〔防己〕辛苦寒，行十二经，开太阳，（膀胱）通腠利窍，泻下焦血分湿热，为疗风水
之要药，（木通苦寒，泻气分湿热；防己苦寒，泻血分湿热。）兼治香港脚水种。若下焦无湿
热忌。出汉中，根大而中通，名汉防己，治湿；更有木防己治风。
〔木通〕（旧称轻清平淡。）尝其味实大苦，通脏腑之气，消乳积，治热淋。
〔通草〕降肺气，利小便，同桑皮治水膨，水出高源，肺气下降，则水亦泄矣。轻清
平淡，加诸通利则合。
〔葛根〕辛甘，轻扬升发，入阳明经，能助胃气，上行生津，止渴开肌，发汗退热，
为治清气下陷泄泻之圣药。血痢湿疟，肠风痘疹，（凡斑疹已见红点，不可更服）上盛下虚之
人，须斟酌用之。葛花解酒毒，欲缓其性可煨用。
〔茜草〕色赤，入厥阴血分，消瘀通经，治风痹黄胆，（疸有五种，茜草治蓄血发黄。
无瘀滞者忌。）
〔威灵仙〕辛温，风药善走，能宣五脏，通行十二经，治中风痛风，头痛顽痹， 瘕
积聚，黄胆浮肿，一切冷痛，性疾快利。治诸骨哽颇验，（威灵仙用糖酒煎一碗，一气饮下
诸骨尽消。）大耗真气，不得已而后用之可也。
〔钩藤〕甘苦微寒，除心热，平肝风，舒筋除眩，治小儿惊啼螈 ，（伸缩不已俗谓之
搐搦。）味淡力薄，煎剂宜迟入。
〔使君子〕甘温杀虫，消积，治五疳，为小儿诸病要药。
〔泽泻〕利小便，消水肿，六味汤同茯苓并用，治肝肾虚火上炎如神。小便不禁者忌
用。
〔石菖蒲〕气辛性窜，惟痰火结于包络用之，以开蒙塞。若小儿小有惊痫，自当散风
清热，平肝消食。此味不可轻用，因走窜真气。
〔蒲黄〕甘平，厥阴血分药，（心包、肝。）生用行血消瘀，通经脉，祛膀胱之热。同
五灵脂名失笑散，治心腹血气痛。炒黑性涩止血，治崩带泄精。无瘀勿用。
〔海藻〕苦泄结，咸软坚，寒涤热，消瘰 结核 瘕，脾胃有湿勿服。
〔昆布〕用同海藻而性雄，除顽痰积聚，治瘿瘤阴溃。
〔石斛〕入胃， 豆皮入肾，虚而有热宜之。二种皆轻清淡味，配入诸药，如馔中之
虾菜，无甚要紧，然不可缺。鲜石斛清养胃阴，调理之病，最妙之品。
〔骨碎补〕苦坚肾，温行血，补伤折，疗骨痿，蜜拌蒸晒。
〔景天〕苦酸寒，纯阴之品，入心清热，为末同菊叶汁疗火丹。中寒者勿服。
〔马勃〕辛平，轻虚清肺，解热散血止嗽，治喉痹咽痛失音，将粉吹入，活鼻衄，外
用敷诸疮良。
〔柏子仁〕色赤入心，补心益智。凡健忘多汗惊痫，皆心气不足，柏子仁汤主之，炒
研。
〔侧柏叶〕性涩而燥，清血分湿热，凡治便血炒黑用；吐血衄血，捣汁冲。
〔肉桂〕辛甘大热，气浓纯阳，入肝肾血分，补命门相火不足，痼冷沉寒之症，疏通
血脉，小腹痛，奔豚疝瘕，抑肝扶土，疗寒热久疟，引火归原，出交趾最贵， 产其浓者亦
可用。去皮及油而止。
〔桂枝〕辛甘温，气薄升浮，入肺膀胱，温经通脉，发汗解肌。治伤风头痛，伤寒自
汗，同芍药、甘草、姜、枣名桂枝汤，能和营实表。阳盛之人，或挟暑热，下咽生灾。
〔沉香〕辛甘温，能下气，理痰调中治心腹痛，噤口毒痢。气虚下陷，切勿沾唇。入
汤剂磨汁，入丸散镑曝燥磨，忌火。
〔丁香〕辛温，纯阳，温胃暖肾，治心腹冷痛，挟寒白痢痛经，同柿蒂、生姜，治呕
哕呃逆痘疮灰白不起，须同人参、当归。非虚寒勿用。
〔檀香〕辛温，调脾利膈，降真香辛温，辟恶止金疮出血。
〔乌药〕辛温上入肺脾，下通膀胱与肾，疏胸腹气逆，兼能止痛。气虚血热勿服。
〔乳香〕苦辛温，入心通十二经，去风伸筋，调气活血，托里护心，生肌止痛。痈疽
疮肿，疮疽已溃勿服。
〔没药〕苦平，入十二经，散结通血，消肿定痛。出南番，色赤如琥珀者良。
〔血竭〕甘咸，散瘀生新，止痛生肌，善收疮口。出南番，嚼之如 者佳。
〔安息香〕出安息国，树脂熬成，外用沥青为壳。能辟邪气，安五脏，至宝丹所以用
之。
〔苏合香〕通窍开郁解邪，出诸番，合众香之汁煎成，故又名苏合油。以箸挑起，悬
丝不断者真。走窜真气，挟虚勿服。
〔龙脑香〕（即冰片）出南番，杉脂所化。辛温香窜善走，治用虽多，不外通窍引经。
同火酒服杀人。
〔芦荟〕木脂也，出波斯国。大苦大寒，功专清热杀虫，同胆草能泻肝经实火。
〔黄柏〕滋肾泻火，炒用燥湿，凡下焦，有湿热者，必用之品。同熟地、龟板、知母
，为大补阴丸，治火有余。而形不足者，无火忌之。
〔槐花子〕清大肠风热，治肠风便血，血痔。虚寒者忌。炒用。
〔金铃子〕苦寒，能导小肠膀胱之热下行，通利小便，为疝气要药。同延胡索名金铃
子散，治肝火胃痛。川产良，用肉去核。
〔秦皮〕苦寒性涩，清肝平木，久痢可用，治目疾，洗服皆效。
〔樗根皮〕（即臭椿根皮）苦寒涩，故能燥湿清热收敛，入血分，血痢肠风，久而不愈
