白芨。恶藜芦。忌豉汁。春时初生有脑，形似乌鸟之头，故名也。）主中风恶风，洗洗出汗。除
寒湿痹，咳逆上气。破积聚寒热，消胸上痰冷。脐间痛，肩胛痛不可俯仰。又堕胎，治风痹血
痹，半身不遂，行经药也。其汁煎之，名射罔，味苦，杀禽兽，一名鸟喙。主 疮根，
结核瘰 ，毒肿及蛇咬。（先取药涂尖畔，渐渐近疮，习习逐痛至骨，疮有热脓及黄水出，涂之。
若无脓水，有生血及新伤肉破，即不可涂，立杀人。中之者，以甘草、蓝青、小豆叶、浮萍、冷
水解之。）
天雄 味辛、甘，气大温。有大毒。（远志为之使。忌豉汁。）主大风寒湿痹，历节痛，
拘孪缓急，关节重不能行步。头面风，去来疼痛。破积聚邪气，金疮。强筋骨，轻身健行，长阴气，
强志，令人武勇，力作不倦。又堕胎。
治一切风，一切气，通九窍，利皮肤，调血脉，消风痰。
侧子 味辛，气大热。有大毒。（是又附子旁尖并角削下者。附子傍生绝小如大枣核者，
亦是。）主痈肿湿痹，大风筋骨挛急历节，腰脚疼冷，寒热鼠 。治遍身风疹，冷酒调服神妙。疗
香港脚亦多验，又堕胎。附子、乌头、乌喙、天雄、侧子五物同出而异名。似乌鸟头者为乌头。又
云∶原种者为乌头。两歧状如牛角者，为鸟喙。细长至三、四者为天雄。根旁如芋散生者，为
附子。旁连生小者，为侧子，乌头旁出侧子。后世补虚寒须用附子，仍取端平而圆大半两以上
者，其力全。风家即多用天雄，亦取大者，以其尖角多热性不肯就下，取其能散也。
半夏 味辛，微苦。气平，生微寒。熟温。阳中阴也。有毒。入足阳明经、太阴经、少
阳经。（射干、柴胡为之使。恶皂荚。畏雄黄、生姜、干姜、秦皮、皂荚。反乌头。陈久者良。
须用汤洗泡十许过，令滑尽，不尔戟人喉。用此必须生姜制其毒。服之忌羊内、羊血、饴糖。）
主伤寒寒热，心下坚，下气。喉咽肿疼，头眩胸胀咳逆。肠鸣止汗，能消痰涎止呕吐调胃健脾。
治胸中寒，痰痞塞。太阴痰厥头痛，非此不除。又治痰疟。堕胎。摩涂消痈肿，生令人吐，
熟令人下。脾恶湿，半夏能燥
湿胜水，所以化痰而益脾。又诸血证禁用之。渴者去之，燥津液也。妊娠妇姜炒用之。蝎螫人，
（水研涂之立止。）产后晕绝。（一两捣为末，冷水丸如大豆，纳鼻孔中即愈，此扁鹊法也。）
天南星 味苦、辛，气平。有毒。（畏附子、干姜、生姜，入药炮用。）主中风。除风
痰麻痹，下气破坚积。消痈肿，利胸膈，散金疮，扑损瘀血，蛇虫咬。疥癣，恶疮，堕胎。丹
溪云∶欲其下行，以黄柏引之。中风牙噤不开，（取末和龙脑少许，擦牙二、三十遍即开。）
破伤风。（防风等分同为末，醋调上贴。）
何首乌 （以人名称。）味甘、苦、涩，气微温。无毒。（茯苓为使。忌猪、羊血。恶
莱菔。春夏采根以苦竹刀切，米泔浸，经宿曝干，木杵臼捣之，忌铁。有雌雄二种，雄者色赤，
雌者色白。凡修合，须雌雄相合。本名交藤，一名夜合。因何首乌服之而得名。）主瘰 ，消
痈肿。疗头面风疮，五痔、腰膝。止心痛、益血气，黑髭须、悦颜色。久服长筋骨，益精髓，
延年不老，令人有子。亦治妇人产后及带下诸疾。凡服为末酒调。
威灵仙 味苦、气温，无毒。（忌茗及面汤，冬月丙丁、戊己日采根阴干。）主诸风湿，
令通十二经脉，治大风皮肤风痒，痛风在上下。去大肠风，宣通五脏，去腹内冷滞，心膈痰水
久积， 瘕 癖气块，膀胱宿脓恶水，腰膝冷痛，脚疾不能履，及治折伤，多服疏人真气，
虚者禁用。腰膝痛脚肿不履。（酒洗为末，空心温酒调下二钱，或蜜丸温酒下二、三十丸。）
仙茅 味辛，气温。有毒。（以米泔浸赤汁出毒。忌犯铁器及食牛乳及黑牛肉。）主心
腹冷气不能食，腰脚风冷挛痹不能行，丈夫虚劳，老人失溺，益阳道。久服通神强记，助筋骨，
益肌肤，长精神，明耳目。
白附子 味甘、辛，气温。无毒。（一云有）小毒。（三月采，凡用炮。）主心痛、血
痹，面上百病，行药势。治中风失音，诸风冷气，疥癣风疮，头面痕。阴囊下湿，腿无力，又宜
入面脂。
高良姜 味辛、苦，气大温。纯阳。无毒。主暴冷，胃中冷逆冲心。霍乱腹痛，反胃呕食。
转筋泻痢，健脾胃，消宿食。
萆 （俗名土茯苓。） 味苦、甘。气平。无毒。（薏苡为之使。畏葵根、大黄、柴
胡、牡蛎。）主腰背痛强，骨节风寒湿周痹。恶疮不瘳，热气伤中恚怒。阴痿失溺，关节
少血，老人五缓。
葫芦巴 味苦、气温。纯阳。（云是番芦菔子。春生苗，夏结子，至秋采之。）主元脏
虚冷气最要。得附子、硫黄，治肾虚冷，腹胁胀满，面色青黑。得 香子、桃仁，治膀胱
气甚效。
白头翁 味甘、苦。气温，一云寒。无毒，一云有毒。（得酒良。四月采。）主温疟
狂易，寒热， 瘕积聚腹痛。瘿气，项下瘤 。治赤毒痢甚效。逐血止痛，疗金疮、鼻衄、齿
痛，一切风气及百节骨痛，暖腰膝。
阿魏 味辛，气平、热。无毒。（性极臭而能止臭，亦奇物也。凡使先于净钵中研如粉，
蒸于热酒器上，滚过任用。）主杀诸少虫，去臭气，破症积，下恶气，治心腹痛。辟瘟，治疟，
治传尸邪鬼蛊毒。
木香 味辛、苦。气温。味浓于气，阴中阳也。无毒。（形如枯骨，油重者良。）主邪气，
辟毒疫瘟鬼。主淋露，久服强志，不梦寤魇寐。调诸气，散肺中滞气，行肝气。若治中下焦
气结滞，须槟榔为使。治心腹积年冷气， 癖胀痛，九种心痛，女人血气刺痛，酒末服之。治
腹中气不转运，和胃气，止霍乱吐泻呕逆，反胃，安胎，健脾。火煨实大肠，和黄连治痢疾。
又得生姜、橘皮相佐使绝佳。又疗痈肿毒，又御雾露之气。久痢不愈。（取一块方圆一寸，
黄连半两，水升半，煎同干去黄连薄切焙干，为末作三服，一服橘皮汤下，二服陈米汤下，三
服甘草汤下。）
香子（一名茴香。）味辛，气平。无毒。入手足少阴经、太阳经。（阴干。得酒良，
入药炒用。）主诸 ，霍乱。和诸食中甚香，破一切臭气。开胃下食，止呕吐，调中止痛。主
干湿香港脚，膀胱冷气肿痛，或连髀间疼痛，挛引入小腹不可忍。肾劳 疝。又疗恶毒。（取苗叶
捣汁服之，日三用滓贴肿上，冬月用根。）
