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*Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) names it *Chuanxiong Rhizoma* (Chuanxiong).
Acrid and warm, non-toxic. Those produced in Shu (Sichuan) with an acrid yet sweet taste are superior; those from other regions with a pungent and fierce odor are inferior.
Incompatible with *Veratrum nigrum* (Lilu, 藜芦). The leaves are named *Miwu* (Miwu, 蘼芜).
*Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states it treats wind-stroke invading the brain, headache, cold-bi syndrome, tendon spasms or flaccidity, metallic wounds, and women's blood obstruction leading to infertility.

[Invention/Analysis]
*Chuanxiong Rhizoma* is acrid and warm, ascending and entering the Liver Meridian, circulating through the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), and is a herb that regulates Qi within the Blood aspect. Therefore, *Shennong Bencao Jing* uses it for wind-stroke invading the brain and headaches, utilizing its acrid dispersing nature to scatter various pathogens in the Blood aspect. Li Haogu stated: It searches out Liver Qi, supplements Liver Blood, moistens Liver dryness, and supplements deficiency caused by Wind. It also treats all types of Wind pathogens, Qi and Blood disorders, wandering Wind on the face (migratory skin rashes), eye diseases with excessive tearing. Its action ascends to the head and eyes and descends to the Xuehai (Sea of Blood/Uterus). Thus, it is used in *Siwu Tang* (Four Substances Decoction) to search out Wind in the Liver Meridian. It is a sacred medicine for treating Shaoyang and Jueyin headaches, as well as headaches due to Blood deficiency. It assists Clear Yang Qi, removes Dampness from the head, and is a mandatory herb for treating headaches. For bloody dysentery where pain persists after evacuation, this is due to Yin deficiency and Qi stagnation; adding *Chuanxiong Rhizoma* moves Qi and harmonizes Blood, stopping the pain immediately. The "Fetal Verification Method" from *Lingyuan Fang*: Take raw *Chuanxiong Rhizoma* powder, taken with Mugwort decoction, one qianbi (approx. 2-3g); slight movement in the abdomen indicates pregnancy. *Qianjin Fang* treats retained dead fetus in the uterus: take *Chuanxiong Rhizoma* powder mixed with wine, one fangcunchi (approx. 5ml), taken in two to three doses shortly after, resulting in immediate expulsion. It must not be taken by those with bone-stealing night sweats, Yin deficiency with flaming fire, coughing and vomiting, or those with weak Qi. Its acrid and dispersing nature causes leakage of True Qi and further depletes Yin.

Acrid and warm, non-toxic. Produced in Fuzhou, Jiangzuo (East of the River); the authentic product has a hole in the center.
[Invention/Analysis]
*Fuxiong* (Fuzhou-produced Chuanxiong) is ascending and dispersing, specifically opening depression and widening the chest, unblocking meridians. If depression is in the Middle Jiao, causing chest and diaphragm fullness and pain, *Fuxiong* must be used to lift Qi; when Qi ascends, depression naturally descends. Thus, *Fuxiong* resolves all types of depression, reaches the Sanjiao directly, and acts as an envoy to connect Yin and Yang Qi and Blood. However, long-term use consumes Qi and can cause sudden death.

Bitter, acrid, and warm, non-toxic.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats male impotence and damp itching, female external genital swelling and pain, removes Bi Qi (obstructive pathogenic factors), benefits joints, epilepsy, and malignant sores.
[Invention/Analysis]
*Cnidium Fruit* (Shechuangzi) has an acrid fragrance and warm nature, specifically entering the Right Kidney Mingmen (Gate of Life) and the Qi aspect of the Shaoyang Sanjiao. Listed as a Superior grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*, it not only strengthens Fire in men but also dissipates depression in women. Without a profound understanding of the essence of *Shennong Bencao Jing*, one cannot master the method of "treating according to the disease trend" (Congzhi). However, Kidney Fire is prone to agitation; those with hyperactive Yang and insecure Essence should not take it.