人参 味甘、气温、微寒，气味俱轻，阳也。阳中微阴，无毒。（茯苓为之使，反藜芦，恶卤咸。
生上党者良，如人形有神。凡使去芦头，和细辛密封固，十年不坏。） 主补五脏，安精神，
定魂魄，止惊悸，除邪气，明目开心益志，调中生津，通血脉。
治五劳七伤，虚损，肺脾阳气不足，短气，少气，肠胃中冷，心腹鼓痛，胸胁逆满，霍乱
吐逆，反胃。久服轻身延年，能补上焦元气，升麻为引。用补下焦元气，茯苓为之使。肺受寒
邪及短气虚喘宜用。肺受火邪喘嗽，
及阴虚火动劳嗽吐血者勿用。（此王纶之失，察理未真而疑人参助火，故谓阴虚火动吐血者忌
之。殊不知虚火非凉药可泻，心焦甘温平味方可除。正如东垣云∶温能除大热。丹溪亦云∶虚
火可补，参、术、生甘草之属是也。自纶斯言一出，举世医者畏参如虎。凡虚之极者，愈有烦
躁汗热液干发热火邪。盖乘虚而作，非人参滋养，火邪宁退乎？）仲景治亡血脉虚，以人参补之，
气虚血弱，必补其气而血自生。阴生于阳，甘能生血也。故产后大热，须用干姜佐之，方能补
其血而退热，不独产后为然，凡虚弱之甚皆然也。
沙参 味苦甘，气微寒，无毒。（恶防己，反藜芦。） 主血积惊气，除寒热，补中益
肺气。久服利人，安五脏，止惊烦。治常欲眠，养肝气，疗胃痹心腹痛，结热邪气，头痛肌热，
浮风身痒，卒得疝气下坠痛如绞者，酒调末服。肺寒用人参，肺热用沙参。沙参补五脏之阴，
人参补五脏之阳。
天门冬 味苦甘，气平，大寒。气薄味浓阴也，阳中之阴，无毒。入手太阴经、足少
阴经。（地黄、贝母为之使，畏精青。凡用去皮去心，服此忌食鲤鱼。）主诸暴风湿偏痹，强骨
髓，杀三虫，去伏尸，久服轻身益气延年。保安肺气，去寒热，养肌肤，悦颜色，益气力，利
小便，冷而能补，治肺气咳逆，喘息促急，通肾气，止消渴，疗肺痿、生痈、吐脓血，热侵肺，
吐衄妄行，泻肺火，消痰补五劳七伤。苦以泻滞血，甘以助元气，治肺热之功多。患人体虚
而热，加而用之。但专泄而不收，寒多者禁服。肺气喘促者，加人参、黄 ，用之神效。益气
延年。（捣末。每服酒调下三钱，日三服，兼去 瘕积聚，风痰癫狂，瘟痹，酿酒亦可。）
麦门冬 味甘微苦，气平微寒。阳中阴，无毒，入手太阴经。（地黄、车前为之使，恶
款冬、苦瓠，畏苦参。阴干，肥大者佳。凡用去心，不则令人烦。） 主心腹结气，伤中伤饱，
胃络脉绝。羸瘦短气，身重目黄，心下支满，口干燥渴，止呕吐，愈痿蹶，消谷调中。治心肺
热及虚劳客热。通脉保神，强阴益精，补心气不足及治血妄行。泻肺中伏火及肺痿吐脓，安五
脏，令人肥健，美颜色、有子。久服轻身，不老不饥。加五味子、人参为生脉之剂，补肺中元气
不足。与地黄、阿胶、麻仁同用，能润经益血，复脉通心。愚按《本经》用治脾胃多，后人用治
心肺多。
干地黄 味甘苦，气寒。味浓气薄，阴中之阳，无毒。（得麦门冬浸酒良，恶贝母，畏芜
荑。阴干，生姜水浸验，沉者名地黄乃
佳。酒拌蒸九次，令黑烂者为熟，阴干者为生。忌犯铁器，令人肾消，亦忌食莱菔，令人发白。）
主折跌，绝筋伤中，逐血痹，填骨髓，长肌肉。作汤除寒热积聚，除痹。久服轻身不老。（《本
经》不分生熟，后人分用。）酒洒蒸则微温，入手足少阴经，厥阴经。大补，血衰须用之，滋肾
阴，益气力，利耳目，主血虚劳热，老人中虚燥热，男子五劳七伤，女子伤中，胞漏下血，破
恶血，溺血，产后血虚脐腹痛。生者尤良。大寒。入手太阳经、少阴经，凉血生血，补肾水、真阴
不足，泻脾中湿热及血热，主妇人崩中不止，及产后血上薄心，伤身胎动下血，胎不落堕，坠折
伤、瘀血、衄血，皆捣饮之。患人虚而多热加用之。熟则补肾，生则凉血。胃寒者斟酌用之，
恐损胃气。有痰膈不利者，姜汁炒用之，恐泥膈也。妊娠下血漏胎。（同炙干姜等分同为末，酒调
方寸匕。）
术 味苦甘辛，气温。味浓气薄，阴中阳也。无毒。入足阳明经、足太阴经。（防风、地
榆为之使，有苍、白二种。苍者米泔浸一、一日，去粗皮用。服白木忌食桃、李、雀、蛤。）主风
寒湿痹，死肌， 疸，止汗，除热消食，作煎蚀。久服轻身，延年不饥。（《本经》不分苍、白，
后人分用。）白者又入手少阳经、少阴经。除湿益燥，缓脾生津，补脾胃，进饮食，除胃中热，消
虚痰，止下泄，利小便，消肿满及霍乱呕逆，利腰脐间血。上而皮毛，中而心胃，下而腰脐，
在气主气，在血主血。又无汗则发，有汗则止，与黄 同功。苍者气味辛烈，主大风在身面，
风眩头痛，除恶气，辟山岚瘴气，消 癖气块，心腹胀痛，健胃安脾，宽中进食，发汗，除上焦
湿功最大。若补中焦，除湿力小于白术。又盐水炒，佐黄柏力健，行下焦腰足湿热，一名山精。
《神农经》曰∶必欲长生，当服山精。愚按∶二术功用颇同，俱能补，燥湿。但白者补性多，
苍者治性多。
黄 味甘，气微温。无毒。入手少阳经、手足太阴经。（恶龟甲、白鲜皮。阴干柔韧
皮微黄，肉中白者佳。治疮疡生用，补虚蜜炒之用。）主痈疽久败疮，排脓止痛，大风癞疾。
五痔鼠 ，补虚，小儿百病。治脾胃虚弱，疮疡血脉不行，内托阴证疮疡必用之。补丈夫虚损，
五劳羸瘦。补中生血，补肺气，实皮毛，泻阴火，为退虚热圣药。治虚劳自汗，无汗则发，有汗
则止。又治消渴腹痛，泄痢肠风，血崩带下，月候不匀，产前后一切病。补肾、三焦、命门元
气。药中补益呼为羊肉。外行皮表，中补脾胃，下治伤寒，尺脉不至，是上中下内外三焦之
药也。性畏防风。
防风能制黄 ，黄 能得防风，其功愈大，盖相畏而相使者也。故二味世多相须而用。又东
垣云∶泻阴火者谓内伤者，上焦阳气陷下阴分而为虚热，非阴分相火之火也。病风不能言，脉沉
口噤，有形汤药，缓不及事。（用黄 、防风煮汤数十斛，置床下，气如烟雾，熏蒸之气令口鼻
俱受效。）陷甲生大肉，常有血痛疼。（同当归等分为末贴疮上，有恶肉少加硫黄。）
甘草 味甘，气平。生寒，炒熟温，阳也，无毒。入足厥阴经、太阴经、少阴经。（白术、
干漆、苦参为之使，恶远志，反大戟、芫花、甘遂、海藻。去皮用。服此忌猪肉及菘菜。）主五脏
六腑寒热邪气，坚筋骨，长肌肉，倍力，金疮肿解毒，温中下气，烦满短气，伤脏咳嗽，止渴，
通经脉，利血气，解百药毒。久服轻身延年，能补三焦元气，健胃和中，养血补血。治腹中急缩
痛，善和诸药，使相协而不争，故名国老。性缓能解诸急，热药用之缓其热，寒药用之缓其寒，
生用大泻热火，消疮疽，与黄 同功，又治肺痿吐脓血。惟中满禁用之，下焦药亦少用，恐大缓
不能达。梢子生用除胸中积热，去茎中痛。节生用消肿导毒。咽痛，（炙二两煎汤咽服，或加
桔梗名甘桔汤。）肺痿久咳嗽，涕唾寒热。（炙为末，取小便三合调末一钱匕，日二三服。）初得
赤白痢，（一两炙。豆蔻七个末，三升煎一升，分服。又方，一两炙，生姜半两，将水一升煎至八合，
服之立效。） 小儿初生，（取一指长炙锉，水二合，煮取一合，绵渍点口中，当吐恶汁，令儿无病，
或加黄连一条尤妙。）中乌头、巴豆毒及饮馔中毒，（煮汁服之。又方，加大豆名甘豆汤，效更速。）
中蛊毒。（炙嚼咽汁当即吐出，嚼而不吐非毒。）
菊花 味苦、甘、气平、寒。无毒。（桑白皮为之使。正月采根，三月采叶，五月采茎，九
月探花，皆阴干。味甘而花黄应候开者入药。野菊味苦者名苦薏，大伤胃不用，又用白菊亦入药。）
主风头眩，肿痛，目欲脱，泪出，皮肤死肌，恶风湿痹。身上诸风，四肢游风，腰痛去来陶陶，
除胸中烦热，安肠胃，明目，养目血，去翳膜，久服利血气轻身，耐老延年。头风眩，眼昏旋倒，
（取九月九日花二、三斤，绢囊盛贮入酒浸七日服之，日三。又用花酿酒名菊花酒。又有用花作
枕，俱治上病。）酒醉不醒，（应候花末败方寸匕。）疔肿垂死，（菊叶一握捣绞汁一升，入口即
活，冬用根。）变白延年，（三月上寅采茎，九月上寅采花，十二月上寅采根并阴干百日，等分，
以成日合，捣千杵为末，酒调一钱，或蜜丸梧桐子大，酒服七丸，日一服，久服效。）
菖蒲 味辛苦，气温无毒。（秦艽为之使。恶麻黄。忌饴糖、羊肉。勿犯铁。五月，
十二月采，阴干，生石涧，一寸九节者良，露根勿用。）主风寒湿痹，咳逆上气，开心孔，
补五脏，通九窍，明耳目，出音声。主耳聋耳鸣，头风头气，痈疮疥瘙，杀诸虫，止小便，利
四肢湿痹，不得屈伸，下气除烦闷，止心腹痛。久服轻身，聪明不忘，不迷惑，延年，高志
不老。胎动不安及日月未足而欲产，（捣生根汁二、三升服之。）血海败及产后下血不止。
（用二两入酒四盏，煎二盏，分作二服。）小儿温疟积热不解，（煎汤浴之。）中恶与卒死
