采实，阴干。）主关格诸癃结，小便不通，出刺，痈肿排脓，明目去翳，破胎堕子，下闭血。
养肾气，逐膀胱邪气。竹木刺入肉中不出。（为末，水服方寸匕，或煮汁饮之。）
百合 味甘，气平。无毒。（花白者入药佳。）主邪气腹胀心痛，利大小便。补中益气，
除浮肿腹胀，痞满寒热，通身疼痛。百邪鬼魅，涕泣不止，狂叫惊悸。杀蛊毒，乳痈喉痹，发背
及诸疮肿。张仲景治伤寒坏后百合病须此，病名百合，而治以百合，不识其义。
紫草 味苦，气寒。无毒。（三月采，阴干。可以染紫者。）主心腹邪气，五疸。补中
益气，利九窍，通水道，疗腹胀肿满，合膏疗小儿疮及面 。治伤寒时疾发疮疹不出者，服此
使其发出。单煮汤饮，治豌豆疮，其效尢速。（又云细锉一两，百沸汤大盏泡，便以物合定，
勿令泄气，候温，量儿大小服半合至一合，须出当轻减。）
萱草根 味甘，气寒。无毒。（五月采花，八月采根。）治沙淋，下水气。主酒疸黄色
通身音，取根捣汁服，亦取嫩
苗煮食之。又主小便赤涩，身体烦热。根洗净，研汁一大盏，生姜汁半盏相合，时时细呷，治
大热衄血。又取根细切，酒煎服，治破伤风神效。花名宜男，怀妊妇人佩之则生男。
灯芯草 （即前龙 重出。）根及苗主五淋，生煮服，苗可以为 ，故 煮服更良。灯芯
烧灰存性，取少许吹喉中，治急喉痹甚捷。涂乳上与少儿吃，治夜啼。
酸浆 味酸，气平，寒微。无毒。（入家园圃中俱有，开白花，结青壳，熟则深红，
壳中有子，如樱桃大，赤红色。五月采，阴干用。）主烦热满，定志益气，利水道。产难，
吞其实立产。小儿食之能除热，有益。根绝苦，捣汁饮之，治黄胆多效。
石苇 味苦、甘，气平，微寒。无毒。（杏仁为之使，得菖蒲良。生山谷石上。不闻
水声及人声者良。三月采叶，阴干用之，去黄毛，毛射入肺，令人咳不可疗。入药微炙用。）
主劳热邪气，五癃闭不通，利小便水道。止烦下气，补五劳，安五脏，去恶风，益精气。南人
炒末，冷酒服，疗发背效。
海藻 味苦、咸，气寒。无毒。一云有小毒。（反甘草。七月七日采，曝干。）主瘿瘤
气，颈下核，破散结气瘫肿 瘕坚气，腹中上下鸣，下十二水肿。主辟百邪鬼魅。治气疾急满，
疗疝气下坠痛核肿。治颔下瘰 如梅李。（取一斤洗净，酒浸数日，稍稍饮之。）又治颈下卒
结囊，欲成瘿。（同前法。又同昆布等分为末，蜜丸如杏核大，含之稍稍咽下。）
泽兰 味苦甘，辛，气微温。无毒。（香草也。有枝、梗、叶如菊而尖长微香，防己为使。）
主乳妇内衄，中风余疾，大腹水肿，身面四肢浮肿，骨节痛，金疮瘫肿，疮疡。通九窍，利关
脉，养血气，治产前后百病。
昆布 味咸，气寒。无毒，一云小毒。主十二种水肿。瘿瘤聚结气， 疮。凡海中菜皆
疗痿瘤结气。又 卵肿，煮汁咽之。
甘遂 味苦、甘，气大寒。有毒。（瓜蒂为之使。恶远志。反甘草。阴干，连珠者良。）
主大腹疝瘕，腹满，面目浮肿，留饮宿食，破 坚积聚。利水道，水结胸中，非此不除。其气
直透所结处，专于行水，攻决为用。入药须斟酌。
大戟 味苦、甘，气寒，阴中微阳。有毒。（小豆为之使。反甘草，畏菖浦、芦草、鼠屎。
十二月采根。阴干。）主蛊毒，十二水肿，腹满急痛，积聚 结。中风皮肤疼痛，吐逆。善治
瘀血，通月水，堕胎孕。又治颈痈肿。
泽漆（大戟苗也。）味苦、辛，气微寒。无毒。一云微毒。（小豆为之使。恶薯蓣。三月
三日、七月七采茎叶，阴干。）主皮肤热，大腹水气，四肢面目浮肿，丈夫阴气不足。
荛花 味苦、辛，气寒。有毒。主伤寒温疟，下十二水肿，破积聚大坚 瘕，荡涤肠胃
留癖，饮食寒热邪气。利水道，痰饮咳逆。
芫花 味辛、苦，气温。有毒。（决明为之使。反甘草。阴干。凡用微熬，不可近眼。）
主咳逆上气，喉鸣喘，咽肿短气，蛊毒鬼疟，疝瘕痈肿。消胸中痰水，善唾，水肿，五水在五
脏皮肤及腰痛。久服令人虚。杀虫鱼。其根疗疥疮，可用毒鱼。
商陆 味辛、甘、酸，气平。有毒。（忌犬肉。有赤白二种，花赤者根赤，花白者根白，
白者入药用，赤者见鬼神甚毒。但贴肿外用，不可服。）主水胀疝瘕痹，熨除痈肿，杀鬼精物，
泻蛊毒，敷恶疮。疗胸中邪气满，十种水，堕胎如人形者，有神。水肿，（取生者去皮，切如
