(Possessing the properties of) pungent, bitter, warm, and fragrant, it has a dispersing action. It opens the heart orifices, unblocks the nine orifices, dispels dampness and wind, resolves phlegm accumulation, treats epilepsy and convulsions, cures heat closure in the chest and diaphragm, detoxifies, and kills parasites. However, excessive or solitary use dissipates Qi and Blood. If soaked in rice-washing water and steamed in a rice cooker, its nature reaches a state of harmony. Contact with iron vessels induces vomiting and reflux.

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Lung Qi.

(Possessing the properties of) pungent, sweet, and neutral, with a fragrant aroma and moistening nature, it penetrates the Heart and Spleen, nourishes the Liver and Kidney, tonifies Blood, stops sweating, and dispels wind-dampness. Among herbs that assist the Spleen, only this one is not drying.

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Free Flow of Qi.

(Possessing the properties of) sweet, salty, and neutral, with an urgent nature, it enters the Blood aspect of the Heart and Liver. It dissipates stasis, generates new blood, harmonizes Blood, and contracts sores.

(Possessing the properties of) pungent, fragrant, bitter, and neutral, it enters the Heart Meridian. It calms the Spirit, expels malevolent influences, promotes Blood circulation, directs Qi downward. ("Anxi" refers to a country name.)

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Spleen Qi.

(Corresponds to) Note on Harmonization of Spleen Qi.

(The therapeutic indications are) identical to those of *Poria* (Fuling), but it acts predominantly on the Heart. It calms the Soul and nourishes the Spirit, treating palpitations due to Heart deficiency. Huangsongjie (Yellow Pine Joint), which is the heartwood of *Poria*, treats muscle spasms, hemiplegia, wind-stroke, cardiac jerking, and forgetfulness.

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Liver Qi.

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Kidney Qi.

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Lung Qi.

(Possessing the properties of) sweet and slightly cold, it nourishes the Heart, stops bleeding, relieves irritability, and promotes urination. Fuxiaomai (Floating Wheat) is salty and cool; it stops sweating, clears the Heart, and reduces fever. Fupi (Bran) is sweet and cold, sharing the same nature as Floating Wheat. Mixed with vinegar and steamed, then applied as a compress, it treats qi stagnation and bi-syndrome pain. Mianjin (Wheat Gluten) is sweet and cool; it clears heat and harmonizes the middle.

(Possessing the properties of) sweet and sour, neutral, red in color entering the Heart, with a descending nature that unblocks the Small Intestine. It promotes water metabolism, dissipates blood, clears heat, detoxifies, applies to sores, promotes lactation, and expels the placenta. Due to its strong ability to leach out essence fluids, it should not be taken for long periods. Xiangsizi (Abrus Precatorius Seed) is bitter and neutral; when ground and taken orally, it induces vomiting of evil qi and gu-poison.

(Possessing the properties of) pungent and neutral, toxic. It calms the Heart and Liver, stabilizes the Soul and Spirit, and treats diseases such as epilepsy and wind-heat.

(The functions are) identical to those of Metal-category herbs.

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Kidney Qi.

(Possessing the properties of) sweet, neutral, and astringent, it enters the Heart, Liver, Kidney, and Large Intestine meridians. It can consolidate floating and erratic Zheng Qi, astringe the intestines and benefit the Kidney, calm the Soul and pacify fright, secure essence and stop sweating, calm asthma, and detoxify. All these actions embody the principle of using astringency to prevent collapse.

(Corresponds to) Harmonization of Liver Qi.

(Corresponds to) Dispersing Lung Qi.

(Corresponds to) Dispersing Kidney Qi.

(Corresponds to) Dispersing Lung Qi.

(Corresponds to) Dispersing Free Flow of Qi.

(Possessing the properties of) extremely bitter and extremely cold, it enters the Heart to drain fire, anchors the Liver and cools Blood, dries dampness, and opens depression. It can eliminate evil blood from the heart orifices and also drain Spleen fire. Stir-fried with wine, it treats Upper Jiao fire; stir-fried with ginger juice, it treats Middle Jiao fire; stir-fried with salt water, it treats Lower Jiao fire.

Contents