Library

[Muxiang (Costus Root)] Acrid and bitter in flavor. Enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Its action is specialized in regulating qi and dispersing stagnation. When combined with Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), it treats dysentery (Zhixia). When combined with Binglang (Arecae Semen), it treats qi stagnation in the Lower Jiao. When combined with Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Rouguou (Myristicae Semen), and Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), it treats cold qi obstruction in the abdomen. Its efficacy is rapid. After baking, it consolidates the Large Intestine. Overconsumption damages qi. It fears fire.

[Baidoukou (Cardamomi Fructus Rotundus)] Acrid and sweet in flavor. Slightly warm in nature. Enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Its action is specialized in promoting qi circulation, harmonizing the middle jiao, opening the appetite, and stopping vomiting. It is indicated for cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, severe cramping pain in the heart and abdomen, and lung deficiency with cold. It is contraindicated for those with stomach weakness and stomach heat causing vomiting. When combined with Huashi (Talcum), it treats summerheat-induced diarrhea.

[Xiaohuixiang (Foeniculi Fructus)] Acrid in flavor. Enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Its action is specialized in dispersing cold qi in the bladder and treating dry and wet Hongjiaojiao (Podagra/Charcot joint). When combined with Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Yan (Sal), it treats testicular swelling. When combined with Chuanlianzi (Toosendan Fructus), it treats Shenxiao (Kidney Wasting-Thirst syndrome characterized by excessive drinking). When combined with Xingren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) and Congbai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus), it treats Bladder hernia pain. It should be used after stir-frying until yellow. It works well when combined with Jiu (Alcohol). Combined with Yan (Sal), it guides the medicine into the Kidney. If hernia qi enters the Kidney, fry Foeniculi Fructus into two packs and apply alternating hot compresses. If there is frequent erection of the penis and vomiting upon heating, do not take it. In ancient times, it was named "Huixiang". The variety produced in Ningxia is superior.

[Dahuixiang (Anisi Stellati Fructus)] Acrid and warm in flavor. Enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Its action is specialized in regulating qi, opening the appetite, and is suitable for Cold Hernia and food retention. To treat Yin Hernia, take Dahuixiang and Xiaohuixiang, one liang each, grind into powder. Use one pig bladder, add urine along with the medicine, boil in wine until soft, and form into pills. Take fifty pills per dose. Also known as Shishiluo, Bajiaohuixiang, or Bo Huixiang. Their functions are roughly similar. Imported from foreign ships, the fruit is as large as a cypress seed, splitting into eight lobes, each containing one core. Those that are yellow-brown are preferred.

[Gansong (Nardostachyos Radix et Rhizoma)] Sweet and warm in flavor, aromatic. Enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Its action is specialized in regulating qi and relieving depression. It treats sudden abdominal fullness and pain, wind-related gingival caries leading to tooth loss, and floating Hongjiaojiao (edema in the knees/feet). Decocting for washing is effective. For toothache due to Kidney deficiency, mix Gansong and Liuhuang (Sulfur) in equal parts, grind into powder, soak in water to make a decoction, and rinse the mouth; this yields miraculous effects.

[Gaojiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma)] Acrid and warm in nature. Enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian and Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its action is specialized in warming the middle jiao and directing rebellious qi downward. When combined with Fuling (Poria), it treats stomach cold with belching. When combined with Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Germen), it treats abdominal pain in cholera. It also mainly treats warm dysentery and cold accumulation (Lengpi). It is contraindicated for those with Lung and Stomach heat. Its seed is named Hongdoukou (Galangal Seed). Both should be stir-fried using earth from the east-facing wall.