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Tianxiong (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, specifically the lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii that has grown large and long without forming side roots)
Acrid, sweet, warm, greatly warm, highly toxic. Primarily treats severe wind diseases, bi syndrome caused by cold-dampness, lijie pain (severe joint pain), spasms or flaccidity with urgency, breaks up accumulations and pathogenic qi, treats metal wounds (trauma from sharp instruments), strengthens sinews and bones, lightens the body and enhances mobility, treats wandering pain in the head and face caused by wind, nodular accumulations in the heart and abdomen, heaviness in joints, inability to walk, eliminates bone pain, nourishes yin qi, stabilizes the will, makes one courageous and capable of strenuous labor without fatigue. Additionally, it can induce abortion. Also known as Baimu. Grows in the valleys of Mount Shaoshi. Roots are harvested in the second lunar month and dried in the shade. (Polygalae Radix [Yuanzhi] acts as its assistant; it is incompatible with Fubie.)

Tao Hongjing states: Currently, harvesting is done in mid-August. Tianxiong resembles Fuzi (Prepared Lateral Root of Aconite); if it is slender and long, it is Tianxiong. The longer ones may reach three or four cun. These three herbs—Wutou (Aconiti Radix), Fuzi, and Tianxiong—all originally originated from Jianping, hence they are called "Sanjian" (Three Jian). Those from Yidu Mountain are considered the best, referred to as Xijian (Western Jian). Those from the Qiantang area are called Dongjian (Eastern Jian), but their efficacy is weak and dissimilar. Hence it is said that Xibing (Western Jian) surpasses Dongbai (Eastern Jian). They are processed using ash to neutralize toxicity; sometimes those that are "bingqiang" (hard like ice, pronounced ju-liang-qie) are not good. The Commentary on the Tang Materia Medica notes: Tianxiong, Fuzi, and Wutou are best when produced in Mianzhou and Longzhou along the Shu Road. Even if produced elsewhere, their potency is weak and entirely dissimilar. Those from Jiangnan are completely unusable. Tao's naming them based on all three originating from Jianping is incorrect. According to the *Guoyu*, "placing jin in meat," the annotation says: Jin is Wutou. To become "Jian," Jianping was used to explain it. Furthermore, the leaves of *Ranunculus japonicus* resemble *Jincaiyu* (Butomus umbellatus), hence it is named Shuijin. Now it is also written as Shuilang, red-colored, pronounced with the Jian sound. How could this possibly grow in Jianping? Checking character dictionaries, there is no character for Lang; Zhen Liyan's *Bencao Yinyi* also discusses this. Tianxiong, Fuzi, and Cezǐ (Lateral Root of Aconite) are used similarly. Harvested and processed in the eighth month; however, Wutou is harvested in early April. Saying it is harvested in February is likely incorrect. Minister Yuxi et al. respectfully cite the *Huainanzi*: Tianxiong benefits the spirit and energy of roosters. An annotation states: Take three pieces of Tianxiong, place them inside a rooster's intestine, crush and eat raw to make one courageous. The *Materia Medica of Drug Properties* states: Tianxiong is the Sovereign herb, incompatible with Douchi juice, greatly hot, highly toxic. Processed with Shengjiang (Dried Ginger), it treats wind-phlegm, cold-bi syndrome, soft legs, toxic wind, stops asthma and急促 breathing, kills avian and insect toxins. Ri Huazi states: Treats all wind and all qi disorders, aids yang pathways, warms the Water Viscera (Kidneys and Bladder), supplements waist and knees, benefits essence, brightens eyes, opens the nine orifices, benefits skin, regulates blood vessels, treats paralysis of limbs, breaks up mass formations, drains pus and relieves pain, heals bones and resolves blood stasis, supplements cold qi deficiency and damage, treats cholera with muscle cramps, kyphosis (hunchback), resolves wind-phlegm, drains water from chest and diaphragm, induces sweating, stops genital sweating, and when roasted and held in the mouth, treats sore throat. For pills and powders, roast, remove skin and navel before use; for decoctions, use raw with skin, which is excellent. This can be easily verified. It is also stated: Tianxiong is large, long, lacks horn-like projections, and is hollow; WuHui (Aconiti Radix Preparata) resembles Tianxiong, while Fuzi is shorter, has horns, is stable, and solid. Wutou ranks below Fuzi; Cezǐ is smaller than Wutou. When clustered together, they are named Huzhang (Tiger Palm). All are descendants of Tianxiong, parent-child categories, differing in potency, merely being old roots versus young shoots. All above are incompatible with Douchi juice.
The detailed illustrations are under the entry for Cezǐ.

Chen Cangqi: Tianxiong is short and blunt without a tip, surrounded on all sides by Fuzi, nurturing eleven buds, with grayish bark. Tianxiong should be roasted until cracked, then skin, tips, and base removed before use. Otherwise, processed via yin-method (steaming/soaking) is also acceptable. Another commentary states: Respectfully reviewing these entries, all previous descriptions are complete. However, Tianxiong is the initial planting of Wutou that does not produce various Fuzi or Cezǐ. It is the one that grows alone and large over years. People in Shu avoid planting it in fresh soil, considering it unfavorable. This is like raising silkworms to produce white ginger.