（《纲目》）
【集解】生密县山野，茎圆而有线楞，叶似芹菜叶而硬，边有细锯齿刺。又似苍术叶而
大，每三叶攒生一处，开黄花，根似前胡，又似野胡萝卜根。
根
【气味】辛，温，无毒。
【主治】除风和血，煎酒服之。闪拗手足，同荆芥、葱白煎汤淋洗之（时珍。出《卫生
易简方》）。
（宋《图经》）
【集解】颂曰∶都管草生宜州田野，根似羌活头，岁长一节。苗高一尺许，叶似土当归
，有重台。二月、八月采根，阴干。施州生者作蔓，又名香球，蔓长丈余，赤色，秋结红实
，四时皆有，采其根枝，淋洗风毒疮肿。时珍曰∶按∶范成《大桂海志》云∶广西出之，一
茎六叶。
根
【气味】苦、辛，寒，无毒。
【主治】风肿痈毒赤疣，以醋摩涂之。亦治咽喉肿痛，切片含之，立愈（苏颂）。解蜈
蚣、蛇毒（时珍）。
（《别录》上品）
【释名】周麻。时珍曰∶其叶似麻，其性上升，故名。按∶张揖《广雅》及《吴普本草》
并云∶升麻，一名周升麻。则周或指周地，如今人呼川升麻之义。今《别录》作周麻，
非省文，即脱误也。
【集解】《别录》曰∶升麻，生益州山谷。二月、八月采根，晒干。
弘景曰∶旧出宁州者第
之鸡骨升麻。北部亦有，而形虚大，黄色。建平亦有，而形大味薄，不堪用。人言是落新妇
根，不然也。其形相似，气色非也。落新妇亦解毒，取叶 作小儿浴汤，主惊忤。
藏器曰∶落新妇，今人多呼为小升麻，功用同于升麻，亦大小有殊也。
志曰∶升麻，今嵩高出者色青，功用不如蜀者。
颂曰∶今蜀汉、陕西、淮南州郡皆有之，以蜀川者为胜。春生苗，高三尺以来。叶似麻
叶，并青色。四月、五月着花，似粟穗，白色。六月以后结实，黑色。根如蒿根，紫黑色，
多须。
根
【修治】 曰∶采得刮去粗皮，用黄精自然汁浸一宿，曝干，锉蒸，再爆用。
时珍曰∶今人惟取里白外黑而紧实者，谓之鬼脸升麻，去须及头芦，锉用。
【气味】甘、苦，平、微寒，无毒。
元素曰∶性温，味辛微苦，气味俱薄，浮而升，阳也，为足阳明、太阴引经的药。得葱
白、白芷，亦入手阳明、太阴。杲曰∶引葱白，散手阳明风邪。引石膏，止阳明齿痛。人参
、黄 ，非此引之，不能上行。时珍曰∶升麻，同柴胡，引生发之气上行；同葛根，能发阳
明之汗。
【主治】解百毒，杀百精老物殃鬼，辟瘟疫瘴气邪气，蛊毒入口皆吐出，中恶腹痛，时
气毒疠，头痛寒热，风肿诸毒，喉痛口疮。久服不夭，轻身长年（《别录》）。安魂定魄，鬼
附啼泣，疳 ，游风肿毒（大明）。小儿惊痫，热壅不通，疗痈肿豌豆疮，水煎绵沾拭疮上
（甄权）。治阳明头痛，补脾胃，去皮肤风邪，解肌肉间风热，疗肺痿咳唾脓血，能发浮汗
（元素）。牙根浮烂恶臭，太阳鼽衄，为疮家圣药（好古）。消斑疹，行瘀血，治阳陷眩运，
胸胁虚痛，久泄下痢，后重遗浊，带下崩中，血淋下血，阴痿足寒（时珍）。
【发明】元素曰∶补脾胃药，非此为引用不能取效。脾痹非此不能除。其用有四∶手足
阳明引经，一也；升阳气于至阴之下，二也；去至高之上及皮肤风邪，三也；治阳明头痛，
四也。杲曰∶升麻，发散阳明风邪，升胃中清气，又引甘温之药上升，以补卫气之散而实其
表。故元气不足者，用此于阴中升阳，又缓带脉之缩急。有胃虚伤冷，郁遏阳气于脾土者，
宜升麻、葛根以升散其火郁。好古曰∶升麻葛根汤，乃阳明发散药。若初病太阳证便服之，
发动其汗，必传阳明，反成其害也。朱肱《活人书》言∶瘀血入里，吐血衄血者，犀角地黄
汤，乃阳明经圣药。如无犀角，以升麻代之。二物性味相远，何以代之？盖以升麻能引地黄
及余药同入阳明也。时珍曰∶升麻引阳明清气上行，柴胡引少阳清气上行。此乃禀赋素弱，
元气虚馁，及劳役饥饱生冷内伤，脾胃引经最要药也。升麻葛根汤，乃发散阳明风寒药也。
时珍用治阳气郁遏，及元气下陷诸病，时行赤眼，每有殊效，神而明之，方可执泥乎？一人
素饮酒，因寒月哭母受冷，遂病寒中，食无姜、蒜，不能一啜。至夏酷暑，又多饮水，兼怀
怫郁。因病右腰一点胀痛，牵引右胁，上至胸口，则必欲卧。发则大便里急后重，频欲登圊，
小便长而数，或吞酸，或吐水，或作泻，或阳痿，或厥逆，或得酒少止，或得热稍止。但受
寒食寒，或劳役，或入房，或怒或饥，即时举发。一止则诸证泯然，如无病患，甚则日发数
次。服温脾胜湿、滋补消导诸药，皆微止随发。时珍思之，此乃饥饱劳逸，内伤元气，清阳
陷遏，不能上升所致也。遂用升麻葛根汤合四君子汤，加柴胡、苍术、黄 ，煎服，服后仍
饮酒一二杯助之。其药入腹，则觉清气上行，胸膈爽快，手足和暖，头目精明，神采迅发，
诸证如扫。每发一服即止，神验无比。若减升麻、葛根，或不饮酒，则效便迟。大抵人年五
