人参，味甘，气温、微寒、气味俱轻，可升可降，阳中有阴，无毒。乃补气之圣药，活
人之
灵苗也。能入五脏六腑，无经不到，非仅入脾、肺、心而不入肝、肾也。五脏之中，尤专入
肺、入脾。其入心者十之八，入肝者十之五，入肾者十之三耳。世人止知人参为脾、肺、心
经之药，而不知其能入肝、入肾。但肝、肾乃至阴之经，人参气味阳多于阴，少用则泛上，
多用则沉下。故遇肝肾之病，必须多用之于补血补精之中，助山茱、熟地纯阴之药，使阴中
有阳，反能生血生精之易也。（〔批〕吕道人曰∶人参功用，诚如所言，无奈世人错看了。
非
单用以出奇，即乱用以眩异，反致无功而收败。）盖天地之道，阳根于阴，阴亦根于阳。无
阴
则阳不生，而无阳则阴不长，实有至理，非好奇也。有如气喘之症，乃肾气之欲绝也，宜补
肾以转逆，故必用人参，始能回元阳于顷刻，非人参入肾，何能神效如此。（〔批〕肾虚气
不
归元而喘，乃是虚喘。人参定喘嗽须多用，一服即止。若是肺家实火而喘，断不可用。）又
如
伤寒厥症，手足逆冷，此肝气之逆也，乃用四逆等汤，亦必多加人参而始能定厥，非人参入
肝
，又何能至此。是人参入肝、肾二经，可共信而无疑也。惟是不善用人参者，往往取败。盖
人参乃君药，宜同诸药共用，始易成功。如提气也，必加升麻、柴胡；如和中也，必加陈皮
、甘草；如健脾也，必加茯苓、白术；如定怔忡也，必加远志、枣仁；如止咳嗽也，必加
薄
荷、苏叶；如消痰也，必加半夏、白芥子；如降胃火也，必加石膏、知母；如清阴寒也，必
加附子、干姜。如败毒也，必加芩、连、栀子；如下食也，必
加大黄、枳实。用之补则补，用之攻则攻，视乎配合得宜，轻重得法耳。然而人参亦有单用
一味而成功者，如独参汤，乃一时权宜，非可恃为常服也。盖人气脱于一时，血失于顷刻，
精走于须臾，阳绝于旦夕，他药缓不济事，必须用人参一二
两或四五两，作一剂，煎服以救之。否则，阳气遽散而死矣。此时未尝不可杂之他药，共相
挽回，诚恐牵制其手，反致功效之缓，不能返之于无何有之乡。一至阳回气转，急以他药佐
之，才得保其不再绝耳。否则阴寒逼人，又恐变生不测。可见人参必须有辅佐之品，相济成
功，未可专恃一味，期于必胜也。
或疑人参乃气分之药，而先生谓是入肝、入肾，意者亦血分之药乎？夫人参岂特血分之药哉
，实亦至阴之药也。肝中之血，得人参则易生。世人以人参为气分之药，绝不用之以疗肝肾
，此医道之所以不明也。但人参价贵，贫人不能长服为可伤耳。（〔批〕人参疗肝肾才得精
血之长生，妙论也。）
或疑人参既是入肾之药，肾中虚火上冲，以致肺中气满而作嗽，亦可用乎？此又不知人
参之
故也。夫肾中水虚，用参可以补水；肾中火动，用参反助火矣。盖人参入肝、入肾，止能
补
血添精，亦必得归、芍、熟地、山茱，同群以共济，欲其一味自入于肝、肾之中，势亦不能
。如肾中阴虚火动，此水不足而火有余，必须补水以制火，而凡有温热之品，断不可用。即
如
破故、杜仲之类，未尝非直入肾中之味，亦不可同山茱、熟地而并用。况人参阳多于阴之物
，乌可轻投，其不可同用明甚。不知忌而妄用之，则肺气更满，而嗽且益甚，所谓肺热还伤
肺者，此类是也。至火衰而阴虚者，人参断宜重用。肾中下寒之剧，则龙雷之火不能下藏
于至阴之中，势必直冲而上，至于咽喉，往往上热之极而下体反畏寒，两足如冰者有之。倘
以为热，而投以芩、连、栀、柏之类，则火焰愈炽，苟用人参同附子、桂、姜之类以从治之
，则火自退藏，消归乌有矣。盖虚火不同，有阳旺而阴消者，有阴旺而阳消者，正不可执之
概用人参以治虚火也。
或问人参乃纯正之品，何故攻邪反用之耶？不知人参乃攻邪之胜药也。凡人邪气入身，
皆因
气虚不能外卫于皮毛，而后风寒暑湿热燥之六气始能中之。是邪由虚入，而攻邪可不用参以
补气乎。然而用参以攻邪，亦未可冒昧也。当邪之初入也，宜少用参以为佐，及邪之深入也
，宜多用参以为君，及邪之将去也，宜专用参以为主。斟酌于多寡之间，审量于先后之际，
又何参之不可用，而邪之不可攻哉。故邪逼其气，陷之至阴之中，非人参何能升之于至阳之
上；邪逼其气，拒于表里之间，非人参何能散于腠理之外。邪逼其气，逆于胸膈之上，非人
参何能泻之于膀胱之下。近人一见用人参，病家先自吃惊，而病患知之有死之心，无生之气
，又胡能取效哉。谁知邪之所凑，其气必虚。用人参于攻邪之中，始能万无一失。余不得不
畅言之，以活人于万世也。（〔批〕人参不是攻邪之药，而遇邪气盛，正气虚，佐之以攻邪
，则取胜也。）
用人参于攻邪之中，亦自有说。邪之轻者，不必用也。人之壮实者，不必用也。惟邪之
势重
而人之气虚，不得不加人参于攻药之中，非助其攻，乃补其虚也。补虚邪自退矣。
或问人参阳药，自宜补阳，今曰兼阴，又宜补阴，是人参阴阳兼补之药，何以阳病用参
而即
宜，阴病用参反未安也？不知人参阳多阴少，阳虚者阴必虚，阳旺者阴必旺。阳虚补阳，无
碍于阴，故补阳而阳受其益，补阳而阴亦受其益也。阳旺补阳，更助其阳，必有火盛之虞
，阳火盛则阴水必衰，阴水衰而阳火更盛，阳且无补益之宜，又安望其补阴乎，故谓人参不
能补阴非也。人参但能补阳虚之阴，不能补阳旺之阴耳。又何疑于人参之是阳而非阴哉。（
〔批〕人参补阳虚之阴，千古定论。）
或问人参不能补阳旺之阴，自是千秋绝论。然吾以为补阴之药中，少加人参，似亦无碍，
使
阴得阳而易生，不识可乎，此真窥阴阳之微，而深识人参之功用也。但用参于补阴之中，不
制参于补阴之内，亦有动火之虞，而制参之法何如。参之所恶者，五灵脂。五灵脂研细末，
用一分，将水泡之，欲用参一钱，投之五灵脂水内，即时取起，入于诸阴药之内，但助阴以
生水，断不助阳以生火，此又千秋不传之秘。余得异人之授，亲试有验，公告天下，以共救
阳旺阴虚之症也。（〔批〕此人未知用参以救阳旺阴虚者，所以寡效，今得此法，可以善用
