人参（一）（反藜芦） 味甘微苦，微温，气味颇浓，阳中微阴，气虚血虚俱能补。阳气虚竭者，
此能回之于无何有之乡；阴血崩溃者，此能障之于已决裂之后。惟其气壮而不辛，所以能固气；惟
其味甘而纯正，所以能补血。故凡虚而发热，虚而自汗，虚而眩运，虚而困倦，虚而惊惧，虚而短
气，虚而遗泄，虚而泻利，虚而头疼，虚而腹痛，虚而饮食不运，虚而痰涎壅滞，虚而嗽血吐血，
虚而淋沥便闭，虚而呕逆躁烦，虚而下血失气等证，是皆必不可缺者。第欲以气血相较，则人参气
味颇轻而属阳者多，所以得气分者六，得血分者四，总之不失为气分之药，而血分之所不可缺者，
为未有气不至而血能自至者也。故扁鹊曰∶损其肺者益其气，须用人参以益之，肺气既王，余脏之
气皆王矣。所以人参之性，多主于气，而凡脏腑之有气虚者，皆能补之。
然其性温，故积温亦能成热，若云人参不热则可，云人参之性凉，恐未必然。虽东垣云∶人参、
黄为退火之圣药，丹溪云∶虚火可补，参术之类是也，此亦皆言虚火也。而虚火二字，最有关系，
若内真寒而外假热者，是为真正虚火，非放胆用之，必不可也。然有一等元阴亏乏，而邪火烁于表里，
神魂躁动，内外枯热，真正阴虚一证，谁谓其非虚火？若过用人参，果能助热。若王节斋云∶阳旺
则阴愈消，及《节要》云∶阴虚火动者勿用，又曰∶肺热还伤肺等说，固有此理，亦不可谓其尽非。
而近之明哲如李月池辈，皆极不然之，恐亦未必然也。夫虚火二字，最当分其实中有虚，虚中有实，
阳中有阴，阴中有阳，惟勿以成心而执己见，斯可矣。如必欲彼此是非，是所谓面东方不见西墙，
皆未得其中也。予请剖之曰∶如龙雷之火，原
属虚火，得水则燔，得日则散，是即假热之火，故补阳即消矣。至若亢旱尘飞，赤地千里，得非阳亢
阴虚，而亦可以捕阳生阴乎？或必曰∶此正实火也，得寒则已。予曰∶不然。夫炎暑酷烈，热令大
行，此为实火，非寒莫解；而干枯燥旱，泉源断流，是谓阴虚，非水莫济，此实火之与阴虚，亦自
判然可别。是以阴虚而火不盛者，自当用参为君；若阴虚而火稍盛者，但可用参为佐；若阴虚而火
大盛者，则诚有暂忌人参，而惟用纯甘壮水之剂，庶可收功一证，不可不知也。予非不善用人参者，
亦非畏用而不知人参之能补阴者，盖以天下之理，原有对待，谓之曰阴虚必当忌参固不可，谓之曰
阴虚必当用参亦不可，要亦得其中和，用其当而已矣，观者详之。
黄 （三） 味甘气平，气味俱轻，升多降少，阳中微阴。生者微凉，可治痈疽。蜜炙性温，能
补虚损。因其味轻，故专于气分而达表，所以能补元阳，充腠理，治劳伤，长肌肉。气虚而难汗者
可发，表疏而多汗者可止。其所以止血崩血淋者，以气固而血自止也，故曰血脱益气。其所以除泻
痢带浊者，以气固而陷自除也，故曰陷者举之。然其性味俱浮，纯于气分，故中满气滞者，当酌用
之。
白术（二） 味甘辛，气温，气味俱浓，可升可降，阳中有阴，气中有血。其性温燥，故能益气和
中，补阳生血，暖胃消谷，益津液，长肌肉，助精神，实脾胃，止呕逆，补劳倦，进饮食，利小水，
除湿运痰，消浮去胀，治心腹冷痛，胃虚下痢， 癖 瘕。制以人乳，欲润其燥。炒以壁土，欲助
其固。佐以黄芩，清热安胎。以其性涩壮气，故能止汗实表。而痈疽得之，必反多脓；奔豚遇之，
恐反增气；及上焦燥热而气多壅滞者，皆宜酌用之。然冬术甘而柔润，夏术苦而燥烈，此其功用大
有不同，不可不为深辨也。若于饥时择肥而甘者嚼而服之，服之久久，诚为延寿之物，是实人所未
知。
苍术（四） 味苦甘辛，性温而燥，气味俱浓，可升可降、阳也。用此者用其温散燥湿。其性温散，
故能发汗宽中，调胃进食，去心腹胀疼，霍乱呕吐，解诸郁结，逐山岚寒疫，散风眩头疼，消痰癖
气块，水肿胀满。其性燥湿，故治冷痢冷泄，滑泻肠风，寒湿诸疮。与黄柏同煎，最逐下焦湿热痿
痹。若内热阴虚，表疏汗出者忌服。
然惟茅山者，其质坚小，其味甘醇，补益功多，大胜他术。
甘草（五） 味甘气平，生凉炙温，可升可降，善于解毒。反甘遂、海藻、大戟、芫花。其
味至甘，得中和之性，有调补之功，故毒药得之解其毒，刚药得之和其性，表药得之助其升，下
药得之缓其速。助参 成气虚之功，人所知也；肋熟地疗阴虚之危，谁其晓焉？祛邪热，坚筋骨，
健脾胃，长肌肉，随气药入气，随血药入血，无往不可，故称国老。惟中满者勿加，恐其作胀；速
下者勿入，恐其缓功，不可不知也。
黄精（六） 一名救穷草。味甘微辛，性温。能补中益气，安五脏，疗五劳七伤，助筋骨，益脾
胃，润心肺，填精髓，耐寒暑，下三虫，久服延年不饥，发白更黑，齿落更生。张华《博物志》言
天老曰∶太阳之草名黄精，食之可以长生。太阴之草名钩吻，不可食之，入口立死。此但以黄精、
钩吻对言善恶，原非谓其相似也。而陶弘景谓黄精之叶与钩吻相似，误服之害人。苏恭曰∶黄精叶
似柳，钩吻蔓生，叶如柿叶，殊非比类。陈藏器曰∶钩吻乃野葛之别名，二物全不相似，不知陶公
凭何说此？是可见黄精之内本无钩吻，不必疑也。
肉苁蓉（七） 味甘咸，微辛酸，气微温。味重阴也，降也，其性滑。以其味重而甘温，故助相火，
补精兴阳，益子嗣，治女人血虚不孕，暖腰膝，坚筋骨，除下焦寒痛。以其补阴助阳，故禁虚寒遗
沥泄精，止血崩尿血。以其性滑，故可除茎中寒热涩痛，但骤服反动大便。若虚不可攻而大便闭结
不通者，洗淡，暂用三四钱，一剂即通，神效。
丹参（八） 味微苦、微甘、微涩，性微凉，无毒。反藜芦。能养血活血，生新血，行宿血，故
能安生胎，落死胎，血崩带下可止，经脉不匀可调。此心脾肝肾血分之药，所以亦能养阴定志，益
气解烦，疗眼疼脚痹，通利关节，及恶疮疥癣，赤眼丹毒，排脓止痛，长肉生肌。
还志（九） 味微苦、微辛，气温，阳也，升也。制以甘草汤，浸一宿，晒干炒用。功专心肾，
故可镇心止惊，辟邪安梦，壮阳益精，强志助力。以其气升，故同人参、甘草、枣仁，极能举陷摄
精，交接水火。但可为佐，用不宜多。神气上虚者所宜，痰火上实者当避。
巴戟天（十） 味甘微温，阴中阳也。虽曰足少阴肾经之药，然亦能养心神，安五脏，补五
劳，益志气，助精强阴。治阴痿不起，腰膝疼痛，及夜梦鬼交，遗精溺浊，小腹阴中相引疼痛等证。
制宜酒浸，去心微炒，或滚水浸剥亦可。
仙茅（十一） 味辛，温，有小毒，阳也。能助神明，强筋骨，益肌肤，培精血，明耳目，
填骨髓，开胃消食，助益房事，温利五脏，补暖腰脚。此西域婆罗门僧献方于唐明皇，服之有效，
久秘而后得传。按许真君书云∶仙茅久服，可以长生。其味甘能养肉，辛能养节，苦能养气，咸能
养骨，滑能养肤，酸能养筋，宜和苦酒服之，必效也。然仙茅性热，惟阳弱精寒，禀赋素怯者宜之，
苦体壮相火炽盛者，服之大能动火，不可不察。凡制用之法，于八九月采得，用竹刀刮去黑皮，切
如豆粒，糯米泔浸两宿，去赤汁，用酒拌蒸之，从巳至亥，制之极熟，自无毒矣。然后曝干捣筛，
熟蜜丸桐子大，每空心酒饮任下二三十丸。忌食牛乳及黑牛肉，恐减药力也。若随群补药中为丸服
之，无所不可。
天麻（十二） 一名赤箭，一名定风草。味辛，平，阴中有阳。治风虚眩晕头旋，眼黑头痛，
诸风湿痹，四肢拘挛，利腰膝，强筋骨，安神志，通血脉，止惊恐恍惚，杀鬼精虫毒，及小儿风痫
