药字从草，故神农辨药之书曰《本草经》，则本草宜以草部居先。草类甚多，孔子曰∶兰为王者之香，则
兰之于草，亦犹麒麟之于走兽，凤凰之于飞鸟，后之修本草者，苟折衷于圣人，自当以兰为冠矣。兰以素心者
为贵，舒思虑之郁结，蠲蕴伏之浊邪，稀痘催生，清神养液，禀天地至清之气而生，故昔人有吹气如兰之喻。
晓岚先生《笔记》云∶苗峒地界值兰开时，有食兰蕊之虫，形似蜈蚣而色青，取置杯中，洒以盐末少许，覆之
以盖，须臾化为水，湛然净绿，澈如琉璃，兰气扑鼻。用以代醯，香沁齿颊，半日后尚留余味。然兰谢时即死，
殊不易得，彼地亦甚珍也，惜不知其何名。愚谓此虫可与脉望、鞠通相鼎立，洵称仙品，宜其不易得也。夫虫
而食兰，犹得仙致，施之于人，效自可知。乃有以省头草当之者，抑何陋耶！
（刊）潮州蔗田接壤，食蔗之虫形如蚕蛹而小，味极甘美，性凉，解热毒，助痘浆，可与兰虫并传。
古之权量既小，而药剂甚轻，每服数钱者居多；今世反是，故药价渐贵，所以患病愈难矣，不但良医罕出
也。如人参一味，竟为富贵人常馔。夫人参亦草根耳，天之生此，原以疗人之病，非以养人之生。因无病之人
竞相购服，而视为养生之物，无怪乎其价之日昂也。其价既昂，伪物日多，而病之果当
用此者，遂不能用矣。岂非以有用之才，销磨于无用之地，而需才之时，反无才用乎？其实古之人参微凉微苦
，与近时西洋参性味略同，深明医理者似可通融代用，不必刻舟求剑，而默赞参价之昂，擅破贫人之产也。如
证属大虚，西洋参嫌其力薄，不妨以黄 、甘草、枸杞子、龙眼肉之类随宜匡佐，亦在善用者驱策得其道尔。
此外更有习俗相沿而不知其误者，略论如上。
枸杞子味纯甘，色大赤，其质润，其性平。《圣济》以一味治短气。余谓其专补心血，非他药所能及也，
与元参、甘草同用，名坎离丹，可以交通心肾。
肉苁蓉温润潜阳，阴虚阳浮者，滋清药中皆可佐用。
石菖蒲舒心气，畅心神，怡心情，益心志，妙药也。而世俗有散心之说，不知创自何人。审是，则周文王
嗜此，何以多男而寿考耶？故清解药用之，赖以 痰秽之浊而卫宫城；滋养药用之，借以宣心思之结而通神明。
《本经》淫羊藿气寒味辛无毒，主阴痿绝伤，茎中痛，利小便，益气力，强志。后人因《别录》羊食而淫
之说，遂改为性热助阳，误矣。夫羊性喜淫，乃其天赋，不必食此藿也。即谓食之益淫，故以命名，然人非羊
也，食之何必淫？吾乡畜羊者，秋冬以桑叶饲之，故羊之益人，惟杭、嘉、湖者为最。然桑叶者，蚕食之而成
丝之物也，若谓人食淫羊之藿而亦淫，则羊食成丝之桑而亦丝矣。盖体脏既殊，不能以一例论也。如矾石之为
物也，蚕食之肥，鼠食之死。可见药有定性而体脏不同，则性亦随之而变矣。余谓羊为火畜，藿禀水气，羊果
食藿而益淫，亦《内经》阴平阳秘之旨耳。惟叶氏云∶淫羊藿气寒，禀天冬令之水气，入足少阴肾经，味辛无
毒，得地润泽之
金味，入手太阴肺经。气味降多于升，阴也。阴者，宗筋也。水不制火，火热则筋失其刚性也而痿矣。淫羊藿
入肾而气寒，寒足以制火而痿自愈也。绝伤者，阴绝而精伤也。气寒益水，味辛能润，润则阴精充也。茎，玉
茎也。痛者，火郁于中也。热者清之以寒，郁者散之以辛，所以主茎中痛也。小便气化乃出，辛寒之品，清肃
肺气，故利小便。肺主气，肾统气，寒益肾，辛润肺，故益气力也。气力既益，内养刚大，所以强志，盖肾藏
志也。此解真得其要者，故录之以释诸家之惑。且肾主骨，阴虚骨痿者亦为要药。经云，肾苦燥，急食辛以润
之，正指此也。
（刊）邹氏《本经续疏》亦详辨淫羊藿性不助阳，与《解要》合。体脏之殊，不但人物迥别，即人与人亦
有大不同者。《居易录》云∶江南萧某食香蕈则死，又有王生者饮茶则死，必二、三日始苏，医无能识其故者
。雄尝见黟人汪振声食鳖则醉，仁和赵子循茂才饮蔗浆辄衄，定州杨素园大令啖海参必发热，须以大黄泻之而
安，皆不可以恒理测也。食物且然，而况于药平？用药者可不知药有定性、气随人异之说，而先辨别其脏性乎？
沙参清肺，盖肺属金而畏火，清火保金，故曰补肺。肺主一身之气，肺气清则治节有权，诸脏皆资其灌溉，
故曰补五脏之阴。肺气肃则下行自顺，气化咸借以承宣，故清肺药皆通小水。喻氏谓有肺者有溺，无肺者无溺
，可云勘破机关。
（注）六腑气化，必禀司脏真。昔人治肺气不化，膀胱为热邪所滞，而小溲不通，少腹与睾丸胀痛者，一
味沙参大剂煎服，覆杯而愈。是肺气化而小溲通也。后人不曰沙参可通溲闭，乃谓沙参可治疝气，误矣。黄履
素见一味芦菔子通小便，
诧以为奇。盖不知芦菔子亦下气最速之物，服之即通者，病由气闭也。故勘病必察其所以致病之由，则用药自
臻神化，而无执死药以疗活病之弊矣。
桔梗开肺气之结，宣心气之郁，上焦药也。肺气开则府气通，故亦治腹痛下利，昔人谓其升中有降者是矣
。然毕竟升药，病属上焦实证而下焦无病者，固可用也；若下焦阴虚而浮火易动者，即当慎之；其病虽见于上
焦，而来源于下焦者，尤为禁剂。昔人舟楫之说，最易误人。夫气味轻清之药，皆治上焦，载以舟楫，已觉多
事，质重味浓之药，皆治下焦，载以上行，更属无谓。故不但下焦病不可用，即上焦病亦惟邪痹于肺、气郁于
心，结在阳分者始可用之。如咽喉、痰嗽等证，惟风寒外闭者宜之，不但阴虚内伤为禁药，即火毒上升之宜清
降者，亦不可用也。
