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(Ben Jing, Middle Category)

[Taste and Nature] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, five types of jaundice (Wu Dan), tonifies the middle jiao, benefits qi, and unblocks the nine orifices.

[Verification] It is said: Produced in the valleys of Dangshan and Chu region, currently mostly produced in Xiangyang, mostly coming from Xinye, Nanyang. In February, seeds are sown along the ridges; the seedlings resemble those of Agastache rugosa (Huo Xiang), with red stems and green nodes, purple flowers, and white fruits, which ripen in autumn. The roots are harvested around the Spring She festival; the root tips have white hairs like down, are pressed flat with stones, and dried in the sun. During collection, avoid human urine, donkey and horse manure, and smoke, as these can turn the roots yellow. If harvested before flowering, the root color is bright; if harvested after flowering, the root color is dull and poor, and unsuitable for dyeing. Processing: For every jin (500g) of Zicao, use 2 liang of wax, melt the wax water, mix and steam until the water evaporates completely. Remove the root tip and side hairs, finely chop, and use.

My late father said: Zicao has a vibrant color. Since the Liver governs color, and the color of the Liver is further influenced by wind, it is suitable for diseases manifesting with color changes. However, the Liver regulates urination and defecation...

[Commentary] It is said: Purple is an intermediate color, representing water overcoming fire. Its nature is cold and taste bitter, odor fragrant, and property clean. It inherits the clear and tranquil essence of water, possessing the function of repelling obstruction. It primarily treats turbid evil heat qi in the heart and abdomen, which stagnates to cause the five yellows (Wu Huang), damaging qi and blocking orifices; its power can repel obstruction and restore clarity. *Bie Lu* expands on treating evil qi in the heart and abdomen, as well as swelling, fullness, and pain, unblocking the nine orifices, and regulating water passages. If referring to pediatric sores, this indicates heat turbidity in the blood; facial dross-like rashes indicate heat turbidity in qi and color. Qi Yang expanded its use for pediatric sores, macules, papules, and pox toxins, promoting blood circulation and cooling blood to benefit the Large Intestine. *Jing Yan Fang* states: For smallpox on the third day, where lesions are faintly appearing, red in color, and accompanied by constipation, it is suitable. Zeng Shirong stated: It can be used for Spleen excess with accompanying heat, but should not be used for Spleen deficiency with accompanying cold. Be cautious, be cautious.

(Pediatricians often prioritize fresh herbs and lack time to observe complexion and inquire about symptoms to precisely determine etiology, leading to unpredictable outcomes of life and death. As stated by Zeng Shirong and *Jing Yan Fang*...)

(Ben Jing, Middle Category)

Within foul decay lies great miracle, thus its various functions are inconceivable. Because it can first unblock yang qi, naturally circulating throughout the four major parts of the body, thereby affecting the Heart, Liver, Spleen, Stomach... and nail growth...

[Taste and Nature] Pungent, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] Decoction treats chills and fever due to Shanghan (Cold Damage), stroke (Zhong Feng), edema of the face and eyes, and induces sweating.

[Verification] It is said: Available everywhere. There are four types: Those growing in valleys are called Cong (Scallion). Those growing on land are called Hu Cong (Allium chinense), Dong Cong (Winter Onion), and Han Cong (Han Scallion). Han Cong, also known as Mu Cong, has thin stems and mild taste, blooms in spring, and produces black, three-lobed seeds. Dong Cong, also known as Winter Cong, Ci Cong, or Da Guan Cong, has soft and fragrant stems, does not produce seeds, is propagated by division, declines in summer and thrives in winter. Hu Cong has coarse and hard stems and leaves. [Another type of] Cong resembles Hu Cong but is slightly finer. Among onions used for treating diseases, Dong Cong is best for medicinal use.

[Commentary] The white root has layered texture, and the green stem is hollow, reaching up and spreading horizontally, symbolizing the forward flow of yang qi. It corresponds to extraordinary formulas (Qi Fang) and urgent formulas (Ji Fang), belonging to the category of dispersing agents (Xuan Ji) and unblocking agents (Tong Ji). Therefore, it primarily treats blockage of yang qi causing external invasion of cold wind; decocting it washes away pathogens, first unblocking yang qi and transforming fluids into sweat. My late father said: The greener the part of the scallion leaf away from the white base, and the more effective the scent when the root is removed, the more it reaches from the foundation to the vertex. Zhang Zhongjing stated: For Shaoyin disease presenting with red face, Si Ni Tang (Four Counterflow Decoction) added with Cong Bai (White Part of Scallion) is indicated. My late father said: Red face in Yin meridians is called Dai Yang (Floating Yang). Cong Bai remains within Yin to unblock the yang within yin. Qi Yang stated: Blowing salt into the urethra via a scallion tube treats urinary retention and zhuan bao (bladder torsion). My late father said: Although blown in, it actually penetrates out; although acting downward, it actually reaches upward. *Huo Ren Shu* states: For severe headache as if splitting, use half a jin of scallion with root, assisted by two liang of ginger, decocted and taken warm. My late father said: Using scallion root for head diseases aims to move from Jia/Yi (Liver/Gallbladder/Beginning) directly to Bing/Ding (Heart/Small Intestine/Peak), so that pathogens are completely cleared. *Shen Shi Fang* states: For fetal movement with bleeding and extreme pain seizing the heart, drink thick decoction of Cong Bai; if not dead, it calms; if dead, it expels. My late father said: Although Cong Bai unblocks yang in the yin aspect, its mechanism is agile, expelling pathogens quickly without obstruction, thus not damaging middle qi, making it suitable for pregnancy. Zong Shi stated: Scallion mainly disperses; excessive consumption confuses the spirit. My late father said: Dispersing evil from the Heart King frequently may inevitably cause self-harm. He also said: Its ascending nature enters the Taiyin meridian; its penetrating brightness enters the Yangming meridian. If the closing mechanism of Yangming is insufficient, administering it causes significant harm. He also said: Sudden collapse and unconsciousness often belong to yang qi blockage. The power of scallion opens bone joints internally, reaches hair follicles externally, descends to the dorsum of the foot and heels, and ascends to the vertex, allowing sheng yang (generative yang) to circulate throughout the four major parts of the body. If the divine mechanism of entry and exit is slackened, it becomes ineffective.