肝（当归） 心（麦门冬） 脾（麻仁） 肺（杏仁） 肾（柏实）
大肠（硝石） 小肠（茴香） 三焦（山药） 膀胱（茴香） 胞络（桃仁）
以上诸药，治上中下三焦内燥，兼补血和血之剂。
即汤液热浮长也。古庵云∶治寒以热。热药属阳，故治寒多阳药。外寒宜汗散，宜用风门药，寒从汗解
也。夫寒湿皆属阴，宜与治湿门通看。
附子
附子辛甘咸热毒，虚寒风湿行经速，咳逆厥冷腹心疼，霍乱呕痢筋蜷缩。
附子、乌头、乌喙、天雄、侧子，五物同出异名。似乌鸟头者为乌头，俗名川乌；两歧相合如乌之嘴者为
乌喙；细长至三四寸者为天雄；附根而生者为附子；小者为侧子。补虚多用附子，风家多用天雄、川乌。东垣
云∶附子有大毒。阳中阳也。其性浮而不沉，其用走而不守。本手少阳三焦、命门药也。能治六腑沉寒，五
脏痼冷。主中寒及伤寒阴症阴毒，四肢厥冷，心腹疼痛，烦躁迷闷不省，风寒咳逆邪气，霍乱转筋，下痢赤白，
脾胃虚冷，脾胀翻胃呕逆，久泻不止，头痛头风。坚筋骨，治偏风半身不遂及寒湿痿 拘挛，腰脊膝痛，脚疼
冷弱不能行步，诸痹瘫痪，痰涎。得白术，治肾寒湿；得干姜，补中回阳。为百药之长，通行诸经，引用效最速。
丹溪云∶八味丸用为少阴向导，其补自是地黄，后世因以为补，谬哉！孕妇误服堕胎。取端平圆大重一两以上
者力全，用黑豆煎水浸五日夜，去皮尖并脐，切作两片，以姜渣包夹，外又用面包，灰火中炮熟。如外黄内白，
劣性尚存，须薄切，炒令表里皆黄。有用童便煮而浸之，以助下行。俗方每用附子，皆须甘草、人参、生姜相
配者，正制其毒故也。惟古姜附汤生用之。地胆为使，恶蜈蚣，畏防风、黑豆、甘草、人参、黄 、乌韭。
川乌
川乌破积除寒热，心腹脐间冷气结，肩胛
诸痹目中疼，消胸痰滞三虫杀，乌喙专主阴囊痒，能消 肿医历节。
行经逐寒，治风湿邪，与附子大同。主破诸积聚寒热，心腹脐间冷痛，肩胛痛不可俯仰，一切风痹、血痹、
半身不遂皆验。目中痛不可久视，消胸中痰冷，食不下，堕胎，杀三虫，长而有尖者佳，制同附子。远志为使。
反半夏、栝蒌、贝母、白蔹、白芨，恶藜芦，忌豉汁。其汁煎之名射罔，味苦。杀禽兽，疗尸疰坚 ，头风痹
痛，又主 疮疮根，结核瘰 ，毒肿及蛇咬。先取药涂四畔，渐渐近疮，习习逐病至骨。疮有热脓黄水出涂之，
若无脓水，有生血及新伤肉破即不可涂，立杀人。中之者，以甘草、兰青、小豆叶，冷水解之。乌喙，味辛，
微温。主风湿，丈夫肾湿阴囊痒，寒热历节掣引腰痛不能行步，痈肿脓结。乌龙丹∶川乌、五灵脂各五两，量
入龙脑、麝香为末，滴为丸，弹子大。每一丸先以生姜汁研化，次暖酒调，日二次，空心、晚食前服，治瘫痪
风，手足 曳，口眼 斜，语言謇涩，步履不正，神效。三神丸∶乌头三两。一两生，一两炒熟，一两烧存性，
为末，醋煮，面糊丸，绿豆大。每五丸，空心服。泻用井花水下；赤痢，甘草汤下；白痢，干姜汤下；赤白痢，
生姜甘草汤下。
天雄
天雄壮阳散寒湿，上疗头面风邪急，侧子专治偏痹风，疮 痈肿效可立。
东垣云∶天雄散寒，为去湿助精阳之药。凡上焦虚阳，头面风去来疼痛，喉痹，背脊伛偻，胸膈痰水，气
喘促急，霍乱，必用之。久服令人心雄，力作不倦，故名。余与乌、附同，但天雄走上，乌、附达下。取身全、
短、无尖，周匝有附子孕十一个，皮苍色者佳。凡丸，炮去皮尖、底须，汤药和皮生用亦佳。远志为使。恶腐
婢，忌豉汁。侧子，专治腰脚冷痹，半身不遂及遍身风疹，颈上鼠 ，一如痈肿皆验。余与乌、附相同。
生姜
生姜发散主伤寒，鼻塞头疼咳逆安，入肺开胃止痰呕，破血行气到心间。
姜，御湿气，如田有界以分水也。味辛，温，无毒。浮而升，阳也。主发散伤寒伤风，头痛鼻塞寒热，咳
逆喘嗽上气。入肺开胃益脾，化痰涎，止呕吐翻胃之圣药也。以上诸症皆在表在上之邪，姜能行气散气，故治
之。产后必用者，以其能破血逐瘀也。今人但知为胃药，而不知其能通心肺也。心气通则一身之气正，而邪气
不能容，故曰去秽恶，通神明。后人因孔子不彻，而每好食之，其实多服反少智，损心气，故孔子亦不多食。
古云∶八九月食姜，至春患眼、损寿、减筋力。又云∶平人夜食姜，令人闭气，病则不拘也。丹溪云∶留皮则
冷，去皮则热。非皮之性本冷也，盖留皮则行表而热去，去皮则守中而热存耳。故又有言曰∶姜屑，比之干姜
不热，比之生姜不润。以干生姜代干姜者，以其不潜故也，秦椒为使。恶黄芩、黄连、天鼠屎。杀半夏、浓朴、
茛菪毒。
桂枝
