今人惟知去痰,不言益脾,盖能分水故也。脾恶湿,湿则濡而困,困则不能制水。经
曰∶“湿胜则泻”。一男子夜数如厕,或教以生姜壹两碎之,半夏汤洗,与大枣各三十枚,
水一升,瓷瓶中慢火烧为熟水,时时呷,数日便已。
常山苗也。治疟、多吐人,其他亦未见所长。此草也。虑岁久,人或别有异论,故预
云。余如经。
经中并不言治眼,《药性论》始言之。能治肝藏热毒冲眼、赤障、青盲。萧炳可云
∶“理眼。”日华子云∶“益脑髓,明耳目,镇肝。”今人多用之治眼,殊不与经意相当。
古今服饵方少有用者,多见于敛疮方中。二物多相须而行。
今青蒿也,在处有之,得春最早,人剔以为蔬,根赤叶香。今人谓之青蒿,亦有所别
也。但一类之中,又取其青者。陕西、绥、银之间有青蒿。在蒿丛之间,时有一两窠,迥然
青色,土人谓之为香蒿。茎叶与常蒿一同,但常蒿色淡青,此蒿色深青。犹青,故气芬芳。
恐古人所用以深青者为胜,不然诸蒿何尝不青?
亦不至翘出众草、下湿地亦无,太山山谷间甚多。今只用其子。折之,其间片片相比
如翘,应以此得名尔。治心经客热最胜,尤宜小儿。
生河南洛阳界及新安土山中。性温,止腹痛,暖腰膝。《唐本》注及《药性论》甚
详。陶隐居失于不审,宜其排叱也。新安县界兼山野中屡尝见之,正如《唐本》注所说。至
今本“处山中人卖白头翁丸,言服之寿考”,又失古人命名之意。
Currently, people only know that Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) can resolve phlegm, but do not mention its ability to benefit the Spleen (Zang organ responsible for transformation and transportation), likely because it can separate and drain fluids. The Spleen dislikes dampness; when dampness is excessive, the Spleen becomes soggy and sluggish, and when sluggish, it cannot control water metabolism. The Classics state: "When dampness prevails, diarrhea occurs." A man suffered from frequent nocturia. Someone advised him to take 1 liang of crushed fresh ginger, Pinellia rhizoma washed with water, and 30 jujubes. These were boiled in one sheng of water in a porcelain bottle over slow fire until ready. He was instructed to sip this decoction occasionally. After several days, his condition resolved.
This refers to the young shoots of Changshan (Dichroae Radix). It is used to treat malaria and cases involving severe vomiting, but no other significant advantages are observed. This is an herbaceous plant. Considering the passage of time, people may have different opinions later, so I state this in advance. The rest follows the Classics.
Shuqi (Radix Dichroae) is the root of Changshan. It also treats malaria and expectoration of phlegm. The roots resembling chicken bones are considered superior.
The Classics do not mention its use for eye diseases; this was first stated in *Yao Xing Lun* (Treatise on Medicinal Properties). It can treat liver heat-toxin rushing to the eyes, causing red nebulae (corneal opacity) and blindness. Xiao Bing said: "Regulates the eyes." Ri Hua Zi said: "Benefits the brain marrow, clarifies the ears and eyes, and anchors the Liver." Nowadays, people mostly use it to treat eye diseases, which does not align well with the original intent of the Classics.
In ancient and modern formulas for oral administration, few use this herb. It is more commonly seen in formulas for astringing sores. These two substances often act synergistically.
This is the current Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba), found everywhere. It emerges earliest in spring. People prepare it as a vegetable by removing stems and leaves; its root is reddish and its leaves are fragrant. People now call it Qinghao, but there are distinctions. Among plants of the same category, those with a greener hue are selected. In Shaanxi, Suizhou, and Yinzhou, there is Qinghao. Among clumps of mugwort-like herbs, occasionally one or two clusters stand out with a distinctly green color, which locals call Xianghao (Fragrant Mugwort). Its stems and leaves are similar to common mugwort, but while common mugwort is pale green, this variety is deep green. Because it remains green, its aroma is fragrant. It is feared that the ancients preferred the deep-green variety for better efficacy; otherwise, why would all mugworts not be green?
It does not tower above other grasses, nor does it grow in low-lying wetlands; it is abundant in the valleys of Mount Tai. Currently, only its seeds are used. When broken, the seed parts lie close together like a quill or hook, which is likely how it got its name. It is most effective in treating residual heat in the Heart channel, especially suitable for children.
It grows in the borders of Luoyang, Henan, and the mountainous areas of Xin'an. Its nature is warm. It stops abdominal pain and warms the waist and knees. The annotations in *Xin Xiu Ben Cao* (Newly Revised Materia Medica) and *Yao Xing Lun* are very detailed. Tao Hongjing failed to examine this carefully, and thus deserves criticism. I have frequently seen it in the wilds of Xin'an County, exactly as described in the *Xin Xiu Ben Cao*. To this day, sellers in Chu Mountain sell Baitouweng Wan (Pulsatilla Pill), claiming it prolongs life, which misses the original meaning behind the ancients' naming of the herb.