小豆许，一大盏，以水三升，煮二升烂，即取粟米一大盏，煮成粥，空心服一度，不得杂食
。又切生根杂生鲤鱼肉煮作汤，又取六七两捣汁三合，和酒半升，看大小相度服利下水瘥。）痹
不通，（薄切，醋蒸，肿去敷之。）石痈坚如石不作脓。（捣生根搽之，燥即易取软为度。）一切热
毒肿。（和盐少许，捣效之，日再易。）
牵牛子 味苦，气寒。属火，善走。有毒。有黑白二种，用黑者，炒用之。）主下气，疗脚
满水肿。除风毒，利大小便。落胎。以气药引之，则入气；以血药引之，则入血。大泻元气，用
者戒之。不胀满、不大便秘者勿用。罗谦甫云∶牵牛味辛烈，泻人元气。若病湿气胜，不得施
化，致大小便不通，则宜用之。然湿病之根在下焦，是血分中气病，不可用辛辣气药泻上焦太阴
之气也。凡人饮食劳倦，皆血受病，率以此药泻之，是血病泻气，使气血俱虚也。
蓖麻子 味甘、辛，气平。属阴。有毒。主水 水胀，又主身体疮痒疥癞浮肿，尸疰恶
气，榨取油涂之。其药治脚风肿。催生及胞衣不下。（取七枚研如膏，涂脚底心，子及衣下，速洗
拭去，不尔肠出，即用此膏涂顶，肠当自入。）一切肿毒疼痛，（捣敷瘥。）水 ，（水研二十枚
服之。吐恶沫加至三十枚，三日一服，瘥则止。） 风，手指牵曲，鼻塌。（去皮擘为二片，黄连
等分锉如豆，用水浸。春夏
二、四日，秋冬、五、六日取一片，平旦、日中面东，用浸药水吞下。水少旋添，勿令干，
渐加至三、四枚，微利不妨。）瘰 。（炒熟去皮，烂嚼临睡服二、三枚，
渐加至八、九枚效。）
海金沙 主通利小肠。得栀子、马牙硝，共疗伤寒热狂。
白兔藿（一名白葛。）味苦，气平。无毒。主蛇虺蜂虿 狗菜肉蛊毒，鬼疰、风疰。
诸大毒不可入口者，皆消除之。又去血，可抹着痛上，立消。毒入腹，煮饮即解。
徐长卿 味辛，气温。无毒。（三月采。）主鬼物百精蛊毒，疫疾邪恶气，温疟。久服
强悍轻身。
大青 味苦，气大寒。无毒。（三、四月采茎叶，阴干。）主疗时气，天时热疾头痛，大
热口疮及金石药毒。
荠 味甘，气寒。形如桔梗，今人谓之土人参。亦有改造以混今参也。主解百药毒，
杀蛊毒，虫咬，热狂温疾。取根捣末或生汁服之，出毒箭，封疔毒。
钩吻 味辛，气温。有大毒。（半夏为之使。恶黄芩。叶似黄精而头尖处有两毛。不入汤。）
主金疮乳痈，中恶气，咳逆上气，水肿。杀鬼疰蛊毒，杀乌兽。太上曰∶太阴之精名曰钧吻，
食之入口则死。
常山 味苦、辛，气寒。有毒。（畏玉札。忌葱及菘菜、鸡肉。阴干，如骨者佳。）主伤
寒发热，温疟鬼毒。胸中痰结吐逆，疗鬼蛊，往来洒洒恶寒。得甘草，吐疟效。不可多服，令
人大吐。年老及久病患服之能伤真气，病患稍近虚怯勿用。
蜀漆（常山苗也。） 味辛，气平。微温。纯阳。有毒。栝蒌、桔梗为使。五月采叶，阴
干。）主疟及咳逆寒热，腹中 坚痞结，积聚邪气，蛊毒鬼疰。多服令人吐逆。
野狼毒 味辛、气平。有大毒。（大豆为之使。恶麦句姜。二、八月采根，阴干。陈而沉水
者良。）主咳逆上气，破积聚饮食，寒热水气，胁下积癖。恶疮鼠 疸蚀，鬼精蛊毒。杀飞鸟
走兽，亦杀鼠。
牙子 味苦、酸。气寒。有毒。（芜荑为使。恶地榆。八月采根，曝干。中湿腐烂生衣者
杀人。）主邪气热气，疥瘙恶疡疮痔，去白虫。治妇人阴疮中烂，煎汤洗之。又治蛇毒，蜡月
猪脂捣和，敷上立瘥。
鬼臼 味辛，气温。有毒。（畏垣衣。不入汤。）主杀蛊毒鬼疰精物，辟恶气不祥，
逐邪，解百毒。
续随子 （即千金子。）味辛，气温，有毒。主妇人血结月闭，症癖 癖瘀血，蛊毒鬼
疰。心腹痛，冷气胀满。利大小肠，除痰饮积聚，下恶滞物。茎中白汁，剥人面皮，去 。
鹤虱 味苦，气平。存小毒。主蛔蛲虫咬，心腹痛用之。为散，以肥肉 汁服方寸匕，
亦丸散中用治杀虫最要。
蚤休 （即紫河车，俗呼重楼金线。） 味苦，气微寒。有毒。五月采根，日干。主惊
痫摇头弄舌，热气在腹中，癫疾痈疮阴蚀，下三虫，去蛇毒，解百毒痈毒。（醋磨敷甚效，亦
磨酒调服。）
预知子 味苦、气寒。无毒。（采无时，其实如皂荚子，去皮研服之。）主杀虫疗蛊，
治诸毒天行温疾。敷一切蛇虫咬。传云∶取二枚缀衣领上，遇蛊毒物，则闻其有声，当便知之，
故名。又云双仁者可带。
