《神农本草》，药分上中下三品，共三百六十五种。后世逐渐增添，至李时珍《纲目》
，乃
有一千八百七十一种，辨其性味，所主何经，所疗何疾，亦为详且尽矣，何待言哉？然药如
人才，各有短长。（尧舜善治天下，执鞭驱羊，不如三尺之童；秦武力能举鼎，而有绝 之
患
；许历军士，乃献破秦之策，童子至性，能禁猛虎之暴。）故参、 上药，有时亦能流弊；
蛇床下品，用当亦擅其长。或前人已言，或心有所得，咸为辨别。（昔华仙治病，药不过漆
叶、青粘；今已百倍于前，汇通其意，亦大可措手矣。）
〔人参〕 功魁群草，善疗百病，为气虚之圣药。最不可缺者，痘疮气虚难起，临盆补
气易产，跌扑血出发晕，一切气脱危症。所禁用者，肺邪未清，斑疹初起，产后瘀血为患。
此药在国初时，出多用少，大参不过黄金对换，见（退庵诗钞）予少时，五分枝白金五十换；
近年产稀用繁，价十倍于前。其力亦大，最虚之症，服参三四钱，已可挽回，续用西党参代
之，往往奏功。每见有人倾资服参，反致遍身浮肿，仍归无济，可见用之的当，少亦有功；
若浪服之，虽多奚为！
〔防党参〕西产为上，体糯味甜，嚼之少渣者佳；他方所出，反觉肥大，概不入药。
近来人参大贵，无力者惟仗此扶助脾胃。与西 、甜冬术并用，以为补益，四君、补中益气
等汤，皆以代人参，往往见效。惟中满有火者忌之。腊月煎胶合丸料，代蜜最妙。
〔西洋参〕味苦性寒，惟牙宣出血，虚而有火者宜之。更车中马上噙含数片，亦可生
津止渴。世人见其有参之名，又能生津止渴，作为补益之品，火体庶可；其虚寒者，能免脾
胃受伤，纳减便泄乎？
〔北沙参〕肺经轻清淡补之品。予治肺虚咳嗽，每用党参、元参、北沙参，或加降气
消痰，名三参饮，获效甚多。若肺中有邪，不可漫施。
〔甘草〕生用泻火，炙用补中。凡入表和补泻温凉剂中，皆能相助为功，协和诸药，
使之不争。炙黑能治吐血，生肌止痛，通行十二经，解百药毒，惟中满者忌之。节治疮核，
梢治淋浊。
〔黄精〕天生此味以供山僧服食。凡深山皆产，鲜者如葳蕤，须蒸透作黑色。能补脾
益肾，其功胜于大枣。一僧患便血，久而不愈，有道友馈数斤，食尽而痊，亦补脾益肾之功
也。
〔葳蕤〕（即玉竹）甘平益胃，润燥祛风。能治病眼，见风泪出，妇人久服宜男。惟与
痰多者相犯。微炒用。
〔黄 〕西产为佳，虽系种者，亦金井玉栏，体糯而甜，新货为上，稍久则色味尽减
，不可用矣。去头去粗皮，切片蜜水拌炒，欲达肌肤，连皮生用。黄 补气，亚于人参，然
当归补血汤中，用黄 倍于当归者，盖谓有形之血，不能速生，无形之气，须当急固，故重
用之也。然则黄 兼能补血明矣，治阳虚自汗，人尽知之；阴虚盗汗，人皆不察，只须兼凉
血之品，六黄汤用此一味是也。惟肺家有火，表邪未清，胃气壅实者，咸宜忌之。
〔白术〕天生野产，不论何处，皆能扶土生津，挽回造化。近时不可得矣，即有亦只
如钮大，欲求津如玉液，味似琼浆，难矣哉！土人以此细者种之数载，然后出售，已为难得
，得一枚重钱数者，价亦不贱。铺中所卖，所谓于术，即苍术种，亦为高品；更有大如拳者
，出台州，谓之粪术，种而浇肥，故易大耳。或饭饧久蒸，调理常病，亦可用。更有小者味
薄炒用，惟能燥湿；更有小而甜者为甜冬术，宜入淡补剂中。予治肺虚咳嗽，每用白术，因
其补土生金，前人用异功散治肺疾，亦由此也。玉屏风用之，亦取其补土生金，以固皮毛。
胃气壅实，邪在阳明，在所禁用。一人停食，用消导无效，一医令浓煎白术汤，服之而愈，
谓胃虚则欠运，如磨齿平，不能屑物。此塞因塞用，亦颇有理。
〔苍术〕苦温辛烈，燥湿强脾，发汗逐痰，饮辟恶气，总解痰气血湿食五郁燥结。多
汗忌用。出茅山，朱砂点者良，米泔浸切。
〔桔梗〕入心肺胃，开提气血，散表寒邪。故能开胸膈滞气，治喉痹咽痛，腹痛肠鸣
，载药上浮，至于高处。凡病欲从大小便出者，若误用之，为患不测。
〔天麻〕辛温，入肝气分，通血脉，疏痰气。治诸风眩掉，语言蹇滞，风湿痒痹，小
儿惊痫。此燥血之品，非真中风忌用。
〔秦艽〕苦燥湿，辛散风，活血荣筋。治风寒湿痹，通身挛急，潮热骨蒸，肠风泄血
，一切湿胜风淫，皆能治也。
〔柴胡〕苦微寒，能升清阳，为足少阳胆经表药，同黄芩治往来寒热，心烦欲呕，口
苦耳聋，热入血室等症。阴虚火炎禁用。银州柴胡治久疟成虚，或肌热骨蒸，同地骨皮、青
蒿、鳖甲，再加育阴之品治之。
〔前胡〕辛散肺，解风寒；甘入脾，理胸腹。攻专下气，气下则火降，而痰消。无实
邪者忌。
〔独活〕辛苦微温，善搜肾经之风，兼能燥湿。故治痉痫湿痹，（项背强直手足反张曰
痉。）奔豚疝瘕（肾积曰奔豚，风寒湿客于肾家所致。疝瘕亦然。）节疏色黄者为独活，节密
色紫者为羌活，并出蜀中。
〔羌活〕辛苦温，散肌表八风之邪，利周身百节之痛，刚痉柔痉。（无汗为刚，有汗为
柔。）中风不语，太阳头痛，皆主之。凡属血虚为病，非关风湿者，勿浪用也。
〔防风〕辛甘微温，去风胜湿之要药，散头目滞气，经络留湿，搜肝泻肺，太阳头痛
。若咳嗽不因风寒，泄泻不因寒湿，阴虚盗汗，阳虚自汗者，并在禁例。合黄 、白术，又
能固表止汗，名玉屏风散。予治哮喘愈后，必用玉屏合异功，加杏仁、苏子为丸，令服，多
致不发。