零陵香（古谓薰草，亦即蕙香也。）味甘、辛。气平。无毒。（得酒良。）主邪恶气，
心腹痛满，下气，酒煎服可止痛。疠风牙齿痛，煎含良。妇人浸油饰发，香无以加。
肉豆蔻（一名肉果。）味苦、辛。气温。无毒。入手阳明经。（汤搜米面粉裹灰火中，
煨黄熟用。油色肥实佳。）温中开胃、下气消食。治积冷心腹胀痛，霍乱中恶，脾胃虚冷，
气并冷热，虚泄赤白痢，小儿伤乳，吐逆，泄泻之要药。凡痢以白粥饮服，霍乱气并，生
姜汤服。
草豆蔻（一名草果。）味辛，气温。阳也。无毒。入足太阴、阳明经。（面包煨熟用。）
主温中，心腹痛。呕吐、霍乱。
治风寒客邪在胃口，善去心胃客寒作痛。调散冷气力甚速，消酒毒去口臭气。治食积寒疟。
甫考草豆蔻，即今之草果是也，故前人编在果部。《本草经》云∶其形如圆眼，（当作荔枝）。
但颇锐而壳微淡红，有纹棱，其中子如石榴子，其气味极辛。土人鲜采腌作果，以消食解酒，此
正切于草果之形状，出处治疗，何其详备。奈何今世之医不考其真，而怪夫《本草经》遗而
不载，却又别寻草豆蔻，谓难得其真，所以在处用之不同。江南多以建宁草仁为豆蔻，江北
有以辣子为豆蔻，其于《本草经》形状、出处大不然矣。今之好事者，又于别集新添草果之条，
妄意混注，更不考草豆蔻即其真，此其失又甚于不考者也。
白豆蔻（一名肉果。）味辛，气大温。味薄气浓，阳也。无毒。主积冷气，止吐逆，反
胃，谷下气，胃冷宜服。又散肺中滞气，入肺经，别有清高之气，上焦元气不足，以此补之。
红豆蔻 味辛，温。无毒。主肠虚水泻，心腹搅痛。霍乱呕吐酸水，解酒毒。不宜多服，
令人舌粗，不思饮食。（消瘴雾气毒，去宿食，治冷气腹痛，吐泄痢疾。）生南海诸谷，云是
高良姜子，其苗如芦叶，似姜，花作穗，嫩叶卷而生，微带色。
缩砂蜜（君，即砂仁。）味辛、苦，气温。无毒。主虚劳冷泻，宿食不消，赤白泄痢，
止休息痢。温脾下气，治脾胃气结滞不散，腹中虚冷痛，又能安胎，行气故也。与白檀香、豆
蔻为使，则入肺。与人参、益智为使，则入脾。与黄柏、茯苓为使，则入肾。与赤白石脂为使，
则入大小肠。妊娠因气动胎痛不可忍。（炒熟捣为末，酒调服二钱。）
荜澄茄 味辛，气温。无毒。（嫩胡椒青时采者。）主下气消食，腹间气胀，心腹冷痛，
霍乱吐泻，肾气膀胱冷。古方偏用染发。
使君子 味甘、气温。无毒。（始因郭使君疗小儿用此物后，因名之。用仁或兼用壳。）
主小儿五疳，小便白浊，杀虫疗泻痢。
芦荟 味苦，气寒无毒。（出波斯国，似黑饧，水滴脂泪而成。）主热风烦闷，胸膈
间热气。明目镇心，小儿诸热。痫癫惊风，疗五疳，杀三虫及痔病疮 。解巴豆毒。患癣在
头项间，延上耳颊。（用一两研，炙甘草半两末和匀。先以温浆水
洗过，帛拭干敷之神效。） 齿。（取四分末，先以盐揩齿，洗净后敷上。）
京三棱 味苦、辛，气平。阴中之阳。无毒。（黄色，体重，状若鲫鱼而小，火炮用。）
主治老癖 瘕结块，妇人血脉不调，心腹痛，落胎。消恶血。色白属气，破血中之气。损真
气，虚者勿用。
蓬莪术 味苦、辛，气温。无毒。（火炮醋炒用，得酒醋良。）主心腹痛，中恶疰忤鬼
气，霍乱冷气，饮食不消。酒研服之。又疗妇人血气痛，破 癖气最良。通月经，消瘀血，治积
聚诸气为最要药。妇人药中多用。色黑属血，破气中文血，入气药能发诸香。
大黄（使） 味苦，气大寒。味极浓，阴中之阴，降也。无毒。入手足阳明经。（黄芩为
之使。无所畏。火干。凡有用蒸，有生，有熟，或酒浸或酒洗。锦纹者佳。）主下瘀血，血闭
寒热。破 瘕积聚，留饮宿食，荡涤肠胃，推陈致新，通利水道，调中化食，安和五脏。性走
而不守，泻诸实热不通，心腹胀满，下大使燥结，号称将军。取其荡涤峻快也。又敷贴一切疮疖
痈肿。酒浸引之，上至巅，入太阳经。以舟楫载之可浮胸中。若用于下，不用酒浸洗。得芍药、
黄芩、牡蛎、细辛、茯苓，疗惊恙怒，心下悸气。得硝石、紫石英、桃仁，疗女子血闭。
葶苈 味辛、苦，气大寒。无毒。（榆皮为之使，恶僵蚕。立夏后采实阴干，炒用。得酒
良。）主瘕 积聚结气，饮食寒热。破坚遂邪，通利水遂，走泄为功，大降气。治皮间邪水上
出，面目浮肿及肺壅上气，咳嗽喘促，痰饮。又治肺痈喘不得卧。久服令人虚，病患涉虚者，
宜远之。
泽泻 味甘、咸，气寒。味浓阴也。阴中微阳。无毒。入足太阳经、少阴经。（畏海蛤，
文蛤。）主风寒湿痹，乳难、消水。养五脏，益气力，肥健。久服耳目聪明，不饥延年，轻身，
面生光，能行水上。入膀胱肾经，治淋闭。逐膀胱、三焦停水，泻肾邪去阴间汗。除湿行水为
最要之药。多服病患眼，行去其水故也。凡服此者，小便多，则肾气必虚。古方止泄精，今
不敢用。
旋花 味甘、气温。无毒。五月采，阴干。主益气，去面 黑色，媚好。其根味辛，
主腹中寒邪气，利小便。
久服不饥轻身。
旋复花 味咸、甘，气温。一云冷利，有小毒。（六月采花，日干。花如菊，深黄色，呼
为金钱花。）主结气痰饮胁下满，惊悸。除水，利大肠。去五脏间寒热，补中下气。治头风，
明目，消胸中痰结，唾如胶漆。病患稍涉虚者，不宜多服。伤寒汗下后心下痞坚，噫气不除者，
宜此。根主湿，叶主敷金疮、止血。
石龙 （一名龙须，即今作席者。）味苦，气微寒。无毒。（五月、七月采茎。八月、
九月采根。）主心腹邪气，小便不利，淋闭，风湿，鬼疰恶毒。疗蛔虫，除热。久服补虚羸，
轻身，耳目聪明，延年。
通草 （臣，今谓之木通。）味辛、甘，气平。味薄，阳也。无毒。（正月采枝，阴干。
去皮用。）主去恶虫，除脾胃寒热。通利九窍、血脉、关节，令人不忘。治五淋、利小便，
导小肠热。治脾疸疾，常欲眠，心烦哕，出音声。疗耳聋。治鼻塞，散痈肿，诸结不消及金疮、
恶疮、喉痹、鼠 折， 鼻 肉。女人血闭，催生堕胎，下乳。通脱木（俗名通草。轻白可
爱，女工取以节物也。）亦能利阴窍，行小水，主蛊毒。其花上粉主诸虫 恶疮痔疾，取粉纳
疮中。
