肉煮成膏，造曲日干。
橘皮
橘皮辛温利膀胱，主除痰气逆胸膛，消导脾胃止呕泻，发表寒湿佐生姜。
橘，色如 ，上有文。无毒。味浓。可升可降，阳中之阴也。除膀胱留热停水、五淋，利小便。主胸中痰
热，逆气客气，消痰止气嗽，润肺。和胃健脾，轻则水谷不化，冲胸作呕，或下泄，或气痢，或霍乱；重则 瘕
积滞，皆能消导。兼去白虫，解酒毒。治下焦冷气，脏间虚冷气，香港脚冲心。久服去臭，下气通神。丹溪云∶与
白术、半夏同用，则渗湿而健脾胃；与甘草、白术同用，少用则补脾胃，无甘草、白术而多用、独用，则泻脾胃；
与苍术、浓朴同用，去中脘以上至胸膈之邪；再加生姜、葱白、麻黄之类，则能散肉分至皮表有余之邪。陈
久者良，隔年者亦可用。留白略炒，健脾胃和中；去白日橘红，消痰泻肺发表；入下焦用盐水浸，肺燥者，童便
浸晒。白檀为使。又有一种曰柚，比橘差大，不堪入药。青橘叶，导胸胁逆气，行肝气乳肿痛及胁痈，药中用
之以行经。橘核，治肾注腰疼，膀胱疝痛，肾冷，炒去壳为末，酒调服。
青皮
青皮苦寒破滞气，入肝胆又利脾胃，膈胁小腹痛且膨，疝积愈低愈能治。
与橘皮一种。大而色红已成熟者，曰橘皮；小而色青未成熟者，曰青皮。无毒。沉而降，阴中阳也。入
手少阳经，厥阴引经药。主破滞气，利脾胃，消饮食，除积结膈气，止小腹胀痛须用之。又泻肝气，治胁痛，
疝气，及伏胆家动火惊症，用二三分可也。橘皮治高，青皮治低。故东垣云∶破滞气，愈低而愈效；削坚积，
Liver (Qi level: Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix]; Blood level: Huangqin [Scutellariae Radix]) Heart (Qi level: Maidong [Ophiopogonis Radix]; Blood level: Huanglian [Coptidis Rhizoma]) Spleen (Qi level: Baishao [Paeoniae Radix Alba]; Blood level: Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma]) Lung (Qi level: Shigao [Gypsum Fibrosum]; Blood level: Shanzhi [Gardeniae Fructus]) Kidney (Qi level: Xuanshen [Scrophulariae Radix]; Blood level: Huangbai [Phellodendri Cortex])
Gallbladder (Qi level: Lianqiao [Forsythiae Fructus]; Blood level: Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix]) Stomach (Qi level: Gegen [Puerariae Lobatae Radix]; Blood level: Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma]) Sanjiao/Triple Burner (Qi level: Lianqiao [Forsythiae Fructus]; Blood level: Dipi [Corni Cortex, specifically Digupi/Dugupi]) Bladder (Qi level: Huashi [Talcum]; Blood level: Huangbai [Phellodendri Cortex]) Large Intestine (Qi level: Lianqiao [Forsythiae Fructus]; Blood level: Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma])
Small Intestine (Qi level: Chi Fu [Poria with Red Hostwood]; Blood level: Mutong [Akebiae Caulis]) Bao Luo/Pericardium Collateral (Qi level: Maidong [Ophiopogonis Radix]; Blood level: Mudanpi [Moutan Cortex])
Liver (Qi level: Danggui [Angelicae Sinensis Radix]; Blood level: Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix]) Heart (Qi level: Shengdi [Rehmanniae Radix]; Blood level: Huanglian [Coptidis Rhizoma]) Spleen (Qi level: Shaoyao [Paeoniae Radix]; Blood level: Mugua [Chaenomelis Fructus]) Lung (Qi level: Shigao [Gypsum Fibrosum]; Blood level: Sangbaipi [Mori Cortex]) Kidney (Qi level: Zhimu [Anemarrhenae Rhizoma]; Blood level: Shengdi [Rehmanniae Radix])
Gallbladder (Qi level: Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix]; Blood level: Gualou [Trichosanthis Fructus]) Stomach (Qi level: Shigao [Gypsum Fibrosum]; Blood level: Mangxiao [Natrii Sulfas]) Sanjiao/Triple Burner (Qi level: Shigao [Gypsum Fibrosum]; Blood level: Zhuye [Phyllostachys Folium]) Bladder (Qi level: Huashi [Talcum]; Blood level: Zexie [Alismatis Rhizoma]) Large Intestine (Qi level: Mangxiao [Natrii Sulfas]; Blood level: Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma])
Small Intestine (Qi level: Chi Fu [Poria with Red Hostwood]; Blood level: Mutong [Akebiae Caulis])
The above herbs are used to treat internal heat in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Sanjiao/Triple Burners, and also serve as agents for treating damp-heat.
