药品浩繁，不下千百余种，其寻常日用者，不过百十种，而百十种之中，药有真伪好恶，用有宜与不宜，皆
当明辨而详悉者也。如赤芍药、银柴胡、赤小豆、龙骨、巨胜子、半夏曲，皆伪药也。《本草崇原》俱已辨明，但
未梓行，兹且言之。
芍药花开赤、白，赤花者为赤芍，白花者为白芍，总属一种，岂有二耶？今儿科、外科，多用赤芍，谬矣。又
以白芍为酸敛之药，岂知《本经》主治邪气腹痛，除血痹，破坚积，寒热疝瘕，气味苦平。性功如是，宁酸敛
耶？试将芍药咀嚼，酸味何在？可以正其误矣。
柴胡有硬、软二种，硬者为大柴胡，软者为小柴胡。然必出于银州者为胜，故有银柴胡之名。非大小
柴胡之外，复有银柴胡也。
赤小豆，谷类也，粗而大者为赤豆，细而小者为赤小豆。今药肆中一种草子，赤黑相兼，不可煮食，岂得
谓之豆乎？
巨胜子，即胡麻也。出于胡地之大宛者为胜，故有巨胜之名。刘阮误入天台，仙家饲以胡麻饭，即巨胜子
也。今药肆中一种有壳无仁，乃狗虱也，以狗虱而充巨胜，妄立壁虱胡麻之名。今用巨胜子，不若竟用大脂麻
矣。
龙骨，《本经》上品之药，乃上天所谪之龙，海滨深山间或有之。今一种龙骨者，乃北地深山之石垄骨，
而非上天所降之真龙。龙为阳物，能兴云布雨，故《伤寒论》中发汗名大青龙，利水名小青龙。今欲止汗，反用
龙骨，岂理也哉？《本经》言止汗者，乃以真龙之骨，研为细粉，扑其周身，塞其汗孔，即本论以温粉扑之之
义，非服食止汗之谓。
考《神农本经》止有半夏，并无半夏曲。今药肆中以明矾水煮半夏，所剩矾脚及半夏屑，大半和以麦曲，
造成药饼，为半夏曲。时人厌常新喜，方中每用，何益于病？除此之外，复有神曲，用白面百斤，青蒿、辣蓼、
苍耳自然汁，赤小豆、杏仁捣烂，拌面成饼， HT 为曲。儿医认以能治痰、止泻、消食之药，每每用之，
不知其
弊。别药煮汁各有气味，若用神曲，则药如稠粥之饮，有形之面，大能伤胃。夫婴儿有病，必忌面食，此HT 过
之面，与酱何异？况有药与草汁，并非健脾之品，用无益也。
又药之伪者，如桂枝、细辛、五味、干姜是也。仲师桂枝汤，用桂枝去皮者，止取梢尖嫩枝，内外如一，气味
辛香甜辣，桂枝皮内骨，便去之而不用。如是之枝，可多得耶？今人反用，亦必辛香甜辣，名为川桂枝方可。今
药肆中辛香甜辣之桂枝不可得，即有亦暂而不久。数十年中，余阙之不用，不得已而以官桂代之。
北细辛，其细如发，辛香触鼻。苟细不如发，辛不触鼻，便为杜衡，用之无益。
五味子，惟辽五味最佳，其黑如漆之有光，其味如醋之滴牙，上口生津。次则北五味，其色红紫，微有光，
其味亦酸，微有香气，今一种黑色如李干兼枯红之色者，用无益也。
又生姜为子姜，宣胃；干姜为母姜，温脾。脾胃有母子之分，而干姜、生姜亦有母子之分。今有金衢温台
之种姜，切片坚实黄亮，方能入药，并不是本地之生姜晒干伪充，入口最辣，止能辛散表邪，温脾用无益也。
至药之宜与不宜，先须知药性之宜否，察人之病，投之中 方宜。今世俗每用而不知宜否。今略举十数
种言之。今医发散，每用前胡，考前胡《别录》所收，陶
宏景云∶上古止有柴胡，而无前胡之名，后人用之。是宏景虽收之，而实疑之也。且前胡降痰逐风，耗散消削，
不若柴胡之芳香，清热解表之谓得也。今人不究药性，有病在太阳，而早用柴胡，有引邪入少阳之说。夫柴胡
名地勋，苗甚芳香，从未见邪入于太阳，正太阳经药也。《伤寒论》云∶无太阳证。本论云∶本太阳病不解，
转入少阳者，与小柴胡汤。谓可从少阳而外达于太阳，非少阳经之主药也。其性自下而上，从内而外，根气虚
者不可用，用之是犹揠苗助长，故本论有柴胡不中与之诫。
至于升麻，亦拔根之药。今人遇元气虚脱之证，每用升麻，欲提之使上。岂知升麻，《本经》名周麻，以
其具升转周遍之功，初病发散可用；若里虚气陷，当补益其元，助之使上，不可升提，升提则上下离脱，即便死矣。
葛根藤蔓延引，乃太阳经脉之药。本论云∶太阳病，项背强KT KT 无汗恶风，葛根汤主之。以明葛根治
太阳经脉之病，而非阳明之主药也。但色白味辛，可资阳明之燥。是从阳明而达太阳，与柴胡之从少阳而达
太阳者，其义一也。
石膏，色白，味辛，性寒，为阳明之主药。既为阳明主药，必确有阳明燥热之证，而元气不虚，可用；若元气
