Library

Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen and Lung meridians.

Tonifies the Middle Jiao and benefits Qi; suitable for both the Spleen and the Lung. Strengthens Spleen transportation and transformation, preventing the Middle Palace (Spleen/Stomach) from becoming dry. Nourishes Stomach Yin without causing stagnation in the chest and diaphragm. Moistens the Lungs without offending with cold properties; nourishes Blood without tending towards greasiness. Indicated for weak Middle Qi, shortness of breath, and palpitations. For poor appetite, loose stools, physical fatigue, and susceptibility to tiredness. It raises clear Yang Qi; regular consumption is beneficial.

Dang Shen (Codonopsis Radix) has effects similar to Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), but its potency is weaker. However, it can be taken for a long time without significant adverse effects.

Taste is sweet, nature is slightly warm, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Spleen meridians. Fu Ling (Poria) serves as the guiding herb (Shi). Adverse reaction with Gui Jia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) and Bai Xian Pi (Dictamni Cortex). Tender green ones are preferred. Honey-fried thoroughly.

Tonifies Lung Qi, solidifies the skin and hair, restrains sweating, promotes pus discharge for sores, relieves thirst, and calms asthma. Benefits Stomach Qi, removes heat from the skin, stops diarrhea, generates flesh, tonifies deficiency, and treats consumptive diseases. Urgently needed for Feng Lai (Leprosy/Dermatological conditions); indispensable for treating acne and ulcers. All these merits stem from the power of tonifying the Spleen and solidifying the Lung. The ability to manage Feng Lai is explained by the classic saying: "Where pathogenic factors gather, Qi must be deficient." When Qi is abundant on the exterior, pathogens have no place to lodge, thereby solidifying the Exterior (Biao). Do not use if there are exterior pathogenic factors. Do not use to assist Qi if Qi is already excessive. Do not use if frequent anger leads to disharmony of Liver Qi.

Taste is bitter and sweet, nature is warm, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) serves as the guiding herb (Shi). Avoid peaches, plums, and blue fish. Those produced in Qian are superior. Soak in rice washing water for half a day, steam in earth, slice, mix evenly with honey water, and stir-fry until brown.

Strengthens the Spleen and promotes food intake, aids digestion of grains, and tonifies the Middle. Transforms phlegm and fluid retention in the Stomach meridian, regulates urgent fullness below the heart. Promotes blood circulation in the waist and umbilicus, dispels whole-body damp-bi obstruction. Used as the sovereign herb with Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) to eliminate痞 (fullness/lump); used as an assistant with Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) to calm the fetus.

Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) is sweet and warm, receiving the balanced Qi of Earth, making it an excellent medicine for tonifying the Spleen and Stomach. When the Spleen and Stomach are strong in transportation and transformation, new food enters easily, and old food digests well. When Earth Qi is prosperous, it naturally overcomes dampness; phlegm and fluids transform easily, and urgent fullness resolves. Blood stasis between the waist and umbilicus, and bi-obstruction throughout the body, are all harms caused by stagnant dampness; when dampness is removed, peace is restored. Eliminating 痞 relies on strengthening the Spleen and Stomach. Calming the fetus relies on the function of transforming damp-heat.

Do not take for Yin deficiency with dry thirst, constipation or dysentery, or if there is a throbbing sensation (Zhu Zhu Dong Qi) in the Liver and Kidney regions. Additionally, *Bai Cao Jing* states that those harvested in winter are called Dong Shu (Winter Atractylodes); their juice returns to the root, making them moist and not dry, but they tend to become oily and cannot stop diarrhea. Therefore, they are referred to as Dong Shu in prescriptions.