味甘。性温。无毒。得蛟龙之精。感地之气而生。可升可降。阳也。
【主治】主大补阴气。益精血。利大便。虚人大便燥结者。可代苁蓉煮粥。不燥结者勿
用。
【归经】入肾经。为大助元阳之品。（兼补剂 专兴阳事 强筋故能兴阳）
【前论】时珍曰。锁阳之功。不外润燥养筋。治痿弱而已。大约与肉苁蓉相类。
味苦。性寒。无毒。禀天地阴寒清和之气而生。可升可降。阴也。
【主治】主心腹邪气。五疸。补中益气。利九窍。通水道。（本经） 疗腹肿胀满痛。
以
合膏
血凉血
【归经】入肝肾二经。兼入心包络经。为凉血之品。（兼泻剂 肝心包血分药）
【前论】仲阳曰。此性寒。小儿脾气实者可用。虚者反能作泻。古方惟用茸。取其初得
阳气
【禁忌】经疏曰。痘家气虚。脾胃弱。泄泻。不思食。小便清利者。均忌。
【炮制】备要曰。凡使。去头须必以酒洗用。
味甘辛。性平。无毒。得地之阴气。兼得金之辛味以生。可升可降。阳中阴也。
【主治】生用。主行血消瘀。通经脉。利小便。祛心腹膀胱寒热。疗扑打损伤。疮疖诸
肿
【归经】入肝心包二经。为凉血活血。散结除热之品。（生为滑剂炒兼涩剂）
【前论】弘景曰。此即蒲厘花上黄粉也。甚疗血。 言闻曰。手足厥阴血分药也。故能
治血
【禁忌】经疏曰。一切劳伤发热阴虚内热。无瘀血者。均忌。
以上滑剂草部
Suo Yang (Cynomorii Herba):
Taste is sweet. Nature is warm. Non-toxic. It absorbs the essence of dragons and snakes, grows by sensing the Qi of the earth. Its action can ascend and descend; it belongs to Yang.
[Indications] Primarily greatly tonifies Yin Qi, benefits Essence and Blood, and promotes bowel movements. For debilitated individuals with dry and constipated stools, Suo Yang can be used in place of Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche) to cook porridge; if there is no dryness or constipation, do not use.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Kidney Meridian. It is a potent agent for assisting Yuan Yang. (Acts as a tonic, specifically promoting sexual function, strengthening tendons thereby enabling erection.)
[Preliminary Discussion] Li Shizhen said: The efficacy of Suo Yang does not go beyond moistening dryness, nourishing tendons, and treating flaccidity and weakness. It is roughly similar to Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche).
Zi Cao (Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma / Lithospermi Radix):
Taste is bitter. Nature is cold. Non-toxic. It inherits the Yin-cold and pure-harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth. Its action can ascend and descend; it belongs to Yin.
[Indications] Primarily treats pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen, five types of jaundice, tonifies the Middle Jiao and benefits Qi, unblocks the nine orifices, and unblocks water passages. (From *Ben Jing*) Treats abdominal swelling, fullness, and pain. Used in ointments/pastes; has blood-cooling properties.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Liver and Kidney meridians, and additionally enters the Pericardium Meridian. It is an agent that cools the blood. (Acts as a purgative, specifically targeting the blood aspect of the Liver and Pericardium.)
[Preliminary Discussion] Qian Zhongyang said: This herb is cold in nature. It can be used for children with solid Spleen Qi, but for those with deficiency, it may instead cause diarrhea. Ancient formulas only used the tender shoots (Rong), taking advantage of their initial acquisition of Yang Qi.
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong said: Contraindicated for patients with chickenpox/smallpox who have Qi deficiency, weak Spleen and Stomach, diarrhea, lack of appetite, and clear, copious urination.
[Processing] *Bencao Beiyao* says: When using, remove the head and whiskers. It must be washed with wine before use.
Pu Huang (Typhae Pollen):
Taste is sweet and acrid. Nature is neutral. Non-toxic. It absorbs the Yin Qi of the earth and simultaneously acquires the acrid flavor of Metal to generate. Its action can ascend and descend; it belongs to Yin within Yang.
[Indications] When used raw: Primarily moves blood and resolves stasis, unblocks meridians, promotes urination, dispels cold and heat from the heart, abdomen, and bladder, and treats traumatic injuries from falls and blows, as well as various swellings from sores and boils.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Liver and Pericardium meridians. It is an agent that cools the blood, invigorates blood circulation, dissipates nodules, and clears heat. (Raw form acts as a lubricating/slipping agent; stir-fried form acts as both a lubricating and astringent agent.)
[Preliminary Discussion] Tao Hongjing said: This is the yellow pollen found on the flowers of the Cattail plant. It is highly effective in treating blood disorders. Lei Xiao said: It is a blood-level medicine for the Hand and Foot Jueyin meridians; therefore, it can treat blood diseases.
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong said: Contraindicated for all cases of labor injury fever, Yin deficiency with internal heat, and absence of blood stasis.
The above are classified as Slippery/Lubricating Agents, included in the Grass Category.