辛甘大温无毒。即肉桂之去外色淡,但存中心深紫,切之油润者是。
发明 桂心既去外层苦燥之性,独取中心甘润之味,专温营分之里药。故治九种心痛,
腹内冷痛。破 癖等病,与经络躯壳之病无预,非若肉桂之兼通经脉,和营卫,坚筋骨,有
寒湿风痹等治也。
一名大桂
辛甘微苦温,无毒,甜浓而阔者是。
《本经》主上气咳逆,结气喉痹吐吸,利关节,补中益气,久服通神,轻身不老。
发明 牡桂辛胜于甘,而微带苦,性偏温散,而能上行。故《本经》治上气咳逆,成无
己利肺气,皆取辛散上行之力。时珍不察,乃与桂枝同列,非智者一失欤。盖桂枝是最上枝
条,亦名柳桂,言如柳条之嫩小也。盖牡者阳也,牡桂是禀离火纯阳之气,故味带苦,且大
且浓,与桂枝绝不相类,何可混言。《本经》言,治上气咳逆,导下焦之阴火逆上也。治结
气,辛温开结也。喉痹吐吸,同气相招,以引浮游之火下泄也,然必兼苦寒降泄之味用之。
利关节,从内而达于表也。补中益气,久服通神,轻身不老,补助真元,阳生阴长也。然须
详素禀丰腴,湿胜火衰者为宜。若瘦人精血不充,火气用事,非可例以为然也。其至心腹冷
痛,症瘕血痹,筋脉拘挛,冷痰霍乱,其功不减肉桂。但治相火不归,下元虚冷,力不能
直达下焦,为稍逊耳。
[Properties and Source]
Acrid, sweet, greatly warm, non-toxic. It refers to the part of Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi) where the outer layer with a lighter color is removed, retaining only the deep purple center, which appears oily when sliced.
[Invention (Theoretical Elaboration)]
Since Guixin (Cinnamon Heart) has removed the bitter and drying nature of the outer layer and exclusively retains the sweet and moistening flavor of the center, it serves as a specific internal medicine for warming the Ying (Nutritive) level. Therefore, it is used to treat nine types of heart pain and cold pain in the abdomen. It can break up accumulations and masses (Zhengjia). These conditions are not related to diseases of the meridians or the body surface; unlike Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), which can unblock meridians, harmonize Ying and Wei (Defensive) levels, strengthen sinews and bones, and treat conditions such as Bi syndrome caused by cold-dampness and wind.
[Alias: Da Gui]
Acrid, sweet, slightly bitter, warm, non-toxic. Those that are sweet, strong in flavor, and broad in shape refer to Mogui (Cortex Cinnamami Casiae).
Benjing (Shennong Bencao Jing / Classic of Materia Medica) states that it treats rebellious Qi with coughing and wheezing, stagnant Qi with throat obstruction, and difficulty in breathing (spitting and inhaling); it benefits joint mobility, tonifies the Middle Jiao and supplements Qi, and long-term use can enhance spiritual clarity, make the body light, and prevent aging.
[Invention (Theoretical Elaboration)]
Mogui (Cortex Cinnamami Casiae) has an acrid flavor superior to its sweet flavor, with a slight bitterness. Its nature leans towards warm dispersion and has an ascending action. Therefore, Benjing uses it to treat rebellious Qi with coughing and wheezing, and Cheng Wuji believes it promotes Lung Qi diffusion, both utilizing its acrid, dispersing, and ascending properties. Li Shizhen failed to examine this carefully and listed it together with Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi), which seems to be an oversight by a wise person. Guizhi comes from the uppermost twigs and is also called Liugui (Willow Cinnamon), meaning it is tender and small like willow branches. "Mu" (Male/Yang) represents Yang. Mogui inherits the pure Yang energy of Fire (Li Trigram), hence its bitter taste, thick bark, and strong flavor. It is completely different from Guizhi and should not be confused. Benjing mentions treating rebellious Qi with coughing and wheezing, which guides the Yin fire of the Lower Jiao that rebels upward. Treating stagnant Qi utilizes the acrid-warm nature to open blockages. Treating throat obstruction and breathing difficulties relies on the principle of similar energies attracting each other, drawing floating fire downward for excretion; however, it must be used in combination with bitter-cold descending agents. Benefiting joint mobility extends from the interior to the exterior. Tonifying the Middle Jiao and supplementing Qi, along with long-term use enhancing spiritual clarity, making the body light, and preventing aging, all serve to support True Yuan (True Origin), reflecting the principle that Yang growth leads to Yin generation. However, this is suitable for individuals who are naturally plump with dampness predominance and deficient fire. For thin individuals with insufficient essence and blood and hyperactive fire, it cannot be applied indiscriminately. Regarding cold pain in the heart and abdomen, Zhengjia (masses) and blood bi, tendon and vessel spasms, cold phlegm, and cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, its efficacy is no less than Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi). However, in treating Phlegm Fire failing to return to its source and deficiency-cold of the Lower Yuan, its power is slightly inferior because it cannot reach the Lower Jiao directly.