虚而为寒邪乘之也寒乘气虚抑伏阳气不得宣发遂成厥也郁冒为昏冒不知仁也不仁为强直而无觉也为尸厥焉以胃无谷气
致脾涩不通于上下故使口急不能言其曰战者寒在表也栗者寒在里也
问曰濡脉何以反适十一头师曰五脏六腑相乘故令十一
成 濡弱者气血也往反有十一头头者五脏六腑共有十一也
问曰何以知乘腑何以知乘脏师曰诸阳浮数为乘腑诸阴迟涩为乘脏也
成 腑阳也阳脉见者为乘腑也脏阴也阴脉见者为乘脏也阳濡而弱则乘于腑阴濡而弱则乘于脏
（伤寒方药虽成氏注释颇为明晰而未能尽药性之奥故特以仲景一百一十三方中所用九十种药性采诸家之说以发明
之学人诚能熟玩而详究焉则长沙用药制方之遗意庶几不昧而亦可以引而伸之触类而长之矣）
（味之薄者阴中之阳味薄则通酸苦咸平是也）
麻黄 气温 味苦辛气味俱薄阳也升也无毒手太阳之剂入足太阳经走手少阴经阳明经药发太阳少阴经汗
〔垣〕轻可
去实麻黄葛根之属是也六淫有余之邪客于阳分皮毛之间腠理闭拒荣卫气血不行故谓之实二药轻清成象故可去之麻黄微
苦其形中空阴中之阳入足太阳寒水之经其经循背下行本寒而又受外寒故宜发汗去皮毛气分寒邪以泄表实若过发则汗多
亡阳或饮食劳倦及杂病自汗表虚之证用之则脱人元气不可不禁 〔海〕麻黄治卫实之药桂枝治卫虚之药二物虽为太
阳证药
其实荣卫药也心主荣为血肺主卫为气故麻黄为手太阴肺之剂桂枝为手少阴心之剂伤寒伤风而咳嗽用麻黄桂枝即汤液之
源也珍 仲景治伤寒无汗用麻黄有汗用桂枝历代名医解释皆随文傅会未有究其精微者时珍常绎思之似有一得与昔人所
解不同云津液为汗汗即血也在荣则为血在卫则为汗夫寒伤荣荣血内涩不能外通于卫卫气闭固津液不行故无汗发热而憎
寒夫风伤卫卫气外泄不能内护于荣荣气虚弱津液不固故有汗发热而恶风然风寒之邪皆由皮毛而入皮毛者肺之合也肺主
卫气包罗一身天之象也是证虽属乎太阳而肺实受邪气其证时兼面赤怫郁咳嗽有痰喘而胸满诸证者非肺病乎盖皮毛外闭
则邪热内攻而肺气愤郁故用麻黄甘草同桂枝引出荣分之邪达之肌表佐以杏仁泄肺而利气汗后无大热而喘者加以石膏朱
肱活人书夏至后加石膏知母皆是泄肺火之药是则麻黄汤虽太阳发汗重剂实为发散肺经火郁之药也腠理不密则津液外泄
而肺气自虚虚则铺其母故用桂枝同甘草外散风邪以救表内伐肝木以防脾佐以芍药泄木而固脾泄东所以补西也使以姜枣
行脾之津液而和荣卫也下后微喘者加浓朴杏仁以利肺气也汗后脉沉迟者加人参以益肺气也朱肱加黄芩为阳旦汤以泻肺
热也皆是脾肺之药是则桂枝虽太阳解肌轻剂实为理脾救肺之药也 〔修治〕去芦及根节锉细以流水煮二三沸掠去上沫不尔
使人心烦服麻黄自汗不止者以冷水浸头发仍以根节煎汤止之凡服麻黄药须避风不尔病复作也
细辛 气温味大辛气浓于味阳也无毒少阴经药手少阴引经之药 〔垣〕 治少阴头痛如神当少用之独活为使温阴经
散水寒
以去内寒治邪在里之表故仲景少阴证用麻黄附子细辛汤也 〔易老〕治少阴头痛太阳则羌活少阴则细辛阳明则白芷
厥阴则
川芎吴茱萸少阳则柴胡用者随经不可差细辛香味俱细而缓故入少阴与独活相类 〔修治〕拣去双叶者以瓜水浸一宿晒干铡
细用
柴胡 气平味微苦气味俱轻阳也升也无毒少阳经厥阴经引经之药除虚劳烦热解肌热去往来寒热早晨潮热妇人
产前产
后必用之药善除本经头痛非他药能止治心下痞胸膈痛 〔海〕在经主气在脏主血前行则恶热却退则恶寒惟气之微寒
味之薄
者故能行经能去脏腑内外俱之既能引清气上行而顺阳道盖以少阳之气初出地之皮为嫩阳故以少阳当之 〔修治〕去
芦铡细
竹筛齐之用
葛根 气平味甘无毒阳明经引经药足阳明经行经的药治脾胃虚而渴除胃热解酒毒 〔陶〕生葛捣汁饮解
温病
发热 〔颂〕仲
景治伤寒有葛根汤以其主大热解肌发腠理故也 〔洁〕升阳生津脾虚作渴者非此不除勿多用恐伤胃气张仲景治太阳
阳
明合
病桂枝汤内加麻黄葛根又有葛根黄芩黄连解肌汤是用此以断太阳入阳明之路非即太阳药也头颅痛如破乃阳明中风可用
葛根葱白汤为阳明仙药若太阳初病未入阳明而头痛者不可便服升麻葛根发之是反引邪气入阳明为引贼破家也 〔珍〕
本草
十剂云轻可去实麻黄葛根之属盖麻黄乃太阳经药兼入肺经肺主皮毛葛根乃阳明经药兼入脾经脾主肌肉所以二味药皆轻
扬发散而所入迥然不同也 〔修治〕铡细竹筛齐之用
升麻 气平味苦甘味薄气浓阳中之阴也无毒阳明经本经药 〔垣〕能解肌肉间热此手足阳明经伤风之的
药也若补脾胃非
此为引用不能补若得葱白白芷之类亦能走手足阳明太阴发散本经风邪元气不足者用此于阴中升阳气上行升麻入足阳明
若初病太阳证便服升麻葛根发出阳明经汗或失之过阳明经燥太阳经不可解必传阳明矣投汤不当非徒无益而又害之也朱
氏云瘀血入里若衄血吐血者犀角地黄汤乃阳明经圣药也如无犀角以升麻代之升麻犀角性味相远不同何以代之盖以升麻
止是引地黄及余药同入阳明耳仲景云太阳病若发汗若利小便重亡津液胃中干燥因转属阳明其害不可胜言又云太阳KT
KT无汗者葛根汤发之若KT KT 自汗者表虚也不宜用此朱氏用升麻者以表实无汗也 〔修治〕刮去黑皮去腐烂
里白者佳
锉细竹筛齐之始可用
葱白 气平味辛无毒瓦斯浓味薄升也阳也入手太阴足阳明经专主发散以通上下阳气故活人书治伤寒头痛如破用
连须葱
白汤主之张仲景治少阴病下利清谷里寒外热厥逆脉微者白通汤主之内用葱白若面色赤者四逆汤加葱白腹中痛者去葱白
成无己解之曰肾恶燥急食辛以润之葱白辛温以通阳气也 〔珍〕葱乃释家五荤之一生辛散熟甘温外实中空肺之菜也肺病宜食之肺主气外应皮毛其合阳明故所治之证多属太