惊气。然性懦力缓，用须加倍，或以别药相佐，然后见功。
沙参（十三）（反藜芦） 一名铃儿草。味微甘苦，气味俱轻，性微寒。能养肝气，治多眠，除
邪热，益五脏阴气，清肺凉肝，滋养血脉，散风热瘙痒，头面肿痛，排脓消肿，长肌肉，止惊烦，
除疝痛。然性缓力微，非堪大用。易老云∶人参补五脏之阳，沙参补五脏之阴。特以其甘凉而和，
补中清火，反而言之，故有是论。若云对待人参，则相去远矣。
玄参（十四反藜芦） 味苦甘微咸，气寒。此物味苦而甘，苦能清火，甘能滋阴。以其味甘，故
降性亦缓。本草言其惟入肾经，而不知其尤走肺脏。故能退无根浮游之火，散周身痰结热痈，逐颈
项咽喉痹毒、瘰 结核，驱
男女传尸，烦躁骨蒸，解温疟寒热往来，治伤寒热斑支满，亦疗女人产乳余疾，或肠中血瘕热 ，
并疗劳伤痰嗽热烦，补肾滋阴，明目解渴。
茅根（十五） 即白茅。味甘凉，性纯美，能补中益气，此良药也。善理血病，凡吐血衄血，
瘀血血闭，及妇人经水不调，崩中漏下。且通五淋，除客热，止烦渴，坚筋骨，疗肺热哕逆喘急，
解酒毒及黄胆水肿，久服大是益人。若治痈疽疖母，及诸毒诸疮诸血，或用根捣敷，或用此煮汁调
敷毒等药，或以酒煮服，无不可也。茅有数种，处处有之，惟白者为胜。春生芽，布地如针，故曰
茅针，可以生啖，甚益小儿，功用亦同。
湿羊霍（十六） 味甘，气辛，性温，乃手足阳明、少阴，三焦命门药也。主阳虚阳痿，茎
中作痛。化小水，益精气，强志意，坚筋骨，暖下部一切冷风劳气，筋骨拘挛。补腰膝，壮真阴，
及年老昏耄，中年健忘。凡男子阳衰，女子阴衰，艰于子嗣者，皆宜服之。服此之法，或单用浸酒，
或兼佐丸散，无不可者。制法每择净一斤，以羊脂四两，同炒油尽用之。
苦参（十七） 味苦性寒。反藜芦。沉也，阴也，乃足少阴肾经之药。能祛积热黄胆，止梦
遗带浊，清小便，利水，除痈肿，明目止泪，平胃气，能令人嗜食，利九窍，除伏热狂邪，止渴醒
酒，疗恶疮斑疹疥癞，杀疳虫及毒风烦躁脱眉。炒黄为末，米饮调服，治肠风下血热痢。
贝母（十八）（反乌头） 味苦，气平，微寒。气味俱轻，功力颇缓，用须加倍。善解肝脏郁愁，
亦散心中逆气，祛肺痿肺痈痰脓喘嗽。研末，沙糖为丸，含咽最佳。降胸中因热结胸，及乳痈流痰
结核。若足生人面诸疮，烧灰油调频敷。产难胞衣不出，研末用酒和吞。亦除瘕疝、喉痹、金疮，
并止消渴烦热。赤眼翳膜堪点，时疾黄胆能驱。又如半夏、贝母，俱治痰嗽，但半夏兼治脾肺，贝
母独善清金。半夏用其辛，贝母用其苦。半夏用其温，贝母用其凉。半夏性速，贝母性缓。半夏散
寒，贝母清热。性味阴阳，大有不同，俗有代用者，其谬孰甚。
土贝母（十九）（反乌头） 味大苦，性寒。阴也，降也，乃手太阴、少阳，足阳明、厥阴之药。
大治肺痈肺痿、咳
喘、吐血衄血，最降痰气，善开郁结，止疼痛，消胀满，清肝火，明耳目，除时气烦热，黄胆淋闭，
便血溺血，解热毒，杀诸虫，及疗喉痹瘰 ，乳痈发背，一切痈疡肿毒，湿热恶疮，痔漏金疮出血，
火疮疼痛。为末可敷，煎汤可服。性味俱浓，较之川贝母，清降之功不啻数倍。
山慈菇（二十） 一名金灯龙味甘微辛，有小毒。治痈疡疔肿疮 ，瘰 结核，破皮攻毒，
俱宜醋磨敷之。除 斑，剥人面皮，宜捣汁涂之。并治诸毒蛊毒，蛇虫狂犬等伤，或用酒调服，或
干掺之。亦冶风痰痫疾，以茶清研服，取吐可愈。
柴胡（二一） 味苦微辛，气平微寒。气味俱轻，升也，阳中之阴。用此者，用其凉散，平
肝之热，入肝、胆、三焦、心胞四经。其性凉，故解寒热往来，肌表潮热，肝胆火炎，胸胁痛结，
兼治疮疡，血室受热。其性散，故主伤寒邪热未解，温疟热盛，少阳头痛，肝经郁证。总之，邪实
者可用，真虚者当酌其宜。虽引清气上升，然升中有散，中虚者不可散，虚热者不可寒，岂容误哉。
兼之性滑，善通大便，凡溏泄脾薄者，当慎用之。热结不通者，用佐当归、黄芩，正所宜也。愚谓
柴胡之性，善泄善散，所以大能走汗，大能泄气，断非滋补之物，凡病阴虚水亏而孤阳劳热者，不
可再损营气，盖未有用散而不泄营气者，未有动汗而不伤营血者。营即阴也，阴既虚矣，尚堪再损
其阴否？然则用柴胡以治虚劳之热者，果亦何所取义耶？观寇宗 《衍义》曰∶柴胡，《本经》并
无一字治劳，今人冶劳方中，鲜有不用者。呜呼！凡此误世甚多。尝原病劳之人，有一种脏本虚损，
复受邪热者，当须斟酌用之，如《经验方》中治劳青蒿煎之用柴胡，正合宜耳。若或无邪，得此愈
甚，虽至死人亦不怨，目击甚多。《日华子》又谓补五劳七伤，《药性论》亦谓治劳乏羸瘦，若此
等病，苟无实热，医者执而用之，不死何待。注释本草，一字不可忽，盖万世之后，所误无穷，可
不谨哉！观此寇氏之说，其意专在邪热二字，谓但察有邪无邪，以决可用不可用，此诚得理之见，
人参（一）（与藜芦相反） 味甘微苦，性微温，气味浓厚，属阳中略带阴。气虚和血虚都能补益。阳气虚竭的人，此药能将阳气从虚无之境召回；阴血崩溃的人，此药能在已破裂之后起到屏障作用。正因为其气壮盛而不辛散，所以能固护正气；正因为其味甘甜而纯正，所以能补血。因此，凡是因虚导致的发热、自汗、眩晕、困倦、惊惧、短气、遗精滑泄、腹泻痢疾、头痛、腹痛、饮食不化、痰涎壅滞、咳嗽吐血、淋沥便闭、呕逆躁烦、下血失气等证候，都是必不可缺的药物。但如果将气与血进行比较，人参的气味较轻且属阳的多，所以得气分的作用占六分，得血分的作用占四分，总之不失为气分的药物，而血分中不可缺少的，是因为没有气不到而血能自行到达的道理。所以扁鹊说：损伤肺脏的，要益其气，必须用人参来补益，肺气既旺盛，其余脏腑的气也都旺盛了。所以人参的药性，主要作用于气分，而凡是脏腑有气虚的，都能补益它。
然而人参性温，所以积久也能生热，如果说人参不热是可以的，但说人参性凉，恐怕未必如此。虽然李东垣说：人参、黄芪是退火的圣药，朱丹溪说：虚火可以用补法，如人参、白术之类就是，这说的也都是虚火。而“虚火”二字，关系重大，如果是内真寒而外假热的情况，这就是真正的虚火，非大胆使用不可。但是有一种元阴亏乏，邪火灼烧表里，神魂躁动，内外枯热，这是真正的阴虚证，谁说这不是虚火呢？如果过用人参，果然会助热。如果像王节斋所说：阳旺则阴愈消，以及《医学节要》中说：阴虚火动者不要用，又说：肺热还伤肺等说法，固然有其道理，也不能说完全不对。而近代明智之人如李月池等人，都极力反对这种观点，恐怕也未必必然正确。对于“虚火”二字，最应当分辨其中实中有虚，虚中有实，阳中有阴，阴中有阳，只要不要固执己见，就可以了。如果一定要争辩彼此是非，这就是所谓面向东方看不见西墙，都没有得到中庸之道。我请剖析一下：比如龙雷之火，原本属于虚火，得水则燃烧更烈，得日则消散，这就是假热之火，所以补阳就能消除它。至于像干旱尘飞，赤地千里，难道不是阳亢阴虚吗，难道也可以用补阳来生阴吗？或者一定有人说：这正是实火，用寒凉药就能解决。我说：不对。炎暑酷烈，热令大行，这才是实火，不用寒凉不能解除；而干枯燥旱，泉源断流，这叫阴虚，不用水液不能救济，这实火与阴虚，自然可以辨别清楚。所以阴虚而火不盛的，自然应当用人参为主药；如果阴虚而火稍盛的，只能用人参作为辅佐药；如果阴虚而火大盛的，确实暂时忌讳用人参，而只用纯甘壮水的方剂，才可以收效，这一证候，不可不知道。我并非不善于用人参，也并非害怕用人参而不知道人参能补阴，只是认为天下的道理，原有对立统一，说阴虚必定当忌用人参固然不可以，说阴虚必定当用人参也不可以，关键在于得到中和，用得恰当罢了，读者请详细考察。
