Library

[Amomum Rotundum (Bai Doukou)]
Nature and flavor: Acrid, warm. It circulates through the Sanjiao (Triple Burner), relieves chest fullness and dissipates stagnation. It is a fundamental herb for the Lung system and also enters the Spleen and Stomach. Use the kernel after removing the shell and stir-frying, then grind.
Shell: Mainly used to widen the stomach Qi mechanism, but its efficacy is relatively mild.

[Tsaoko Amomum Fruit (Cao Guo)]
Acrid, warm, and dispersing in nature; dries dampness and dissipates stagnation, warms the Stomach and dispels wind. Lightly stir-fry before use.

[Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhi Mu)]
Nature and flavor: Acrid and fierce/pungent. Enters the Stomach channel to break Qi stagnation, resolve phlegm, digest food, and transform accumulation. Stir-fry until cooked, take the kernel. Note: Tsaoko Amomum Fruit and Anemarrhena Rhizome represent Yin and Yang respectively. The former treats Cold excess specifically in the Taiyin (Spleen) system, while the latter treats Heat excess specifically in the Yangming (Stomach) system.

[Nutmeg (Rou Dou Kou)]
Also known as Rou Guo. Acrid, warm, and aromatic. Warms the Stomach, awakens the Spleen, consolidates the Middle Jiao, and astringes the Intestines. Wrap in flour or glutinous rice powder and bake (wei), then grind finely. Contraindicated at the initial stage of vomiting and diarrhea.

[Kochia Seed (Bu Gu Zhi)]
Also known as Bu Gu Zhi. Bitter, acrid, and greatly warm. Enters the Pericardium and Mingmen (Gate of Life). Tonifies Fire to generate Earth (Spleen), dries dampness, and stops diarrhea. Use after stir-frying with salt water. Excessive consumption or single-use can descend Qi.

[Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit (Yi Zhi Ren)]
Nature and flavor: Acrid, warm. Enters the Spleen and concurrently the Heart and Mingmen. Opens the mind, benefits intelligence, can connect the Ministerial Fire and Sovereign Fire, tonifies Fire to grasp saliva, and reduces urination. Use after stir-frying with salt water. Contraindicated in cases of diarrhea, seminal emission, or turbid urine accompanied by heat.

[Xanthium Fruit (Cang Er Zi)]
Bitter, acrid, and warm. Enters the Kidney and Mingmen to dispel wind and dry dampness. Treats damp itching and foul sores on the lower body; it is a specialized herb for external medicine.

[Galangal Rhizome (Gao Liang Jiang)]
Nature and flavor: Acrid, hot. Drives out Cold from the Stomach, dispels phlegm-saliva, descends rebellious Qi, scatters floating heat, and stops toothache and headache. Roast with vinegar before use. Its nature consumes healthy Qi and stirs up fire; do not use in large doses.

[Red Cardamom (Hong Dou Kou)]
Acrid, hot, and fierce in nature. Dispels Cold and drives out chill, eliminating pain in the epigastrium as if ice-cold. [Seed of Red Cardamom]: Named Hong Dou Kou. Nature is slightly light and floating, enters the Spleen and Lungs to dispel Cold. Lightly stir-fry before use.

[Agastache Herba (Huo Xiang)]
Acrid, warm, and aromatic. Enters the Foot and Hand Yangming and Taiyin channels. Its power awakens the Spleen, dispels summerheat, benefits the Stomach, and eliminates filth. It is a specialized herb for vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. [Guang Huo Xiang]: Mainly harmonizes the Stomach and transforms Qi, but has less warming and dispersing power. [Tu Huo Xiang]: Can only warm the Stomach, lacking sufficient aromatic utility. [Fresh Agastache Distillate/Dew]: Clear in odor and taste, can reach and expel pathogens; most suitable for summerheat conditions with alternating chills and fever.

[Baical Skullcap Root / Angelica Dahurica (Bai Zhi)]
Nature and flavor: Acrid, warm. White color enters the Lung; aromatic scent enters the Spleen. Releases the exterior of the Hand and Foot Yangming channels. Dispels wind and dries dampness, treating various diseases of the head, face, mouth, and teeth. Contraindicated in cases of deficiency-fire flaming upward.

[Sichuan Lovage Rhizome (Chuan Xiong)]
Acrid, warm, and vigorous in aroma. Excellent at dispelling Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens. Enters the Taiyang channel and concurrently treats Du Mai (Governor Vessel) headaches extending to the vertex. For leukorrhea caused by sinking of clear Yang, it is essential.