水蓼 味辛。无毒。（生水泽中。茎赤，叶大于家蓼。）主蛇毒，捣敷之。绞汁服，
止蛇毒，入心。水煮渍脚，消气肿。
络石 味苦，气温。微寒。无毒。（杜仲、牡丹为之使。畏贝母、菖蒲。络木石而生，
茎节着处，即生根须，凌冬不凋，叶圆如细橘正青，花白子黑。采茎叶，日干，附石者良。薜荔、
木莲、地锦，石血等其类。主风热死肌痈疡，口干舌焦，痈肿不消，喉舌肿，水浆不下。除
邪气，养肾，主腰髋痛，坚筋骨，利关节，强腰脚。久服轻身明目，润泽好颜色，不老延年。
久服汁去蛇毒，心闷。刀斧诸疮，封之立瘥。喉痹不通，须臾欲绝。（取二两，水一升，煎一大
盏，细细吃，须臾即通。）背痈。（取茎叶烂研绞汁，和蜜或酒，饮数升大妙。）
营实 （蔷薇子也。）味酸、气温，微寒。无毒。（白花者良，阴干。根茎叶同功。
冬取根，夏取茎叶。）主痈疽恶疮结肉跌损，败疮热气，阴蚀不瘳，利关节。治头疮。白花
久服轻身益气。根止泄利腹痛。五脏客热，除邪益气，疽癞诸疮，金疮伤处，生肉复肌。
蛇床子 味苦、辛、甘。气乎。无毒，一云小毒。（恶牡丹、巴豆，贝母。五月采实，
阴干。凡入药捋去皮壳，取仁微炒。若作汤洗疮则生肌。）主妇人阴中肿痛，男子阴 湿痒。除
痹气，利关节，癫痫恶疮，温中下气。令妇人子脏热，男子阴强。
治腰胯疼，四肢顽痹。阴汗湿癣，浴男子阴，去风冷，大风身痒，煎汤浴之瘥。久服轻身好颜
色，令人有子。主温中药，（取仁为末，白粉少许和匀相得如枣大，绵裹纳之。）阴户痛及
产后阴下脱。（取子，绢袋盛蒸熨之。）
王不留行 味苦、甘。气平。阳中之阴。无毒。（二月，八月采根，苗、花、子并用。）
主金疮止血，逐痛出刺，除痹内寒，风毒风疹，痈疽恶疮 乳。妇人难产及经脉不匀。竹木针刺
在肉中不出疼痛。（为末，熟水调方寸匕，即出。）
败酱 味苦、咸。气平。微寒。无毒。入足少阴经、手厥阴经。（气如败豆酱故名。）
主暴热火疮赤气，疥瘙疽痔。马鞍热气。除痈肿结气，风痹。破多年凝血，能化脓为水。催生
落胎及产后诸病，止腹痛。仲景用治腹痈下脓。
恶实 （即牛蒡子，又名鼠粘子。）味辛、苦。气平。秋后采子，酒拌蒸用。冬采根，蒸，
暴干，不尔令人吐。）主明目，利腰膝，疗风毒肿，疮疹喉痹，风热痰壅，咽膈不利，牙齿疼
痛，头面浮肿。吞一枚可出痈疮头。根亦主风毒痈疽恶疮，浸酒去风，根茎生捣汁和酒服，疗伤
寒寒热汗出，中风面肿。捣根及叶入盐少许，封热毒肿。敷杖疮金疮，永不畏风。取汁夏月多浴，
去皮肤习习如虫行风。瘫缓及丹石毒，风毒，明目，利腰脚。（取子末之，投酒中浸日，每日饮一
二盏，随性多少。）风热闭塞咽喉，遍身浮肿。（取子一合，半生半熟杵末，酒调下一钱瘥。）
疮庖将出，（炒子令熟，杵为末。每服一钱，荆芥二穗水煎七分，温服。如疮疹已出，更服亦
妙。）皮肤风热，遍身生瘾疹。（取子与浮萍等分为末，薄荷汤调一钱，日二服。）
白药 味辛、气温。无毒。主金疡生肌，治喉中热塞。常服消肿毒，解热毒甚效。诸疮
痈肿不散。（取生根烂捣敷贴，无则生用末，水调涂之。）
干苔 （即海中苔菜。）味咸，气寒。主痔，杀虫及霍乱，呕吐不止，煮汁服之。又心
腹烦闷，冷水研如泥饮之即止，下一切丹石，杀诸药毒。不可多食，令人痿黄，少血色。杀
木蠹虫，内木孔中。凡海族之流，皆下丹石。
草蒿 （即青蒿）味苦，气寒。无毒。（四月采苗，日干。根茎花叶并入药，四者勿同用。春夏用
苗，秋冬用子。）主疥瘙痂痒恶疮，杀虫。生捣敷金疮，止血生肉止痛。又主鬼气尸疰伏连，妇
(Fruit is collected and dried in the shade.) It primarily treats Guan Ge (obstruction syndrome) and various forms of urinary retention and strangury. Through acupuncture, it is used for abscesses to drain pus, brighten the eyes, remove nebulae, induce abortion, and expel stagnant blood.