虚而燥热，必配人参，本论所以有人参白虎汤方。今人但知石膏清热泻火，遇伤寒大热之证，不审虚实阴
阳，每用石膏，用之而其病如故，复更用之。夫用之不效，与病便不相宜，粗工固执不解，明者视之，真堪堕
泪！余治伤寒，必审阴阳虚实，更必审似阴实阳、似阳实阴，确为阳明燥热之证，不涉太阳之热，不涉少阳之
火，里气不虚，始投石膏，配合成方，必一剂而奏功。此镇坠寒凝之药，不可屡用而常试者也。至儿科治痘，亦
用石膏，以为必先泻其火毒，方可顺序行浆。以此不经之见，横据胸中，无论痘之顺逆，至三五日间，必用石膏
以解毒。夫气血调和，其毒自解，石膏解毒，未之闻也。且痘原系先天火毒，必遇君火相火司天在泉之岁，其出
也广，是痘非火不出，非火不长，非火不浆，非火不合者也。夫痘毒之外，复有他火，可以暂用，而痘内之火，无
容泻也。其余杂证，或病阳明燥热，亦可用石膏以治，然非调和培养之药，不可不慎其用也。
医治伤寒发热，必用黄芩清热，谓小柴胡汤有黄芩也。夫既病伤寒，其身必热，而热有皮毛、肌腠、经脉
之不同，更有寒热相兼、假热真寒之各异。黄芩内空腐，外肌皮，空腐则内清肠胃之热，肌皮则外清肌表之热，
有彻内彻外之功。必审其内外皆热，原本壮实，胃气不虚，外不涉于毫毛，内不涉于经脉方用。若泛泛然举手
便用，其种祸不知几许矣！本论云∶仅与黄芩汤彻其热，腹中应冷，当不能食，戒之也。
黄芩之外，更有知母。知母肉白皮黄，皮上有毛，
气味苦寒，禀寒水之性，而兼秋金之气，犹水之知有母也，故名知母。土炎燥而皮毛热，可内资中土之燥，外
清皮毛之热。若以知母为补药，则非矣。
葳蕤，《本经》名女萎，女子娇柔之义也。一名玉竹，色白如玉，根节如竹也。一名青粘，苗叶青翠，根汁
稠粘也。凡此命名，皆取阴柔之义。后人妄称葳蕤有人参之功，不审阴阳寒热，用为补剂。若阴盛阳虚，宜
温补者，此药大忌。
麦冬，《本经》主治心腹结气，伤中伤饱，胃络脉绝。以麦冬横生土中，有十二余粒，其中则一心相贯∶能横
通胃络而补中，故治伤中；能横通胃络而散结，故治伤饱。后人用必去心，大非先圣格物穷理之意。妄谓连
心服之则心烦，盖即以连心麦冬煮水饮之，烦与不烦，可立辨矣。
泽泻，生于水中，其根如芋，能行水上滋。水气必上行而后下降，非专利小便之药也。今人不明经义，谓
目疾不可用，恐下泄其水则目枯，岂知泽泻正行水上滋之药也。《太阳篇》五苓散用泽泻，治消渴，小便不利。
以泽泻行水上滋，故治消渴、水气；上而始下，故利小便，犹木通之横通旁达，则小便自利。二者皆非下行
之药也。
参、术、苓、甘，加橘、半，为六君子汤。此健脾和胃，补泻兼行之方也。今人治大寒大虚证，既用参、
、术、姜、桂、附，而广皮、半夏，恋恋不舍，以六君子汤有橘、半故也。大抵临证施治，当就病用药，勿
执成方。广皮、半夏，乃辛散发汗之药，不可不知也。温补药中，有不宜归、芍者，以其润泄也。归、芍不宜，
而枣仁滋润亦不宜也。凡人抱病，阴不和阳，阳不和阴，自不能睡，如用枣仁，便即能睡，则天下无不睡之病
矣。经云∶人卧则血归于肝。身卧而血不归肝，则不能睡。又阴阳交会于坤土，太阴土虚，阴阳不归，则不能
睡。又阳明胃脉，其气下行，阳明气逆，上而不下，则不能睡。又厥阴主合，阳明亦主合，或阳明合而厥阴不
合，或厥阴合而阳明不合，或阳明、厥阴皆不能合，亦皆不能睡。当审其所以不睡之故而施治焉，庶其可尔！
八味丸，有熟地、桂、附，所以助三焦之火，益肾脏之水，乃阴阳兼补，水火并治者也。如阴虚而阳不虚，不
宜桂、附；若阳虚而阴不虚，便不宜熟地矣。今人遇阳虚之证，认为阴虚，大用熟地，奚可哉？
辛香下气，宽胸快膈，有沉香、丁香、木香、豆蔻、砂仁诸品，气味皆属辛香，而功用各有不同。沉香
从胸膈而下丹田，有下沉之义，故曰沉。丁香其性温热，助三焦之火以温胃土，丁者火也，故曰丁。木香，《本
经》名五香。五者，土也。采根阴干，一月方枯。人身经血，一月一周，肝木主之，故曰本。白豆蔻，宽胸药
也。肺居胸膈之上，肺气不布，则胸膈不通。豆蔻能达肺金之
气，肺属金，其色白，故曰白豆蔻。砂仁，原名缩砂 ，安胎药也，有归宿丹田，退藏于密之义。香附，乃莎
草根中之子，子结于根，亦有宿密之义，故亦主安胎，功用与缩砂略同。凡此辛香之药，臭味虽同，而功用稍