瞿麦 （臣。）味苦、辛，气寒。阳中微阴。无毒。（蓑根、牡丹为之使。恶螵蛸。立秋
Baiji (Bletilla Rhizome). Averse to Luli (Veratrum nigrum). Avoid soybean paste juice. (In early spring, when newly sprouted, the rhizome is swollen like a brain, resembling the head of a crow, hence the name.) Mainly treats wind-stroke with aversion to wind, shivering and sweating. Eliminates cold-damp bi syndrome, coughing with rebellious qi. Breaks up accumulations causing cold-heat, eliminates phlegm-cold in the chest. Treats pain at the umbilicus, shoulder blade pain preventing flexion and extension. Also induces abortion, treats wind-bi and blood-bi, hemiplegia; it is a medicine for regulating menstruation. Its juice, when boiled, is called She Wang (Poisonous Paste), bitter in taste, kills birds and beasts, also known as Niao Hui (Bird's Beak). Mainly treats deep-rooted sores, tuberculous scrofula, toxic swellings, and snake bites. (First apply the medicine to the periphery of the sore, gradually approaching the center until a numbing pain reaches the bone. If hot pus and yellow fluid are present, apply it. If there is no pus or fluid, or if there is fresh bleeding or new broken flesh, do not apply it, as it will cause immediate death. For poisoning, use Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Lan Qing (Indigo Naturalis), Xiao Dou Ye (Vigna angularis leaf), Fu Ping (Azolla leaf), and cold water to detoxify.)
Tianxiong (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata - specific variety). Pungent, sweet; very warm in nature. Highly toxic. (Yuan Zhi (Polygala Root) acts as its guide. Avoid soybean paste juice.) Mainly treats severe wind-cold-damp bi, Li Jie pain (severe joint pain), spasms and cramps, heavy joints unable to walk. Treats wind on the head and face, painful sensations coming and going. Breaks up accumulations and evil qi, treats metal wounds. Strengthens sinews and bones, lightens the body and improves movement, increases Yin Qi, strengthens willpower, makes one courageous and able to work tirelessly. Also induces abortion.
Treats all wind syndromes, all qi disorders, opens the nine orifices, benefits the skin, regulates blood vessels, eliminates wind-phlegm.