It nourishes Kidney Qi and drives out pathogenic factors from the Bladder. For bamboo or wood splinters embedded in the flesh that cannot be removed: (Grind into powder, take with water using a Fang Cun Bi measure, or decoct as juice to drink.)
Baihe (Lilii Bulbus) Sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Non-toxic. (White flowers are preferred for medicinal use.) It primarily treats abdominal distension and heart pain caused by pathogenic factors, promotes urination and defecation. It tonifies the Middle Jiao and supplements Qi,
eliminates edema and abdominal distension, stuffiness, alternating cold and heat, and generalized body pain. It treats conditions caused by hundred evils and ghostly influences resulting in continuous tearing and weeping, manic shouting, and palpitations with fright. It kills Gu poison, treats mastitis and throat obstruction, back carbuncles
and various sores. Zhang Zhongjing uses this herb to treat Baihe Disease (Lily Disease) occurring after damage from Cold Damage; the disease is named Baihe and treated with Baihe, but its rationale is unknown.
Zicao (Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma / Lithospermi Radix) Bitter in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic. (Collected in March, dried in the shade. Can be used to dye purple.) It primarily treats pathogenic factors in the Heart and Abdomen, and five types of jaundice. It tonifies the Middle Jiao and supplements Qi, unblocks the nine orifices, regulates the Water passages, treats abdominal distension and swelling, and when combined into an ointment, treats pediatric sores and facial lesions. For those suffering from Cold Damage or epidemic diseases where rashes fail to erupt, taking this herb facilitates their eruption. Decocted alone as tea, it treats smallpox with particularly rapid efficacy. (Another method says: Finely chop one liang, steep in a large bowl of boiling water, cover immediately to prevent steam loss, wait until warm, and administer half to one he depending on the child's age. Symptoms should subside once eruptions appear.)
Xuangu Gen (Radix Verbenae) Sweet in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic. (Flowers collected in May, roots in August.) Treats Sha Lin (sand strangury), directs downward Water Qi. Primarily treats Jiudan Huangse (wine jaundice yellowing) affecting the whole body; take root, crush to extract juice and drink. Tender
sprouts can also be boiled and eaten. It also treats dark, scanty urination and bodily restlessness with heat. Wash the root, grind to extract one large cup of juice, mix with half a cup of fresh ginger juice, sip slowly over time to treat severe heat epistaxis. Alternatively, finely cut the root, decoct with wine, and drink for miraculous efficacy in treating tetanus. The flower is named Yinan (Promising Male Offspring); pregnant women wearing it are said to give birth to boys.
Dengxincao (Junci Medulla) (Duplicate of Long Xu Cao mentioned earlier.) Roots and shoots primarily treat Wu Lin (five types of strangury). Boiled fresh and taken internally, or the shoots can be made into porridge, which is even better. Charred Dengxincao retaining its properties, taken in small amounts blown into the throat, treats acute throat obstruction very quickly. Applied to the nipple for infants to suckle, it treats night crying.
Suanjiang (Physalis alkekengi Fructus) Sour in taste, neutral in nature, slightly cold. Non-toxic. (Found in home gardens, bears white flowers, green husks, turning deep red when ripe. Inside the husk are seeds like cherries, reddish-brown. Collected in May, dried in the shade.) Primarily treats irritability, heat, and fullness, calms the mind, supplements Qi, and benefits the Water passages. For difficult labor, swallowing the fruit induces immediate delivery. Children eating it clears heat and is beneficial. The root is extremely bitter; crushed and juiced for drinking, it is effective for jaundice.
Shiwei (Pyrrosiae Folium) Bitter and sweet in taste, neutral in nature, slightly cold. Non-toxic. (Xingren acts as an assistant; works well with Changpu. Grows on rocks in valleys. Those not exposed to water sounds or human voices are best. Leaves collected in March, dried in the shade. Remove yellow hairs; if hairs enter the lung, they cause incurable coughing. Slightly roast before use.)
Primarily treats劳热 (deficiency heat) and pathogenic factors, five types of strangury and blockage, promotes urination and Water passages. Stops irritability, directs Qi downward, tonifies the Five Deficiencies, stabilizes the Zang organs, dispels evil wind, and benefits Essence and Qi. Southerners roast it into powder, take with cold wine, and it effectively treats back carbuncles.