之矣。）
或问喘胀之病，往往用参而更甚，是人参气药，以动气也，吾子不言治喘胀，深有卓见。
嗟
乎。人参定喘之神方，除胀之仙药，如何说气药动气耶。夫喘症不同，有外感之喘，有内伤
之喘；有外感之胀，有内伤之胀。外感之喘，乃风邪入于肺也，用山豆根、柴胡、天花粉、
桔梗、陈皮、黄芩之类即愈，固非人参所能治也。若内伤之喘，乃平日大亏其脾胃之气，一
时气动，挟相火而上冲于咽喉，觉脐下一裹之气升腾，出由胸膈，直奔而作喘，欲睡不能，
欲行更甚，其状虽无抬肩作声之象，然实较外感之症而大重。盖病乃气不归原，肾气虚绝，
下无藏身之地，不得不上而相冲，看其气若盛而实虚，非有余之症，乃不足之症也，此时若
用外感之药，则气更消亡，不得不用人参以挽回于垂绝。然而少用则泛上，转觉助喘，必
须用至一二两，则人参始能下行，生气于无何有之乡，气转其
逆而喘可定也。（〔批〕气绝非多用参不能救，不独救喘症也。）外感之胀，乃水邪也，按之
皮
肉必如泥土之可捻，用牵牛、甘遂各二钱泻之，一利水而症愈，不必借重人参也。若内伤之
胀，似水而非水，乃脾胃之气大虚，虚胀而非实胀也。此时若作水治，则气脱而胀益甚，
不得不用人参以健脾胃之气。然而骤用人参，则脾胃过弱，转不能遽受，反作饱满之状，
久
则胃气开而脾气亦健，渐渐加用人参，饱满除而胀亦尽消也。谁谓人参非治喘胀者哉。（〔
批〕气虚中满，非参不除，先少后多，实有次第，用参必加行气之药，渐渐引之，使入于胃
方投。）
或问人参乃升提气分之药，今用之以定喘，是又至阴之药也。吾子言人参入肾，信矣，
然何
以舍喘之外，别不能用参以补肾，此予所未解也。曰∶人参入肾，乃一时权宜，非中和之道
也。大凡气绝者，必皆宜用人参以救之，盖气绝非缓药可救，而肾水非补阴之药可以速生。
人参是气分之药，而又兼阴分，所以阳生而阴亦生，救元阳正所以救真阴也。君以为舍喘之
外，别不能用参以补肾，吾以为凡用参救绝者，无非补肾也，肾气不生，绝必难复。然则救
绝者，正救肾也。故肾不至绝，不必用参；肾既至绝，不得不用参矣。（〔批〕人参救气绝
，即救肾气之绝也，论特精妙。）
或问人参生气者也，有时不能生气而反破气，其故何也？夫人参生气而不破气者也。不
破气
而有时如破气者，盖肺气之太旺也。肺气旺则脾气亦旺，肺气之旺，因脾气之旺而旺也。用
人
参以助气，则脾愈旺矣，脾旺而肺有不益旺乎。于是咳嗽胀满之病增，人以为人参之破肺气
也，谁知是人参之生脾气乎。夫脾本生肺，助气以生肺之不足，则肺受益；助气以生肺之有
余，则肺受损。惟是肺气天下未有有余者也，何以补其不足而反现有余之象？因肺中有邪火
而不得散，不制其克肺金之邪，而反补其益肺金之气，此肺金之全不受生而转且受克也。然
则治之法，制其邪火而兼益其肺气，则自得人参之生，不得人参之破矣。又乌可舍人参而徒
泻肺气哉。
或问人参健脾土之旺，以克水者也，何以水湿之症，用人参而愈加肿胀乎？曰∶此非人
参之
不健脾土，乃脾土之不能制肾水耳。肾水必得脾土之旺，而水乃不敢泛滥于中州。惟其土
之
不坚，而后水之大旺，欲制水，必健土矣。健土之药，舍人参何求。然而土之所不坚者，又
因于火之太微也。火在水之中，不在水之外，补土必须补火，则补火必在水之中补之。用人
参以健土，是克水也，克水则火愈微矣，火愈微则水愈旺，水愈旺而土自崩，又何能克水哉
。故水胀之病，愈服人参而愈胀也。然则治之法奈何？先补水以生火，后补火以生土，用人
参于补肾之中，亟生火于水之内，徐用人参于补肾之内，再生土于火之中，自然肾生水而水
不泛，肾生火而土不崩，又何必去人参以防其增胀哉。（〔批〕补肾中之火，乃是真火，不
可误认作心中之阳火。）
或又问补火以生土，则土自不崩，补水以生火，欲水之不泛难矣，岂人参同补肾药用之，
即
可制水以生火乎？曰∶水宜补以消之，不宜制以激之，水火之不相离也，补火不补水，则火
不能生；补水更补火，则水不能泛。补水以生火者，即于水中补火也。益之以人参者，以人
参同补肾之药兼施，则人参亦能入肾，使阳气通于肾内而火尤易生。盖阴无阳不长，肾水得
阳气而变化，肾火即随阳气而升腾。然而人参终是健脾之物，自然引火而出于肾内，入于脾
矣。火既入脾，土自得养。是人参乃助水以生火。非克水以生土也。又何疑于补水而水泛
哉。（〔批〕人参助水以生火，非克水以生土。议论真泄天地之奇。）
或疑人参功用，非一言可尽，宜子之辩论无穷，然吾恐议论多而成功少，反不若从前简
约直
捷痛快之为妙也。嗟乎。余岂好辩哉。其不得已之心，窃比于子舆氏耳。盖当今之世，非畏
人参，即乱用人参。畏用之弊，宜用而不用；乱用之弊，不当用而妄用，二者皆能杀人。余
所以辩人参之功，增畏用者之胆；辩人参之过，诛乱用者之心。
或疑人参补气血之虚，虚即用人参可矣，何必问其症，而先生多论若此，恐世人心疑，
反不
敢用人参矣。曰∶用人参不可无识，而识生于胆之中。故必讲明其功过，使功过既明，胆识
并到，自然随症用参，无先后之背缪，无多寡之参差，无迟速之舛错，既收其功，而又绝其
害矣。吾犹恐言之少，无以助人之胆识，而子反以论多为虑乎。
或问人参阳药，何以阴分之病用之往往成功？先生谓阴非阳不生是矣，然而世人执此以
治阴
虚之病，有时而火愈旺，岂非阴虚不宜用参之明征乎？古人云∶肺热还伤肺，似乎言参之能
助肺火也。夫人参何能助火哉，人参但能助阳气耳。阴阳虽分气血，其实气中亦分阴阳也。
阴气必得阳气而始生，阳气必得阴气而始化，阴阳之相根，原在气之中也。人参助阳气者十
之七，助阴气者十之三。于补阴药中，少用人参以生阳气，则阳生而阴愈旺；倘补阴药中，
多用人参以生阳气，则阳生而阴愈亏。故用参补阴，断宜少用，而非绝不可用也。
或问先生阐发各病用人参之义，既详且尽，而独于伤寒症中略而不言，岂伤寒果不可以
用参