Cizi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata - lateral bud). Pungent; very hot in nature. Highly toxic. (This refers to the sharp corners cut from the side of Fuzi. Those growing extremely small on the side of Fuzi, like jujube pits, are also Cizi.) Mainly treats carbuncles, damp-bi, severe wind causing sinew and bone spasms and Li Jie pain, cold pain in waist and feet, alternating cold and heat, Shu Lou (scrofula). Treats generalized wind-rashes; mixing with cold wine and taking orally yields miraculous results. Also effective for treating Hong Zhang Jiao (Gouty foot/Charcot foot), and induces abortion. Fuzi, Wutou, Wu Hui, Tianxiong, and Cizi are five names for substances derived from the same source but differing in form. Those resembling a crow's head are Wutou. It is also said that the original plant is Wutou. Those with two branches resembling ox horns are Wu Hui. Those long and thin, three to four cun in length, are Tianxiong. Those growing scattered on the side of the root like taro are Fuzi. The small ones growing connected on the side are Cizi, which are the lateral buds of Wutou. In later generations, for tonifying deficiency-cold, Fuzi must be used, specifically selecting those that are upright, round, and weigh more than half liang, for full efficacy. For wind diseases, Tianxiong is mostly used, also selecting large ones, because their sharp angles possess strong heat properties that do not descend easily, utilizing their dispersing capability.
Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma). Pungent, slightly bitter; neutral in nature. Raw is slightly cold, cooked is warm. Yang within Yin. Toxic. Enters the Foot-Yangming, Foot-Taiyin, and Shaoyang meridians. (She Gan (Belamcanda Rhizome) and Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) act as guides. Averse to Zao Jia (Gleditsia Spine). Feared by Xiong Huang (Realgar), Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Qin Pi (Fraxinus Bark), Zao Jia. Incompatible with Wutou. Aged material is better. Must be washed with decoction and soaked over ten times until slippery residue is gone, otherwise it irritates the throat. When using this herb, Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) must be used to mitigate its toxicity. After ingestion, avoid sheep viscera, sheep blood, and Yi Tang (Maltose).)
Mainly treats cold-heat of Shang Han, hardness below the heart, descends qi. Swollen and painful throat, dizziness, chest distension, coughing with rebellious qi. Intestinal borborygmus, stops sweating, eliminates phlegm-fluids, stops vomiting, regulates stomach and strengthens spleen.