黄芪（三） 味甘气平，气味都很轻，升多降少，属阳中略带阴。生用的微凉，可治疗痈疽。蜜炙后性温，能补虚损。因为它的味道轻，所以专于气分而达体表，所以能补元阳，充实腠理，治疗劳伤，生长肌肉。气虚而难以发汗的可以发汗，表虚而多汗的可以止汗。它之所以能止血崩、血淋，是因为气固而血自止，所以说“血脱益气”。它之所以能除泻痢、带浊，是因为气固而下陷自除，所以说“陷者举之”。然而它的性味都浮，纯于气分，所以中满气滞的人，应当斟酌使用。
白术（二） 味甘辛，气温，气味都很浓，可升可降，阳中有阴，气中有血。其性温燥，所以能益气和胃，补阳生血，暖胃消谷，益津液，长肌肉，助精神，实脾胃，止呕逆，补劳倦，进饮食，利小便，除湿运痰，消浮肿去胀满，治心腹冷痛，胃虚下痢，癖瘕。用乳汁炮制，是为了滋润其燥性。用壁土炒，是为了助其固涩。佐以黄芩，清热安胎。因为其性涩壮气，所以能止汗实表。而痈疽患者用了，必然反多脓；奔豚病患者遇了，恐怕反增气；以及上焦燥热而气多壅滞的人，都应当斟酌使用。然而冬术甘而柔润，夏术苦而燥烈，这功用大有不同，不可不深入辨别。如果在饥饿时选择肥大甘甜的嚼服，久久服用，确实是延寿之物，这是世人所不知道的。
苍术（四） 味苦甘辛，性温而燥，气味都很浓，可升可降，属阳。用此药是用其温散燥湿。其性温散，所以能发汗宽中，调胃进食，去心腹胀疼，霍乱呕吐，解诸郁结，逐山岚寒疫，散风眩头疼，消痰癖气块，水肿胀满。其性燥湿，所以治冷痢冷泄，滑泻肠风，寒湿诸疮。与黄柏同煎，最能驱逐下焦湿热痿痹。如果内热阴虚，表疏汗出的人忌服。
只有茅山的苍术，质地坚实细小，味甘醇，补益功效多，大大胜过其他产地的苍术。
甘草（五） 味甘气平，生用凉，炙用温，可升可降，善于解毒。与甘遂、海藻、大戟、芫花相反。它的味极甘，得中和之性，有调补之功，所以毒药得了它能解其毒，刚药得了它能和缓其性，表药得了它能帮助升提，下药得了它能减缓其速度。助人参成就气虚之功，是人所知道的；辅助熟地黄治疗阴虚之危，谁知道呢？祛邪热，坚筋骨，健脾胃，长肌肉，随气药入气分，随血药入血分，无处不可，所以称为国老。只有中满的人不要加用，恐怕引起胀满；急需攻下的病不要加入，恐怕减缓药效，不可不知道。
黄精（六） 又名救穷草。味甘微辛，性温。能补中益气，安五脏，疗五劳七伤，助筋骨，益脾胃，润心肺，填精髓，耐寒暑，下三虫，久服延年不饥，白发变黑，落齿更生。张华《博物志》记载天老说：太阳之草名黄精，吃了可以长生。太阴之草名钩吻，不可吃，入口立死。这只是以黄精、钩吻对比善恶，原不是说它们相似。而陶弘景说黄精的叶与钩吻相似，误服害人。苏恭说：黄精叶似柳，钩吻蔓生，叶如柿叶，完全不同类。陈藏器说：钩吻乃野葛的别名，两物完全不相似，不知陶公凭何这样说？这可见黄精之内本无钩吻，不必怀疑。
肉苁蓉（七） 味甘咸，微辛酸，气微温。味重阴也，主降，其性滑。因为它味重而甘温，所以助相火，补精兴阳，益子嗣，治女人血虚不孕，暖腰膝，坚筋骨，除下焦寒痛。因为它补阴助阳，所以禁用于虚寒遗沥泄精，止血崩尿血。因为它性滑，所以可除茎中寒热涩痛，但突然服用反而动大便。如果虚不可攻而大便闭结不通的，洗淡，暂用三四钱，一剂即通，神效。
丹参（八） 味微苦、微甘、微涩，性微凉，无毒。与藜芦相反。能养血活血，生新血，行宿血，所以能安生胎，落死胎，血崩带下可止，经脉不匀可调。这是心脾肝肾血分的药，所以也能养阴定志，益气解烦，疗眼疼脚痹，通利关节，及恶疮疥癣，赤眼丹毒，排脓止痛，长肉生肌。
远志（九） 味微苦、微辛，气温，属阳，主升。用甘草汤炮制，浸泡一夜，晒干炒用。功专心肾，所以可镇心止惊，辟邪安梦，壮阳益精，强志助力。因为气升，所以同人参、甘草、枣仁，极能举陷摄精，交接水火。但只能作为辅佐药，用量不宜多。神气上虚的人适宜，痰火上实的人应当避开。
巴戟天（十） 味甘微温，阴中阳也。虽说足少阴肾经的药，然而也能养心神，安五脏，补五劳，益志气，助精强阴。治阳痿不起，腰膝疼痛，及夜梦鬼交，遗精溺浊，小腹阴中相引疼痛等证。制宜酒浸，去心微炒，或滚水浸剥也可。
仙茅（十一） 味辛，温，有小毒，属阳。能助神明，强筋骨，益肌肤，培精血，明耳目，填骨髓，开胃消食，助益房事，温利五脏，补暖腰脚。这是西域婆罗门僧献给唐明皇的方子，服用有效，久秘而后得传。按许真君书说：仙茅久服，可以长生。其味甘能养肉，辛能养节，苦能养气，咸能养骨，滑能养肤，酸能养筋，宜和苦酒服之，必效。然而仙茅性热，只有阳弱精寒，禀赋素怯的人适宜，如果体壮相火炽盛的人，服用大能动火，不可不察。凡制作用法，在八九月采得，用竹刀刮去黑皮，切如豆粒，糯米泔浸泡两夜，去赤汁，用酒拌蒸，从巳时至亥时，制至极熟，就无毒了。然后曝干捣筛，熟蜜丸桐子大，每空心酒饮任下二三十丸。忌食牛乳及黑牛肉，恐怕减药力。如果随群补药中为丸服之，无所不可。
天麻（十二） 一名赤箭，一名定风草。味辛，平，阴中有阳。治风虚眩晕头旋，眼黑头痛，诸风湿痹，四肢拘挛，利腰膝，强筋骨，安神志，通血脉，止惊恐恍惚，杀鬼精虫毒，及小儿风痫惊气。然而性懦力缓，用须加倍，或以别药相佐，然后见功。
沙参（十三）（与藜芦相反） 一名铃儿草。味微甘苦，气味都很轻，性微寒。能养肝气，治多眠，除邪热，益五脏阴气，清肺凉肝，滋养血脉，散风热瘙痒，头面肿痛，排脓消肿，长肌肉，止惊烦，除疝痛。然而性缓力微，不堪大用。易老说：人参补五脏之阳，沙参补五脏之阴。特以其甘凉而和，补中清火，反而言之，故有此论。如果说对待人参，则相去远矣。
玄参（十四）（与藜芦相反） 味苦甘微咸，气寒。此物味苦而甘，苦能清火，甘能滋阴。因为它味甘，所以降性亦缓。本草说它惟入肾经，而不知道它尤走肺脏。所以能退无根浮游之火，散周身痰结热痈，逐颈项咽喉痹毒、瘰疬结核，驱男女传尸，烦躁骨蒸，解温疟寒热往来，治伤寒热斑支满，亦疗女人产乳余疾，或肠中血瘕热癥，并疗劳伤痰嗽热烦，补肾滋阴，明目解渴。
茅根（十五） 即白茅。味甘凉，性纯美，能补中益气，这是良药。善理血病，凡吐血衄血，瘀血血闭，及妇人经水不调，崩中漏下。且通五淋，除客热，止烦渴，坚筋骨，疗肺热哕逆喘急，解酒毒及黄疸水肿，久服大是益人。如果治痈疽疖母，及诸毒诸疮诸血，或用根捣敷，或用此煮汁调敷毒等药，或以酒煮服，无不可。茅有数种，处处有之，只有白色的最好。春生芽，布地如针，所以叫茅针，可以生吃，甚益小儿，功用也相同。
淫羊藿（十六） 味甘，气辛，性温，乃手足阳明、少阴，三焦命门药也。主阳虚阳痿，茎中作痛。化小水，益精气，强志意，坚筋骨，暖下部一切冷风劳气，筋骨拘挛。补腰膝，壮真阴，及年老昏耄，中年健忘。凡男子阳衰，女子阴衰，艰于子嗣的，都适宜服用。服用此药的方法，或单用浸酒，或兼佐丸散，无不可。制法每择净一斤，以羊脂四两，同炒油尽用之。