乎
？不知伤寒虚症，必须用参，而坏症尤宜用参也。虚症如伤寒脉浮紧，遍身疼痛，自宜用麻
Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), with a sweet taste and warm, slightly cold nature, has light aroma and flavor. It can ascend and descend, possessing yang within yin, and is non-toxic. It is the supreme medicine for tonifying qi and the spiritual herb that revives life. It can enter the five zang organs and six fu organs, reaching every meridian; it does not merely enter the Pi (Spleen), Fei (Lung), and Xin (Heart) meridians while avoiding the Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney). Among the five zang organs, it particularly specializes in entering the Fei (Lung) and Pi (Spleen). Eight-tenths of its efficacy enters the Xin (Heart), five-tenths enters the Gan (Liver), and only three-tenths enters the Shen (Kidney). The world only knows Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) as a medicine for the Pi (Spleen), Fei (Lung), and Xin (Heart) meridians, and does not know it can also enter the Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) meridians. However, the Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) are meridians of extreme yin. Since Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)'s aroma and flavor are more yang than yin, when used in small doses, its action floats upward; when used in large doses, it sinks downward. Therefore, in cases of Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) diseases, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) must be used in large quantities within formulas for nourishing blood and essence, assisting pure-yin herbs such as Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Officinalis Fructus) and Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), so that yang exists within yin, thereby facilitating the easier generation of blood and essence. ([Commentary] Daoist Lu said: The functions of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) are indeed as stated, but unfortunately people misinterpret them. They either use it alone to achieve extraordinary results or misuse it to show off, leading to failure. ) The way of heaven and earth is that yang roots in yin, and yin also roots in yang. Without yin, yang cannot generate; without yang, yin cannot grow. This is profound truth, not mere curiosity. For example, asthma is a symptom of kidney qi about to perish. One should