桂枝辛甘热且浮，微解风寒汗自收，一样嫩枝名柳桂，善治上焦热不留，薄桂专行肢节滞，横行肩臂必须求。
桂，犹圭也，为诸药之先聘也。木叶心皆一纵理，独桂有两纹，形如圭。诸家论桂不同，惟陈藏器云∶菌
桂、牡桂、桂心，同是一物。出交趾、南海、桂林、桂岭、桂阳、柳州、象州者佳。菌桂正圆，如竹卷二三重，
味烈肉浓者，即今肉桂。菌，竹名，言其卷如竹筒，故又名筒桂。半卷多脂者，名板桂，即今铁板桂也。牡乃
老桂，味稍淡，皮薄少脂，乃桂品中之最高者，故又名官桂。桂心，即牡桂去皮一半，取中心近里味辛者。桂
枝乃细薄而嫩者。薄桂比桂枝稍浓，柳桂比桂枝更薄。桂枝有小毒。浮而升，阳也。气、味俱轻。入足太阳经，
故能上行头目，发散表邪。凡伤风伤寒有汗者，用以微解表邪，邪去而汗自止，非固表止汗之谓也。柳桂，乃
小枝嫩条，尤善行上焦，补阳气，虚人服
之使不生热也。薄桂，乃细薄嫩枝，入上焦，横行肩臂。治痛风，善行肢节凝滞，兼泻奔豚。凡使，略刮去粗皮。
以上治上焦寒药。
肉桂
肉桂辛热补肾脏，养精止烦又止汗，利肝肺气遏心疼，温中破癖除霍乱。
纯阳，小毒，入手、足少阴经。东垣云∶气之浓者，肉桂也。气浓则发热，故下行而补肾、相火不足。
主一切风气，五劳七伤，养精髓，暖腰膝，止虚烦虚汗。利肝气，除风湿冷痹、筋骨挛缩，利肺气，止咳嗽鼻
，养心神，治卒心痛，久服，明眼目，和颜色，面生光华。兼温脾胃，长肌肉，破 癖、 瘕、瘀血，霍乱
转筋，下痢，一切沉寒痼冷，中下腹冷痛。此药通血脉，利关节，故妇人经闭亦用之。惟有孕者，必炒过乃不
堕胎。宣导百药，无所畏，谓之通使。春、夏二时慎用。本草虽云小毒，亦从类化，与芩、连为使，小毒何施？
与乌、附、巴豆、干漆为使，则小毒化为大毒。得人参、麦门冬、甘草，则能调中益气而可久服；得柴胡、紫
石英、干地黄，则能调荣而止吐逆。凡使，色紫而浓者佳，刮去粗皮、忌生葱。
官桂
官桂无毒治中寒，咳逆喉痹吸呼难，补中更治心胁痛，温筋通脉利窍关，桂心专能止心痛，行血药滞补阴坚。
官桂，主寒在中焦，上气咳逆，结气喉痹，呼吸不清，兼补中益气，治心痛、胁痛。温筋通脉利关节，
治冷风疼痛。桂心，治九种心痛及中恶、寒疝、产后血冲心痛，止唾血吐血，破血通月闭，下胞衣，杀三虫。
兼治中风偏僻，牙紧舌强，失音及脚软痹不仁。丹溪云∶桂心入二三分于补阴药中，则能行血药凝滞而补肾，
由味辛属肺而能生水行血，外肾偏肿痛者亦验。
干姜
干姜生用发寒邪，利肺咳逆身痹麻，炮苦守中温脾肾，疟利霍乱腹疼佳，炒黑止血又生血，产后潮热退无些。
大热，无毒。可升可降，阳中阴也。生用味辛，发散寒邪，与生姜同功。利肺冷气咳嗽咳逆，胸满。除风
寒湿痹，一切风邪诸毒，皮肤间结气。《唐本》云∶治风下气，宣诸脉络，微汗是也。水洗慢火炮制，则味微
苦，止而不移，非若附子行而不止，能守能补，与生姜异。温脾胃，治里寒水泄，下痢肠 汁，久疟霍乱，心
腹冷痛胀满。又下焦寒湿，沉寒痼冷，肾中无阳，脉气欲绝，佐以附子立效。伤寒阴阳易病，单服之。童便炒
黑，止鼻衄、唾血、血痢、崩漏。与补阴药同用，能引血药入气分生血，治血虚发热及产后大热。丹溪云∶多
用能耗散元气，壮火食气故也。须生甘草缓之。畏恶同生姜。造干姜法∶取生者水淹三日，去皮，置流水中六
日，更去皮晒干，酿瓷瓮中三日，内紫色乃成。蜀地者佳。白姜，即蜀姜去皮未经酿者，色白，味极辣，治肺
胃寒邪功多。干生姜，乃留皮自干者，治脾胃寒湿。
高良姜
高良姜辛苦大温，冷冲心痛腹相牵，霍乱呕痢宿食化，香港脚冷痹亦堪论。
出高良郡，形似山姜。纯阳，无毒。主胃中暴冷、逆冲心痛，或腹内亦痛、霍乱转筋、翻胃呕食、泻痢，
消宿食，解酒毒，兼去风冷痹弱香港脚。大抵温中下气，消积健脾，与诸豆蔻同功。锉碎，麻油拌炒。
红豆蔻
红豆蔻辛温无毒，肠虚水泻痛心腹，霍乱呕酸酒毒醒，更辟瘴雾忌多服。
云是高良姜子，微带红色，主肠虚水泻、心腹搅痛、霍乱、呕吐酸水，解酒毒，去宿食，辟瘴雾气毒，兼
治冷气腹痛，吐泻痢疾。不宜多服，令人舌粗，不思饮食。
白豆蔻
白豆蔻味辛大温，上焦气冷补还元，散肺中滞退云翳，助肺消积止胃翻。
色白，形如豆。凡物盛多谓之寇，一颗内
子有百粒，故名。无毒。升也，阳也。入手太阴、太阳经。别有清高之气，补上焦元气不足，散胸中冷气，破
肺中滞气，退白睛中红翳，如赤眼暴发则不宜用。东垣云∶温中止霍乱而助脾。主消冷积，止心腹冷痛，宽胸