苦参（十七） 味苦性寒。与藜芦相反。沉也，阴也，乃足少阴肾经的药。能祛积热黄疸，止梦遗带浊，清小便，利水，除痈肿，明目止泪，平胃气，能令人嗜食，利九窍，除伏热狂邪，止渴醒酒，疗恶疮斑疹疥癞，杀疳虫及毒风烦躁脱眉。炒黄为末，米饮调服，治肠风下血热痢。
贝母（十八）（与乌头相反） 味苦，气平，微寒。气味都很轻，功力颇缓，用须加倍。善解肝脏郁愁，亦散心中逆气，祛肺痿肺痈痰脓喘嗽。研末，沙糖为丸，含咽最佳。降胸中因热结胸，及乳痈流痰结核。如果足生人面诸疮，烧灰油调频敷。产难胞衣不出，研末用酒和吞。亦除瘕疝、喉痹、金疮，并止消渴烦热。赤眼翳膜堪点，时疾黄疸能驱。又如半夏、贝母，都治痰嗽，但半夏兼治脾肺，贝母独善清金。半夏用其辛，贝母用其苦。半夏用其温，贝母用其凉。半夏性速，贝母性缓。半夏散寒，贝母清热。性味阴阳，大有不同，俗有代用的，其谬误孰甚。
土贝母（十九）（与乌头相反） 味大苦，性寒。阴也，降也，乃手太阴、少阳，足阳明、厥阴的药。大治肺痈肺痿、咳喘、吐血衄血，最降痰气，善开郁结，止疼痛，消胀满，清肝火，明耳目，除时气烦热，黄疸淋闭，便血溺血，解热毒，杀诸虫，及疗喉痹瘰疬，乳痈发背，一切痈疡肿毒，湿热恶疮，痔漏金疮出血，火疮疼痛。为末可敷，煎汤可服。性味俱浓，较之川贝母，清降之功不啻数倍。
山慈菇（二十） 一名金灯龙味甘微辛，有小毒。治痈疡疔肿疮疖，瘰疬结核，破皮攻毒，都适宜醋磨敷之。除斑，剥人面皮，适宜捣汁涂之。并治诸毒蛊毒，蛇虫狂犬等伤，或用酒调服，或干掺之。也治风痰痫疾，以茶清研服，取吐可愈。
柴胡（二十一） 味苦微辛，气平微寒。气味都很轻，升也，阳中之阴。用此药，是用其凉散，平肝之热，入肝、胆、三焦、心包四经。其性凉，所以解寒热往来，肌表潮热，肝胆火炎，胸胁痛结，兼治疮疡，血室受热。其性散，所以主伤寒邪热未解，温疟热盛，少阳头痛，肝经郁证。总之，邪实的可用，真虚的应当斟酌其宜。虽然引清气上升，然而升中有散，中虚者不可散，虚热者不可寒，岂容误哉。加之性滑，善通大便，凡溏泄脾薄的，应当慎用。热结不通的，用佐当归、黄芩，正适宜。我认为柴胡之性，善泄善散，所以大能走汗，大能泄气，断非滋补之物，凡病阴虚水亏而孤阳劳热的，不可再损营气，盖没有用散而不泄营气的，没有动汗而不伤营血的。营即阴也，阴既虚了，尚堪再损其阴否？然而用柴胡以治虚劳之热的，果亦何所取义耶？看寇宗奭《衍义》说：柴胡，《本经》并无一字治劳，今人治劳方中，鲜有不用的。呜呼！凡此误世甚多。尝推原病劳之人，有一种脏本虚损，复受邪热的，应当须斟酌用之，如《经验方》中治劳青蒿煎的用柴胡，正合宜耳。如果无邪，得此愈甚，虽至死人也不怨，目击甚多。《日华子》又说补五劳七伤，《药性论》也说治劳乏羸瘦，如果这等病，苟无实热，医者执而用之，不死何待。注释本草，一字不可忽，盖万世之后，所误无穷，可不谨哉！看此寇氏之说，其意专在邪热二字，谓但察有邪无邪，以决可用不可用，这诚得理之见，
Ginseng (1) (contraindicated with Veratrum nigrum, Lili). Sweet and slightly bitter in taste, slightly warm in nature, with strong aroma and flavor. It belongs to Yang but contains slight Yin; it tonifies both Qi deficiency and Blood deficiency. For those whose Yang Qi is exhausted to the point of non-existence, this herb can restore it from nothingness; for those whose Yin Blood has collapsed after rupture, this herb can act as a barrier. Because its Qi is robust yet not acrid, it can consolidate Qi; because its taste is sweet and pure, it can nourish Blood. Therefore, in cases of deficiency manifesting as fever, spontaneous sweating, dizziness, fatigue, palpitations/fear, shortness of breath, seminal emission/diarrhea, headache, abdominal pain, indigestion, phlegm-fluid retention, coughing blood/hemoptysis, stranguria/urinary obstruction, vomiting/restlessness, lower bleeding/qi loss, and other syndromes, Ginseng is indispensable. However, comparing Qi and Blood, Ginseng's aroma and flavor are light and predominantly Yang; thus, six parts relate to the Qi aspect and four parts to the Blood aspect. Ultimately, it remains an herb for the Qi aspect. The principle is that Blood cannot arrive where Qi does not reach. Thus, Bian Que said: "When the Lung is damaged, benefit its Qi; one must use Ginseng to tonify it. Once Lung Qi is prosperous, the Qi of all other Zang-Fu organs becomes prosperous." Therefore, the nature of Ginseng primarily governs Qi, and it can tonify any Zang-Fu organ suffering from Qi deficiency.