Haizao (Sargassum) Bitter and salty in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic. Some say slightly toxic. (Incompatible with Gancao. Collected on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month, sun-dried.) Primarily treats Ying Liu (goiter) Qi, lumps under the neck, breaks up stagnant Qi, tumors, masses, hard Qi, rumbling in the abdomen, and directs downward twelve types of edema. Primarily wards off hundred evils and ghostly influences. Treats urgent Qi distress with fullness,
treats hernia with descending pain and testicular swelling. Treats scrofula under the jaw resembling plums or dates. (Take one jin, wash clean, soak in wine for several days, drink gradually.) Also treats sudden cyst formation under the neck, developing into goiter. (Same method as above. Or equal parts Haizao and Kunbu ground to powder, honey-pilled like apricot kernels, held in mouth and swallowed gradually.)
Zelan (Lycosidis Herba) Bitter, sweet, and acrid in taste, slightly warm in nature. Non-toxic. (A fragrant herb. Has branches, stems, and leaves like chrysanthemum but sharper, longer, and slightly fragrant. Fangji acts as an assistant.)
Primarily treats internal bleeding in postpartum women, residual symptoms of Wind Stroke, massive abdominal edema, generalized edema of face and limbs, joint pain, traumatic injuries with swelling, and sores. Unblocks the nine orifices, benefits Guan Mai (pulse vessels), nourishes Blood and Qi, treats hundred diseases before and after childbirth.
Kunbu (Laminariae Thallus) Salty in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic, some say slightly toxic. Primarily treats twelve types of edema. Ying Liu (goiter) and aggregated Qi, sores. All marine vegetables treat Wei Liu (atrophy syndromes) and nodular Qi. Also treats testicular swelling, decoct juice and swallow.
Gansui (Kansui Radix) Bitter and sweet in taste, greatly cold in nature. Toxic. (Gua Di acts as an assistant. Dislikes Yuanzhi. Incompatible with Gancao. Dried in the shade; those with bead-like nodes are best.)
Primarily treats massive abdominal hernias and masses, abdominal fullness, facial and ocular edema, retained fluids and old food stagnation, breaks hard accumulations. Benefits Water passages; fluid accumulation in the chest cannot be cleared without this herb. Its Qi penetrates directly to the site of accumulation, specializing in moving water and breaking through obstructions. Dosage must be carefully considered when prescribing.
Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix) Bitter and sweet in taste, cold in nature, slightly Yang within Yin. Toxic. (Xiaodou acts as an assistant. Incompatible with Gancao, fears Changpu, Licao, and Shushi. Roots collected in December. Dried in the shade.) Primarily treats Gu poison, twelve types of edema, abdominal fullness with urgent pain, accumulations and knots. Skin pain from Wind Stroke, vomiting and reversal. Excellent for treating blood stasis, regulating menstruation, inducing abortion. Also treats neck abscesses.
Ze Qi (Herba Euphorbiae Lathyris) (Seedling of Daji.) Bitter and acrid in taste, slightly cold in nature. Non-toxic. Some say slightly toxic. (Xiaodou acts as an assistant. Dislikes Shuyu. Stems and leaves collected on the third day of March and seventh day of July, dried in the shade.) Primarily treats skin heat, massive abdominal water qi, edema of limbs, face, and eyes, and insufficient Yin Qi in men.
Raohua (Genki Flos) Bitter and acrid in taste, cold in nature. Toxic. Primarily treats Cold Damage and Warm Malaria, directs downward twelve types of edema, breaks large hard accumulations and masses, cleanses the intestines and stomach of chronic stagnations, and eliminates pathogenic factors from diet, cold, and heat. Benefits Water passages, treats phlegm-fluids with cough and reverse Qi.
Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos) Acrid and bitter in taste, warm in nature. Toxic. (Jueming acts as an assistant. Incompatible with Gancao. Dried in the shade. When used, lightly roast; avoid contact with eyes.)
Primarily treats cough with reverse Qi, throat rattling and asthma, throat swelling and shortness of breath, Gu poison and ghost malaria, hernia, masses, and abscesses. Eliminates phlegm-water in the chest, promotes expectoration, treats edema, five waters in the five Zang organs and skin, and lower back pain. Long-term use causes deficiency. Kills insects and fish. Its root treats scabies and can be used to poison fish.
Shanglu (Phytolaccae Radix) Acrid, sweet, and sour in taste, neutral in nature. Toxic. (Avoid dog meat. There are red and white varieties; flowers red mean roots red, flowers white mean roots white. White variety is used medicinally; red variety causes hallucinations and is highly toxic. Only apply externally for swelling, do not ingest.) Primarily treats water distension, hernia, bi-syndrome, warms to eliminate abscesses, kills ghostly essences, drains Gu poison, applies to malignant sores. Treats chest fullness from pathogenic factors, ten types of water, induces abortion (those shaped like humans are considered miraculous). Edema: (Take fresh root, peel, cut like mung beans, one large cup, boil in three sheng of water until two sheng remain and soft, then add one large cup of millet, cook into porridge, take on an empty stomach once, no other food. Alternatively, slice fresh root, boil with live carp meat as soup, or take six to seven liang, crush to extract three he of juice, mix with half sheng of wine, adjust dose according to size to promote urination and recovery.) Bi-blockage: (Slice thinly, steam with vinegar, apply to reduce swelling.) Stone abscess hard as stone without suppuration: (Crush fresh root and apply, change when dry until soft.) All heat-toxin swellings: (Mix with little salt, crush and apply, change twice daily.)
