古人用药治病。择净口咀嚼。水煮服。谓之 咀。后人用铡刀细锉。桶内锉过。以竹筛齐之。
药有气味浓薄。升降浮沉补泻。各各不同。今详录之。及拣择制度修合之法。具列于后。
风升生（味之薄者。阴中之阳。味薄则通。酸。苦。咸。平是也）
防风（气温。味辛）疗风。通用泻肺实。散头目中滞气。除上焦风邪之仙药也。误服泻人上
焦元气。去芦并叉股。铡碎锉。桶内锉过。竹筛齐之用。
升麻（气平味微苦）此足阳明胃、足太阴脾行经药也。若补其脾胃。非此为引用不能补。若
得葱白、香白芷之类。亦能走手阳明后阴。能解肌肉间热。此手足阳明伤风之的药也。刮去黑皮。
兼腐烂里白者佳。铡碎锉。桶内锉过。竹筛齐之。用。
羌活（气微温味苦甘平）治肢节疼痛。利诸节。手足太阳风药也。加川芎、治太阳少阴头痛
。透关利节。去黑皮并腐烂。铡碎锉。桶锉过。竹筛齐之用。
独活（气微温。味苦甘平）足少阴肾行经药也。若与细辛同用。治少阴经头痛。一名独摇草
。得风不摇。无风自摇动。去皮净。铡锉碎。桶锉过。竹筛齐之。用。
柴胡（气平。味微苦）除虚劳烦热。解肌去热。早晨潮热。此少阳厥阴行经药也。妇人产前产后
必用之药。善除本经头痛。非他药能止。治心下痞。胸膈痛。去芦铡碎锉。桶锉过。竹筛齐之。用
。
前胡（气微寒。味苦）主痰满。胸胁中痞。心腹强气。治伤寒热实。明目益精。推陈致新。
半夏为使。铡锉用。
葛根（气平。味甘）治脾胃虚而渴。除胃热。解酒毒。通行足阳明之经。去皮。铡碎锉。桶锉
。竹筛齐之。用。
威灵仙（气温味甘。一作苦）主诸风湿冷。宣通五脏。腹内癖滞。腰膝冷疼。及治折伤。铁
足者佳。去芦。铡细用。
细辛（气温。味大辛）治少阴头痛如神。当少用独活为使。去芦并叶。华州者佳。铡细用。
香白芷（气温味大辛）治手阳明头痛。中风寒热。解利药也。以四味升麻汤中加之。通行手
足阳明经。先铡碎锉。桶内锉过竹筛齐之。用。
桔梗（气微温。味辛苦）治咽喉痛。利肺气。去芦。米泔浸一宿。焙干。铡碎锉。桶锉。竹筛
齐。用。
黍粘子（气平。味辛）主风毒肿。利咽膈。吞一枚可出疮疽头。捣细用。
本（气温。味大辛）此太阳经风药。治寒气郁结于本经。头痛。大寒犯脑。令人脑痛。齿
亦痛。铡细用。
川芎（气温。味辛）补血。治血虚头痛之圣药也。妊妇胎动数月。加当归。二味各二钱。水
二盏。煎至一盏。服之神效。捣细。以纱罗罗细用。
蔓荆子（气清温。味辛）治太阳头痛。昏闷。除头昏目暗。散风邪之药也。胃虚人不可服。
恐生痰。拣捣用。
秦艽（气微寒。味苦）主寒热邪气。寒湿风痹。下水利小便。疗黄病骨蒸。治口噤及肠风。
泻血。去芦头。铡碎锉。
桶内锉。竹筛齐之。用。
天麻（气平。味苦）治头风诸风湿痹。四肢拘挛。小儿风痫惊气。利腰膝。强筋骨。锉用。
苗谓之定。风草。
麻黄（气温。味苦）发太阳少阴经汗。去芦。铡。微捣碎。煮三二沸。掠去上沫。不然。令
人心烦。
荆芥穗（气温。味辛苦）辟邪毒。利血脉。宣通五脏不足气。能发汗。除劳冷。捣和醋。封
毒肿。去枝。手搓碎用。
薄荷（气温。味苦辛）能发汗。通关节。解劳乏。与薤相宜。新病患不可多食。令人虚汗不
止。去枝茎及黄叶。搓碎用之。
热浮长（气之浓者。阳中之阳。气浓则发热。辛甘。温热是也）
黑附子（气热。味大辛）其性走而不守。亦能除肾中寒甚。白术为佐。谓之术附汤。除寒湿
之圣药。温药中少加之。通行诸经。引用药也。及治经闭。慢火炮裂。铡细用。
川乌头（气热。味大辛）疗风痹、血痹。半身不遂。行经药也。先以慢火炮裂。刮去皮脐。
铡细用。
肉桂（气热。味大辛）补下焦相火不足。治沉寒痼冷之病。及表虚自汗。春夏为禁药也。去
皴。捣用。
桂枝（气热。味甘辛）仲景伤寒论发汗用桂枝。桂枝者、乃桂条也。非身干也。取其轻薄而
能发散。今又有一种柳桂。乃嫩小桂条也。尤宜入治上焦药用也。以铡碎用。
木香（气热。味辛苦）除肺中滞气。若疗中下焦气结滞。须用槟榔为使。广州者佳。铡细用
。
丁香（气温。味辛）温脾胃。止霍乱。消 癖。气胀反胃。腹内冷痛。壮阳。暖腰膝。杀
酒毒。捣细用。
白豆蔻（气热。味大辛）荡散肺中滞气。主积冷气。宽膈。止反胃吐逆。消谷。下气。进食
。去皮。捣细用。