鬼击，（捣生根汁灌之。）痈肿发背，（生捣贴之，疮干者，捣末水调途。）遍身热毒，疮痛，不痛。（捣
末二、三斗，布席上恣卧，以被盖之，五、七日愈。）
远志 味苦，气温。无毒。（得茯苓、冬葵子、龙骨良，杀天雄、附子毒。畏珍珠、藜芦，
蛴螬。四月采根、叶，阴干。凡使先去心，不则令人烦。）
主咳逆伤中，补不足，除邪气，利九窍，益智能，耳目聪明不忘，强志倍力。利丈夫，定
心气，止惊悸，益精阳，主梦邪。去心下膈气。久服轻身不老，好颜色，延年。叶名小草，主益
精，补阴气，止虚损梦泄。
黄精 味甘气平，无毒。（二月采，阴干，单服，九蒸九曝，入药生用。）主补中益气，
安五脏，益脾胃。润心肺，除风湿，补五劳七伤。久服轻身延年，不饥耐寒暑。《博物志》曰∶太
阳之草，名曰黄精。饵之可以长生。
薯蓣 （俗名曰山药。）味甘气温平，无毒。手太阴经药。（二门冬、紫芝为之使。恶甘遂。
日干生用，怀庆良。）主伤中，补虚羸，除寒邪气，补中益气力，长肌肉，治头风眼眩，止腰痛，
强阴，补心肺不足，除烦热，凉而能补。亦润皮毛干燥。主泄精健忘，开达心孔，多记事。久服
耳目聪明，轻身不饥延年。
五味子 味酸气温。味浓气轻，阴中微阳。无毒。入手太阴、足少阴经。（苁蓉为之使。恶
葳蕤，胜乌头，阴干。）主益气，咳逆上气，劳伤羸瘦，补不足，强阴，益男子精，止渴生津。
在上滋肺，在下补肾。又气耗散者，用此收之。多食致虚热，收补之骤也。夏月与黄 、人参、
麦门冬少加黄柏煎服，使人精神顿加，两足筋力涌出。寒月与干姜同用，治肺寒气逆咳嗽，又火
热嗽必用之。盖火气盛者骤用寒凉药，恐心相逆，宜用五味子等酸收之药，敛而降之。
肉苁蓉 味甘酸咸、气微温。无毒。（五月五日采，阴干。先用酒浸一宿，并削去俘甲，
劈破中心，去白膜如竹丝草样，却用酒蒸，酥
油涂炙。）主五劳七伤，补中，除茎中寒热痛，养五脏，强阴益精气，多子，妇人 瘕。久服
轻身，治男绝阳不兴及泄精，尿血遗沥，女绝阴不产及血崩带下，阴痛。暖腰膝，强筋髓，命
门相火不足，以此补之。丹溪云∶峻补精血，骤用反致动大便。
锁阳 味甘咸，（酥油涂炙。）主补阴气，益精，可代苁蓉。治虚而大便燥结，不燥者
勿用。
菟丝子 味辛甘，气平温，无毒。（得酒良，酒浸曝干，再浸又再曝，杵末用，宜丸不
宜煮。）主续绝伤，补不足，益气力肥健，疗男子、女人虚寒，腰痛膝冷。添精补髓，强阴坚筋
骨。主茎中寒，精自出，溺有余沥，鬼交泄精，尿血。口苦燥渴，寒血为积。久服明目轻身
延年。小儿头疮及女人面疮。（煎汤洗之。）小儿热痱，（取茎叶采以浴之。小儿痘疮痒疡。（取子及茎
叶煎浓汤，热渍洗之。）
牛膝 味苦酸，气平，无毒。（恶龟甲，畏白前。阴干，长大而柔润者佳。酒渍用。忌牛肉。）
主寒湿痿痹。四肢拘挛，不可屈伸，逐血气，伤热火烂，堕胎。久服轻身耐老。疗伤中少气，男
子阴消，老人失溺，补中续绝，壮阳益精，填骨髓，止发白，除腰脊痛。妇人月水不通，血结
瘕，产后心腹痛并血晕。活血生血，能引诸药下行。腰腿之疾不可缺，病患虚羸，加而用之。
老疟久不断，（取根一握，水六盏，煎三盏，作三服，未发前服，临发又服。）小便不利，
茎中痛欲死，及妇人血结腹痛，（取一大握，酒煮，饮之立愈。） 金疮痛及卒得恶疮不识，
（取生根捣敷之。）竹木刺入肉。（嚼烂罨之即出。）
女葳 （即葳蕤）味甘，气平。无毒。（畏卤咸。立春后采，阴干。） 主中风暴热，四
**Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma):** Sweet in taste, warm in nature with slight coldness. Its aroma and flavor are light, belonging to Yang. It contains a slight Yin within Yang and is non-toxic. *(Poria Cocos serves as its guide; it is incompatible with Veratrum Nigrum and dislikes saline flavors.)* Ginseng produced in Shangdang is of superior quality, resembling the human form and possessing spiritual vitality. When used, remove the rhizome head, seal it tightly with Asarum Europaeum, and it will remain unspoiled for ten years. It primarily tonifies the five Zang organs, calms the spirit, stabilizes the soul and魂魄 (ethereal soul), stops palpitations and fright, eliminates pathogenic factors, brightens the eyes, opens the heart orifice, enhances willpower, regulates the middle Jiao to generate fluids, and promotes blood circulation. It treats five types of exhaustion and seven types of injuries, deficiency and wasting, insufficiency of Lung and Spleen Yang causing shortness of breath and reduced breathing capacity, coldness in the intestines and stomach,鼓痛 (drum-like pain) in the heart and abdomen, fullness and rebellious Qi in the chest and hypochondrium, cholera with vomiting and regurgitation. Long-term use makes the body light and extends life. It tonifies the Yuan Qi of the Upper Jiao, guided by Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma); for tonifying the Yuan Qi of the Lower Jiao, Poria Cocos serves as the guide. It is suitable for Lung affected by Cold pathogens and shortness of breath due to deficiency. It should not be used for wheezing and coughing caused by Fire pathogens affecting the Lung, nor for consumptive coughing and hematemesis due to Yin deficiency with hyperactive Fire. *(This was Wang Lun's error; he failed to examine the principles truly and suspected that Ren Shen aids Fire, thus stating it is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and hyperactive Fire causing hematemesis. Little did he know that Deficient Fire cannot be purged with cold