产江西抚州,中心有孔者是。
辛温无毒。逢原云∶性最升散,专于开郁宽胸,通行经络。郁在中焦,则胸膈痞满作痛,
须
抚芎开提其气以升之,气升则郁自降。故抚芎总解诸郁,直达三焦,为通阴阳气血之使,然
久服耗气,令人暴亡矣。
按∶芎 有数种,蜀产曰川芎,秦产曰西芎,江西为抚芎。纲目
取川芎列名,而西芎、抚芎仅于注中一见,亦不分其功用。盖芎 以蜀产为上,味辛而甘,
他产气味辛烈,远不逮矣。殊不知西芎与川芎,性不甚远,俱为血中理气之药。第西产不及
川产者力浓而功大。至抚芎则性专于开郁上升,迥然不同,故石顽于川芎下另立抚芎一条,
以明不可混,今从之。
芎归饮∶不药良方∶治失血涌吐,因饱食用力,或因持重努伤脉络,用当归二两或三两,
酒
浸洗。抚芎一两,微炒,水三碗,酒一碗半,煎至八分,作二次服之。取其引血归经。并治
跌扑坠打而伤脉络,令人大吐者。二症中如有瘀血,或加大黄下之,或加桃仁红花破之,或
加郁金黄酒行之,审症酌加,其效更速。普济方∶一切热疖时毒肿痛,抚芎 研,入轻粉麻
油调涂。
Produced in Fuzhou, Jiangxi, the variety with a hole in the center is the correct one.
Pungent, warm, non-toxic. *Fengyuan* states: Its nature is most ascending and dispersing, specifically used to open stagnation and broaden the chest, unblocking the meridians. If stagnation occurs in the middle jiao (Middle Burner), causing chest and diaphragm stuffiness, fullness, and pain, Fuxiong must be used to lift the qi so that it ascends; once the qi ascends, the stagnation naturally dissipates. Therefore, Fuxiong resolves various types of stagnation, reaches the three jiao directly, and acts as an envoy to connect yin and yang and qi and blood. However, long-term use depletes qi and can cause sudden death.
Note: There are several varieties of Xionqiong (Ligusticum rhizome). The Sichuan variety is called Chuanxiong, the Shaanxi variety is called Xixiong, and the Jiangxi variety is called Fuxiong. *Bencao Gangmu* lists Chuanxiong as the main entry, while Xixiong and Fuxiong appear only once in the notes, without distinguishing their functions. This is likely because Chuanxiong from Sichuan is considered superior, with a pungent yet sweet taste, whereas other varieties have a pungent and harsh flavor, far inferior. It is unknown that Xixiong and Chuanxiong have similar natures; both are herbs for regulating qi within the blood. However, the Shaanxi variety is not as potent or effective as the Sichuan variety. As for Fuxiong, its nature is specifically focused on opening stagnation and ascending, which is completely different. Therefore, Zhang Shiwang established a separate entry for Fuxiong under Chuanxiong to clarify they should not be confused. We follow this approach here.
Xionggui Yin (Angelica and Ligusticum Decoction): From *Bu Yao Liang Fang*, treats hemorrhage and vomiting due to overeating and exertion, or injury to vessels from lifting heavy weights. Use Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) 2 liang or 3 liang, soaked and washed in wine. Fuxiong 1 liang, slightly stir-fried. Add 3 bowls of water and 1.5 bowls of wine, decoct until 0.8 remains, divide into two doses. This aims to guide blood back to the vessels. It also treats massive hematemesis caused by trauma, falls, or blows damaging the vessels. If blood stasis is present in either condition, add Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) to purge, or add Taoren (Persicae Semen) and Honghua (Carthami Flos) to break stasis, or add Yujin (Curcumae Radix) and Huangjiu (Vinum) to move qi. Adjust according to symptoms for faster efficacy. *Puji Fang* records: For all heat boils and toxic swellings, grind Fuxiong into powder, mix with Qingfen (Calomelas) and Mayou (Oleum Sesami), and apply externally.
Wang Lianshi says: It is the thousand-petal Narcissus flower. The yellow and white varieties are used medicinally; the red variety is not edible. Take the root, apply to poison, dry it, grind into powder, and combine with Tongguan San to insufflate into the nose.
Congxin says: It is a distinct variety of Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma). Miao Zhongchun used it to treat dysentery in *Guang Biji*, often with success.
Its nature is most agile and penetrating, treating injuries caused by downward flow in dysentery.
Note: Shengma with green color is best; it is not a different species.