〔升麻〕甘辛微苦，能引参 补力入于脾胃，表散风邪，升散火郁，能升清阳，治下
痢后重，久泄脱肛，崩中带下，痘疮斑疹。若阴虚火升者忌。
〔细辛〕辛温，为心之引经，肾之本药。温经发汗，水停心下，治少阴咽痛，味浓性
烈，不可多用。
〔远志〕开心气，散郁结，疮家用以为膏。因诸痛痒疮疡，皆属心火，取其开心气，
散郁火也。甘草水浸去骨。
〔金毛狗脊〕味咸入肾，治腰脊痛。盐水炒，微滑。大便不实者勿用。
〔淫羊藿〕性温补肾，须辅入他药，独力无功。
〔琐阳〕味咸入肾，能强筋润燥，益精兴阳，状类男阴。惟相火易动，及大便不实者
忌。
〔肉苁蓉〕味咸入肾，其性和平，治老人便闭，苁蓉之名不虚也。便滑者不用漂淡。
以上二味，旧传产西北，驴马遗精所化。
〔白及〕性涩，得秋令，入肺止吐血，肺损者能复生之，（人之五脏，惟肺损坏，者可
以复生。）为末酒冲二钱，治跌打折骨；油调，治汤火灼伤，除面上 HT ，（ 面上黑色，HT
面上疮也。）涂手足皲裂，研朱点勘，手摩不脱。
〔三七〕广产者，细皮坚实，味甘苦，能生津补气，虚寒吐血，配入温滋剂中，宜炒
用。
〔地榆〕苦酸微寒，入下焦，除血热肠风。（血鲜者为肠风，血瘀者为脏毒。）血痢，（地
榆有断下之功，初起禁用。）取上截炒用，梢反行血。
〔丹参〕旧称∶一味丹参，功兼四物，谓其亦能补血。凡血虚有痰，大便不实者，碍
于四物而用之甚妙。兼补心血，天王补心丹用之是也。
〔元参〕能清浮火，配入丸料，能入肾补水；若煎剂中，只可治虚火上炎。时人每有
咽痛，辄用元参、麦冬，不知风温与寒郁为患，二味并不能治，而反滞邪，岂可浪用！
〔苦参〕清下焦血热，故孙一奎治血痢，每多用之。不可多服，令人腰膝软弱。盖苦
伐生气，徒有参名而已。
〔龙胆草〕大苦大寒，清肝胆实火。故龙荟丸治肝火郁结，大便不通，极伤胃气，非
肝经有实火者不用。
〔黄连〕川产坚实，色如淡金者佳，余不入药。清心火为安危定乱之品，同栝蒌、枳
实，泄胸痞如神。又为热痢要药，凡热邪入血分，非此不除。炒用浓肠胃，酒炒兼泻肺火。
《温疫论》言其守而不走，亦与大黄对峙而言。泄痞何尝不走，惟不能逐有形之邪耳。苦从
火化，久服反能生热，惟胸中有火，血分有热相宜，否则须佐补药，方为无弊。如同人参治
噤口重痢，入六味汤治牙宣出血之类，其用不可枚举。
〔胡黄连〕其性功用，并同黄连。今治小儿潮热五疳等症，（小儿五疳，即大人五劳
也。幼科不辨曲折次第，概用成方治之。）初起亦有得效，胃虚者服之，有死而已。盖此等
药，极苦大寒，弱体不能胜耳。出波斯国，折之烟出者真。
〔黄芩〕入肺与大肠，同柴胡治往来寒热；同白芍、甘草，治挟热腹痛。血痢要药，
胎前能滋胞宫之阴，其用甚广。虚寒者忌之。坚实者为子芩，清大肠；中空者为枯芩，泻肺
火。
〔紫草〕凉厥阴血分，（心包、肝）治痘疮血热，二便闭塞。
〔知母〕滋肾泻火，育阴滑肠，热病阴不足者宜之，而便溏忌用。知、柏二味，寒而
滋阴，其质粘腻可证也。故丹溪常用之，然配入养血剂中为善。
〔贝母〕川产为佳，泻心火，散肺郁，化燥痰，功专散结除热。汪机曰∶贝母凉润，
主肺家燥痰；半夏温燥，主脾家湿痰。故凡风寒湿滞之痰，贝母非所宜也。象山贝母，去时
感风痰，俱去心；土贝母外科用治痰毒。
〔白头翁〕能清阳明血热，（胃、大肠。）治热毒血痢，血分无热忌。药铺多于统柴胡
内拣出，然必头上有白毛者真。
〔白前〕微寒，治肺气壅实，喉中作水鸡声者，服之立愈。
〔白薇〕微寒，泻阳明血热，下水气，疗热淋。
〔白藓皮〕味苦性燥，入脾胃，除风湿，通关利窍，为诸黄风痹之要药。
〔白茅根〕甘寒，清心润肺，除脾胃伏热，治吐衄诸血，肺热咳嗽。
〔延胡索〕辛苦温，能行气血之滞，治上下内外诸痛，（通则不痛。）为活血利气之要
品，无瘀滞者忌。能堕胎。生用破血，炒用调血，醋炒止血。
〔当归〕辛温，血药得酒良。凡遇血虚肝燥，筋失所养，妇人月事不调，必需之品。
其用浩博，惟不宜于多痰邪热便溏火嗽诸症。凡治痢疾，及便血吐血衄等症，皆宜炒黑，则
温滑之性减，黑兼止血，可取也。头行上，身行中，尾行下，兼行瘀。
〔芍药〕酸，敛血药，凡遇血热肝火必需之品，炒用。桂枝汤用之，能止伤风自汗，
桂枝温卫，芍药收敛也；同甘草用之，能止腹痛，取其敛肝，甘草和脾也。在表在里，无所
不可，皆在用之得宜耳。病欲疏散者忌用。入脾药中宜炒焦，取平肝不克土也。有赤白两种
，白者补而敛；赤者散而泻，疡科多用。
〔芎 〕辛温，血中气药。升阳开郁，上行头目，下行血海，止痛调经，治诸种头痛
，（须加引经之药。）一切风木为病。凡气升痰喘，虚火上炎，不宜用之。单服久服，令人暴
亡。蜀产为川芎，南产为抚芎。
〔丹皮〕清肝经血热之要药，疮家必需之品。同桑叶大能泄木，凡肝火为患，二味如
军中之弓矢，不可一日废也。
〔郁金〕辛苦微寒，入心及心包络，并入肺，开心肝之郁，治气血诸痛。如阴虚火亢
，不关心肝气逆，不宜用也。出川广者佳。
〔姜黄〕辛温，入脾及肝，破血下气，除风消肿，治产后败血攻心。片子者能入手臂
，治风寒湿痹。血虚服之，病反增剧。出川广。
〔蓬莪术〕辛苦温，行气消瘀，通经化积，治心腹诸痛，奔豚 癖。虚人服之，积未