，有断下之功。积滞未尽，勉强固涩，必变他症。
〔诃子〕苦温泄气，酸涩收肺，大能化痰，久嗽久痢，略用可也。若早施之，为害不
测。
〔浓朴〕苦降，泻实满；辛温，泻湿满，消痰化食治呕，泻痢乱藿，一切客寒犯胃，
湿气侵脾之症，邪气未解宜之。已虚者勿用，损胎元。榛树皮也，前因两川教匪扰乱，砍树
为薪，紫浓者价至数换，姜汁炒。
〔皂荚〕性极尖利，搜风泄热，通关窍，涌痰涎，宣壅导滞，以末搐鼻，立作喷嚏。
治中风口噤，胸痹喉痹，济急颇有神效。稍涉虚者，切勿轻与，孕妇尤忌。
〔皂角刺〕辛温，搜风杀虫，锋锐直达病所，溃痈疽，散肿毒，攻乳积，（一名妒乳）
为痈疽未溃之神药；已溃勿服，孕妇亦忌。
〔西河柳〕凡肺受寒郁，气不宣达，为咳逆，或咽痛，或畏寒，身热发痧发疹，皆宜
用。按∶西河柳辛开肺郁，温散风邪，达表最要之品，枝叶并用。若无感无郁者忌。
〔海桐皮〕入血分，祛风去湿，行经络达病所，凡病属风湿者宜之。出广南，皮白坚
韧，作索不烂。
〔杜仲〕续绝补伤，强筋健腰，盐水炒断丝，青娥丸同补骨脂核桃肉，治虚寒腰痛
，凡腰膝不足者宜之，并能固胎。
〔合欢皮〕甘平，安五脏，悦心志，和血止痛，明目消肿，结续长肌。香油调末，治
蜘蛛咬，得酒良。
〔芜荑〕辛苦散满，祛五脏皮肤肢节风湿，凡腹中有酒血气所化成鳖者，惟芜荑同暖
胃理气补血之药，乃可杀之。
〔乌 根皮〕性能泻下，故通肠利水，功胜大戟，治 咸痰喘。
〔苏木〕辛平，出苏方国，入三阴血分，行血去瘀，同防风治血滞生风，产后瘀血上
攻，排脓止血〉无瘀者忌。
〔干漆〕（即漆渣）辛温有毒，功专行血杀虫，血见干漆，即化为水，其能损血可见。
炒用。
〔大枫子〕出南番，辛热有毒，治疮癣疥疠，有杀虫劫毒之功。中仁色白，去油用。
〔巴豆〕辛热大毒，开窍宣滞，去脏腑沉寒，为斩关夺门之将。（大黄，腑病多热者，
宜之。巴豆脏病多寒者宜之。）以少许着肌肤，即起泡，况肠胃柔薄之质乎？万不得已，亦须
炒熟去油，入少许即止。
〔桑叶〕泻肝经之气热，与丹皮同用，大能泄木，同石膏、生地，能疗肺燥；同地骨
皮，又治盗汗。轻清之物，施用颇广，须立冬后采。
〔桑皮〕蜜水炒，治肺火咳嗽，大能泻肺，肺以降为顺，故泻白散首用之。《十剂》
中同通草能消水肿，所谓轻可去实也。盖因肺气降，水亦从兹而泄。惟客邪在肺，宜疏散
，则不可用。
〔楮实〕甘寒而利，消水肿，疗骨哽，明目软坚，古方取以为补，惟还少丹用之。酒
蒸，皮可为纸。
〔枳实〕摩坚破滞，能坠至高之气，性猛而悍，小陷胸用之，泻胸痞如神。稍挟虚者
犯之，反生胀满，切戒也。枳实如壮夫，枳壳如年长，血气之勇已衰，惟能宽胸利气；青皮
能疏肝气，枳壳并能疏肺气，然皆气滞始宜。
〔山栀〕清心肺热，同香附能开郁，凉药之轻清者；同茯苓能泻热邪，屈曲从小便出
。近多炒用，用生者绝少。
〔枣仁〕安神敛心阳，止虚汗，兼入脾，故归脾汤用之，取火生土也。
〔蕤仁〕微寒，消风清热，和肝明目，破心下结痰，除腹中痞气，目病不缘风热。
而因虚者勿用。
〔山茱萸〕炒黑，收肝风，其酸不亚于梅，六味用之，亦取其酸收纳气也。
〔金樱子〕酸涩，固精秘气，治滑精久痢，性涩滞。昧者喜其涩精而服之致生别症，
咎将谁执？熬膏用。
〔郁李仁〕行水破血，润燥治大肠气滞，关格不通，治标之药。精液不足而便结者勿
投。去皮尖研。
〔女贞子〕冬青树子也。纯阴之品，益肝肾，阴虚有火者宜之。揉去粗皮，蜜酒拌蒸
。
〔五加皮〕苦辛，膏风胜湿，逐皮肤之瘀血，疗筋骨之拘挛，茎节花皮根具五色故名
。下部无风寒湿，及肝肾有火者勿服。酿酒尤良。
〔枸杞〕滋补肝肾之要品，性平赤色，又能补心，凡阴不足者相宜。产甘州为上，入
煎剂亦宜炒用。枸杞在处有之，肉薄子多，故不入药，甘产则反是。《抱朴子》曰∶去家千
里，莫食枸杞。谓能壮阳补肾。予谓∶采子之药，古今相同，何昔能而今不能耶？按∶是尽
多有过誉者，如称∶服菟丝子三月，能行及奔马，饮啖如沃雪。然乎否乎？
〔地骨皮〕枸杞根也，降肺中伏火，除肝肾虚热，能凉血，治五内烦热，止肌热虚汗
。中寒者勿用。
〔蔓荆子〕轻浮升散，搜风利窍，治头痛脑鸣，目痛齿痛诸症。不因风邪，血虚有火
者忌之。
〔木芙蓉〕凉血散热，消肿排脓，治一切痈疽肿毒有殊功，用花叶捣数四围，疡科为
清凉膏也。
〔密蒙花〕微寒，润肝燥，治目中赤脉清盲，肤翳赤肿，眵泪羞明，小儿疳气攻眼。
产蜀中，其花繁密蒙茸故名。
〔竹叶〕清肺胃风热。竹卷心清心火，竹沥同姜汁能消游行之痰，竹茹和胃止呕，须
