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(Mountain Herbs) Clearing Heat, Killing Parasites, and Expelling Abnormal Qi of Epidemic Nature

Guanzhong (Radix Cyathulae / Rhizoma Dryopteris Crassirhizomatis) [Note: Traditional Guanzhong varies by region, often referring to *Cyathula officinalis* or *Dryopteris crassirhizoma*. Here translated as Guanzong based on context of liver/stomach entry and historical usage]. It is commonly known as Guanzhong. Its taste is bitter, nature is slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. When abnormal epidemic qi prevails in the world, people often place this herb in water vats so that drinking the water prevents infection. Moreover, not only can it detoxify, but it is also applicable for metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, masses (Zhengjia), macules and pustules, parasitic infestations, and fish bones stuck in the throat. This is because bitterness can kill parasites and coldness can dissipate heat. (Since most symptoms arise from heat.) In the past, Wang Shuo in *Baiyi Xuanfang* stated that after eating carp soup, one got a fish bone stuck, and hundred medicines were ineffective. Someone suggested decocting Guanzhong into a thick juice and administering it continuously; upon one cough, the bone was expelled. This demonstrates its efficacy in softening hardness, which is indeed miraculous! Its shape resembles Gouji (Rhizoma Cibotii) but is larger. Its juice can restrain Sanhuang (Coptidis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, and Rheomi Radix et Rhizoma), dissolve five metals, subdue Zhongru (Concha Ostreae / Stalactitum), condense sand, and control mercury. It has the functions of detoxification and softening hardness.

(Wetland Herbs) Clearing Wind-Heat of the Liver Meridian

Qingxiangzi (Semen Celosiae) [Note: Often identified as Semen Celosiae argenteae]. It is the seed of the cockscomb flower. *Beiyao* also states it is Caojueming. Its taste is bitter, nature is slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. It enters the Foot Jueyin Liver meridian. For conditions such as generalized wind-itch, erosion by insect scabies, bluish color of the lips, Qingmang (blindness due to liver deficiency/heat), and swelling of the cornea, these are mostly caused by excessive heat and vigorous wind. (There are cases not entirely due to wind-heat; here we speak specifically of wind-heat.) Books state that taking this herb cures eye diseases, dissipates bluish lip color, kills three types of worms, and stops wind-itch. This is none other than because blood heat is cleared. (Cold nature overcomes heat.) When the blood vessels harmonize, the disease naturally heals, with no other hidden meaning. However, it is strictly contraindicated for those with dilated pupils. (Because it may aid fire.) Its shape resembles a cockscomb with long, pointed spikes. It should be crushed before use.

(Bamboo Shoots/Wood) Clearing Lung and Cooling Stomach, Relieving Restlessness and Vomiting

Zhuru (Caulis Bambusae in Taeniam) [Note: Bamboo shavings/descaling bamboo stem]. It enters the Lung and Stomach meridians exclusively. Its taste is sweet and bland, its qi is cold and slippery. For conditions where pathogenic heat lodges in the Lung, causing Lung Metal to lose nourishment, resulting in restlessness, thirst, and uneasiness, diaphragmatic obstruction, vomiting, nausea during pregnancy (Ezu), hematemesis, and epistaxis, this herb should be taken. (These symptoms are discussed in terms of Lung and Stomach heat.) Because sweetness stabilizes the Middle Jiao so that restlessness does not arise, and coldness resolves heat so that qi becomes tranquil. (The skin enters the Lung and Upper Jiao; it is used in Wendan Tang.) Therefore, *Jinkui Yaolue* treats postpartum deficiency restlessness and vomiting with Zhupi Dawan; *Qianjin Fang* treats postpartum internal deficiency, restlessness, heat, and shortness of breath with Gan Zhuru Tang. (Zhuru 1 sheng, Gancao, Fuling, Huangqin each 2 liang, decocted in water and taken orally.) For postpartum deficiency restlessness, headache, shortness of breath, and unresolved mental confusion, Dan Zhuru Tang is used. These prescriptions contain profound principles that must not be ignored. Take bamboo, scrape off the outer membrane, and select the second layer resembling hemp fibers as the best quality.