去而真已耗。须兼参，术，庶几焉耳。
〔荆三棱〕苦平入肝，散一切血瘀气结，疮硬食停，老块坚积，消肿止痛，通乳堕胎
，宜同莪术面裹煨。
〔泽兰〕苦辛微温，入肝脾两经，通九窍，利关节，破宿血，通月经。无瘀者勿轻用
。俗云即省头草，非也。马兰草凉血止鼻衄。
〔香附〕辛散苦降，血中气药，通行十二经，利三焦，解六郁，治崩中带下，月候不
调，能耗血散气。生则行胸膈，达皮肤；童便浸炒入血分，酒浸炒行经络，醋浸炒消积聚，
姜汁炒化冷痰。
〔木香〕辛苦温，三焦气药，疏肝和脾，治一切气痛，九种心痛，泻痢后重。性香燥
，肺燥血虚，慎勿与之。香连丸用之，取其破滞和脾止痛。广产入药。
〔砂仁〕辛温，和脾快气，行结滞，治痞胀，温中醒胃。性窜而燥，血虚火炎者忌。
炒，去衣研。砂仁壳，辛香利气，凡腹胀泻痢等症，俱可用之，无砂仁燥窜之弊。
〔白豆蔻〕辛热，流行三焦，温暖脾胃，散滞气，除寒湿，化食宽膨，治久疟脾虚，
感寒腹痛。若因热腹痛，气虚火升，咸宜禁之。去衣研。草豆蔻（产闽中）辛温香散，暖胃健
脾，治客寒胃痛，霍乱吐泻。辛燥耗血，阴不足者忌。
〔草果〕辛热，温脾破气，除痰消食化积，（疟积）治瘴疟，寒痰凝于膜原，疟久不住
者，非草果不为功，但用须参培元之品。面裹煨，取仁忌铁。
〔肉豆蔻〕（一名肉果）辛温，理脾暖胃，下气调中，逐冷痰，除心腹冷痛，肾脏虚寒
，五更泄泻，四神丸用之是也。面裹煨。
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) classifies medicines into three grades: superior, medium, and inferior, totaling 365 species. In later generations, the number of drugs gradually increased. By the time of Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), there were 1,871 kinds, with detailed analysis of their properties, flavors, meridian tropisms, and treated diseases, which was extremely comprehensive. What more is there to say? However, medicines are like talents; each has strengths and weaknesses. (Yao and Shun excelled in governing the world but were inferior to a child of three feet tall in driving carriages and herding sheep; Qin Wu Wang had the strength to lift a tripod but suffered from a broken neck; soldier Xu Li offered strategies to defeat the Qin army, and a child's pure nature could restrain the violence of a fierce tiger.) Therefore, even superior herbs like Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 人参) and Ganoderma (Lingzhi, 灵芝) can sometimes cause adverse effects; whereas inferior herbs like Cnidii Fructus (Shechuangzi, 蛇床子) can excel when used appropriately. Some points have been stated by predecessors, while others are personal insights; all are distinguished here. (In the past, Hua Tuo treated diseases using only Glechomae Herba (Qizhuye, 漆叶) and Polygoni Multiflori Caulis (Qingnian, 青粘); now the variety of medicines is a hundred times greater than before. If one can integrate their meanings, treatment can be effectively carried out.)
[Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma] Its efficacy ranks among the top of all herbs, good at treating various diseases, and is the holy medicine for Qi deficiency. It is indispensable in cases where Qi deficiency makes it difficult for smallpox lesions to rise, when tonifying Qi facilitates childbirth during delivery, when fainting occurs due to bleeding from trauma, and in all critical conditions of Qi collapse. Contraindications include: Lung pathogen not cleared, initial onset of macules and papules, and postpartum blood stasis. In the early Qing Dynasty, this herb was abundant and rarely used; high-quality Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma could be exchanged for gold (see *Tuan'an Shiyao*). When I was young, half a mace of branched Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma could be exchanged for fifty taels of silver; in recent years, production has been scarce and usage frequent, making the price ten times higher than before. Its potency is great; for severe deficiency, taking three or four qian of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma can reverse the condition, followed by substituting Codonopsis Radix (Dangshen, 党参), often achieving success. I often see people spending their fortune on Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, only to result in generalized edema, still achieving nothing. This shows that when used correctly, even a small amount is effective; if taken blindly, what use is a large dose!
[Codonopsis Radix] The Western product is best, with a glutinous texture and sweet taste; those with less residue after chewing are excellent. Those from other regions appear overly plump and are generally not used in medicine. Recently, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma has become very expensive, and those who cannot afford it rely on Codonopsis Radix to support the Spleen and Stomach. Used together with American Ginseng (Xiyangshen, 西洋参) and sweet Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术) as a tonic, it can replace Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma in formulas such as Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) and Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction), often showing effectiveness. It is contraindicated in cases of fullness in the middle jiao with fire. In December, decocting glue and mixing it with pill ingredients, using it instead of honey, is excellent.
[American Ginseng] Bitter and cold in nature, suitable only for gingival bleeding and deficiency with fire. Additionally, holding a few slices in the mouth while traveling by carriage or horse can generate fluids and quench thirst. People see its name "Ginseng" and its ability to generate fluids and quench thirst, so they treat it as a tonic; this may suit those with a hot constitution. But for those with deficiency-cold, can it avoid damaging the Spleen and Stomach, reducing appetite, and causing diarrhea?
[Adenophorae Radix / Glehniae Radix] It is a light, clear, and mild tonic for the Lung meridian. When I treat cough due to Lung deficiency, I often use Codonopsis Radix, Scrophulariae Radix, and Adenophorae Radix, or add herbs that direct Qi downward and resolve phlegm, named "San Shen Yin" (Three Ginsengs Drink), achieving many successes. If there is pathogen in the Lung, it should not be applied indiscriminately.
[Licorice Root] Raw Licorice Root clears fire, while roasted Licorice Root tonifies the Middle Jiao. In any formula that harmonizes the exterior, tonifies or purges, warms or cools, it assists in功效, harmonizing various herbs and preventing conflict. Charred Licorice Root treats hematemesis, generates flesh, relieves pain, enters the twelve meridians, and detoxifies all medicines; it is contraindicated in cases of middle jiao fullness. The nodes treat carbuncles, and the tips treat strangury and turbid urine.
[Dioscorea Hypoglauca Rhizoma] Nature provided this flavor for mountain monks to consume. It grows in deep mountains; fresh rhizomes resemble Polygonati Rhizoma, but must be steamed thoroughly until black. It tonifies the Spleen and benefits the Kidney, its efficacy surpassing that of Jujube Fruit. A monk suffered from hematochezia that did not heal for a long time; a Daoist friend gifted him several jin, and after consuming it all, he recovered. This demonstrates the efficacy of tonifying the Spleen and benefiting the Kidney.
[Polygonati Rhizoma] (Also known as Yuzhu, 玉竹) Sweet and neutral, benefits the Stomach, moistens dryness, and dispels wind. It can treat eye diseases, tearing upon exposure to wind, and prolonged use by women promotes fertility. It conflicts with cases of excessive phlegm. Use after slight stir-frying.
