Library

[Flavor and Nature]
Sweet, neutral in nature, slightly cold, non-toxic. Enters the Hand-Jueyin and Foot-Jueyin meridians. The Foot-Jueyin (Liver) governs Wind, while the Hand-Jueyin (Pericardium) governs Fire.

[Indications]
Convulsive epilepsy (Jing Xian) and vertigo/dizziness. These are all diseases caused by Liver Wind and Ministerial Fire (Xiang Huo). Gouteng (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis) connects the Pericardium with Liver Wood; when Wind is still and Fire extinguishes, various symptoms are naturally eliminated. Dizziness and blurred vision in adults can also be treated concurrently.

(Those with nodes resembling linked pearls and thick, fleshy texture are superior. Soak overnight in a decoction of Gouqi Zi (Lycii Fructus), drain, then soak in wine for one Fushi (approx. 2 hours), drain, and decoct together with Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos) until yellow. Remove Juhua, wipe dry with cloth, and use.)

[Flavor and Nature]
Pungent, sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Severe pathogenic Wind (Da Feng Xie Qi), impotence. Strengthens sinews and bones, calms the Five Viscera. Treats You Feng (wandering wind) on the head and face, and pulling pain in the lower abdomen and genitalia. It is a herb for the Blood aspect of the Kidney Meridian.

[Flavor and Nature]
Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Strengthens sinews and bones, dispels Wind, eliminates deficiency fatigue. Tonifies Essence and Qi, moistens the Kidneys and Lungs, enhances sexual function. Clears deficient heat in the Lower Jiao (Kidney and Liver). The sprouts of Gouqi are "Essence of Heaven," bitter and sweet, cool in nature, suitable for external Heat in the Upper Jiao (Heart and Lung). The root of Gouqi is Digupi (Cortex Lycii), sweet and bland, cold in nature, suitable for deficient heat in the Lower Jiao (Kidney and Liver). These are herbs for the Qi aspect of the Three Jiao, illustrating the principle: "When Heat is rampant internally, assist with Sweet-Cold herbs." As for the fruit (Gouqi Zi), it is sweet, neutral, and moistening, with a nourishing and tonifying nature, specifically capable of tonifying the Kidneys and moistening the Lungs, generating Essence and benefiting Qi, illustrating the principle: "For insufficiency of Essence, tonify with flavor/substance."

(When used, select clean material, soak in wine overnight, drain, let dry, mix with Honey, steam three times, then use.)

[Flavor and Nature]
Sweet, neutral, slightly cold, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Qing Mang (blindness or dim vision), Fu Yi (epilimma/corneal opacity), redness and swelling of the eyes, excessive discharge and tearing. Eliminates red vessels in the eyes. Treats Xiao'er Fu Kou (a pediatric eye condition) and Gan Qi attacking the eyes (ophthalmia due to malnutrition/Gan syndrome), photophobia. Enters the Qi and Blood aspects of the Liver Meridian, moistens the Liver, and dries Liver dryness.

(Seed of Yimucao.)

[Flavor and Nature]
Pungent, sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic. Slightly Yang within Yin. Enters the Hand-Jueyin and Foot-Jueyin meridians.

[Indications]
Invigorates Blood and promotes Qi circulation, possesses the effect of tonifying Yin. Therefore, it brightens the eyes, benefits Essence, and has special efficacy in regulating menstruation. Li Dongyuan stated that Chongwei Zi (Leonuri Fructus) is contraindicated for those with dilated pupils, meaning the eyes rely on Blood for vision, and Chongwei Zi moves Blood very rapidly; if pupils are dilated, Yin/Blood is insufficient, hence the contraindication. It is not because it aids Fire. However, for eye diseases caused by Blood stasis, this herb is appropriate.