殊，当辨明而用，不可概投混施也。
天麻，苗如赤箭，故《本经》有赤箭之名。有风不动，无风独摇，故能制风。苗不可得，但有其根，是为
天麻。与蜀漆不可得，但有常山，一理也。天麻在土，形如大魁，似皇极之居中，周环十二子，如十二辰，
以辅皇极，味甘气平，主补中土，便从中土以通十二经。今人认为祛风之药，但品味甚优，误用亦无害也。
今人治疟，不用常山，以常山为截疟药，截之早，恐成臌胀。岂知常山乃治疟之要药，三阳轻浅之疟，不
必用也，若太阴脾土虚寒，而为脾寒之疟，及间二日发，而为三阴之疟，必须温补之剂，佐以常山，方能从阴
出阳，散寒止疟。又谓若服常山，终身不可食鸡。嗟嗟！此皆齐东野人之语，而明理之医，亦宗此说，良可嗤
矣！夫土虚脾败，天地不交，则成臌。疟既愈矣，何臌之有？
鹅、鸭、鳗、鳖，其性阴寒，病后宜忌。鸡性温平，补肝暖胃，疟后正可食也。终身必禁，是诚何说哉？
《本经》止有南星，并无胆星。南星色白味辛，禀金气而祛风豁痰，功同半夏。今人以牛胆制为瞻星，
味苦
性冷。中风痰涎上涌，多属三焦火虚，土崩水汛，斯时助正散邪，壮火祛寒，尤恐不济，而粗工昧昧，不审其
本，但治其末，服以苦冷之胆星，加以清凉之竹沥，必至生阳绝灭而死。
蒺藜，有刺蒺藜、白蒺藜二种。白蒺藜形如羊肾，微有腥气，乃从肾达肺之药。刺蒺藜色白有刺，秉坚金
攻伐之质，破积行瘀，乃大消大削之药。《诗》云∶墙有茨。即刺蒺藜也，后人误以白蒺藜为沙苑蒺藜，茨蒺藜
为白蒺藜。以攻伐之茨，认为健脾调补之药，岂不谬哉？
余每用银花，人多异之，谓非痈毒疮疡，用之何益？盖银花《别录》名忍冬藤。以银花之藤，至冬不凋，
乃宣通经脉之药也。又一本之中，花有黄、白，气甚芳香，故有金银花之名。金花走血，银花走气，又调和气血
之药也。通经脉而调气血，何病不宜？岂必痈毒而后用之哉！
The variety of medicinal materials is vast, numbering no less than a thousand species. Among them, the commonly used daily items amount to only about one hundred. Within these one hundred species, there are distinctions between genuine and fake, good and bad, and their usage has appropriate and inappropriate applications; all of these must be clearly distinguished and thoroughly understood. For instance, Red Peony Root (Chishao), Silver Bupleurum (Yinchaihu), Red Adzuki Bean (Chixiaodou), Dragon Bone (Longgu), Giant Winning Seed (Jushengzi), and Pinellia Fermented Paste (Banxiaqu) are all fake medicines. *Bencao Chongyuan* has already clarified this, but it was not printed; here I shall briefly explain.