阴
阳明皆取其通气发散之功通气故能解毒及理血病气者血之帅也气通则血活矣故金疮等用之皆有殊效
瓜蒂（甜瓜蒂也） 气寒味苦有毒病如桂枝证头不痛项不强寸脉微浮胸中痞硬气上冲咽喉不得息者此为胸中有
寒也当
吐之太阳中 身热疼重而脉微弱此夏月伤冷水水行皮中也宜吐之少阳病头痛发寒热脉紧不大是膈上有痰也宜吐之病胸
上诸实郁郁而痛不能食欲人按之而反有浊唾下利日十余行寸口脉微弦者当吐之懊 烦躁不得眠未经汗下者谓之实烦当
吐之宿食在上脘者当吐之并宜以瓜蒂散主之惟诸亡血虚家不可与瓜蒂散也 〔成〕高者越之在上者涌之故越以瓜蒂香豉之
苦涌以赤小豆之酸酸苦涌泄为阴也 〔垣〕难经云上部有脉下部无脉其人当吐不吐者死此饮食内伤填塞胸中食伤太阴风木
生发之气伏于下宜瓜蒂散吐之素问所谓木郁则达之也吐去上焦有形之物则木得舒畅天地交而万物通矣若尺脉绝者不宜
用此恐损真元令人胃气不复也 〔珍〕瓜蒂乃阳明经除湿热之药故能引去胸脘痰涎头目湿气皮肤水气黄胆湿热诸证甜瓜蒂
以团而短者良若长如瓠子者此名菜瓜不可用也气足时其蒂自然落在蔓上采得系屋东有风处吹干用
桔梗 气微温味苦辛甘有小毒味浓气轻阳中之阴升也入手太阴肺经气分及足少阴经治咽喉痛利肺气 〔洁〕桔梗清肺气
利咽喉其色白故为肺部引经与甘草同行为舟楫之剂如大黄苦泄峻下之药欲引至胸中至高之分成功须用辛甘之剂升之譬
如铁石入江非舟楫不载所以诸药有此一味不能下沉也 〔珍〕朱肱活人书治胸中痞满不痛用桔梗枳壳取其通肺利膈
下气也
张仲景伤寒论治寒实结胸用桔梗贝母巴豆取其温中消谷破积又治肺痈唾脓用桔梗甘草取其苦辛清肺甘温泻火又能排脓
血补内漏其治少阴证二三日咽痛亦用桔梗甘草取其苦辛散寒甘平除热合而用之能调寒热也后人易名甘桔汤通治咽喉口
舌诸病宋仁宗加荆芥防风连翘遂名如圣汤去芦米泔浸一宿焙干锉片竹筛齐用
因正气虚弱，寒邪便趁机侵袭。寒邪乘人体气虚之际，压抑并伏匿阳气，使其无法宣通发散，从而形成厥证。郁冒是指神志昏蒙、不知人事；不仁是指肢体僵硬且没有知觉，这被称为尸厥。这是因为胃中缺乏水谷精气，导致脾运涩滞，上下之气不通，所以出现口唇拘急不能言语的症状。所谓“战”，是因为寒邪在表；所谓“栗”（战栗），是因为寒邪在里。
问：濡脉为什么反而对应十一头（指代脏腑）？
答：因为五脏六腑相互传变乘侮，所以称为十一成。
注：濡弱脉象反映的是气血的状态。往来变化共有十一头，“头”指的是五脏六腑共有十一个部位。
问：如何知道是邪气侵犯腑？如何知道是邪气侵犯脏？
答：凡是阳脉浮数，就是邪气侵犯腑；凡是阴脉迟涩，就是邪气侵犯脏。
注：腑属阳，见到阳脉就是邪气侵犯腑；脏属阴，见到阴脉就是邪气侵犯脏。如果脉象濡弱，则是邪气侵犯腑；如果脉象濡弱，则是邪气侵犯脏。
（虽然伤寒方药已有成无己的注释，解释颇为清晰，但未能穷尽药性的深奥原理，因此特别选取张仲景《伤寒论》一百一十三首方剂中所用的九十种药物的药性，采集各家学说加以阐明。学者如果能熟读玩味并详细探究，那么长沙太守张仲景用药制方的遗意或许就不会被埋没，也可以由此引申，触类旁通。）
（气味薄弱的药物，属于阴中之阳。味道薄弱则能通利，酸、苦、咸平性的药物即属此类。）
麻黄：气温，味苦辛，气味都轻薄，属阳，主升发，无毒。是手太阳经的药物，入足太阳膀胱经，走手少阴心经和阳明经。能发太阳、少阴经的汗。
〔李杲〕轻扬之药可以去实邪，如麻黄、葛根之类。六淫有余的邪气客居在阳分皮毛之间，腠理闭塞拒邪，营卫气血运行不畅，这就叫作“实”。这两味药性质轻清，所以可以去除实邪。麻黄微苦，其形中空，属阴中之阳，入足太阳寒水之经。该经脉循行背部下行，本为寒水之经又受外寒侵袭，所以适宜发汗，以去除皮毛气分的寒邪，泄除表实。但如果发汗过度，会导致汗多亡阳；或者对于饮食劳倦及杂病自汗、表虚的患者使用，则会耗脱人的元气，不可不谨慎。
〔张元素〕麻黄是治疗卫分实邪的药物，桂枝是治疗卫分虚邪的药物。这两味药虽然常用于太阳病证，但实际上是调理营卫的药物。心主营，主营血；肺主卫，主气。所以麻黄是手太阴肺经的药物，桂枝是手少阴心经的药物。伤寒或伤风引起的咳嗽，使用麻黄、桂枝，这就是汤液的源头。
〔李时珍〕张仲景治疗伤寒无汗用麻黄，有汗用桂枝。历代名医的解释都是随文附会，没有探究其精微之处。我时常思考，似乎有一点心得，与以前人的解释不同。我认为津液化为汗，汗即是血。在营则为血，在卫则为汗。寒邪伤营，营血内涩，不能外通于卫，卫气闭固，津液不行，所以无汗、发热而憎寒。风邪伤卫，卫气外泄，不能内护于荣，荣气虚弱，津液不固，所以有汗、发热而恶风。然而风寒之邪都由皮毛而入，皮毛是肺的合应处，肺主卫气，包罗一身，像天的形象。这个病证虽然属于太阳，但肺实际上受了邪气。其证候时常兼见面赤怫郁、咳嗽有痰、气喘而胸满等症状，这不是肺病吗？大概是因为皮毛外闭，邪热内攻，导致肺气愤郁，所以用麻黄、甘草配合桂枝，引出营分之邪，达之于肌表；佐以杏仁，泄肺而利气。汗后如果没有大热但仍有气喘，加上石膏。朱肱《活人书》说夏至后加石膏、知母，这些都是泄肺火的药物。由此可见，麻黄汤虽然是太阳病发汗的重剂，实际上是发散肺经火郁的药物。如果腠理不致密，津液就会外泄，肺气自然虚弱。虚则补其母（脾土生肺金），所以用桂枝配合甘草，外散风邪以救表，内伐肝木以防其过旺克脾；佐以芍药，泄木气而固护脾土，泄东（肝木）所以补西（肺金）。再用姜枣，运行脾的津液来调和营卫。下法后出现轻微气喘的，加厚朴、杏仁以利肺气；汗后脉沉迟的，加人参以益肺气。朱肱加黄芩成为阳旦汤，以泻肺热。这些药物都是作用于脾肺的。由此可见，桂枝虽然是太阳病解肌的轻剂，实际上是调理脾脏、救助肺脏的药物。