This corresponds to the transformation into dampness pathology described in the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage). Gu An stated: Qi deficiency fails to transform and transport food and fluids, leading to dampness; one should use herbs that tonify Qi and resolve dampness, as well as herbs that regulate the middle, promote digestion, move dampness, and benefit urination and defecation. External dampness should be dispersed through sweating, using wind-dispelling herbs, as wind can overcome dampness. Both dampness and cold belong to Yin; they should be studied together with the chapter on treating cold.
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)
Renshen is sweet and warm, tonifies the Five Zang organs, stops thirst, regulates the middle, promotes diuresis to resolve phlegm-dampness, brightens the eyes, opens the orifices of the mind, unblocks collaterals and vessels, calms the soul and stabilizes the spirit, and resolves deficiency vexation.
"Shen" refers to participation. Long-term consumption tonifies Yuan Qi, possessing the function of assisting and supporting; this applies to all five types of Shen. It is non-toxic. Its nature is floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. It primarily tonifies the Five Zang organs and acts as an envoy herb according to the affected Zang organ. Guided by Shengma [Cimicifugae Rhizoma], it clears fire pathogens from the Lung and Spleen to tonify ascending Qi; guided by Fuling [Poria], it clears fire from the Kidney to tonify Yuan Qi of the Lower Jiao. For all consumptive injuries causing insufficiency of Lung and Spleen Yang Qi, manifesting as panting, shortness of breath, and scanty Qi, Renshen is most excellent. However, it must be used with caution in cases of Yin deficiency with fire coughing and hematemesis. Thus it is said: If the Lung is cold, it may still be used; if the Lung is hot, it will injure the Lung. In Lung cold, the pulse is sluggish, soft, and slow; relying on the power of Renshen to unblock collaterals and invigorate blood, Yuan Qi naturally arises and becomes robust. In Lung heat, Qi and blood surge rapidly; adding its penetrating and swift action further accelerates this, severely depleting Spleen Qi. Stopping thirst means generating fluids. It regulates the middle, calms the Spleen, assists the Stomach, removes cold from the intestines and stomach, treats heart pain and hypochondriac fullness, cholera, and regurgitation, eliminates damp-phlegm, calms asthma, reduces accumulation, brightens the eyes, and opens the mind. Entering the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian yet able to tonify Yin fire, it is a blood herb within the Qi category. Therefore, it is frequently used in Shengmai San [Generating Pulse Powder] and exterior-releasing formulas, as well as acne/pox formulas, taking advantage of its ability to unblock collaterals and reach the exterior. It excels at calming the soul and stabilizing the spirit, expelling evil, stopping fright, and removing middle-jiao deficiency vexation and heat. Used with Huangqi [Astragali Radix], it assists in tonifying the exterior; used with Baizhu [Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma], it assists in tonifying the middle; used with Shudi [Rehmanniae Radix Preparata] and assisted by Fuling [Poria], it assists in tonifying the Lower Jiao and nourishing the Kidney. Some hesitate to use it due to fear of causing fullness, not realizing that small doses cause dampness stagnation, while large doses promote free flow. Those shaped like humans and as large as chicken legs are superior: remove the rhizome head to avoid inducing vomiting. Sealed with Xixin [Asari Radix et Rhizoma], it remains unspoiled for a millennium. It is incompatible with Lilu [Veratri Radix] and dislikes halogen salts.