Treats cold in the chest, phlegm obstruction. Taiyin Phlegm-Jue headache cannot be eliminated without this herb. Also treats Phlegm-Malaria. Induces abortion. Rubbing externally eliminates carbuncles; raw induces vomiting, cooked induces purging. The Spleen dislikes dampness; Banxia can dry dampness and overcome water retention, thus eliminating phlegm and benefiting the spleen. Contraindicated in all blood disorders. Remove if thirsty, as it dries fluids. Pregnant women should use it stir-fried with ginger. For scorpion stings, (grind with water and apply externally to stop pain immediately.) For postpartum syncope, (one liang ground into powder, formed into pills the size of soybeans with cold water, inserted into the nostril cures it; this is Bian Que's method.)
Tiannanxing (Arisaematis Rhizoma). Bitter, pungent; neutral in nature. Toxic. (Feared by Fuzi, Gan Jiang, Sheng Jiang; must be processed before use.) Mainly treats wind-stroke. Eliminates wind-phlegm numbness, descends qi, breaks firm accumulations. Eliminates carbuncles, benefits the chest and diaphragm, disperses metal wounds, contusions and blood stasis, snake and insect bites. Scabies, tinea, malignant sores, induces abortion. Dan Xi said: To make it descend, guide it with Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex). For wind-stroke with locked jaw, (take powder mixed with a little Long Nao (Borneolum Syntheticum), rub teeth twenty to thirty times to open the jaw.)
For Tetanus. (Equal parts Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) ground into powder, mixed with vinegar and applied topically.)
Heshouwu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix) (Named after a person). Sweet, bitter, astringent; slightly warm in nature. Non-toxic. (Fu Ling (Poria) acts as its guide. Avoid pig and sheep blood. Averse to Lai Fu (Radish). Harvest roots in spring and summer, cut with a bamboo knife, soak in rice wash water, dry overnight after sun-drying, pound with a wooden mortar and pestle, avoid iron. There are male and female varieties; male is red, female is white. For preparation, male and female must be combined. Originally named Jiao Teng (Interlacing Vine), also known as Ye He (Night-Closing Vine). Named after He Shou Wu who took it.) Mainly treats scrofula, eliminates carbuncles. Treats wind-sores on head and face, five types of hemorrhoids, waist and knees. Stops heart pain, benefits blood and qi, darkens beard and hair, beautifies complexion. Long-term use strengthens sinews and bones, benefits essence and marrow, prolongs life and prevents aging, enables procreation. Also treats postpartum conditions and leukorrhea in women. Generally taken as powder mixed with wine.
Weilingxian (Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma). Bitter, warm in nature. Non-toxic. (Avoid tea and noodle soup. Harvest roots on Bing/Ding days in winter, dry in shade.) Mainly treats various wind-dampness, unblocks the twelve meridians, treats severe wind causing skin itching, gout affecting upper and lower body. Removes wind from the Large Intestine, promotes circulation in the five zang organs, removes internal cold stagnation, long-standing phlegm-fluids in the heart and diaphragm, mass formations, retained pus and foul water in the bladder, cold pain in waist and knees, inability to walk due to foot disease, and treats fractures. Overuse dissipates true qi; contraindicated in deficiency. For cold pain in waist/knees and swollen feet unable to walk, (wash with wine, grind into powder, take two qian with warm wine on an empty stomach, or take 20-30 honey pills with warm wine.)
Xianmao (Curculiginis Rhizoma). Pungent, warm in nature. Toxic. (Soak in rice wash water until red juice appears to remove toxicity. Avoid iron vessels, cow milk, and black beef.) Mainly treats cold qi in heart and abdomen causing anorexia, wind-cold spasms and bi in waist and legs preventing walking, male deficiency exhaustion, elderly urinary incontinence, benefits the Yang pathway. Long-term use enhances spirit and memory, assists sinews and bones, benefits skin and muscles, increases vitality, clarifies ears and eyes.
Baifuzi (Hydrangeae Radix). Sweet, pungent; warm in nature. Non-toxic. (Some say slightly toxic.) (Harvest in March, must be processed before use.) Mainly treats heart pain, blood-bi, hundred diseases of the face, promotes drug action. Treats wind-stroke with loss of voice, various wind-cold qi, scabies/tinea/wind-sores, facial scars. Dampness under the scrotum, leg weakness; suitable for inclusion in facial creams.
Gaoliangjiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma). Pungent, bitter; very warm in nature. Pure Yang. Non-toxic. Mainly treats sudden cold, cold rebellion in the stomach rushing to the heart. Cholera with abdominal pain, regurgitation and vomiting of food. Muscle cramps, diarrhea and dysentery, strengthens spleen and stomach, eliminates retained food.
Bixie (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma) (Commonly known as Tu Fuling). Bitter, sweet; neutral in nature. Non-toxic. (Yi Yi Ren (Coicis Semen) acts as its guide. Feared by Kui Gen (Malvae Radix), Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Mu Li (Ostrea Shell).) Mainly treats stiff backache, wind-cold-damp bi affecting joints. Malignant sores not healing, heat injuring the middle causing anger. Impotence, urinary incontinence, lack of blood in joints, the "Five Slownesses" in the elderly.
