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Zizhou Chaihu [pj52.bmp]
Jiangningfu Chaihu [pj53.bmp]

Bitter in taste, neutral and slightly cold in nature. The aroma and flavor are both light; it ascends, belongs to Yang, and is the Yang within Yin. Non-toxic. It grows in various regions, but the variety from Yinxia (a prefecture name, belonging to Shaanxi) is superior. The rootlets are long like a rat's tail, over one or two chi in length; its fragrance rises straight to the clouds, attracting cranes to gather. Harvested in the eighth month, the rhizome head is snapped off and cleaned. For treating ailments requiring ascending action, use the root soaked in wine; for actions moving centrally and descending, use the tips raw. It is inhibited by *Pulsatilla chinensis* (Nüwan) and *Veratrum nigrum* (Lilu), and uses *Pinellia ternata* (Banxia) as an guiding herb. It is a drug that travels through the four meridians of the Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, Hand-Jueyin, and Foot-Jueyin. It drains Liver Fire, removes phlegm-heat accumulation and irritability in the epigastrium, assisted by *Coptis chinensis* (Huanglian) stir-fried with pig bile; treats sores and ulcers, dissipates blood stasis and Qi stagnation in various meridians, functioning similarly to *Forsythia suspensa* (Lianqiao). It stops hemi-crania, stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium, and Dan-dan pain; releases muscle-layer heat, treats morning tidal fever, and alternating chills and fever. In the category of Shanghan (Cold Damage), it is truly an essential agent; in Wenmai (Warm Malaria), it serves as the principal formula. Furthermore, it alleviates spasms and contractures caused by damp-bi, which can be treated by bathing in a strong decoction. Within the Zang organs, it primarily governs Blood; within the Jing meridians, it primarily governs Qi. It is also an indispensable medicine for women during pregnancy and postpartum periods involving blood-heat. For irregular menstruation, adding Siwu Tang, *Gentiana macrophylla* (Qinjiao), and *Paeonia suffruticosa* var. *anceps* (Mudanpi) yields the most effective results; for retained blood after childbirth, assisting with *Ricinus communis* seed (Badou), *Sparganium stoloniferum* (Sanleng), and *Curcuma wenyujin* (Ezhu) for purgation brings immediate relief. It also guides clear Qi upward along the Yang pathways, and further guides Stomach Qi to arrive first in accordance with the Spring command. It may also be taken for a long time to brighten the eyes and lighten the body. The leaves are called Yunhao, pungent and aromatic, and edible.
(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: *Yanyi* states: "The *Shennong Bencao Jing* contains not a single word regarding the treatment of Lao (consumptive disease). Yet today, few formulas for treating Lao do not include this herb, misleading many people." I have traced the origin of Laoqie (consumptive weakness). Although there is a type characterized by true Zang deficiency compounded by pathogenic heat—where heat arises due to deficiency, hence "Lao" implies "firmness"—one must exercise caution and add it only in minute doses. Once the heat is eliminated, administration should cease immediately. If there is no heat, using this herb will exacerbate the condition. The *Jingyan Fang* (Experience Formulas) for treating Lao-heat features Qinghao Jian Wan, with a small addition of Chaihu being perfectly appropriate, thus ensuring efficacy. *Rihua Zi* mistakenly accepted this as fact, annotating under the *Bencao Jing* entry that it tonifies the five Laos and seven injuries, eliminates irritability, and boosts Qi and strength. *Yaoxing Lun* further claims it treats fatigue, emaciation, and thinness. These are all unwise acts, creating erroneous precedents. For such conditions, if there is no excess heat, and physicians persist in using it, death is inevitable! How can annotations in Materia Medica be half-hearted or careless? After ten thousand generations, the harm inflicted will be endless. Whose fault is it? Enlightened physicians certainly know what to select and discard; inferior practitioners will surely tread the same path. This is unlike Zhang Zhongjing’s treatment of Shanghan, where symptoms present as alternating chills and fever resembling malaria. He formulated Da Chaihu Tang, Xiao Chaihu Tang, Chaihu Jia Longgu Tang, and Chaihu Jia Mangxiao Tang. These are indeed crucial medicines, revered for all generations without flaw or criticism.