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[Humid and Pungent Category] Invigorating Blood and Unblocking Stagnation

Jiucai (Allium tuberosum, Chives) [specifically enters the Liver, Kidney, and Stomach/Intestines channels]. Flavor: Pungent with a slight sourness. Nature: Warm, non-toxic. According to theory, Pungency can disperse, and Warmth can promote circulation. When stagnant Qi lodges in the Stomach and Intestines, Blood becomes more obstructed due to Qi stagnation. If Stomach Qi fails to communicate with the Five Zang Organs, it leads to coldness and pain in the lower back and knees, as well as the formation of Pi masses (abdominal lumps). The Liver governs free flow (Shuxie), and the Kidney governs closure and storage (Bicang). Deficiency of the Liver and Kidney results in improper timing of opening and closing. The Classics state: "Disease of the Foot Jueyin channel manifests as enuresis and Baiyin (white turbidity discharge)." Taking this herb promotes Qi movement and Blood dispersion, tonifies the Liver, and secures the Kidney, ensuring recovery. Thus, medical texts say: "The flavor of chives is most beneficial for patients." It can bring immediate relief to all conditions involving Blood stasis and Qi stagnation. (Zhenheng stated: For heart pain caused by consuming hot food or anger-induced stagnation leading to fixed blood stasis in the stomach region causing pain, it is appropriate to add Jiucai juice and Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) to the prescription to lift and regulate Qi and Blood. For heart pain caused by Kidney Qi attacking upwards, it is appropriate to mix Jiucai juice with Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) to make pills, taken on an empty stomach with Fennel Decoction. This is because Jiucai has an urgent nature that disperses Qi and Blood stagnation in the Stomach. Furthermore, for regurgitation, two cups of Jiucai juice mixed with one cup of Ginger Juice and one cup of Milk should be taken slowly while warm. Jiucai juice dissolves blood stasis; Ginger Juice directs Qi downward, resolves phlegm, and harmonizes the Stomach; Milk clears heat, moistens dryness, and tonifies deficiency. *Danfang Zonglu* states: Inability to swallow indicates Fire; vomiting after a long time indicates lack of Fire. Shicai added that this need not be rigidly applied; if the pulse is large and forceful with sour-smelling vomit, treat as Heat; if the pulse is small and weak with clear water vomit, treat as Cold. Yellowish-white and withered complexion indicates Deficiency-Cold; reddish and glossy complexion indicates Excess-Heat. Combining complexion and pulse analysis ensures accuracy.) For dog or snake bites, crush fresh chives into a paste, add a little salt, apply thickly, and change frequently to ensure safety. For contusions from beating causing blood coagulation, apply thinly and move the area to dissipate the stasis. For chronic dysentery that does not stop, cook with crucian carp (*Carassius auratus*) and eat to halt symptoms. However, it is strictly contraindicated for those with excessive Fire or Yin deficiency. Contraindicated with Honey and Beef. (Wang Ang noted: Many people today stir-fry beef with chives, finding the taste excellent, without observing harm. Also, the Classics state: "Poisons attack pathogens; Grains nourish; Livestock benefit; Vegetables fill; Fruits assist." By combining flavors and natures, essence and Qi are tonified. The Five Vegetables include Jiu, Xie, Cong, Kui, and Huo. The Five Fruits include Tao, Li, Zao, Xing, and Li. If chives and fruits were truly contraindicated with beef, why would the Classics not mention such prohibitions?)

Jiu Zi (Allii Tuberosi Semen, Chive Seed)
Functions and treatments are roughly similar, but it is superior in treating spermatorrhea and leukorrhea. (*Suwen* states: "Disease of the Foot Jueyin channel manifests as enuresis. Endless thoughts and excessive sexual intercourse lead to Sinew Atrophy and Baiyin. Males pass it with urine; females have continuous discharge." Jiu Zi treats spermatorrhea, leakage, frequent urination, and female leukorrhea by entering the Jueyin channel and tonifying deficiencies in the Lower Jiao Liver and Mingmen (Gate of Life). Mingmen is the residence storing Essence, hence it treats these conditions jointly.) Use after steaming, sun-drying, frying, and grinding. (*Jiuji Yifang*: For toothache caused by worms/smoke, heat a tile until red, place several Jiu Zi seeds on it, add a few drops of sesame oil. When smoke rises, use a tube to direct the smoke to the painful area. After some time, rinse and spit with warm water. Effectiveness is confirmed if small worms emerge. If not fully resolved, fumigate again.)