tonify the kidney to reverse the rebellion, thus Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is essential to restore primordial yang in an instant. If Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) did not enter the kidney, how could it be so effective? ([Commentary] Asthma due to kidney deficiency where qi fails to return to its source is deficiency-type asthma. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) must be used in large doses to stop coughing and wheezing after one dose. If asthma is caused by excess fire in the lung, it absolutely must not be used.) Similarly, in Tai Yang disease (Cold Damage) presenting with Jue syndrome (cold extremities), where hands and feet are cold, this is rebellious Gan Qi (Liver Qi). When using formulas like Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) must be added in large amounts to stabilize the Jue (cold extremities). If Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) did not enter the Gan (Liver) meridian, how could it achieve this? Thus, it is undeniable that Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) enters the Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) meridians. Only those who do not skillfully use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) often fail. As the Sovereign herb, it should be combined with other herbs to succeed easily. To lift qi, add Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) and Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix); to harmonize the middle, add Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma); to strengthen the spleen, add Fu Ling (Poria) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma); to calm palpitations, add Yuan Zhi (Polygalae Radix) and Zao Ren (Ziziphi Spinosae Semen); to stop cough, add Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba) and Su Ye (Perillae Folium); to resolve phlegm, add Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) and Bai Jie Zi (Sinapis Semen); to descend stomach fire, add Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma); to clear yin-cold, add Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) and Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma); to detoxify, add Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), and Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus); to promote bowel