进食。若冷吐翻胃，遇食即吐，单用二三枚为末，酒调服之。立效。去皮用。
草豆蔻
草豆蔻辛气亦温，心胃寒痛呕翻翻，下气温中除霍乱，善进饮食退酒烦。
实结于草上。无毒。浮也，阳也。入足太阴、阳明经。主风寒邪犯胃口之上，心腹胃脘作痛作胀，呕吐霍
乱，下气温中，补脾胃，磨积滞，调散冷气甚速，虚弱不能饮食者最宜，兼消酒毒，去口臭。面包煨熟，去面
用。雷公以茱萸同炒，微黄黑，去萸，取豆蔻皮并子杵用之。
肉豆蔻
肉豆蔻辛温补中，下气消痰开胃胸，霍乱心腹多膨痛，实肠久泻有奇功。
形似豆蔻，对草蔻言，故名肉蔻。无毒。入手阳明经。温中补脾，消痰饮、宿食、酒毒、冷积。下气宽胸，
开胃止霍乱吐沫，心腹胀痛。实大肠，止虚泻、冷泻之要药也。兼治气痢、赤白痢、小儿乳霍吐逆、不食作泄、
腹内虫痛、中恶、冷疰鬼气。《日华》云∶肉蔻下气，以脾得补而善运化，气自下也。非若除皮、香附之快泄。
《衍义》以为多服泄气，恐不然。油色肥实肉白者佳。用汤调糯米粉，或醋调面包，灰火中煨黄熟取出，以纸
捶去油净，勿令犯铜。
缩砂
缩砂（蜜）辛温暖脾胃，消食和中止泻吐，涩肠抑肾奔豚邪，止咳保胎行肺气。
皮紧缩皱，形色如砂，又名砂仁。无毒。入手足太阴、阳明、太阳、足少阴经。暖胃温脾，消化酒食，
治心腹中虚冷痛，霍乱转筋，呕吐水泻，赤白痢，休息痢，气痢，涩大小肠，除肾积奔豚气，止肺气咳嗽，
咳逆上气，又炒过治妊娠触伤，胎动腹痛。丹溪云∶缩砂治病，行气故也。治痢药中用之，以热攻热，乃所
以顺治也。和皮慢火炒令香熟，刮去皮，取仁捣碎用。与檀香、豆蔻为使则入肺，与人参、益智为使则入脾，
与黄柏，茯苓为使则入肾，与赤石脂为使则入大小肠。
益智仁
益智（仁）辛温疗胃寒，和中止呕唾涎残，固精止溺及余滴，养神补气三焦安。
服之益人智能，故名。无毒。疗脾胃中受寒邪，止呕哕涎唾，当于补中、和中药内兼用之。又治遗精虚漏，
小便余滴。夜多小便者，取二十四枚碎之，入盐煎服，奇验。诸辛香剂，多耗神气，惟此能益气安神，安三焦，
补不足，然亦不可多服。《液》云∶主君相二火，手足太阴，足少阴，本脾经药也。与诸香同用则入肺，与补
气药同用则入脾，与滋补药同用则入肾。盖脾、肺、肾三经，子母互相关也。去皮用。
荜茇
荜茇热辛除胃冷，下气消痰破积猛，呕酸泻痢腹心疼，治肾寒疝腰脚眚。
无毒。除胃冷下气，消痰饮宿食， 癖，呕逆醋心，水泻，虚痢，霍乱，冷气心腹满痛。又治肾冷寒疝，
核肿阴汗，腰膝酸痛，妇人内冷无子。又偏头痛，令患人口含温水，取末一字，随左右鼻吸之，绝妙。此药性
急，甚于胡椒。今人以调食味，多服走真气，令人肠虚下重。去涎，用醋浸一宿，焙干，刮去皮粟子，令净，免
伤肺令人上气。
香附
香附辛甘充散寒，皮风胸热也能宽，消食霍乱腹心痛，开郁理血女人丹。
气香，附根而生，又名莎草根。气平，无毒。沉也，阴中阳也。味轻辛散，能充皮毛发，去寒气及皮肤病
疹，胸中虚热，消食下气，治一切霍乱，心腹疼痛，肾气膀胱冷。古云∶香附理血气，妇人之仙药。盖妇人性
Liver (Danggui, Radix Angelicae Sinensis) Heart (Maimendong, Rhizoma Ophiopogonis) Spleen (Maren, Semen Cannabis) Lung (Xingren, Semen Armeniacae Amarum) Kidney (Baishi, Fructus Platycladi)
Large Intestine (Xiaoshi, Natrii Sulfas) Small Intestine (Huixiang, Fructus Foeniculi) Sanjiao (Shanyao, Rhizoma Dioscoreae) Bladder (Huixiang, Fructus Foeniculi) Baoluo (Taoren, Semen Persicae)
The above-mentioned herbs are agents that treat internal dryness in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Sanjiao, with the combined function of nourishing blood and harmonizing blood.