Peony flowers bloom in red and white varieties. The red-flowered ones are Red Peony Root (Chishao), and the white-flowered ones are White Peony Root (Baishao). They belong to the same plant; how could they be two different things? Nowadays, pediatric and surgical departments often use Red Peony Root (Chishao), which is erroneous. Furthermore, some regard White Peony Root (Baishao) as an astringent medicine. How can they know that *Shennong Bencao Jing* states its indications are for abdominal pain due to pathogenic factors, removing blood stasis, breaking firm accumulations, treating cold-heat hernias and masses, with a bitter and neutral flavor. Given such nature and function, how can it be astringent? Try chewing Peony Root; where is the sour taste? This can correct the error.
Bupleurum comes in hard and soft varieties. The hard one is Large Bupleurum (Da Chaihu), and the soft one is Small Bupleurum (Xiao Chaihu). However, those originating from Yinzhou are superior, hence the name "Silver Bupleurum" (Yinchaihu). It does not mean that besides Large and Small Bupleurum, there exists another herb called Silver Bupleurum.
Red Adzuki Bean belongs to the grain category. The coarse and large ones are Red Beans (Chidou), while the fine and small ones are Red Adzuki Beans (Chixiaodou). Currently, pharmacies sell a type of grass seed, mixed red and black, which cannot be cooked or eaten; how can it be called a bean?
Giant Winning Seed (Jushengzi) is Sesame (Huma). Those from Dayuan in Hu regions are superior, hence the name Giant Winning Seed. Liu Chen and Ruan Xi mistakenly entered Tiantai Mountain, where immortals fed them Huma Rice, which refers to Giant Winning Seed. Today, pharmacies sell a shell-without-kernel item, which is actually dog lice. Using dog lice to pass off as Giant Winning Seed and falsely naming it "Wall Louse Sesame" is absurd. If one wishes to use Giant Winning Seed today, it would be better to simply use Hemp Seed (Dazhima).
