Library

**Polygonatum Rhizome (Huangjing)**: Sweet, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Do not mistake it for *Gougen* (Aconitum coreanum), which is also known as *Yege* (Wild Gelsemium) or *Duanchangcao* (Intestine-Cutting Grass); its leaves have hairy hooks at the tips, and accidental ingestion can be fatal. *Huangjing* has purple stems, yellow flowers, and leaves resembling those of bamboo.

**Commentary**: *Huangjing* is an excellent substance for tonifying the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach). It expands the middle and benefits Qi, harmonizing the Five Viscera, making muscles full and robust, and strengthening the bone marrow. These are all effects of its Yin-nourishing function. However, for individuals with Yang deficiency and Yin excess, taking it often leads to diarrhea and abdominal distension/fullness. This must be known.

**Polygonatum Odoratum Rhizome (Weirui / Yuzhu)**: Sweet, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Those that are plump and white are superior. When used in formulas for dispersing wind-heat, use it raw. When used in tonifying formulas, mix with honey water and steam over rice until cooked.

**Shennong Bencao Jing states**: It treats sudden heat from wind-stroke, inability to move, and various deficiencies such as knotted sinews and emaciated flesh. Long-term consumption removes dark spots on the face, improves complexion and luster, lightens the body, and delays aging.

**Commentary**: *Weirui* is sweet, moist, and neutral in nature. It nourishes the Lungs and Kidneys, tonifying without causing stagnation. It is particularly effective in regulating wind pathogens lingering in the Jueyin Liver channel over a long period. Therefore, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* uses it for conditions like sudden heat from wind-stroke, relying on its power to support healthy Qi and expel pathogens. The *Bielu* states it treats Qi binding in the chest and abdomen, deficient heat, lower back pain, coldness in the penis, eye pain, and tearing. Zhen Quan states it tonifies internal deficiencies, removes deficient labor and guest heat, and alleviates headache and restlessness. The *Qianjin Fang* uses it for wind-warmth disease characterized by spontaneous sweating, heavy body, and difficulty speaking. *Weirui Tang* uses it as the sovereign herb; its origin lies in Zhang Zhongjing’s *Mahuang Shengma Decoction*, deeply capturing the profound principles of Zhang Zhongjing. Li Shizhen used it to treat deficient labor with alternating chills and fever, and insufficiency due to malaria, substituting it for Renshen (Ginseng). It is neither cold nor drying and yields great merit, extending beyond merely dispelling wind-heat and warm toxins. It also treats sudden strangury, fever with dry mouth, blackening vision, dizziness, red and gritty eyes. Although its nature is moist, it does not damage the Spleen and Stomach or cause loss of appetite and diarrhea; its action is simply slow.

**Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhimu)**: Bitter, neutral and cold in nature, non-toxic. Those that are plump and white are superior. Use after stir-frying with salt or wine.

**Shennong Bencao Jing states**: It treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) and heat in the middle, eliminates pathogenic factors, reduces limb edema, promotes urination, tonifies deficiencies, and benefits Qi.

**Commentary**: *Zhimu* has a sinking and descending nature, entering the Qi aspect of the Foot Shaoyin Kidney meridian, as well as the Foot Yangming Stomach meridian, Hand Taiyin Lung meridian, and Foot Taiyin Spleen meridian. It can drain excessive Minister Fire and regulate Wasting-Thirst and vexatious steaming. Zhang Zhongjing uses it in *Baihu Tang* (White Tiger Decoction) and *Suanzaoren Tang* (Zizyphus Seed Decoction). Lower down, it moistens Kidney dryness and nourishes Yin; upper up, it clears Lung heat and relieves vexation. However, it is contraindicated when exterior syndrome patterns are unresolved, and for patients with diarrhea, dysentery, and dry thirst. If mistakenly taken by individuals with deficient heat in the Spleen and Stomach, it causes diarrhea and reduced appetite; thus, it is strictly forbidden for those with severe deficiency. In recent times, people have erroneously regarded it as a supreme agent for nourishing Yin and a miraculous pill for treating Lao Zhai (consumption/tuberculosis), leading to many premature deaths. The *Shennong Bencao Jing*'s mention of "eliminating pathogenic factors" and "limb edema" refers to damp-heat and water qi. Hence, the subsequent text says "promotes urination, tonifies deficiencies, benefits Qi," addressing the condition where damp-heat and minister fire are excessive, scorching and consuming essential Qi and Essence. Therefore, this herb is used to clear heat and nourish Yin; once the pathogenic heat is removed, healthy Qi recovers.