Huangqi (Astragali Radix)
Huangqi is sweet and warm, non-toxic, tonifies and benefits the Three Jiao/Triple Burners like mutton, internally supports carbuncles and sores, externally consolidates sweat, generates fluids, and retreats fever with remarkable speed.
"Huang" refers to color; "Qi" refers to old age, and consuming it prolongs life. Also known as "Qi" (meaning base), it tonifies the lower origin. It can ascend and descend, representing Yang within Yin. It enters the Hand-Shaoyang Pericardium Meridian and the Hand-Foot-Taiyin Lung and Spleen Meridians. Li Dongyuan stated: It warms the muscle compartments and solidifies the cou li (skin and interstices), benefits Yuan Qi, and tonifies the Three Jiao/Triple Burners. By tonifying the Lung, the skin and hair become solid. To treat upper Jiao deficiency wheezing and shortness of breath, it clears Lung fire; for middle Jiao Spleen-Stomach weakness with wiry pulse, impaired blood circulation, emaciation, and abdominal pain; for lower Jiao chronic diarrhea and dysentery, intestinal wind, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, various deficiency conditions before and after childbirth, and pediatric diseases. It tonifies deficiencies of the Three Jiao/Triple Burner, Kidney, and Mingmen (Gate of Life), referred to as mutton. It is also said to internally support yin-type sores and externally secure deficient exterior night sweats. It treats chronic suppurative sores, expels pus, relieves pain, generates flesh, and closes wounds. It drives out foul blood from the Five Zang organs, treats severe leprosy, hemorrhoids, and scrofula. For lung abscesses that have already ulcerated, it is used to push the pathogen out from the interior. It stops sweating when present and induces sweating when absent. For those with deficient exterior and pathogenic factors preventing sweating, administration induces sweat. It also stops thirst, generates fluids, generates blood, and tonifies the middle. It is the supreme drug for clearing deficient fire and retreating deficiency heat. It is strictly contraindicated in individuals with dark complexion and excess Qi, and those with strong exterior pathogens, as its use would exacerbate the pathogen. Those with Yin deficiency should also use it sparingly; raising Qi to the exterior would cause internal depletion. The skin is slightly yellow, the flesh white and soft. One sourced from Mian grows flesh better. For sores, use raw; for Lung deficiency, honey-fry; for lower deficiency, salt-water fry. It dislikes Guijia [Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum] and Baixianpi [Akebiae Cortex], and fears Fangfeng [Saposhnikoviae Radix]. Wind controls Huangqi; Huangqi gains greater efficacy with Fangfeng, illustrating mutual inhibition and mutual assistance.
Gancao (Licorice Root)
Gancao is sweet and neutral, raw use clears fire, roasted use strengthens the Stomach and harmonizes the middle, detoxifies, nourishes blood, strengthens sinews and bones, descends Qi, unblocks collaterals, and reduces swelling and redness.
"Gan" means sweet grass. Its nature is mild, capable of resolving various emergencies. With hot drugs, it moderates their heat; with cold drugs, it moderates their coldness. It excels at harmonizing various herbs and detoxifying hundred medicines. Hence it is also called Guolao [State Elder]. It is non-toxic. It can ascend and descend, representing Yang within Yin, entering the Foot-Taiyin Spleen, Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder, and Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridians. When raw, distinguish between the body and tip; the tip clears fire. Raw tips and nodes are cold in nature, clearing Stomach fire, resolving heat toxins, removing accumulated heat in the chest, and relieving penile pain. Raw nodes reduce swelling, guide out toxins, and treat sore throat; roasted, they become warm, strengthening the Spleen and Stomach and harmonizing the middle. Large bodies tonify Yuan Qi of the Three Jiao/Triple Burner, stop thirst and cough, and treat Lung flaccidity with pus expectoration. They treat acute abdominal pain, bloody and white dysentery. They also nourish and generate blood, strengthen sinews and bones, increase muscle mass and strength, descend Qi, relieve vexation and fullness, reverse adverse Qi, and unblock collaterals. They reduce redness and swelling of various carbuncles and sores, functioning similarly to Huangqi [Astragali Radix]; use raw for un-ulcerated lesions, and roasted for resolved or non-red/swollen lesions. Generally, if Spleen and Stomach Qi is excessive, manifesting as subcostal fullness, distension, vomiting, or early-stage dysentery, it is contraindicated. Use sparingly in lower Jiao formulas to prevent delayed action. Herbs should generally be used in small amounts; excessive use causes chest oppression and loss of appetite, and may retard drug efficacy. Baizhu [Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma] and Kushen [Sophorae Flavescentis Radix] act as assistants. It is incompatible with Yuanzhi [Polygalae Radix] and opposes Daye [Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix], Yuanhua [Kadsurae Flos], Gansui [Kansui Radix], and Haizao [Sargassum]. Avoid cruciferous vegetables and pork.