草豆蔻（气热。味大辛）治风寒邪客在于胃口上。善去脾胃。客寒。令人心胃痛。面裹煨熟
。捣细用。
益智仁（气热。味大辛）治脾胃中受寒邪。和中益气。治多唾。于补中药内兼用。不可多服
。去皮。捣细用。
川椒（气热。味辛）主邪气。温中。除寒痹。坚齿发。明目。利五脏。凡用炒去汗及合口者
。手搓细用。
缩砂仁（气温。味辛）治脾胃气结滞不散。主虚劳。冷泻。心腹痛。下气。消食。捣细用。
干姜（气热。味大辛）治沉寒痼冷。肾中无阳。脉气欲绝。黑附子为引。用水同煎。姜附汤
是也。亦治中焦有寒。水洗。慢火炮裂后。挫细用。
玄胡（气温。味辛）破血。治气。妇人月水不调。小腹痛。温暖腰膝。破散 瘕。捣细用。
干生姜（气温。味辛）主伤寒头痛鼻塞。上气痰嗽。止呕吐。生姜同治。与半夏等分。治心
下急痛。铡用。
良姜（气热。味辛）主胸中冷。霍乱。腰痛。反胃呕食。转筋。泻利。下气。消宿食。铡细
用。
吴茱萸（气热。味苦辛）治塞在咽嗌。噎塞胸中。经言咽膈不通。食不下。食则呕。令人口
开目瞪。寒邪所结。气不得上下。此病不已。令人寒中。腹满膨胀。下利寒气。用之如神。诸药不
可代也。洗出苦味。晒干捣用。
浓朴（气温。味辛）能除腹胀。若虚弱人。虽腹胀宜斟酌用之。寒胀是也。大热药中兼用。
结者散之。神药也。误服脱人元气。切禁之。紫色者佳。去皮。铡碎。姜制。微炒锉。桶锉。竹筛
齐。用。
茴香（气平。味辛）破一切臭气。调中止呕。下食。炒黄。捣细用。
红花（气温甘辛）主产后口噤。血晕。腹内恶血不尽绞痛。破流血。神验。手搓碎用。
神曲（气温。味甘辛）消食。治脾胃食不化。须用于脾胃药中少加之。微炒黄。用。
湿化成（中央）
（戊湿。其本气平。其兼气温凉寒热。在人以肾应之。己土。其本味咸。其兼味辛甘咸苦
。在人以脾应之）
人参（气温。味甘）治脾肺阳气不足。及肺气促。短气、非升麻为引用。不能补上升之气。
升麻一分、人参三分。可为相得也。若补下焦元气。泻肾中火邪。茯苓为之使。甘草梢子生用为君
。此药能补中、缓中、短气、少气。泻肺脾胃火邪。善去茎中痛。或加苦楝。酒煮玄胡为主。尤好
尤效。去芦。铡细用。
黄 （气温。甘平）治虚劳自汗。补肺气。实皮毛。泻肺中火。脉弦。自汗。善治脾胃虚弱。
血脉不行。疮疡内托。阴证疮疡。必用之。去芦皴。铡碎锉。桶锉。竹筛齐之。用。
甘草（气平。味甘）生用大凉。泻热火。炙则温。能补上中下三焦元气。调和诸药。共为力
而不争。性缓。善解诸争。故有国老之称。去皮。铡碎锉。桶锉。竹筛齐之。用。
当归（气温。味甘）和血、补血。尾破血。身和血。用以温水洗去土。酒制焙晒干。去芦。
铡细用。
熟地黄（气寒。味苦）酒晒蒸如乌金。假酒力则微温。大补血虚。虚损。血衰人须用。善黑
鬓髦。忌萝卜。铡用。
半夏（气微寒。味辛平）治寒痰及形寒饮冷。伤肺而咳。大和胃气。除胃寒。进饮食。太阳
厥痰头痛。非此药不
能除也。汤泡七次。铡细用。
白术（气温。味甘）能除湿益燥。和中益气。利腰膝间血。除胃中热。捣碎。纱罗子罗过用。
苍术（气温。味甘）主治与白术同。若除上湿发汗。功最大。若补中焦。除湿。力少如白术
。泔浸。刮去皮捣细用。
橘红（气温。味微苦）能益气。加青皮减半。去气滞。推陈致新。若补脾胃。不去白。理胸
中肺气。去白。捣细用。
青皮（气温。味辛）主气滞。消食。破积结膈。去穣。捣细用。
藿香（气微。温。味甘辛）疗风水。去恶气。治脾胃吐逆。霍乱心痛。去枝茎。用叶。以手
搓细用。
槟榔（气温。味辛）治后重如神。性如铁石之沉重。能坠诸药至于下极。捣细用。
广术（气温。味苦平）主心膈痛。饮食不消。破 癖气。最良。火炮。铡开捣细。纱罗罗过用
。
京三棱（气辛。味苦）主老癖 瘕结块。妇人血脉不调。心腹刺痛。火炮。铡开捣细。纱罗
罗过用。
阿胶（气微温。味甘平）主心腹痛。血崩。补虚安胎。坚筋骨。和血脉。益气。止痢。慢火
炮。肥搓细用。
诃子（气温。味苦）主腹胀满。饮食不下。消痰下气。通利津液。破胸膈结气。治久痢、赤
白肠风。去核。铡用。
桃仁（气温。味甘苦）治大便血结、血秘、血燥、通润大便。七宣丸中用之。专疗血结。破
血。汤泡。去皮尖。研如泥用。
