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The Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) originating from the regions of Xingyang, Zhongmu, and Bianjing is of superior quality. In these areas, there is no snow accumulation in winter. The seedlings emerge in February. The stems are slender, tough, and straight, with a yellow exterior and red interior, and a hollow center.

In May, yellow flowers bloom at the tips of the shoots. The fruits are tight and small, resembling lily petals, with a sweet taste. The outer skin is red, while the inner kernels are black. The roots are purple-red. (Note from *Bencao Yan Yi*)

It tastes bitter, sweet, and acrid. Its nature is warm. Its scent and flavor are both thin. It is light, clear, and floating upward, belonging to Yang. It has an ascending and dispersing action. It is a herb for the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. It enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian and also traverses the Yang aspect of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It belongs to "Yang within Yin." It is a substance suitable for excess conditions. Cinnamon Twig Decoction (Guizhi Tang) is also such a herb. The Lung governs Wei Qi (Defensive Qi). This is a formula. (Zhang Yuansu/Haizang)

(If presenting with) headache as a Shao-Biao (Mark) syndrome of the Taiyang meridian. As a sweating agent, it opens the pores. After Qi forms the body, it cannot be used arbitrarily. Mahuang herb. Must avoid wind for one day. Taking diuretic, resolving, or ascending agents can suppress and inhibit Yang Qi in the lower part. For wind-related diseases, Mahuang... Scum should be skimmed off. Then add water. Boil until half a sheng remains. Seal tightly. If burnt, still avoid odors from chickens and dogs. It is said that for wind-bi cold pain, Mahuang... taken orally. The degree is reached when sweating occurs. Avoid wind. Note: Yellow swelling of the face and eyes, with a deep pulse, and difficulty in urination. Boil to obtain three sheng. Take one sheng per dose. For disease characterized by swelling above the waist, this method applies. It is not fluid retention. Mahuang Fuzi Decoction induces sweating. Half a sheng. Take eight fen per dose, three times daily. Post-heaven Qi is the master of Water. It runs through the five meridians, which is essentially Blood portion.

[Discussion] The *Shennong Ben Cao Jing* states that Mahuang is bitter and warm. Bitterness represents Yin of the earth, indicating a pathway from Yin to reach Yang. Based on the extreme Yin of the earth, i.e., when Water flows freely, Fire (Heat)... Ying Qi (Nutritive Qi). Blood vessels. Summer. Therefore, generally... it is unobstructed. It drives out pathogens in Ying. So that Ying pathogens remain... severe. Arising from Ying. Yang then Ying harmonizes. Pain and fever. Body... This is so. It must not be used rashly. Cold Qi reverses and... suffering symptoms. Although... exterior. Also does not... cold phlegm. Cold water. (Adjust according to syndrome differentiation.) Understand. Mahuang correctly addresses Wind-Cold pathogenic factors. From this, it can be deduced...) Thus, Yang. Depression and dizziness. Orifices are unobstructed. There is ascending... dispersing upward, congesting cold pathogens. Then cold pathogens disperse themselves first. Even treating epilepsy... assistance. Also stroke and head... thus calmed. The Great Yang (Taiyang) is... causing pain. It cannot penetrate true... swelling and bi syndromes. As well as heart and hypochondrium. With the penetration of True Yang, originally not... then Yin of the earth harmonizes. It is said that only when Wei Qi is unobstructed, and Yin... Thus. When True Yang penetrates, True Yin... its use is excellent.

Note: This herb can penetrate and drain the True Yang of Extreme Yin. It is suitable only when Ying Qi is stagnant and blood vessels are knotted. If used inappropriately, it can deplete the body's True Qi and cause collapse of Yuan Qi (Original Qi). Paralysis. And miscellaneous...

[Processing] Break off the nodes and roots. Boil in water for more than ten boils. Skim off the foam on top with bamboo slices. (Foam causes irritability.) Add other herbs afterward. Root nodes. Scent and flavor are sweet and neutral. Used specifically to stop sweating. In summer, mix with powder and apply externally. (Li Zhenbai) Internal administration is particularly good. Medical texts treat spontaneous sweating and night sweats. Its nature circulates through muscles. Effect is like... drinking mid-summer heat. Post-sweating deficiency sweat. One qian. Stir-fry together until black. Add a small amount of Moschus (Shexiang, 麝香). Grind into powder. Use frequently in the nose.

[Discussion] Mahuang root nodes and stems are the same substance that allows Yang to emerge. Yet, there lies the subtlety of not violating the nodes in its emergence. Easily encountering dispersion and receiving Yang of...