Dragon Bone (Longgu) is listed as a top-grade drug in *Shennong Bencao Jing*, described as the bone of a dragon banished by heaven, occasionally found near seashores or in deep mountains. The "Dragon Bone" sold now is actually stone-bone from cracks in deep northern mountains, not the true bone of a heavenly dragon. Dragons are Yang entities capable of raising clouds and bringing rain. Thus, in *Shanghan Lun*, the sweating formula is named Da Qinglong Tang (Major Azure Dragon Decoction), and the diuretic formula Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Azure Dragon Decoction). Now, if one wishes to stop sweating but uses Dragon Bone (Longgu), is this logical? When *Shennong Bencao Jing* mentions stopping sweat, it refers to grinding true dragon bone into fine powder and dusting it over the body to close sweat pores, consistent with the meaning of "dusting with warm powder" in *Shanghan Lun*. It does not refer to internal ingestion to stop sweating.
Examining *Shennong Bencao Jing*, there is only Ban Xia (Pinellia Rhizome), without Ban Xia Qu (Pinellia Fermented Paste). Pharmacies now boil Ban Xia in alum water; the remaining alum residue and Ban Xia fragments are mixed largely with wheat malt to form medicated cakes, known as Ban Xia Qu. People nowadays dislike the ordinary and seek novelty, frequently using it in prescriptions. What benefit does it bring to the illness? Besides this, there is Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven), made by mixing 100 jin of white flour with natural juices of Artemisia capillaris, Polygonum aviculare, Xanthium sibiricum, along with crushed Red Adzuki Beans and Apricot Kernels, formed into cakes and fermented. Pediatric doctors believe it treats phlegm, stops diarrhea, and aids digestion, often using it, unaware of its drawbacks. Other decoctions have distinct flavors; using Shen Qu makes the medicine resemble thick porridge. The solid flour content severely damages Stomach Qi. Infants with illness must avoid wheat products; this fermented cake is no different from sauce. Moreover, containing herbal juices, it is not a spleen-fortifying agent, offering no benefit.
Other fake drugs include Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), Xi Xin (Asarum), Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry), and Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger). Zhang Zhongjing's Guizhi Tang specifies using peeled Gui Zhi, taking only the tender tips of branches, uniform inside and out, with a pungent, sweet, and spicy aroma. The woody core inside the bark is removed and unused. Such branches are rare. Nowadays, people use the opposite, requiring a pungent, sweet, spicy flavor, labeled as Sichuan Cinnamon Twig (Chuanguizhi). In pharmacies, truly aromatic Gui Zhi is scarce; even if available, it fades quickly. For decades, I refrained from using it due to scarcity, substituting with Guan Gui (Official Cinnamon) when necessary.
Northern Xi Xin (Asarum) is hair-thin and pungently aromatic. If it is not hair-thin or lacks pungency, it is Ducheng (Duheng), which is useless.
Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry): Liaoning Schisandra (Liao Wuwei) is best, black like lacquer with luster, sour like vinegar stimulating teeth, generating saliva upon entry. Northern Schisandra (Bei Wuwei) is second, reddish-purple with slight luster, sour with mild fragrance. A current variety resembling dried plums, black with withered red hues, is useless.
Fresh Ginger (Sheng Jiang) is young ginger, promoting Stomach Qi; Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) is mature ginger, warming Spleen Yang. Just as Spleen and Stomach have mother-son relationships, so do Fresh and Dried Ginger. Ginger grown in Jin, Qu, Wen, Tai regions, sliced firm and bright yellow, is suitable for medicine. It is not locally sun-dried fresh ginger faked as such; the latter is extremely pungent, dispersing exterior pathogens but ineffective for warming the Spleen.
