Library

Yimu Cao (Leonurus japonicus), also known as Yetianma and Chongweizi, is indicated for all kinds of disorders in women before and after childbirth. Those that bloom with red-purple flowers in the fourth and fifth lunar months are suitable for medicinal use, while those with white flowers are not used. Its appearance resembles Xiakucao (Prunella vulgaris). According to Zhu Zhenheng's Bencao: Xiakucao has no odor, whereas Yimucao has an odor; clearly, they are two different species. Both grow in spring, but Xiakucao does not produce seeds and withers when summer arrives. This is because it possesses pure Yang Qi and withers upon encountering Yin Qi, hence its name "Summer-Withering Grass." Yimucao, however, withers first and then produces black seeds. Herb collectors should be clear on this point and collect and use them correctly so as not to mislead people. Although Waitai Mi Yao records the name Yimucao under Xiakucao, this is likely an error.

Zhu Shaozhang recorded in Quwei Jiwen: A monk named Puming from Qizhou resided on Mount Wutai. In his later years, he suffered from Fengji (Wind Disease/Stroke), losing all his eyebrows and hair, with rotting hands and feet. He wailed in agony, a sight too painful to bear. Suddenly, an extraordinary person instructed him to take Changsong (a fungal medicinal material). The monk could not identify it. The person further explained: Changsong grows beneath ancient pine trees; take its roots for consumption. It looks like Jicai (Shepherd's purse) in skin color, is three to five inches long, tastes slightly bitter, resembles Renshen (Ginseng), and has a pleasant, clear fragrance. The monk collected and took it, and within ten days, his hair and beard grew back, and his appearance returned to normal. It is a pity that those suffering from Wind Disease today do not take it. According to Chen Cangqi's Bencao: Changsong is sweet, warm, non-toxic, and treats Wind-Blood Cold-Qi and chronic diseases; it warms the Middle and expels Wind. This herb resembles pine, but its leaves have resin, and it is produced in the valleys of Guannei. Jin Han Yitong states: Changsong is produced in the mountains northwest of Taihang, resembling Duhuo (Angelica pubescens) but fragrant. Among these three accounts, it is unknown which is correct.

Danggui (Angelica sinensis) is the principal herb for the Blood aspect, primarily entering the Liver Meridian. When the whole root is used, it invigorates Blood. For conditions of Qi and Blood confusion or coma, taking it brings stabilization, allowing Qi and Blood to return to their proper places, hence its name "Returning to the Origin." Its functions vary according to compatibility: combined with Renshen (Ginseng) and Huangqi (Astragalus), it tonifies Blood; combined with Dahuang (Rhubarb) and Qianniuzi (Pharbitis Seed), it breaks Blood; combined with Guigui (Cinnamon Twig), Fuzi (Aconite Root) and Zhuyu (Evodia Fruit), it becomes hot; combined with Dahuang (Rhubarb) and Mangxiao (Mirabilite), it becomes cold. This is not due to a lack of inherent nature, but rather being influenced by the momentum of the accompanying herbs. For example, Ginger (Shengjiang): people generally consider it hot, yet it contains five colors; retaining the peel makes it warm, removing the peel makes it hot. Similarly, Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) can act as a gentleman or a villain depending on context. Recent physicians often prohibit the use of Danggui when treating blood disorders in men and women. I write this to dispel such confusion.