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(Ben Cao Jing, Lower Grade)

[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats carbuncles, sores, ulcers, dissipates stagnant qi, relieves pain, clears heat, treats redness of the eyes, pediatric convulsions and warm malaria, swelling and pain in the female vagina, and leukorrhea.

[Verification] It is stated: Bai Lian (Ampelopsis Radix) grows in the valleys of Hengshan Mountain, as well as in various prefectures such as Jianghuai, Jingzhou, Jingxiang, Huaizhou, Mengzhou, Shangzhou, and Qizhou. Sprouts appear in the second lunar month, mostly growing in forests, with creeping stems having reddish nodes and leaves small like mulberry leaves. Flowers bloom in the fifth lunar month, and fruits mature in the seventh. The root resembles a chicken or duck egg but is slightly longer, usually growing in clusters of three to five, with black skin and white flesh. There is a variety called Chi Lian (Red Ampelopsis), whose flowers and fruits have slightly different functions, being red both inside and out. Dai Zhe Shi (Hematitum) serves as its guiding herb; it is incompatible with Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix).

[Explanation] It is explained: The character "Lian" (astringe/gather) consists of the radical "Qian" (lack/yawn), pronounced hān (level tone); it is distinctly different from the character pronounced lián (rising tone). Some erroneously interpret "Lian" as the "Lian" meaning to collect or amass. Essentially, "Lian" implies desire, fulfillment, metal, and purity. It signifies firming, purifying, and fulfilling desires, named according to its therapeutic function. Therefore, it is similar to Bai Ji (Bletillae Rhizoma), and ancient prescriptions often use them together. However, Bai Ji moves due to wind pathogenic factors, while the Metal element becomes firm here; Bai Lian resolves stagnation caused by heat, while the Metal element dissolves here. This is primarily because Metal damage manifests as structural pathology; here, it further firms the structure and organs, stabilizing Yin and Yang, interior and exterior, upper and lower, as well as shifting blood and Qi.

(The Earth element of the Four Great Elements referred to as Metal differs slightly from the Metal element of the Five Phases. In the Five Phases, Metal corresponds to the Lung organ and the skin/hair in the body; in the Four Great Elements, Metal...)

(Ben Cao Jing, Lower Grade)

The efficacy of Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix) can bring the dead back to life or cause death. Only one who can connect with Sheng Qi (Vital Qi) can achieve this.

[Flavor and Nature] Pungent, warm, highly toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats wind-stroke with aversion to wind, shivering sweating, dispels cold-damp bi-syndrome, counteracts rebellious Qi causing cough, and breaks up accumulations involving cold and heat. Its juice, when boiled, is called She Wang (Aconitum Toxicum), which is lethal.

[Explanation] It is explained: Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix) and Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) are from the same species, representing an initial form of transformation. Those obtained locally from the wild undergo no other processing methods. Only after many years does its potency become fierce and its toxicity increase. It grows everywhere; its seedlings, leaves, flowers, and fruits resemble Chuan Wu Tou (Sichuan Aconite). The root is black outside and white inside, wrinkled and dry. Youyang Zazu states: Que Yu (Bird Taro) resembles a bird's head; placed on dry ground, the ground becomes wet; placed on wet ground, the ground becomes dry. Birds touching it fall, and beasts encountering it stiffen. Another name is Wu Cao (Black Grass), which refers to the wild form of Wu Tou. For processing, use mild and strong fire to roast until wrinkled, then split for use. Mang Cao (Daphne Genkwa Flower) serves as its guiding herb; it is incompatible with Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), Gua Lou (Trichosanthis Fructus), Bei Mu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Bai Lian (Ampelopsis Radix), and Bai Ji (Bletillae Rhizoma). It is adverse to Li Lu (Veratrum Root).

[Verification] It is verified: "Wu" refers to the soul of the sun. Combining the Yang energy of Tian Xiong (Aconiti Radix Lateralis Preparata) and Fu Ce (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), it emerges first, hence named Wu Tou. The Classic states: Human Yang Qi is like the sky and the sun; thus, Yang Qi ascends and protects the exterior. Therefore, it treats wind-stroke with aversion to wind and shivering sweating, where Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) is scattered and dissolved, providing strength to protect the exterior and maintain solidity. Cold-dampness combining to cause Bi-syndrome leads to rebellious Qi and cough; cold-heat accumulations lead to internal blockage and external muscle congestion; its power primarily promotes unblocking and rapid recovery. Ancestors said: Humans suffer from four diseases: Bi, Wind, Wei, and Jue. Wu Tou's power only disperses Bi and Wind. Yang movement has four directions: ascending, descending, exiting, and entering. Wu Tou's power only follows ascending and exiting. However, Yang prefers to move alone; if it exclusively engages in killing activities, it should be contraindicated for those who are stubborn and obstinate. Furthermore, there are cultivated and wild varieties. Wild varieties lack human essence and rational principles, opposing life itself; birds and beasts cannot coexist with them; they are merely wild grass Wu Tou.