Baifuling (White Poria)
Baifuling is sweet and neutral, promoting diuresis to resolve dampness, eliminating phlegm, moistening the Lung, suppressing Kidney pathogens, nourishing the Spirit, regulating the Spleen, benefiting Qi, assisting Blood, and tonifying the deficient. Note that Chi Fu [Poria with Red Hostwood] breaks Blood and Qi, benefiting urination via the Bing meridian with significant effect.
"Fu" means hidden; "Ling" means spiritual. Poria grows underground from pine resin, possessing spiritual healing efficacy. It is sweet and bland, neutral in nature, and non-toxic. Floating and ascending, it belongs to Yang. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung and Foot-Taiyang Bladder and Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridians. Li Dongyuan said: White Poria tonifies deficiency labor, primarily affecting the Heart and Spleen. He also stated: White enters Ren and Gui (Water), making it a herb for circulating the Three Jiao/Triple Burner. Promoting diuresis means benefiting urination, reducing edema, and serving as a supreme drug for rapid water movement in acute diseases. Eliminating phlegm and moistening the Lung treats rebellious Qi in the chest and hypochondrium, vexation and fullness, coughing and wheezing, dry mouth and tongue, polydipsia with scanty fluids, and is indispensable for all phlegm congestion, phlegm-fluid retention, Lung flaccidity, and Lung fire. Kidney pathogens refer to dribbling urine, strangury, white turbidity, lumbar and tibial swelling and pain, and weakness, all caused by stagnant pathogenic water in the Kidney meridian. Only this herb can suppress pathogenic water to stabilize true water. Nourishing the Spirit treats sorrow, anger, fright, palpitations, forgetfulness, hypersomnia, and chest binding pain, serving as a primary herb for preserving and nurturing the Spirit. Regulating Spleen and Stomach Qi: it promotes urination when涩 (obstructed) and stops it when excessive; it unblocks stool when constipated and stops it when frequent. It is required for all Spleen-Stomach disharmony, indistinguishable food and water, unstable cold and heat, and incessant vomiting. For tonifying deficiency, the *Ben Jing* states it promotes Yin growth and benefits Qi and strength. *Rihua* states it tonifies five labors and seven injuries, calms the fetus, and warms the waist and knees. Zhu Danxi stated: Herbs with heavy aroma govern Qi, and those with heavy taste assist Blood. Although Poria is bland and draining, its sweet and heavy taste does not leak True Qi. Assisted by Renshen [Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma] and other tonics descending downward, it can also tonify deficiency and consolidate the Kidney. Small doses are harmless for Yin deficiency. Health cultivators often steam and sun-dry the white variety three times, powder it, mix with cow's milk juice to make a paste, and consume it. Or soak in honey or wine, seal for a hundred days, and consume regularly to avoid hunger, prolong life, transform intestines into sinews, and enhance spiritual clarity. It is most suitable for deficiency with upper phlegm-fire and lower damp-heat. Contraindicated in fatigue-induced Yang deficiency with excessive urination and sweating. Chi Fu [Poria with Red Hostwood] is bland, entering the Foot-Taiyin Spleen and Hand-Shaoyang Gallbladder/Hand-Shaoyin Pericardium Meridians. Li Dongyuan said: Red enters Bing and Ding (Fire), breaking blood stasis and Qi stagnation, clearing Small Intestine fire, benefiting urination, and separating food and water. Strictly contraindicated in Yin deficiency, as White tonifies and Red drains. Sourced from Yunnan, resembling human shapes, turtles, or birds; sweet-tasting ones are superior. Remove coarse skin, pound into powder, wash with water, float away red membranes, sun-dry to avoid eye damage. If grown in mountain shade and bitter-tasting, rinse with hot water to remove bitterness. Madang [Claviceps Purpurea] acts as an assistant. It dislikes Bailian [Ampelopsis Radix], fears Mumeng [possibly Aconitum or similar], Diyu [Sanguisorbae Radix], Xionghuang [Realgar], Qinjiao [Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix], and Guijia [Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum]; avoids vinegar and sour substances. Combined with Gancao [Licorice Root], Fangfeng [Saposhnikoviae Radix], Shaoyao [Paeoniae Radix], Zhi Shiyun [Fluorite], and Maidong [Ophiopogonis Radix], it treats the Five Zang organs.