〔炮制〕去掉芦头和根节，锉细，用流水煮二三沸，撇去上面的沫，否则会使人心烦。服用麻黄后出汗不止的，用冷水浸头发，仍然用根节煎汤止汗。凡服用麻黄药，必须避风，否则病会复发。
细辛：气温，味大辛，气浓重于味，属阳，无毒。是少阴经的药物，也是手少阴经的引经药。
〔李杲〕治疗少阴头痛效果如神，应当少量使用，以独活为使药，温散阴经的水寒之气，以去除内寒。治疗邪气在里的表证，所以张仲景治疗少阴证时用麻黄附子细辛汤。
〔易老〕治疗少阴头痛，太阳经用羌活，少阴经用细辛，阳明经用白芷，厥阴经用川芎、吴茱萸，少阳经用柴胡。使用者应根据经络选用，不可差错。细辛香味都细微而缓和，所以入少阴经，与独活类似。
〔炮制〕拣去双叶者，用瓜水浸泡一夜，晒干后铡细备用。
柴胡：气平，味微苦，气味都轻薄，属阳，主升发，无毒。是少阳经、厥阴经的引经药。能除虚劳烦热，解肌热，去除往来寒热，早晨潮热，是妇人产前产后必用的药物。善于消除本经头痛，非其他药物能止。治疗心下痞、胸膈痛。
〔张元素〕在经主要调气，在脏主要调血。前行则恶热，却退则恶寒。只有气微寒、味薄的药物，才能行经，能去除脏腑内外俱有的邪气。既能引导清气上行而顺应阳道，大概是因为少阳之气初出地面，皮层嫩阳，所以以少阳当之。
〔炮制〕去掉芦头，铡细，用竹筛筛齐备用。
葛根：气平，味甘，无毒。是阳明经的引经药，足阳明经的行经药。治疗脾胃虚弱引起的口渴，清除胃热，解除酒毒。
〔陶弘景〕生葛捣汁饮用，可解温病发热。
〔苏颂〕张仲景治疗伤寒有葛根汤，因为它主治大热，解肌发腠理。
〔李杲〕升阳生津。脾虚作渴者，不用此药不能消除。不要多用，恐怕损伤胃气。张仲景治疗太阳阳明合病，在桂枝汤内加麻黄、葛根；又有葛根黄芩黄连解肌汤，是用此药来阻断太阳病传入阳明的路径，它不是单纯的太阳病药。头颅痛如破裂，这是阳明中风，可用葛根葱白汤，是阳明的仙药。如果是太阳初病未入阳明而头痛者，不可立即服用升麻、葛根发汗，这是反引邪气入阳明，如同引贼破家。
〔李时珍〕《本草十剂》说轻可去实，如麻黄、葛根之类。大概麻黄是太阳经药，兼入肺经，肺主皮毛；葛根是阳明经药，兼入脾经，脾主肌肉。所以这两味药都是轻扬发散，但所入的经络截然不同。
〔炮制〕铡细，用竹筛筛齐备用。
升麻：气平，味苦甘，味薄气浓，属阳中之阴，无毒。是阳明经的本经药。
〔李杲〕能解除肌肉间的热，这是手足阳明经伤风的对症药物。如果要补脾胃，非用它作为引经药不能补。如果得到葱白、白芷之类的药，也能走手足阳明、太阴经，发散本经风邪。元气不足的人使用此药，是在阴中升举阳气上行。升麻入足阳明经。如果初病太阳证就服用升麻、葛根发出阳明经汗，或者失治过甚，阳明经燥，太阳经不可解，必然传变到阳明。投药不当，不仅无益，反而有害。朱氏说瘀血入里，如果有衄血、吐血的情况，犀角地黄汤是阳明经的圣药。如果没有犀角，可以用升麻代替。升麻和犀角性味相差很远，不同，为什么能代替？大概是因为升麻只是引导地黄及其他药物同入阳明罢了。张仲景说太阳病，如果发汗，如果利小便，严重亡失津液，胃中干燥，因而转属阳明，其危害不可胜言。又说太阳病无汗者，用葛根汤发汗；如果自汗者，是表虚，不宜用此。朱氏用升麻是因为表实无汗。
〔炮制〕刮去黑皮，去掉腐烂部分，里面白色的为佳。锉细，用竹筛筛齐始可使用。
葱白：气平，味辛，无毒，瓦斯浓味薄，主升，属阳。入手太阴、足阳明经。专主发散，以通上下阳气。所以《活人书》治疗伤寒头痛如破，用连须葱白汤主治。张仲景治疗少阴病下利清谷、里寒外热、厥逆脉微者，用白通汤主治，内用葱白。如果面色赤者，四逆汤加葱白。腹中痛者，去葱白。成无己解释说：肾恶燥，急食辛以润之。葱白辛温，以通阳气。
〔李时珍〕葱是释家五荤之一。生吃辛散，熟吃甘温。外实中空，是肺的菜。肺病宜食之。肺主气，外应皮毛，其合阳明。所以所治疗的证候多属太阴、阳明，都取其通气发散之功。通气故能解毒及理血病。气是血的统帅，气通则血活。所以金疮等症使用都有特殊疗效。
瓜蒂（甜瓜蒂）：气寒，味苦，有毒。病证如桂枝证，头不痛，项不强，寸脉微浮，胸中痞硬，气上冲咽喉不得息者，此为胸中有寒，应当吐之。太阳中暍，身热疼重而脉微弱，这是夏月伤冷水，水行皮中也，适宜吐之。少阳病头痛发寒热，脉紧不大，是膈上有痰，适宜吐之。病胸上诸实，郁郁而痛，不能食，欲人按之而反有浊唾，下利日十余行，寸口脉微弦者，当吐之。懊憹烦躁不得眠，未经汗下者谓之实烦，当吐之。宿食在上脘者，当吐之。并适宜以瓜蒂散主治。只有各种亡血、虚家不可给予瓜蒂散。
〔成无己〕高者越之，在上者涌之。所以用瓜蒂、香豉之苦涌吐，以赤小豆之酸，酸苦涌泄为阴。
〔李杲〕《难经》云上部有脉下部无脉，其人当吐，不吐者死。这是饮食内伤填塞胸中，食伤太阴风木生发之气，伏于下，适宜瓜蒂散吐之。《素问》所谓木郁则达之。吐去上焦有形之物，则木得舒畅，天地交而万物通矣。如果尺脉绝者，不宜用此，恐怕损伤真元，令人胃气不复。
