Library

[Flavor and Nature]
Acrid, warm, non-toxic. Its acrid flavor enters the Qi level (the functional layer of Qi). Its purple color enters the Blood level (the material layer of Blood).
[Indications]
Directs Qi downward and dispels cold. Its seeds are particularly effective. Resolves the muscle layer and releases the exterior, calms wheezing, and calms the fetus. Drains excess in the Lungs. Depending on what it is guided by, it treats pathogens in specific meridians. Long-term use depletes the body's true Qi. For individuals with weak and cold Spleen and Stomach, excessive consumption often leads to slippery diarrhea.

[Flavor and Nature]
Sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic.
[Indications]
Harmonizes the middle and directs Qi downward. Tonifies the Five Zang organs. Treats vomiting and reflux. Stops dysentery and diarrhea. Relieves summerheat. Its nature is warm and balanced, achieving harmony. It enters the Taiyin Qi level. Promotes free flow through the Sanjiao (Triple Burner). It can transform clear Yang and descend turbid Yin. Therefore, it specializes in treating diseases of the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach) and expelling dampness and detoxifying.

[Flavor and Nature]
Acrid, warm, non-toxic. (When used, only the "Dangmenzi" [central part of the musk pod] is excellent. Do not bring it close to the nose; white insects may enter the brain causing leprosy-like conditions. Long-term carrying of its fragrance penetrates the orifices, causing strange diseases.)
[Indications]
Repels evil Qi. Eliminences three types of parasites, gu poison, and fright, terror, and mental confusion. Treats nasal congestion. Resolves alcohol toxicity. Digests accumulation from melons, fruits, and food. Treats wind-stroke, qi-stagnation, sudden evil invasion, phlegm-jue, accumulations, and masses. Also treats snake and insect bites, and miasma poisons from streams and marshes. Musk is penetrating and moving; it can open blockages in various orifices and unblock stagnation in meridians. It can be used as a guide for various wind, qi, pain, fright, epilepsy, and mass conditions. However, for wind in the Five Zang organs, it should not be used as it drains Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). For bleeding from the mouth and nose, which results from Yin excess and Yang deficiency with rising without descending, it should not be used, as it prevents Yang from being tonified and Yin from being restrained. Women primarily rely on Blood. For those with empty Blood Sea presenting with alternating chills and fever and night sweats, tonification and nourishment are appropriate; it should not be used as it excessively disperses fluids.

[Flavor and Nature]
Bitter, warm, non-toxic. Can ascend and descend. Slightly Yang within Yin. Enters the Blood level of the Hand Shaoyin, Foot Taiyin, and Foot Jueyin meridians. The root tip stops bleeding and moves upward. The body nourishes Blood and stays central. Slightly breaks Blood and moves downward. The whole root invigorates Blood without moving excessively far. (When used, wash with wine, dry, and prepare for decoction.)
[Indications]
Treats cough with rebellious Qi, warm malaria with chills and fever, uterine bleeding in women, infertility, all kinds of malignant sores and ulcers. Warms the middle, relieves pain, tonifies deficiencies. Harmonizes and nourishes Blood. Therefore, vessels are the residence of Blood. All Blood belongs to the Heart. To unblock vessels, one must first tonify the Heart and benefit Blood. Zhang Zhongjing treated cold extremities and faint pulse by supplementing with Dang Gui. When Blood is diseased, causing stagnation and lack of flow, pain results. If internal cold is dispersed, Heart function is aided, and Blood is harmonized, allowing Qi and Blood to return to their proper places, using Dang Gui as a guide. It enters the Hand Shaoyin because the Heart generates Blood. It enters the Foot Taiyin because the Spleen manages Blood. It enters the Foot Jueyin because the Liver stores Blood. However, to tonify Qi, it must be combined with Renshen (Ginseng) and Huangqi (Astragalus). To move Qi, it must be combined with Dahuang (Rhubarb) and Qianniu (Pharbitis Seed). To guide heat, it must follow Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig), Fuzi (Aconite Root), and Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit). To guide cold, it must follow Mangxiao (Mirabilite) and Dahuang (Rhubarb). For treating the primary disease, wine-processing is suitable. For phlegm, ginger-processing is used. To guide Blood back to its source, Renshen (Ginseng) and Shizhi (Kaolin) are used as assistants. For blood-heat, Shengdi (Rehmannia Root) and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) are used as assistants. In the ancient formula Siwu Tang (Four Substance Decoction), Dang Gui is the Sovereign herb, Shaoyao (Peony Root) is the Minister, Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) is the Assistant, and Xiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) is the Envoy. In summary, one cannot dispense with Dang Gui when dealing with Blood herbs.