movement, add Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) and Zhi Shi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus). Used for tonification, it tonifies; used for attacking pathogenic factors, it attacks. Success depends on proper combination and appropriate dosage. However, there are cases where Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) succeeds when used alone, such as in Du Shen Tang (Single Ginseng Decoction), but this is a temporary measure for emergencies, not for long-term daily use. Because sudden collapse of qi, loss of blood, leakage of essence, or severance of yang happen rapidly, other herbs act too slowly to help. One must use 1-2 liang or 4-5 liang of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) as a single decoction to save the patient. Otherwise, yang qi will dissipate quickly, leading to death. At this moment, although other herbs could theoretically be added, fear of mutual restraint causing delayed efficacy prevents bringing the patient back from the brink. Once yang returns and qi turns, other herbs must be urgently added to assist, ensuring no further collapse. Otherwise, overwhelming yin-cold may cause unpredictable changes. Thus, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) requires assistant herbs to complement each other for success; relying solely on one herb for victory is unwise.
Some doubt that since Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is a qi-class herb, and you say it enters the Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney), is it also a blood-class herb? Is Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) merely a blood-class herb? No, it is truly a herb of extreme yin. Blood in the Gan (Liver) becomes easy to generate when aided by Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). People regard Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) only as a qi-class herb and never use it to treat Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) diseases; this is why medical principles remain obscure. However, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is expensive, and poor people cannot take it long-term, which is regrettable. ([Commentary] Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) treating Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) diseases leads to longevity of essence and blood; this is a brilliant theory.)