〔李时珍〕瓜蒂是阳明经除湿热的药，所以能引去胸脘痰涎、头目湿气、皮肤水气、黄疸湿热诸证。甜瓜蒂以团而短者为良。如果长如瓠子者，此名菜瓜，不可用。气足时其蒂自然落在蔓上，采得系屋东有风处吹干备用。
桔梗：气微温，味苦辛甘，有小毒，味浓气轻，属阳中之阴，主升。入手太阴肺经气分及足少阴经。治疗咽喉痛，利肺气。
〔李杲〕桔梗清肺气，利咽喉。其色白，故为肺部引经药。与甘草同行为舟楫之剂。如大黄苦泄峻下之药，欲引至胸中至高之分，成功须用辛甘之剂升之。譬如铁石入江，非舟楫不载。所以诸药有此一味，不能下沉。
〔李时珍〕朱肱《活人书》治疗胸中痞满不痛，用桔梗、枳壳，取其通肺利膈下气。张仲景《伤寒论》治疗寒实结胸，用桔梗、贝母、巴豆，取其温中消谷破积。又治疗肺痈唾脓，用桔梗、甘草，取其苦辛清肺，甘温泻火，又能排脓血补内漏。其治疗少阴证二三日咽痛，亦用桔梗、甘草，取其苦辛散寒，甘平除热。合而用之，能调寒热。后人改名为甘桔汤，通治咽喉口舌诸病。宋仁宗加荆芥、防风、连翘，遂名如圣汤。去芦，米泔浸一夜，焙干，锉片，用竹筛筛齐备用。
Due to deficiency of healthy Qi, cold pathogenic factors take the opportunity to invade. Cold pathogenic factors, taking advantage of the body's Qi deficiency, suppress and hide the Yang Qi, preventing it from being disseminated and emitted, thereby forming Jue syndrome (cold extremities). Yu Mao (depression and dizziness) refers to mental confusion and loss of consciousness; Bu Ren (numbness) refers to limb stiffness and lack of sensation, which is called Shi Jue (corpse-like fainting). This is because the stomach lacks grain Qi, causing the Spleen's transport to become sluggish, blocking the flow of Qi between the upper and lower parts, thus resulting in tightness of the mouth and inability to speak. The term "Zhan" (shivering) indicates that cold is in the Exterior; the term "Li" (trembling) indicates that cold is in the Interior.
Question: Why does the Ru pulse (soft pulse) correspond to the "eleven heads"?
Answer: Because the Five Zang and Six Fu organs influence each other through multiplication and subjugation, it is called "eleven formations."
Note: The Ru-Ruo pulse reflects the state of Qi and Blood. The variations involve "eleven heads," where "head" refers to the eleven locations comprising the Five Zang and Six Fu organs.
Question: How do we know if pathogenic factors have invaded the Fu organs? How do we know if they have invaded the Zang organs?
Answer: Whenever Yang pulses (Floating and Rapid) appear, it indicates invasion of the Fu organs; whenever Yin pulses (Slow and Choppy) appear, it indicates invasion of the Zang organs.
Note: Fu organs belong to Yang; seeing Yang pulses indicates invasion of the Fu organs. Zang organs belong to Yin; seeing Yin pulses indicates invasion of the Zang organs. If the pulse is Ru-Ruo, it indicates invasion of the Fu organs; if the pulse is Ru-Ruo, it indicates invasion of the Zang organs.