[Astragali Membranacei Radix] The Western product is best. Although cultivated, it still exhibits the characteristics of "Golden Well and Jade Fence," with a glutinous texture and sweet taste. New stock is best; older stock loses color and flavor and should not be used. Remove the head and coarse skin, slice, and stir-fry with honey water. To reach the skin and muscles, use raw with the skin. Astragali Membranacei Radix tonifies Qi, second only to Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma. However, in Dang Gui Bu Xue Tang (Danggui Tonifies the Blood Decoction), the dosage of Astragali Membranacei Radix is double that of Angelicae Sinensis Radix. This is because substantial blood cannot be generated quickly, while formless Qi must be urgently secured, hence the heavy use. Thus, it is clear that Astragali Membranacei Radix also benefits blood. Everyone knows it treats spontaneous sweating due to Yang deficiency; however, night sweats due to Yin deficiency are often overlooked. One only needs to combine it with blood-cooling herbs, as seen in Liu Huang Tang (Six Yellow Decoction). It is contraindicated in cases of Lung fire, uncleared exterior pathogens, and Stomach Qi stagnation/fullness.
[Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma] Naturally wild, regardless of origin, it can strengthen Earth, generate fluids, and restore vitality. It is hard to find nowadays. Even if available, they are only button-sized. Finding ones with fluid like jade nectar and taste like fine wine is difficult! Locals cultivate these small ones for several years before selling; obtaining them is rare. Obtaining one weighing several qian is also expensive. The "Yu Zhu" sold in pharmacies is cultivated from Cang Zhu (Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma) and is considered high grade. There are also fist-sized ones from Taizhou, called "Fen Shu" (Manure-Atractylodes), grown with fertilizer, hence larger. Or steamed for a long time with rice syrup, usable for regulating chronic diseases. Smaller ones with weak flavor are stir-fried and can only dry dampness; smaller and sweet ones are called "Tian Dong Shu" (Sweet Winter Atractylodes), suitable for mild tonics. When I treat cough due to Lung deficiency, I often use Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma because it strengthens Earth to generate Metal. Predecessors used Yi Gong San (Extraordinary Ability Powder) to treat Lung diseases based on this principle. Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder) uses it to strengthen Earth to generate Metal and consolidate the skin and hair. It is contraindicated in cases of Stomach Qi fullness and pathogens in the Yangming meridian. One patient had food stagnation; digestive methods failed. A doctor prescribed strong decoction of Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, which cured him. He said that Spleen deficiency leads to poor transportation, like a flat millstone unable to grind grain. This is "treating obstruction with obstruction," which is quite reasonable.
[Atractylodis Lanceae Rhizoma] Bitter, warm, and pungent, dries dampness, strengthens the Spleen, induces sweating, expels phlegm, and repels evil qi. It resolves five types of depression: phlegm, Qi, blood, dampness, and food, as well as dryness and constipation. Contraindicated in excessive sweating. Originates from Maoshan; those with cinnabar spots are good. Soak in rice wash water and slice.
[Platycodonis Radix] Enters the Heart, Lung, and Stomach meridians. Raises Qi and blood, disperses exterior cold pathogens. Thus, it opens chest and diaphragm stagnation, treats sore throat and pain, abdominal pain, and borborygmus, carrying drugs upward to higher areas. If pathogens are intended to exit via urination or defecation, misusing Platycodonis Radix can cause unpredictable harm.
[Gastrodiae Rhizoma] Pungent and warm, enters the Liver Qi level, unblocks collaterals, and disperses phlegm Qi. Treats various wind-induced vertigo and tremors, slurred speech, wind-damp itching and numbness, and pediatric convulsions. This is a blood-drying herb; contraindicated unless it is true stroke.
[Kochiae Spina] Bitter dries dampness, pungent disperses wind, invigorates blood, and nourishes sinews. Treats wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, whole-body spasms, tidal fever with bone-steaming sensation, intestinal wind with bloody stool. It treats all conditions of excess dampness and wind invasion.
[Bupleuri Radix] Bitter and slightly cold, raises clear Yang. It is an exterior herb for the Foot Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Combined with Scutellariae Radix, it treats alternating chills and fever, irritability, desire to vomit, bitter taste, deafness, and heat entering the blood chamber. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with flaming fire. Bupleuri Radix from Yinzhou treats chronic malaria leading to deficiency, or muscle fever and bone-steaming sensation. Combined with Cortex Lycii Radicis (Digupi, 地骨皮), Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Qinghao, 青蒿), and Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Biejia, 鳖甲), plus Yin-nourishing herbs, it treats these conditions.
[Pseudostellariae Radix] Pungent disperses the Lung, resolves wind-cold; sweet enters the Spleen, regulates chest and abdomen. Specializes in directing Qi downward; when Qi descends, fire subsides, and phlegm dissipates. Contraindicated without excess pathogens.
[Angelicae Pubescentis Radix] Pungent, bitter, and slightly warm. Good at searching wind from the Kidney meridian, and drying dampness. Thus, it treats spasms, epilepsy, and damp-bi. (Spasm refers to stiffness of the neck and back with opisthotonos.) Ben Tun (running piglet) and Shan Jia (hernia and masses). (Kidney accumulation is called Ben Tun, caused by wind-cold-damp invading the Kidney. Hernia and masses are similar.) Nodes that are sparse and yellow are Angelicae Pubescentis Radix; nodes that are dense and purple are Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix (Qianghuo, 羌活). Both originate from Shu region.
[Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix] Pungent, bitter, and warm. Disperses eight winds from the muscle and surface, relieves pain in all joints. Treats rigid spasm and flaccid spasm. (No sweat is rigid spasm; with sweat is flaccid spasm.) Stroke with aphasia, Taiyang headache. All are indicated. For diseases due to blood deficiency unrelated to wind-damp, do not use blindly.