Some doubt: If Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) enters the kidney, can it be used when deficient fire in the kidney rushes upward, causing lung qi fullness and cough? This shows ignorance of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). If kidney water is deficient, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) can tonify water; if kidney fire is active, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) will instead aid fire. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) entering the Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) only tonifies blood and adds essence; it must be combined with Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata), and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Officinalis Fructus) to work together. It cannot enter the Gan (Liver) and Shen (Kidney) meridians alone. In cases of kidney yin deficiency with fire activity, where water is insufficient and fire is excessive, one must tonify water to control fire, and all warm-hot herbs must be avoided. Even herbs like Gu Bu Zhi (Psoraleae Fructus) and Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex), which directly enter the kidney, should not be used together with Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Officinalis Fructus) and Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata). Moreover, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is more yang than yin; how can it be lightly administered? Its incompatibility is obvious. Ignoring contraindications and using it recklessly will make lung qi fuller and cough worse, illustrating "lung heat injuring the lung again." Conversely, in cases of fire decline and yin deficiency, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) should be used heavily. Severe lower jiao cold causes Dragon-Lei fire to fail to hide in extreme yin, rushing upward to the throat, resulting in extreme upper heat but cold lower body and icy feet. If mistaken for heat and treated with Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus), or Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex), flame will intensify. Using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) with Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata), Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), and Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) to follow the nature of the condition will cause fire to retreat and vanish. Deficient fire varies: some have excess yang consuming yin, others excess yin consuming yang. One must not rigidly apply Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to all deficient fire cases.
Someone asks: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is a pure substance, why is it used to attack pathogens? Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is a superior herb for attacking pathogens. Pathogens enter because qi deficiency fails to defend the skin and hair, allowing Wind, Cold, Summerheat, Dampness, Dryness, and Fire to invade. Since pathogens enter through deficiency, should we not use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to tonify qi when attacking? However, using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to attack pathogens requires caution. When pathogens first enter, use a small amount of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) as an assistant; when they penetrate deeply, use a large amount as the sovereign; when they are about to leave, use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) exclusively as the main agent. Balance quantity and sequence. Why would Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) be unusable or pathogens incurable? When pathogens force qi into extreme yin, only Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) can raise it to extreme yang; when pathogens block qi between exterior and interior, only Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) can disperse it outside the pores; when pathogens force qi upward in the chest and diaphragm, only Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) can drain it downward to the bladder. Modern people panic at the sight of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), and patients lose hope. How can efficacy be achieved then? Where pathogens gather, qi is necessarily deficient. Using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) amidst pathogen-attacking herbs ensures safety. I speak freely to save lives for generations. ([Commentary] Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is not an anti-pathogen herb, but when pathogens are strong and righteous qi is weak, assisting anti-pathogen therapy with it leads to victory.)
Using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) in anti-pathogen therapy has specific indications. Mild pathogens do not require it. Robust individuals do not need it. Only when pathogenic force is heavy and qi is deficient must Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) be added to attacking herbs, not to aid the pathogen, but to tonify deficiency. Tonifying deficiency causes pathogens to recede.
Someone asks: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is a yang herb, suitable for tonifying yang. Now you say it also tonifies yin. Why is it suitable for yang diseases but unsafe for yin diseases? Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is more yang than yin. When yang is deficient, yin is also deficient; when yang is robust, yin is robust. Tonifying yang in deficiency does not harm yin, benefiting both. Tonifying yang in robustness aids yang further, risking excessive fire. Excess fire depletes yin water, making yang even stronger, preventing any benefit to yin. Thus, saying Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) cannot tonify yin is incorrect. It can only tonify yin associated with yang deficiency, not yin associated with yang robustness. Why doubt it is yang rather than yin? ([Commentary] Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) tonifying yin of yang deficiency is a definitive conclusion through ages.)
Someone asks: Although Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) cannot tonify yin of yang robustness, adding a little to yin-tonifying herbs seems harmless, allowing yin to generate via yang. Is this correct? This shows deep understanding of yin-yang subtleties and Ren Shen's function. However, using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) in yin-tonifying formulas without restriction risks stirring fire. How to restrict it? Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) dislikes Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterori Faeces). Grind Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterori Faeces) into fine powder. Take 1 fen, soak in water. For 1 qian of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), dip it in the Wu Ling Zhi (Trogopterori Faeces) water, remove immediately, and add to yin herbs. This helps yin generate water without aiding yang to generate fire. This is a secret passed down for millennia. I received this from an unusual person, tested it successfully, and publish it to save those with yang robustness and yin deficiency. ([Commentary] Those unaware of this method for saving yang robustness/yin deficiency have few successes. Now they can use it well.)