(Although Cheng Wuji's commentary on Shanghan formulas is quite clear, it fails to exhaustively explain the profound principles of herb properties. Therefore, I specifically select ninety herbs used in Zhang Zhongjing's 113 formulas from *Shanghan Lun*, gathering theories from various schools to elucidate them. If students can study these carefully and investigate in detail, the lost intentions of Zhang Zhongjing (the Changsha太守) in prescribing and formulating will likely not be obscured, allowing one to extend this knowledge and apply it by analogy.)
(Herbs with thin flavors belong to Yang within Yin. Thin flavors promote unblocking; Sour, Bitter, Salty, and Neutral herbs fall into this category.)
**Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄)**: Temperature is Warm; Flavor is Bitter and Acrid. Both Qi and flavor are light/thin, belonging to Yang, governing ascending movement. Non-toxic. It is a formula for the Hand Taiyang channel, enters the Foot Taiyang Bladder channel, travels to the Hand Shaoyin Heart channel and Yangming channels. It induces sweating from the Taiyang and Shaoyin channels.
[Li Gao] Light and dispersing herbs can remove excess solidities, such as Mahuang and Gegen. When excessive pathogens from the six climatic factors lodge in the Yang aspect between the skin and hair, closing the Cou Li (pores) and obstructing the circulation of Ying and Wei Qi and Blood, this is called "Excess." These two herbs have light and clear natures, so they can remove this excess. Mahuang is slightly bitter; its hollow structure represents Yang within Yin. It enters the Foot Taiyang Water channel. This channel runs down the back; originally a Cold Water channel, it is further affected by external cold, making sweating appropriate to expel cold pathogens from the skin and Qi level, relieving exterior excess. However, excessive sweating leads to loss of Yang through sweat; or if used in cases of spontaneous sweating due to dietary/labor fatigue or miscellaneous diseases with deficient exterior, it will deplete the person's Yuan Qi, so caution is essential.
