阳在上不与阴化而为风,阴遂变为痰涎。皂荚以金胜木,通气利窍,风无不搜,斯湿无
不去,故凡痰涎涌塞而为中风为喉痹者,胥倚以奏功。阳在下不与阴化而为风,阴遂被劫而
生燥,皂荚气浮而子较沉,故子能祛在下之风,风去则阴得伸其津润之权,而大肠之燥结以
通。凡风药必燥而皂荚以多脂为佳。皂子之仁又粘而韧,其能利大便,亦兼得辛润之力也。
诃黎勒苦温能开,酸涩能收。开则化痰涎,消胀满,下宿食,发音声;收则止喘息,已
泻痢。然苦多酸少,虽涩肠而终泄气,古方用是物皆极有斟酌。仲圣诃黎勒散治气利。气利
者,气与矢俱失也,必有痰涎阻于肠中。诃黎勒既涩肠而又化痰涎,最于是证相得。又以粥
饮和服,安其中气。是诃黎勒之泄,亦有功无过矣。千金诃黎勒丸治气满闭塞,不能食喘息。
不
岂能即返,诃黎勒能一物而两治之。两治之物,无冲和之性,蜜丸又所以和之也。与仲圣用
诃黎勒之意正复无异。若诃子清音汤治中风不语,是但用其泄矣;协以甘桔,则不至过泄而
音可开。真人养脏汤治久痢脱肛,是但用其涩矣;协以参术归芍诸药,则不至徒涩而痢可止
肛可收。凡此皆用药之权衡,不可不知者也。
桑根白皮甘辛入脾肺,而气寒复入膀胱,能驱脾肺中之水气从小便出,故水肿腹满胪胀
胥治之。咳嗽惟肺有水气及伏火者宜之。肺虚无火,因风寒而嗽者,服之则锢闭邪气而成久
嗽。此仲圣于王不留行散,所以谓风寒勿取也。
When Yang Qi in the upper part fails to interact and transform with Yin, it turns into Wind pathogen, causing Yin to subsequently transform into Phlegm-Saliva. Saponaria Fructus (Zaojia) utilizes Metal nature to overcome Wood (Wind), unblocking the airways and orifices. It searches out all Wind pathogens, thereby ensuring that Dampness is eliminated. Thus, for conditions such as Stroke (Zhongfeng) or Throat Bi (Houbi) caused by surging and obstructing Phlegm-Saliva, this herb is relied upon for its efficacy. When Yang Qi in the lower part fails to interact and transform with Yin, it turns into Wind, which then coerces Yin, generating Dryness. The aromatic quality of Saponaria Fructus floats upward, while its seed sinks relatively; therefore, the seed can dispel Wind in the lower body. Once Wind is removed, Yin can exert its moistening power, thereby relieving dryness and constipation of the Large Intestine. Generally, Wind-dispelling herbs are drying, but Saponaria Fructus is best when rich in oil. The kernel of the seed is sticky and tough; its ability to promote bowel movements also derives from its acrid and moistening properties.
Cheqiele (Terminalia chebula Retz., Hele) is bitter and warm, possessing opening properties, and sour and astringent, possessing consolidating properties. Its opening action resolves Phlegm-Saliva, reduces distension and fullness, expels retained food, and restores voice; its astringent action stops wheezing and halts diarrhea and dysentery. However, since its bitterness outweighs its sourness, although it astringes the intestines, it ultimately leaks Qi. Ancient formulas use this substance with great deliberation. Zhang Zhongjing’s Cheqiele San (Terminalia Chebula Powder) treats "Qi Li" (flatus with stool). "Qi Li" refers to the simultaneous loss of flatus and feces, indicating that Phlegm-Saliva must be obstructing the intestines. Terminalia chebula Retz. both astringes the intestines and resolves Phlegm-Saliva, making it highly suitable for this syndrome. Taking it mixed with rice gruel stabilizes the Middle Jiao Qi. Thus, the "draining" aspect of Terminalia chebula Retz. has merit without fault.
The Qianjin Cheqiele Wan (Million Gold Formula Terminalia Chebula Pill) treats Qi stagnation with fullness and obstruction, inability to eat, and wheezing. How can the condition reverse immediately? Terminalia chebula Retz. achieves dual treatment (opening and closing). For substances with dual actions, lacking a harmonious nature, honey-pilleting serves to harmonize them. This aligns perfectly with Zhang Zhongjing’s intent in using Terminalia chebula Retz. If used in Hezi Qingyin Tang (Terminalia Voice-Clearing Decoction) to treat aphasia due to Stroke, only its draining/opening property is utilized; combined with Licorice and Platycodon, it prevents excessive draining, allowing the voice to open. In Zhenren Yangzang Tang (True Person Nourishing the Viscera Decoction) treating chronic dysentery with rectal prolapse, only its astringent property is utilized; combined with Ginseng, Atractylodes, Angelica Sinensis, and Paeonia Lactiflora, it prevents mere astringency, stopping dysentery and retracting the prolapse. These are all matters of therapeutic balance that must be understood.
Sangbaipi (Morus Alba Root Bark, Sanggenbaipidan) is sweet and acrid, entering the Spleen and Lung meridians, and due to its cold nature, it also enters the Bladder meridian. It drives out Water-Qi from the Spleen and Lungs, excreting it via urination; thus, it treats edema, abdominal fullness, and skin swelling. Cough is suitable for treatment with this herb only when there is Water-Qi and latent Fire in the Lungs. If Lung Qi is deficient without Fire, and cough is caused by Wind-Cold, taking this herb will trap the pathogenic factors, leading to chronic cough. This is why Zhang Zhongjing specified "avoid if Wind-Cold" in Wangbuliuxing San (Vaccaria Seed Powder).