Qianniuzi (Pharbitidis Semen) Bitter in taste, cold in nature. Belongs to Fire, moves swiftly. Toxic. There are black and white varieties; use black ones, stir-fry before use.) Primarily directs Qi downward, treats leg fullness and edema. Removes wind-toxin, benefits urination and defecation. Induces abortion. Guided by Qi herbs, it enters the Qi level; guided by Blood herbs, it enters the Blood level. Greatly drains Yuan Qi, users must beware. Do not use if there is no fullness or constipation. Luo Qianfu said: Qianniu is pungent and harsh, draining human Yuan Qi. If dampness is excessive and transformation fails, causing urinary and fecal retention, it is suitable. However, the root of damp disease lies in the Lower Jiao, which is a Qi disorder within the Blood level; one should not use pungent-warm Qi herbs to drain the Taiyin Qi of the Upper Jiao. Generally, dietary and fatigue disorders affect the Blood; using this drug to drain them means draining Qi for Blood disease, causing both Qi and Blood to become deficient.
Bimazi (Ricini Semen) Sweet and acrid in taste, neutral in nature. Belongs to Yin. Toxic. Primarily treats water distension and edema, also treats body sores, itching, scabies, leprosy, and edema, corpse-infection and evil Qi. Press to extract oil for topical application. This drug treats foot wind swelling. Induces labor and retains placenta. (Take seven seeds, grind into paste, apply to sole of foot; fetus and placenta will descend, wash off immediately, otherwise intestines may prolapse. If intestines prolapse, apply this paste to the crown, intestines will retract.) All swollen toxins and pain: (Crush and apply, recovers.) Water swelling: (Grind twenty seeds in water and take. For vomiting foul foam, increase to thirty seeds, take every three days, stop when recovered.) Wind stroke, finger curling, collapsed nose: (Remove skin, split into two pieces, equal parts Huanglian chopped like beans, soak in water. Spring/Summer: soak 2-4 days; Autumn/Winter: soak 5-6 days. Take one piece at dawn or noon facing east, swallow with soaking water. Add water as needed, do not let dry, gradually increase to three or four pieces, mild diarrhea is acceptable.) Scrofula: (Roast, remove skin, chew thoroughly before sleep, take 2-3 seeds, gradually increase to 8-9 seeds for effect.)
Haijinsha (Lygodii Spora) Primarily promotes free flow of the Small Intestine. Combined with Zhizi and Mayaxiao, it jointly treats Cold Damage with fever and mania.
Baituhuo (One name Baige.) Bitter in taste, neutral in nature. Non-toxic. Primarily treats snake, wasp, bee stings, dog bite, vegetable/meat Gu poison, ghost infection, wind infection.
All major toxins that cannot be ingested are eliminated by it. Also stops bleeding; applying to painful areas brings immediate relief. If toxin enters the abdomen, decoction resolves it.
Xuchangqing (Cynanchi Atrati Radix) Acrid in taste, warm in nature. Non-toxic. (Collected in March.) Primarily treats ghostly essences, hundred spirits, Gu poison, epidemic evil Qi, and Warm Malaria. Long-term use makes one strong and light-bodied.
Daqing (Isatidis Folium) Bitter in taste, greatly cold in nature. Non-toxic. (Stems and leaves collected in March-April, dried in the shade.) Primarily treats seasonal pathogens, weather-related febrile diseases with headache, high fever, mouth ulcers, and mineral drug toxicity.
Ji (Shepherdiae Herba) Sweet in taste, cold in nature. Resembles Jiegeng, now called Turenshen (Earth Ginseng). Some modify it to pass off as modern Ginseng. Primarily resolves hundred drug toxins, kills Gu poison, insect bites, heat mania, and warm fevers. Take root, grind to powder or use fresh juice, extracts poisoned arrows, seals ding (carbuncle) toxins.
Gouwen (Gelsemii Ramulus) Acrid in taste, warm in nature. Highly toxic. (Banxia acts as an assistant. Dislikes Huangqin. Leaves resemble Huangjing but have two hairs at the tip. Not used in decoctions.)
Primarily treats traumatic wounds and mastitis, evil Qi invasion, cough with reverse Qi, and edema. Kills ghost infections, Gu poison, and birds/beasts. Taishang said: The essence of Taiyin is called Junwen; eating it causes death upon entry.
Changshan (Dichroae Radix) Bitter and acrid in taste, cold in nature. Toxic. (Fears Yuzha. Avoids Cong and Songcai, chicken meat. Dried in the shade; bone-like texture is best.) Primarily treats Cold Damage fever, Warm Malaria, and ghost toxins. Phlegm knotting in the chest with vomiting, treats ghost Gu, alternating chills. With Gancao, it induces vomiting to cure malaria. Do not overdose, as it causes severe vomiting. Elderly and chronic patients taking it damages True Qi; avoid in patients who are weak or deficient.
