性近肉桂,浓去外皮。入心、脾、血分而祛寒止痛;内托排脓,为治内不治外之专药
即大桂。禀离火纯阳之气,辛胜于甘而微带苦性,偏温散而能上行。治心腹冷痛,筋
拘挛,不减肉桂。若相火不归,下元虚冷,其力不能直达下焦,为稍逊耳。
一名筒桂。辛甘性温,入经髓而宣通百脉,导引诸药。有辛温行散之功,无壮火食
患,经络寒痹最宜之。
辛甘微温,入手少阴而温营散表,发汗祛寒,为伤寒、中风营分散寒专药。按∶
主下元,总理中外气血;桂心专温脏腑营血,不行经络气分;牡桂性兼上行,统治表
官桂善走胁肋,不能直达下焦;桂枝调和营卫,解散风寒为异。
一名迎春花,即木笔花。性味辛寒,轻浮入肺,兼入胃经,能引胃中清气上行,通于
脑,为脑热鼻渊之专药。
辛苦性温,诸木皆浮,而沉香独沉。入右肾命门,力能堕痰下气,为宣导下行专药
汁摩冲用。阴虚血燥、气陷火炎均忌。
辛温纯阳,入肺胃而温中散滞,为胃虚冷呃专药。小者,名公丁香,可供食料,不
剂。
性味辛温,入脾肺气分而兼入肝胃。能引胃气上行,调中解郁,为治膈止吐专药。
Guixin (Cinnamon Heart): The medicinal nature is close to Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), requiring decoction with sufficient concentration and removal of the outer bark. It enters the Heart, Spleen, and Blood aspect to dispel cold and alleviate pain; it has the effect of internal support and pus drainage, serving as a specialized medicine for treating internal conditions rather than external ones.
Also known as Da Gui (Large Cinnamon). It inherits the pure yang energy of Li Fire (Fire element in Bagua). Its pungent flavor outweighs its sweet flavor, with a slight bitterness. It tends toward warm dispersion and can ascend. For treating cold pain in the heart and abdomen, and tendon spasms, its efficacy is comparable to Rougui. However, if Ministerial Fire fails to return to its source and the Lower Yuan is deficient and cold, its power cannot directly reach the Lower Jiao, making it slightly inferior in this regard.
Also called Tong Gui (Tube Cinnamon). Pungent, sweet, and warm in nature. It enters the meridians and marrow to unblock all vessels and guide other herbs. It possesses the function of pungent-warm movement and dispersion without the risk of "Strong Fire consuming Qi" (excessive heat damaging healthy qi), making it most suitable for treating Cold-Bi syndrome of the meridians.
Pungent, sweet, and slightly warm. It enters the Hand Shaoyin (Heart) meridian to warm the Ying (Nutritive) level and disperse the exterior, inducing sweating to expel cold. It is a specialized medicine for Shanghan (Cold Damage) and Zhongfeng (Wind Strike) where Ying and Wei (Defensive) are dispersed due to cold. Note: Rougui primarily governs the Lower Yuan and manages Qi and Blood internally and externally; Guixin specializes in warming the Zang-Fu organs and Ying blood but does not circulate Qi in the meridians; Mugui (Mulberry Cinnamon) has an ascending nature and governs the exterior organs; Guanyuan (Official Cinnamon) moves well through the hypochondrium but cannot directly reach the Lower Jiao; Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) harmonizes Ying and Wei and dissipates Wind-Cold. Their functions differ.
Yingchun Hua (Winter Jasmine Flower): Also known as Mubi Hua (Magnolia Flower). Pungent and cold in nature. Light and floating, it enters the Lung meridian and concurrently the Stomach meridian. It can guide clear Qi from the Stomach upward, reaching the brain. It is a specialized medicine for Brain Heat and Biyuan (Nasal Sinusitis/Chronic Rhinitis).
Chenxiang (Agarwood): Pungent, bitter, and warm. Most woody materials float, but Chenxiang alone sinks. It enters the Right Kidney and Mingmen (Gate of Life). Its strength can descend phlegm and Qi, serving as a specialized medicine for guiding downward. It can be taken by grinding into juice or mixing with liquid. Contraindicated in Yin deficiency with dry blood, Qi sinking, and flaming fire.
Dingxiang (Clove): Pungent, warm, and pure Yang. Enters the Lung and Stomach to warm the middle and disperse stagnation. It is a specialized medicine for Epigastric Cold and Hiccups due to Stomach Deficiency. Smaller cloves are named Gong Dingxiang (Male Clove), which can be used as food seasoning, not typically as a medicinal dose.
Sharen (Amomum Fruit): Pungent and warm in nature. Enters the Qi aspect of the Spleen and Lung, concurrently entering the Liver and Stomach. It can guide Stomach Qi upward, regulate the middle, resolve depression, and is a specialized medicine for treating Diaphragmatic obstruction and stopping vomiting.
Ruxiang (Frankincense): Warm and neutral in nature. Enters the Liver, Spleen, and Blood aspect. Its strength can harmonize Ying, reduce swelling, stop bleeding, and alleviate pain. However, its fragrance is dispersing and may stir up fire; there are two contraindications for those with Yin deficiency.
Jiangzhen Xiang (Dragon's Blood Tree Resin): Also known as Zijin Teng. Pungent and warm in nature. Enters the Liver, Spleen, and Blood aspect. It invigorates blood, alleviates pain, and dispels turbidity. The contraindications for Jiangzhen Xiang are the same as those for Zicao (Radix Lithospermi) and Baizhi (Radix Angelicae Dahuricae).