柴胡为正伤寒要药，不可以概治温热诸感；为少阳疟主药，不可以概治他经诸疟；为妇科妙药，不可概治
阴虚阳越之体，用者审之。
（刊）赵菊斋先生云∶乾隆间先慈随侍外祖于番禹署时，患证甚剧，得遇夷医治愈。因嘱曰∶此肝阴不足
之体，一生不可服柴胡也。后先慈年逾五旬，两目失明，肝阴不足信然。继患外感，医投柴胡数分，下咽后即
两胁胀痛，巅顶之热，如一轮烈日当空，亟以润药频溉，得大解而始安。善乎《本经疏证》之言曰∶柴胡为用
，必阴气不纾，致阳气不达者，乃为恰对。若阴已虚者，阳方无根据而欲越，更用升阳，是速其毙矣。故凡
元气下脱，虚火上炎，及阴虚发热，不因血凝气阻为寒热者，近此正如砒鸩也。
白芨最粘，大能补肺，可为上损善后之药。如火热未清
者，不可早用，以其性涩，恐留邪也。惟味太苦，宜用甘味为佐，甘则能恋膈，又宜噙化，使其徐徐润入喉下
，则功效更敏。其法以白芨生研细末，白蜜丸，龙眼大。临卧噙口中。或同生甘草为细末，甘梨汁为丸亦可。
若痰多咳嗽久不愈者，加白前同研末，蜜丸噙化，真仙方也。
（刊）《癸巳类稿》谓吸亚片成KT 者，专伤于肺，用白芨末和梨汁为膏服可愈。近人加载《洗冤录》，
实不尽然。以肺主出气、肾主纳气而论，亚片烟之呼吸似无不关于肺者，果系肺受灼烁而津液先损于上，此方
却宜。然吸烟久而成病者，皆先损于下，而为下虚上买之证，以火搏其液，而烟性升提，痰涎易壅于上也。抑
王勋臣所谓呼吸由气管而入气府，并不由于肺乎？按《说文》∶KT ，瘢也。《广韵》∶杖痕肿也。今人呼病久
破为KT 疮是也。不可附会于烟引。烟之称曰“引”者，言其既吸之后，欲罢不能，必引之致死而后已，故
谓之烟引。俗作“瘾”者，以其音同也，然已失引之木义矣。岂可妄意穿凿，谓吸亚片者必生疮于肺哉！
丹参降而行血，血热而滞者宜之，故为调经产后要药。设经早或无血经停，及血少不能养胎而胎不安，与
产后血已畅行者，皆不可惑于功兼四物之说，并以其有参之名而滥用之。即使功同四物，则四物汤原治血分受
病之药，并非补血之方，石顽先生已辨之矣。至补心之说，亦非如枸杞、龙眼真能补心之虚者，以心藏神而主
血，心火太动则神不安，丹参清血中之火，故能安神定志，神志安则心得其益矣。凡温热之邪传入营
分者则用之，亦此义也。若邪在气分而误用，则反引邪入营，不可不慎。
（注）行血宜全用，入心宜去梢用。
知母苦寒，清肺胃气分之热，热去则津液不耗，而阴自潜滋暗长矣。然仲圣云∶胃气生热，其阳则绝。盖
胃热太盛，则阴不足以和阳，津液渐干，而成枯燥不能杀谷之病，其阳则绝者，即津液涸竭也。清其热。俾阳
不绝，则救津液之药，虽谓之补阳也可。乃后人以为寒凉之品，非胃家所喜，谆谆戒勿轻用，辄从事于香燥温
补之药者何哉？此议药不议病之世界，所以致慨于喻氏也。
白微凉降清血热，为女科要药。温热证邪入血分者，亦宜用之。何今世不用于女科而视为升散药，不问邪
之在气在血，往往乱投，误人不浅。不学无术，此其最也。
芍药之味，《本经》苦，《别录》加以∶“酸”字，酸苦涌泄为阴，是开泄之品耳。观仲圣云∶太阴病，
脉弱，其人续自便利，设当行大黄、芍药者，宜减之，以胃气弱易动故也。故滞下为病，乃欲下而窒滞不通者，
以此为主药也。今人误为酸敛，用以治虚泻，殊欠考也。惟土受木乘而泻者，用之颇宜。
（刊）邹氏《疏证》云∶芍药开阴结，大黄开阳结。故肠中燥结则用承气，腹中满痛多用勺药。若心下满
痛，病在上焦之阳结，则当用陷胸，而芍药在所忌矣。
丹皮虽非热药，而气香味辛。为血中气药，专于行血破瘀，故能堕胎消癖。所谓能止血者，瘀去则新血自
安，非丹皮真能止血也。血虚而感风寒者，可用以发汗。若无瘀而血热妄行，及血虚而无外感者，皆不可用。
惟入于养阴剂中，则阴药借以宣行而不滞，并可收其凉血之功。故阴虚人热入血分而患赤痢者，最为妙品。然
气香而浊，极易作呕，胃弱者服之即吐，诸家本草皆未言及，用者审之。
麦冬《本经》所主皆是胃病，《崇原》发明最详。其功在
心，不可去之。善用麦冬者，其惟香岩先生乎。
（刊）缪氏《经疏》知麦冬为胃经正药，《寓意草》始言脾胃异治，叶氏大畅厥旨，谓胃为阳土，宜用甘
凉，俾后人得所遵循，故洄溪、润安皆深折服也。
益母草专走血分，妇人以血为用，故有益母之名，非谓不治男子之病也。凡湿热之邪入于血分，或血热血
瘀为病，皆可治之，今人但入女科，固矣。
夏枯草微辛而甘，故散结之中，兼有和阳养阴之功。失血后不寐者，服之即寐，其性可见矣。陈久者其味
尤甘，入药为胜。
《本经》草蒿即今之青蒿，以茎紫者良。专解湿热而气芳香，故为湿温、疫疠妙药。又清肝胆血分之伏热，
故为女子淋带、小儿痫痉疳 神剂。本草未言，特为发之。惟味甚苦，胃气虚弱者须回护也。
旋复花今人但用以降逆，而《本经》云补中下气何也？盖升降之权在于中气，气之不应升而升者谓之逆，
反逆为顺谓之下，其能反逆为顺者，则赖中枢之旋转，能使中枢旋转，讵非补中之力乎？观其色可知矣。余谓
旋者，转旋中气之能，复者，气下为顺之象∶命名之义以此。
（刊）近阅邹氏《疏证》引《群芳谱》，言旋复花梢头露滴入土中，即生新根，可见其生机之旋相升降矣。
表之曰补中下气，乃圣人体物入微处。薛一瓢案中亦云旋复有斡旋中气之能，与吾曾王父之论合。世人谓其泻
