Library

[Harm] Licorice Root (Gancao) is sweet in taste and tends to cause fullness and distension in the middle jiao. In individuals with dampness, mistaken use can lead to swelling. Therefore, it is generally unsuitable for those suffering from various swellings and fullness due to dampness, as well as for patients with chronic vomiting or alcoholism.

[Efficacy] Licorice Root (Gancao) is sweet and neutral in nature, entering the Heart, Lung, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. When used raw, its qi is mild; it tonifies Spleen and Stomach deficiency while draining Heart fire. When honey-fried (Zhi Gancao), it becomes warm; it tonifies the Yuan Qi of the San Jiao. When added to harmonizing formulas, it provides tonification; when added to diaphoretic formulas, it releases the muscle layer; when added to cooling formulas, it drains pathogenic heat; when added to drastic formulas, it moderates the Zheng Qi (upright qi). If Ginger (Shengjiang) and Aconite (Fuzi) are added, there is a concern that the medicinal action may float upward; adding Licorice Root moderates this. If Mirabilite (Xiaoshi) and Rhubarb (Dahuang) are added, there is a concern that the purgative action may be too drastic; adding Licorice Root moderates this. These applications reflect the intention of "moderation," slightly relieving pain in the urethra and treating toxic swellings and various sores.

[Processing] The best quality is one with a diameter of about one cun, tight texture, and clear fracture lines, known as Fencao. The thinner ones are called Tongcao. For tonifying the middle and using honey-fried preparations, larger pieces are preferred; for clearing heat and using raw preparations, smaller pieces are preferred. Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu), Sophora Flavescens Root (Kushen), and Dried Lacquer (Ganqi) act as guiding or assisting herbs. It is antagonistic to Polygala Tenuifolia Root (Yuanzhi) and is incompatible with Euphorbia Lathyris Root (Daji), Genkwa Flower (Yuanhua), Kansui Root (Gansui), and Sargassum Thallus (Haizao), though they are sometimes used together. Hu Qia used Licorice Root in Shizao Tang to treat phlegm accumulation. Li Dongyuan used it with Sargassum Thallus (Haizao) to treat scrofula. Zhu Danxi used it with Genkwa Flower (Yuanhua) to treat consumptive disease. Only those who thoroughly understand subtle principles can comprehend this rationale. I suspect the claim that Polygala Tenuifolia Root (Yuanzhi) is antagonistic to Licorice Root is an error, given that Polygala Tenuifolia Root is often soaked in Licorice Root water before use.

[Harm] Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) specializes in resolving stagnation and breaking qi, thereby damaging true qi. Zhu Danxi stated: Zhi Shi has the power to demolish walls in clearing phlegm, indicating its fierce and aggressive nature. For cases of pi-man (fullness) caused by weak Middle Qi and spleen damage due to fatigue, the treatment should focus on regulating the middle and boosting qi, allowing food to digest naturally and fullness to resolve. Using such qi-breaking drugs in these cases would accelerate death. For distension, if it is not due to excess pathogens knotting in the lower jiao with abdominal rigidity and refusal to pressure, and constipation lasting seven to eight days, it must absolutely not be used. For diarrhea with heat signs, if not due to dry feces retention, it must absolutely not be used. Food stagnation is mostly caused by Spleen and Stomach weakness failing to transform and transport; do not administer recklessly. Only when the Yuan Qi is robust and there is actual stagnation, out of necessity, can one or two doses be used, stopping immediately after the illness resolves. If one fails to distinguish between deficiency and excess and applies it indiscriminately, it damages the body's true qi, causing significant harm. Once mistakenly administered, even large doses of Ginseng (Renshen) tonics cannot reverse the damage caused by its harsh depletion. This is specifically noted as a warning. Pregnant women are especially contraindicated.

[Efficacy] Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) is bitter and sour, slightly cold, entering the Lung, Spleen, Stomach, Liver, and Large Intestine meridians. It breaks accumulation with the speed of thunder and wind, and clears phlegm with the might of pushing down walls. It resolves chest binding (Jie Xiong) caused by Cold Damage (Shanghan) and eliminates urgent fullness below the heart. Note that Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange) and Zhi Ke (Mature Bitter Orange) have different properties and effects.

[Processing] Those with thick skin and small fruit size are called Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange); those that are complete and large are called Zhi Ke (Mature Bitter Orange). The best quality resembles an inverted bowl rim. Aged material is superior. After harvesting, slice open, remove seeds, lightly roast until dry, slice, and stir-fry with wheat bran until scorched, then remove the bran before use.