[Saposhnikoviae Radix] Pungent, sweet, and slightly warm. An essential herb for dispelling wind and overcoming dampness. Disperses stagnant Qi in the head and eyes, lingering dampness in collaterals, searches the Liver, drains the Lung, and treats Taiyang headache. If cough is not due to wind-cold, diarrhea is not due to cold-damp, Yin deficiency night sweats, or Yang deficiency spontaneous sweats, it is contraindicated. Combined with Astragali Membranacei Radix and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma, it consolidates the exterior and stops sweating, named Yu Ping Feng San (Jade Windscreen Powder). After my asthma healed, I always used Yu Ping Feng San combined with Yi Gong San, adding Perillae Fructus (Xingren, 杏仁) and Perillae Folium (Suzi, 苏子) made into pills for patients to take, mostly preventing recurrence.
[ Cimicifugae Rhizoma ] Sweet, pungent, and slightly bitter. Can guide the tonifying power of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Astragali Membranacei Radix into the Spleen and Stomach, disperse wind pathogens from the exterior, raise and disperse constrained fire, raise clear Yang. Treats tenesmus in dysentery, chronic prolapse of the rectum, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, and smallpox/maculopapular rashes. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with rising fire.
[Asari Radix et Rhizoma] Pungent and warm. It is the guiding herb for the Heart and the fundamental herb for the Kidney. Warms meridians and induces sweating. For water retention under the Heart, it treats Shaoyin sore throat. With strong flavor and potent nature, it should not be used in large doses.
[Polygalae Radix] Opens Heart Qi, disperses stagnation. Surgeons use it as a plaster. Because all pain, itching, ulcers, and sores belong to Heart fire, it is used to open Heart Qi and disperse constrained fire. Soak in Licorice water and remove the woody core.
[Cibotii Rhizoma] Salty, enters the Kidney. Treats lower back and spine pain. Stir-fry with salt water; slightly slippery. Do not use in loose stools.
[Epimedii Folium] Warm in nature, tonifies the Kidney. Must be assisted by other herbs; alone it has no effect.
[Cynomorii Herba] Salty, enters the Kidney. Strengthens sinews, moistens dryness, benefits essence, and promotes yang. Resembles male genitalia. Contraindicated in easy-moving ministerial fire and loose stools.
[Cistanche Deserticolae Herba] Salty, enters the Kidney. Its nature is mild. Treats constipation in the elderly; the name Cistanche is well-deserved. Do not use in loose stools without washing to remove saltiness. These two herbs were traditionally said to originate from the Northwest, transformed from donkey and horse sperm.
[Bletillae Rhizoma] Astringent. Receiving autumn energy, it enters the Lung to stop hematemesis. It can regenerate damaged Lung tissue (Among the five Zang organs, only the Lung can regenerate after damage). Powdered and taken with wine (2 qian), it treats fractures from falls. Mixed with oil, it treats scalds and burns, removing facial scars (scars refer to black marks or ulcer scars on the face). Applied to cracked hands and feet, mixed with cinnabar for moles, it does not rub off.
[Panax Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma] Produced in Guangxi/Guangdong, with fine skin and solid texture. Sweet and bitter, generates fluids and tonifies Qi. Treats vomiting blood due to deficiency-cold; mix with warming and nourishing agents, preferably stir-fried.
[Sanguisorbae Radix] Bitter, sour, and slightly cold. Enters the Lower Jiao. Clears blood heat and intestinal wind. (Bright red blood is intestinal wind; dark clotted blood is internal toxin.) Bloody dysentery. (Sanguisorbae Radix has the power to stop diarrhea; contraindicated in the early stage.) Use the upper part stir-fried; the tip promotes blood circulation.
[Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix] Old saying: "One ingredient of Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix equals the merit of Si Wu Tang," implying it also tonifies blood. Excellent for blood deficiency with phlegm and loose stools, where Si Wu Tang is obstructive. It also tonifies Heart blood, as seen in Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan (Heavenly Emperor Pill to Tonify the Heart).
[Scrophulariae Radix] Clears floating fire. When mixed into pill ingredients, it enters the Kidney to tonify water. In decoctions, it only treats flaming fire due to Yin deficiency. People today often have sore throats and immediately use Scrophulariae Radix and Ophiopogonis Radix, unaware that wind-warmth or cold constraint causes the issue. These two herbs cannot treat it and instead trap the pathogen. How can they be used blindly!
[Sophorae Flavescentis Radix] Clears Lower Jiao blood heat. Sun Yikui used it frequently in treating bloody dysentery. Do not take in large amounts; it causes weakness in waist and knees. Because bitterness destroys vital Qi, it merely bears the name "Shen" (Ginseng-like).
[Gentianae Radix] Extremely bitter and cold. Clears excess fire of the Liver and Gallbladder. Long Dan Xie Gan Tang (Gentian Liver-Draining Decoction) treats Liver fire stagnation with constipation. It severely damages Stomach Qi and is not used unless there is excess fire in the Liver meridian.