气，不敢施于虚体，岂不悖哉！
何首乌内调气血，外散疮痈，功近当归，亦是血中气药。第当归香窜，主血分风寒之病，首乌不香，主血
分风热之疾为异耳。故同为妇科、疮科要药，并治虚疟，并滑大肠。无甚滋补之力，昔人谓可代熟地，实未然
也。 庵先生谓熟地、首乌皆是君药，方中不可同用，尤属笑谈。夫药之孰为君、孰为臣，当随证制方而后定
其任，见是证，用是药，即为君药。明乎此，则本草所载，孰不可以为君？书曰∶任官惟贤材，是治世之贤，
不以资格门第论也。草木金石诸品，皆谓之药材，是治病之药，不以贵贱纯驳论也。良医良相同功，亦惟识其
材而任之当耳。所谓医道通于治道也。
栝蒌根一名天花粉，性凉味甘，故能生津止渴而化燥痰。仲圣明言渴者去半夏加栝蒌根。是半夏化湿痰、
花粉化燥痰之的据也。后人顺口读过，不悟其意，而以贝母与半夏为对待，殊不切贴。
栝蒌实一名天瓜，故其根名天瓜粉，后世讹“瓜”为“花”，然相传已久，不可改矣。栝蒌实润燥开结，
荡热涤痰，夫人知之，而不知其舒肝郁、润肝燥、平肝逆、缓肝急之功有独擅也。玉横先生言之最详。今药肆
中名此为栝蒌，以土瓜根子为栝蒌，用者不可不审。土瓜一名王瓜，即《月令》孟夏王瓜生是也，非蔬圃之黄
瓜。蔬圃黄瓜一名胡瓜，《随园食单》作“王瓜”者，误也。
The character for "medicine" (Yao) has the radical "grass," therefore Shennong's book on distinguishing medicines is called *Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), indicating that in compiling materia medica, the grass category should be placed first. There are many types of grasses. Confucius said: "Orchid is the fragrance of kings." Thus, regarding orchids among grasses, it is like the Qilin among beasts or the Fenghuang among birds. Later compilers of materia medica, if they take the sages' views as the standard for compromise, ought naturally to rank the orchid at the head. Orchids with a pure heart (plain white or pale yellow petals without mixed colors) are prized; they can relieve mental depression, dispel turbid pathogens hidden within, help reduce smallpox lesions and facilitate childbirth, clear the spirit, and nourish fluids. Born from the purest Qi of Heaven and Earth, ancients used the metaphor of "breath smelling like an orchid."
Mr. Xiaolan's *Notes* state: In the border regions of Miaotong, when orchids bloom, there are insects that feed on orchid stamens. They resemble centipedes but are green. If caught and placed in a cup with a little salt sprinkled over them, covered, they dissolve into water within moments—clear, bright green, transparent as glass, with the orchid's fragrance overwhelming the senses. Used as a substitute for vinegar, its fragrance permeates the teeth and cheeks, lingering for half a day. However, these insects die when the orchids wither, making them extremely rare and highly valued locally, though their name was unknown. I believe this insect could stand alongside Maiwang and Jutong, truly worthy of being called a celestial product, no wonder it is hard to obtain. Since an insect eating orchids attains immortality, its efficacy on humans is evident. Yet some use Shengtou Cao (Prunella vulgaris) to substitute for it, which is indeed crude!