杏仁（气温。味甘苦）除肺燥。治气燥在胸膈。麸炒。去皮尖用。
大麦 (气温。味咸）补脾胃虚。宽肠胃。先捣细。炒黄色。取面用。
紫草（气寒。味苦）主心腹邪气。五疸。补中益气。利九窍。通水道疗腹肿胀满。去土用茸。铡
细用之。
苏木（气平。味甘咸）主破血。产后血胀满欲死。排脓止痛。消痈肿瘀血。月经不调。及血
晕口噤。铡细用。
燥降收（气之薄者。阳中之阴。气薄则发泄。辛甘。淡。平。寒。凉是也）
茯苓（气平。味甘）能止渴。利小便。除湿益燥。和中益气。利腰脐间血为主治。小便不通
。溺黄或赤而不利。如小便利或数。服之则大损人目。如汗多人服之。损元气。夭人寿。医云。赤
利白补。上古无此说。去皮捣细。纱罗过用。
猪苓（气平。味甘）大燥。除湿。比诸淡渗药。大燥亡津液。无湿证勿服。去黑皮白者佳。
捣。罗过。用。
琥珀（气平。味甘）安五脏。定魂魄。消瘀血。通五淋。捣细。纱罗子罗过。用。
泽泻（气平。味甘）除湿之圣药也。治小便淋沥。去阴间汗。无此疾服之。令人目盲。捣碎
。纱罗过。用。
滑石（气寒。味甘）性沉重。能泄气且令下行。故曰滑则利窍。治前阴窍涩不利。利窍不比
与渗淡诸药同。白者佳。捣水飞。用。
瞿麦（气寒。味苦）主关格诸癃结。小便不通。治肿痈排脓。明目。去翳。破胎堕子。下闭
血。逐膀胱邪热。去枝用。穗铡细用。
车前子（气寒。味甘）主气癃闭。利水道。通小便。除湿痹。肝中风热冲目赤痛。捣细。纱
罗过。用。
木通（气平。味甘）主小便不通。导小肠中热。去粗皮。铡碎锉。桶锉。竹筛齐。用。
灯草、通草。（气平。味甘）通阴窍涩不利。利小水。除水肿。治五淋闭。铡细。生用。
五味子（气温。味酸）大益五脏之气。孙真人云。五月常服。补五脏气。遇夏月季月间人困
乏无力。乃无气以动也。以黄 、人参、麦门冬、少加黄柏锉。煎汤服。使人精神神气两足。筋力
涌出。生用。
白芍药（气微寒味酸）补中焦之药。得炙甘草为辅。治腹中痛。如夏月腹痛。少加黄芩。若
恶寒腹痛。加肉桂一分、白芍药三钱、炙甘草一钱半。此仲景神品药也。如冬月大寒腹中痛。加桂
一钱半、水二盏。煎一盏。去渣。铡碎锉。桶锉。竹筛齐。用。
桑白皮（气寒。味苦酸）主伤中五劳羸瘦。补虚益气。除肺中水气。止唾血、热渴。消水肿
。利水道。去皮。铡锉。桶内锉。竹筛齐之。用。
天门冬（气寒。味微苦）保肺气。治血热侵肺。上喘气促。加黄 人参用之为主。如神。
汤浸去心。晒干用。
麦门冬（气寒。味微苦）治肺中伏火。脉气欲绝。加五味子。人参二味。谓之生脉散。补肺
中元气不足。汤浸去心。用。
犀角（气寒。味苦酸）主伤寒、温疫头痛。安心神。烦乱。明目镇肝。治中风失音。小儿
（麸豆）风热惊痫。镑为末用之。
乌梅（气平。味酸）主下气。除热烦满。安心调中。治痢止渴。以盐豉为白梅。亦入除痰药
。去核。铡细用。
牡丹皮（气寒。味苦）治肠胃积血。及衄血、吐血之要药。犀角地黄汤中之一味也。铡细用
。
地骨皮（气寒。味苦）解骨蒸肌。主消渴去风湿痹。坚筋骨。去骨用皮。锉细。用。
连翘（气平。味苦）治寒热瘰 诸恶疮肿。除心中客热，去白虫。通五淋。以手搓细。用
。
枳壳（气寒。味苦）治胸中痞塞。泄肺气。麸炒去穣。捣细。纱罗子罗过。用。
枳实（气寒。味苦。酸咸）除寒热。破结实。消痰痹。治心下痞。逆气。胁痛。麸炒去穣。捣
罗过。用。
寒沉藏（味之浓者。阴中之阴。味浓则泄。酸。苦。咸。寒气。是也）
Ancient people treated diseases with herbs. They selected clean herbs, chewed them in the mouth, boiled them in water, and took the decoction. This process was called "Ju" (chewing). Later generations used a guillotine knife to finely chop the herbs, crushed them in a bucket, and leveled them with a bamboo sieve.