Shuqi (Herba Dichroae) (Seedling of Changshan.) Acrid in taste, neutral in nature. Slightly warm. Pure Yang. Toxic. Gualou and Jiegeng act as assistants. Leaves collected in May, dried in the shade.) Primarily treats malaria and cough with alternating cold and heat, hard masses in the abdomen, accumulated pathogenic factors, Gu poison, and ghost infections. Overdose causes vomiting.
Ye Langdu (Stellerae Radix) Acrid in taste, neutral in nature. Highly toxic. (Da Dou acts as an assistant. Dislikes Maijujiang. Roots collected in February-August, dried in the shade. Old ones that sink in water are best.) Primarily treats cough with reverse Qi, breaks down accumulated food, cold/heat water qi, and hypochondriac stagnation. Malignant sores, rat jaundice erosion, ghostly essences, and Gu poison. Kills flying birds and running beasts, and rats.
Yazi (Crotonis Fructus) Bitter and sour in taste, cold in nature. Toxic. (Wuyi acts as an assistant. Dislikes Diyuyu. Roots collected in August, sun-dried. Those that rot and grow mold due to moisture kill humans.) Primarily treats pathogenic heat, scabies, malignant sores, hemorrhoids, removes roundworms. Treats female genital ulcers with decay, decoct and wash. Also treats snake venom, mix with pig fat in the twelfth lunar month, apply for immediate recovery.
Guijiao (Aristolochiae Fructus) Acrid in taste, warm in nature. Toxic. (Fears Yuanyi. Not used in decoctions.) Primarily kills Gu poison, ghost infections, and spirit objects, wards off evil and inauspicious Qi, expels pathogens, and resolves hundred toxins.
Xuisui Zi (One name Qianjin Zi.) Acrid in taste, warm in nature, toxic. Primarily treats blood stasis and amenorrhea in women, mass formations, blood stasis, Gu poison, and ghost infections. Heart and abdominal pain, cold Qi distension. Benefits Large and Small Intestines, eliminates phlegm-fluids and accumulations, expels evil stagnant substances. White juice from the stem peels human facial skin, removes [nebulae].
Heshi (Carpesii Fructus) Bitter in taste, neutral in nature. Retains slight toxicity. Primarily treats pinworm and roundworm bites, used for heart and abdominal pain. Made into powder, taken with fatty meat juice using a Fang Cun Bi measure, also used in pills/powders as a key anti-parasitic agent.
Zhouxiu (One name Zihewu, colloquially Chonglou Jin Xian.) Bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature. Toxic. Roots collected in May, sun-dried. Primarily treats convulsions, head shaking, tongue protrusion, heat in the abdomen, epilepsy, sores, genital erosion, expels three parasites, removes snake venom, resolves hundred toxins and abscesses. (Grind with vinegar for topical application is very effective, or grind with wine for oral administration.)
Yuzhizi (Premonition Seed) Bitter in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic. (Collected anytime, fruit resembles soap pod seeds, remove skin, grind and take.) Primarily kills parasites, treats Gu poison, cures various toxins, epidemic warm fevers. Applies to all snake and insect bites. Legend says: Take two seeds, attach to collar; encountering Gu poison objects, they make a sound, thus known by name. Also says double-kernel seeds can be carried.
Shuiliao (Polygoni Hydropiperis Herba) Acrid in taste. Non-toxic. (Grows in wet marshes. Red stems, leaves larger than domestic smartweed.) Primarily treats snake venom, crush and apply. Juice extracted and drunk stops snake venom entering the heart. Boiled water for foot soaking reduces Qi swelling.
Luoshi (Trachelospermi Caulis) Bitter in taste, warm in nature, slightly cold. Non-toxic. (Duzhong and Mudan act as assistants. Fears Beimu and Changpu. Climbs trees and rocks, rooting at nodes, evergreen in winter, leaves round like small oranges, bright green, white flowers, black seeds. Stems and leaves collected, sun-dried; those attached to rocks are best. Bili, Muli, Dijin, and Xue are similar. Primarily treats wind-heat necrotic muscle and sores, dry mouth and scorched tongue, unresolved abscesses, throat/tongue swelling, inability to swallow fluids. Expels pathogenic factors, nourishes Kidney, treats lower back and hip pain, strengthens sinews and bones, benefits joints, strengthens waist and legs. Long-term use lightens the body, brightens eyes, moistens complexion, prevents aging and prolongs life. Long-term juice use removes snake venom but causes chest oppression. Knife/axe wounds, seal for immediate recovery. Throat obstruction nearing death: (Take two liang, one sheng of water, decoct to one large cup, sip slowly, passage restored quickly.) Back carbuncle: (Crush stems and leaves, extract juice, mix with honey or wine, drink several large cups, excellent.)
Yingshi (One name Weiqi Zi.) Sour in taste, warm in nature, slightly cold. Non-toxic. (White flowers are best, dried in the shade. Roots, stems, and leaves have same function. Winter collect roots, summer collect stems/leaves.) Primarily treats carbuncles, malignant sores, flesh knots, trauma,敗疮 (decayed sores) heat, genital erosion not healing, benefits joints. Treats head sores. White flowers long-term use lightens body and supplements Qi. Roots stop diarrhea and abdominal pain. Visceral guest heat, expels pathogens and supplements Qi, carbuncles, leprosy, various sores, traumatic wounds, regenerates flesh and muscle.