(Published) Chaoshan's sugarcane fields are contiguous. The insects feeding on sugarcane resemble silkworm pupae but are smaller, taste extremely sweet, have a cool nature, resolve heat toxins, assist in smallpox pustule formation, and their story can be told alongside that of the orchid insect.
Ancient weights and measures were small, and medicinal doses were light, with most taking only a few qian per dose; today it is the opposite, so drug prices have gradually risen, making illness harder to cure, not just because good doctors are rare. Take Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) as an example; it has become a daily dietary item for the wealthy. Ren Shen is merely a root. Heaven grows it originally to treat human diseases, not to sustain the lives of the healthy. Because healthy people compete to buy and consume it as a health-preserving substance, it is no wonder its price rises daily. As the price rises, counterfeit goods increase, and those who genuinely need this medicine cannot use it. Is this not wasting useful talent in useless places, leaving us without usable talent when needed? Actually, ancient Ren Shen was slightly cool and bitter, similar in nature and flavor to modern Xi Yang Shen (American Ginseng Radix). Those who deeply understand medical principles might use them interchangeably, rather than sticking rigidly to tradition, silently praising the high price of Ren Shen and bankrupting the poor. If the syndrome indicates severe deficiency, and American Ginseng seems too weak, one may appropriately supplement with Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Gou Qi Zi (Lycium Fruit), and Long Yan Rou (Longan Aril), depending on how skillfully the practitioner directs them. Additionally, there are customs followed blindly without realizing their errors, briefly discussed above.
