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[Lower Grade of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats cough with rebellious Qi (Ke Ni Shang Qi), throat obstruction (Hou Bi) and sore throat, inability to breathe freely, dissipates stagnant Qi, rebellious pathogenic Qi in the abdomen, and excessive heat from food and drink.
[Analysis] It is stated: Grows in valleys and fields of Nanyang. Now it is found everywhere, and widely planted in gardens and courtyards. After the Winter Solstice, the perennial roots sprout buds; by the second or third lunar month, shoots emerge. The plant grows two to three chi high. The stems near the root have nodes resembling bamboo. About three or four cun away from the root, emerald leaves spread horizontally, narrow and long, sparse and neat, resembling wing feathers, hence named "Wu Yuan" (Crow Kite/Violet), also known as "Feng Yi" (Phoenix Wings). In the sixth or seventh lunar months, flower stalks emerge from among the leaves, resembling Daylily but stiffer. Pale red calyces appear, opening into red-ochre flowers, some honey-colored, with fine patterns on petals interspersed with yellow, purple, and black spots. The stamens and pistils interlock early like knots; after falling, they form capsule-like fruits containing black-brown seeds. There is another variety named Iris (Yuan Wei), with broad and short leaves, and dense, thick roots. The one with small flowers is Butterfly Grass; the one with large purple flowers is Violet. All bloom in late spring, distinctly different from Belamcanda chinensis (Shegan). For processing, soak in rice washing water overnight, take out, then boil together with Bamboo Leaves (Zhuye) from Wu hour (11 am-1 pm) to Hai hour (9 pm-11 pm), dry in the sun for use.
[Commentary] It is said: At the Winter Solstice, Belamcanda chinensis (Shegan) sprouts, symbolizing the beginning of Yang Qi generation, corresponding to the pitch-pipe name "She Chu" (Emitting Out). *Yao Dui* states: "At Spring Equinox, Belamcanda chinensis (Shegan) and Magnolia officinalis (Mulan) arise first." As an envoy herb for Bupleurum root (Chaihu) and Pinellia tuber (Banxia), it enters the Foot Shaoyin and Foot Shaoyang meridians, belonging to herbs that regulate the pivot mechanism Qi aspect. Therefore, it treats cough with rebellious Qi, throat obstruction and sore throat, and breathing difficulty, which are caused by the Shaoyin's inability to properly close and open. It treats stagnant Qi and rebellious pathogenic Qi in the abdomen, and excessive heat from food and drink, which are caused by the Shaoyang's inability to properly open and close. Its flavor is bitter and nature neutral. Herbs transformed by Ministerial Fire and Sovereign Fire are all suitable, because bitterness awaits transformation, and neutrality follows the pivot.
(At Spring Equinox, Belamcanda chinensis (Shegan) arises first, serving as an envoy for Chaihu and Banxia. This means Chaihu arises in mid-winter, Banxia in mid-summer, both following the pivot image to align with their kind. However, Shegan is the first to arise, easily initiating growth and serving as a guide.)
(The pivot transformation of Shaoyin is called Sovereign Fire; the pivot transformation of Shaoyang is called Ministerial Fire. Neutrality naturally follows the pivot, while bitterness serves to await transformation.)