Library

Sweet and pungent in flavor. Enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian and Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its action is specifically to raise Stomach Qi and dissipate stagnant heat in the Stomach. Combined with Xiangchi (Fermented Soybean), it treats headache caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage). Combined with Sumi (Millet), it treats thirst due to heat in children. Combined with Congbai (Scallion White), it is highly effective for severe headaches described as feeling like the head is breaking open. It opens the Cou Li (pores/skin texture), induces sweating, resolves the muscle layer, and reduces fever. It is considered a sacred medicine for diarrhea caused by Spleen and Stomach deficiency. Ge Hua (Kudzu Flower) is particularly excellent for resolving alcohol toxicity. Raw Ge Zhi (Kudzu Juice) is very cold in nature and treats high fever from Wenyi (Warm Pathogens) along with various bleeding symptoms such as hematemesis (vomiting blood) and epistaxis (nosebleed). It is contraindicated when macules and pustules have already appeared.

Pungent in flavor. Enters the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Its action is specifically to ascend and disperse. Fire located above cannot be dispersed without ascending; Qi sinking below cannot be lifted without ascending. Only Li Dongyuan was skilled in its use. Combined with Congbai (Scallion White), it disperses Wind pathogen in the Hand-Yangming meridian. Combined with Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), it stops toothache in the Yangming meridian. Combined with Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), it guides healthy Qi to ascend. Combined with Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), it induces sweating in the Yangming meridian. It is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and hyperactive fire. The roots' whiskers and rhizomes should be removed before use.

Pungent and warm in flavor. Circulates through the Hand-Yangming and Foot-Yangming meridians. Its action is specifically to dispel Wind, relieve pain, and drain pus. Combined with Tubei Mu (Fritillaria Thunbergii Bulb) and Gualou (Trichosanthis Fructus), it treats Ru Yong (mastitis). Combined with Xinyi (Magnolia Flower) and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), it treats nasal diseases. Combined with Dan Ye Hong Shu Kui Gen (Root of Malva verticillata var. sinensis), it drains pus. Combined with Chun Gen Pi (Toosendan Cortex) and Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), it treats leukorrhea due to Damp-Heat in women. Its nature is ascending and dispersing; it is strictly prohibited for those with Blood Heat and deficient fire. It should be slightly stir-fried. Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) serves as an assistant herb. It is inimical to Xuan Fuhua (Inulae Flos).

Bitter and pungent in flavor. Enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. Its action is specifically to unblock and reach the Jia Gallbladder (referring to the Gallbladder organ/function). Combined with Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), it treats mouth ulcers and toothache. Combined with Jueming Zi (Cassiae Semen), Liyu Dan (Cyprini Carpio Bile), and Qingyang Gan (Caprae Hircus Hepatis), it treats eye diseases and pain. It fears Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) and Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus). It is incompatible with Lifu (Veratri Radix).

Bitter and pungent in flavor. Enters the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Meridian. Its action is specifically to enter the meridians to conduct Qi and enter the collaterals to harmonize Blood. It does not ascend to the vertex nor descend to disperse in the skin and hair. Therefore, entering the Gallbladder, it aligns with the Gallbladder's nature of having no exit and no entry. Combined with Qi-tonifying herbs, it raises Yang Qi. Combined with Clearing-Heat herbs, it disperses pathogens. It is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency, flaming fire, and ascending Qi. For external contraction, raw root is used; for internal injury causing Qi sinking, wine-fried root is used. When using the root for Middle Jiao issues or descending function, the tips (shao) are used. For patients with sweating and cough, honey-fried preparation is used. Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix) and Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) serve as assistant herbs. It is inimical to Zaojiao (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina). The seedling treats sudden deafness; crushing it into juice and dripping it into the ear is beneficial. The best quality comes from Qijie Mountain in the ancient city of Jiangnan. If mixed with other drugs, they must be picked clean before use. Chaihu from Yinzhou is particularly effective for treating deficiency consumptive disease with hunger-fever, bone-steaming malaria (heat emanating from the marrow), and five types of childhood malnutrition with emaciation and fever. The root can be over ten feet long and is slightly white in color.