炒。淡竹叶极消暑毒，能令从小便出。
〔天竹黄〕甘微寒，凉心去风热，利窍豁痰，治大人中风不语，小儿客忤惊痫。出南
海，大竹之精气结成，片片如竹节者真。
〔琥珀〕色赤，入手少阴足厥阴血分，（心肝）能宁心定魄，消瘀血破 瘕，生肌合疮
，治五淋，利小便。淡渗之品，凡阴虚水亏者勿服。
〔茯苓〕滇产者色绀，坚实可入补药；其六安两浙所出者，多断松枝种成，数年可采
，惟能利小便，不及滇产远甚。茯苓必须用片，叶氏医案每用块苓，徐洄溪以为虽煎终日而
味不出，此言自当遵之。抱木者为茯神，安神宁心。
〔猪苓〕甘苦淡，泄滞利窍，在上能开腠发汗，入膀胱利湿行水，平阴阳，分消湿邪
，淡渗亡津，无湿勿服。去皮切。
〔雷丸〕苦寒，有小毒，入胃，功专消积，杀虫，竹之余气，得霹雳而生，故名。
〔桑寄生〕舒筋络，利关节，除风湿痹痛之要药，同他药浸酒服良。
〔杏仁〕有甜苦二种，甜者，去皮炒研，润肺降气，消痰止嗽，有湿痰者不宜；苦者
泻肺解肌，降气利胸膈，同橘皮通大肠气秘。（肺与大肠为表里）去皮研，表剂连皮研。因虚
而嗽勿用，双仁者杀人。
〔乌梅〕酸涩之品，入肺脾血分，治久嗽久痢，久疟安蛔厥病。有当发表者大忌。更
有留邪未尽，用之亦有害。
〔桃仁〕能治一切血瘀、血积、血痞、血秘，皮肤燥痒，（肌有凝血）发热如狂。（蓄血
在小腹）若非瘀滞而误用之，大伤阴气。泡去皮尖炒研。
〔大枣〕甘温，补中益脾，同老姜和营卫，利百药。惟嫌助火，胃热齿痛所忌。
〔梨汁〕凉心润肺，除烦解渴，熬膏代蜜丸。一切治肺之药最妙。
〔柿霜〕乃肺之精液，北地用膏粱粉收者，清上焦心肺之热。柿蒂止呃逆。（济生方加
丁香生姜尤妙）
〔木瓜〕酸涩而温，调营卫，利筋骨，治霍乱转筋。（能理脾伐肝也）
〔山楂〕健脾行气，消食磨积，（麦芽消谷食，山楂消腥膻）散瘀化痰，发小儿痘疹，
行乳积，止儿枕痛。（恶露留于小腹名儿枕痛）同茴香疗小肠疝气，去核炒。
〔橘皮〕脾肺肠胃之气药，旧有国老之称，谓其于补于表于疏剂中皆能相助成功。同
杏仁能治老人便闭，去白入肺达表，橘白和中止胃痛，清异录名橘皮为贵老。取陈而紫色者
佳。
〔枇杷叶〕清肺和胃，降气消痰，治热咳呕逆，拭净毛蜜炙，可入肺寒之剂；去粗蒸
用，手揉软，可入肺热之剂。
〔石榴皮〕酸涩，治久痢下血， 存性为末冲服。崩漏脱肛，煎汤洗。若血痢留邪未
尽忌之。
〔胡桃肉〕润，皮涩，同补骨脂，治虚寒腰痛。胡桃人参汤，观音梦传于洪辑子，治
痰喘。去皮无效，连皮有功，盖皮能敛肺也。一切筋骨痛皆可除。
〔荔枝核〕治睾丸胀痛，取象形之义，须配入平肝祛风湿剂中，烧存性，研冲。
〔龙眼〕甘温，补心益智。惟嫌助火，故胃热者服之，多作齿痛。
[Fangji] (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix) Bitter and pungent, cold in nature. It traverses the twelve meridians, opens the Taiyang (Bladder meridian), unblocks the interstices and orifices, and drains damp-heat from the blood aspect of the lower jiao. It is a crucial herb for treating Fengshui (edema with exterior syndrome). (Mutong, bitter and cold, drains damp-heat from the Qi aspect; Fangji, bitter and cold, drains damp-heat from the Blood aspect.) It also treats Hongxiangjiao (gouty swelling of the feet) and edema. Contraindicated if there is no damp-heat in the lower jiao. Originating from Hanzhong, the root is thick and hollow in the center, known as Hanfangji, used for dampness; there is also Mufangji, used for wind.
