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(Xi Cao) Clears Wind-Heat from the Lung.
Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus, 牛蒡子) [Specifically enters the Lung meridian]. Also known as E Shi and Shu Nian Zi. It is pungent, bitter, cold in nature, and slippery in texture. Nowadays, people only speak of its ability to resolve toxicity. Whenever encountering conditions such as sores and ulcers (Chuang Yang), carbuncles and swellings (Yong Zhong), or smallpox/rash diseases (Dou Zhen), it is invariably used for treatment. However, this has not explored its underlying rationale. Generally, the accumulation of toxic pathogens in the human body often stems from external contraction of Wind-Cold, causing Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi) to fail to flow smoothly and reverse within the flesh and muscles, thereby generating carbuncle toxins. Niu Bang Zi is pungent and bitter; it can both direct Qi downward and disperse Wind while clearing Heat. (It deeply embodies the principle of resolving both exterior and interior simultaneously.) Therefore, for symptoms arising from contracting Wind pathogenic factors and Heat toxins—such as edema of the face and eyes, cough with copious phlegm obstruction, swelling and pain in the throat, sores, ulcers, macules, and rashes, as well as all kinds of foul-toxic Sha Bi (Sha blockage), purplish-black smallpox lesions, and constipation—it helps achieve the resolution of exterior pathogens and the clearing of interior heat. Nevertheless, its nature is cold and slippery; excessive consumption damages Middle Qi (Spleen/Stomach Qi) and further weakens the exterior. For diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, it is particularly contraindicated. The fruit resembles a grape but is brownish. It should be mixed with wine, steamed, and once frost appears on the surface, wiped off before use.

(Man Cao) Clears Lung Heat and resolves Carbuncle Toxins.
Jin Yin Hua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, 金银花) [Specifically enters the Lung meridian]. It does not wither even after enduring winter, hence also known as Ren Dong. It is sweet in taste and cold in nature, non-toxic. Various texts state that it tonifies deficiency and nourishes blood, and also say it enters the Lung to dissipate heat, treating malignant sores, intestinal abscesses (Chang Yong), carbuncles and ulcers (Yong Ju), hemorrhoids, and fistulas. It is considered an essential agent for unblocking and treating toxicity both internally and externally. Analyzing this, it seems contradictory. In fact, when books mention its ability to tonify deficiency, it is because its fragrance and sweet taste imply that although its nature enters the interior to drive out heat, its Qi action is not rapid or violent enough to cause damage. When books mention its ability to nourish blood, it is because when toxic accumulation causes blood stasis, taking this herb dissolves the toxicity instantly, allowing the blood to naturally nourish itself. Ultimately, it belongs merely to the category of herbs that clear heat and resolve toxicity. (A definitive judgment.) Thus, for all kinds of carbuncles and ulcers, it penetrates inward, utilizing its cold nature to resolve heat and its strength to promote unblocking and free flow. Regarding the claim that it treats the five types of Zhu diseases (Shi Zhu), this is not false. (Fei Shi, Dun Shi, Feng Shi, Chen Shi, and Shi Zhu are five types of Zhu diseases with different etiologies; here, it specifically addresses heat generated by internal binding of Wind-Dampness. Additionally, according to *Jing Yao*: The Ren Dong Wine formula treats all carbuncles and ulcers. Since poor individuals find materials hard to obtain, one must take a handful of fresh Ren Dong Teng (Lonicerae Japonicae Caulis), grind the leaves into a paste in a mortar, add a little wine made from raw rice cakes, adjust to appropriate consistency, and apply around the periphery of the lesion, leaving a central opening to vent gas. Use five taels of the vine, bruised with a wooden mallet, avoiding iron contact. Use one tael of raw Da Gan Cao Jie (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma nodes), place them together in a clay pot, add two basins of water, simmer slowly over high then low heat until one basin remains, add one large bowl of good unadulterated wine, boil for more than ten times, strain, and divide into three doses. Consume within one day and night. For severe cases, administer two doses per day until the large and small intestines become unblocked, indicating the medicinal force has reached the target.) Claims that long-term consumption lightens the body and prolongs life are undoubtedly excessive flattery. Ancient records of drug efficacy are generally like this. The key lies in the prescriber’s clear understanding and discernment, not being misled by exaggerated claims of drug effects. The flower and leaf have similar functions, but the flower is superior. (In the Jiang-Zhe region, it is used as a substitute for tea.)