herbs; only bitter, sweet, warm, and neutral flavors can eliminate it. As Li Dongyuan said: "Warmth can eliminate great heat." Zhu Danxi also said: "Deficient Fire can be treated with tonification, such as Ren Shen, Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), and raw Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao)." Since Wang Lun's statement emerged, doctors worldwide have feared Ren Shen like tigers. In cases of extreme deficiency, symptoms like irritability, sweating, fever, and dry fluids appear due to Fire pathogens taking advantage of the void. If Ren Shen does not nourish, how can the Fire pathogens recede?)* Zhang Zhongjing treated blood loss leading to vessel deficiency by using Ren Shen to tonify; when Qi is deficient and Blood is weak, one must tonify Qi so that Blood generates itself. Yin is born from Yang; Sweet flavor generates Blood. Therefore, in postpartum high fever, dried Ginger (Shengjiang) must be added to assist in tonifying Blood and reducing fever. This applies not only to postpartum conditions but to all cases of extreme weakness.
**Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix):** Bitter and sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic. *(Dislikes Podostemoni Herba (Fangji); incompatible with Veratrum Nigrum.)* It primarily resolves blood accumulations and frightful Qi, eliminates chills and fever, tonifies the Middle Jiao, and benefits Lung Qi. Long-term use is beneficial, calming the five Zang organs and stopping frightful irritability. It treats frequent drowsiness, nourishes Liver Qi, treats Wei Bi (stomach obstruction) causing heart and abdominal pain, accumulated Heat pathogens, headache, skin heat, floating Wind causing whole-body itching, and sudden hernia with downward dragging pain like twisting; take the powder mixed with wine. For Cold in the Lung, use Ren Shen; for Heat in the Lung, use Sha Shen. Sha Shen tonifies the Yin of the five Zang organs, while Ren Shen tonifies their Yang.
**Tian Men Dong (Asparagi Radix):** Bitter and sweet in taste, neutral in nature, very cold. Thin in Qi and dense in Flavor, belonging to Yin, it is Yin within Yang, and non-toxic. Enters the Hand Taiyin and Foot Shaoyin meridians. *(Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (Dihuang) and Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (Beimu) serve as guides; it fears Jing Qing. When used, remove the skin and heart; avoid eating Carp during consumption.)* It primarily treats various acute wind-dampness obstructions and hemiplegic bi-syndromes, strengthens bones and marrow, kills parasites, removes latent corpses (ghost diseases), and long-term use makes the body light, benefits Qi, and extends life. It secures Lung Qi, eliminates chills and fever, nourishes skin and flesh, beautifies complexion, benefits strength, promotes urination. Though cold, it is tonifying; it treats Lung Qi rebellion with cough and rapid wheezing, promotes Kidney Qi, stops Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst), treats Lung Fei (flaccidity), abscess formation, expectoration of pus and blood, Heat invading the Lung causing hematemesis and epistaxis, clears Lung Fire, resolves phlegm, and tonifies five labors and seven injuries. Bitterness drains stagnant blood, sweetness assists Original Qi, making it highly effective for Lung Heat. Add it for patients who are deficient and hot. However, it is purely draining without astringent properties and is forbidden for those with excessive Cold. For Lung asthma and panting, add Ren Shen and Astragali Radix (Huangqi) for miraculous effects. It benefits Qi and extends life. *(Grind into powder; take 3 qian mixed with wine each time, three times daily. It also treats masses, wind-phlegm, epilepsy, epidemic bi-syndromes, and can be brewed into wine.)