Huluba (Trigonellae Semen). Bitter, warm in nature. Pure Yang. (Said to be Fan Lu Bo Zi (Fenugreek Seed). Sprouts in spring, bears fruit in summer, harvested in autumn.) Mainly treats deficiency-cold qi of the Yuan Zang (Original Viscera). With Fuzi and Liu Huang (Sulfur), treats kidney deficiency-cold, abdominal and hypochondriac distension, blue-black complexion. With Xiao Hui Xiang Zi (Foeniculi Fructus) and Tao Ren (Persicae Semen), effectively treats Bladder qi disorders.
Baitouweng (Pulsatillae Radix). Sweet, bitter; warm in nature, some say cold. Non-toxic, some say toxic. (Best with wine. Harvest in April.) Mainly treats warm malaria with mania, cold-heat, masses and accumulations with abdominal pain. Goiter, neck tumors. Very effective for treating bloody dysentery. Expels blood and stops pain, treats metal wounds, epistaxis, toothache, all wind conditions and bone pain in joints, warms waist and knees.
Awei (Asafetida). Pungent; neutral, hot in nature. Non-toxic. (Extremely smelly yet capable of stopping odor, a strange substance. Before use, grind into powder in a clean mortar, steam over a hot wine vessel, pass through boiling water, then use as needed.) Mainly kills parasites, removes foul odors, breaks mass accumulations, directs evil qi downward, treats heart and abdominal pain. Repels plague, treats malaria, treats consumption and evil ghost gu poison.
Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix). Pungent, bitter; warm in nature. Taste stronger than aroma, Yang within Yin. Non-toxic. (Resembles dry bone, those with heavy oil content are good.) Mainly treats evil qi, repels toxic plague ghosts. Mainly treats chronic discharge, long-term use strengthens will, prevents nightmares and sleep disturbances. Regulates various qi, disperses stagnant qi in the lungs, moves liver qi. If treating qi stagnation in the middle and lower jiao, Bin Lang (Arecae Semen) must be used as a guide. Treats chronic cold qi in heart and abdomen, mass pain, nine types of heart pain, stabbing blood-q pain in women; take with wine powder. Treats qi stagnation in the abdomen, harmonizes stomach qi, stops cholera vomiting/diarrhea/regurgitation, calms fetus, strengthens spleen. Roasted with fire solidifies the large intestine; combined with Huang Lian (Scutellariae Radix) treats dysentery.
Also excellent when assisted by Sheng Jiang (Fresh Ginger) and Ju Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium). Treats carbuncles and toxins, protects against fog and dew. For chronic dysentery not healing, (take a piece one inch square, half liang Huang Lian, half sheng water, boil together until dry, remove Huang Lian, slice thinly, roast dry, grind into powder, divide into three doses: first dose with Tangerine Peel Decoction, second with aged rice water, third with Licorice Decoction.)
Xiao Hui Xiang (Foeniculi Fructus) (Also known as Hui Xiang). Pungent; neutral in nature. Non-toxic. Enters Foot-Shaoyin, Foot-Taiyang meridians. (Dry in shade. Best with wine, stir-fry before use.) Mainly treats various hernias, cholera. Adds fragrance to foods, breaks all foul odors. Opens appetite, promotes digestion, stops vomiting, regulates middle and stops pain. Mainly treats wet and dry Hong Zhang Jiao (Gout), cold qi swelling and pain in bladder, or pain radiating to the thigh and unbearable contraction into the lower abdomen. Kidney劳 (exhaustion) hernia. Also treats malignant toxins. (Take leaves and stems, crush for juice to drink, three times daily; apply residue to swelling; use roots in winter.)
Lingling Xiang (Lingnan Xiang / Agastache/Patchouli related). Sweet, pungent; neutral in nature. Non-toxic. (Best with wine.) Mainly treats evil qi, heart and abdominal pain/fullness, descends qi, decocted in wine to stop pain. Leprosy toothache, decocted and held in mouth is good. Women steep in oil for hair dressing, no fragrance compares.
Roudoukou (Myristicae Semen) (Also known as Rou Guo). Bitter, pungent; warm in nature. Non-toxic. Enters Hand-Yangming meridian. (Wrap in rice flour dough soaked in water, roast in ash fire until yellow and cooked. Oily and plump is best.) Warms middle, opens appetite, descends qi, aids digestion. Treats accumulated cold causing heart/abdominal distension/pain, cholera with evil qi, spleen/stomach deficiency-cold, mixed cold-heat qi, deficiency diarrhea with red/white dysentery, infant milk injury, vomiting, essential medicine for diarrhea. For dysentery, take with white rice gruel; for cholera with qi disturbance, take with fresh ginger decoction.
Caodoukou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus). Pungent, warm in nature. Yang. Non-toxic. Enters Foot-Taiyin, Foot-Yangming meridians. (Roast in bread dough until cooked.) Mainly warms middle, treats heart/abdominal pain. Vomiting, cholera.
Treats wind-cold pathogenic factors in the stomach area, effectively removes external cold causing pain. Quickly disperses cold qi, eliminates alcohol toxin and bad breath. Treats food accumulation and cold malaria.