[Coptidis Rhizoma] Sichuan-produced, solid, pale gold color is best; others are not used in medicine. Clears Heart fire; it is a stabilizing agent. Combined with Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou, 瓜蒌) and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi, 枳实), it treats chest fullness miraculously. It is also a key herb for heat dysentery. Any heat pathogen entering the blood level requires this to eliminate. Stir-frying thickens the intestines and stomach; wine-frying clears Lung fire. *Wenyi Lun* (Treatise on Pestilence) says it stays rather than moves, contrasting with Rhei Radix et Rhizoma. Does it not move when clearing fullness? It just cannot drive out substantial pathogens. Bitter transforms into fire; long-term use generates heat. Suitable only for chest fire and blood heat; otherwise, combine with tonics to avoid harm. Examples include Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma treating dysentery with inability to eat, or entering Liu Wei Di Huang Wan (Six-Ingredient Pill with Rehmannia) for gingival bleeding. Uses are countless.
[Coptidis Rhizoma / Coptidis Chinensis Rhizoma] Properties and functions are the same as Coptidis Rhizoma. Now used for pediatric tidal fever and five types of infantile malnutrition (Wu Gang, 五疳). (Pediatric Wu Gang corresponds to adult Wu Lao, Five Exhaustions. Pediatrics often applies adult prescriptions without distinguishing stages.) Effective in early stages, but fatal for those with Spleen deficiency. These herbs are extremely bitter and cold; weak constitutions cannot withstand them. Originates from Persia; authentic ones emit smoke when broken.
[Scutellariae Radix] Enters the Lung and Large Intestine. Combined with Bupleuri Radix, treats alternating chills and fever; combined with Paeoniae Radix Alba and Glycyrrhizae Radix, treats abdominal pain with heat. Key herb for bloody dysentery. During pregnancy, it nourishes the Yin of the uterus; widely used. Contraindicated in deficiency-cold. Solid ones are Zi Qin (Son Scutellaria), clearing Large Intestine; hollow ones are Ku Qin (Withered Scutellaria), draining Lung fire.
[Lithospermi Radix] Cools the Jueyin blood level (Pericardium and Liver). Treats blood heat in smallpox and closure of both bowels.
[Anemarrhenae Rhizoma] Nourishes Kidney, drains fire, nourishes Yin, and lubricates intestines. Suitable for heat diseases with Yin insufficiency; contraindicated in loose stools. Anemarrhenae Rhizoma and Phellodendri Cortex are cold and Yin-nourishing, evidenced by their sticky texture. Zhu Danxi often used them, but combining them with blood-tonifying agents is better.
[Fritillariae Bulbus] Sichuan-produced is best. Drains Heart fire, disperses Lung constraint, transforms dry phlegm. Specializes in resolving nodules and clearing heat. Wang Ji said: Fritillariae Bulbus is cool and moist, treating dry phlegm of the Lung; Pinelliae Rhizoma is warm and drying, treating damp phlegm of the Spleen. Therefore, Fritillariae Bulbus is unsuitable for wind-cold-damp stagnation phlegm. Xiangshan Fritillariae Bulbus, for seasonal wind-phlegm, removes the heart. Tu Beimu (Local Fritillaria) is used surgically for phlegm toxins.
[Pulsatillae Radix] Clears Yangming blood heat (Stomach, Large Intestine). Treats heat-toxin bloody dysentery. Contraindicated if there is no heat in the blood level. Pharmacies often pick it out from Bupleuri Radix stems, but it must have white hairs on the head to be authentic.
[Petasitis Rhizoma] Slightly cold. Treats Lung Qi fullness. For those with a "water-frog" sound in the throat, it brings immediate relief.
[Cynanchi Stauntonii Radix] Slightly cold. Drains Yangming blood heat, directs down water Qi, treats heat strangury.
[Dictamni Cortex] Bitter and drying. Enters Spleen and Stomach. Removes wind-damp, opens passages and orifices. Essential herb for various jaundices and wind-bi.
[Mitchella Repens Rhizoma / Imperatae Rhizoma] (Note: Text says Bai Mao Gen, usually Imperatae Rhizoma) Sweet and cold. Clears Heart, moistens Lung. Removes latent heat in Spleen and Stomach. Treats hematemesis, epistaxis, and other bleeding, and Lung heat cough.
[Corydalis Rhizoma] Pungent, bitter, warm. Moves Qi and blood stagnation. Treats pain everywhere in the body (When there is free flow, there is no pain). Essential herb for invigorating blood and promoting Qi movement. Contraindicated without stagnation. Can induce abortion. Raw breaks blood; stir-fried regulates blood; vinegar-fried stops bleeding.
[Angelicae Sinensis Radix] Pungent and warm. Blood herbs work best with wine. Indispensable for blood deficiency with Liver dryness, sinews lacking nourishment, and irregular menstruation in women. Widely used, but unsuitable for cases with excessive phlegm, heat pathogens, loose stools, or fire cough. For dysentery, hematochezia, hematemesis, and epistaxis, stir-fry until charred to reduce warming and slipping properties; charred color helps stop bleeding. Head acts upward, body acts mid-level, tail acts downward; all parts move blood stasis.
[Paeoniae Radix] Sour. Astringent blood herb. Essential for blood heat and Liver fire. Stir-fry before use. In Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), it stops spontaneous sweating from wind-strike. Guizhi warms the Defensive Qi, Shaoyao astringes. Combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix, it stops abdominal pain by astringing the Liver, while Glycyrrhizae harmonizes the Spleen. Effective inside and outside, depending on proper use. Contraindicated when dispersion is needed. In Spleen herbs, stir-fry until scorched to prevent Wood overacting on Earth. There are red and white varieties. White tonifies and astringes; red disperses and purges. Surgical departments use red frequently.
[Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma] Pungent and warm. Qi herb within blood. Raises Yang, opens depression. Ascends to head and eyes, descends to Sea of Blood. Relieves pain, regulates menstruation. Treats various headaches (add guiding herbs), and all disorders of Wind-Wood. Unsuitable for rising Qi with phlegm-wheezing or flaming fire due to deficiency. Long-term single use can cause sudden death. Sichuan-produced is Chuan Xiong; Southern produced is Fu Xiong.
[Moutan Cortex] Key herb for clearing Liver meridian blood heat. Essential for skin disease patients. Combined with Mori Cortex, it strongly drains Wood. For Liver fire issues, these two are like bows and arrows in an army; indispensable.
[Turmeric Rhizoma] Pungent, bitter, slightly cold. Enters Heart, Pericardium, and Lung. Opens Liver and Heart depression. Treats Qi and blood pain. Unsuitable for Yin deficiency with flaming fire unrelated to Liver-Qi reversal. Best from Sichuan and Guangdong.
[Curcumae Longae Rhizoma] Pungent and warm. Enters Spleen and Liver. Breaks blood, directs Qi downward, dispels wind, reduces swelling. Treats postpartum敗血 attacking the Heart. Slice form enters arms, treating wind-cold-damp bi. Worsens condition in blood deficiency. From Sichuan and Guangdong.
[Curcumae Zedoariae Rhizoma] Pungent, bitter, warm. Moves Qi, eliminates stasis, unblocks menstruation, resolves masses. Treats heart and abdominal pain, running piglet, and flank masses. Damages true Qi in deficient persons before masses are removed. Must be combined with Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma and Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma.
[Sparganii Rhizoma] Bitter and neutral, enters Liver. Dissolves all blood stasis and Qi knots. Treats hard sores, food stagnation, old hard accumulations, reduces swelling, relieves pain, promotes lactation, induces abortion. Should be wrapped in flour and baked together with Curcumae Zedoariae Rhizoma.
[Lycii Cortex / Lycii Radicis Cortex] (Text says Ze Lan, likely Lycii Radicis Cortex or Lycii Ramulus, but description fits Lycii Ramulus/Lycii Cortex context or potentially Epimedium? No, Ze Lan is Lycopi Herba. Wait, text says "Ze Lan... popularly called Sheng Tou Cao, incorrect. Ma Lan Cao cools blood." Ze Lan is Lycopi Herba. Let's stick to Lycopi Herba). Bitter, pungent, slightly warm. Enters Liver and Spleen meridians. Opens nine orifices, benefits joints, breaks old blood, unblocks menstruation. Do not use lightly without stasis. Commonly mistaken for Sheng Tou Cao; incorrect. Ma Lan Cao cools blood and stops epistaxis.
[Cyperi Rhizoma] Pungent disperses, bitter descends. Qi herb within blood. Enters twelve meridians, benefits Sanjiao, resolves six depressions. Treats metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, irregular menstruation. Consumes blood and disperses Qi. Raw moves chest/diaphragm, reaches skin. Soaked in child's urine and fried enters blood level; wine-soaked and fried moves collaterals; vinegar-soaked and fried resolves accumulations; ginger juice-soaked and fried transforms cold phlegm.
[Aucklandiae Radix] Pungent, bitter, warm. Sanjiao Qi herb. Soothes Liver, harmonizes Spleen. Treats all Qi pain, nine types of Heart pain, dysentery with tenesmus. Fragrant and drying. Avoid in Lung dryness and blood deficiency. Used in Xiang Lian Wan (Aucklandia and Coptis Pill) to break stagnation, harmonize Spleen, and relieve pain. Guangdong-produced for medicine.
[Amomi Fructus] Pungent and warm. Harmonizes Spleen, promotes Qi, moves stagnation, treats distension, warms Middle, awakens Stomach. Penetrating and drying. Contraindicated in blood deficiency with flaming fire. Stir-fry, remove husk, grind. Amomi Fructus shell is pungent and aromatic, promotes Qi. Useful for abdominal distension and diarrhea, without the penetrating/drying drawbacks of the seed.
[Cardamomi Fructus] Pungent and hot. Circulates Sanjiao, warms Spleen and Stomach, disperses stagnant Qi, removes cold-damp, transforms food, relieves bloating. Treats chronic malaria with Spleen deficiency and cold-induced abdominal pain. Contraindicated in heat-induced abdominal pain and Qi deficiency with rising fire. Remove husk, grind. Caodoukou (from Fujian) is pungent, warm, aromatic. Warms Stomach, strengthens Spleen. Treats external cold stomach pain, cholera, vomiting, and diarrhea. Drying and consuming blood; contraindicated in Yin insufficiency.
[Arecae Seed] Pungent and hot. Warms Spleen, breaks Qi, resolves phlegm, transforms food and accumulations (Malaria masses). Treats miasma malaria. Cold phlegm condensing at the membrane source; for persistent malaria, Arecae Seed is essential but must be combined with Yuan Qi tonics. Wrapped in flour and baked. Avoid iron when extracting the kernel.
[Myristicae Semen] (Also known as Rouguo) Pungent and warm. Regulates Spleen, warms Stomach, directs Qi downward, harmonizes Middle. Expels cold phlegm, removes cold pain in heart and abdomen, Kidney deficiency-cold, dawn diarrhea. Used in Si Shen Wan (Four Spirit Pill). Wrapped in flour and baked.