详论药性平和,惟在以硼砂而去积,用龙齿以安魂。青皮快膈除膨胀,且利脾胃;芡实
益精治白浊,兼补真元。原夫木贼草去目翳,崩漏亦医;花蕊石治金疮、血行即却。决明和
肝气治眼之剂,天麻主脾湿祛风之药。甘草和诸药而解百毒,盖以性平;石斛平胃气而补肾
虚,更医脚弱。观夫商陆治肿,覆盆益精。琥珀安神而破血,朱砂镇心而有灵。牛膝强足补
精,兼疗腰痛;龙骨止汗住湿,更治血崩。甘松理风气而痛止,蒺藜疗风疮而目明。
人参润肺宁心,开脾助胃;蒲黄止崩治衄,消瘀调经。岂不以南星醒脾,去惊风痰吐之
忧;三棱破积,除血块气滞之症。没石主泄泻而神效,皂角治风痰而附应。桑螵蛸疗遗精之
泄,鸭头血医水肿之盛。蛤蚧治劳嗽,牛蒡子疏风壅之痰;全蝎主风瘫,酸枣仁去怔忡之病。
尝闻桑寄生益血安胎,且止腰痛;大腹子去膨下气,亦令胃和。小草远志,俱有宁心之妙;
木通猪苓,尤为利水之多。莲肉有清心醒脾之用,没药任治疮散血之科。郁李仁润肠宣水,
去浮肿之疾;茯神宁心益智,除惊悸之 。白茯苓补虚劳,多在心脾之有眚;赤茯苓破结
血,独利水道以无毒。
因知麦芽有助脾化食之功,小麦有止汗养心之力。白附子去面风之游走,大腹皮治水肿
之泛溢。椿根白皮主泻血,桑根白皮主喘息。桃仁破瘀血,兼治腰痛;神曲健脾胃,而进饮
食。五加皮坚筋骨以立行,柏子仁养心神而有益。抑又闻安息香辟恶,且止心腹之痛;冬瓜
仁醒脾,实为饮食之资。僵蚕治诸风之喉闭,百合敛肺劳之嗽萎。赤小豆解热毒,疮肿宜用;
枇杷叶下逆气,蝎呕可医。连翘排脓疮与肿毒,石楠叶利筋骨与毛皮。谷芽养脾,阿魏除
邪气而破积;紫河车补血,大枣和药性以开脾。然而鳖甲治劳疟,兼破症瘕;龟甲坚筋骨,
更疗崩疾。乌梅主便血疟痢之用,竹沥治中风声音之失。此六十八种平和之药,更宜参本草
而求其详悉也。
A detailed discussion on herbs with mild properties: only Borax (Pengsha) is used to eliminate accumulations, and Dragon Tooth (Longchi) is employed to calm the soul. Qingpi (Green Tangerine Peel) relieves chest fullness and reduces distension, benefiting the Spleen and Stomach; Qianshi (Euryale Seed) nourishes essence, treats leukorrhea, and supplements the True Yuan (Original Qi).
Originally, Muzei Cao (Tamarisk Herb) removes nebulae from the eyes and can also treat metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding); Huarui Shi (Rouge Stone) treats traumatic injuries caused by metal weapons, where blood circulation causes stasis to recede. Juemingzi (Cassia Seed) is a formula that harmonizes Liver Qi and treats eye conditions; Tianma (Gastrodia Rhizome) is an herb primarily for dampness in the Spleen and dispelling wind. Gancao (Licorice Root) harmonizes various herbs and resolves hundred toxins due to its mild nature; Shihu (Dendrobium Stem) balances Stomach Qi and tonifies Kidney deficiency, further treating weakness in the legs.
Observing Shanglu (Phytolacca Root) treats edema, and Fupenzi (Rubus Fruit) nourishes essence. Hupo (Amber) calms the Spirit and breaks blood stasis; Zhusha (Cinnabar) settles the Heart and possesses spiritual efficacy. Niuxi (Achyranthes Root) strengthens the feet and supplements essence, additionally treating lower back pain; Longgu (Fossilized Bones) stops sweating and retains dampness, further treating severe uterine bleeding. Gansong (Nardostachys Rhizome) regulates Qi and stops pain; Jili (Tribulus Fruit) treats wind sores and brightens the eyes.