Fushen (Poria with Pine Root)
Fushen treats wind-deficiency dizziness, anger, fright, palpitations, and forgetfulness; tonifies deficiency labor and exhaustion, wards off misfortune, and alleviates chest hardness and fullness.
It borrows the Qi of pine; when sap is abundant and exudes outward, it condenses into Poria; when sap and Qi are not very abundant, it grows around the roots, named Fushen, meaning it specializes in gathering and hiding the Spirit. It is sweet and neutral, non-toxic, and Yang. It is a key herb for treating wind dizziness, wind-deficiency, and Heart-deficiency. It stops anger, fright, palpitations, and forgetfulness, opens the mind and enhances intelligence, stabilizes the soul and spirit, and nourishes the spirit; treats five labors with dry mouth, tonifies deficiency and exhaustion, and wards off misfortune; also treats acute pain and hardness/fullness in the chest. For deficient individuals with difficult urination, add and use it. Remove skin and roots; its incompatibilities are the same as Poria.
Shuyu (Dioscorea Rhizoma)
Shuyu is sweet and warm, with a very neutral nature; it tonifies Ying and Wei, treats dampness coagulation, lumbar pain, seminal emission, deficiency emaciation, and heat; also stops wind-headache and eye dizziness.
"Shu" refers to bright color; "Yu" refers to shape like taro. Commonly known as Yam. Non-toxic. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Cool yet tonifying, it is essential for insufficient Middle Jiao Qi and chronic diarrhea. It tonifies Heart Qi, opens the Heart orifice, calms the soul, and improves memory. It tonifies Lung fluids, moistens dry skin and hair, removes vexation and heat or cold-heat pathogens, and directs rebellious Qi downward. It tonifies Kidney Yang Qi, strengthens Yin, secures against nocturnal emissions, and stops lumbar pain. Li Dongyuan stated: Yam treats lumbar dampness. Zhu Danxi stated: Raw form reduces swelling and hardness. Tonifying Qi and Blood prevents stagnation; tonifying the Liver strengthens sinews and bones and treats wandering wind on the head and face, wind-headache, and eye dizziness. Long-term consumption improves complexion and increases muscle mass. Add for deficient and emaciated patients. Those from Huaiqing are superior. Cooked form causes Qi stagnation; wet form is slippery; only dry and solid forms are used medicinally. Er Mendong [Two Ophiopogons] and Zhi [Ganoderma] act as assistants; it opposes Gansui [Kansui Radix].
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma)
Baizhu is sweet and warm, strengthening the Stomach and Spleen; suitable for cold-damp and heat-damp; treats phlegm, epigastric fullness, vomiting, diarrhea, edema, sweating, and thirst; also tonifies Qi and Blood and calms the fetus.
