味咸。性温。无毒。
【主治】主消渴。除热。益气。调中。（本经）补虚劣。壮血脉。化谷食。止泄泻。不
动
风气
满。（
【归经】入脾胃二经。为补虚化谷之品。（兼补剂）
【前论】寇氏曰。暴食稍似脚弱。下气故也。熟则大益人。带生则冷能损人。
味甘咸。性温。无毒。豆蔻、砂仁、乌梅、木瓜、白芍、五味为之使。
【主治】主化宿食。破冷气。止心腹胀满。（苏颂）温中。下气。开胃。止霍乱。除烦。
消痰
【归经】入脾胃二经。为健土化积之品。（兼泻剂 能助胃气上行而资健运）
【前论】丹溪曰。能行上焦滞血。除腹内寒鸣。多服久服。能令人消肾。士材曰。麦芽
能消
鳌按、麦芽功用与谷芽相似。而消食之力更紧。补益则不如谷也。但能堕胎。妊妇勿用。
【禁忌】经疏曰。能消米面诸果食积。无积滞脾胃者。忌用。
味甘。性温。无毒。出泉州陈久者良。
【主治】主疗脏腑中风气。调中下气。开胃。消宿食。主霍乱。心膈气痰逆。除烦。破
症结
【归经】入脾胃二经。为消导之品。
【前论】时珍曰。闪挫腰痛者。 过淬酒服之效。产后欲回乳。炒研酒服二钱。日二。
立止
【禁忌】经疏曰。脾阴虚。胃火盛者。均忌。能落胎。孕妇少食。
[Da Mai (Hordeum Vulgare)]
Taste: Salty. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting syndrome). Clears internal heat. Tonifies Yuan Qi (Original Qi). Harmonizes the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach functions). (From *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Supplements deficiency. Strengthens blood vessels. Facilitates digestion of grains. Stops diarrhea. Does not disturb wind-induced fullness. (From...)
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It is a substance for tonifying deficiency and transforming grains. (Acts as a supplementary agent)
[Preliminary Discussion] Kou Zongshi stated: Feeling slight weakness in the legs after binge eating is due to the downward movement of Qi. When thoroughly cooked, it greatly benefits the body. If eaten raw, its cold nature can damage the body.
[Ya Mai (Hordei Fructus Germinatus / Malt)]
Taste: Sweet, Salty. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Doukou (Cardamomi Fructus), Sharen (Amomi Fructus), Wumei (Mume Fructus), Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus) are its guiding herbs (Shi drugs).
[Indications] Primarily transforms retained food stagnation. Breaks up cold qi. Stops abdominal distension and fullness. (From Su Song) Warms the Middle Jiao. Directs Qi downward. Opens the appetite. Stops Huo Luan (Cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea). Relieves irritability. Eliminates phlegm.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It is a substance for strengthening Earth (Spleen) and resolving accumulation. (Acts as a draining agent; it assists Stomach Qi in ascending to facilitate healthy transportation and transformation)
[Preliminary Discussion] Zhu Danxi stated: It can move stagnant blood in the Upper Jiao. Eliminates cold rumbling in the abdomen. Long-term or heavy use can deplete Kidney essence. Li Shicai stated: Ya Mai can digest...
Commentary: The efficacy of Ya Mai is similar to Guya (Setariae Fructus Germinatus), but its food-resolving power is stronger. Its tonifying effect is inferior to Guya. However, Ya Mai can induce abortion; thus, it is contraindicated for pregnant women.
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong stated: It digests food stagnation from rice, flour, fruits, etc. Those without food stagnation in the Spleen and Stomach should avoid using it.
[Chen Shen Qu (Medicated Leaven)]
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Originates from Quanzhou; those aged for a long time are superior.
[Indications] Primarily treats wind qi within the Zang-Fu organs. Harmonizes the Middle Jiao and directs Qi downward. Opens the appetite. Digests retained food stagnation. Treats Huo Luan. Resolves Qi rebellion and phlegm in the Heart and Diaphragm. Relieves irritability. Breaks up mass formations (Zheng Jie).
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It is a substance for resolving stagnation and aiding digestion.
[Preliminary Discussion] Li Shizhen stated: For lumbar pain caused by sprains or trauma, taking it steeped in wine is effective. To stop lactation postpartum, take two qian of roasted and powdered Shen Qu with wine, twice daily, to stop lactation immediately.
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong stated: Contraindicated for those with Spleen Yin deficiency and excessive Stomach fire. It can cause miscarriage; pregnant women should consume it sparingly.