Gou Qi Zi (Lycium Fruit) tastes purely sweet, is deep red in color, moist in texture, and neutral in nature. *Shengji Zonglu* uses it singly to treat shortness of breath. I believe it specifically nourishes Heart Blood, unmatched by other herbs. When used together with Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix) and Gan Cao (Licorice Root), named Kan Li Dan (Kanli Pill), it can facilitate communication between the Heart and Kidney.
Rou Cong Rong (Cistanche Stem) is warm and moistening, subduing Yang. For patients with Yin deficiency and floating Yang, it can be used as an adjunct in yin-nourishing and heat-clearing prescriptions.
Shi Chang Pu (Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome) soothes Heart Qi, unblocks Heart Spirit, harmonizes emotions, and strengthens willpower; it is a miraculous herb. However, secular sources claim it "scatters the mind,"不知 who originated this. If true, why did King Wen of Zhou love it yet have many sons and live long? Thus, in clearing and resolving prescriptions, it is used to rely on its ability to clear phlegm-turbidity and protect the "Palace City" (Heart); in nourishing prescriptions, it relies on its ability to disseminate mental knots and connect to spiritual clarity.
*Benjing* states Yin Yang Huo (Epimedii Folium) is cold in nature, pungent in flavor, non-toxic, mainly treating impotence, severe injuries, pain in the penis, promoting urination, augmenting Qi and strength, and strengthening will. Later authors, due to *Bielu*'s claim that "sheep eat it and become lustful," changed it to hot in nature and Yang-assisting, which is erroneous. Sheep's lustfulness is innate, not necessarily caused by eating this herb. Even if eating it increases lust, leading to its name, humans are not sheep; why would eating it cause lust? In my hometown, sheep are fed mulberry leaves in autumn and winter, so the sheep from Hangzhou, Jiaxing, and Huzhou are best for benefiting humans. But mulberry leaves are what silkworms eat to produce silk. If humans eating Yin Yang Huo causes lust, then sheep eating mulberry leaves should turn into silk. Since internal organs differ, one cannot generalize. For instance, Ming Fan (Alumen), silkworms eat it and grow fat, mice eat it and die. This shows drugs have fixed natures, but effects vary with different bodies. I consider sheep as Fire animals, and the herb receives Water Qi. If sheep eating it increases lust, it aligns with the *Neijing* principle of "Yin balanced and Yang secure." Only Ye Shi says: Yin Yang Huo is cold, receiving Water Qi of Tian Dong season, entering Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian; pungent, non-toxic, receiving moist Metal flavor of Earth, entering Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian. Descending qi exceeds ascending, belonging to Yin. Yin refers to the sinews. If Water does not control Fire, Heat makes sinews lose rigidity, causing flaccidity. Yin Yang Huo enters Kidney and is cold; cold controls Fire, curing flaccidity. "Severe injury" means Yin exhaustion and Essence damage. Cold benefits Water, pungent moistens; moistening fills Yin Essence. "Penis" refers to the jade organ. Pain is Fire stagnating internally. Heat is cleared with cold, stagnation dispersed with pungency, hence treating penile pain. Urination occurs via Qi transformation; pungent-cold herbs clear Lung Qi, thus promoting urination. Lung governs Qi, Kidney commands Qi; cold benefits Kidney, pungent moistens Lung, thus augmenting Qi and strength. Augmented Qi and strength nourish inner righteousness, thus strengthening will, as Kidney stores Will. This explanation grasps the essence, recorded to clarify confusion. Moreover, Kidney governs bones; for Yin deficiency bone flaccidity, it is also a key herb. The Classic says, "Kidney dislikes dryness, quickly eat pungent to moisten it," referring precisely to this.
(Published) Zou's *Benjing Xushu* also details that Yin Yang Huo does not assist Yang, consistent with *Jieyao*. Differences in body constitution are not only distinct between humans and animals, but also significantly different among humans. *Buyi Lu* records: Xiao from Jiangnan died after eating fragrant mushrooms; Wang died after drinking tea, reviving only after two or three days, with doctors unable to identify the cause. I once saw Wang Zhensheng from Yi County get drunk after eating turtle; Zhao Zixun, a scholar from Renhe, suffered nosebleeds after drinking sugarcane juice; Yang Suyuan from Dingzhou developed fever after eating sea cucumber, requiring Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) purgation to settle. These cannot be measured by constant logic. If food acts this way, how much more so drugs? Practitioners must know that drugs have fixed natures and effects vary by person, distinguishing constitutional differences first.
Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix) clears Lung. Since Lung belongs to Metal and fears Fire, clearing Fire protects Metal, hence called "tonifying Lung." Lung governs Qi of the whole body; clear Lung Qi ensures proper regulation, irrigating all organs, hence "tonifying Yin of Five Zang." Clear Lung Qi descends smoothly, aiding Qi transformation and excretion, hence lung-clearing herbs promote urination. Yu Shi said, "Those with Lungs have urine; those without Lungs have no urine," seeing through the mechanism.
(Note) Six Fu organs' Qi transformation must rely on the true Qi of their corresponding Zang organs. Ancients treated cases where Lung Qi failed to transform, Bladder stagnant with heat, causing urinary retention, lower abdominal and testicular distension/pain, using large doses of Sha Shen alone, cured after one cup. This demonstrates Lung Qi transformation leading to urination. Later practitioners, instead of saying Sha Shen treats urinary obstruction, claimed it treats hernia, which is wrong. Huang Lusü was amazed that Radish Seed (Lu Bo Zi) alone promoted urination, thinking it strange. Not knowing Radish Seed is the fastest Qi-descending substance; immediate relief indicates the disease was due to Qi closure. Thus, diagnosing requires investigating the cause of disease; then medication achieves divine efficacy, avoiding the error of using static drugs for dynamic diseases.
Jie Geng (Platycodonis Radix) opens Lung Qi knots, disseminates Heart Qi depression; it is an Upper Jiao herb. Opening Lung Qi unblocks Fu Qi, hence also treating abdominal pain and diarrhea; ancients saying it has descending properties within ascending action are correct. However, it is fundamentally an ascending herb. Suitable for Upper Jiao excess syndromes without Lower Jiao pathology; caution required for Lower Jiao Yin deficiency with floating fire; contraindicated if Upper Jiao symptoms originate from Lower Jiao. The ancient "boat and oar" theory misleads most. Light, clear aromatics treat Upper Jiao; calling them boat/oars is superfluous. Heavy, strong flavors treat Lower Jiao; carrying them upward is meaningless. Thus, not only Lower Jiao diseases are contraindicated, but even Upper Jiao diseases require pathogenic blockage in Lung or Qi stagnation in Heart, confined to Yang divisions, before use. For throat/phlegm coughs, only suitable for external Wind-Cold closure; contraindicated for Yin deficiency/internal injury, and even for Fire-Toxin rising requiring clearing/descending.
Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) is essential for Zheng Shanghan (Regular Cold Damage), cannot generally treat Warm-Reheat infections; main herb for Shaoyang Malaria, cannot generally treat malaria of other meridians; excellent gynecological herb, cannot generally treat constitutions with Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity; users must be prudent.
(Published) Mr. Zhao Juzhai said: During Qianlong reign, my mother accompanied my grandfather in Panyu office, suffering severe illness, cured by foreign doctors. She advised: "This is Liver Yin deficiency constitution; never take Chai Hu in life." Later, at fifty, she went blind, confirming Liver Yin deficiency. Subsequently catching external pathogen, doctor prescribed small dose Chai Hu; upon swallowing, bilateral hypochondriac distension/pain, vertex heat like blazing sun, urgently irrigated with moistening meds, settled after large stool. *Benjing Shuzheng* says well: Chai Hu usage requires constrained Yin Qi failing to allow Yang Qi to reach. If Yin already deficient, Yang lacks foundation and wants to escape, using ascending Yang accelerates death. Thus, for Yuan Qi sinking, Deficient Fire flaming up, and Yin deficiency fever not due to Blood stasis/Qi obstruction causing alternating chills/fever, approaching Chai Hu is like arsenic.
Bai Ji (Bletillae Rhizoma) is very sticky, greatly tonifies Lung, suitable for post-recovery of upper consumption. If Fire-Heat not cleared, do not use early, as its astringent nature may retain pathogens. Its bitterness is too strong; use sweet herbs as assistants. Sweet retains in chest/throat; better to hold in mouth to slowly moisten throat for greater efficacy. Method: Raw Bai Ji finely powdered, Honey pills, size of longan. Hold in mouth before sleep. Or mix with raw Gan Cao powder, form pills with Pear Juice. For prolonged cough with excessive phlegm, add Bai Qian (Centellae Herba), honey pills, hold in mouth; truly a celestial prescription.