This refers to the principle of floating and elongated heat pulses in decoctions. Gu An said: "To treat cold, use hot medicines." Hot medicines belong to Yang; therefore, treating cold involves using many Yang-tonifying herbs. External cold should be dispersed through sweating, utilizing herbs for the Wind gates, as cold can be resolved via sweat.
Cold and dampness both belong to Yin; they should be read in conjunction with the chapter on treating dampness.
Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata)
Fuzi is acrid, sweet, salty, and extremely hot, possessing toxicity. It rapidly circulates through the meridians to treat deficiency-cold and wind-dampness. It treats cough with inverted qi, cold limbs, heart and abdominal pain, cholera with vomiting and dysentery, and muscle spasms/convulsions.
Fuzi, Wutou, Wu Hui, Tianxiong, and Cizi all originate from the same source but have different names. Those resembling the head of a crow are called Wutou, commonly known as Chuanwu; those with two branches joining like a crow's beak are called Wu Hui; those slender and three to four cun long are called Tianxiong; those growing attached to the parent root are called Fuzi; and the smaller ones are called Cizi. For tonifying deficiency, Fuzi is mostly used; for treating wind diseases, Tianxiong and Chuanwu are mostly used. Li Dongyuan stated: "Fuzi has great toxicity." It is Yang within Yang. Its nature is floating and not sinking; its action is moving and not retaining. It originally belongs to the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao and Mingmen channels. It can treat deep cold in the Six Fu organs and stubborn cold in the Five Zang organs. It primarily treats internal cold and Yin syndromes/toxins of Cold Damage, cold limbs, heart and abdominal pain, restlessness and confusion with loss of consciousness, wind-cold cough with inverted qi, cholera with muscle spasms, bloody and purulent dysentery, deficiency-cold of the Spleen and Stomach, Spleen distension with regurgitation and vomiting, chronic diarrhea, headache, and wind-headache. It strengthens bones and tendons, treats hemiplegia due to wind-stroke, and spasms/contractions due to cold-dampness, pain in the lower back, spine, and knees, cold weakness of the feet preventing walking, various bi-syndromes and paralysis, and phlegm-fluids. When combined with Baizhu, it treats Kidney cold-dampness; when combined with Ganjiang, it tonifies the Middle and restores Yang. It is called the chief of all herbs, circulating through all meridians, with the fastest effect in guiding other drugs. Zhu Danxi said: "In Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill), it is used as a guide for the Shaoyin channel; the actual tonification comes from Dihuang. Later generations mistakenly believe it is a tonic!" If taken by mistake by pregnant women, it causes abortion. Select those that are upright, round, heavy, and weigh over one liang for full potency. Soak them in water boiled with Douhei (Black Soybeans) for five to seven days, remove the skin, tip, and umbilicus, slice into two pieces, wrap in ginger residue, then wrap again in dough, and roast thoroughly in ash fire. If the outside is yellow but the inside is white, inferior properties remain; thinly slice and stir-fry until both sides are yellow. Some boil them in Tongbian (Child's Urine) and soak to assist downward movement. In common prescriptions, Fuzi must always be paired with Gancao, Renshen, and Shengjiang to counteract its toxicity. Only in the ancient Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction) is it used raw. Didan is used as an assistant herb; it clashes with Wugong (Centipede), and is feared by Fangfeng, Douhei, Gancao, Renshen, Huangqin, and Wujiu.
Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii)
Chuanwu breaks up accumulations and eliminates cold-heat; it treats cold qi knotting in the heart, abdomen, and navel; shoulder blade pain; eye pain from various bi-syndromes; eliminates chest phlegm stagnation; and kills three types of parasites. Wu Hui specifically treats scrotal itching and reduces swelling to cure Lijie syndrome (rheumatoid arthritis-like joint disease).