I have verified that Caodoukou is indeed the current Caoguo, hence ancestors included it in the Fruit section. Ben Cao Jing says: its shape resembles a longan (should be lychee). But it is sharper, shell slightly pale red with ridges, seeds inside like pomegranate seeds, taste extremely pungent. Locals pick fresh, pickle as fruit, to aid digestion and resolve alcohol hangover. This perfectly matches the shape, origin, and treatment of Caoguo, how detailed and complete. Why do modern doctors not verify its truth, blame Ben Cao Jing for omitting it, yet seek another Caodoukou, claiming its authenticity is hard to find, hence usage varies. In Jiangnan, Jianning Caoren is often used as Doukou; in Jiangbei, spicy peppers are used as Doukou, which greatly contradicts Ben Cao Jing's description of shape and origin. Today, enthusiasts add new entries for Caoguo in other collections, confusing notes, failing to realize Caodoukou is its true self; this error is worse than not verifying at all.
Baidoukou (Amomi Fructus). Pungent, very warm in nature. Thin taste, strong aroma, Yang. Non-toxic. Mainly treats accumulated cold qi, stops vomiting/regurgitation, grain descending qi, suitable for cold stomach. Also disperses stagnant qi in lungs, enters Lung meridian, has a pure and high qi, supplements insufficient Yuan Qi in Upper Jiao.
Hongdoukou (Alpiniae Katsumadai Semen). Pungent, warm. Non-toxic. Mainly treats intestinal deficiency watery diarrhea, twisting heart/abdominal pain. Cholera vomiting sour water, resolves alcohol toxin. Do not take excessively, causes rough tongue and loss of appetite. (Eliminates miasma/toxin, removes retained food, treats cold qi abdominal pain, vomiting/diarrhea/dysentery.) Grows in southern seas valleys, said to be Gaoliang Jiang seed, shoots like reed leaves, similar to ginger, flowers in spikes, tender leaves roll up, slightly colored.
Suosami (Amomi Fructus / Sha Ren). Pungent, bitter; warm in nature. Non-toxic. Mainly treats deficiency-cold diarrhea, retained food not digesting, red/white dysentery, stops lingering dysentery. Warms spleen, descends qi, treats spleen/stomach qi stagnation, cold pain in abdomen, also calms fetus due to moving qi. With Bai Tan Xiang (Santalum Album) and Dou Kou, enters Lung. With Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix) and Yi Zhi Ren (Alpiniae Oxymatiae Fructus), enters Spleen. With Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex) and Fu Ling (Poria), enters Kidney. With Chi/Bai Shi Zhi (Kaolin/Halloysite), enters Large/Small Intestines. Pregnancy with qi moving causing unbearable fetal pain, (roast, grind to powder, take two qian with wine.)
Bichengqie (Schizocarpae Fructus). Pungent, warm. Non-toxic. (Harvest when green pepper is young.) Mainly descends qi, aids digestion, abdominal bloating, heart/abdominal cold pain, cholera vomiting/diarrhea, cold qi in kidney/bladder. Ancient formulas preferentially used it for hair dyeing.
Shijunzi (Quisqualis Fructus). Sweet, warm. Non-toxic. (Originally named after General Guo who used it for children's diseases. Use kernel or include shell.) Mainly treats five kinds of childhood Gi (parasitic malnutrition), turbid white urine, kills parasites, treats dysentery.
Luhui (Aloe). Bitter, cold. Non-toxic. (From Persia, resembles black syrup, formed from dripping resin tears.) Mainly treats wind-heat restlessness, heat in chest/diaphragm. Brightens eyes, calms heart, treats various childhood heats. Epilepsy, convulsions, treats five Gi, kills three parasites and hemorrhoid sores. Resolves Ba Dou (Croton Seed) toxicity. For tinea on head/neck extending to ears/cheeks, (use one liang ground, half liang roasted Gan Cao powder mixed evenly. First wash with warm sour rice water, wipe dry with cloth, apply for miraculous effect.) Treats teeth. (Take quarter fen powder, first rub teeth with salt, wash clean, then apply.)
Jingsanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma). Bitter, pungent; neutral. Yang within Yin. Non-toxic. (Yellow, heavy weight, shape like small carp, fire-parched before use.) Mainly treats old mass formations, irregular menstruation in women, heart/abdominal pain, induces abortion. Eliminates evil blood. White color belongs to qi, breaks qi within blood. Damages true qi, contraindicated in deficiency.
Peng'Ezhu (Curcumae Rhizoma). Bitter, pungent; warm. Non-toxic. (Fire-parched, vinegar-fried, best with wine/vinegar.) Mainly treats heart/abdominal pain, evil qi attacks, cholera cold qi, indigestion. Grind with wine and take. Also treats women's blood/qi pain, best for breaking mass qi. Unblocks menstruation, eliminates blood stasis, most important herb for treating accumulations and various qi disorders. Often used in women's medicines. Black color belongs to blood, breaks qi and enters blood, entering qi medicines can release fragrances.
Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) (Envoy). Bitter, very cold. Taste extremely strong, Yin within Yin, descending. Non-toxic. Enters Hand/Foot-Yangming meridians. (Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) acts as guide. No aversions. Fire-dried. Can be steamed, raw, or cooked; wine-soaked or wine-washed. Jin Wen (brocade pattern) is best.) Mainly drives out blood stasis, blood closure with cold-heat. Breaks masses and accumulations, stagnant fluids and retained food, cleanses intestines/stomach, pushes out the old and brings in the new, unblocks water passages, regulates middle, transforms food, harmonizes five zang. Nature moves and does not stay, drains excess heat blockage, heart/abdominal fullness, constipation, hailed as General. Taken for its vigorous cleansing speed. Also applied externally for all sores/carbuncles. Wine-soaked guides it upward to the vertex, enters Taiyang meridian. Like a boat carrying it, it floats in the chest. If used downward, do not soak/wash in wine. With Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), Huang Qin, Mu Li, Xi Xin (Asari Radix), Fu Ling, treats fright/anger, palpitations below heart. With Xiao Shi (Natrii Sulfas), Zi Shi Ying (Fluoritum), Tao Ren, treats women's blood closure.
Tingli (Descurainiae/Sisymbrii Semen). Pungent, bitter; very cold. Non-toxic. (Yu Pi (Ulmus Bark) acts as guide, averse to Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus). Harvest fruit after Start of Summer, dry in shade, fry before use. Best with wine.) Mainly treats masses, accumulations, constrained qi, cold-heat from diet. Breaks firmness and expels evil, unblocks water passage, works by draining, greatly descends qi. Treats evil water leaking from skin, facial edema, lung congestion with rebellious qi, coughing/wheezing, phlegm-fluids. Also treats Lung Abscess with inability to lie down due to wheezing. Long-term use causes deficiency; patients with deficiency should avoid it.
Zexie (Alismatis Rhizoma). Sweet, salty; cold. Taste strong, Yin. Slight Yang within Yin. Non-toxic. Enters Foot-Taiyang, Foot-Shaoyin meridians. (Feared by Hai Ge (Concha Meretricis), Wen Ge (Concha Arcae).) Mainly treats wind-cold-damp bi, difficult lactation, eliminates water. Nourishes five zang, boosts qi and strength, fattens and strengthens. Long-term use brightens ears/eyes, prevents hunger, prolongs life, lightens body, gives radiant complexion, can walk on water. Enters Bladder/Kidney meridians, treats stranguria/closure. Drives away stagnant water in Bladder/Sanjiao, drains kidney evil, stops nocturnal sweat. Most important herb for removing dampness and promoting urination. Overuse harms eyes due to excessive water drainage. Taking this herb increases urination, inevitably weakening kidney qi. Ancient formulas stopped seminal emission, now dare not use.
Xuanhua (Calystegia Sepium). Sweet, warm. Non-toxic. Harvest in May, dry in shade. Mainly boosts qi, removes dark/black spots on face, beautifies. Root is pungent, mainly treats cold evil qi in abdomen, promotes urination.
Long-term use prevents hunger and lightens body.
Xuanfu Hua (Inulae Flos). Salty, sweet; warm. Some say cold/laxative, slightly toxic. (Harvest flowers in June, dry in sun. Flowers like chrysanthemum, deep yellow, called Money Flower.) Mainly treats constrained qi/phlegm-fluids causing hypochondriac fullness, palpitations. Eliminates water, benefits large intestine. Removes cold-heat between five zang, tonifies middle, descends qi. Treats head wind, brightens eyes, eliminates chest phlegm knots, saliva like glue/lacquer. Patients with slight deficiency should not take excessively. After Shang Han sweating/purging, if heart下部 is hard and belching persists, this is suitable. Root treats dampness, leaves treat metal wounds/hemostasis.
Shilong Rui (Euphorbiae Humifusae Herba) (Also known as Long Xu, used for mats). Bitter, slightly cold. Non-toxic. (Harvest stems in May/July, roots in Aug/Sept.) Mainly treats heart/abdominal evil qi, difficult urination, stranguria/closure, wind-damp, ghost attacks/malignant toxins. Treats roundworms, clears heat. Long-term use tonifies emaciation, lightens body, brightens ears/eyes, prolongs life.
Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) (Minister, now called Mu Tong). Pungent, sweet; neutral. Thin taste, Yang. Non-toxic. (Harvest branches in Jan, dry in shade. Peel before use.) Mainly removes harmful insects, removes spleen/stomach cold-heat. Unblocks nine orifices, blood vessels, joints, prevents forgetfulness. Treats five strangurias, promotes urination, drains Small Intestine heat. Treats spleen jaundice, constant sleepiness, vexation, hiccups, vocalization. Treats deafness. Treats nasal congestion, disperses carbuncles, unresolved masses, metal wounds, malignant sores, throat bi, Shu Lou fractures, nasal polyps. Women's blood closure, induces labor/abortion, promotes lactation. Tong Duo Mu (Commonly known as Tongcao. Light, white, lovely, women use for crafts.) Also benefits yin orifices, promotes urination, treats gu poison. Powder on its flowers treats various虫 (insects) malignant sores/hemorrhoids, take powder and apply to sores.
Qumai (Dianthi Herba) (Minister). Bitter, pungent; cold. Slight Yin within Yang. Non-toxic. (Suo Gen (Hemidesmi Radix), Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) act as guides. Averse to Piao Xiao (Sepia Endoconcha). Harvest at Start of Autumn