"Zhu" means turbid, white in color and turbid in shape. Sweet with slight pungency and bitterness, not intense. Non-toxic. Can ascend and descend, belonging to Yang. Enters the Hand-Taiyang Small Intestine, Hand-Shaoyin Heart, Foot-Yangming Stomach, and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridians. Tonifies Spleen-Stomach weakness, poor appetite, and removes dampness from all meridians. Clears Stomach heat, removes cold and heat, reduces deficiency phlegm, epigastric fullness, and retained stagnation; stops cholera, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold abdominal pain; benefits urination and reduces edematous distension. It stops sweating when present and induces it when absent. It soothes the Spleen, generates fluids, resolves dampness-thirst, and benefits blood in the waist and knees. From the exterior skin and hair to the central Heart-Stomach, and down to the waist and knees. In Qi, it governs Qi; in Blood, it governs Blood; thus it is frequently used in tonifying formulas. It also calms the fetus during pregnancy and postpartum, and is effective for postpartum facial paralysis, lockjaw, severe wind, flaccidity, bi-syndrome, and toxic sores on the lower legs. Zhu Danxi stated: Combined with Er Chen Tang [Two Aged Decoction], it strengthens the Stomach, aids digestion, transforms phlegm, and resolves dampness; combined with Shaoyao [Paeoniae Radix], Danggui [Angelicae Sinensis Radix], Zhishi [Aurantii Fructus Immaturus], and Shengdi [Rehmanniae Radix], it tonifies the Spleen and clears Spleen-heat-dampness; adding Ganjiang [Zingiberis Rhizoma] removes Spleen-cold-dampness. Li Dongyuan stated: Assisted by Huangqin [Scutellariae Radix], it has the ability to calm the fetus; as the sovereign with Zhishi [Aurantii Fructus Immaturus], it has the wonder of reducing epigastric fullness; however, it is unsuitable for Shanghan [Cold Damage] with moving Qi. Soak in rice water for half a day, remove rhizome head. Use raw to clear Stomach fire; earth-fry to tonify Stomach deficiency. Fangfeng [Saposhnikoviae Radix] and Diyu [Sanguisorbae Radix] act as assistants. Avoid peach, plum, sparrow, and pigeon meat.
Above are Qi-tonifying and damp-resolving herbs.
Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma)
Cangzhu is pungent, acrid, bitter, and warm; it mainly treats wind-cold-damp bi-syndrome, jaundice, swelling, fullness, phlegm accumulation, and malaria; stops vomiting and diarrhea, and treats dizziness and blurred vision.
"Cang" refers to color. Non-toxic. Floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. Enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridians. Mainly treats wind-cold-damp bi-syndrome, necrotic muscle, spasmodic jaundice, drives out wind-water knotting and swelling under the skin, subcostal fullness and oppression, abdominal distending pain and tightness, eliminates phlegm-fluids, fixed masses, and Qi lumps, dispels malaria, removes plague and mountain miasma, and stops incessant cholera vomiting and diarrhea. Treats severe wind on the body and face, wind-dizziness headache, tearing, blindness, cataracts, and internal/external corneal opacities. Long-term consumption blackens hair, rejuvenates the face, strengthens sinews and bones, clarifies ears and eyes, and moistens skin—these effects are verified, but these statements apply to Yang deficiency. Zhu Danxi stated: Pungent dispersal is vigorous, inducing sweat rapidly. Guided by downward-moving herbs like Huangbai [Phellodendri Cortex], Niuxi [Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix], and Shigao [Gypsum Fibrosum], it treats lower Jiao damp diseases. Entered into Pingwei San [Regulate the Stomach Powder], it removes middle Jiao dampness and pacifies excess Qi in the Stomach; entered with Congbai [Allii Fistulosi Bulbus], Mahuang [Ephedrae Herba], etc., it disperses pathogens from the muscle layer to the skin surface. Use with caution in blood deficiency, frailty, and emotional Qi stagnation; mistaken use depletes Qi and Blood, dries fluids, aggravates deficiency fire, and worsens bloating. Soak in rice water for seven days and nights, remove coarse skin, stir-fry until yellow, or soak in child's urine. Fangfeng [Saposhnikoviae Radix] and Diyu [Sanguisorbae Radix] act as assistants. Avoid peach, plum, sparrow, and pigeon meat. Examining the *Shennong Ben Cao Jing*: "If you wish to live long, you must consume Shan Jing [Mountain Essence]." This refers to Zhu combining Yin and Yang essence, without distinguishing between Cang and Bai. Since Tao Hongjing separated their uses, Bai has been prized and Cang despised. How good! Li Dongyuan stated: In tonifying the middle and resolving dampness, its power is inferior to Bai Zhu; in relaxing the middle and inducing sweat, its merit exceeds Bai Zhu.
