Library

[Mudanpi (Cortex Moutan)] Pungent in flavor. Enters the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart), Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney), Hand-Jueyin (Pericardium), and Foot-Jueyin (Liver) meridians. Its function is specifically to clear Ministerial Fire (Xianghuo, a type of pathological heat arising from Yin deficiency or organ dysfunction), surpassing that of Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex). When combined with Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), it treats bone-steaming tidal fever without sweating. It should be used after being mixed with wine and steamed. It is incompatible with Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen), and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma). Avoid garlic, Huyi (Coriandri Fructus), and Fu Pi (Arsenic Trioxide).

[Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra)] Bitter in flavor. Enters the Foot-Jueyin (Liver) meridian. Its function is specifically to treat contusions and traumatic injuries, and to knit bones and tendons. When combined with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), it treats lumbar pain caused by overstrain; when combined with Pingwei San (Powder for Maintaining Uprightness), it treats bloody dysentery and fetal leakage (vaginal bleeding during pregnancy). It should be used after being soaked in wine. Shengdi Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) serves as an guiding herb. Also known as Jiegu Cao (Bone-knitting Grass).

[Xuduan (Dipsaci Radix)] Bitter in flavor. Enters the Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian. Its function is specifically to treat sprains, fractures, and other injuries to bones and tendons. When combined with Zhu Shen (Porcinus Ren), it treats chronic diarrhea that does not cease; when combined with Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), Sangjisheng (Taxilli Herba), and Hugu (Pantheris Os), it treats Wei Bi syndrome (flaccidity and obstruction syndromes). It should be used after being mixed with honey and steamed.

[Yimucao (Leonuri Herba)] Bitter and pungent in flavor. Enters the Foot-Jueyin (Liver) meridian. Its function is specifically to unblock collaterals and regulate menstruation, with very rapid efficacy. When combined with Chao Hei Shan Zha (Stir-fried Black Crataegi Fructus), it treats postpartum lochia retention. Iron vessels should be avoided. The seeds are used after slight stir-frying. Also known as Chongwei. For Chuiru (breast engorgement leading to abscess), grind the herb into powder, mix with water, apply to the breast, and leave overnight for spontaneous resolution. Freshly crushed juice can also be used. Contraindicated for those with dilated pupils.

[Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix)] Pungent in flavor. Enters the Foot-Yangming (Stomach) and Hand-Taiyin (Lung) meridians. Its function is specifically to treat Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting syndrome), dissipate nodules and stagnation, clear the Lungs, and resolve phlegm. It is an essential herb in gynecology. For postpartum edema or edema due to Blood deficiency, mix Fangji with equal parts of other herbs into powder, take two qian per dose, and swallow with vinegar and wine for miraculous effect. [Note: Text says "Fangji acts as guiding herb," likely referring to interaction with other ingredients or a textual error, but translated literally].

[Zhuru (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam)] Bitter in flavor. Enters the Yangming meridian. Its function is specifically to treat sudden stroke, fever of the body, fullness of limbs, sudden confusion and loss of consciousness, mania, delirium, pathogenic qi invasion, alternating chills and fever, soreness and pain, and Wen Nue (Warm Malaria). When combined with Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and Zhuru, it treats pre-partum deficiency heat causing irritability and vomiting/acid reflux. When combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), Danggui, and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), it treats postpartum Blood Jue syncope and dizziness. It should be used after being washed with wine. It is antagonistic to Dahuang, Daji, Shanzhuyu, and Jiang Zao.

[Aiye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium)] Bitter in flavor. Enters the Foot-Jueyin (Liver) meridian. Its function is specifically to warm the uterus and kill parasites. When combined with Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), it treats lower abdominal pain; when combined with Ejiao (Asini Corii Colla), it treats postpartum vaginal bleeding; when combined with Xionghuang (Realgar), it treats Hu Huo syndrome (mouth and genital ulcers). For Naolou (nasal discharge of pus), load Ai Rong (Mugwort Floss) into a smoking tube and inhale for several days until cured. For those with weak Qi in the Dantian and cold umbicus and abdomen, pack Shu Ai (Prepared Mugwort) into a bag to cover the umbilicus for good effect. For Han Shi Hong Kong Jiao (Cold-Damp Tinea Pedis), placing it inside socks is excellent. Grinding it with several slices of Fuling (Poria) makes it easier to pulverize finely. Xiangfu serves as a guiding herb. Contraindicated for those with Blood Heat.