Library

[Madouling / Aristolochiae Fructus]
Bitter, cold, non-toxic. Enters the Lung Meridian. Primarily clears the Lungs, eliminates cough, phlegm, and wheezing, and treats bloody hemorrhoids, fistulas, and sores. The root is named Qingmuxiang (Indigofera Root), which has the effect of purging toxicity.
Commentary: Madouling specifically governs the Hand-Taiyin (Lung) Meridian. Why does it treat hemorrhoids and fistulas? This is because the Lung and Large Intestine are exterior-interiorly related. Heat remaining in the Lung transmits to the Large Intestine, causing these conditions. By clearing the exterior (Lung), the interior (Large Intestine) disease heals itself.
Leigong states: When used, after harvesting, remove leaves and vines. Place in a raw silk bag and hang near the eastern corner of the roof to dry. Split open, remove the septum/membrane, take the clean seeds, and roast for use.

[Qingdai / Indigo Naturalis]
Bitter and sweet, cold, non-toxic. Enters the Liver and Spleen meridians. Removes stagnant fire, resolves heat toxins, stops dysentery, kills various parasites, treats pediatric malnutrition (Gan syndrome) due to worms and emaciation, convulsions and epilepsy caused by evil qi, chapped lips, thirst, thick phlegm in the upper diaphragm, red macules from Shanghan (Cold Damage), yellow complexion, and red nose.
Commentary: Qingdai is green, corresponding to Wood; its taste is sweet, corresponding to Earth. It is suitable for entering the Jueyin (Liver) and Taiyin (Spleen) meridians to regulate various heat syndromes.

[Juhua / Chrysanthemi Flos]
Sweet and slightly bitter, neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Lung, Spleen, Liver, and Kidney meridians. Can tonify Yin Qi, brighten the eyes and sharpen the hearing, clear head wind and vexing heat in the chest, and treat skin damp-bi. Gouqigen (Lycii Radicis Cortex), Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex), Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) serve as guiding or assisting herbs.
Commentary: Danxi (Zhu Zhenheng) said: Juhua belongs to Metal but grows in Earth within Water, greatly tonifying Yin. It is suitable for entering the Lung, Liver, and other meridians. Generally, vexing heat syndromes arise from insufficient Water (Kidney Yin) leading to blazing Fire. By tonifying Yin with this herb, Water becomes abundant and Fire naturally subsides. Sweet-tasting varieties are preferred. If bitter, it is Kuju (Bitter Chrysanthemum), which severely damages Stomach Qi; be cautious.

[Yiyiren / Coicis Semen]
Sweet, slightly cold, non-toxic. Enters the Lung, Spleen, Liver, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. Promotes bowel movement, reduces edema, dispels wind-dampness, treats Hongkongfoot (Gout/Charcot foot), treats Feiwei (Lung Abscess/Withered Lung), and strengthens the Spleen and Stomach.
Commentary: Yiyiren generally addresses Damp-Heat, thus entering the five meridians above and below. Heat causes tendon contraction, while Dampness causes tendon laxity; both can be treated with it. However, if Cold causes tendon tightness, it is contraindicated. Its action is mild and slow, requiring larger doses to see effects.
Leigong states: Do not use Jingmi (Oryza Sativa Var. Japonica), which has large grains and no taste; this is what people call Jingmi. If Yiyiren has small grains, is greenish, tastes sweet, and sticks to the teeth when chewed, take 1 liang of Yiyiren and boil it together with 1 liang of Nuomi (Glutinous Rice). Once the Nuomi is cooked, remove the Nuomi and use only the Yiyiren. If decocted with salt water, it becomes a standard processing method.