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(Mountain herbs) Have the effects of raising Yang Qi, dispersing dampness, inducing sweating to relieve the exterior, and resolving stagnation.

Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) (specifically enters the Spleen channel). Its taste is sweet, bitter, and pungent, with a strong aroma; its nature is warm and non-toxic. Although it has the functions of raising Yang Qi, dispersing stagnation, inducing sweating, and removing dampness: (*Yang's Family Verified Prescriptions* records: Men or women who consume a mixture of raw and cooked foods may have food stagnating in the intestines and stomach. Over time, parasites develop, leading to a craving for raw rice; otherwise, they feel unhappy all day long, eventually becoming emaciated, sallow-complexioned, and losing their appetite. Using Cangzhu alone made into pills can cure this. Liu Qingxiao, a performer from Yichang, had a courtesan named Hua Cui who was over fifteen years old and suffered from this illness. Zhao Yin, the supervisor of the Huimin Bureau, treated her with this method, and she recovered in twenty days. This is because raw rice stagnates in the intestines and stomach; affected by dampness, grains fail to digest, causing this disease. Therefore, Cangzhu is used to remove dampness, warm the stomach, and aid digestion.)

Dry Phlegm (Xu Shuwei stated in *Ben Shi Fang*: "I suffered from Yin Pi [accumulation due to fluid retention] for thirty years. Seeking treatment from many famous doctors yielded no results. I speculated that there must be a 'Pi Nang' [sac-like accumulation] within me, similar to how water requires depressions to fill before flowing. Only clear water can flow, while turbid water stagnates without a path to drain. Thus, after accumulating for five to seven days, it must be vomited out. The Earth element of the Spleel detests dampness, and water flows toward damp places. It is best to dry the Spleen to remove dampness and build up the Earth to fill the depressions. Consequently, I discontinued all other medicines and used only Cangzhu combined with date flesh made into pills, avoiding plums, peaches, and sparrow meat, until the disease was eliminated.")

Expelling Evil (Li Shizhen said: Tao Hongjing stated that Zhu [Atractylodes] can eliminate evil qi and avert disasters. Therefore, during epidemics and on New Year's Day, people often burn Cangzhu to ward off evil qi. *Yi Jian Zhi* records that a scholar in Jiangxi was invaded by Yin Qi. Someone said, "You will likely suffer from sudden diarrhea, but taking Pingwei San frequently is beneficial. It contains Cangzhu, which can expel evil.")

Treating swelling. However, Cangzhu has little sweet flavor and heavy bitter/pungent flavors, unlike Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), whose nature is moderate and balanced, directly consolidating the Middle Qi of Clear Yang, which is more exquisite. Therefore, when combined with Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma), it disperses stagnation and levels Qi. (Cangzhu can enter various meridians directly, draining dampness from the Yangming meridian and promoting the circulation of constrictive/stagnant Qi. Xiangfu is a herb that moves Qi rapidly within the Yin aspect. One rises and one descends, so stagnation disperses and Qi becomes level.) When combined with Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex), it treats damp-heat in the lower body. (Huangbai tastes bitter; bitterness overcomes heat, thus removing heat within dampness. Cangzhu is drying; dryness overcomes dampness, thus removing dampness within heat. The two complement each other excellently, hence the formula is called Er Miao San.) When combined with Dazao (Jujubae Fructus), it treats fluid retention under the ribs. (Using Dazao can consolidate the Middle Jiao.) When combined with Er Chen Tang plus Baizhu, Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma), and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), it treats intestinal wind and turbid discharge caused by Spleen dampness sinking downward. (Turbid discharge varies by cold, heat, phlegm, Qi, wind, and dampness; symptoms must be carefully examined for differential diagnosis.) However, it is suitable only for those with a robust physique and abundant dampness. Those who are thin with excessive fire must strictly avoid it. As for claims that it lightens the body and prolongs life, this is merely because it removes dampness; does it truly allow entry into fairy realms? (Many materia medica books contain claims of immortality, deceiving the world and confusing people, thereby obscuring the true meaning of medicinal substances.) Cangzhu originates from Maoshan; those that are firm and have cinnabar spots are superior. Soak in rice washing water, bake dry, and stir-fry with sesame seeds to control its dryness. Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) and Diyu (Sanguisorbae Radix) serve as guiding herbs.