十以后，其气消者多，长者少；降者多，升者少；秋冬之令多，而春夏之令少。若禀受弱而
有前诸证者，并宜此药活法治之。《素问》云∶阴精所奉其人寿，阳精所降其人夭。千古之
下，窥其奥而阐其微者，张洁古、李东垣二人而已。外此，则着《参同契》、《悟真篇》者，
旨与此同也。又升麻能解痘毒，惟初发热时，可用解毒；痘已出后，气弱或泄泻者，亦可少
用；其升麻葛根汤，则见斑后必不可用，为其解散也。本草以升麻为解毒、吐蛊毒要药，盖
以其为阳明本经药，而性又上升故也。按《范石湖文集》云∶李焘为雷州推官，鞫狱得治蛊
方∶毒在上，用升麻吐之；在腹，用郁金下之，或合二物服之，不吐则下。此方活人甚多也。
【附方】旧五，新八。
服食丹砂∶石泉公王方庆《岭南方》云∶南方养生治病，无过丹砂。其方用升麻末三两
（
豌豆斑疮∶比岁有病天行发斑疮，头面及身，须臾周匝，状如火烧疮，皆戴白浆，随决
随生，不治数日必死，瘥后瘢黯，弥岁方减，此恶毒之气所为。云晋元帝时，此病自西北流
起，名虏疮。以蜜煎升麻，时时食之。并以水煮升麻，绵沾拭洗之。（葛洪《肘后方》）辟瘴
明目∶七物升麻丸∶升麻、犀角、黄芩、朴硝、栀子、大黄各二两，豉二升（微熬）。同捣
末，蜜丸梧子大。觉四肢大热，大便难，即服三十丸，取微利为度。若四肢小热，只食后服
二十丸。非但辟瘴，甚能明目。（王方庆《岭南方》）猝肿毒起∶升麻磨醋，频涂之。（《肘后》）
喉痹作痛∶升麻片，含咽。或以半两，煎服取吐。（《直指方》）胃热齿痛∶升麻煎汤，
热漱咽之，解毒。或加生地黄。（《直指方》）口舌生疮∶升麻一两，黄连三分。为末，绵裹
含咽。（《本事方》）热痱瘙痒∶升麻，煎汤饮，并洗之。（《千金方》）小儿尿血∶蜀升麻五分。
水五合，煎一合，服之。一岁儿，一日一服。（姚和众《至宝方》）产后恶血不尽，或经月半
年。以升麻三两，清酒五升，煮取二升，分半再服。当吐下恶物，极良。（《千金翼方》）
解莨菪毒∶升麻煮汁，多服之。（《外台秘要》）挑生蛊毒∶野葛毒。并以升麻多煎，频
饮之。（《直指方》）射工溪毒∶升麻、乌 。煎水服，以滓涂之。（《肘后方》）
（《本草纲目》）
【集解】生长在密县的山野中，茎干圆形且有纵向棱线，叶片像芹菜叶但质地较硬，边缘有细小的锯齿状刺。又有点像苍术的叶子但更大，通常三片叶子聚生在一起，开黄花，根部像前胡，又像野胡萝卜的根。
**根**
【气味】辛味，温性，无毒。
【主治功效】祛除风邪、调和血液，用酒煎服。对于手足扭伤挫伤，可与荆芥、葱白一起煎汤淋洗患处（李时珍记载，出自《卫生易简方》）。
（宋代《图经本草》）
【集解】苏颂说：都管草生长在宜州的田野里，根部像羌活的头，每年长一节。苗高一尺左右，叶子像土当归，有重台（指叶序或形态特征）。二月和八月采集根部，阴干。施州出产的都管草呈蔓生状，又名香球，藤蔓长达一丈多，呈红色，秋天结红色果实，四季都有生长，可采集其根枝淋洗风毒引起的疮肿。李时珍说：查阅范成大的《桂海虞衡志》记载：广西出产的升麻，一茎六叶。
**根**
【气味】苦味、辛味，寒性，无毒。
【主治功效】治疗风肿、痈毒、赤疣，用醋研磨后涂抹患处。也治疗咽喉肿痛，切片含在口中，立即痊愈（苏颂）。能解蜈蚣、蛇毒（李时珍）。
（《神农本草经》上品）
【释名】周麻。李时珍说：它的叶子像麻，药性上升，所以得名。按：张揖的《广雅》及吴普的《本草》都说：升麻，别名周升麻。那么“周”可能指周地，就像现在人称川升麻的意思。现在的《别录》写作“周麻”，如果不是省写，就是脱漏错误。
【集解】《别录》说：升麻，生长在益州的山谷中。二月和八月采集根部，晒干。
陶弘景说：以前出产于宁州的称为鸡骨升麻。北部也有，但形状虚大，颜色黄。建平也有，但形状大味道淡薄，不堪使用。人们说是落新妇的根，不是这样的。形状相似，但气色不同。落新妇也能解毒，取叶子给小儿洗澡，主治惊忤（惊吓）。
孙藏器说：落新妇，现在人多呼为小升麻，功用与升麻相同，只是大小有差异。
寇宗奭说：升麻，现在嵩山出产的颜色青，功用不如四川出产的好。
苏颂说：现在蜀汉、陕西、淮南各州郡都有，以四川产的为好。春天生苗，高三尺以上。叶子像麻叶，都是青色。四月、五月开花，像粟穗，白色。六月以后结果，黑色。根像蒿根的根，紫黑色，须根多。
**根**
【修治】雷敩说：采得后刮去粗皮，用黄精的自然汁浸泡一夜，晒干，切碎蒸制，再晒干使用。
李时珍说：现在的人只选取内白外黑且紧实的，称为鬼脸升麻，去掉须根及头顶芦头，切碎使用。
【气味】甘味、苦味，平性或微寒性，无毒。