[Mutong] (Akebiae Caulis) (Oldly described as light, clear, bland, and mild.) Its taste is actually very bitter. It unblocks the Qi of the Zang-Fu organs, eliminates milk accumulation, and treats Relin (hot strangury with painful, scanty urination).
[Tongcao] (Tetrapanacis Medulla) Descends Lung Qi, promotes urination. When combined with Sangbaipi (Morus Alba Bark), it treats Shuipeng (water distension/ascites). As water originates from the high source (Lung), descending Lung Qi allows water to drain. Being light, clear, and bland, it harmonizes well when added to other draining and unblocking herbs.
[Gegen] (Puerariae Lobatae Radix) Pungent and sweet, light and ascending. Enters the Yangming meridian, assists Stomach Qi, generates fluids upward, relieves thirst, opens the muscle layer, induces sweating, and reduces fever. It is a sacred herb for treating diarrhea caused by sinking of clear Qi. For Xueli (blood dysentery), Shimai (damp malaria), Changfeng (intestinal wind bleeding), and Douzhen (smallpox/rubella lesions - note: do not use once red spots have appeared), and for those with excess above and deficiency below, use must be cautious. Gehua (Pueraria Flower) resolves alcohol toxicity; to moderate its action, it can be roasted.
[Qiancao] (Rubiae Cordifoliae Radix et Rhizoma) Red in color, enters the Jueyin (Liver) Blood aspect, dissipates stasis, unblocks collaterals, treats Fengbi (wind-bi pain), and Huangdan (jaundice). (There are five types of jaundice; Qiancao treats yellowing due to retained blood stasis. Contraindicated if there is no stasis.)
[Weilingxian] (Clematidis Radix) Pungent and warm. As a wind-dispelling herb, it moves swiftly, can ventilate the five Zang organs, and traverse the twelve meridians. It treats Zhongfeng (stroke), Tongfeng (gout), headache, stubborn bi-syndrome, Jiaji (masses), Huangdan (jaundice), edema, all cold pains. Its nature is rapid and penetrating. It is effective for Gu geng (fish bone impaction) (Decoct Weilingxian with sugar and wine in one bowl and drink it in one gulp to dissolve bones). However, it greatly depletes True Qi and should only be used when absolutely necessary.
[Gouteng] (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis) Sweet, bitter, slightly cold. Clears Heart heat, pacifies Liver wind, relaxes sinews, removes dizziness, and treats infantile convulsions and crying (rhythmic contraction and extension, commonly called Chu Nuo). Its flavor is faint and potency weak; add late during decoction.
[Shijunzi] (Quisqualis Fructus) Sweet and warm. Kills parasites, eliminates accumulation, treats Wu Gan (five types of childhood malnutrition), and is a key herb for various pediatric diseases.
[Zexie] (Alismatis Rhizoma) Promotes urination, reduces edema. Used together with Fuling (Poria) in Liuwei Dihuang Wan, it treats rising of deficient fire from Liver and Kidney with miraculous effect. Contraindicated in cases of urinary incontinence.
[Shichangpu] (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) Aromatic and pungent, penetrating in nature. Only suitable for Phlegm-Fire obstructing the Pericardium Collateral to open obstruction. For minor infantile epilepsy, one should disperse wind, clear heat, pacify Liver, and digest food. This herb should not be used lightly as it scatters True Qi.
[Puhuang] (Typhae Pollen) Sweet and neutral. An herb for the Jueyin (Liver) Blood aspect (Pericardium, Liver). Raw form moves blood, dissipates stasis, unblocks collaterals, and clears Bladder heat. Combined with Wulingzhi (Trogopteri Dung), it forms Shixiao San, treating heart and abdominal Qi-Blood pain. Charred, it becomes astringent and stops bleeding, treating Binglou (metrorrhagia), Dai Xia (leukorrhea), and Jing Xi (spermatorrhea). Do not use without stasis.
[Haizao] (Sargassum) Bitter to resolve nodules, salty to soften hardness, cold to clear heat. Eliminulates Luoli (scrofula), Hejie (tubercles), and Jia masses. Contraindicated if Spleen and Stomach have dampness.
