Library

Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niuxi, Achyranthes Root)
Nourishes the Liver and assists the Kidney. When used raw, it breaks blood stasis and promotes circulation. After being stir-fried with salt or steamed with wine, when processed (shu), it strengthens sinews and bones. It possesses a bitter, sour, and neutral nature, treating pathogenic factors such as tendon contracture and bi-syndrome obstruction. Those produced in Huaiqing (modern-day Jiaozuo, Henan) resemble branches, possessing sufficient downward-penetrating power; those produced in Sichuan resemble Dipsaci Radix (Xu Duan), offering more tonifying efficacy. (Note: Achyranthes root is currently available in Jianghuai, Fujian, Guangdong, and other regions, but those from Huaiqing and Sichuan are considered superior due to differences in local soil and climate suitability, resulting in varying degrees of efficacy. Its nature favors descending action; after processing and stir-frying, it tonifies the Liver and Kidney; when used raw, it specifically eliminates bad blood. These are its two main uses. Huai Niuxi has thin and long roots, while Chuan Niuxi has thick and large roots. To move stasis and guide herbs downward, Huai Niuxi is superior; to tonify the Liver and Kidney, Chuan Niuxi is superior.)

Asteris Tatarici Radix (Zi Wan, Aster Root)
Its nature is warm and beneficial to the Lung, treating pathogenic factors such as cough and rebellious qi caused by wind-cold. Its reddish color harmonizes Ying (Nutritive) blood, treating disorders such as flaccidity syndrome and hemoptysis. This is because bitterness can descend Qi; when Metal (Lung) becomes肃 (clear and descending), [the text implies resolution of symptoms]. The pungent-dispersing and bitter-draining nature of Zi Wan makes dispersing pathogens and descending rebellious qi its strength. Therefore, for all conditions involving wind-cold or wind-heat cough, phlegm, and blood in sputum, where the Lung Metal Qi is stagnant and not smooth, it can be used. However, its moistening and nourishing power is insufficient. Although the root of Zi Wan is soft, it is not a moistening herb; its efficacy lies in pungent dispersion and bitter drainage. If there is no internal stagnation, no exterior pathogen, but rather Lung Yin deficiency with deficient fire flaming upward, it should still not be used.

Dipsaci Radix (Chuan Duan, Xu Duan / Teasel Root)
Tonifies the Liver and Kidney, strengthening sinews and bones; unblocks joints, allowing recovery from labor injuries and trauma. It treats stagnation in the Dai Vessel (Belt Vessel) and warms deficiency-cold in the uterus. Moreover, it can tonify while also promoting circulation; its bitter taste and warm nature disperse blood stasis. Furthermore, it moves without purging, making it suitable for various gynecological external conditions. (Note: Chuan Duan is named so because it can reconnect severed sinews, bones, and various traumatic injuries. Since sinews and bones are governed by the Liver and Kidney, it specifically enters these two meridians. Examining its bitter-warm nature and the indications in the *Shennong Ben Cao Jing*, it ultimately has more power in moving and dispersing than in tonifying. For women whose blood vessels are obstructed by cold-stasis, and for surgical conditions such as ulcers that have or have not yet ruptured, it can be treated. The nature, taste, and indications of Chuan Duan are similar to Niuxi, but Niuxi is stronger in its downward-penetrating force, while Chuan Duan excels in circulating and tonifying efficacy. It is particularly suitable for cases of Liver and Kidney deficiency with wind-cold bi-syndrome obstructing the lower jiao blood level.)