Someone asks: Asthma and distension often worsen with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). Is it because Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) moves qi? My silence on treating these conditions shows insight. Alas! Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is the divine formula for stopping asthma and the immortal drug for removing distension. How can one say it moves qi? Asthma differs: exterior vs. interior injury; distension differs: exterior vs. interior injury. Exterior asthma is wind invading the lung, cured by Shan Dou Gen (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix), Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix), Tian Hua Fen (Trichosanthis Radix), Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix), Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), etc. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) cannot treat this. Interior asthma stems from severe spleen-stomach qi deficiency. Sudden qi movement carries ministerial fire up to the throat, feeling like qi rising from below the navel, exiting the chest/diaphragm, causing asthma. Sleep is impossible, walking worsens it. Though lacking shoulder-lifting sounds, it is heavier than exterior asthma. This is qi failing to root, kidney qi perishing, having no place to hide below, forcing upward rush. It appears excess but is actually deficiency. Using exterior herbs here consumes qi further; Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is needed to rescue impending collapse. Small doses float upward, worsening asthma. Large doses (1-2 liang) allow Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to descend, generating qi from nowhere, reversing rebellion, and stopping asthma. ([Commentary] Qi collapse requires large doses of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to save, not just for asthma.) Exterior distension is water evil, soft upon pressure, treated with Qian Niu (Pharbitidis Semen) and Gan Sui (Kansui Radix) to drain water. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is unnecessary. Interior distension resembles water but is not; it is severe spleen-stomach qi deficiency, false distension. Treating as water causes qi collapse and worsened distension. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is needed to strengthen spleen-stomach qi. Sudden use overwhelms weak spleen/stomach, causing fullness. Gradual addition opens stomach qi and strengthens spleen, resolving fullness and distension. Who says Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) doesn't treat asthma/distension? ([Commentary] Qi deficiency with central fullness requires Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). Start small, increase gradually. Add qi-moving herbs to guide it into the stomach.)
Someone asks: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) lifts qi, yet stops asthma (yin function). You say it enters the kidney. True. But why can't it tonify the kidney except for asthma? Answer: Entering the kidney is a temporary emergency measure, not the balanced way. Generally, qi collapse requires Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) because slow herbs cannot save it, and yin-tonics cannot quickly generate kidney water. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is a qi herb but also contains yin aspects. Generating yang generates yin; rescuing primordial yang rescues true yin. You think only asthma allows kidney tonification via Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma); I say rescuing collapse via Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is essentially tonifying the kidney. If kidney qi doesn't generate, collapse won't recover. Rescuing collapse is rescuing the kidney. If the kidney isn't collapsing, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) isn't needed; if collapsing, it's indispensable. ([Commentary] Rescuing qi collapse via Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is rescuing kidney qi collapse; the argument is exquisite.)
Someone asks: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) generates qi, but sometimes breaks qi. Why? Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) generates qi, it doesn't break it. Apparent breaking occurs when lung qi is too robust. Lung qi robustness makes spleen qi robust. Using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to aid qi makes spleen qi even stronger, which in turn boosts lung qi, increasing cough and distension. People blame Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) for breaking lung qi, but it actually generates spleen qi. Spleen normally generates lung. Aiding qi to fill lung deficiency benefits the lung; aiding qi to fill lung excess harms the lung. Lung qi is rarely in excess. Why does tonifying deficiency show excess signs? Because pathogenic fire in the lung cannot disperse. Not controlling the pathogen that damages lung metal, but tonifying lung qi, causes lung metal to reject nourishment and suffer damage. Treatment should control pathogenic fire while aiding lung qi, gaining Ren Shen's (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) benefit without its harm. Why abandon Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to merely drain lung qi?
