(Beishashen, *Glehniae Radix*) Sweet and slightly bitter, cool in nature. It specifically tonifies Lung Yin and clears Lung fire; it is suitable for cases where the Metal element (Lung) is subjected to Fire punishment. Nanshashen (*Adenophorae Radix*) has the same efficacy but is slightly weaker in strength.

See entry under "General Tonification".

(Yanwo, *Hirundinis Nidus*) Sweet and neutral in nature. It tonifies Qi and Blood, moistens dryness, dispels wind-dampness, and moistens the Lung and Heart. It can be used as a substitute for Renshen (*Panacis Ginseng Radix*) and Dihuang (*Rehmanniae Radix*). Being neither cold nor drying, it possesses remarkable special efficacy.

(Huangqi, *Astragali Radix*) Sweet and warm, ascending and floating in action. It tonifies Lung Qi and warms the Sanjiao, strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, consolidates the Couli (interstices), drains ministerial fire, and releases muscle-layer heat. For those with Qi deficiency who find it difficult to sweat, it can induce sweating; for those with deficient exterior and profuse sweating, it can stop sweating. Raw use drains fire; honey-fried use tonifies the Middle Jiao. It is an essential herb for internal support in treating sores and carbuncles, but it may cause stagnation in the Stomach.

(Baiji, *Bletillae Rhizoma*) Bitter and acrid, neutral in nature, with astringent properties entering the Lung meridian. It stops hematemesis, removes blood stasis, generates new blood, and can restore damaged lungs. It treats traumatic injuries, scalds, burns, sores, and carbuncles.

See entry under "Liver Tonification".

(Baihe, *Lilii Bulbus*) Sweet and neutral. It tonifies the Lung and Kidney, stops bleeding, resolves phlegm, and treats consumptive cough.

(Wuweizi, *Schisandrae Fructus*) Warm in nature, possessing all five flavors, predominantly sour and salty. It astringes Lung Qi, tonifies the Kidney, benefits Qi, generates fluids, secures essence, brightens the eyes, strengthens Yin, reduces fever, stops sweating, halts vomiting, calms cough, stabilizes asthma, relieves thirst, and stops diarrhea. It is advisable to take it regularly in summer to drain fire and benefit Metal (Lung). Those produced in the North are superior.

See entry under "General Tonification".

(Hetaoren, *Juglandis Semen*) Sweet and hot. It unblocks the Mingmen (Gate of Life), benefits the Sanjiao, moistens the intestines and stomach, warms the Lung and tonifies the Kidney, moistens dryness, and nourishes Blood. When assisted by Pugu Zhi (*Psoraleae Fructus*), it greatly tonifies the Lower Jiao, yet it may stir up wind-phlegm and assist Kidney fire. The skin is astringent; if used with the shell, it astringes Lung Qi, consolidates the Kidney, and secures essence. The oil is toxic and can kill parasites. The outer green skin of the shell is used to press oil, which darkens hair.

(Shanyao, *Dioscoreae Rhizoma*) Acrid, sweet, and fragrant. It moistens the Lung and tonifies the Spleen. Its nature is peaceful and precious.

See entry under "Spleen Tonification".

See entry under "Stomach Tonification".

(Jinggeng, *Oryzae Sativa Granum*) Sweet and neutral, obtaining the harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth. It harmonizes the Five Viscera, tonifies Qi and Blood, enters the Lung to clear heat and promote urination. Rice harvested late has a cool nature and is particularly effective at clearing heat. Northern Jinggeng is cool, Southern Jinggeng is warm, new Jinggeng is hot, aged Jinggeng is cool, red Jinggeng is hot, white Jinggeng is cool. New rice tends to move Qi. Mi Gan (rice wash water) clears heat, cools blood, and promotes urination; the second wash water should be used.

See entry under "Spleen Tonification".

See entry under "Kidney Tonification".

(Sweet and bland, neutral in nature, greatly tonifies Lung Yin, opens Stomach Qi, resolves phlegm, stops cough. It is tonifying yet clearing. It treats all diseases caused by Lung deficiency failing to descend clearly and turbidly. Yan Rou (Swallow meat) should not be eaten, as it damages the Shen (Spirit) and Qi.)

Contents