Library

Bai Lian (Ampelopsis Radix): Bitter, sweet, and pungent; slightly cold in nature; slightly toxic. Incompatible with Aconitum carmichaelii (Wutou) and Aconitum lateral Preparatum (Fuzi). Resolves the toxicity of Daphne genkwa (Yelangdu).
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats carbuncles, sores, and ulcers; dissipates stagnant Qi to relieve pain; clears heat; treats redness of the eyes; pediatric convulsions and epilepsy; warm malaria; swelling and pain in the female genitalia; and leukorrhea that is red or white.

Innovation: Bai Lian is cold in nature. It has detoxifying properties and possesses a dispersing effect when applied externally to unruptured abscesses and sores, due to its pungent flavor. However, it is not suitable for Yin abscesses characterized by pale color and lack of elevation, nor for patients with weak Stomach Qi. Does *Shennong Bencao Jing* treat red eyes, convulsions, and warm malaria by leveraging its power to resolve heat-toxin? Does it treat genital swelling and leukorrhea by leveraging its power to eliminate damp-heat? In *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, Bai Lian is used in Shuyu Wan specifically for its acrid-cool property to dissipate nodules, thereby resolving the accumulation of wind pathogens and various diseases within the body. Contemporary physicians only know its use in detoxifying carbuncles; this is narrow-minded. Combined with Kochia Scoparia Fruit (Difuzi), it treats strangury and loss of essence; combined with Bletilla Rhizome (Baiji), it treats traumatic bleeding; combined with Licorice Root (Gancao), it resolves the toxicity of Daphne genkwa, demonstrating its pungent-dispersing efficacy. However, it should not be used for carbuncles and sores that have already ruptured.

Shan Dou Gen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix et Cortex): Bitter; cold; non-toxic.

Innovation: Shan Dou Gen is extremely bitter and cold, thus capable of treating various throat disorders. Su Song stated: holding it in the mouth and swallowing the juice is excellent for relieving throat swelling and pain. Alternatively, soaking it in water for gargling or decocting it for slow sipping effectively resolves heat-toxin from smallpox/rash and throat obstruction (Houbi). Generally, throat conditions are attributed to the counterflow of Yin Qi; therefore, bitter-cold herbs are used to descend it. *Kaibao Bencao* states it resolves poisoning from various drugs, relieves pain, reduces swelling and toxicity of sores, treats fever and cough, effectively manages acute jaundice in humans and horses, and kills small insects. Li Shizhen noted: for abdominal distension and fullness with wheezing, take as powder with water; for blood and Qi stagnation causing abdominal distension, take 3 qian with wine; for sudden onset of heat-jue heart pain, take the ground juice. All rely on the bitter-cold nature to disperse the pathogen, but it is contraindicated in cases of diarrhea caused by Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold.

Huang Yao Zi (Dioscorea bulbifera Tuber): Bitter; neutral; non-toxic.

Innovation: Huang Yao Zi treats various malignant swellings, sores, throat obstruction, and venom from snakes, dogs, and aquatic creatures. It can be taken internally after grinding with water and applied externally. *Qianjin Fang* treats goiter (Ying disease) using half a jin of Huang Yao Zi soaked in one sheng of pure wine. The bottle mouth is sealed tightly, and it is baked over chaff fire until fragrant and moisture appears at the bottle neck, then stopped. Drink one cup occasionally without interruption; the condition will subside in three to five days. Do not omit alcohol consumption, otherwise, it may cause thinning of the neck. It is also specifically used to treat heat diseases of the heart and spleen in horses and cattle.