[Kunbu] (Kelp) Used similarly to Haizao but with a stronger nature. Eliminates stubborn phlegm and accumulation, treats Yingliu (goiter) and Yin Kui (ulceration).
[Shihu] (Dendrobii Caulis) Enters the Stomach. (Note: Text mentions "Doupi" entering Kidney, likely referring to specific varieties or parts). Suitable for deficiency with heat. Both are light, clear, and bland. When paired with other herbs, they are like shrimp in a meal—essential yet subtle. Fresh Shihu nourishes Stomach Yin and is excellent for conditioning diseases.
[Gusuibu] (Drynariae Rhizoma) Bitter to strengthen Kidney, warm to move blood, repairs fractures, treats Gu Wei (bone atrophy). Processed with honey, steamed, and dried.
[Jingtian] (Sedum Acre) Bitter, sour, cold. Pure Yin substance. Enters Heart to clear heat. Powder mixed with Chrysanthemum leaf juice treats Huodan (herpes zoster). Contraindicated in Cold patterns.
[Maibo] (Lasiosphaera Spores) Pungent and neutral. Light and void, clears Lung, resolves heat, disperses blood, stops cough. Treats Hou Bi (sore throat), Yan Tong (throat pain), Shi Yin (loss of voice). Blow powder into nose for Bi Nu (epistaxis). Topical application for sores is good.
[Baiziren] (Stemonae Seed / Platycladi Semen) Red, enters Heart. Tonifies Heart, enhances intelligence. Forgetfulness, excessive sweating, and epilepsy are due to Heart Qi deficiency; treat with Baiziren Tang, roasted and ground.
[Cebaiye] (Platycladi Cacumen) Astringent and dry. Clears damp-heat from Blood aspect. Charred for Bian Xue (hematochezia); fresh juice for Tu Xue (hematemesis) and Bi Xue (epistaxis).
[Rougui] (Cinnamomi Cortex) Pungent, sweet, very hot. Dense aroma, pure Yang. Enters Liver and Kidney Blood aspect. Tonifies Mingmen Fire deficiency. Treats entrenched cold and deep chill, unblocks vessels, treats lower abdominal pain, Ben Tun (running piglet qi), Shan Jia (hernia/masses). Suppresses Liver, supports Earth, treats chronic chills and fevers (malaria), guides fire back to its source. Best from Jiaozhi; strong ones from other origins are also usable. Remove bark and oil before use.
[Guizhi] (Cinnamomi Ramulus) Pungent, sweet, warm. Light aroma, ascending and floating. Enters Lung and Bladder. Warms channels, unblocks vessels, induces sweating, releases muscle layer. Treats Shang Feng (wind-cold common cold) headache, Shang Han (cold damage) spontaneous sweating. Combined with Shaoyao, Gancao, Jiang, Zao, it forms Guizhi Tang, harmonizing Ying and Wei, securing the exterior. Contraindicated in Yang excess or summerheat patterns.
[Chenxiang] (Aquilaria Lignum Resinatum) Pungent, sweet, warm. Directs Qi downward, regulates phlegm, harmonizes Middle, treats heart/abdominal pain, Jin Kou Du Li (toxic dysentery with inability to eat). Contraindicated in Qi deficiency with sinking. Grind for decoctions; slice and dry for pills/powders. Avoid fire processing.
[Dingxiang] (Eugeniae Flos) Pungent, warm. Pure Yang. Warms Stomach, warms Kidney. Treats heart/abdominal cold pain, cold Bai Li (white dysentery), menstrual pain. Combined with Shidi (Persimmon Calyx) and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), treats Ouyue E Ni (vomiting/hiccups) and pale smallpox. Must be combined with Renshen (Ginseng) and Danggui (Angelica Sinensis). Not for non-deficient-cold patterns.
[Tanxiang] (Santalum Album Lignum) Pungent, warm. Harmonizes Spleen, benefits diaphragm. Jiangzhenxiang (Aquilaria Agallocha Lignum) is pungent, warm, dispels evil, stops bleeding from wounds.
[Wuyao] (Litseae Fructus) Pungent, warm. Enters Lung/Spleen above, connects Bladder/Kidney below. Regulates chest/abdominal Qi rebellion, stops pain. Contraindicated in Qi deficiency and Blood heat.
[Ruxiang] (Olibanum) Bitter, pungent, warm. Enters Heart, connects twelve meridians. Disperses wind, relaxes sinews, regulates Qi, invigorates blood, expels pus, protects Heart, generates flesh, stops pain. Contraindicated in ulcerated sores.
[Moyao] (Myrrha) Bitter, neutral. Enters twelve meridians. Dissipates nodules, unblocks blood, reduces swelling, stops pain. From Southern Seas; red like amber is best.
[Xuejie] (Dragon's Blood) Sweet, salty. Dissipates stasis, generates new blood, stops pain, generates flesh, closes sores. From Southern Seas; chewable quality is good.
[Anshixiang] (Benzoin) From Anshi country, resinous. Dispels evil Qi, calms Five Zang. Used in Zhibao Dan.
[Suhexiang] (Styrax) Unblocks orifices, opens depression, resolves evil. From foreign lands, made from juices of various aromatics. Also called Suhe You. Real one hangs in silk threads when lifted with chopsticks. Scatters True Qi; contraindicated in deficiency.