(Published) *Guisi Leigao* claims opium addiction damages Lung; Bai Ji powder with Pear Juice paste cures it. Recent additions to *Xiyoulu* are inaccurate. Lung governs exhalation, Kidney governs inhalation; opium smoking affects respiration, seemingly involving Lung. If Lung scorched, Upper Jiao fluids damaged first, this formula fits. However, chronic smokers usually damage Lower Jiao first, resulting in Lower Deficiency/Upper Excess, Fire boiling fluids, smoke's ascending nature causing phlegm accumulation above. Also, Wang Xunchen stated respiration enters Qi Mansion via Trachea, not directly Lung. According to *Shuowen*, KT refers to scars. *Guangyun*: swelling from beating. Modern people call chronic ulcers KT Chuang. Do not confuse with "smoking trigger." "Yin" (trigger/addiction) implies inability to stop after smoking, leading to death. Vulgar writing uses "Yin" (addiction) due to homophone, losing the wooden radical meaning. Cannot arbitrarily assert opium smokers must develop Lung ulcers!
Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix) descends and moves Blood, suitable for Heat-stagnation in Blood, hence key herb for regulating menstruation and postpartum. If menstruation comes early, amenorrhea due to Blood deficiency failing to nourish fetus causing instability, or postpartum Blood flow smooth, do not be confused by claims it equals Si Wu Tang, nor abuse it due to "Shen" in name. Even if efficacious like Si Wu Tang, Si Wu Tang treats Blood division diseases, not primarily tonifies Blood; Shiwan clarified this. Regarding "tonifying Heart," it is not like Gou Qi Zi or Long Yan Rou truly tonifying Heart deficiency. Heart stores Spirit and governs Blood; excessive Heart Fire disturbs Spirit. Dan Shen clears Fire in Blood, calming Spirit and stabilizing Will; calm Spirit benefits Heart. Used when Warm-Reheat pathogens enter Ying Division, for this reason. If pathogen in Qi Division and mistakenly used, it draws pathogen into Ying; caution required.
(Note) For moving Blood, use whole root; for entering Heart, remove tips.
Zhi Mu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma) is bitter and cold, clears Heat in Lung/Stomach Qi Division. Removing Heat prevents fluid consumption, allowing Yin to grow secretly. However, Zhongjing said: "Stomach Qi generates Heat, its Yang becomes severed." Severe Stomach Heat means Yin insufficient to harmonize Yang, fluids dry up, becoming brittle unable to digest food; "Yang severed" means fluid exhaustion. Clearing Heat prevents Yang severance; thus, fluid-saving meds, though called "tonifying Yang." Later generations considered cold-cool herbs disliked by Stomach, earnestly warning against light use, preferring aromatic-dry-warm-tonic herbs. Why? This world of discussing herbs rather than diseases causes sighs towards Yu Shi.
Bai Wei (Cynanchi Atrati Radix) is slightly cool, descends, clears Blood Heat, key herb for gynecology. Suitable for Warm-Reheat pathogens entering Blood Division. Why modern times don't use it in gynecology but view it as ascending-dispersing, indiscriminately prescribing regardless of Qi/Blood location, causing great harm? Ignorance is worst.
Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix) flavor: *Benjing* says bitter, *Bielu* adds "sour." Sour-bitter induces vomiting/draining, Yin nature, opening-draining product. Zhongjing said: "Taiyin disease, weak pulse, continuous loose stools; if Dahuang/Shao Yao indicated, reduce dose, as weak Stomach Qi easily disturbed." Hence, for dysentery (Zhi Xia), characterized by tenesmus/blockage, it is main herb. Moderns mistake it for astringent, using for deficiency diarrhea, lacking verification. Suitable only for Spleen affected by Liver Wood overacting.
(Published) Zou's *Shuzheng* says: Shao Yao opens Yin knots, Dahuang opens Yang knots. Intestinal dry constipation uses Chengqi formulas; abdominal fullness/pain often uses Shao Yao. If epigastric fullness/pain, Upper Jiao Yang knot, use Xiantong; Shao Yao contraindicated.
Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) is not hot, but aromatic-pungent. Qi-blood herb in Blood, specifically moving Blood/breaking stasis, hence abortifacient/reducing masses. Claimed hemostatic effect is because removing stasis allows new Blood to settle, not true hemostasis. Suitable for Blood deficiency with Wind-Cold to induce sweating. Contraindicated for non-stasis Heat bleeding, or Blood deficiency without external pathogen. Only in Yin-nourishing agents, Yin meds benefit from its dispersing action without stagnation, gaining cooling effect. Best for Yin deficiency with Heat entering Blood Division causing bloody dysentery. However, aromatic/turbid, easily causes vomiting; weak Stomach patients vomit immediately; materia medica omit this; users beware.
Mai Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) indications in *Benjing* are all Stomach diseases; *Chongyuan* explains best. Its function is in Heart, cannot be removed. Master of Mai Dong usage is likely Mr. Xiangyan (Ye Tianshi).