[Zhang Yuansu] Mahuang treats Wei Excess; Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) treats Wei Deficiency. Although both are used for Taiyang syndromes, they actually regulate Ying and Wei. The Heart governs Ying (Blood); the Lung governs Wei (Qi). Thus, Mahuang is a Hand Taiyin Lung herb, and Guizhi is a Hand Shaoyin Heart herb. For coughs caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage) or Shangfeng (Wind Strike), using Mahuang and Guizhi constitutes the source of decoctions.
[Li Shizhen] Zhang Zhongjing used Mahuang for anhidrosis (no sweat) in Shanghan, and Guizhi for hyperhidrosis (sweating).历代名医 (Famous doctors through history) explained this merely by following the text without investigating the subtleties. I often ponder and seem to have gained insight differing from previous explanations. Body fluids transform into sweat; sweat is blood. In Ying it is blood; in Wei it is sweat. Cold damages Ying; Ying blood becomes stagnant internally, unable to communicate externally with Wei. Wei Qi closes and secures, body fluids do not flow, resulting in no sweat, fever, and aversion to cold. Wind damages Wei; Wei Qi leaks externally, unable to protect Ying internally. Ying Qi becomes weak, body fluids are not secured, resulting in sweat, fever, and aversion to wind. However, Wind and Cold pathogens enter via the skin and hair, which are the exterior correspondence of the Lung. The Lung governs Wei Qi and encompasses the whole body like Heaven. Although this syndrome belongs to Taiyang, the Lung actually receives the pathogen. Symptoms often include red face, oppression, cough with phlegm, wheezing, and chest fullness—is this not a Lung disease? Generally, when the exterior is closed, pathogenic heat attacks internally, causing stagnation of Lung Qi. Therefore, Mahuang and Gancao (Licorice Root) combined with Guizhi draw out Ying-level pathogens to the muscle surface; Xingren (Apricot Seed) is added to drain Lung and benefit Qi. After sweating, if there is no high fever but wheezing persists, Shigao (Gypsum) is added. Zhu Gong's *Huoren Shu* states adding Shigao and Zhimu after the Summer Solstice are all drugs to drain Lung fire. Thus, although Mahuang Tang is a heavy sweating agent for Taiyang, it is essentially a drug to disperse Fire Stagnation in the Lung channel. If Cou Li are not dense, body fluids leak externally, and Lung Qi becomes deficient. Deficiency requires tonifying the mother (Earth generates Metal), so Guizhi combined with Gancao disperses wind externally to save the exterior and controls Liver Wood internally to prevent attacking the Spleen; Shaoyao (Peony Root) is added to drain Wood and secure the Spleen, draining East (Liver) to supplement West (Lung). Ginger and Jujube are used to move Spleen fluids and harmonize Ying and Wei. After purgation, if slight wheezing occurs, Houpo (Magnolia Bark) and Xingren are added to benefit Lung Qi; if the pulse is deep and slow after sweating, Renshen (Ginseng) is added to benefit Lung Qi. Zhu Gong added Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) to create Yangdan Tang to drain Lung heat. All these act on the Spleen and Lung. Thus, although Guizhi Tang is a light muscle-releasing agent for Taiyang, it is essentially a drug to regulate the Spleen and rescue the Lung.
[Processing] Remove the rhizome and root joints, chop finely, boil in running water for two or three boils, skim off the foam on top, otherwise it causes heart vexation. If sweating continues excessively after taking Mahuang, soak the hair in cold water, or decoct the root joints to stop sweating. When taking Mahuang, avoid wind, otherwise the illness will recur.
**Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin, 细辛)**: Temperature is Warm; Flavor is Very Pungent. Qi is denser than flavor, belonging to Yang. Non-toxic. It is a Shaoyin channel herb and a guiding herb for the Hand Shaoyin channel.
[Li Gao] Treats Shaoyin headache effectively; should be used in small doses, with Du Huo (Angelica Pubescens Root) as the assistant herb, to warm the Yin channels, scatter cold-dampness, and remove internal cold. It treats pathogenic factors in the interior's exterior, hence Zhang Zhongjing uses Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang (Ephedra, Aconite, and Asari Decoction) for Shaoyin syndromes.
[Yi Lao] For Shaoyin headache, use Qianghuo (Notopterygium Root) for Taiyang, Xixin for Shaoyin, Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root) for Yangming, Chuanxiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) and Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit) for Jueyin, and Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) for Shaoyang. Users should follow the channel and not err. Xixin has subtle fragrance and flavor, acting slowly, entering the Shaoyin channel, similar to Du Huo.
[Processing] Select those without double leaves, soak in melon water overnight, dry, chop finely, and use.
**Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu, 柴胡)**: Temperature is Neutral; Flavor is Slightly Bitter. Both Qi and flavor are light/thin, belonging to Yang, governing ascending movement. Non-toxic. It is a guiding herb for the Shaoyang and Jueyin channels. It removes deficiency-heat and vexation, releases muscle heat, eliminates alternating chills and fever, morning tidal fever, and is a must-use herb for women before and after childbirth. It excels at relieving headaches of its own channel, which other herbs cannot stop. It treats epigastric stuffiness and chest/diaphragm pain.
[Zhang Yuansu] In the channels, it governs Qi; in the Zang, it governs Blood. Moving forward implies aversion to heat; retreating implies aversion to cold. Only herbs with slightly cold Qi and thin flavors can travel through channels and remove pathogens inside and outside the Zang-Fu. It guides clear Qi upward to follow the Yang pathway, likely because Shaoyang Qi emerges from the earth like tender young Yang, hence associated with Shaoyang.
[Processing] Remove the rhizome, chop finely, sieve evenly with a bamboo sieve, and use.
**Puerariae Lobatae Radix (Gegen, 葛根)**: Temperature is Neutral; Flavor is Sweet. Non-toxic. It is a guiding herb for the Yangming channel and a traveling herb for the Foot Yangming channel. It treats thirst due to Spleen-Stomach deficiency, clears Stomach heat, and resolves alcohol toxicity.
[Tao Hongjing] Fresh Gegen crushed and juiced and drunk resolves fever from Warm Diseases.
[Su Song] Zhang Zhongjing used Gegen Tang (Kudzu Decoction) for Shanghan because it primarily treats high fever, releases the muscle layer, and opens the Cou Li.
[Li Gao] Raises Yang and generates fluids. For thirst due to Spleen deficiency, nothing else removes it except this. Do not use excessively, lest it damage Stomach Qi. Zhang Zhongjing treated Taiyang-Yangming combined disease by adding Mahuang and Gegen to Guizhi Tang; he also used Gegen Huangqin Huanglian Tang (Kudzu, Scutellaria, and Coptis Decoction) to block the path of Taiyang entering Yangming; it is not purely a Taiyang herb. Severe headache like breaking is Yangming Wind Strike, treatable with Gegen Congbai Tang (Kudzu and Scallion Decoction), a celestial herb for Yangming. If Taiyang disease has just begun and has not entered Yangming, but presents with headache, do not immediately use Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome) and Gegen to induce sweating, as this reversely draws pathogens into Yangming, like inviting thieves to destroy the home.
[Li Shizhen] *Bencao Ten Formulas* states light herbs remove excess, such as Mahuang and Gegen. Mahuang is a Taiyang herb, additionally entering the Lung channel (which governs skin/hair); Gegen is a Yangming herb, additionally entering the Spleen channel (which governs muscles). Thus, both are light and dispersing, yet their entry points differ significantly.
[Processing] Chop finely, sieve evenly with a bamboo sieve, and use.
**Cimicifugae Rhizoma (Shengma, 升麻)**: Temperature is Neutral; Flavor is Bitter and Sweet. Flavor is thin, Qi is dense, belonging to Yin within Yang. Non-toxic. It is a primary herb for the Yangming channel.
[Li Gao] It can resolve heat in the muscle layer; it is the specific herb for Wind Strike in the Hand and Foot Yangming channels. To tonify the Spleen and Stomach, it must be used as a guiding herb to achieve tonification. With Congbai (Scallion White) or Baizhi, it can also travel through Hand/Foot Yangming and Taiyin channels to disperse Wind pathogens of its own channel. For those with insufficient Yuan Qi, this herb raises Yang Qi upward from within Yin. Shengma enters the Foot Yangming channel. If Taiyang syndrome at onset is treated with Shengma and Gegen to induce Yangming sweating, or if treatment is delayed leading to Yangming dryness where Taiyang cannot be resolved, transmission to Yangming is inevitable. Incorrect prescription is not only useless but harmful. Zhu氏 says if blood stasis enters the interior, causing nosebleed or hematemesis, Xijiao Dihuang Tang (Rhinoceros Horn and Rehmannia Decoction) is the sage medicine for Yangming. If Xijiao is unavailable, Shengma can substitute. Shengma and Xijiao have vastly different properties; why substitute? Merely because Shengma guides Dihuang and other herbs into the Yangming channel. Zhang Zhongjing said if Taiyang disease is treated with sweating or diuresis, severely depleting body fluids, causing dry Stomach and transformation to Yangming, the harm is immeasurable. He also said Taiyang disease with no sweat uses Gegen Tang; if spontaneous sweating occurs, it is exterior deficiency, and this should not be used. Zhu氏 used Shengma because of exterior excess with no sweat.
[Processing] Scrape off black skin, remove rotten parts; the white interior is best. Chop finely, sieve evenly with a bamboo sieve, and use.
**Allii Fistulosi Bulbus (Congbai, 葱白)**: Temperature is Neutral; Flavor is Pungent. Non-toxic. Qi is dense, flavor is thin, governing ascending movement, belonging to Yang. Enters Hand Taiyin and Foot Yangming channels. Primarily governs dispersion to unblock Yang Qi between upper and lower. Hence, *Huoren Shu* treats severe headache from Shanghan with Lianxu Congbai Tang (Scallion White Decoction with Roots). Zhang Zhongjing treated Shaoyin disease with diarrhea of undigested food, interior cold with exterior heat, cold extremities, and faint pulse using Bitong Tang (White Connecting Decoction), internally using Congbai. If face is red, Si Ni Tang (Frigid Extremities Decoction) plus Congbai. If abdominal pain, remove Congbai. Cheng Wuji explained: Kidney dislikes dryness; urgently eat pungent to moisten. Congbai is pungent and warm, unblocking Yang Qi.