*
**Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix):** Sweet and slightly bitter in taste, neutral and slightly cold in nature. Yin within Yang, non-toxic, enters the Hand Taiyin meridian. *(Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (Dihuang) and Plantaginis Semen (Cheqianzi) serve as guides; dislikes Helenium Flower (Kuandonghua) and bitter bottle gourd; fears Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Kushen). Shade-dry; large and plump ones are best. Remove the heart before use, otherwise it causes irritability.)* It primarily treats knotting Qi in the heart and abdomen, internal injury from overeating, severance of stomach collaterals. It treats emaciation, shortness of breath, heavy body, jaundice, subcostal fullness, dry mouth and thirst, stops vomiting, cures痿蹶 (asthenia and paralysis), digests food, and regulates the middle. It treats Heat in the Heart and Lung and residual heat from consumptive disease. It promotes vessels, preserves spirit, strengthens Yin, benefits essence, tonifies Heart Qi deficiency, and treats reckless bleeding. It drains latent Fire in the Lung and Lung Fei with pus expectoration, calms the five Zang organs, makes one fat and strong, beautifies complexion, and aids fertility. Long-term use makes the body light, prevents aging, and reduces hunger. Added with Schisandrae Fructus (Wuweizi) and Ren Shen, it forms Sheng Mai San to tonify insufficient Yuan Qi in the Lung. Used with Angelicae Pubescentis Radix (Dihuang), Coicis Semen (Ejiao - *Note: Ejiao is Donkey-hide gelatin, usually listed separately, but here grouped*), and Cannabis Seed (Maren), it moistens vessels, benefits blood, restores pulse, and opens the heart. My commentary: The *Ben Jing* uses it mostly for the Spleen and Stomach, while later generations use it mostly for the Heart and Lung.
**Gan Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata/Raw):** Sweet and bitter in taste, cold in nature. Dense in flavor and thin in Qi, it is Yang within Yin, and non-toxic. *(Good when soaked in wine with Mai Men Dong; dislikes Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus (Beimu); fears Xanthoxyli Pericarpium (Wuyi). Shade-dry; test with ginger water, those that sink are named Di Huang and are best. Steamed nine times with wine until black and soft becomes cooked Di Huang; shade-dried is raw Di Huang. Avoid iron vessels as it causes Kidney depletion; also avoid Radish (Lai Fu Zi) as it causes hair whitening.)* It primarily treats fractures, severed tendons, internal injuries, drives out blood bi, fills bone marrow, grows muscle flesh. Decoction eliminates chills, fever, accumulations, and bi-syndromes. Long-term use makes the body light and prevents aging. (*The Ben Jing did not distinguish between raw and cooked; later generations do.