Regarding appropriateness, one must first understand drug properties and match them to the patient's condition. Modern physicians often use Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix) for releasing the exterior. *Bielu* records Qian Hu; Tao Hongjing noted that ancient times knew only Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), not Qian Hu, implying skepticism. Qian Hu descends phlegm and expels wind, depleting Qi, unlike Chai Hu which is aromatic, clears heat, and releases the exterior. Physicians ignorant of properties use Chai Hu early for Taiyang diseases, fearing drawing pathogens into Shaoyang. However, Chai Hu, also called Di Xun, has highly aromatic shoots and is indeed a Taiyang meridian herb. *Shanghan Lun* states: "If there are no Taiyang symptoms..." and "If original Taiyang disease unresolved turns to Shaoyang, give Xiao Chai Hu Tang." This implies reaching Taiyang from Shaoyang; Chai Hu is not primarily a Shaoyang herb. Its action is upward and outward; it should not be used in root Qi deficiency, akin to pulling seedlings to help them grow. Hence, the warning against using Chai Hu.
Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) is also a rooting-pulling herb. Physicians often use it for collapsing Yuan Qi to lift it. However, *Bencao Jing* names it Zhou Ma, indicating its lifting and circulating function. It can be used for initial exterior release; for interior deficiency with sinking Qi, one should tonify Yuan Qi to assist ascent, not forcibly lift. Forcible lifting causes separation of upper and lower, leading to death.
Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) vines extensively and acts on the Taiyang meridian. *Shanghan Lun* states: "Taiyang disease, stiffness of neck and back, absence of sweat, aversion to wind, Ge Gen Tang governs." This clarifies Ge Gen treats Taiyang meridian pathology, not primarily Yangming. Its white color and pungent flavor can moisten Yangming dryness. It reaches Taiyang from Yangming, similar to how Chai Hu reaches Taiyang from Shaoyang.
Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) is white, pungent, and cold, the primary herb for Yangming. It requires confirmed Yangming dry-heat and sufficient Yuan Qi. If Yuan Qi is deficient with dry-heat, it must be combined with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), as seen in Renshen Baihu Tang. Modern physicians know only Shi Gao clears heat and purges fire. Encountering severe heat in Shanghan, without assessing deficiency/excess or yin/yang, they repeatedly use Shi Gao. Ineffectiveness shows mismatch. Stubborn physicians fail to realize this; wise observers weep. I treat Shanghan by strictly assessing yin/yang and deficiency/excess, distinguishing false yin/true yang and vice versa. Only when confirming Yangming dry-heat, excluding Taiyang heat and Shaoyang fire, with solid interior Qi, do I use Shi Gao in formulas, expecting results in one dose. This heavy, cooling herb should not be tested repeatedly. Pediatricians use Shi Gao for smallpox to purge fire toxins before pustule formation. This unverified view persists regardless of prognosis, mandating Shi Gao on days 3-5. Harmonious Qi and Blood resolve toxins naturally; claiming Shi Gao resolves toxins is unheard of. Smallpox originates from congenital fire toxins, flourishing in years governed by Sovereign or Ministerial Fire. Poxes require fire to emerge, grow, form pus, and heal. External fire may warrant temporary Shi Gao, but internal pox fire must not be purged. For miscellaneous Yangming dry-heat cases, Shi Gao may be used, but it is not a harmonizing tonic; caution is required.
Physicians treating fever in Shanghan invariably use Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) for clearing heat, citing its presence in Xiao Chai Hu Tang. Since Shanghan causes fever, heat varies by location (skin, muscle, meridians) and nature (mixed cold-heat, false heat true cold). Huang Qin is hollow internally and fibrous externally; hollow parts clear intestinal/colonic heat, fibrous parts clear surface heat, acting throughout. It should only be used if both interior and exterior are hot, constitution strong, Stomach Qi robust, and no involvement of hairs/follicles or meridians. Indiscriminate use causes disaster. *Shanghan Lun* warns: "Only giving Huang Qin Tang to clear heat... abdomen should feel cold, inability to eat."