[Li Shizhen] Cong is one of the five strong-smelling vegetables in Buddhism. Raw it is pungent and dispersing; cooked it is sweet and warm. Solid outside, hollow inside; it is a vegetable for the Lung. Lung diseases benefit from eating it. Lung governs Qi, corresponds externally to skin/hair, and combines with Yangming. Thus, treated syndromes mostly belong to Taiyin and Yangming, utilizing its function of unblocking Qi and dispersing. Unblocking Qi detoxifies and regulates Blood disorders. Qi is the commander of Blood; when Qi moves, Blood moves. Thus, it has special effects in treating traumatic injuries, etc.
**Melonis Fructus (Gua Di, 瓜蒂)**: Temperature is Cold; Flavor is Bitter. Toxic. Syndromes resembling Guizhi Tang pattern but without headache or neck stiffness, with superficial Floating pulse at Cun position, epigastric hardness, Qi rushing up to throat causing breathing difficulty, indicates Cold in the Chest; vomiting is indicated. Summerheat stroke with body heat, heaviness, pain, and weak pulse indicates Cold Water injury in summer, water moving in skin; vomiting is indicated. Shaoyang disease with headache, chills/fever, tight/small pulse indicates Phlegm above the diaphragm; vomiting is indicated. Various excesses in the chest causing depression/pain, inability to eat, desire for pressure but producing turbid saliva, diarrhea >10 times/day, with slightly wiry pulse at Cun position; vomiting is indicated. Vexation, irritability, insomnia without prior sweating/purging is called Excess Vexation; vomiting is indicated. Food retention in the Upper Jiao; vomiting is indicated. All are suitable for treatment with Gua Di San (Melon Seed Powder). Only patients with blood loss or deficiency constitutions should not receive Gua Di San.
[Cheng Wuji] High things are vented; things above are vomited. Hence, the bitterness of Gua Di and Xiang Chi (Fermented Soybean) induces vomiting; the sourness of Chixiaodou (Red Bean) aids sour-bitter vomiting and drainage, which is Yin.
[Li Gao] *Nan Jing* states: Pulse present above, absent below; the patient should vomit. If they do not vomit, death ensues. This is due to dietary injury filling the chest, damaging the generating Qi of Wood in Taiyin, which lies hidden below. Gua Di San is suitable to vomit it. *Su Wen* says "When Wood is stagnant, it must be reached." Vomiting away tangible matter from the Upper Jiao allows Wood to flourish, Heaven and Earth interact, and all things flow. If Chi pulse is absent, do not use this, lest it damage True Yuan and restore Stomach Qi.
[Li Shizhen] Gua Di is a Yangming channel herb for removing Damp-Heat, thus it guides out Phlegm-Saliva from chest/epigastrium, dampness from head/eyes, water-Qi from skin, and jaundice/Damp-Heat. Good Melon Seeds are round and short. Long ones like bottle gourds are named Vegetable Gourds and should not be used. Harvest when fully mature, naturally falling onto the vine. Tie in a windy place facing East and dry.
**Platycodonis Radix (Jie Geng, 桔梗)**: Temperature is Slightly Warm; Flavor is Bitter, Pungent, Sweet. Slightly toxic. Flavor is dense, Qi is light, belonging to Yin within Yang, governing ascending movement. Enters Hand Taiyin Lung channel Qi level and Foot Shaoyin channel. Treats sore throat, benefits Lung Qi.
[Li Gao] Jie Geng clears Lung Qi and benefits the throat. Its white color makes it a guiding herb for the Lung. Combined with Gancao, it acts as a boat/oar agent. Like Dahuang (Rhubarb Root), a harsh bitter-draining downward herb, if one wishes to guide it to the highest part of the chest, success requires pungent-sweet agents to raise it. Like iron/stone entering a river, without boats/oars it cannot float. Thus, with this herb, other medicines cannot sink.
[Li Shizhen] Zhu Gong's *Huoren Shu* treats chest stuffiness without pain using Jie Geng and Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), taking advantage of unblocking Lung and benefiting diaphragm/downward-moving Qi. Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan Lun* treats Cold-Excess Knotting Chest using Jie Geng, Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb), and Badou (Croton Seed), taking advantage of warming middle, digesting grain, and breaking accumulation. It also treats Lung Abscess with pus expectoration using Jie Geng and Gancao, taking advantage of bitter-pungent clearing Lung, sweet-warm draining fire, and expelling pus/blood/nourishing internal leakage. For Shaoyin syndrome with sore throat after 2-3 days, Jie Geng and Gancao are used, taking advantage of bitter-pungent scattering cold and sweet-neutral clearing heat. Combined, they regulate cold and heat. Later generations renamed this Gan Jie Tang (Licorice and Platycodon Decoction) to treat all throat/mouth/tongue diseases. Emperor Renzong of Song added Jingjie (Schizonepeta Spike), Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root), and Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), naming it Rusheng Tang (Like Sage Decoction). Remove rhizome, soak in rice wash overnight, bake dry, slice, sieve evenly with bamboo sieve, and use.