However, since its nature is warm, prolonged accumulation can generate heat. It is acceptable to say Ginseng is not hot, but claiming its nature is cool is likely incorrect. Although Li Dongyuan stated that Ginseng and Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) are holy medicines for reducing fire, and Zhu Danxi said deficiency-fire can be treated by tonification using herbs like Ginseng and Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu), these statements refer specifically to deficiency-fire. The term "deficiency-fire" is crucial. In cases of true internal cold with false external heat, this is genuine deficiency-fire, which requires bold use of Ginseng. However, there is a condition of primary Yin exhaustion where pathogenic fire scorches the interior and exterior, causing restlessness of the soul and mind, and dry-heat throughout, constituting true Yin deficiency. Who would deny this is also deficiency-fire? Overuse of Ginseng may indeed assist heat. If Wang Jiezhai stated that "when Yang is prosperous, Yin is further consumed," and the *Jieyao* (Essentials of Medicine) stated "do not use for Yin deficiency with fire hyperactivity," or "Lung heat further injures the Lung," these views have their rationale and cannot be entirely dismissed. Yet, modern wise physicians like Li Yuchi strongly oppose these views, which may also not be necessarily correct. Regarding "deficiency-fire," one must distinguish between reality containing deficiency, deficiency containing reality, Yang containing Yin, and Yin containing Yang. One should not cling to preconceived notions. Arguing strictly for right or wrong on either side is like facing east and not seeing the west wall; neither achieves the Mean. Let me analyze: Dragon and Thunder fire originally belongs to deficiency-fire; it flares up with water and dissipates with sun. This is false heat/fire, so tonifying Yang eliminates it. But consider drought, flying dust, and thousands of miles of barren land—is this not Yang hyperactivity and Yin deficiency? Can one generate Yin by tonifying Yang? Or might one argue: "This is excess fire, resolved by cold." I say: No. Intense summer heat signifies excess fire, which cannot be resolved without cold; whereas dry drought and dried springs signify Yin deficiency, which cannot be aided without fluids. Excess fire and Yin deficiency are clearly distinct. Therefore, for Yin deficiency with mild fire, Ginseng should be used as the sovereign herb; for Yin deficiency with slightly strong fire, Ginseng can only be used as an assistant herb; for Yin deficiency with severe fire, one must temporarily avoid Ginseng and use purely sweet formulas to strengthen Water, otherwise success is unlikely. This syndrome must be understood. I am not incompetent in using Ginseng, nor do I fear it or fail to know it can tonify Yin. The principle of the world involves opposition. To say Yin deficiency absolutely contraindicates Ginseng is wrong; to say Yin deficiency absolutely requires Ginseng is also wrong. The key is to find the mean and use it appropriately. Readers should examine this carefully.
