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(Shennong Bencao Jing, Middle Category)
By combining Radix Puerariae (Gegen), Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), and Herba Ephedrae (Mahuang), one can understand the overall framework of Zhang Zhongjing's prescription principles. Zhang Zhongjing is the ancestor of formula creation; these three herbs serve as the starting point for numerous formulas.

[Flavor and Nature] Sweet and acrid, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome, characterized by excessive thirst, hunger, urination, and emaciation), high fever, vomiting, various Bi Syndromes (obstruction syndromes caused by wind, cold, or dampness leading to pain, numbness, or stiffness in joints and muscles), raises Yin Qi, and resolves various toxins.

[Verification] It is said that this plant is one of the nine grasses eaten by deer. It grows in Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang, and is found everywhere. There are wild varieties and cultivated ones. Sprouts emerge in spring, with vines extending and creeping, reaching two or three zhang in length. Harvesting and processing methods vary according to local soil conditions to distinguish between superior and inferior quality. The leaves have three points, resembling maple leaves but longer, with a verdant green color. Flowers bloom in July in spikes, densely clustered, purple-pink in color, similar to pea flowers. The fruit resembles small soybeans, with hairy pods containing green, flat seeds like salt plum pits. Chewing them raw yields a fishy odor; this is what the Shennong Bencao Jing refers to as "Ge Gu" (Pueraria Seeds). The root is as thick as an arm, purple on the outside and white inside, eight or nine chi long. Those growing deepest in the soil are considered the best. Collected on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and dried in the sun, it can detoxify wild Ge (Aristolochia debilis), Croton Seed (Badou), and poisons from hundreds of medicines.

My late father once said: Externally it exhibits Yang characteristics while internally possessing Yin nature, symbolizing the gradual growth of Yin energies, transforming heat into coolness.

[Commentary] Reading the indications in the Shennong Bencao Jing and combining them with Zhang Zhongjing's Ge Gen Tang method, we see this is a herb treating via the Qi transformation of the Middle View (Zhong Jian) of the Yangming channel. It is stated that the upper aspect of the Yangming channel is governed by Dryness transformation. It does not solely follow the Four Qi (Cold, Heat, Warmth, Coolness) of its Root Qi, nor merely the Biao Yang (Exterior Yang) of Er Yang (Taiyang and Shaoyang), but rather follows the Dampness transformation of its Zhong Jian Taiyin (Spleen/Stomach). For instance, Xiao Ke, high fever, closure-reversal (He Ni), vomiting due to heat reversal, or various toxins due to pathogenic stagnation or heat stagnation—these occur because the Yin Qi of the Zhong Jian fails to rise, causing extreme dryness and depletion in the upper aspect of the Yangming channel. The spreading vines clearly display its nature; the root possesses internal Yin-moistening properties. None surpass it in embodying the entirety of the Upper, Middle, and Lower aspects of the Yangming channel. Therefore, it can treat via the Zhong Jian Qi transformation, withdrawing various Bi Syndromes. Once Bi is withdrawn, the Zhong Jian Qi connects above and below, obeying commands. This is using chemical transformation to resolve other transformations, and using transformation to resolve rebellious Qi. If used to treat the Root (Ben), particularly when Wind is predominant, since Wood (Wind) inevitably disturbs the Spleen Earth's Dampness transformation, restoring Spleen Earth's transport function will extinguish the Wind. There is no need to separately pair Jia (Wood/Liver-Gallbladder) and Ji (Earth/Spleen-Stomach) to achieve chemical combination, nor is there a need to generate Metal (Lung-Large Intestine) to revenge the Mother (Five Elements theory). Its inherent Acrid flavor serves as Jia; its combined Sweet flavor serves as Ji. Dampness transformation is also Ji; its form resembling muscle and interstices is also Ji. White color serves as Metal; Acrid taste is also Metal; Fishy/Foul odor is also Metal; tough and strong vines are also Metal. If used to treat the Branch (Biao), particularly focusing on Er Yang (which is Yangming). Regarding disease location deployment, it has already deeply entered the secondary position after Taiyang, which is Yangming. Regarding physical layers, it has penetrated into the muscular divisions between the first layer of skin and the second layer of epidermis. If pathogens remain in the Taiyang deployment, they must involve the Yangming aspect of Taiyang; if pathogens remain in the Taiyang physical layer, they must involve the muscular division of Taiyang. Even Zheng Yang Yangming (Positive Yang Yangming) belongs to external syndrome spreading pathogens, not internal solid accumulation. However, if the constitution is inherently Yin-moist, or if Cold Root/Damp Root governs the Qi, or if Cold Transformation Biao Yin dominates, caution should be exercised. Or if the pathogen is at the beginning of the deployment, not necessarily due to excessive Wood/Wind; or if the pathogen is in the superficial skin layer, without yet forming a trend toward heat conversion, invasion by bandits (pathogens) is inevitable. People not only regard it as a mild and superficial herb but also use it to treat severe cold conditions, which is likely inappropriate.

(The term "Bi" in the Shennong Bencao Jing differs from Bi caused by Wind-Cold-Dampness combination. Conditions like Xiao Ke, fever, vomiting, failure of Yin Qi to rise, and various toxins are also termed Bi, hence it says...)

(Xian Ming refers to Yangming; In Zhong refers to the Zhong Jian/Middle View.)

(Chemical Transformation refers to the regulation of Upper Dryness by Middle Dampness.)