张元素说：性温，味辛微苦，气味都很薄，浮而上升，属阳，是足阳明、足太阴经的引经药。得到葱白、白芷，也能入手阳明、手太阴经。王好古说：引导葱白，疏散手阳明经的风邪。引导石膏，止阳明齿痛。人参、黄芪，没有这药的引导，不能上行。李时珍说：升麻，同柴胡配合，引导生发之气上行；同葛根配合，能发阳明之汗。
【主治功效】解除百毒，杀灭百精老物殃鬼，辟除瘟疫瘴气邪气，蛊毒入口皆吐出，治疗中恶腹痛、时气毒疠、头痛寒热、风肿诸毒、喉痛口疮。久服不夭折，轻身延年（《别录》）。安魂定魄，治疗鬼附啼泣、疳积、游风肿毒（孟诜）。治疗小儿惊痫、热壅不通、疗痈肿豌豆疮，用水煎煮绵沾拭疮上（甄权）。治疗阳明头痛，补脾胃，去皮肤风邪，解肌肉间风热，疗肺痿咳唾脓血，能发浮汗（张元素）。牙根浮烂恶臭，太阳经鼻衄，为疮家圣药（李东垣）。消斑疹，行瘀血，治阳气下陷眩晕，胸胁虚痛，久泄下痢，后重遗浊，带下崩中，血淋下血，阳痿足寒（李时珍）。
【发明】张元素说：补脾胃的药，没有它作为引经药不能见效。脾痹没有它不能消除。它的作用有四条：一是手足阳明经的引经药；二是将阳气从至阴之下提升上来；三是去除至高之上及皮肤的风邪；四是治疗阳明头痛。王好古说：升麻发散阳明风邪，升胃中清气，又引导甘温的药物上升，以补充卫气的散失并充实体表。所以元气不足的人，用它来在阴中升阳，又能缓解带脉的缩急。有胃虚受冷，郁遏阳气于脾土的人，宜用升麻、葛根来升散其火郁。李东垣说：升麻葛根汤，是阳明经的发散药。如果初病太阳证就服用它，发动其汗，必定传入阳明，反而造成危害。朱肱《活人书》说：瘀血入里，吐血衄血者，犀角地黄汤，是阳明经的圣药。如果没有犀角，用升麻代替。这两物性味相差很远，为什么可以代替？大概是因为升麻能引导地黄及其他药物一同进入阳明经。李时珍说：升麻引导阳明清气上行，柴胡引导少阳清气上行。这是禀赋素弱，元气虚馁，以及劳役饥饱生冷内伤，脾胃引经最重要的药。升麻葛根汤，是发散阳明风寒的药。李时珍用于治疗阳气郁遏，以及元气下陷的各种疾病，时行赤眼，每有殊效，神而明之，才可以拘泥吗？一个人平时爱喝酒，因为寒冬月哭母受冷，于是病寒中，不吃姜、蒜，不能喝一口。到了夏天酷暑，又多饮水，兼怀怫郁。因病右腰一点胀痛，牵引右胁，上至胸口，则必须躺卧。发作时大便里急后重，频繁想上厕所，小便长而频数，或吞酸，或吐水，或作泻，或阳痿，或厥逆，或得酒稍止，或得热稍止。但只要受寒食寒，或劳役，或入房，或怒或饥，即时发作。一停止则诸证消失，如无病患，严重时每天发作数次。服用温脾胜湿、滋补消导各种药物，都只是轻微停止随即复发。李时珍思考，这是饥饱劳逸，内伤元气，清阳陷遏，不能上升所致。于是用升麻葛根汤合四君子汤，加柴胡、苍术、黄芪，煎服，服后仍饮酒一二杯助药力。药入腹，则觉清气上行，胸膈爽快，手足和暖，头目精明，神采迅发，诸证如扫。每发作一服即止，神验无比。如果减少升麻、葛根，或不饮酒，则疗效便慢。大抵人年五十以后，其气消者多，长者少；降者多，升者少；秋冬之令多，而春夏之令少。若禀受弱而有前述诸证者，并宜此药活法治之。《素问》说：阴精所奉其人寿，阳精所降其人夭。千古之下，窥其奥而阐其微者，张洁古、李东垣二人而已。此外，著《参同契》、《悟真篇》者，旨意与此相同。另外升麻能解痘毒，惟初发热时，可用解毒；痘已出后，气弱或泄泻者，也可少量用；其升麻葛根汤，则见斑后必不可用，因为其具有解散作用。本草以升麻为解毒、吐蛊毒要药，大概是因为其为阳明本经药，而性又上升的缘故。按《范石湖文集》说：李焘任雷州推官，审案得到治蛊方：毒在上，用升麻吐之；在腹，用郁金下之，或合二物服之，不吐则下。此方活人甚多也。
【附方】旧方五首，新方八首。
服食丹砂：石泉公王方庆《岭南方》说：南方养生治病，无过丹砂。其方用升麻末三两。
豌豆斑疮：近年有病天行发斑疮，头面及身，须臾周匝，状如火烧疮，皆戴白浆，随决随生，不治数日必死，瘥后瘢黯，弥岁方减，此恶毒之气所为。云晋元帝时，此病自西北流起，名虏疮。以蜜煎升麻，时时食之。并以水煮升麻，绵沾拭洗之。（葛洪《肘后方》）
辟瘴明目：七物升麻丸：升麻、犀角、黄芩、朴硝、栀子、大黄各二两，豉二升（微熬）。同捣末，蜜丸梧子大。觉四肢大热，大便难，即服三十丸，取微利为度。若四肢小热，只食后服二十丸。非但辟瘴，甚能明目。（王方庆《岭南方》）
猝肿毒起：升麻磨醋，频涂之。（《肘后方》）
喉痹作痛：升麻片，含咽。或以半两，煎服取吐。（《直指方》）
胃热齿痛：升麻煎汤，热漱咽之，解毒。或加生地黄。（《直指方》）
口舌生疮：升麻一两，黄连三分。为末，绵裹含咽。（《本事方》）
热痱瘙痒：升麻，煎汤饮，并洗之。（《千金方》）