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma)
Banxia is pungent and neutral in nature; it resolves damp-phlegm, strengthens the Stomach and Spleen meridians; for Shanghan [Cold Damage] vomiting, cough, and throat swelling, chest fullness, and headache, raw use is strictly avoided.
Born in the third pentad of Summer Solstice, leaves are half-formed, a natural marvel. Toxic. Sinking and descending, representing Yang within Yin. Enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach, Foot-Taiyin Spleen, and Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridians. Dry nature overcomes water, excellently resolving Spleen meridian damp-phlegm; once phlegm is removed, the Spleen's governing Qi naturally strengthens, and diet advances. Used for cold-phlegm and wind-phlegm due to its pungent-warm nature. Mainly treats Shanghan [Cold Damage] cold and heat, warm malaria vomiting, rebellious Qi coughing, and lung injury from cold leading to cough. Treats throat swelling and pain. Resolves hardness and distension in the epigastrium, borborygmus, phlegm-Qi obstruction in the chest, and phlegm-fluid headache and dizziness; without this herb, these cannot be eliminated. Also reduces carbuncles and goiters. Add for Qi deficiency with sallow complexion and phlegm-Qi. Generally, raw induces vomiting, cooked induces downward movement; hence the *Ju Fang* [Formulas of the Bureau] mostly uses cooked Banxia. But the Materia Medica states: Raw is slightly cold, cooked is warm. For those requiring raw use, decoct cooked with ginger aid. Strictly contraindicated in all bleeding disorders and spontaneous sweating/thirst. Zhu Danxi stated: Dry and consumes fluids; even in Shaoyang disease, those with thirst must avoid it. Only in Qi disorders where fire rises due to agitation, using Banxia to regulate Qi and subdue fire will thirst cease spontaneously. Wash in hot water in the twelfth lunar month, place outdoors in ice, then soak seven more times. Aging it is excellent. For deficiency syndromes and pregnant women with morning sickness, use Qu [Medicated Leaven] to avoid damaging Blood and causing miscarriage. Shegan [Belamcandae Rhizoma] and Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix] act as assistants. It opposes Zaojiao [Gleditsiae Spina], fears Xionghuang [Realgar], Sheng Jiang [Fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma], Qinpi [Fraxini Cortex], and Guijia [Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum]; opposes Wutou [Aconiti Radix]; avoids Haizao [Sargassum], mutton, sheep blood, and Yitang [Maltose]. Method for making Qu: Soak Banxia in water nine times, sun-dry, powder. Depending on the disease, use as medicine, decoct into paste, or squeeze juice, mix powder into pills the size of a bullet, wrap in Catalpa leaf or paper, cover with rice straw, let mold grow for seven days, take out, hang over smoke from burning straw; the older the better. For various phlegms, use fresh ginger juice; for wind-phlegm, use soap bean paste, adding musk for severe cases; for cold-phlegm (green) and damp-phlegm (white), use concentrated old ginger decoction with one-third alum; for fire-phlegm (black) and old-phlegm (glue-like), use bamboo juice or jujube branch juice with a little ginger juice; for phlegm nodules under the skin/membranes, use Baijiezi [Sinapis Semen] and bamboo juice; for deficiency-consumption heat-phlegm, soak in sesame oil for 3-5 days, stir-fry to powder, bind with wheat paste into Qu. For epilepsy, forgetfulness, stiff tongue, and wind-flaccidity-like symptoms, use gallbladder of yellow ox from the twelfth lunar month with a little cooked honey; for pediatric convulsions, add equal parts Tianxing [Arisaematis Rhizoma] and decoct with Gancao [Licorice Root] into paste; for Spleen-deficiency slow convulsions and depressed phlegm, use Xiangfu [Cyperi Rhizoma], Cangzhu [Atractylodis Rhizoma], and Chuanxiong [Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma] equal parts decocted into paste; for stroke sudden syncope, Shanghan [Cold Damage], and internal binding of various sores/all conditions requiring purgation, use 30% Piao Xiao [Natrii Sulfas] and Bai Fen Shuang [Calomelas], boil thoroughly in river water, powder, bind with Da Huang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma] paste; for deep-rooted phlegm accumulation, take 2 liang, add 1 liang Haifen [Sepiae Endoconcha] and 5 qian Xionghuang [Realgar], powder and bind with honey into pills; for all deep-rooted phlegm diseases, use yellow beef boiled into paste, sun-dry the made Qu.
