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Flavor: Acrid; Temperature: Slightly Warm; Toxicity: Non-toxic. Long-term consumption removes turbid qi and clarifies the spirit (Shenming).

Chen Xiuyuan states: Regarding the temperature of all herbs, those belonging to Jueyin Wind-Wood are categorized by their thermal nature; Great Warmth belongs to Heat and is associated with Shaoyin Sovereign Fire; Slight Warmth inherits the Wood Qi of early spring, thus specifically entering the Foot-Shaoyang Gallbladder Channel. Regarding flavor, Acridness belongs to Yangming Dryness-Metal; Great Acridness belongs to the Hand-Taiyin Lung and Hand-Yangming Large Intestine; Slight Acridness represents Metal within Earth, thus specifically entering the Foot-Yangming Stomach Channel. In Zhang Zhongjing’s Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and similar formulas, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) is used together with Dazao (Jujube); this takes advantage of its acridity to harmonize Lung Wei (Defensive Qi), and combined with the sweetness of Jujube to nourish Heart Ying (Nutritive Qi), thereby jointly regulating Ying and Wei. In Zhenwu Tang (Zhenwu Decoction) and Linggui Gancao Dazao Tang (Poria, Cinnamon Twig, Licorice and Jujube Decoction), it is used because acridity can promote the free flow of Lung Qi; when Qi moves, water metabolism normalizes, and sweating stops, as the Lung is the upper source of water. In Xiaochaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction) and Dachaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction), it is used because it is a herb of the Shaoyang proper channel. In Wuzhuyu Tang (Evodia Decoction), it is used to stabilize Yangming Qi; since Yangming Qi should descend smoothly, vomiting ceases naturally. When Shaoyin Qi ascends to interact with the central Earth of Yangming, diarrhea also ceases. Although *Ben Jing* does not explicitly state these mechanisms, Zhang Zhongjing uniquely perceived their subtleties through the flavors and temperatures of the herbs. The statement that long-term use removes turbid qi and clarifies the spirit implies that turbid qi belongs to Yin, while the spirit represents the灵动 (agility/spirituality) of Yang; thus, it indicates the efficacy of supporting Yang and suppressing Yin. Modern people only know its ability to disperse pathogens and induce sweating, unaware of its function in rectifying Zheng Qi (Upright Qi) and stopping sweating. They often doubt the use of Shengjiang in Zhenwu Tang or Jinxiao Baizhu Tang (Near-Effect Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) and arbitrarily remove it, which is an error resulting from rigid adherence to textual literalism. Furthermore, patients often refuse to take prescriptions containing Shengjiang, claiming they have a history of blood disorders or previous conditions such as eye redness and Hou Bi (Sore Throat with Swallowing Difficulty). This is essentially placing oneself in a fatal position; what is there to complain about?

Flavor: Acrid; Temperature: Neutral; Toxicity: Non-toxic. Prepared as a decoction, it treats cold-heat alternations caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage), facial and ocular edema due to Fengzhong (Wind Strike), and induces sweating.

Chen Xiuyuan states: Congbai (Scallion White) is Acrid and Neutral, capable of inducing sweating. The Taiyang Channel is the channel of Cold Water; when Cold pathogen invades the exterior, it causes fever and aversion to cold, which is resolved by the sweating action of Congbai. Wind is a Yang pathogen that often damages the upper body; when Wind prevails, it causes facial and ocular edema, which dissipates with the sweating effect of Congbai; this is likely common knowledge. However, regarding Zhang Zhongjing’s Tongmai Sini Tang (Tongmai Sini Decoction), adding Congbai for patients with red faces—does this not aim to guide Yang Qi back to its root? Why is Baitong Tang (Baitong Decoction) named after it? Does it not utilize the white part beneath the leaves to lead Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) and Fuzi (Prepared Aconite) into the Kidney Palace, urgently rescuing cases of severe diarrhea with absent pulse and imminent death? Both formulas are miraculous agents for restoring Yang. Restoring Yang first requires securing the collapse. Would Zhang Zhongjing deliberately use diaphoretic herbs? Scholars who fail to penetrate this principle are merely quacks who mislead others.