Library

[Adverse Effects] Tongcao: Its qi is cold and descending; it should not be taken by those with Spleen-Stomach Cold (Pi Wei Xu Han). It is contraindicated for individuals with deficiency collapse (Xu Tuo) and pregnant women.

[Efficacy] Tongcao: Being white in color, cold in nature, light in texture, and bland in taste, it enters the Lung Meridian (Fei Jing), guiding heat downward. Due to its bland taste which has an ascending property, it enters the Stomach Meridian (Wei Jing), promoting the free flow of Qi upwards and facilitating the descent of milk. In all cases of promoting urination, one must first clear Heart Fire (Xin Huo) in the upper jiao before the fluid can descend and flow freely. For symptoms such as obstruction and difficulty in urination from the yin orifices, or edema with urinary retention, this herb brings immediate relief, hence its name.

[Processing] Harvest stems that are thick and several inches in circumference, taking only the pure white pith from the center of the stem.

[Adverse Effects] Cheqian Ye: Its nature is cold and purgative, specifically targeting the lower orifices. Although it has the merit of opening the water orifice to secure the essence orifice, it is strictly prohibited in cases of internal injury and fatigue leading to sinking of Yang Qi (Yang Qi Xia Xian), as well as in cases of Kidney Deficiency Collapse (Shen Xu Tuo).

[Efficacy] Cheqian Ye: Sweet and cold, it clears Heart Fire, promotes urination in the Bladder, and resolves Damp-Heat (Shi Re). It aids childbirth, stops diarrhea, brightens the eyes, and benefits essence. Men and women have two orifices in the genital region: one orifice conducts essence, governed by the True Yang Fire of the Gate of Life (Ming Men); the other orifice conducts water, governed by Damp-Heat in the Bladder. These two orifices do not open simultaneously. When the water orifice opens, Damp-Heat is discharged externally, and Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo) remains tranquil. When the essence orifice remains closed, essence accumulates over time, resulting in clear vision. Taking astringent herbs for essence, combined with long-term use of Cheqian Ye, facilitates conception during intercourse. Cheqian Ye cools blood, clears heat, and promotes unobstructed urination (Tong Lin).

[Processing] Harvest in the fifth month, wash away mud and sand, dry in the sun, and use after stir-frying. For use in pills and powders, soak in wine overnight, steam, bake, and grind. Use only the leaves; do not use the stems or pistils.

[Adverse Effects] Zhujuanxin: Bamboo is cold and cooling. It is contraindicated for vomiting due to Stomach Cold (Wei Han) and for vomiting caused by cold pathogen combined with food stagnation. Bamboo damages Stomach Qi; therefore, it is highly unsuitable for deficient individuals to consume bamboo shoots.

[Efficacy] Zhujuanxin: Pungent, bland, sweet, and cold, it enters the Heart, Lung, and Kidney meridians. It clears the Heart, eliminates vexation and heat, stops cough, and transforms phlegm. The rolled heart is superior; the efficacy of bamboo leaves is reduced. However, its medicinal power is weak and cannot serve as the Sovereign Herb (Jun Yao); it serves merely as an Assistant (Zuo Shi) herb.

[Processing] Dan Zhu (Bland Bamboo) is of the highest grade, followed by Gan Zhu (Sweet Bamboo). One must use bamboo that has grown for just one year, as tender bamboo possesses greater potency. Zhang Zhongjing treated post-febrile disease where Qi rebels upward causing nausea, using Zhuye Shigao Tang (Bamboo Leaf and Gypsum Decoction), to eliminate residual heat from the Three Yang meridians, utilizing its pungent-cold nature to disperse Wind-Heat (Feng Re).