[Longnao Xiang] (Borneolum Syntheticum / Natural Borneol) From Southern Seas, derived from fir resin. Pungent, warm, aromatic, penetrating. Used mainly to unblock orifices and guide herbs. Fatal with hot wine.
[Luhui] (Aloe) Tree resin. From Persia. Very bitter, very cold. Specializes in clearing heat and killing parasites. Combined with Dachao (Gentiana), drains Liver Fire excess.
[Huangbai] (Phellodendri Cortex) Nourishes Kidney, drains fire. Stir-fried to dry dampness. Essential for lower jiao damp-heat. Combined with Shudi, Guiban, Zhimu forms Dabu Yin Wan, treating excess fire with body deficiency. Contraindicated if no fire.
[Huaizi] (Sophorae Flavescentis Flos) Clears Large Intestine wind-heat. Treats Chang Feng (intestinal wind bleeding), Xue Zhi (hemorrhoids). Contraindicated in deficiency-cold. Stir-fry before use.
[Jinlingzi] (Meliae Semen) Bitter, cold. Guides heat from Small Intestine and Bladder downward, promotes urination. Key herb for Shan Qi (hernia). Combined with Yanhusuo forms Jinlingzi San, treating Liver Fire stomach pain. Sichuan origin is good; use flesh, remove seed.
[Qinpi] (Fraxini Cortex) Bitter, cold, astringent. Clears Liver, pacifies Wood. Good for chronic dysentery, eye diseases. Wash or ingest.
[Chugenpi] (Toosendan Cortex) Bitter, cold, astringent. Dries dampness, clears heat, astringes. Enters Blood aspect. Treats chronic bloody dysentery and intestinal wind. If stagnation remains, forcing astringency causes other symptoms.
[Hezi] (Terminalia Chebula Fructus) Bitter, warm, drains Qi. Sour, astringent, collects Lung Qi. Greatly transforms phlegm. Use sparingly for chronic cough/dysentery. Early use is dangerous.
[Nanmu] (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) Bitter descends, drains fullness from excess; Pungent, warm, drains fullness from dampness. Transforms phlegm, digests food, treats vomiting. Good for external cold invading Stomach, dampness invading Spleen. Contraindicated if pathogen not resolved or if deficient. Damages fetus. (Text notes historical price fluctuation due to war). Processed with Ginger Juice.
[Zaojia] (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina / Fruit) Extremely sharp and potent. Searches wind, drains heat, opens orifices, induces vomiting of phlegm, unblocks congestion. Nasal insufflation induces sneezing. Treats stroke jaw lock, chest bi, throat bi. Effective in emergencies. Contraindicated in slight deficiency; strictly forbidden in pregnancy.
[Zaojia Ci] (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina) Pungent, warm. Searches wind, kills parasites. Sharp, reaches disease site directly. Suppurates abscesses, dissipates swelling/toxins, attacks breast accumulation. Divine herb for un-ulcerated abscesses. Contraindicated after ulceration and in pregnancy.
[Xihe Liu] (Salix Caprea Catkin) For Lung cold-stagnation, Qi not spreading, causing cough/reverse Qi, sore throat, aversion to cold, fever, sand-rash, rubella. Pungent opens Lung depression, warm disperses wind. Leaves and branches used. Contraindicated if no exterior constraint.
[Haitong Pi] (Erythrinae Cortex) Enters Blood aspect, dispels wind, removes dampness, travels collaterals to disease site. Good for Wind-Damp diseases. From Guangnan; white, tough skin.
[Duzhong] (Eucommiae Cortex) Repairs tears, tonifies injury, strengthens sinews/waist. Salt-processed to break fibers. Combined with Buguzhi and Walnut in Qing'e Wan for deficiency-cold waist pain. Strengthens fetus.
[Hehuan Pi] (Albiziae Cortex) Sweet, neutral. Calms Five Zang, pleases mind, harmonizes blood, stops pain, brightens eyes, reduces swelling, heals flesh. Mixed with sesame oil for spider bites; better with wine.
[Wuyi] (Madhuca ButirospERMUM) Pungent, bitter, disperses fullness. Removes Wind-Damp from five Zang, skin, limbs. For abdominal "bi" formed by wine/blood/qi, combine with warming Stomach, regulating Qi, tonifying Blood herbs.
[Wugenpi] (Likely refers to a specific root, text unclear "Wu Gen Pi") Drains downward, unblocks intestines, promotes water metabolism. Potency exceeds Daji. Treats Xian Tan Chuan (phlegm-wheezing).
[Sumu] (Sappan Lignum) Pungent, neutral. From Sufang country. Enters Three Yin Blood aspect. Moves blood, removes stasis. Combined with Fangfeng treats blood stagnation generating wind, postpartum blood attacking upward, expels pus, stops bleeding. Contraindicated without stasis.
[Ganqi] (Lac Cum Resina / Lacca) Pungent, warm, toxic. Moves blood, kills parasites. Blood turns to water upon contact. Damages blood. Stir-fry before use.
[Dafengzi] (Aleuritidis Fructus) From Southern Seas. Pungent, hot, toxic. Treats sores, tinea, scabies, leprosy. Kills parasites, resolves toxins. Kernel is white; remove oil before use.
