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(Jianghuang, Curcuma Longa Rhizome) possesses the functions of purging (Xie), breaking blood stasis (Po Xue), and moving Qi (Xing Qi).
It has a bitter and acrid taste (Bencao records it as extremely cold in nature, while Chen Cangqi and Da Ming Bencao consider it hot). Its color is yellow, entering the Spleen meridian and concurrently the Liver meridian.
It regulates Qi within the Blood, descends Qi, breaks blood stasis, dispels wind, and reduces swelling; its medicinal potency is more vigorous than that of Yujin (Curcuma Aromatica Rhizome).
It treats abdominal distension due to Qi stagnation and blood accumulation, postpartum敗血 (retained blood) attacking the heart, unblocks menstruation, and treats traumatic injuries.
The sliced form can enter the arm meridians to treat Bi syndrome caused by Wind-Cold-Dampness (contraindicated for arm pain due to Blood deficiency. Li Shizhen stated: Entering the arms to treat pain indicates its concurrent role in regulating Qi within the Blood).
It originates from Sichuan and Guangdong (Chen Cangqi noted: Yujin is bitter, cold, and red; Jianghuang is acrid, warm, and yellow).

(Ezhu, Curcuma Zedoaria Rhizome) has a bitter taste and greenish color. These three herbs (Sanleng, Yujin, Ezhu) differ in nature and have distinct applications.
Jingshu states: The therapeutic scope of Jianghuang lies between Sanleng and Yujin.
Li Shizhen stated: Jianghuang, Yujin, and Ezhu differ in shape but are generally similar.
However, Yujin enters the Heart meridian and specifically treats Blood disorders; Jianghuang enters the Spleen meridian and treats Qi within the Blood concurrently with Blood disorders; Ezhu enters the Liver meridian and treats Blood within Qi disorders, showing slight differences.
Currently, the flat slices resembling dried ginger are called Pianzi Jianghuang, while those round like cicada abdomens are called Chandu Yujin, both of which can be used for dyeing. Although Ezhu resembles Yujin in shape, its color is not yellow.

(Ezhu) possesses the functions of purging, breaking blood stasis, moving Qi, and eliminating accumulations.
It has a bitter and acrid taste and is warm in nature. It enters the Blood aspect of the Liver meridian.
It breaks Blood within Qi (can unblock stagnant Blood in the Liver meridian), eliminates stasis, unblocks menstruation, opens the stomach, aids digestion, detoxifies, and relieves pain.
It treats various pains in the chest and abdomen, acid regurgitation due to Cold Qi, Ben Tun (fleeing pig) and Pi Ji (accumulations). (Grind with wine or vinegar for administration. , pronounced 'xian', refers to accumulations in the lower abdomen. Pi Ji is more common in men, while Zheng Jia is more common in women.)
Ezhu has a pungent aroma and strong scent, moves Qi, and unblocks orifices. When used with Sanleng, it is effective for treating various Qi accumulations.
Note: The Five Accumulations: Xin Ji (Heart Accumulation) is called Fu Liang, starting above the umbilicus to below the heart; Gan Ji (Liver Accumulation) is called Fei Qi, located in the left hypochondrium; Fei Ji (Lung Accumulation) is called Xi Ben, located in the right hypochondrium; Pi Ji (Spleen Accumulation) is called Pi Qi, located on the right side of the epigastrium; Shen Ji (Kidney Accumulation) is called Ben Tun, extending from the lower abdomen to below the heart.
Treatment should not rely solely on purgatives, lest they damage True Qi. It is advisable to add Spleen- and Stomach-tonifying herbs to blood-breaking and Qi-moving formulas. Only when Qi is robust can it grind away accumulations; when Righteous Qi is strong, Pathogenic factors naturally dissipate.
The Classics state: For large accumulations, attack may be employed, but stop when the pathogen is reduced by more than half; over-treatment leads to death.
In Dongyuan's formulas for the Five Accumulations, Sanleng and Ezhu are used alongside Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) to assist in achieving success.
Note regarding herbs for treating accumulations: Shen Qu and Mai Ya resolve grain food retention; Lai Fu Zi resolves wheat food retention; Sha Ren, Asarum, and Shan Zha resolve meat food retention; Zi Su resolves fish and crab toxicity; Ge Hua and Zhi Ju Zi resolve alcohol retention; She Xiang resolves alcohol and fruit retention; Yuan Hua, Niu Bang Zi, and Da Ji move water-fluid retention; Sanleng, Ezhu, and Bie Jia resolve Zheng Jia (masses); Mu Xiang and Bing Lang move Qi stagnation; Meng Shi and Ha Fen resolve phlegm retention; Ba Dou attacks cold retention; Da Huang and Mang Xiao attack heat retention; Xiong Huang and Ni Fen attack saliva/phlegm retention; Meng Chong and Shui Zhi attack blood retention.
Although it is a draining agent, it can also tonify Qi (Wang Haogu stated: Therefore, it treats shortness of breath where Qi cannot connect continuously. It is widely used in Da Xiao Qi Xiang Wan, Ji Xiang Wan, and various decoctions and powders).
The root resembles fresh ginger; Ezhu grows beneath the root, resembling an egg but irregular, hard and difficult to crush.
Roast thoroughly in ash fire and crush while hot (for entering the Qi aspect), or grind with vinegar or wine, or boil before use (for entering the Blood aspect).