Library

The body and function of Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) can penetrate the four limbs. It moves from the Wei (Defensive) level into the Ying (Nutritive) level to diffuse the Couli (pores). Its acrid and sweet nature enters the Blood, warms the meridians, reaches the collaterals, and disperses Wind-Cold. (Guizhi is the branch of the cinnamon tree. Therefore, its properties and flavors are the same as Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), but its therapeutic indications differ slightly. Medicinal materials that are branches can reach the four limbs; thus, it can travel through the four limbs, unblock the meridians, and disperse Wind-Cold in the Ying level, expelling pathogens from the exterior through sweating. Compared with Rougui, its texture is lighter and its aroma is thinner.)

Songjie (Nodus Pinellae) is effective in treating limb joints, drying dampness, diffusing Wind, and removing Bi syndrome. Its flavor is bitter and warm, non-toxic; it strengthens bones, benefits tendons, and eliminates diseases. Only Songxiang (Resina Pini) possesses the ability to relieve pain; its flavor is sweet and warm, differing slightly in nature. Apart from reducing swelling and harmonizing Ying, its functions are identical. (Songjie: Pine is the elder among trees, hence the character 'Song' contains 'Gong'. Its substance is hard, its nature dry, and its flavor bitter and warm. The node is the bone of the pine; thus, it treats wind-dampness between bones and joints. It can treat all kinds of Bi pain, podagra, etc. Soaking it in wine is beneficial. Because it benefits bones and tendons, it is known to enter the Liver and Kidney channels. Songxiang is the resin of the pine. Its flavor is bitter with a hint of sweetness; its nature is originally dry, but its substance becomes moist. Thus, it invigorates blood, relieves pain, treats wind, and kills parasites. There were many methods of refining and consuming it in ancient times, all claiming it has the effects of lightening the body, prolonging life, and avoiding grains. Now, people only know it for external treatment.)

Baiziren (Semen Platycladi) tonifies the Heart and Spleen, unblocks the Middle Jiao, and relaxes the chest and diaphragm. Its value lies in its sweet and acrid flavors; it calms palpitations and fright, benefits intelligence, and anchors the Spirit. Its nature is neutral, fragrant, and moist. (Baiziren tastes sweet, acrid, and neutral; it is fragrant and moist, entering the Qi aspect of the Heart and Spleen. Because it enters the Heart, it benefits intelligence, calms the Spirit, treats palpitations, and manages forgetfulness. Because it enters the Spleen, it also relaxes the diaphragm, regulates the Middle Jiao, beautifies the complexion, and nourishes the skin. Generally, the Cypress tree embodies the energy of firmness and integrity, and its seed is the essence of the cypress.)

Ce Bai Ye (Folium Platycladi) cools the blood and resolves stasis; it enters the Lung and communicates with the Liver. Its aroma is fragrant and drying; it diffuses Wind and overcomes dampness, stopping metrorrhagia and dysentery. Its flavor is sweet, bitter, and cold; it treats difficult-to-cure Zangdu (visceral toxin) and easy-to-heal Changfeng (intestinal wind). (Among all trees, Ce Bai Ye faces the sun, but the cypress points west, embodying the energy of the West and possessing virtuous integrity. For medicinal use, only those with flat leaves growing on the side are considered good. It tastes sweet, bitter, and cold; it is fragrant and drying, entering the Blood aspect of the Liver, Lung, and Large Intestine. Cooling blood and drying dampness are its fundamental functions. Therefore, it can be used for all conditions involving bleeding such as hematemesis, epistaxis, bloody dysentery, metrorrhagia, intestinal wind, and visceral toxin, where there is damp-heat and stasis in the blood. Metal controls Wood; treating wind and dispelling evil are merely secondary functions.)