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Acrid, warm, toxic. Avoid contact with iron vessels; soak in wine and bake dry before use.

[Invention] Xianmao (Curculiginis Rhizoma) is hot in nature and is a herb that tonifies the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and Mingmen (Gate of Life). It is suitable only for those with Yang deficiency and cold essence, weakness of the lower Yuan (Kidney and Bladder), elderly people with urinary incontinence, infertility, and men with innate constitutional deficiency. If taken by those who are physically robust with flourishing Xi Huo (Ministerial Fire), it will instead stir up fire and cause unpredictable harm. According to "Yi Shuo" (Medical Sayings): One person suffered poisoning from Xianmao; their tongue swelled, and their anus gradually enlarged to the level of their shoulders. A small knife was used to incise it; the wound closed immediately after each cut. After more than a hundred cuts, a single drop of blood emerged, at which point it was said that rescue was possible. They were given decoctions of Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas), and the powder was applied topically, resulting in immediate reduction of swelling. This illustrates the harm caused by individuals with excessive fire and hyperactive libido taking this herb in excess. However, Xianmao produced in Sichuan is rare, and many fakes exist; one must not fail to distinguish them.

Also known as Heishen (Black参).
Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic. Incompatible with Lilu (Veratri Rhizoma).
The "Shennong Bencao Jing" (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states it treats abdominal accumulations of cold and heat, residual diseases in women after childbirth and lactation, tonifies Kidney Qi, and improves vision.

[Invention] Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It is the specific herb for treating sore throat and swelling caused by injury to Kidney Water, loss of True Yin, rootless solitary Yang, and rebellious hyperactivity. It is also used to treat Yang toxicity in Shanghan (Cold Damage), where sweating and purging have failed to resolve the condition, leading to macules on the skin, sore throat, mental restlessness and oppression, irritability preventing sleep, and extreme mental confusion. Xuanshen specifically clears the misty heat and rootless fire of the Upper Jiao. The "Shennong Bencao Jing" records its ability to treat abdominal accumulations and postpartum residuals, and to clear有形 (formidable/physical) heat stagnation, thus eliminating Luoli (scrofula) and tubercles. For red and swollen painful eyes, although the "Shennong Bencao Jing" mentions tonifying Kidney Qi and improving vision, it applies not only to acute redness and swelling. All these demonstrate its efficacy in dispersing and clearing fire. However, its nature is cold and slippery; it is contraindicated in cases of Spleen deficiency with diarrhea.

Bitter, astringent, slightly cold, non-toxic. Remove the tips, mix with wine, and charred before use.
The "Shennong Bencao Jing" states it treats spasmodic pain during childbirth, Qi Shi (seven injuries), Dai Xia (leukorrhea), Wu Lou (five leaks), stops pain and sweating, removes foul flesh, and treats Jin Chuang (metal weapon wounds).

[Invention] Diyü (Sanguisorbae Radix) enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian and also acts on the Hand-Yangming and Foot-Yangming meridians. Its substance is heavy and descending, making it adept at entering the Lower Jiao to regulate blood. The "Shennong Bencao Jing" mentions treating childbirth spasms and leukorrhea due to seven injuries, referring to the manifestation of internal Liver Wind generated by excessive blood loss. It also states it stops sweating and pain, removes foul flesh, and treats metal wounds because it harmonizes the blood. However, it is strictly contraindicated in cases of prolapse due to Qi deficiency with metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, as well as chronic dysentery with pus and blood that is dark and dull. Its nature can damage Stomach Qi; accidental ingestion often leads to trismus (lockjaw) and inability to eat. Furthermore, for various sores with pain, add Diyü; for itching, add Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), as it can dissipate heat in the Blood level. When calcined to ash and mixed with sesame oil for application to scalds, it utilizes the fire energy to guide and disperse fire toxins within the blood. The tips specifically promote blood circulation and should not be confused with the main root.