Chuanshenzi (Cnidii Fructus) Bitter, acrid, and sweet in taste. Neutral in nature. Non-toxic, some say slightly toxic. (Dislikes Mudan, Badou, Beimu. Fruits collected in May, dried in the shade. When used, rub off husks, take kernels, lightly roast. If making decoction for washing sores, use raw to generate flesh.) Primarily treats female genital swelling/pain, male genital dampness/itching. Removes Bi Qi, benefits joints, epilepsy, malignant sores, warms Middle and directs Qi downward. Makes female uterus warm, male genitals strong.
Treats lower back/hip pain, stubborn Bi in limbs. Genital sweat/damp tinea, bath male genitals, dispels wind-cold, severe wind body itching, decoct and bathe for recovery. Long-term use lightens body, improves complexion, aids conception. Warms Middle Jiao drugs: (Take kernel powder, mix with little rice flour to date-sized balls, wrap in silk and insert.) Vulvar pain and postpartum uterine prolapse: (Take seeds, place in silk bag, steam and compress.)
Wu Liuxing (Vaccariae Semen) Bitter and sweet in taste, neutral in nature. Yin within Yang. Non-toxic. (Roots collected in Feb/Aug, seedlings, flowers, and seeds all used.)
Primarily treats traumatic bleeding, expels pain and foreign bodies, removes Bi and internal cold, wind-toxin and wind-rash, carbuncles/malignant sores, and mastitis. Difficult labor and irregular menstruation. Bamboo/wood needles stuck in flesh causing pain: (Grind to powder, mix with warm water, take Fang Cun Bi measure, needle exits immediately.)
Baijiang (Patriniae Herba) Bitter and salty in taste, neutral in nature, slightly cold. Non-toxic. Enters Foot Shaoyin and Hand Jueyin meridians. (Named for smell like spoiled bean paste.)
Primarily treats sudden fire/toxic sores, erysipelas, scabies, carbuncles, hemorrhoids. Heat from saddle area. Eliminates abscesses and stagnant Qi, wind-Bi. Breaks old blood clots, transforms pus into water. Induces labor, abortion, and treats postpartum diseases, stops abdominal pain. Zhongjing uses it for abdominal abscesses discharging pus.
E Shi (One name Niubangzi, also Shuniuzi.) Acrid and bitter in taste, neutral in nature. Seeds collected after autumn, steamed with wine. Roots collected in winter, steamed, sun-dried, otherwise causes vomiting.) Primarily brightens eyes, benefits waist/knees, treats wind-toxin swelling, rash/throat obstruction, wind-heat phlegm congestion, throat/chest discomfort, toothache, facial/head edema. Swallowing one seed can bring out abscess heads. Roots also treat wind-toxin carbuncles/malignant sores, soaked in wine to dispel wind, fresh root/stem juice mixed with wine treats Cold Damage with chills/sweat, Wind Stroke facial swelling. Crush root/leaves with little salt, apply to heat-toxin swelling. Apply to stick wounds/trauma, never fear wind again. Extract juice, bathe frequently in summer to remove skin crawling sensation from wind. Paralysis and Dan Shi toxicity, wind-toxin, brightens eyes, benefits waist/legs: (Grind seeds, soak in wine overnight, drink one-two cups daily as tolerated.) Wind-heat blocking throat, generalized edema: (Take one he of seeds, half raw half roasted, grind to powder, mix with wine, take one qian for recovery.) Sores about to erupt: (Roast seeds, grind to powder. Take one qian, decoct two spikes of Jingjie in water to 70%, drink warm. If rash already erupted, continuing use is also good.) Skin wind-heat, generalized hives: (Equal parts seeds and Floating Duckweed, grind to powder, mix with mint tea, take one qian, twice daily.)
Bai Yao (Unknown Herb) Acrid in taste, warm in nature. Non-toxic. Primarily treats traumatic wounds to generate flesh, treats throat heat obstruction. Regular use reduces swelling toxins, resolves heat toxins effectively. Various sores/carbuncles not dispersing: (Take fresh root, crush and apply; if unavailable, use raw powder mixed with water for application.)
Gan Tai (One name Hai Zhong Caimei.) Salty in taste, cold in nature. Primarily treats hemorrhoids, kills parasites, cholera, persistent vomiting, decoct juice and drink. Also treats heart/abdominal irritability, grind in cold water to mud and drink to stop, expels all Dan Shi, kills drug toxins. Do not eat too much, causes sallow complexion and low blood color. Kills wood-boring worms, insert into wood holes. All marine creatures expel Dan Shi.
Caohao (One name Qinghao) Bitter in taste, cold in nature. Non-toxic. (Seedlings collected in April, sun-dried. Roots, stems, flowers, leaves all used, do not mix. Spring/Summer use seedlings, Autumn/Winter use seeds.) Primarily treats scabies, crusty itching, malignant sores, kills parasites. Fresh crushed application to traumatic wounds stops bleeding, generates flesh, stops pain. Also treats ghost Qi, corpse infection, latent connections, women...