(Published) Miao's *Jingshu* knows Mai Dong is Stomach meridian main herb; *Yuyi Cao* began discussing Spleen/Stomach differential treatment; Ye Tianshi expanded this principle, stating Stomach is Yang Earth, prefers sweet-cool, guiding later generations, hence Huixi and Run'an deeply admired.
Yi Mu Cao (Leonuri Herba) specifically travels Blood Division. Women use Blood, hence name "Benefiting Mother," not implying it doesn't treat men. Suitable for Damp-Heat entering Blood Division, or Blood Heat/Stasis diseases. Moderns restricting it to gynecology is limited.
Xia Ku Cao (Prunellae Spica) is slightly pungent-sweet, thus in resolving nodules, also harmonizes Yang/nourishes Yin. Insomnia after blood loss sleeps immediately upon taking, revealing its nature. Aged ones taste sweeter, superior for medicine.
*Cao Hao* in *Benjing* is now Qing Hao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba), purple stems preferred. Specifically resolves Damp-Heat, aromatic, hence miraculous for Damp-Warmth/Epidemic Toxins. Clears latent Heat in Liver/Gallbladder Blood Division, hence divine for women's leukorrhea/gonorrhea, children's epilepsy/spasms/rickets. Materia medica omitted, specially revealed. Taste very bitter; protect weak Stomach Qi.
Xuan Fu Hua (Inulae Flos) moderns use only for descending rebellion, but *Benjing* says tonifies Middle/Descends Qi. Why? Ascending/descending power lies in Middle Qi. Qi ascending when it shouldn't is "Rebellion"; reversing rebellion to smoothness is "Descending." Reversing rebellion relies on Central Pivot rotation; isn't this Middle-tonifying power? Observe its color. I say "Xuan" is rotating Middle Qi ability, "Fu" is Qi descending to smoothness: naming meaning here.
(Published) Recently read Zou's *Shuzheng* citing *Qunfang Pu*: Dew from Xuan Fu Hua tip dripping into soil sprouts new roots, showing vitality's rotational ascending/descending. Expressing as tonifying Middle/Descending Qi is sage's subtle observation. Xue Yipiao case also says Xuan Fu rotates Middle Qi, matching my great-grandfather's discussion. Worldly people say it drains Qi, dare not use on deficient bodies, how contradictory!
He Shou Wu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix) internally regulates Qi/Blood, externally disperses carbuncles, efficacy near Dang Gui, also Qi-blood herb in Blood. Dang Gui is aromatic-piercing, treats Wind-Cold in Blood Division; He Shou Wu is non-aromatic, treats Wind-Heat in Blood Division, differing. Both key for gynecology/surgery, treat deficiency malaria, lubricate Large Intestine. No strong tonifying power; ancients said replace Shu Di Huang, actually incorrect. An'an Mr. said Shu Di Huang and He Shou Wu both are Jun (Emperor) herbs, cannot use together in formula, especially laughable. Whether herb is Jun/Chen depends on syndrome/formulation; seeing syndrome, using herb makes it Jun. Understand this, any materia medica herb can be Jun. Book says: Appoint officials only by virtue/talent; wise rulers judge by merit, not status. Herbs/minerals are medicinal materials, judged by efficacy, not price/purity. Good doctors/herbalists share merit, recognizing talent/appropriateness. Medical Dao connects to Governance Dao.
Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix), alias Tian Hua Fen, cool nature, sweet taste, generates fluids, stops thirst, transforms Dry-Phlegm. Zhongjing clearly said: Thirst -> remove Ban Xia, add Gua Lou Gen. Evidence Ban Xia transforms Wet-Phlegm, Tian Hua Fen transforms Dry-Phlegm. Later readers skimmed, missed meaning, paired Bei Mu with Ban Xia, inappropriate.
Gua Lou Shi (Trichosanthis Fructus), alias Tian Gua, hence root named Tian Gua Fen. Later corrupted "Gua" to "Hua," long established, unchangeable. Gua Lou Shi moistens dryness/resolves knots, sweeps Heat/cleanses Phlegm, known by all, but unaware of unique merits soothing Liver Depression/moistening Liver Dryness/calming Liver Rebellion/relieving Liver Cramps. Yuheng Mr. explained best. Modern pharmacies name this Gua Lou, using Tu Gua Gen seeds as Gua Lou; users must examine carefully. Tu Gua alias Wang Gua, i.e., *Yueling* Mengxia Wang Gua Sheng, not vegetable garden Huang Gua. Vegetable garden Huang Gua alias Hu Gua; *Suiyuan Shidan* writing "Wang Gua" is error.