Besides Huang Qin, there is Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma). Zhi Mu has white flesh and yellow hairy skin, bitter and cold flavor, embodying Cold Water nature and Autumn Metal qi, like water knowing its mother. It can moisten dry Earth from within and clear surface heat externally. Regarding it as a tonic is incorrect.
Wei Rui (Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma), named Nu Wei in *Bencao Jing*, means delicate maiden. Also called Yu Zhu (Jade Bamboo) for white jade-like color and bamboo-like nodes; Qing Nian for green leaves and sticky juice. All names imply yin delicacy. Later practitioners falsely attribute Ginseng-like effects to Wei Rui, using it as a tonic without assessing yin/yang or cold/heat. It is strictly contraindicated in excess yin and deficient yang requiring warming tonification.
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) treats heart/stomach stagnation, middle injury, fullness, and severed stomach collaterals according to *Bencao Jing*. Mai Dong grows horizontally in soil with multiple tubers connected by a central heart. It horizontally connects stomach collaterals to tonify the middle (treating middle injury) and dissipate knots (treating fullness). Removing the heart contradicts ancient wisdom. The claim that consuming it with the heart causes irritability is baseless; testing it proves otherwise.
Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) grows in water, root like taro, capable of moving water upwards to nourish. Water Qi must ascend before descending; it is not merely a diuretic. Ignorant physicians forbid it for eye diseases, fearing fluid depletion causes dry eyes. Ze Xie actually promotes upward movement of water for nourishment. In Wuling San (*Taiyang Chapter*), Ze Xie treats thirst and difficult urination. By moving water up then down, it benefits urination, similar to Tong Cao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) spreading laterally. Neither is purely downward-draining.
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Fu Ling (Poria), Gan Cao (Licorice Radix et Rhizoma), plus Ju Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) and Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) form Liujunzi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction). This harmonizes Spleen and Stomach, combining tonification and draining. Modern physicians treating severe cold/deficiency use Ren Shen, Bai Zhu, Gan Jiang, Gui Zhi, Fu Zi, yet cling to Ju Pi and Ban Xia because they are in Liujunzi Tang. Treatment must follow the disease, not rigid formulas. Ju Pi and Ban Xia are pungent and dispersing; this must be known. In warming tonics, Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) are unsuitable due to their moistening/draining nature. Suan Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) is also unsuitable due to moisture. Illness disrupts Yin-Yang harmony, causing insomnia. Using Suan Zao Ren induces sleep, implying all insomnia could be cured thus. Classics state: "When sleeping, blood returns to the Liver." If lying down but blood doesn't return to Liver, insomnia occurs. Yin-Yang meet in Kun Earth; if Taiyin Earth is deficient, Yin-Yang don't merge, causing insomnia. Yangming Stomach Meridian Qi descends; if rebellious and ascending, insomnia occurs. Jueyin governs closing; Yangming also governs closing. Mismatch in closing mechanisms causes insomnia. One must diagnose the cause of insomnia to treat effectively.
Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) contains Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), Gui Zhi, and Fu Zi to assist Sanjiao Fire and nourish Kidney Water, balancing Yin and Yang, Water and Fire. If Yin deficient but Yang not deficient, Gui Zhi and Fu Zi are unsuitable. If Yang deficient but Yin not deficient, Shu Di Huang is unsuitable. Modern physicians mistake Yang deficiency for Yin deficiency, heavily using Shu Di Huang, which is wrong.