Herbs vary in the intensity of their qi and flavor, as well as their directional movements (ascending, descending, floating, sinking) and therapeutic actions (tonifying, purging), each being different. These are now recorded in detail, along with methods for selection, processing, and compounding, listed below.
Wind Ascending Generation (Refers to herbs with thin flavors, belonging to Yin within Yang; thin flavors promote unblocking; sour, bitter, salty, and neutral natured herbs belong to this category)
Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Treats wind pathogens. Generally used to purge excess in the Lung, dissipate stagnant qi in the head and eyes, and is an immortal herb for removing wind pathogens from the Upper Jiao. Misuse can deplete the Yuan Qi of the Upper Jiao. Remove the rhizome (Lu) and forked roots, chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is slightly bitter). This is a channel-guiding herb for the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Channel. To tonify the Spleen and Stomach, it cannot be effective without this herb as a guiding agent. If combined with Scallion White (Cong Bai) or Angelica Dahurica (Baizhi), it can also act on the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Channel and the posterior orifice. It can resolve heat in the muscles and is the specific herb for treating wind-cold affecting the Hand and Foot-Yangming channels. Scrape off the black skin; those with internal rotting and white flesh are better. Chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) (Qi is slightly warm, Flavor is bitter, sweet, and neutral). Treats pain in limbs and joints, benefits all joints. It is a wind herb for the Hand and Foot-Taiyang channels. Add Chuanxiong to treat headaches of the Taiyang and Shaoyin channels. It penetrates the joints and benefits them. Remove black skin and rotten parts. Chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) (Qi is slightly warm, Flavor is bitter, sweet, and neutral). This is a channel-guiding herb for the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Channel. If used with Xixin, it treats headaches of the Shaoyin channel. Its alias is Duyao Cao (Swaying Grass); it does not sway when windy but sways spontaneously when still. Remove the skin and clean. Chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is slightly bitter). Eliminates deficiency-heat and vexation from chronic fatigue, resolves the muscle layer, and reduces heat. It treats morning tidal fever. This is a channel-guiding herb for the Shaoyang and Jueyin channels. It is a mandatory herb for women before and after childbirth. It excels at relieving headaches of its own channel, which other herbs cannot stop. It treats epigastric fullness (Xia Pi) and chest/diaphragm pain. Remove the rhizome (Lu), chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) (Qi is slightly cold, Flavor is bitter). Primarily treats phlegm-fullness, chest/hypochondriac stagnation, and abdominal rigidity/qi rebellion. Treats exogenous febrile diseases with heat-excess. Brightens the eyes and benefits essence. Pushes out the old and generates the new. Often used with Banxia as an assistant. Chop with a guillotine and use.
Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). Treats thirst due to Spleen/Stomach deficiency, clears Stomach heat, resolves alcohol toxicity, and unblocks the Foot-Yangming channel. Remove the skin. Chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Weilingxian (Clematidis Radix) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet, sometimes bitter). Primarily treats various wind-damp-cold pathogens, promotes circulation in the Five Zang organs, treats abdominal masses (Pi Zhi), cold pain in waist and knees, and traumatic injuries. Those with iron-colored roots are best. Remove the rhizome (Lu), chop finely with a guillotine, and use.
Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma) (Qi is warm, Flavor is highly pungent). Treats Shaoyin headaches with divine effect. Use in small doses. Duhuo serves as the assistant. Remove the rhizome (Lu) and leaves. Those from Huazhou are best. Chop finely with a guillotine, and use.
Xiang Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) (Qi is warm, Flavor is highly pungent). Treats Hand-Yangming headaches, wind-cold-febrile diseases from stroke, and is a resolving and benefiting herb. Added to the Siwei Shengma Tang (Four-Ingredient Shengma Decoction), it unblocks the Hand and Foot-Yangming channels. First chop and crush, then crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) (Qi is slightly warm, Flavor is pungent and bitter). Treats sore throat, benefits Lung qi. Remove the rhizome (Lu). Soak in rice wash water overnight, dry by baking. Chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Shunianzi (Arctii Fructus) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is pungent). Primarily treats wind-toxin swelling, benefits the throat and diaphragm. Swallowing one fruit can help expel the head of carbuncles and sores. Pound into fine powder and use.
Gaoben (Ligustici Wallichii Rhizoma et Radix) (Qi is warm, Flavor is highly pungent). This is a Taiyang channel wind herb. Treats cold qi stagnation in its own channel, causing headaches. Severe cold invading the brain causes brain pain and toothache. Chop finely with a guillotine, and use.
Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Tonifies blood. It is the sacred herb for treating headaches due to blood deficiency. For pregnant women with fetal movement for several months, add Danggui. Two ounces of each, with two cups of water, decoct to one cup. The effect is miraculous. Pound into fine powder, sift through gauze, and use.