It circulates through meridians and drives out cold, treating wind-damp pathogenic factors, similar to Fuzi. It treats breaking up various accumulations of cold-heat, cold pain in the heart, abdomen, and navel, shoulder blade pain preventing bending or turning, and is effective for all wind-bi, blood-bi, and hemiplegia. Eye pain preventing prolonged vision, eliminating cold phlegm in the chest, inability to eat, abortion, killing three parasites; those that grow long with sharp tips are preferred. Processing methods are the same as Fuzi. Yuanzhi is used as an assistant herb. It is incompatible with Banxia, Gualou, Beimu, Bailian, and Baiji; it dislikes Lilu and forbids Douzhi (soybean paste juice). The juice boiled is named She Wang (Arrow Poison), bitter in taste. It kills birds and beasts, treats Shi Zhu (wasting-and-gnawing disease) hardness, wind-headache, and bi-pain, and primarily treats carbuncles, roots of sores, tuberculous lymphadenitis (Luoli), toxic swellings, and snake bites. Apply medicine around the periphery first, gradually approaching the sore; a tingling sensation indicates the medicine reaching the bone. Apply if there is hot pus and yellow fluid; do NOT apply if there is no pus/fluid, or if there is fresh bleeding/newly broken flesh, as it will kill immediately. If poisoned, antidote with Gancao, Lanqing (Isatis leaf), Xiaoduye (Vigna radiata leaves), and cold water. Wu Hui is acrid and slightly warm. It treats wind-dampness, men's Kidney dampness causing scrotal itching, cold-heat Lijie pulling lumbar pain preventing walking, and abscesses with congealed pus. Wulong Dan: Chuanwu and Wulingzhi each 5 liang, add Longnao (Borneolum Syntheticum) and Shexiang (Moschus) according to need, grind to powder, drop water to form pills the size of a bullet. Take one pill at a time, first dissolve in Shengjiang juice, then mix with warm wine, twice daily, on an empty stomach and before evening meal. Treats wind-paralysis, dragging limbs, facial paralysis, slurred speech, unsteady gait; miraculous effect. Sanshen Wan: Wutou 3 liang. One liang raw, one liang stir-fried cooked, one liang charred but retaining essence, grind to powder, boil with vinegar, paste with flour to form pills the size of mung beans. Take five pills on an empty stomach. For diarrhea, take with well water; for bloody dysentery, take with Gancao decoction; for white dysentery, take with Ganjiang decoction; for bloody and white dysentery, take with Shengjiang-Gancao decoction.
Tianxiong (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii Lateralis)
Tianxiong strengthens Yang and disperses cold-dampness; superior for treating acute wind-pathogens on the head and face; Cizi specifically treats unilateral wind-bi; effective immediately for sores and carbuncles.
Li Dongyuan said: "Tianxiong disperses cold; it is a drug that removes dampness and assists Jing-Yang." For any deficiency-Yang in the Upper Jiao, wind-pain coming and going on the head and face, throat obstruction (Houbi), hunchback curvature, phlegm-fluids in the chest/diaphragm, rapid asthma/cholera, it must be used. Long-term use makes one courageous and labor without fatigue, hence the name. Its other effects are the same as Wutou and Fuzi, except Tianxiong ascends to the Upper Jiao, while Wutou and Fuzi reach the Lower Jiao. Select those with complete bodies, short, without tips, surrounded by eleven developing Fuzi buds, with grayish skin, which are best. For pills, process by removing skin, tips, and base; for decoctions, using with skin and raw is also good. Yuanzhi is used as an assistant herb. It dislikes Fubi and forbids Douzhi. Cizi specifically treats cold-bi of waist and feet, hemiplegia, generalized wind-rashes, neck lymphadenitis (Shuluo), and abscesses; all are verified effective. Other effects are the same as Wutou and Fuzi.
Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens)
Shengjiang disperses and treats Cold Damage; relieves nasal congestion, headache, and calms cough/inverted qi; enters Lung, opens Stomach, stops phlegm/vomiting; breaks blood and moves Qi to the Heart.
Ginger resists dampness, like field boundaries dividing water. Acrid, warm, non-toxic. Floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. Primarily disperses Cold Damage and Wind-Cold, headache, nasal congestion, cold-heat, cough, inverted qi, asthma, and rising Qi. Enters Lung, opens Stomach, benefits Spleen, transforms phlegm-fluids, and is the holy medicine for stopping vomiting and regurgitation. All these symptoms involve pathogenic factors on the exterior and upper parts; Ginger can move and disperse Qi, thus treating them. It is essential postpartum because it breaks blood and drives out stasis. People today only know it as a Stomach herb, not knowing it can unblock Heart and Lung. When Heart Qi flows freely, the Qi of the whole body becomes righteous, and pathogenic factors cannot reside; thus it is said to remove foulness and clarify the Spirit. Later generations, following Confucius' abstention, love eating it, but excessive intake actually reduces wisdom and damages Heart Qi, so Confucius did not eat much. Ancient saying: Eating ginger in the 8th and 9th months leads to eye disease, reduced longevity, and weakened sinews/muscles by Spring. Another saying: Ordinary people eating ginger at night causes breath retention, but this does not apply when sick. Zhu Danxi said: "Leaving the skin makes it cold; removing the skin makes it hot." It is not that the skin is inherently cold; leaving the skin allows heat to dissipate to the exterior, while removing it keeps heat in the interior. Thus, some say: Ginger powder is less hot than Ganjiang but less moistening than Shengjiang. Using dried ginger slices instead of Ganjiang is because it does not sink deeply. Qinjiao is used as an assistant herb. It dislikes Huangqin, Huanglian, and Tianshushi. It neutralizes the toxicity of Banxia, Houpo, and Gengdang.
Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi)
Guizhi is acrid, sweet, hot, and floating; mildly resolves wind-cold and sweat stops naturally; similarly tender branches are named Liugui; excels at clearing lingering heat in Upper Jiao; Bo Gui specifically acts on limb-joint stagnation; sought after for traversing shoulders and arms.
Gui is like the jade tablet (Gui); it is the vanguard of all herbs. Wood leaves and hearts usually have one longitudinal vein, but Gui uniquely has two veins, shaped like a Gui tablet. Various theories on Gui differ; only Chen Cangqi stated: Jun Gui, Mu Gui, and Guixin are the same substance. Those from Jiaozhi, Nanhai, Guilin, Guiling, Guiyang, Liuzhou, Xiangzhou are best. Jun Gui is perfectly round, rolled like bamboo sheets two or three layers thick, with strong flavor and dense flesh; this is modern Rougui (Cinnamon Bark). "Jun" is a bamboo name, referring to its roll like a bamboo tube, hence also called Tong Gui. Half-rolled and fatty is called Bangui, i.e., Tieban Gui today. Mu is old Gui, slightly bland flavor, thin skin, little fat; it is the highest grade of Gui, hence also called Guiguan. Guixin is Mu Gui with half the skin removed, taking the center near the wood which is acrid. Guizhi is thin and tender. Bo Gui is slightly thicker than Guizhi; Liugui is thinner than Guizhi. Guizhi has slight toxicity. Floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. Qi and flavor are both light. Enters Foot-Taiyang channel, thus ascending to head and eyes, dispersing exterior pathogens. For wind-cold or cold damage with sweating, it mildly resolves exterior pathogens; once pathogens leave, sweat stops naturally; this is not "consolidating exterior to stop sweat." Liugui consists of small tender branches, especially good at moving Upper Jiao, tonifying Yang Qi; safe for deficient persons without generating heat. Bo Gui consists of thin tender branches, entering Upper Jiao, traversing shoulders and arms. Treats gout, excellently moves stagnation in joints, and drains Ben Tun (rushing Qi). When using, lightly scrape off rough bark. These are herbs treating Upper Jiao cold.
Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi)
Rougui is acrid and hot, tonifying Kidney; nourishes Jing, stops vexation and sweating; benefits Liver/Lung Qi, alleviates heart-chest pain; warms Middle, breaks accumulations, removes cholera.
Pure Yang, slight toxicity, enters Hand and Foot-Shaoyin channels. Li Dongyuan said: "Among herbs with dense Qi, it is Rougui." Dense Qi generates heat, thus descending to tonify Kidney and address insufficient Minister Fire.
It treats all wind-pathogens, Five Exhaustions and Seven Injuries, nourishes Essence/Marrow, warms waist/knees, stops deficiency vexation and sweating. Benefits Liver Qi, removes cold-bi from wind-dampness, tendon contractions; benefits Lung Qi, stops cough and nasal discharge; nourishes Heart Spirit, treats sudden heart pain. Long-term use brightens eyes, harmonizes complexion, adds luster to face. Also warms Spleen/Stomach, promotes muscle growth, breaks accumulations/Zheng masses/blood stasis, cholera spasms, dysentery, all deep-seated stubborn cold, cold pain in middle/lower abdomen. This herb unites blood vessels and benefits joints, hence used for amenorrhea in women. Pregnant women must stir-fry it to avoid abortion. It guides all herbs without fear, called "Tongshi" (Universal Guide). Use cautiously in Spring and Summer. Materia Medica says slight toxicity, but it transforms according to companions: with Huangqin/Huanglian, toxicity is nullified; with Wutou/Fuzi/Badou/Dry Lacquer, slight toxicity becomes great toxicity. With Renshen, Maimendong, Gancao, it harmonizes Middle and tonifies Qi for long-term use; with Chaihu, Zi Shiying, Sheng Dihuang, it harmonizes Ying and stops vomiting. When using, select purple and dense ones; scrape rough bark; forbid raw Scallion.
Guiguan (Cortex Cinnamomi)
Guiguan is non-toxic, treating Middle Jiao cold; cough/inverted qi, throat obstruction, difficult breathing; tonifies Middle, treats heart/hypochondriac pain; warms tendons, unites vessels, benefits orifices/joints. Guixin specifically stops heart pain, moves blood stasis, tonifies Yin and strengthens.
Guiguan treats cold in Middle Jiao, rising Qi/cough, Qi-knot throat obstruction, unclear breathing; also tonifies Middle and benefits Qi, treats heart/hypochondriac pain. Warms tendons, unites vessels, benefits joints, treats cold-wind pain. Guixin treats nine types of heart pain, Zhong E (sudden evil attack), Han Shan (cold hernia), postpartum blood rushing causing heart pain, stops spitting blood/hematemesis, breaks blood to open menstrual closure, expels placenta, kills three parasites. Also treats stroke hemiplegia, locked jaw/tongue stiffness, aphonia, weak/numb legs. Zhu Danxi said: Adding 2-3 fen of Guixin to Yin-tonifying herbs moves blood stagnation and tonifies Kidney; because acrid flavor belongs to Lung, it generates Water and moves blood; effective for external testicle swelling/pain.
Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis)
Ganjiang raw disperses cold pathogens; benefits Lung, treats cough/inverted qi, body numbness; processed bitter retains in Middle, warms Spleen/Kidney; excellent for malaria, dysentery, cholera, abdominal pain; charred black stops bleeding and generates blood; eliminates postpartum tidal fever completely.