Astragalus membranaceus (Huangqi) (3) Sweet in taste, neutral in aroma, with light aroma and flavor. Ascending action exceeds descending action; it belongs to Yang but contains slight Yin. Raw material is slightly cool and treats carbuncles and ulcers. Honey-fried material is warm and tonifies deficiency and damage. Due to its light taste, it acts specifically on the Qi aspect and reaches the exterior; thus, it tonifies primal Yang, fills the interstices (Couli), treats consumptive injury, and promotes muscle growth. For Qi deficiency with difficulty in sweating, it induces sweating; for exterior laxity with excessive sweating, it stops sweating. Its ability to stop metrorrhagia and hematuria stems from consolidating Qi so Blood stops naturally; hence the saying "tonify Qi when Blood is lost." Its ability to treat dysentery, diarrhea, and leukorrhea stems from consolidating Qi so sinking resolves naturally; hence the saying "lift what has sunk." However, since its nature and taste are floating and purely affect the Qi aspect, those with fullness in the middle and Qi stagnation should use it with caution.
Atractylodes macrocephala (Baizhu) (2) Sweet and pungent in taste, warm in nature, with strong aroma and flavor. It can ascend and descend; Yang contains Yin, and Qi contains Blood. Its nature is warm and drying, so it benefits Qi and harmonizes the Middle, tonifies Yang and generates Blood, warms the Stomach and aids digestion, benefits body fluids, promotes muscle growth, assists spirit, strengthens Spleen and Stomach, stops vomiting, tonifies fatigue, promotes appetite, promotes urination, removes dampness and transforms phlegm, reduces edema and distension, treats cold pain in the heart and abdomen, Stomach deficiency with diarrhea, and masses. Processed with goat's milk to moisten its dryness; fried with wall soil to enhance its astringency; combined with Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin) to clear heat and calm the fetus. Due to its astringent nature strengthening Qi, it stops sweating and consolidates the exterior. However, for carbuncles, it may cause more pus; for Penter disease (a condition characterized by gas rising from the lower abdomen), it may increase Qi; and for upper Jiao dry-heat with Qi stagnation, it should be used with caution. Winter-harvested Baizhu is sweet and moist, while summer-harvested is bitter and drying; their functions differ greatly and require deep discrimination. Chewing fat and sweet pieces during hunger and taking them long-term is indeed a longevity substance unknown to many.
Atractylodes lancea (Cangzhu) (4) Bitter, sweet, and pungent in taste; warm and drying in nature, with strong aroma and flavor. It ascends and descends and belongs to Yang. It is used for its warming dispersion and drying dampness. Its warming dispersion induces sweating, relaxes the Middle, harmonizes the Stomach, promotes eating, removes epigastric fullness and pain, treats cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, resolves various depressions, expels mountainous cold epidemics, disperses wind-induced dizziness and headache, eliminates phlegmatic masses, and reduces edema and distension. Its drying property treats cold dysentery and diarrhea, slippery diarrhea with intestinal wind, and cold-damp skin sores. Decocted together with Phellodendron amurense (Huangbai), it best expels damp-heat and flaccidity in the Lower Jiao. Contraindicated in cases of internal heat, Yin deficiency, and exterior laxity with sweating.
Only Cangzhu from Maoshan is superior: its texture is firm and small, its taste is sweet and mellow, and its tonifying effects are numerous, greatly surpassing others.
Licorice root (Gancao) (5) Sweet in taste, neutral in aroma. Raw is cool, fried is warm; it can ascend and descend and is good at resolving toxicity. Contraindicated with Kansui (Gansui), Sargassum (Haizao), Euphorbia pekinensis (Daji), and Genkwa flos (Yuanhua). Its extreme sweetness gives it a neutral and harmonious nature with regulating and tonifying power. Thus, toxic drugs gain detoxification from it, harsh drugs gain moderation from it, exterior-releasing drugs gain ascending aid from it, and purgative drugs gain slowed action from it. Assisting Ginseng in treating Qi deficiency is well known; assisting Rehmannia glutinosa (Shudihuang) in treating critical Yin deficiency is less known. It dispels pathogenic heat, strengthens bones and tendons, fortifies Spleen and Stomach, promotes muscle growth, enters the Qi aspect with Qi-invigorating herbs, and enters the Blood aspect with Blood-nourishing herbs, making it versatile, hence called "Guolao" (National Elder). Do not add it for fullness, as it may cause bloating; do not include it in urgent purgations, as it may slow efficacy. These points must be known.
Polygonatum sibiricum (Huangjing) (6) Also known as Jiugong Cao. Sweet and slightly pungent in taste, warm in nature. It tonifies the Middle and benefits Qi, calms the Five Zang organs, treats five labors and seven injuries, assists sinews and bones, benefits Spleen and Stomach, moistens Lungs and Heart, fills essence and marrow, resists cold and heat, eliminates three types of parasites, and with long-term use, extends life, prevents hunger, turns white hair black, and regrows fallen teeth. Zhang Hua's *Bowuzhi* records Tian Lao saying: "The grass of the Sun is named Huangjing; consuming it allows one to live long. The grass of the Yin is named Gougen; do not consume it, as it causes immediate death upon ingestion." This contrasts Huangjing and Gougen regarding good and evil, not implying similarity. Tao Hongjing claimed Huangjing leaves resemble Gougen leaves, and accidental ingestion harms people. Su Gong stated: Huangjing leaves resemble willow, while Gougen is a vine with leaves like persimmon leaves, completely different classes. Chen Cangqi stated: Gougen is another name for Yege (wild ginseng/toxic plant); the two are not similar at all, questioning Tao's basis. Thus, Gougen is not within Huangjing, and there is no need to doubt.