小儿尿血：蜀升麻五分。水五合，煎一合，服之。一岁儿，一日一服。（姚和众《至宝方》）
产后恶血不尽，或经月半年。以升麻三两，清酒五升，煮取二升，分半再服。当吐下恶物，极良。（《千金翼方》）
解莨菪毒：升麻煮汁，多服之。（《外台秘要》）
挑生蛊毒：野葛毒。并以升麻多煎，频饮之。（《直指方》）
射工溪毒：升麻、乌头。煎水服，以滓涂之。（《肘后方》）
(Compendium of Materia Medica)
[Collected Explanations] Grows in the mountains and wilds of Mixian. The stem is round with longitudinal ridges, leaves resemble celery leaves but are hard, with fine serrated spines on the edges. It also resembles *Atractylodis Rhizoma* (Cangzhu, 苍术) leaves but is larger, with three leaves clustered together, bearing yellow flowers; the root resembles *Peucedani Radix* (Qianhu, 前胡) or the root of wild carrot.
**Root**
[Flavor and Nature] Pungent, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Dispels wind and harmonizes blood; decocted in wine for ingestion. For sprains and contusions of limbs, decoct with *Schizonepetae Spica* (Jingjie, 荆芥) and scallion white, and wash the affected area (Li Shizhen; from *Weisheng Yijian Fang*).
(Song Dynasty *Tu Jing Ben Cao*)
[Collected Explanations] Su Song states: Duguancao grows in the fields of Yizhou. The root resembles *Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix* (Qianghuo, 羌活) head, growing one node per year. The seedling is about one chi high, leaves resemble *Angelicae Pubescentis Radix* (Tudanggui, 土当归), with layered structure. Roots are harvested in February and August and dried in shade. Those from Shizhou grow as vines, also known as Xiangqiu, with vines over a zhang long, red in color, bearing red fruits in autumn, available throughout the four seasons; roots and branches are collected to wash wind-toxin sores and swelling. Li Shizhen notes: According to Fan Chengda's *Guanghai Yuheng Zhi*, those from Guangxi have one stem with six leaves.