Acrid-aromatic herbs descending Qi and opening the chest include Chen Xiang (Aquilariae Lignum Resinatum), Ding Xiang (Caryophylli Flos), Mu Xiang (Aucklandiae Radix), Dou Kou (Cardamomi Fructus), and Sha Ren (Amomi Fructus). Though acrid-aromatic, functions differ. Chen Xiang sinks from chest/diaphragm to Lower Dantian, hence "Sink". Ding Xiang is warm/hot, assisting Sanjiao Fire to warm Stomach Earth; "Ding" represents Fire, hence "Ding". Mu Xiang, named Wu Xiang (Five Fragrances) in *Bencao Jing*; Five corresponds to Earth. Roots dried in shade, wilting in a month. Human Qi/Blood circulates monthly, governed by Liver Wood, hence "Ben". Bai Dou Kou opens the chest; Lung resides above diaphragm. If Lung Qi fails to distribute, chest blocks. Dou Kou reaches Lung Metal Qi; Metal is white, hence "White Cardamom". Sha Ren, originally Suo Sha Ren, calms fetus, symbolizing returning to Dantian and hiding deeply. Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma) is the seed of Cyperus rotundus, attached to roots, also symbolizing deep hiding, thus calming fetus, similar to Suo Sha Ren. These acrid-aromatic herbs share scent but differ in function; distinguish carefully. Do not mix indiscriminately.
Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma), shoot like Chi Jian (Ephedrae Herba), hence named Chi Jian in *Bencao Jing*. Still in wind, swaying alone without wind, thus controlling wind. Shoots unavailable, only roots used, hence Tian Ma. Similar to Shu Ki unavailable, only Chang Shan (Dichroae Radix) used. Tian Ma underground resembles a great chief, centered like Huang Ji, surrounded by twelve segments like twelve earthly branches, assisting the center. Sweet flavor, neutral qi, tonifies Central Earth, connecting Twelve Meridians. Moderns view it as wind-dispelling; though high quality, misuse is harmless.
Moderns treat malaria without Chang Shan, fearing early interception causes distension. Chang Shan is essential for malaria. Mild Yang-ming malaria needs not use it. For Taiyin Spleen-cold malaria or every-other-day Yin-malaria, warming tonics aided by Chang Shan draw pathogen from Yin to Yang, dispelling cold and stopping malaria. Claiming lifelong chicken prohibition after Chang Shan use is folk nonsense; rational physicians adopting this are laughable. Distension arises from Spleen failure and Heaven-Earth disconnect. If malaria cures, why distension?
Goose, duck, eel, turtle are yin-cold, contraindicated post-illness. Chicken is warm/neutral, tonifies Liver, warms Stomach, suitable post-malaria. Lifelong prohibition is illogical.
*Bencao Jing* lists Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma), not Dan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma Preparatum with Bovis Calculus). Nan Xing is white/pungent, embodies Metal Qi, dispels wind and resolves phlegm, similar to Ban Xia. Moderns process with Ox Gallbladder to make Dan Xing, bitter/cold. Stroke with phlegm surging often stems from Sanjiao Fire deficiency, Earth collapse, Water flooding. Here, supporting righteousness, expelling pathogens, strengthening Fire, dispelling Cold is urgent. Ignorant physicians, ignoring root, treating branch, prescribe bitter-cold Dan Xing and cool Bamboo Sap (Zhuli), leading to destruction of Life Fire and death.
Ji Li (Tribuli Fructus) has Ci Ji Li (Spiny Fruit) and Bai Ji Li (White Fruit). Bai Ji Li resembles sheep kidney, slightly fishy, moves from Kidney to Lung. Ci Ji Li is white/spiny, embodies Hard Metal attacking nature, breaks accumulations, moves blood stasis, a strong draining herb. *Shijing* says: "Wall has thistles," referring to Ci Ji Li. Later errors identified Bai Ji Li as Shayuan Ji Li, and Ci Ji Li as Bai Ji Li. Mistaking attacking Ci Ji Li for a spleen-tonifying herb is absurd.
I often use Yin Hua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos); people question its use outside sores/carbuncles. *Bielu* names it Rendong Teng (Honeysuckle Stem). Its vine stays green in winter, promoting meridian circulation. One plant has yellow and white flowers, highly aromatic, hence Jinyinhua. Yellow flower enters Blood, White flower enters Qi; it harmonizes Qi and Blood. Promoting meridians and harmonizing Qi/Blood suits any disease. Must it be for sores only?