Cistanche deserticola (Roucongrong) (7) Sweet and salty in taste, slightly sour and pungent, slightly warm in aroma. Heavy in Yin nature, descending, and slippery in texture. Due to its heavy, sweet, and warm nature, it assists Ministerial Fire, tonifies Essence, promotes potency, benefits offspring, treats female infertility due to Blood deficiency, warms waist and knees, strengthens bones and tendons, and removes Lower Jiao cold pain. Because it tonifies Yin and assists Yang, it is contraindicated for cold-deficiency seminal emission and leakage, and for stopping metrorrhagia and hematuria. Due to its slipperiness, it removes cold-heat and obstructive pain in the urethra, but sudden use may induce bowel movements. For deficiency conditions where purgation is contraindicated but constipation persists, wash and dilute, use 3-4 qian temporarily; one dose yields immediate passage, showing miraculous effect.
Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen) (8) Slightly bitter, slightly sweet, slightly astringent in taste; slightly cool in nature; non-toxic. Contraindicated with Veratrum nigrum (Lilü). It nourishes and invigorates Blood, generates new Blood, and moves old Blood. Thus, it calms a living fetus, expels a dead fetus, stops metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, and regulates irregular menstruation. This herb enters the Blood aspect of the Heart, Spleen, Liver, and Kidney, so it also nourishes Yin, stabilizes the Spirit, benefits Qi, relieves vexation, treats eye pain and leg bi-syndrome, unblocks joints, and treats malignant sores, scabies, tinea, red eyes, erysipelas, discharges pus, relieves pain, promotes flesh regeneration, and heals wounds.
Polygala tenuifolia (Yuanzhi) (9) Slightly bitter and pungent in taste, warm in nature, belonging to Yang and ascending. Processed with Licorice decoction, soaked overnight, dried, and fried. Its action focuses on the Heart and Kidney, so it calms the Heart, stops fright, wards off evil, calms dreams, strengthens Yang, benefits Essence, and enhances willpower and strength. Due to its ascending Qi, combined with Ginseng, Licorice, and Ziziphus jujuba seed (Suanzaoren), it effectively lifts sinking and secures Essence, connecting Water and Fire. It should only be used as an assistant herb and in small amounts. Suitable for those with deficient Shen-Qi ascending; avoid in cases of Phlegm-Fire excess above.
Morinda officinalis (Bajitian) (10) Sweet and slightly warm, Yin containing Yang. Although considered a herb for the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, it also nourishes Heart Spirit, calms the Five Zang organs, tonifies five labors, benefits willpower and Qi, assists Essence, and strengthens Yin. It treats impotence, waist and knee pain, nocturnal emissions of ghosts, seminal emission, turbid urine, and pulling pain in the lower abdomen and genitalia. Preparation involves wine soaking, removing the core, and slight frying, or soaking in boiling water and peeling.
Curculigo orchioides (Xianmao) (11) Pungent in taste, warm, slightly toxic, belonging to Yang. It assists divine brightness, strengthens sinews and bones, benefits muscles and skin, cultivates Essence and Blood, clarifies ears and eyes, fills marrow, opens the stomach, aids digestion, supports sexual function, warms and benefits the Five Zang organs, and warms the waist and feet. This prescription was offered by a Buddhist monk from the Western Regions to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang, proved effective, and was kept secret before being transmitted. According to Xu Zhenjun's book: Long-term use of Xianmao allows one to live long. Its sweetness nourishes flesh, pungency nourishes joints, bitterness nourishes Qi, saltiness nourishes bones, slipperiness nourishes skin, and acidity nourishes sinews. It should be taken with vinegar for best effect. However, Xianmao is hot in nature; it is suitable only for those with weak Yang, cold Essence, and innate timidity. Those with robust constitution and blazing Ministerial Fire must exercise caution, as it can stir fire. Harvest in August or September, scrape off black skin with a bamboo knife, cut into bean-sized pieces, soak in rice washing water for two nights, discard red juice, mix with wine, steam from Si hour to Hai hour until thoroughly processed, rendering it non-toxic. Then dry, grind, and form pills with mature honey the size of paulownia seeds. Take 20-30 pills on an empty stomach with wine. Avoid cow's milk and black beef, as they may reduce efficacy. If taken with other tonifying pills, it is acceptable.
Gastrodia elata (Tianma) (12) Also known as Chijian and Dingfeng Cao. Pungent in taste, neutral, Yin containing Yang. Treats wind-deficiency dizziness and vertigo, blackouts, headache, rheumatic bi-syndrome, limb spasms, benefits waist and knees, strengthens bones and tendons, calms Spirit, unblocks vessels, stops fright and confusion, kills ghost spirits and insect toxins, and treats pediatric wind-phlegm epilepsy and fright qi. However, its nature is weak and action slow; dosage must be doubled or combined with other herbs to see results.
Glehnia littoralis (Shashen) (13) (Contraindicated with Veratrum nigrum, Lilü). Also known as Ling'er Cao. Slightly sweet and bitter in taste, light in aroma and flavor, slightly cold in nature. It nourishes Liver Qi, treats hypersomnia, dispels pathogenic heat, benefits Yin Qi of the Five Zang organs, clears Lungs and cools Liver, nourishes blood vessels, disperses wind-heat itching, head and face swelling and pain, discharges pus, reduces swelling, promotes muscle growth, stops fright and vexation, and removes hernia pain. However, its action is slow and weak, unsuitable for major use. Yi Lao said: "Ginseng tonifies Yang of the Five Zang organs; Shashen tonifies Yin of the Five Zang organs." This is based on its sweet-cool harmony, tonifying the Middle and clearing fire, stated inversely. Compared to Ginseng, they are far apart in function.
Scrophularia ningpoensis (Xuanshen) (14) (Contraindicated with Veratrum nigrum, Lilü). Bitter, sweet, and slightly salty in taste, cold in aroma. Bitter clears fire, sweet nourishes Yin. Due to its sweetness, its descending action is gentle. Materia Medica states it enters only the Kidney Meridian, but it actually travels extensively to the Lung. Thus, it retreats rootless floating fire, disperses phlegm nodules and heat carbuncles throughout the body, drives away neck/throat obstruction toxins, scrofula, and tubercles, expels wasting-and-thirsting diseases in men and women, irritability and bone-steaming fever, resolves warm-malaria alternating chills and fever, treats typhoid heat spots and chest fullness, and treats postpartum residual diseases in women, intestinal blood masses and heat stasis, and labor injury with phlegm-cough and heat vexation. It tonifies Kidney, nourishes Yin, brightens eyes, and relieves thirst.
Imperata cylindrica rhizome (Maogen) (15) Is White Imperata. Sweet and cool in taste, pure and beautiful in nature, tonifies the Middle and benefits Qi. It is a fine medicine. Excellent for blood disorders: hematemesis, epistaxis, blood stasis, amenorrhea, irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, and spotting. It also unblocks five strangurias, removes exogenous heat, stops thirst and vexation, strengthens bones and tendons, treats Lung heat with hiccups, reverse Qi, asthma, and urgency, resolves alcohol toxicity and jaundice/edema. Long-term use greatly benefits humans. For carbuncles, boils, and various toxins/wounds/blood disorders, apply crushed roots, decocted juice mixed with antidotes, or wine-decocted internally. There are several types of Mao, found everywhere; white is superior. Sprouts in spring, spreading like needles, hence called Maozhen; can be eaten raw, very beneficial for children, with similar functions.