Manjingzi (Viticis Semen) (Qi is clear-warm, Flavor is pungent). Treats Taiyang headaches, dizziness, and dim vision. It is a herb that disperses wind pathogens. People with weak Stomach should not take it, as it may generate phlegm. Select and pound into powder, and use.
Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) (Qi is slightly cold, Flavor is bitter). Primarily treats cold-heat pathogens, wind-bi with cold-damp, promotes urination, treats jaundice and bone-steaming consumption, trismus (lockjaw), and intestinal wind with bleeding. Remove the rhizome head. Chop with a guillotine, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is bitter). Treats wind-headaches and various wind-damp bi syndromes, limb spasms and contractures, pediatric wind-epilepsy and fright-stuffiness. Benefits waist and knees, strengthens sinews and bones. Chop and use. Its sprout is called Dingfeng Cao (Calming Wind Grass).
Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) (Qi is warm, Flavor is bitter). Induces sweating from the Taiyang and Shaoyin channels. Remove the rhizome (Lu). Chop, slightly pound. Boil for two or three boils, skim off the foam on top; otherwise, it causes heart vexation.
Jingjie Sui (Schizonepetae Spica) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent and bitter). Expels evil toxins, benefits blood vessels, promotes circulation of deficient qi in the Five Zang organs, induces sweating, removes cold from chronic fatigue. Pound mixed with vinegar, apply externally to toxic swellings. Remove branches, rub into pieces by hand, and use.
Bohe (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) (Qi is warm, Flavor is bitter and pungent). Induces sweating, unblocks joints, relieves fatigue. Harmonizes with Xie (Scallium). New patients should not eat much, as it causes continuous deficiency sweating. Remove branches, stems, and yellow leaves, rub into pieces by hand, and use.
Heat Floating Growth (Refers to herbs with strong qi, belonging to Yang within Yang; strong qi generates heat; pungent, sweet, warm, and hot natured herbs belong to this category)
Hei Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) (Qi is hot, Flavor is highly pungent). Its nature moves freely and does not stay static. It can also remove severe cold in the Kidney. Used with Baizhu as an assistant, it is called Zhufu Tang (Baizhu and Aconite Decoction), a sacred herb for removing cold-damp. Add sparingly to warming herbs. It unblocks all channels and serves as a guiding herb. Also treats amenorrhea. Slow-fire roast until cracked, chop finely, and use.
Chuan Wutou (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) (Qi is hot, Flavor is highly pungent). Treats wind-bi, blood-bi, hemiplegia. It is a channel-guiding herb. First slow-fire roast until cracked, scrape off skin and navel, chop finely, and use.
Rougui (Cinnamomi Cortex) (Qi is hot, Flavor is highly pungent). Tonifies deficiency of Minister Fire in the Lower Jiao. Treats deep-seated cold and stubborn cold diseases, as well as spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency. It is a forbidden herb in Spring and Summer. Remove rough bark, pound, and use.
Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) (Qi is hot, Flavor is sweet and pungent). Zhang Zhongjing's Shanghan Lun uses Guizhi for inducing sweating. Guizhi refers to the twig of the cinnamon tree, not the trunk. It is chosen for its lightness and ability to disperse. There is now a type called Liugui, which is tender small cinnamon twigs, especially suitable for herbs treating the Upper Jiao. Chop with a guillotine, and use.
Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix) (Qi is hot, Flavor is pungent and bitter). Removes stagnant qi in the Lung. If treating qi stagnation in the Middle and Lower Jiao, Binglang must be used as an assistant. Those from Guangzhou are best. Chop finely, and use.
Dingxiang (Syzygdii Flos) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Warms Spleen and Stomach, stops cholera, eliminates masses, qi distension, acid reflux, cold pain in abdomen, tonifies Yang, warms waist and knees, kills alcohol toxin. Pound into fine powder, and use.
Baudoukou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus) (Qi is hot, Flavor is highly pungent). Sweeps away stagnant qi in the Lung. Primarily treats accumulated cold qi, widens the diaphragm, stops acid reflux and vomiting, aids digestion, descends qi, promotes appetite. Remove skin, pound into fine powder, and use.
Caodoukou (Amomi Fructus) (Qi is hot, Flavor is highly pungent). Treats wind-cold pathogens lodging above the stomach opening. Excellent at removing guest-cold from Spleen and Stomach, which causes heart and stomach pain. Wrap in paper and bake until cooked, pound into fine powder, and use.
Yizhiren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus) (Qi is hot, Flavor is highly pungent). Treats cold pathogens invading Spleen and Stomach, harmonizes the Middle, tonifies Qi, treats excessive salivation. Used concurrently in tonifying formulas. Do not take in large doses. Remove skin, pound into fine powder, and use.
Chuanjiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium) (Qi is hot, Flavor is pungent). Primarily treats evil pathogens, warms the Middle, removes cold-bi, strengthens teeth and hair, brightens eyes, benefits the Five Zang organs. When used, stir-fry to remove sweat and discard closed pods. Rub into fine pieces by hand, and use.
