Library

Boil together with black soybeans (Glycine max). Use as guiding herbs: Ma Cao (Ranunculus ternatus) and Yuan Zhi (Polygala tenuifolia). Incompatible with Ban Xia (Pinellia ternata), Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kirilowii), Bei Mu (Fritillaria cirrhosa), Bai Lian (Ampelopsis japonica), and Bai Ji (Bletilla striata); adverse to Li Lu (Veratrum nigrum); fears Yi Tang (Maltose syrup), cold water, and black soybeans.

Acrid, bitter, extremely hot, highly toxic. Explores various wind pathogens, eliminates various dampness, resolves stubborn phlegm, treats stubborn sores, and causes abortion. When the juice is boiled into a paste, it is called She Wang (Poisonous Paste). Applied to arrows for hunting; upon contact with blood, death is immediate.

Originates from Jiangzuo and Shannan regions. Now found everywhere. Its roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits resemble Chuan Wu Tou (Sichuan Aconite Root), but this variety is wild and lacks processing methods. The unique characteristic is that the root exterior is black while the interior is white, and it is wrinkled and dry. Associated growths also include Tian Xiong (Tianxiong, a type of Aconite lateral root) and Wu Hui (Wuhui, a type of Aconite lateral root).

For sores all over the body, especially severe on the scrotum and both legs: Take one liang of Cao Wu (Wild Aconite Root), soak in salt water overnight, stir-fry until dry, and grind into powder. Take one pig kidney, bake until cooked, chop and mash with a bamboo knife, mix with the powder, and form pills the size of mung beans using vinegar. Take thirty pills per dose. (Experience Formula No. 1.)

For chronic numbness or migratory joint pain due to wind-dampness: Take half a jin of Cao Wu (Wild Aconite Root), grind into powder. Place half a bag of tofu in a cloth bag, add the powder inside, fill the rest with tofu, press tightly, and boil in a pot overnight. The medicine will harden. Remove, sun-dry, and grind into powder. Take five fen per dose, administered with ginger and green onion decoction. (Formula No. 2.)

Use after processing.

Acrid, sweet, extremely warm, slightly toxic. It enters the Yangming Meridian. Eliminates wandering wind from the head and face, treats all scars, relieves damp itching in the genital area, and cures scabies, tinea, and wind sores. Stops heart pain and disperses blood stasis, treats weak legs and tonifies liver deficiency, cures aphonia due to stroke, and addresses dizziness caused by wind-phlegm.

Grows in Shu Jun. Harvested in March. It is said that this herb has been extinct for a long time, and no genuine ones exist afterwards. Li Shizhen stated: The root resembles small Cao Wu (Wild Aconite Root); dried roots have wrinkles and nodes. He also stated: Its roots and stems are identical to Fu Zi (Prepared Aconite Lateral Root). Currently used Bai Fu Zi resembles Chuan Wu Tou but has a white center; its identity is unknown, yet it is effective for dispelling wind.

For facial paralysis with mouth deviation: Combine with Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus) and Quan Chong (Scorpio), grind into powder, and take with wine. (Experience Formula No. 1.)

For hernia with testicular descent: Grind into powder, mix with saliva, apply to the umbilicus, and moxa for three to five sessions. (Formula No. 2.)

For slow convulsions in infants: Combine with Nan Xing (Arisaema erubescens) and Hei Fu Zi (Black Prepared Aconite Lateral Root), grind into powder, and take with ginger water. (Formula No. 3.)

Yuzhen San (Jade True Powder): Bai Fu Zi (Ten liang), Qiang Huo (Notopterygium incisum), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia divaricata), Nan Xing (Arisaema erubescens), Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica) (One liang each).

Grind into fine powder and store. Treats traumatic injuries, open wounds, or ulcerated wounds exposed to wind, and facial deviation. Can be taken internally or applied externally. (General Formula No. 1.)