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Alias: Xuejianchou (Blood Sorrow). Flavor: Sour, Salty. Nature: Cold. Non-toxic. It inherits the Qi of Earth and Water, and is born with the Shaoyang Qi of Heaven's mandate to grow. It can ascend and descend; it is Yin within Yin.

[Indications] Primarily treats cold-dampness wind-bi (joint pain and numbness caused by wind-cold-damp pathogens), jaundice, and tonifies the Middle Jiao. (From *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Stops bleeding, treats internal hemorrhage and lower bleeding, insufficiency of the Bladder, traumatic injuries, and gu poison. Can be used to dye crimson. Postpartum blood loss. (Text fragmentary)

[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Heart, Liver, Kidney, and Pericardium meridians. It is a substance that cools blood and promotes blood circulation. (Also acts as a penetrating agent: herbs for the Blood aspect of the Liver and Pericardium, cooling healthy blood and moving injured blood.)

[Prior Discussions] Shi Ying said: Its red color enters the Ying (Nutritive) level; its warm nature moves stagnation; its sour flavor enters the Liver; combined with salty, it travels in the Blood. It specializes in promoting and invigorating blood circulation. Common prescriptions treat women... (Text fragmentary).

[Contraindications] *Bencao Jing Shu* states: Although the patient presents with blood disorders, if accompanied by diarrhea and inability to eat, it is contraindicated.

Flavor: Bitter. Nature: Cool. Non-toxic. It is born inheriting the clear, cold, and extreme Yin Qi of Heaven and Earth.

[Indications] Primarily treats various malignant sores, scabies, tinea, wind-induced skin itching and erosion, and parasitic infections. Take after soaking in wine. (From *Tang Bencao*). Treats all types of blood loss. (From Li Shizhen, *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Heart and Liver meridians. It is a substance that cools blood and stops bleeding.

[Prior Discussions] Zhang Yuansu said: For upper body bleeding, one must use Jiancao (Cutting Grass), Mudanpi (Tree Peony Bark), Tiandong (Asparagus Root), and Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber). Xu Shumi said: This herb treats tuberculosis-related hematemesis and lung damage.

Ao's Note: Qiancao (Rubia Cordifolia) and Jiancao are both herbs for treating blood disorders. However, Qiancao not only stops bleeding but also promotes blood circulation; thus, it can stop hematemesis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia, and hematuria, while also eliminating stasis and unblocking menstruation. This is its method of use.

[Contraindications] *Bencao Jing Shu* states: Jiancao is extremely bitter and cold. Although it is miraculous for treating reckless bleeding due to blood heat, it is contraindicated if the Spleen and Kidney are both deficient, the Stomach appetite is weak, or if there is loss of appetite and vomiting.

Flavor: Sweet. Nature: Slightly Cold. Non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats childhood alternating chills and fever, and twelve types of convulsive epilepsy. (From *Bielu*). Childhood crying from fright, convulsions, heat oppression, adverse qi invasion, fetal wind, and fetal epilepsy. (From Zhen Quan). Adults... (Text fragmentary)

[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Liver and Pericardium meridians. It is a substance that extinguishes wind and calms fire. (Clears Heart heat, pacifies Liver wind, specifically capable of settling fright and stopping spasms.)

[Prior Discussions] Liu Wansu said: The Foot-Jueyin Liver meridian governs Wind, and the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium meridian governs Fire. Convulsive epilepsy and dizziness are diseases of Liver Wind and Ministerial Fire. Gouteng (Uncaria Rhynchophylla) connects the Pericardium to the Liver... (Text fragmentary)

[Processing] Li Shizhen said: If Gouteng is decocted for too long, its efficacy diminishes. Using only the hooks takes advantage of their sharp potency.