*) Wine-steamed, it becomes slightly warm, entering the Hand and Foot Shaoyin and Jueyin meridians. It greatly tonifies; essential for blood deficiency, nourishes Kidney Yin, benefits Qi and strength, improves hearing and vision, treats blood-deficiency heat, middle-Jiao deficiency heat in the elderly, five labors and seven injuries in men, middle-jiao injury in women, uterine leakage and bleeding, breaks down evil blood, hematuria, and postpartum umbilical pain due to blood deficiency. Raw is especially good. Very cold, entering the Hand Taiyang and Shaoyin meridians, it cools blood, generates blood, tonifies Kidney Water and True Yin deficiency, drains Damp-Heat in the Spleen and Blood Heat. It treats continuous metrorrhagia in women, postpartum blood rushing to the heart, fetal movement with bleeding, retained placenta, trauma, bruising, and epistaxis; crush and drink. Add for patients who are deficient and hot. Cooked Di Huang tonifies the Kidney; raw Di Huang cools blood. Use cautiously in Spleen-Stomach Cold to avoid damaging Stomach Qi. For patients with phlegm obstruction, stir-fry with Ginger Juice to prevent sticking. For pregnancy bleeding and threatened miscarriage: *(Mix equal parts of roasted dried Ginger and Di Huang into powder; take a square-inch spoonful mixed with wine.)*
**Zhu (Atractylodes Rhizoma - Bai Zhu/Cang Zhu):** Bitter, sweet, and acrid in taste, warm in nature. Dense in flavor and thin in Qi, it is Yang within Yin, and non-toxic. Enters the Foot Yangming and Taoyin meridians. *(Saposhnikoviae Radix (Fangfeng) and Sanguisorbae Radix (Diyu) serve as guides. There are two types: Cang Zhu and Bai Zhu. Soak Cang Zhu in rice wash water for one to two days, remove coarse skin before use. When taking Bai Zhu, avoid peaches, plums, sparrows, and clams.)* It primarily treats wind-cold-damp bi-syndromes, dead flesh, jaundice, stops sweating, eliminates heat, aids digestion, and is used in decoctions for cauterization. Long-term use makes the body light, extends life, and prevents hunger. (*The Ben Jing did not distinguish; later generations do.*) Bai Zhu additionally enters the Hand Shaoyang and Shaoyin meridians. It removes dampness and benefits dryness, soothes the Spleen and generates fluids, tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, promotes appetite, eliminates Stomach heat, resolves deficient phlegm, stops diarrhea, promotes urination, reduces swelling and fullness, treats cholera with vomiting, and promotes blood flow in the waist and navel area. It acts on the skin and hair above, the Heart and Stomiddle in the middle, and the waist and navel below. In the Qi level, it regulates Qi; in the Blood level, it regulates Blood. It induces sweating when there is no sweat and stops sweating when there is sweat; its function is similar to Huangqi. Cang Zhu has a pungent and fierce aroma, treating severe Wind on the face and body, wind-induced vertigo and headache, eliminating bad odors, warding off mountain miasma, resolving masses, chest and abdominal distension and pain, strengthening the Stomach and calming the Spleen, widening the middle to promote eating, inducing sweating, and is most effective at removing Upper Jiao dampness. For tonifying the Middle Jiao, its dampness-removing power is less than Bai Zhu. Salt-fried and combined with Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai), it strongly acts on Damp-Heat in the lower waist and feet. Also known as Shan Jing. The *Shennong Classic* says: "If you wish for longevity, you must consume Shan Jing." My commentary: Both types have similar functions, both tonifying and drying dampness. However, Bai Zhu is more tonifying, while Cang Zhu is more therapeutic/draining.