Extremely hot, non-toxic. Can ascend and descend, Yin within Yang. Raw is acrid, disperses cold pathogens, same function as Shengjiang. Benefits Lung cold Qi cough/inverted qi, chest fullness. Removes wind-cold-damp bi, all wind pathogens/toxins, Qi knotting in skin. *Tang Ben Cao* says: Treats wind descending Qi, unblocks all meridians, mild sweating is the result. Washed and slow-roasted, flavor becomes slightly bitter, stopping movement rather than drifting; unlike Fuzi which moves without stopping, it can retain and tonify, differing from Shengjiang. Warms Spleen/Stomach, treats interior cold watery diarrhea, bloody dysentery with intestinal mucus, chronic malaria/cholera, cold pain/fullness in heart/abdomen. Also treats Lower Jiao cold-dampness, deep-seated stubborn cold, absence of Yang in Kidney, pulse Qi about to vanish; combined with Fuzi, immediate effect. For Cold Damage Yin-Yang exchange disease, take alone. Charred with Tongbian stops epistaxis, hemoptysis, bloody dysentery, metrorrhagia. Combined with Yin-tonics, guides blood herbs into Qi level to generate blood; treats blood-deficiency fever and severe postpartum fever. Zhu Danxi said: Excessive use consumes Yuan Qi because "Strong Fire eats Qi"; must be moderated with raw Gancao. Feared/clashed same as Shengjiang. Method to make Ganjiang: Soak raw ginger in water for 3 days, peel, place in flowing water for 6 days, peel again, sun-dry, ferment in ceramic jar for 3 days until purple inside; Shu origin is best. Bai Jiang is Shu ginger peeled but not fermented, white color, extremely spicy, effective for Lung/Stomach cold pathogens. Gan Sheng Jiang is ginger dried with skin on, treats Spleen/Stomach cold-dampness.
Gaoliangjiang (Rhizoma Alpiniae Officinarum)
Gaoliangjiang is acrid, bitter, extremely warm; treats cold rushing heart pain pulling abdomen; cholera, vomiting/dysentery, digests retained food; Hong Kong foot (gout) cold-bi also discussed.
Originates from Gaoliang commandery, shape similar to Shan Jiang. Pure Yang, non-toxic. Treats sudden cold in Stomach, rushing heart pain, abdominal pain, cholera spasms, regurgitation/vomiting food, diarrhea/dysentery, digests retained food, resolves alcohol toxin, removes wind-cold bi weakness and gout. Generally warms Middle, descends Qi, digests accumulation, strengthens Spleen; same function as various Cardamoms. Chop finely, stir-fry with sesame oil.
Hong Doukou (Fructus Cardamomi Ruber)
Hong Doukou is acrid, warm, non-toxic; intestinal deficiency watery diarrhea hurts heart/abdomen; cholera, vomiting acid, wakes from alcohol toxin; repels miasma fog, forbid excessive use.
Said to be the seed of Gaoliang Jiang, slightly red. Treats intestinal deficiency watery diarrhea, heart/abdominal twisting pain, cholera, vomiting acid water, resolves alcohol toxin, removes retained food, repels miasma/fog toxins, also treats cold Qi abdominal pain, vomiting/diarrhea/dysentery. Do not take excessively; causes coarse tongue and loss of appetite.
Bai Doukou (Fructus Cardamomi)
Bai Doukou is acrid, extremely warm; Upper Jiao cold Qi tonifies Yuan; disperses Lung stagnation, removes cloudiness; assists Lung, digests accumulation, stops Stomach regurgitation.
White color, bean-shaped. "Kou" means abundant; one pod contains hundreds of seeds, hence the name. Non-toxic. Ascending, Yang. Enters Hand-Taiyin and Taiyang channels. Has pure/high Qi, tonifies insufficient Upper Jiao Yuan Qi, disperses chest cold Qi, breaks Lung stagnation Qi, removes red film on white of eye; not suitable for sudden red eye outbreak. Dongyuan said: Warms Middle, stops cholera, assists Spleen. Treats cold accumulation digestion, stops heart/abdominal cold pain, broadens chest, promotes eating. For cold vomiting/regurgitation, vomiting upon eating, take 2-3 pods ground to powder, mixed with wine; immediate effect. Remove skin before use.
Cao Doukou (Fructus Cardamomi)
Cao Doukou is acrid, also warm; heart/stomach cold pain, vomiting/regurgitation; descends Qi, warms Middle, removes cholera; promotes diet, removes alcohol vexation.
Fruit knots on grass. Non-toxic. Floating, Yang. Enters Foot-Taiyin and Yangming channels. Treats wind-cold pathogen attacking upper Stomach gate, heart/abdomen/epigastric pain/distension, vomiting/cholera, descends Qi, warms Middle, tonifies Spleen/Stomach, grinds accumulation stagnation, disperses cold Qi very quickly; most suitable for weakness unable to eat; also digests alcohol toxin, removes bad breath. Roast in flour bread until cooked, remove flour. Leigong stir-fries with Zhuyu until slightly yellow-black, removes Zhuyu, pounds Doukou skin and seeds together.
Rou Doukou (Semen Myristicae)
Rou Doukou is acrid, warm, tonifies Middle; descends Qi, eliminates phlegm, opens chest; cholera heart/abdomen bloating pain; solidifies intestine, chronic diarrhea has miraculous merit.