Epimedium brevicornum (Yinyanghuo) (16) Sweet in taste, pungent in aroma, warm in nature. Herb for Hand-Foot Yangming, Shaoyin, Sanjiao, and Mingmen. Mainly treats Yang deficiency impotence and penile pain. Promotes urination, benefits Essence and Qi, strengthens will and intent, solidifies bones and tendons, warms all cold-wind consumptive Qi in the lower part, and sinew-bone spasms. Tonifies waist and knees, strengthens true Yin, treats elderly dementia and mid-life forgetfulness. Suitable for men with declining Yang, women with declining Yin, and those having difficulty conceiving. Methods of use: soak alone in wine or combine with pills/powders. Processing: Select 1 jin clean herb, stir-fry with 4 liang sheep fat until oil is absorbed.
Sophora flavescens (Kushen) (17) Bitter in taste, cold in nature. Contraindicated with Veratrum nigrum (Lilü). Sinking, Yin, herb of the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Dispels accumulated heat jaundice, stops dream-emission and leukorrhea, clears urine, promotes diuresis, removes carbuncles, brightens eyes and stops tearing, harmonizes Stomach Qi, stimulates appetite, opens nine orifices, removes latent heat and mania, stops thirst, awakens from alcohol intoxication, treats malignant sores, macules, scabies, and leprosy, kills childhood malnutrition parasites and toxic wind causing irritability and eyebrow loss. Fried yellow, ground to powder, taken with rice drink to treat intestinal wind bleeding and heat dysentery.
Fritillaria cirrhosa (Beimu) (18) (Contraindicated with Aconitum carmichaelii, Wutou). Bitter in taste, neutral in aroma, slightly cold. Light in aroma and flavor, slow in action, requiring doubled dosage. Excellent for resolving Liver depression and sorrow, dispersing rebellious Qi in the Heart, eliminating phlegm-pus and cough in Lung collapse and lung abscess. Ground to powder, formed into pills with rock sugar, best sucked and swallowed. Descends chest heat binding and mastitis/phlegm nodules. For human-faced sores on feet, burn to ash, mix with oil, and apply frequently. For difficult labor with retained placenta, grind to powder, mix with wine, and swallow. Also treats masses, hernias, throat obstruction, metal wounds, and stops thirst and heat vexation. Good for red eyes with corneal opacity, drives epidemic jaundice. Both Banxia and Beimu treat phlegm-cough, but Banxia treats Spleen and Lung, while Beimu excels in clearing Metal (Lung). Banxia uses its pungency; Beimu uses its bitterness. Banxia uses its warmth; Beimu uses its coolness. Banxia acts fast; Beimu acts slowly. Banxia disperses cold; Beimu clears heat. Their nature, taste, Yin-Yang differences are significant. Common substitution is highly erroneous.
Stemona sessilifolia (Tubebemu/Tubeimu) (19) (Contraindicated with Aconitum carmichaelii, Wutou). Extremely bitter in taste, cold in nature. Yin, descending. Herb for Hand-Taiyin, Shaoyang, Foot-Yangming, and Jueyin. Greatly treats lung abscess, lung collapse, cough, asthma, hematemesis, and epistaxis. Best at descending phlegm Qi, excellent for opening depressions, stopping pain, reducing fullness, clearing Liver fire, clarifying ears and eyes, removing epidemic heat/vexation, jaundice, stranguria, hematochezia, and hematuria. Resolves heat toxins, kills parasites, treats throat obstruction, scrofula, mastitis, back carbuncles, all sores/swelling/toxins, damp-heat malignant sores, hemorrhoids/fistulas, metal wound bleeding, and burn pain. Powder can be applied externally; decoction taken internally. Strong aroma and flavor; compared to Sichuan Beimu, its clearing and descending power is several times greater.
Cremanthodium indicum (Shancigu) (20) Also known as Jindenglong. Sweet and slightly pungent in taste, slightly toxic. Treats sores, carbuncles, furuncles, scrofula, and tubercles. For breaking skin and attacking toxins, grind with vinegar and apply. For removing spots and peeling facial skin, crush and apply juice. Treats various poisons, gu poison, snake/insect/rabies bites. Take with wine or sprinkle dry powder. Also treats wind-phlegm epilepsy; grind with tea water and take, inducing vomiting cures.
Bupleurum chinense (Chaihu) (21) Bitter and slightly pungent in taste, neutral and slightly cold in aroma. Light in aroma and flavor, ascending, Yin within Yang. Used for its cooling dispersion, calming Liver heat, entering Liver, Gallbladder, Sanjiao, and Pericardium meridians. Its cool nature resolves alternating chills/fever, tidal fever on muscle/exterior, Liver/Gallbladder fire inflammation, chest/hypochondriac pain/lumps. Also treats sores and Heat in the Blood Chamber. Its dispersing nature treats unresolved typhoid pathogenic heat, warm-malaria with high heat, Shaoyang headache, Liver meridian depression syndromes. In short, usable for excess pathogens; use cautiously for true deficiency. Although it guides clear Qi upward, ascending contains dispersing. Middle deficiency should not be dispersed; deficiency-heat should not be cooled. How can errors be tolerated? Additionally, its slipperiness promotes bowel movement. Those with loose stools and thin Spleen should use cautiously. For heat binding with obstruction, combining with Angelica sinensis (Danggui) and Scutellaria baicalensis (Huangqin) is appropriate. I believe Chaihu's nature is good at draining and dispersing, thus greatly inducing sweat and draining Qi. It is definitely not a tonifying substance. For patients with Yin deficiency, water depletion, and solitary Yang consumptive heat, one must not further damage Ying Qi. There is no dispersing herb that does not drain Ying Qi, and no sweating-inducing herb that does not injure Ying Blood. Ying is Yin; if Yin is already deficient, can it bear further damage? Thus, what is the rationale for using Chaihu to treat consumptive heat? Looking at Kou Zongshi's *Yanyi*: "Chaihu, in *Benjing*, has not a single word treating consumption. Yet few modern consumption formulas omit it." Alas! Many such errors mislead the world. I trace that consumption patients often have inherent organ deficiency compounded by pathogenic heat, requiring cautious use. For example, using Chaihu in Qinghao Jian for consumption in *Experience Formulas* is appropriate. If there is no pathogen, using it worsens the condition; even death follows, yet patients do not complain, witnessed often. *Rihuazi* claims it tonifies five labors and seven injuries; *Yaoxing Lun* says it treats consumption fatigue and emaciation. For such diseases, if there is no excess heat, physicians insisting on its use invite death. Annotations of Materia Medica must not ignore a single character, as errors will mislead generations. One must be cautious! Observing Kou's view, his intent focuses on "pathogenic heat," suggesting one should check for presence or absence of pathogen to decide usability. This is truly a rational insight.