[Badou] (Croci Fructus / Croton Seed) Pungent, hot, highly toxic. Opens orifices, unblocks stagnation, removes deep cold from Zang. General who breaks gates. (Dahuang treats Fu organ heat; Badou treats Zang organ cold). Causes blisters on skin; dangerous for gut. If necessary, roast, remove oil, use tiny amount.
[Sangye] (Mori Folium) Drains Qi-heat from Liver. Combined with Danpi, drains Wood. Combined with Shigao, Shengdi, treats Lung dryness. Combined with Digupi, treats night sweats. Light and clear; harvest after Start of Winter.
[Sangbaipi] (Mori Cortex Radicis) Honey-roasted. Treats Lung fire cough. Strongly drains Lung. Lung prefers descending; thus first herb in Xiebai San. In Ten Formulas, combined with Tongcao reduces edema ("Light can remove excess"). Due to Lung Qi descending, water drains. Contraindicated if pathogenic factor is in Lung requiring dispersion.
[Chushi] (Broussonetiae Fructus) Sweet, cold, draining. Reduces edema, treats bone spines, brightens eyes, softens hardness. Ancient formulas use for tonification (e.g., Huanshao Dan). Wine-steamed. Bark makes paper.
[Zhishi] (Aurantii Fructus Immaturum) Breaks hardness, resolves stagnation, directs high Qi downward. Fierce nature. Used in Xiao Xianxiong Tang for chest痞 (fullness) like magic. Contraindicated in slight deficiency (causes bloating). Zhishi is like a strong man; Zhike (ripe fruit) is like an elder, less vigorous, widens chest/regulates Qi. Qingpi regulates Liver Qi; Zhike regulates Lung Qi. Both for Qi stagnation.
[Zhizi] (Gardeniae Fructus) Clears Heart/Lung heat. Combined with Xiangfu opens depression (light cooling herb). Combined with Fuling drains heat via urine. Often stir-fried; raw is rare now.
[Zaoren] (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen) Calms spirit, collects Heart Yang, stops deficiency sweating. Enters Spleen. Used in Guipi Tang (Fire generates Earth).
[Ruren] (Pruni Armeniacae Semen / Prunus Mume Seed?) Text says "Rui Ren". Slightly cold. Disperses wind, clears heat, harmonizes Liver, brightens eyes. Breaks phlegm under Heart, removes epigastric fullness. Contraindicated if eye disease is due to deficiency, not wind-heat.
[Shanzhuyu] (Corni Fructus) Charred. Collects Liver wind. Sour like plum. Used in Liuwei Dihuang Wan to collect Qi via sourness.
[Jinyingzi] (Chrysobalanus Fructus) Sour, astringent. Secures essence, stores Qi. Treats spermatorrhea, chronic dysentery. Nature is sticky/astringent. Misuse causes other symptoms. Make paste.
[Yuliren] (Prunus japonica Seed / Cerasus Lannesiana Seed) Moves water, breaks blood, moistens dryness, treats Large Intestine Qi stagnation, Guan Ge (obstruction). Symptomatic treatment. Contraindicated in fluid deficiency constipation. Remove skin/spurs, grind.
[Nvzhenzi] (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus) Winter Quince seed. Pure Yin. Benefits Liver/Kidney. Good for Yin deficiency with fire. Rub off coarse skin, steam with honey/wine.
[Wujia Pi] (Acanthopanacis Cortex) Bitter, pungent. Dispels wind, overcomes dampness, drives blood stasis from skin, treats tendon/joint contracture. Named for five colors in stem/node/flower/bark/root. Contraindicated if no Wind-Cold-Damp below, or Liver/Kidney fire. Brewing wine is good.
[Gouqi] (Lycii Fructus) Key for tonifying Liver/Kidney. Neutral, red, tonifies Heart. Good for Yin deficiency. Gansu origin is best. Stir-fry in decoctions. Common variety has thin flesh/many seeds, not medicinal. Gansu variety is opposite. *Baopuzi*: "Traveling far, do not eat Gouqi" (strengthens Yang/Kidney). Author questions why ancient efficacy differs from modern. Notes exaggerations in herbal texts.
[Digupi] (Lycii Cortex Radicis) Root of Goji. Descends latent Lung fire, removes Liver/Kidney deficiency heat. Cools blood, treats internal vexation/heat, stops deficiency sweating. Contraindicated in Cold.
[Manjingzi] (Viticis Fructus) Light, floating, ascending. Searches wind, benefits orifices. Treats headache, tinnitus, eye/tooth pain. Contraindicated if not wind-pathogen, or Blood deficiency with fire.
[Mufurong] (Hibisci Mutabilis Flos) Cools blood, dissipates heat, reduces swelling, expels pus. Excellent for sores/abscesses. Flowers/leaves mashed externally as Cooling Paste.
[Mimenghua] (Buddlejae Flos) Slightly cold. Moistens Liver dryness. Treats red veins in eyes, blindness, corneal opacity, swelling, tearing, photophobia, pediatric Gan Qi attacking eyes. From Shu; named for dense flowers.
[Zhuye] (Bambusae Folium) Clears Lung/Stomach wind-heat. Zhu Juanxin (bamboo heart) clears Heart fire. Zhuli (bamboo sap) with Ginger Juice resolves wandering phlegm. Zhuru (bamboo shavings) harmonizes Stomach, stops vomiting (stir-fry). Dan Zhuye (light bamboo leaf) clears summerheat toxin, excretes via urine.