Suosharen (Amomi Fructus) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Treats Spleen and Stomach qi stagnation and failure to disperse. Primarily treats deficiency-fatigue, cold diarrhea, heart and abdominal pain, descends qi, aids digestion. Pound into fine powder, and use.
Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) (Qi is hot, Flavor is highly pungent). Treats deep-seated cold and stubborn cold, absence of Yang in Kidney, impending collapse of pulse qi. Uses Hei Fuzi as a guide. Decoct together with water. This is Jiangfu Tang (Ginger and Aconite Decoction). Also treats cold in the Middle Jiao. Wash, slow-fire roast until cracked, chop finely, and use.
Yanhusuo (Corydalis Rhizoma) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Breaks blood, treats Qi disorders. Treats irregular menstruation in women, lower abdominal pain, warms waist and knees, breaks down masses (Zhija). Pound into fine powder, and use.
Gan Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Primarily treats exogenous headache, nasal congestion, rebellious qi, phlegm-cough, stops vomiting. Treated together with fresh ginger. Equal parts with Banxia, treat acute pain in the epigastrium. Chop with a guillotine, and use.
Liangjiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma) (Qi is hot, Flavor is pungent). Primarily treats cold in chest, cholera, lower back pain, acid reflux and vomiting, muscle cramps, diarrhea, descends qi, digests retained food. Chop finely, and use.
Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus) (Qi is hot, Flavor is bitter and pungent). Treats obstruction in the throat, choking sensation in the chest. The classics state: obstruction in throat and diaphragm, inability to swallow, vomiting upon eating, causing the mouth to open and eyes to stare. This is due to cold pathogen aggregation, preventing Qi from moving up and down. If this disease persists, it leads to interior cold, abdominal fullness and distension, diarrhea with cold qi. Using this herb is like magic. No other herb can replace it. Wash to remove bitterness, sun-dry, pound, and use.
Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Can eliminate abdominal distension. For weak persons, even with abdominal distension, use with caution; this is cold distension. Used concurrently with strong heat herbs. "Disperse what is knotted." It is a divine herb. Misuse depletes Yuan Qi. Strictly contraindicated. Purple ones are best. Remove skin, chop, process with ginger, stir-fry lightly, chop finely, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Huixiang (Foeniculi Fructus) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is pungent). Breaks all foul odors, harmonizes the Middle, stops vomiting, promotes digestion. Stir-fry until yellow, pound into fine powder, and use.
Honghua (Carthami Flos) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet and pungent). Primarily treats postpartum trismus, blood syncope, colic from incomplete expulsion of lochia, breaks blood stasis. Divine and verified effect. Rub into pieces by hand, and use.
Shenqu (Massa Medicata Fermentata) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet and pungent). Aids digestion, treats food stagnation in Spleen and Stomach. Must be added in small amounts to Spleen and Stomach formulas. Lightly stir-fry until yellow, and use.
Wet Transformation (Central Earth)
Wu-Wet: Its fundamental Qi is neutral; its concurrent qualities are warm, cool, cold, and hot. In humans, it corresponds to the Kidney. Ji-Earth: Its fundamental flavor is salty; its concurrent flavors are pungent, sweet, salty, and bitter. In humans, it corresponds to the Spleen.
Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet). Treats deficiency of Yang Qi in Spleen and Lung, as well as rapid breathing, shortness of breath. Without Shengma as a guiding herb, it cannot tonify ascending Qi. One part Shengma and three parts Renshen complement each other well. To tonify Yuan Qi in the Lower Jiao and purge fire evil in the Kidney, use Fuling as an assistant and raw Gancao tip as the sovereign herb. This herb tonifies the Middle, moderates the Middle, treats shortness of breath, purges fire evil in Lung, Spleen, and Stomach, and excellently relieves pain in the urethra. Alternatively, add Koushen and Yanhusuo wine-decocted as the main herb, which is particularly good and effective. Remove the rhizome (Lu), chop finely, and use.
Huangqi (Astragali Radix) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet and neutral). Treats deficiency-fatigue with spontaneous sweating, tonifies Lung Qi, solidifies skin and hair, purges Lung fire. Pulse is wiry, spontaneous sweating. Excellently treats Spleen and Stomach weakness, non-circulation of blood vessels, internal support for ulcers, and yin-type ulcers (mandatory). Remove rhizome (Lu) and rough skin, chop and crush, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). Raw use is greatly cooling, purges fire and heat. Roasted use is warm. It can tonify Yuan Qi of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao, harmonize various herbs, exert force together without contention, has a mild nature, and excellently resolves conflicts among herbs, hence the title "Guolao" (State Elder). Remove skin, chop and crush, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet). Harmonizes blood, tonifies blood. The tail breaks blood, the body harmonizes blood. Wash dirt off with warm water, process with wine, bake and sun-dry. Remove the rhizome (Lu), chop finely, and use.
Shudihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter). Sun-dried with wine and steamed until black like gold. Borrowing wine power, it becomes slightly warm. Greatly tonifies blood deficiency, deficiency consumptions, and blood decline. Mandatory for such persons. Excellently darkens gray hair. Avoid radish. Chop with a guillotine, and use.