Someone asks: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) strengthens spleen earth to control water. Why does water-dampness worsen swelling with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)? Answer: It's not that Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) fails to strengthen spleen earth, but that spleen earth fails to control kidney water. Kidney water needs strong spleen earth to avoid flooding the center. Weak earth allows water to surge. To control water, one must strengthen earth. Which herb strengthens earth better than Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)? However, weak earth is due to weak fire. Fire is within water, not outside. Tonifying earth requires tonifying fire within water. Using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to strengthen earth controls water, weakening fire further. Weaker fire means stronger water, causing earth to collapse, failing to control water. Hence, water distension worsens with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). Treatment? First tonify water to generate fire, then tonify fire to generate earth. Use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) within kidney-tonifying formulas to urgently generate fire within water, then slowly use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) within kidney-tonifying formulas to generate earth within fire. Naturally, kidney generates water without flooding, kidney generates fire without earth collapsing. Why avoid Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) fearing swelling? ([Commentary] Tonifying fire within the kidney is true fire, not to be confused with heart yang fire.)
Someone asks: Tonifying fire strengthens earth, tonifying water generates fire. Can combining Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) with kidney herbs control water to generate fire? Answer: Water should be tonified to dissolve, not controlled to provoke. Fire and water are inseparable. Tonifying fire without water fails; tonifying water with fire prevents flooding. Tonifying water to generate fire means tonifying fire within water. Adding Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) allows it to enter the kidney with kidney herbs, connecting yang qi internally, making fire generation easier. Yin cannot grow without yang; kidney water transforms with yang qi, and kidney fire rises with it. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) ultimately strengthens the spleen, naturally drawing fire out of the kidney into the spleen. Fire nourishes spleen earth. Thus, Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) assists water to generate fire, it does not control water to generate earth. Why doubt water flooding when tonifying water? ([Commentary] Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) assisting water to generate fire, not controlling water to generate earth. This discussion reveals heaven and earth's wonders.)
Some doubt Ren Shen's (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) functions are endless, leading to infinite debate. Perhaps concise statements are better. Alas! I am not fond of debate. Driven by necessity, I compare myself to Mencius. Today, people either fear Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) or misuse it. Fear leads to underuse; misuse leads to reckless use. Both kill. I debate Ren Shen's (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) merits to embolden the fearful; I debate its faults to curb the reckless.
Some doubt: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) tonifies qi and blood deficiency. Why question symptoms? Your lengthy discussion might deter people. Answer: Using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) requires wisdom, born of courage. Clarify merits and faults. With clear understanding and boldness, use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) according to symptoms, avoiding errors in sequence, quantity, or speed, achieving efficacy without harm. I fear speaking too little to bolster courage, yet you worry about speaking too much.
Someone asks: Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) is a yang herb. Why does it succeed in yin-class diseases? You say yin needs yang to generate. Yet some use it for yin deficiency and see increased fire. Isn't this proof it shouldn't be used for yin deficiency? Ancients said "lung heat injures the lung," implying Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) aids lung fire. How can Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) aid fire? It only aids yang qi. Although yin/yang divide into qi/blood, qi itself contains yin/yang. Yin qi needs yang qi to generate; yang qi needs yin qi to transform. Their root lies within qi. Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) aids yang qi 70% and yin qi 30%. In yin-tonifying formulas, small amounts of Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) generate yang, strengthening yin. Large amounts generate too much yang, depleting yin. Thus, using Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) to tonify yin should be done in small amounts, not avoided entirely.
Someone asks: You detailed Ren Shen's (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) use in various diseases but omitted Tai Yang disease (Cold Damage). Can Tai Yang disease (Cold Damage) never use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma)? Unknown deficiency patterns in Tai Yang disease (Cold Damage) must use Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), especially complicated cases. For deficiency patterns like Tai Yang disease (Cold Damage) with floating-tight pulse and body pain, one should naturally use Ma