Library

Qianhu (Peucedani Radix)
Bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature. Non-toxic. Abundantly produced in mountain valleys; roots are harvested in autumn. The color is white mixed with yellow, and the aroma is strong and penetrating. When used in medicine, it must be dried by sun exposure. It is incompatible with Luli (Veratrum nigrum Rhizome) and dislikes Zaojia (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus). With Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) as an guiding herb, it removes phlegm and excess like magic. It immediately eliminates fullness and stuffiness in the chest and hypochondrium, and drives out stagnant Qi in the heart and abdomen. It treats alternating chills and fever caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage), and promotes the elimination of the old and generation of the new. It dissipates wind, stops headaches, protects infants, and benefits Gan syndrome (childhood malnutrition due to spleen deficiency).

Xuanfuhua (Inulae Flos)
Salty and sweet in taste, warm in nature. Non-toxic. Another view states it is cold and purgative. Slightly toxic. It grows in clusters in deep valleys, also known as Jinfeicao (Golden Boiling Grass). Its color is deep yellow like chrysanthemum, so people also call it Jinqianhua (Gold Coin Flower). Harvested in July, dried by sun exposure for medicinal use. It treats Toufeng (wind affecting the head) and brightens the eyes, expels water-dampness, and unblocks bowels. It removes fullness in the chest and heart, belching, and hard痞 (masses/stagnation), eliminating them simultaneously. If the patient shows slight weakness and emaciation, caution is needed as it may damage Qi; it should not be taken in large doses. The leaves treat traumatic injuries and stop bleeding; the root treats wind-dampness and reconnects tendons.

Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma)
Bitter in taste, greatly cold in nature. The flavor is extremely concentrated. It belongs to Yin within Yin, and its action is descending. Non-toxic. Its shape resembles a cow's tongue, and it originates from Shuchuan (Sichuan). One must select those that are heavy and dense with brocade-like patterns; do not use those that are light, loose, rotten, or black. When combined with Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), it enters the Yangming channels. To direct the action upward, alcohol processing is required. Alcohol soaking reaches the top of the head; alcohol washing reaches the middle jiao (stomach region). Combined with Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix, metaphorically "boat and oar") to stay suspended, and moderated by Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, metaphorically "old man of the state") to prevent falling too quickly. With these assistants, pathogenic factors can be expelled. To direct the action downward, one must distinguish between rapid and slow methods. For rapid effect using raw Dahuang, soak it in boiling water for a moment and swallow; for a slower, milder effect using cooked Dahuang, decoct it with other herbs for a long time before taking. The dosage depends on the patient's excess or deficiency. Its nature is only sinking, not floating, so its action goes straight down without staying put. It harmonizes the middle, transforms food, and causes immediate passage of water and grain; it pushes out the old and generates the new, cleansing the intestines and stomach in an instant. It resolves Earth stagnation, removes obstruction, pacifies chaos, and establishes peace. Due to its fierce and potent power, it is specially given the title "General." It still guides out blood stasis and washes away stubborn phlegm. It breaks masses and accumulations to stop pain, and defeats carbuncles, ulcers, heat toxins, and reduces swelling. Do not take excessively; excessive purgation leads to loss of Yin. If ground into powder and mixed with egg white to a thick consistency, it can be applied to fire sores (burns/inflammation) for effect.
(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Dahuang is extremely cold, while Liuhuang (Sulfur) is extremely hot. The qi and taste of these two "Huang"s are vastly different; why are they both called "General"? It is because Liuhuang is the essence of extreme Yang, while Dahuang is a category of extreme Yin. One breaks pathogens and returns to righteousness, bringing forth Yang essence; the other pushes out the old and generates the new, quelling chaos. Both have abilities surpassing other herbs, making it appropriate that they share this high-ranking title.