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) (Qi is slightly cold, Flavor is pungent and neutral). Treats cold-phlegm and cough caused by external cold and drinking cold fluids injuring the Lung. Greatly harmonizes Stomach Qi, removes Stomach cold, promotes appetite. Treats Taiyang-Jueyin phlegm-headache; without this herb, it cannot be removed. Soak in boiling water seven times, chop finely, and use.
Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet). Can remove dampness and benefit dryness, harmonize the Middle, tonify Qi, benefit blood in waist and knees, remove heat in Stomach. Pound into pieces, sift through gauze, and use.
Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet). Primary treatment is the same as Baizhu. If removing upper dampness and inducing sweating, its efficacy is greatest. If tonifying the Middle Jiao and removing dampness, its strength is less than Baizhu. Soak in rice wash water, scrape off skin, pound finely, and use.
Juhong (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) (Qi is warm, Flavor is slightly bitter). Can tonify Qi. Add Qingpi at half dose to remove Qi stagnation, push out the old and generate the new. If tonifying Spleen and Stomach, do not remove the white pith; if regulating Lung Qi in the chest, remove the white pith. Pound finely, and use.
Qingpi (Citri Reticulatae Viride) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Primarily treats Qi stagnation, aids digestion, breaks accumulations in the diaphragm. Remove the pulp, pound finely, and use.
Huoxiang (Agastaches Herba) (Qi is slightly warm, Flavor is sweet and pungent). Treats wind-water, removes foul qi, treats Spleen and Stomach vomiting and cholera, heart pain. Remove branches and stems, use leaves, rub into fine pieces by hand, and use.
Binglang (Arecae Semen) (Qi is warm, Flavor is pungent). Treats tenesmus with divine effect. Its nature is heavy like iron and stone. It can sink various herbs to the lowest point. Pound finely, and use.
Zhuansu (Curcumae Longae Rhizoma) (Qi is warm, Flavor is bitter and neutral). Primarily treats heart/chest pain, indigestion, breaks mass qi. Most effective. Fire-roast, chop open, pound finely, sift through gauze, and use.
Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma) (Qi is pungent, Flavor is bitter). Primarily treats old masses and fixed lumps (Zhijia), irregular menstruation in women, stabbing pain in heart and abdomen. Fire-roast, chop open, pound finely, sift through gauze, and use.
Ejiao (Colla Corii Asini) (Qi is slightly warm, Flavor is sweet and neutral). Primarily treats heart/abdominal pain, metrorrhagia, tonifies deficiency, calms fetus, strengthens sinews and bones, harmonizes blood vessels, tonifies Qi, stops dysentery. Slow-fire roast, rub thick pieces finely, and use.
Hezi (Terminaliae Chebulae Fructus) (Qi is warm, Flavor is bitter). Primarily treats abdominal fullness, inability to eat, transforms phlegm, descends Qi, promotes fluid secretion, breaks chest/diaphragm Qi stagnation. Treats chronic dysentery, red-and-white dysentery, intestinal wind. Remove pit, chop with a guillotine, and use.
Taoren (Persicae Semen) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet and bitter). Treats blood constipation, blood dryness, moistens intestines. Used in Qixuan Wan. Specializes in treating blood coagulation, breaking blood stasis. Soak in boiling water, remove skin and tips, grind into paste, and use.
Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sweet and bitter). Removes Lung dryness, treats Qi dryness in chest/diaphragm. Stir-fry with bran, remove skin and tips, and use.
Damai (Hordei Fructus Germinatus) (Qi is warm, Flavor is salty). Tonifies Spleen and Stomach deficiency, broadens stomach and intestines. First pound finely, stir-fry until yellow, take the flour, and use.
Zicao (Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma / Lithospermi Radix) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter). Primarily treats evil pathogens in heart/abdomen, five jaundices, tonifies Middle, benefits Qi, opens nine orifices, unblocks water passages, treats abdominal swelling and fullness. Remove soil, use the root hairs, chop finely, and use.
Sumu (Santalum Rubrum) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet and salty). Primarily breaks blood stasis. Treats postpartum blood distension threatening death, drains pus, stops pain, reduces abscesses and blood stasis, regulates menstruation, and treats blood syncope with trismus. Chop finely, and use.
Dry Descending Gathering (Refers to herbs with thin qi, belonging to Yin within Yang; thin qi promotes excretion; pungent, sweet, bland, neutral, cold, and cool natured herbs belong to this category)
Fuling (Poria) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). Can stop thirst, promote urination, remove dampness and benefit dryness, harmonize the Middle, tonify Qi. Its primary treatment is benefiting blood in waist and umbilicus. For urinary retention, yellow or red urine that is difficult to pass. If urination is free or frequent, taking it severely damages the eyes. If taken by those with profuse sweating, it damages Yuan Qi and shortens lifespan. Doctors say: Red Poria promotes urination, White Poria tonifies. This distinction did not exist in ancient times. Remove skin, pound finely, sift through gauze, and use.
Zhuling (Polyporus) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). Greatly drying, removes dampness. Compared to other bland-draining herbs, it greatly dries and destroys body fluids. Do not take if there is no dampness syndrome. Remove black skin; white ones are best. Pound, sift, and use.