**Huang Qi (Astragali Radix):** Sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Hand Shaoyang and Hand/Foot Taiyin meridians. *(Dislikes Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Guijia) and Dictamni Cortex (Baixianpi). Shade-dry; flexible with slightly yellow skin and white interior is best. Use raw for sores and ulcers; honey-fried for tonifying deficiency.)* It primarily treats chronic ulcerative sores, expels pus and stops pain, treats severe leprosy, hemorrhoids, and rat-hole fistulas. It tonifies deficiency, treats hundred ailments in children. It treats Spleen-Stomach weakness, non-flowing blood vessels in sores, and is essential for internally supporting Yin-type sores. It tonifies male deficiency and exhaustion, five labors and emaciation. It generates blood in the middle, tonifies Lung Qi, solidifies the skin and hair, drains Yin Fire, and is a sacred herb for reducing deficient heat. It treats spontaneous sweating from consumptive disease, induces sweating if absent, and stops sweating if present. It also treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst) with abdominal pain, dysentery, intestinal wind, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, irregular menstruation, and all pre- and post-partum diseases. It tonifies the Kidney, Triple Burner, and Mingmen Yuan Qi. Among tonifying herbs, it is called "Mutton." It acts externally on the skin surface, tonifies the Spleen and Stomiddle internally, and treats external contraction with absent Chi pulse. It is a herb for the upper, middle, and lower, inside and outside Triple Burner. Its nature fears Fangfeng. Fangfeng controls Huangqi; Huangqi benefits from Fangfeng, increasing their efficacy. They are mutually dependent. Li Dongyuan said: "Draining Yin Fire refers to internal injury where Upper Jiao Yang Qi sinks into the Yin level causing deficient heat, not the ministerial fire of the Yin level." For wind disease causing inability to speak, deep pulse, and locked jaw, liquid medicines act too slowly. *(Boil large amounts of Huangqi and Fangfeng decoction, place under the bed, let the smoke enter the nose and mouth for effect.)* For ingrown nails growing flesh with bloody pain: *(Mix equal parts with Danggui into powder and apply to the sore; add sulfur if there is foul flesh.)*
**Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma):** Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Raw is cold, roasted is warm, belongs to Yang, non-toxic. Enters the Foot Jueyin, Taoyin, and Shaoyin meridians. *(Bai Zhu, Drynariae Rhizoma (Ganmi), and Sophorae Flavescentis Radix (Kushen) serve as guides; dislikes Polygalae Radix (Yuanzhi); incompatible with Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix (Daji), Genkwa Flos (Yuanhua), Kansui Radix (Gansui), and Sargassum (Haizao). Remove skin before use. Avoid pork and Chinese cabbage during consumption.)* It primarily treats cold and heat pathogens in the five Zang and six Fu organs, strengthens sinews and bones, grows muscle, increases strength, detoxifies metal wounds and swelling, warms the middle and directs Qi downward, treats irritability, fullness, shortness of breath, organ-injury cough, stops thirst, promotes meridians, benefits Qi and blood, and detoxifies hundred medicines. Long-term use makes the body light and extends life, tonifies the Yuan Qi of the Triple Burner, strengthens the Stomach and harmonizes the middle, nourishes and generates blood. It treats acute abdominal cramping pain. It excels at harmonizing other herbs, ensuring cooperation without conflict, hence named "Guo Lao" (State Elder). Its mild nature resolves emergencies; it moderates the heat of hot herbs and the cold of cold herbs. Raw Gan Cao strongly drains fire and heat, reduces sores, shares functions with Huangqi, and treats Lung Fei with pus and blood expectoration. Contraindicated in fullness of the middle; rarely used in lower Jiao formulas as its extreme mildness may prevent efficacy. Raw tips clear accumulated heat in the chest and relieve penile pain. Raw nodes reduce swelling and guide out toxins. For sore throat: *(Roast 2 liang, decoct in water, gargle and swallow; or add Scutellariae Radix (Jiegeng) to form Gan Jie Tang.)* For chronic cough from Lung Fei with cold and hot sputum: *(Roast into powder, mix 1 qian with 3 he of urine, take 2-3 times daily.)* For early red and white dysentery: *(Roast 1 liang, mix with powder of 7 cardamoms, decoct 3 sheng to 1 sheng, divide and take. Another method: Roast 1 liang, add 0.5 liang fresh ginger, decoct 1 sheng water to 0.8 sheng, take for immediate effect.)* For newborn infants: *(Take 1 finger-length piece, roast and chop, decoct in 2 he water to 1 he, dip cotton in it and touch the infant's mouth to induce vomiting of bad juices, ensuring health; adding one strip of Huanglian is excellent.)* For poisoning by Aconitum (Wutou), Croton (Badou), or food poisoning: *(Decoct and drink juice. Another method: Add Soybean to form Gandou Tang for faster effect.)