Renshen (Ginseng Root) moistens the Lungs, calms the Heart, opens Spleen Qi, and assists Stomach Qi; Puhuang (Pollen Typhae) stops metrorrhagia and epistaxis, eliminates blood stasis, and regulates menstruation. Is it not that Nanxing (Arisaema Rhizome) awakens the Spleen, removing worries of convulsions and phlegm vomiting; Sanleng (Sparganium Rhizome) breaks accumulations, eliminating symptoms of blood masses and Qi stagnation?
[Meishi] (Note: Likely refers to a specific mineral or a textual variant such as Meishizi/Myrobalan or Chishizhi/Hematite given the context of diarrhea, but translated literally here as Magnesite/Stone) primarily treats diarrhea with miraculous effect; Zaojiao (Gleditsia Fruit) treats wind-phlegm with immediate response. Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Egg-case) treats seminal emission and leakage; Yatouxue (Duck Head Blood) treats severe edema. Gejie (Gecko) treats consumptive cough; Niubangzi (Arctium Fruit) disperses phlegm obstructed by wind; Quanxie (Scorpion) primarily treats wind-induced paralysis; Szaoren (Jujube Seed) removes palpitations.
It has been heard that Sangjisheng (Taxillus Branch) nourishes blood and calms the fetus, while stopping lower back pain; Dafuzi (Areca Seed) reduces distension and directs Qi downward, also harmonizing the Stomach. Xiaocao (Polygala Root alias) and Yuanzhi (Polygala Root) both possess the wonder of calming the Heart; Mutong (Akebia Stem) and Zhuling (Polyporus) are particularly effective in promoting urination. Lianrou (Lotus Seed Flesh) has the use of clearing the Heart and awakening the Spleen; Moyao (Myrrh) is employed in departments treating sores and dissipating blood stasis. Yuliren (Prunus Seed) moistens the intestines and promotes water flow, removing edema; Fushen (Poria with Wood) calms the Heart and enhances intelligence, removing palpitations and fright. Baifuling (White Poria) tonifies deficiency and exhaustion, often used when there are lesions in the Heart and Splech; Chifuling (Red Poria) breaks stagnant blood, uniquely benefiting the water passages without toxicity.
Therefore, it is known that Maiya (Barley Sprout) has the merit of assisting the Spleen in digesting food; Xiaomai (Wheat Grain) has the power to stop sweating and nourish the Heart. Baifuzi (Typhonii Rhizoma) removes wandering wind on the face; Dafupi (Areca Pericarpium) treats overflowing edema. Chun Gen Bai Pi (Toona Bark) primarily treats bloody stool; Sang Gen Bai Pi (Mulberry Root Bark) primarily treats wheezing. Taoren (Peach Kernel) breaks blood stasis and additionally treats lower back pain; Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) strengthens the Spleen and Stomach, promoting appetite. Wujia Pi (Acanthopanacis Cortex) strengthens sinews and bones to enable standing and walking; Baiziren (Biota Seed) nourishes the Heart Spirit and provides benefit.
Furthermore, it is heard that Anshixiang (Styrax) wards off evil and stops heart and abdominal pain; Dongguaren (Winter Melon Seed) awakens the Spleen, truly serving as support for digestion. Jiangcan (Bombyx Batryticatus) treats throat closure caused by various winds; Baihe (Lily Bulb) consolidates Lung consumption and treats withered cough. Chixiaodou (Adzuki Bean) resolves heat toxins, suitable for sores and swelling; Pipaye (Loquat Leaf) directs rebellious Qi downward, treating scorpion-like vomiting. Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit) expels pus from sores and detoxifies swellings; Shinanye (Fatsia Leaf) benefits sinews, bones, hair, and skin. Guya (Rice Sprout) nourishes the Spleen; Awei (Asafoetida) eliminates pathogenic factors and breaks accumulations; Ziheche (Human Placenta) tonifies blood; Dazao (Jujube Fruit) harmonizes herb properties to open the Spleen.
However, Biejia (Tartar Testudinis) treats consumptive malaria and additionally breaks zheng jia (masses); Guijia (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis) strengthens sinews and bones, further treating metrorrhagia. Wumei (Mume Fruit) is used for hematochezia, malaria, and dysentery; Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) treats loss of voice due to wind-stroke. These sixty-eight mild herbs should be further consulted in the Materia Medica for their detailed descriptions.