Hupo (Electrum) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). Calms the Five Zang organs, stabilizes Hun and Po, resolves blood stasis, unblocks five stranguries. Pound finely, sift through gauze, and use.
Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). The sacred herb for removing dampness. Treats dribbling urination, removes sweat from the genital area. Taking it without this disease causes blindness. Pound, sift through gauze, and use.
Huashi (Talcum) (Qi is cold, Flavor is sweet). Nature is heavy, can drain Qi and direct it downward. Hence, "slippery promotes orifice unblocking." Treats涩 (obstruction) in the anterior orifice. Unblocking orifices differs from using bland-draining herbs together. White ones are best. Pound, wet-grind (water flying), and use.
Qumai (Dianthi Herba) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter). Primarily treats Guan Ge and various strangury obstructions, urinary retention. Treats swelling and abscesses, drains pus, brightens eyes, removes nebula, induces abortion, expels closed blood, drives out bladder heat pathogens. Remove branches, chop spikes finely, and use.
Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen) (Qi is cold, Flavor is sweet). Primarily treats Qi strangury and closure, benefits water passages, unblocks urination, removes damp-bi, liver wind-heat attacking eyes causing redness and pain. Pound finely, sift through gauze, and use.
Mutong (Akebiae Caulis) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). Primarily treats urinary retention, guides heat from Small Intestine. Remove coarse skin, chop and crush, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Dengcao (Junci Medulla), Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sweet). Unblock obstruction in yin orifices, promote urination, reduce edema, treat five stranguries and closure. Chop finely, use raw.
Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) (Qi is warm, Flavor is sour). Greatly benefits Qi of the Five Zang organs. Sun Simiao said: Take regularly in May to tonify Five Zang Qi. In summer months, when people feel fatigued and weak, it is because there is no Qi to move. Combine with Huangqi, Renshen, Maidong, and a little Huangbo chopped, decoct in water and drink. This makes spirit and Qi sufficient, and sinew strength surge. Use raw.
Baishaoyao (Paeoniae Radix Alba) (Qi is slightly cold, Flavor is sour). A herb tonifying the Middle Jiao. With roasted Gancao as an assistant, treats abdominal pain. In summer abdominal pain, add a little Huangqin. If cold-abdominal pain, add Rougui 1 fen, Baishaoyao 3 qian, roasted Gancao 1.5 qian. This is Zhang Zhongjing's divine formula. In winter severe cold abdominal pain, add Rougui 1.5 qian, 2 cups of water, decoct to 1 cup, strain. Chop and crush, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter and sour). Primarily treats internal injury, five labors, emaciation, tonifies deficiency and benefits Qi, removes water qi in Lung, stops bloody saliva, heat-thirst, reduces edema, benefits water passages. Remove skin, chop and crush, crush in a bucket, level with a bamboo sieve, and use.
Tianmendong (Asparagi Radix) (Qi is cold, Flavor is slightly bitter). Protects Lung Qi, treats blood-heat invading Lung, wheezing and rapid breathing. Combine with Huangqi and Renshen as the main herbs. Effect is like magic. Soak in water, remove heart, sun-dry, and use.
Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) (Qi is cold, Flavor is slightly bitter). Treats latent fire in Lung, impending collapse of pulse qi. Combine with Wuweizi and Renshen, called Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder), to tonify deficiency of Yuan Qi in Lung. Soak in water, remove heart, and use.
Xijiao (Rhino Ceris Cornu) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter and sour). Primarily treats exogenous cold and epidemic febrile diseases with headache, calms Spirit, treats vexation, brightens eyes, calms Liver, treats stroke aphasia, pediatric wind-heat epilepsy. Shave into powder, and use.
Wumei (Mume Fructus) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is sour). Primarily descends Qi, removes heat, vexation, and fullness, calms Spirit, harmonizes Middle, treats dysentery, stops thirst. Made into white plums with salt and fermented soybeans. Also enters phlegm-transforming formulas. Remove pit, chop finely, and use.
Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter). Essential herb for treating intestinal/stomach accumulated blood, epistaxis, and hematemesis. It is one ingredient in Xijiao Dihuang Tang. Chop finely, and use.
Digupi (Lycii Cortex) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter). Resolves bone-steaming and muscle heat, primarily treats diabetes (Xiao Ke), removes wind-damp bi, strengthens sinews and bones. Use the bark after removing bone, chop finely, and use.
Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) (Qi is neutral, Flavor is bitter). Treats cold-heat scrofula and various malignant sores/swellings, removes guest-heat in Heart, removes roundworms, unblocks five stranguries. Rub into fine pieces by hand, and use.
Zhiqiao (Aurantii Fructus) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter). Treats chest fullness and obstruction, vents Lung Qi. Stir-fry with bran, remove pulp, pound finely, sift through gauze, and use.
Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) (Qi is cold, Flavor is bitter, sour, and salty). Removes cold-heat, breaks solidity, transforms phlegm-bi, treats epigastric fullness, rebellious Qi, hypochondriac pain. Stir-fry with bran, remove pulp, pound and sift, and use.
Cold Sinking Storage (Refers to herbs with strong flavors, belonging to Yin within Yin; strong flavors promote purging; sour, bitter, salty, and cold-natured herbs belong to this category)