Resembles Doukou; named Rou Kou relative to Cao Kou. Non-toxic. Enters Hand-Yangming channel. Warms Middle, tonifies Spleen, eliminates phlegm-fluids, retained food, alcohol toxin, cold accumulation. Descends Qi, broadens chest, opens Stomach, stops cholera salivation, heart/abdomen bloating pain. Solidifies Large Intestine, essential herb for stopping deficiency/cold diarrhea. Also treats Qi dysentery, bloody/white dysentery, infant milk-cholera vomiting/reflux, anorexia with diarrhea, abdominal worm pain, Zhong E, cold zombie ghost Qi. *Ri Hua* says: Rou Kou descends Qi because Spleen is tonified and transportation improves, so Qi descends naturally. Unlike Picha/Xiangfu which purge quickly. *Yanyi* thinks excessive use leaks Qi, probably incorrect. Oil-rich, plump, white flesh is best. Mix rice flour with water or vinegar-flour paste, roast in ash fire until yellow/cooked, take out, pound with paper to remove oil, avoid copper contact.
Suosha (Fructus Amomi Rotundus)
Suosha (Honey-processed) is acrid, warm, benefits Spleen/Stomach; digests food, harmonizes Middle, stops diarrhea/vomiting; astringes intestine, suppresses Kidney Ben Tun evil, stops cough, protects fetus, moves Lung Qi.
Skin tight/wrinkled, color/shape like sand, also named Sharen. Non-toxic. Enters Hand-Foot Taiyin, Yangming, Taiyang, and Foot-Shaoyin channels. Warms Stomach/Spleen, digests alcohol/food, treats deficiency-cold pain in heart/abdomen, cholera spasms, vomiting/watery diarrhea, bloody/white dysentery, intermittent dysentery, Qi dysentery, astringes Large/Small Intestines, removes Kidney accumulation Ben Tun Qi, stops Lung cough/inverted rising Qi, also roasted to treat pregnancy trauma, fetal movement abdominal pain. Zhu Danxi said: Suosha treats disease by moving Qi. Used in dysentery formulas, using heat to attack heat, which is顺应 (following) treatment. Stir-fry with skin slowly until fragrant/cooked, scrape skin, take kernel, crush and use. With Tanxiang/Doukou as assistant enters Lung; with Renshen/Yizhi as assistant enters Spleen; with Huangbai/Fuling as assistant enters Kidney; with Chishizhi as assistant enters Large/Small Intestines.
Yizhiren (Semen Alpiniae Oxyphyllae)
Yizhiren is acrid, warm, treats Stomach cold; harmonizes Middle, stops vomiting/saliva/residue; secures Jing, stops urination and dribbling; nourishes Spirit, tonifies Qi, calms Sanjiao.
Named because it benefits human intelligence. Non-toxic. Treats Cold pathogen in Spleen/Stomach, stops vomiting/hiccups/saliva; should be used concurrently with Middle-tonifying/harmonizing herbs. Also treats spermatorrhea/deficiency leakage, urinary dribbling. For frequent night urination, take 24 pods, crush, decoct with salt; miraculous verification. Most acrid-aromatic agents consume Shen Qi; only this can tonify Qi, calm Shen, calm Sanjiao, tonify insufficiency, but do not take excessively. *Ye* says: Governs Lord/Minister fires, Hand/Foot Taiyin, Foot-Shaoyin; originally a Spleen channel herb. With aromatics enters Lung; with Qi-tonics enters Spleen; with tonics enters Kidney. Because Spleen, Lung, Kidney three channels have mother-son mutual relation. Remove skin before use.
Bibo (Fructus Piperis Kadsurae)
Bibo is hot, acrid, removes Stomach cold; descends Qi, eliminates phlegm, breaks accumulation fiercely; vomiting acid/dysentery/heart-abdomen pain; treats Kidney cold hernia, waist/foot disease.
Non-toxic. Removes Stomach cold, descends Qi, eliminates phlegm-fluids/retained food, accumulations, vomiting/acid reflux, watery diarrhea, deficiency dysentery, cholera, cold Qi heart/abdomen fullness/pain. Also treats Kidney cold cold-hernia, scrotal swelling/sweating, waist/knee soreness, women's internal cold infertility. For migraine, have patient hold warm water in mouth, take a "zi" amount of powder, inhale into left/right nostril accordingly; superb. This herb's nature is urgent, fiercer than Huajiao (Sichuan Pepper). People now use it to season food; excessive use scatters True Qi, causing intestinal deficiency and heaviness downward. To remove saliva, soak in vinegar overnight, bake dry, scrape off skin/spicules cleanly to avoid damaging Lung causing rising Qi.
Xiangfu (Rhizoma Cyperi Rotundi)
Xiangfu is acrid, sweet, fills/disperses cold; skin wind/chest heat also widened; digests food, cholera, heart-abdomen pain; opens depression, regulates blood, Woman's Elixir.
Aromatic, grows attached to root, also named Shacaogen. Qi neutral, non-toxic. Sinking, Yang within Yin. Flavor light/acrid/dispersing, can fill skin/hair, remove cold Qi and skin rashes, chest deficiency heat, digest food/descend Qi, treat all cholera, heart/abdomen pain, Kidney Qi/Bladder cold. Ancient saying: Xiangfu regulates Blood/Qi, the immortal herb for women. Because women's nature...