Jupi (Citrus Reticulatae Pericarpium)
Jupi is pungent and warm, benefiting the Bladder; mainly removes phlegm-Qi rebellion in the chest, guides digestion in the Stomach and Spleen, stops vomiting and diarrhea, releases the exterior from cold-damp, assisted by Shengjiang [Fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma].
"Ju" refers to color... with patterns. Non-toxic. Strong flavor. Can ascend and descend, representing Yin within Yang. Removes stagnant heat and water in the Bladder, treats five stranguries, benefits urination. Mainly treats phlegm-heat in the chest, rebellious Qi, eliminates phlegm, stops Qi-cough, and moistens the Lung. Harmonizes the Stomach and strengthens the Spleen; for mild cases of undigested food, rushing chest with vomiting, or diarrhea, Qi-dysentery, or cholera; for severe cases of mass accumulation and stagnation, it can guide digestion. Also removes roundworms and resolves alcohol toxicity. Treats lower Jiao cold Qi, visceral deficiency cold Qi, and gout attacking the heart. Long-term consumption removes odor, descends Qi, and communicates with the Spirit. Zhu Danxi stated: Combined with Baizhu [Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma] and Banxia [Pinelliae Rhizoma], it promotes diuresis and strengthens the Stomach and Spleen; combined with Gancao [Licorice Root] and Baizhu [Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma], small doses tonify the Stomach and Spleen, while without them, large or sole use drains the Stomach and Spleen; combined with Cangzhu [Atractylodis Rhizoma] and Houpo [Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex], it removes pathogens from the middle Jiao up to the chest and diaphragm; adding Shengjiang [Fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma], Congbai [Allii Fistulosi Bulbus], Mahuang [Ephedrae Herba], etc., it disperses excess pathogens from the muscle layer to the skin surface. Aged ones are good; one-year-old ones are also usable. Keep the white pith, lightly stir-fry, to strengthen the Stomach and Spleen and harmonize the middle; remove the white pith to get Juhong [Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium Rubrum], to eliminate phlegm, drain the Lung, and release the exterior; for lower Jiao use, soak in salt water; for Lung dryness, soak in child's urine and sun-dry. Baitan [Santalum Album] acts as an assistant. There is another type called You [Pomelo], larger than Ju, unsuitable for medicine. Qing Juye [Green Citrus Leaf] guides rebellious Qi in the chest and hypochondrium, moves Liver Qi, treats breast swelling/pain and hypochondriac abscesses, used in formulas to move collaterals. Juhe [Citrus Seed] treats Kidney-related lumbar pain, Bladder hernia pain, and Kidney cold; stir-fry, remove shells, powder, and take with wine.
Qingpi (Immature Citrus Fruit)
Qingpi is bitter and cold, breaking stagnant Qi; enters the Liver and Gallbladder, benefits the Stomach and Spleen; treats hypochondriac and lower abdominal pain and distension; hernia and accumulations are treated more effectively the lower they are.
Same species as Jupi [Citrus Reticulatae Pericarpium]. Large and red, fully mature, is called Jupi [Citrus Reticulatae Pericarpium]; small and green, immature, is called Qingpi [Immature Citrus Fruit]. Non-toxic. Sinking and descending, representing Yang within Yin. Enters the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao/Triple Burner Meridian, an guiding herb for the Jueyin Liver Meridian. Mainly breaks stagnant Qi, benefits the Stomach and Spleen, digests food, removes accumulated Qi in the diaphragm, and stops lower abdominal distending pain. Also drains Liver Qi, treats hypochondriac pain, hernia, and Gallbladder-hidden fire fright syndromes; use 2-3 fen. Jupi [Citrus Reticulatae Pericarpium] treats high locations, Qingpi [Immature Citrus Fruit] treats low locations. Thus Li Dongyuan stated: Breaking stagnant Qi, the lower the location, the more effective; cutting hard accumulations,