* For Gu poison: *(Roast, chew, and swallow juice to induce immediate vomiting; if chewing does not induce vomiting, it is not poison.)*
**Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos):** Bitter and sweet in taste, neutral and cold in nature, non-toxic. *(Mulberry Root Bark (Sangbaipi) serves as a guide. Harvest roots in Jan, leaves in Mar, stems in May, flowers in Sep; shade-dry. Flowers that open according to season with sweet taste and yellow color are used. Wild chrysanthemum with bitter taste is named Ku Yi, harms the Stomach and is not used; White Chrysanthemum is also used.)* It primarily treats wind-dizziness in the head, swelling and pain, eyes feeling like they will fall out, tearing, dead skin,惡 wind-damp bi. It treats various winds on the body, wandering wind in limbs, alternating lower back pain, clears chest irritability, calms the intestines and stomach, brightens eyes, nourishes eye blood, removes corneal opacity. Long-term use benefits Qi and blood, makes the body light, resists aging, and extends life. For wind-dizziness and blurry vision: *(Take 2-3 jin of flowers harvested on Sept 9, store in silk bag, soak in wine for 7 days, take 3 times daily. Can also brew wine named Ju Hua Jiu. Pillows made of flowers also treat upper body diseases.)* For alcohol intoxication: *(Take a square-inch spoonful of flower powder.)* For dying carbuncles: *(Crush a handful of leaves, squeeze 1 sheng juice, swallow to revive immediately; use roots in winter.)* For turning white hair and extending life: *(Harvest stems on Yin day in Mar, flowers on Yin day in Sep, roots on Yin day in Dec; shade-dry for 100 days. Mix equal parts, combine on auspicious days, pound 1000 times into powder. Take 1 qian mixed with wine, or honey pills size of wutong seeds, take 7 pills with wine once daily. Long-term use is effective.)*
**Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma):** Bitter and acrid in taste, warm and non-toxic. *(Gastrodiae Rhizoma (Qinjiao) serves as a guide. Dislikes Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang). Avoid malt sugar and mutton. Do not touch iron. Harvest in May and Dec, shade-dry; those growing in stone streams with 9 joints per inch are best; do not use exposed roots.)* It primarily treats wind-cold-damp bi, cough with rebellious Qi, opens the heart orifice, tonifies the five Zang organs, opens the nine orifices, brightens ears and eyes, improves voice. Treats deafness and tinnitus, head wind and Qi, sores and scabies, kills parasites, stops urinary frequency, promotes limbs in damp-bi with inability to flex and extend, directs Qi downward, relieves irritability, and stops heart and abdominal pain. Long-term use makes the body light, sharpens mind, prevents forgetfulness and confusion, extends life, and maintains high aspirations without aging. For restless fetus and premature labor: *(Crush fresh root, take 2-3 sheng juice.)* For damaged blood sea and continuous postpartum bleeding: *(Use 2 liang with 4 cups of wine, decoct to 2 cups, divide into two doses.)* For pediatric warm malaria with unresolved accumulated heat: *(Decoct for bathing.)* For sudden death from evil qi or ghost strikes: *(Crush fresh root and灌 juice.)* For back sores: *(Apply crushed fresh root; if dry, mix powder with water and apply.)* For whole-body heat toxin, painful or painless sores: *(Spread 2-3 dou of powder on mat, lie on it, cover with quilt, heal in 5-7 days.)*
**Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix):** Bitter in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. *(Good with Poria Cocos, Malvae Seed (Dongkuizi), and Dragon Bone (Longgu); detoxifies Tianxiong and Fuzi. Fears Pearl, Veratrum Nigrum, and ground beetle larvae. Harvest roots and leaves in Apr, shade-dry. Remove heart before use, otherwise it causes irritability.)* It primarily treats cough with internal injury, tonifies deficiency, eliminates pathogens, opens the nine orifices, benefits intelligence, ensures bright ears and eyes, prevents forgetfulness, strengthens will and doubles strength. Benefits men, stabilizes Heart Qi, stops palpitations, benefits Yang essence, treats dream disturbances. Removes diaphragmatic Qi below the heart. Long-term use makes the body light, prevents aging, beautifies complexion, and extends life. The leaf is named Xiao Cao, primarily benefiting essence, tonifying Yin Qi, and stopping nocturnal emission from deficiency.
**Huang Jing (Polygonati Rhizoma):** Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. *(Harvest in Feb, shade-dry. For single use, steam nine times and sun-dry nine times; use raw for medicinal purposes.)* It primarily tonifies the middle and benefits Qi, calms the five Zang organs, benefits the Spleen and Stomach. Moistens the Heart and Lung, eliminates wind-damp, tonifies five labors and seven injuries. Long-term use makes the body light, extends life, prevents hunger, and resists cold and heat. The *Bowuzhi* says: "The grass of the Sun is named Huang Jing. Consuming it can grant longevity."
