Library

(See Heart Section, Purging Chapter)

[Harm] Damages the stomach and causes slippery intestines, leading to diarrhea. For conditions such as impotence, easy erection but premature ejaculation, spleen deficiency, indigestion, stomach deficiency with loss of appetite, and kidney deficiency with loose stools, it is strictly contraindicated according to medical principles. Shicai stated: "Bitter and cold nature is austere and killing, not conducive to nurturing all things." The world believes it nourishes yin and uses it to treat deficiency injuries, which is like adding water to a deep abyss (worsening the condition).

[Benefit] Bitter, pungent, cold, and slippery in nature; clears lung heat and drains excess kidney fire, entering the qi level of the heart and kidney meridians. Moistens kidney dryness and nourishes yin, resolves phlegm and stops coughing, relieves thirst and removes irritability, also calms the fetus, promotes urination and defecation, reduces swelling, and is a substance that cools the stomach, spleen, and large intestine. Zhi Mu Xu (the rootlet of Anemarrhenae Rhizoma), has weak efficacy and reduced bitter-cold nature.

[Processing] Harvest roots in the second and eighth lunar months. Select those that are plump, moist, and white inside, remove hairs, slice, and processing with wine is beneficial. To direct action upward, soak in wine and bake dry; to direct action downward, mix with salt water and bake dry. Avoid iron.

[Harm] Its qi is cold and cool. Those with deficient-cold constitutions or weak spleen and stomach should not take it. There is a risk of cold obstructing the middle causing abdominal pain, and loose stools or diarrhea. After ulceration of carbuncles and sores, it should be used sparingly. The classics state that cold causes blood stasis, making healing difficult.

[Benefit] Sweet and neutral in nature, enters the spleen and lung meridians, resolves heat and transforms toxins, treats wind and nourishes blood, and relieves distension. Jing Yin Hua (pure Honeysuckle Flower) has a cooler nature and stronger heat-resolving and toxin-transforming power. Ren Dong Teng (Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis) is sweet, cold, non-toxic, dispels wind and transforms toxins, and relaxes tendon knots.

[Processing] Harvest flowers in the fourth lunar month and dry in shade; harvest time is not restricted. Dried vines are less potent than fresh ones. Brewing wine, using as tea substitute, and boiling into paste are all excellent; steaming for dew is particularly good.

[Harm] Cools the stomach and consumes fat. Drinking tea after alcohol consumption directs the effect to the bladder and kidney meridians, causing cold pain in the lower back, legs, and bladder. Those suffering from mass hernia, edema, or spasms should especially avoid eating it on an empty stomach. It causes yellowing and emaciation, insomnia, and often leads to fluid retention syndromes.

[Benefit] Bitter, sweet, slightly cold; enters the heart, lung, and spleen meridians. Directs qi downward and aids digestion, removes phlegm-heat, relieves irritability and thirst, clears the head and eyes, promotes urination, resolves toxicity from roasted, fried, and greasy foods, and treats hemorrhoids, fistulas, and other sores. Wu Yi Cha (Wuyi Tea) excels at aiding digestion and should be drunk hot. Cold tea condenses phlegm. Eating it together with Fei meat (Areca Seed flesh) causes heaviness in the body.

[Processing] Harvest in the third and fourth lunar months, bake dry, and use the bud tips for medicinal purposes.