[Tianzhuhuang] (Bambusae Camphorata) Sweet, slightly cold. Cools Heart, removes wind-heat, benefits orifices, resolves phlegm. Treats adult stroke muteness, infantile fright epilepsy. From South Sea; formed from big bamboo essence. Segmented like bamboo joints is authentic.
[Hupo] (Fossilia Succinum) Red. Enters Shaoyin (Heart) and Jueyin (Liver) Blood aspects. Calms spirit, dissipates stasis, breaks masses, generates flesh, heals sores, treats Wu Lin (five stranguries), promotes urination. Diuretic; contraindicated in Yin deficiency/fluid depletion.
[Fuling] (Poria) Yunnan origin is dark purple, solid, good for tonics. Anhui/Zhejiang origin is often grown on pine logs, only promotes urination, inferior to Yunnan. Must use slices; whole pieces (as in Ye Tianshi's cases) may not release flavor (Xu Huixi's view). Fushen (mycelium on pine root) calms spirit.
[Zhuling] (Polyporus) Sweet, bitter, bland. Drains stagnation, benefits orifices. Above: opens interstices/sweating. Below: Bladder dampness/water. Balances Yin/Yang, separates dampness. Diuretic loses fluids; contraindicated without dampness. Peel and slice.
[Leiwan] (Omphalia Lapida) Bitter, cold, slightly toxic. Enters Stomach. Specializes in eliminating accumulation, killing parasites. Bamboo residual energy, born from thunder.
[Sangjisheng] (Taxilli Herba) Relaxes sinews/collaterals, benefits joints. Key for Wind-Damp bi-pain. Decoct with wine.
[Xingren] (Armeniacae Semen Amarum / Dulce) Sweet: peel, roast, grind. Moistens Lung, directs Qi down, transforms phlegm, stops cough. Not for damp-phlegm. Bitter: drains Lung, releases muscle, directs Qi down, benefits chest/diaphragm. Combined with Chenpi treats constipation (Lung/Large Intestine interior-exterior relation). Peel/grind; for exterior formulas, keep skin. Contraindicated in deficiency cough. Double-kernel seeds are fatal.
[Wumei] (Mume Fructus) Sour, astringent. Enters Lung/Spleen Blood aspect. Treats chronic cough/dysentery, chronic malaria, calms roundworms/Jue syndrome. Strictly contraindicated if exterior release is needed. Harmful if pathogen remains.
[Taoren] (Persicae Semen) Treats all blood stasis, accumulation,痞 (masses), constipation. Skin dryness/itching (clotted blood in muscle), fever/mania (blood stasis in lower abdomen). Misuse damages Yin. Soak, remove skin/spurs, roast, grind.
[Dazao] (Jujubae Fructus) Sweet, warm. Tonifies Middle, benefits Spleen. Combined with old ginger harmonizes Ying/Wei, aids all herbs. Generates fire; contraindicated in Stomach heat/toothache.
[Lizhi] (Pyrus Sinkiangensis Juice) Cools Heart, moistens Lung, removes vexation, quenches thirst. Boil to paste for pills. Best for Lung treatments.
[Shishuang] (Diospyroi Frost) Essence of Lung. Collected in North from rich foods. Clears Upper Jiao Heart/Lung heat. Shidi (Persimmon Calyx) stops hiccups (add Dingxiang/Shengjiang per Jisheng Fang).
[Mugua] (Chaenomelis Fructus) Sour, astringent, warm. Harmonizes Ying/Wei, benefits sinews/bones. Treats Huoluan twitching (regulates Spleen, suppresses Liver).
[Shanzha] (Crataegi Fructus) Strengthens Spleen, moves Qi, digests food/resolves accumulation (Maiya digests grains; Shanzha digests meat/fish). Dissipates stasis/phlegm, triggers smallpox, resolves breast accumulation, stops Erzhen Tong (postpartum lochia pain). Combined with Huixiang treats Small Intestine hernia. Remove core, roast.
[Jupi] (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) Qi herb for Spleen/Lung/GI tract. Old name "Guolao" (State Elder), helps tonics/exterior/dispersing formulas. Combined with Xingren treats elderly constipation. Remove white pith for Lung/exterior; keep white for harmonizing Stomach/stopping pain. Chenpi (aged, purple) is best.
[Pipaye] (Eriobotryae Folium) Clears Lung, harmonizes Stomach, directs Qi down, transforms phlegm. Treats heat cough/vomiting. Scrape hairs, honey-roast for Cold Lung formulas; steam/rub soft for Heat Lung formulas.
[Shiliupi] (Punicae Cortex) Sour, astringent. Treats chronic dysentery with blood. Charred, powder, wash down. Decoct for Binglou/prolapse. Contraindicated if bloody dysentery has lingering pathogen.
[Hutaorou] (Juglandis Semen) Moistening, skin astringent. Combined with Buguzhi for deficiency-cold waist pain. Hutao Renshen Tang treats Tan Chuan (phlegm-wheezing). Skin essential (collects Lung). Removes all bone/joint pain.
[Lizhihe] (Litchi Seed) Treats testicular swelling/pain. Shape symbolism. Combine with Liver-calming/Wind-Damp dispelling herbs. Charred, grind, wash.
[Longyan] (Longan Arillus) Sweet, warm. Tonifies Heart, enhances intelligence. Generates fire; causes toothache in Stomach heat.