**Shu Yu (Dioscoreae Rhizoma / Yam):** Sweet in taste, neutral and warm in nature, non-toxic. Herb of the Hand Taiyin meridian. *(Mai Men Dong and Purple灵芝 serve as guides. Dislikes Kansui Radix (Gansui). Sun-dry and use raw; Huaiqing origin is best.)* It primarily treats internal injury, tonifies deficiency and emaciation, eliminates cold pathogens, tonifies the middle and benefits Qi, grows muscle, treats wind-dizziness in head and eyes, stops lower back pain, strengthens Yin, tonifies Heart and Lung insufficiency, clears irritability and heat, is cool yet tonifying. It also moistens dry skin and hair. Treats seminal emission and forgetfulness, opens the heart orifice, and improves memory. Long-term use brightens ears and eyes, makes the body light, prevents hunger, and extends life.
**Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Fructus):** Sour in taste, warm in nature. Dense in flavor and light in Qi, it is slight Yang within Yin, non-toxic. Enters the Hand Taiyin and Foot Shaoyin meridians. *(Cistanche Deserticola (Rongcong) serves as a guide. Dislikes Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Weirui); overcomes Aconitum Carmandii (Wutou); shade-dry.)* It primarily benefits Qi, treats cough with rebellious Qi, consumptive emaciation, tonifies deficiency, strengthens Yin, benefits male essence, stops thirst and generates fluids. Above, it moistens the Lung; below, it tonifies the Kidney. For dissipating Qi, use this to astringe. Excessive consumption causes deficient heat due to abrupt astringency. In summer, combine with Huangqi, Ren Shen, Mai Men Dong, and a little Huangbai, decoct and take to instantly boost spirit and涌 force in leg tendons. In winter, use with dried Ginger to treat Lung Cold with rebellious Qi cough; it is essential for fiery cough. For excessive Fire, sudden use of cold herbs may rebel against the Heart; instead, use sour astringents like Wu Wei Zi to gather and descend.
**Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba):** Sweet, sour, and salty in taste, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. *(Harvest on May 5, shade-dry. Soak in wine overnight, scrape off bark, split center, remove white membrane like bamboo fibers, then steam in wine and roast with butter/oil.)* It primarily treats five labors and seven injuries, tonifies the middle, removes cold and heat pain in the penis, nourishes the five Zang organs, strengthens Yin and benefits essence, increases fertility, treats female masses. Long-term use makes the body light. It treats male impotence and seminal emission, hematuria and dribbling, female infertility and metrorrhagia/leukorrhea, genital pain. Warms waist and knees, strengthens sinews and marrow, tonifies insufficient Mingmen Ministerial Fire. Zhu Danxi said: "Severely tonifying essence and blood, if used abruptly, may cause bowel movement."
**Suo Yang (Cynomorii Herba):** Sweet and salty in taste, *(roasted with butter/oil.)* Primarily tonifies Yin Qi, benefits essence, can replace Rou Cong Rong. Treats constipation due to deficiency; do not use if not dry.
**Tu Si Zi (Cuscutae Semen):** Acrid and sweet in taste, neutral and warm in nature, non-toxic. *(Good with wine; soak in wine, sun-dry, repeat soaking and drying, grind into powder. Suitable for pills, not decoction.)* It primarily repairs ruptures and injuries, tonifies deficiency, benefits Qi and strength, makes one fat and strong, treats male and female deficiency-cold, lower back pain, and cold knees. Adds essence and fills marrow, strengthens Yin and solidifies sinews and bones. Treats cold in the penis, spontaneous seminal emission, urinary dribbling, sexual dreams with emission, hematuria. Bitter mouth, dry thirst, cold blood accumulation. Long-term use brightens eyes, makes the body light, and extends life. For infant scalp sores and women's facial sores: *(Decoct for washing.)* For infant heat prickly heat: *(Harvest stems and leaves for bathing.)* For infant chickenpox itching: *(Decoct seeds, stems, and leaves into thick soup, wash with warm liquid.)*
**Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix):** Bitter and sour in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. *(Dislikes Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum (Guijia); fears Petasitis Folium (Baiqian). Shade-dry; long and soft ones are best. Soak in wine. Avoid beef.)* It primarily treats cold-damp asthenia and bi. Limb spasms, inability to flex and extend, drives out Qi and blood, treats heat burns and rot, induces abortion. Long-term use makes the body light and resistant to aging. Treats internal injury with shortness of breath, male genital atrophy, elderly urinary incontinence, tonifies the middle, repairs ruptures, strengthens Yang and benefits essence, fills bone marrow, stops hair whitening, removes lower back and spine pain. Treats amenorrhea, blood masses, postpartum heart/abdominal pain and blood fainting. Invigorates blood and generates blood, guides other herbs downward. Essential for waist and leg diseases; add for emaciated patients. For chronic malaria: *(Take a handful of root, 6 cups water, decoct to 3 cups, divide into 3 doses, take before onset and at onset.)* For difficult urination, severe penile pain, and female blood-stagnation abdominal pain: *(Take a large handful, boil in wine, drink for immediate cure.)* For metal wound pain and sudden unknown malignant sores: *(Crush fresh root and apply.)* For bamboo/wood splinters in flesh: *(Chew and apply to extract immediately.)*
**Nu Wei (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma / Weirui):** Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. *(Dislikes saline. Harvest after Start of Spring, shade-dry.)* Primarily treats stroke with sudden heat, four...