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Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), with bitter and pungent flavors, has a neutral yet warm nature. It ascends and belongs to the Yang category; it is non-toxic. It enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian and the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and also the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian.

It excels at dispersing Wind pathogens, relieving pain in the bones and joints throughout the body, eliminating both old and new Wind-Dampness, and stopping headaches and toothaches. Ancient physicians considered Qianghuo as the Sovereign herb (Jun Yao, the principal herb in a formula that targets the main pathogen or symptom) because it can rectify chaos and restore order, possessing the power to reverse situations. However, I personally believe it should only serve as an Envoy herb (Shi Yao, a herb that guides other herbs to specific meridians or enhances their effect) and cannot even serve as a Minister or Assistant herb (Chen/Zuo Yao, herbs that assist the sovereign herb). (Commentary: The assertion that Qianghuo cannot be a Sovereign or Minister herb is clearly reasoned, reflecting a deep concern for saving lives.) This is because its pungent flavor and ascending nature make its dispersing action too strong. It can be used as a Guiding herb (Yin Jing Yao) to unblock the upper and lower parts, thereby removing Wind and dissipating Dampness. If one relies on it as a Sovereign or Minister herb, intending to harmonize Qi and Blood and regulate Yin and Yang, it will inevitably lead to unexpected complications and disaster within moments. Therefore, Qianghuo should only be added to formulas containing Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), and Fuling (Poria), to expel pathogens and restore righteousness, thus achieving miraculous effects.

Qianghuo and Duhuo (Aucklandiae Radix) are originally two different herbs, but various editions of Bencao (Materia Medica) erroneously state they are the same. Master Zhang Zhongjing used Duhuo to treat Shaoyin pathogens, while Master Li Dongyuan used Qianghuo to treat Taiyang pathogens; each had their specific rationale. It was not based on the idea that dense and solid roots are Duhuo, while light and hollow ones are Qianghuo. Although both herbs disperse pathogens, their ascending and descending natures differ: Qianghuo ascends, while Duhuo descends. Regarding the point that neither can serve as a Sovereign or Minister herb and should only act as an Envoy, this applies to both.

Someone asked: "Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang (Nine-Ingredient Decoction of Notopterygium) was specifically used by ancients to disperse Cold-Wind pathogens, and modern practitioners all revere it. Yet you diminish Qianghuo to merely an Envoy herb. Is this not too dismissive?" I replied: "Although Qianghuo disperses Wind pathogens, it actually damages Righteous Qi (Zheng Qi, the body's vital energy and resistance). As the pathogen is dispersed and resolved, the Righteous Qi is also dissipated along with it. Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang is mixed and impure; I do not approve of it at all. How can the treatment methods for external contraction of Wind pathogens exceed the scope established by Master Zhang Zhongjing? How can the treatment for internal injury complicated by external contraction exceed the scope of Master Li Dongyuan? When treating external contractions, I follow Master Zhang Zhongjing; when treating internal injuries with external complications, I follow Master Li Dongyuan. In such cases, why would one insist on using Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang if the Wind pathogen does not depart?" (Commentary: Studying books to exhaust principles, one deeply understands the subtleties of these two masters.)

Some suspect: "Old Man Jiegu (Zhang Yuansu) created Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang to supplement the deficiencies in Master Zhang Zhongjing’s methods. His half-life’s learning is entirely contained in this formula. For you to slight Qianghuo and consequently slight his formula, I consider your view excessive." Alas! Old Man Jiegu created Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang because Master Zhang Zhongjing’s methods were not clear to the world, and Master Li Dongyuan had not yet created Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction). He was forced to establish this formula to treat external contractions, which essentially treated internal injuries. Now that Master Li Dongyuan has established Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, which is far superior to Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang, why use Jiegu’s formula again? As for treating external contractions, nothing surpasses the completeness of Master Zhang Zhongjing’s Treatise on Cold Damage (Shanghan Lun). External contractions change rapidly; how could a mere single formula like Qianghuo possibly govern external contractions transmitted through the Six Meridians? Moreover, Master Zhang Zhongjing’s Shanghan Lun has become clearer through my elucidation and that of Yu Jiayan. Therefore, directly using his formulas for external contractions leaves no doubt. Jiuwei Qianghuo Tang is truly unnecessary. Old Man Jiegu wasted half his life’s energy on this impure and mixed formula. What is there to admire? Thus, I slight it. Is this excessive?

Someone said: "Qianghuo and Duhuo are both dispersing herbs. Qianghuo ascends, while Duhuo descends. Ascending may carry the risk of floating instability. Rather than using Qianghuo, it is safer to use Duhuo." Alas! If there are pathogens, dispersal is appropriate; ascending is acceptable, and descending is also acceptable. If there are no pathogens to disperse, dispersing herbs should not be used at all, let alone discussing ascending or descending. Furthermore, these two substances are originally distinct; although their dispersing actions are similar, their ascending and descending natures differ. How can they be used interchangeably without caution?