Library

The qi is warm, the flavor is pungent, and it is non-toxic. When combined with Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, 黄芩), it serves as an excellent formula for calming the fetus. It treats all types of Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome characterized by vomiting and diarrhea) accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea, as well as severe colic in the heart and abdomen. This is precisely because its warm and pungent nature can relieve pain and promote the movement of Qi. It is also used in dysentery-stopping formulas, based on this same principle. If used with Yizhiren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus, 益智) and Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 人参) as guiding herbs, it enters the Spleen Meridian; if used with Baidoukou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 白豆蔻) as a guiding herb, it enters the Lung Meridian; if used with Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex, 黄柏) and Fuling (Poria, 茯苓) as guiding herbs, it enters the Bladder and Kidney meridians; if used with Chishizhi (Halloysit Rubra, 赤石脂) and Baishizhi (Halloysit Alba, 白石脂) as guiding herbs, it enters the Large Intestine and Small Intestine. Although so, its nature is warm and pungent. Using warm agents to treat heat conditions (i.e., "treating heat with heat") constitutes following the natural trend. The Classic states, "Use heat to treat heat," which refers to this concept. Li Dongyuan stated that it resolves alcohol and food stagnation. Why? Because only through warm and pungent properties can Qi move; once Qi moves, alcohol and food are transformed and transported.

The qi is hot, and the flavor is extremely pungent. It primarily addresses Ministerial Fire and Sovereign Fire, and belongs to the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It is originally a herb for the Spleen Meridian; therefore, it treats cold pathogens invading the Spleen and Stomach, harmonizes the middle and tonifies Qi, and also treats excessive salivation. It should be used concurrently with tonic formulas but not taken in excess. In Jixiang Wan (Aromatic Collection Pill), it enters the Lung Meridian; in Sizijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), it enters the Spleen Meridian; in Fengsui Dan (Phoenix Marrow Pill), it enters the Kidney Meridian. This is because the Spleen, Lung, and Kidney share mutual generative (mother-son) relationships. Due to its warmth, it treats deficiency-related leakage, such as spermatorrhea and post-urination dribbling. It tonifies Qi, calms the Spirit, and stabilizes the Triple Burner. For those with frequent nocturia, taking twenty-four grains, crushed and decocted with salt, yields miraculous effects. Combined with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, 人参) and Chuan Bi Xie (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, 川萆薢), the effect is even better; this is a formula for tonifying insufficiency. Due to its pungency, it regulates various Qi mechanisms, disperses various stagnations, and stops various pains. When used with Wuyao (Linderae Radix, 乌药) and Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix, 木香) as sovereign herbs, the effect is very rapid; thus, it also belongs to pungent-dispersing formulas.

The qi is warm, the flavor is pungent and sweet, and it is non-toxic. With strong aroma but light texture, it is a formula capable of ascending and descending. It specifically treats diseases of the Spleen and Lung meridians. When added to Wuyao Shunqi San (Wu Yao Regulating Qi Powder), its efficacy manifests in the Lung. When added to Sizijunzi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction), its efficacy manifests in the Spleen. Therefore, it can open the Spleen and Stomach, promote appetite, stop Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome), and settle vomiting and regurgitation. It is a key component in Shanghan (Cold Damage) formulas and is regarded as a sacred medicine for Zhengqi San (Righteousness Dispelling Powder). The statement that it is contraindicated for those with foul breath—does this not stem from its fragrant aroma? The statement that it dispels wind and reduces swelling—does this not stem from its warm and pungent aroma?