Library

[Qian Niu Zi (Pharbitis Seed)]
Bitter and pungent in flavor, cold in nature, toxic. Enters the Large Intestine and Small Intestine meridians. Primarily descends Qi, unblocks both bowels, dispels stagnant Qi causing wheezing and urgency, reduces edema, eliminates wind-toxicity, treats pain in the waist and knees, and induces abortion. Steamed with wine, peel removed before use.

Note: Qian Niu Zi specializes in treating water-Qi disorders, hence it enters the Large Intestine and Small Intestine meridians. Zhu Danxi stated: It belongs to Fire and is good at moving rapidly. There are two types: the black one combines with Water, and the white one combines with Metal (Lung). Use it when the disease manifestation and syndrome match. However, its expulsion of pathogens can lead to deficiency; do not use it if there is no abdominal fullness or constipation. Zhang Zhongjing did not use it in treating the seven types of dampness syndromes and difficult urination. Why? Because the root of dampness lies in the Lower Jiao, which is a Qi disorder within the Blood aspect, caused by the weakness of the Upper Jiao failing to perform Qi transformation.

Lei Gong said: "Cao Jin Ling" is another name for Qian Niu Zi. When harvesting this herb, collect the mature fruits in late autumn and store them in winter. For use, dry them in the sun, then wash in water. Discard floating seeds, take the sinking ones, dry them again, steam with wine from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Wei hour (1-3 PM), dry again, and crush to remove the black skin before use.

[Bi Xie (Dioscorea Hypoglauca Rhizome)]
Bitter and sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen, Kidney, and Bladder meridians. Primarily treats Wind-Cold-Damp Bi obstruction, backache, hemiplegia due to stroke, generalized numbness, retained water in the Bladder, impotence, urinary incontinence, promotes urination, benefits essence, and brightens the eyes. Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed) serves as the guiding herb. It is incompatible with Kui Gen (Mallow Root), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Chai Hu (Bupleurum), and Mu Li (Oyster Shell). Avoid beef.

Note: Why does Bi Xie enter these three meridians? Because when the Kidney is overcome by Earth (Spleen), the Water organ (Kidney) becomes deficient. The Liver, carrying Ministerial Fire, invades the Dampness of the Spleen. The Spleen governs muscles; when Dampness stagnates in the muscle layers, it generates Heat and Wind, leading to poor circulation of Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) and joint stiffness. Bi Xie excels at removing water-dampness. Using it to leach out Spleen Dampness allows Earth to maintain its position, preventing Water from being insulted. However, misuse leads to frequent urination. If urination is frequent, does the Kidney Qi recover and become solid? Nowadays, many rigidly adhere to its entry into the Kidney meridian and use it as a tonic, which shows a lack of deep understanding of its principles.

[Mu Tong (Akebia Stem)]
Pungent and sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Small Intestine meridian. Primarily treats Wu Lin (Five Types of Strangury), urinary retention, menstrual stasis, lactational obstruction, dystocia, accumulations, palpitations, restlessness, forgetfulness, deafness, hoarseness, nasal congestion, carbuncles, Pi Dan (Spleen Jaundice), lethargy, and epidemic febrile diseases.

Note: Mu Tong promotes urination and specifically drains the Small Intestine, making it suitable for treating Wu Lin and similar syndromes. Although palpitations and other symptoms belong to the Heart meridian, since the Heart and Small Intestine are exterior-interior paired organs, they are treated together. Pi Dan and lethargy are Spleen diseases caused by Dampness; does promoting urination via the Small Intestine fail to remove Dampness? Epidemics arise from inhaling abnormal Qi of Heaven and Earth. Now that the Official of Reception and Transformation (Small Intestine) functions properly, pathogenic factors cannot reside, so it is also suitable for treatment.