〔害〕性最酷烈,善破胁下小腹之滞气,然误服之,立损真气,为害不浅。凡欲施用,
必与
补脾药同用,庶免遗患,必不可单用也。肝脾气虚者,概勿施用。辛能发汗,气虚及有汗者
,禁用。
〔利〕苦辛温,色青气烈,入肝胆气分,疏肝泻肺,引诸药至厥阴之分,下饮食入太阴
之仓
。最能发汗。柴胡疏气,青皮平下焦肝气,皮能达皮,辛能发汗,故又为泻三焦猛将。破滞
气,愈低愈效,削坚积,愈下愈良。
〔修治〕八月采,青橘皮乃橘之未黄而青色者,薄而光,其气芳烈。今人多以小柑、小
柚、
小橙伪之,不可不慎辨之。入药以汤浸去瓤,切片醋炒少用。
〔害〕凡经事先期,及一切血热为病忌之。若崩中淋露,皆应补气血,凉血清热则愈。
一切
辛走之药,法当所禁,虚人服之,积未去而真气已竭,兼以参术,或庶几耳。
〔利〕辛苦,而辛入肝经,治气中之血,破血行气,消瘀止痛。若须用与健脾、补元之
药同
用,无损耳。得酒醋良。
〔修治〕根如生姜,莪生根下,似卵不齐,坚硬难捣。九月采,削去粗皮,蒸熟曝干。
入气
分,灰火煨透,乘热捣之,入血分醋酒磨。
〔害〕凡冷气逆气,气郁气结,殊为要药。然而中气虚、气不归元、气虚下陷,忌之。
心经
有实邪者,忌之。非命门真火衰者,不宜入下焦药用,阴亏火旺者,切勿沾唇。
〔利〕性沉燥辛温,平肝降气,调中气而胃开,补下焦而肾暖,理家痰涎,故入肾、命
门,
暖精助阳行气,去肌肤水肿,通大肠虚闭,治小便气淋。
〔修治〕待燥碾碎,若入剂,惟磨汁,临时冲入。须要色黑不枯,硬重沉于水,油熟者
为上
,半沉者次之。不可见火,嚼之香甜者性平,辛辣者性热,入丸散以纸裹置怀中。
[Green Tangerine Peel]
[Harm] The medicinal nature is extremely harsh and fierce, good at breaking stagnant Qi in the hypochondrium and lower abdomen. However, if taken by mistake, it will immediately damage True Qi (Zhen Qi), causing significant harm. Whenever it is to be used, it must be administered together with Spleen-tonifying herbs to avoid adverse consequences; it must never be used alone. It should not be used in cases of Liver and Spleen Qi Deficiency. Since Pungent flavors induce sweating, it is contraindicated in patients with Qi Deficiency or those who are already sweating.
[Benefit] Bitter, Pungent, and Warm. Its color is green and its aroma is intense. It enters the Qi aspect of the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, soothes the Liver and drains the Lungs, and guides other herbs to the Jueyin level. It aids digestion by directing food into the Taiyin (Spleen) storehouse. It is most effective at inducing sweating. Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) unblocks Qi, while Qing Pi (Aurantii Fructus Viridis) levels the Liver Qi in the Lower Jiao. Since "peel" can reach the skin surface and Pungent flavors induce sweating, it serves as a fierce general for draining the Sanjiao. Breaking stagnant Qi is more effective when targeting lower areas; eliminating hard accumulations yields better results when acting downwards.
[Preparation] Harvested in the eighth lunar month. Green tangerine peel refers to the peel of the tangerine before it turns yellow, which is thin, glossy, and has an aromatic, intense fragrance. Nowadays, many people counterfeit it with small mandarins, pomelos, or oranges, so careful differentiation is essential. For medicinal use, soak in decoction, remove the pith, slice, stir-fry with vinegar, and use sparingly.
[Peng E Zhu / Curcuma Zedoaria]
[Harm] Contraindicated in cases of early menstruation and all diseases caused by Blood Heat. If suffering from metrorrhagia (profuse uterine bleeding) or dripping leukorrhea, one should tonify Qi and Blood, cool the Blood, and clear Heat to achieve recovery. All drugs with Pungent dispersing and moving properties are generally prohibited. If taken by deficient individuals, the stasis may not be removed while True Qi becomes exhausted. Only when combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) might there be a chance of success.
[Benefit] Pungent and Bitter. Pungent flavor enters the Liver Meridian, treating Blood disorders within the Qi aspect. It breaks Blood, moves Qi, eliminates stasis, and relieves pain. If necessary, it should be used together with Spleen-strengthening and Yuan Qi-tonifying herbs to prevent damage. It works well with Wine and Vinegar.
[Preparation] The rhizome resembles Ginger. Peng E Zhu grows below the root, resembling an egg but irregular in shape, hard and difficult to crush. Harvested in the ninth lunar month. Remove the rough skin, steam until cooked, and dry in the sun. For entering the Qi aspect, roast thoroughly in ash fire and crush while hot; for entering the Blood aspect, grind with Vinegar and Wine.
[Chen Xiang / Aquilaria Wood]
[Harm] It is a crucial herb for Cold Qi counterflow, Qi stagnation, and Qi knotting. However, it is contraindicated in cases of Middle Qi Deficiency, Qi failing to return to its source, and Qi sinking due to deficiency. It is contraindicated when there is Excess pathogen in the Heart Meridian. Unless there is a decline of True Fire in the Mingmen (Gate of Life), it is not suitable for treating Lower Jiao diseases. Those with Yin Deficiency and Hyperactive Fire must absolutely avoid consuming it.
[Benefit] Its nature is sinking, drying, Pungent, and Warm. It pacifies the Liver and descends Qi, regulates Middle Qi to open the Stomach, tonifies the Lower Jiao to warm the Kidneys, and resolves phlegm-fluids. Thus, it enters the Kidney and Mingmen meridians, warms Essence, assists Yang, moves Qi, removes edema of the skin and muscles, unblocks constipation due to Large Intestine deficiency, and treats Qi-type strangury (painful urination).
[Preparation] Crush after drying. When included in prescriptions, only grind into juice and add freshly. The best quality is black, not withered, hard, heavy, sinks in water, and oily. Half-sinking quality is secondary. Avoid exposure to fire. Those that taste sweet and fragrant when chewed have a neutral nature; those that taste pungent and spicy have a hot nature. When making pills and powders, wrap them in paper and keep inside the chest pocket.