**Root**
[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, pungent, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Treats wind-induced swelling, carbuncles, toxins, and erythema verrucosum; grind with vinegar and apply externally. Also treats sore throat and swelling; slice and hold in mouth for immediate relief (Su Song). Resolves centipede and snake venom (Li Shizhen).
(*Shennong Bencao Jing*, Upper Grade)
[Names] Zhouma. Li Shizhen says: Its leaves resemble hemp, and its nature ascends, hence the name. Note: Zhang Yi's *Guangya* and Wu Pu's *Bencao* both state: Shengma, alias Zhou Shengma. Thus "Zhou" may refer to the Zhou region, similar to how Chuan Shengma is called today. The current *Bielu* writes "Zhouma"; this is either an abbreviation or an error.
[Collected Explanations] *Bielu* states: Shengma grows in the valleys of Yizhou. Roots are harvested in February and August and sun-dried.
Tao Hongjing says: Previously, those from Ningzhou were called Jigu Shengma (Chicken Bone Shengma). Those from the north are also available but appear hollow and large, yellow in color. Those from Jianping are also large but taste thin and are unsuitable for use. People claim they are roots of *Astilbe chinensis* (Luoxinfu, 落新妇), which is incorrect. Although shapes are similar, the qi and color differ. *Astilbe chinensis* also resolves toxins; leaves are used for bathing infants to treat fright.
Sun Zangqi says: *Astilbe chinensis*, now commonly called Xiao Shengma (Small Shengma), has similar functions to Shengma, differing only in size.
Kou Zongshi says: Shengma from Songshan is green in color and less effective than that from Sichuan.
Su Song says: Currently found in Shuhan, Shaanxi, and Huainan prefectures, with Sichuan origin being superior. Sprouts in spring, reaching over three chi in height. Leaves resemble hemp leaves, all green. Flowers in April and May, resembling millet spikes, white in color. Bears black fruit after June. Roots resemble mugwort roots, purple-black, with many fibrous roots.
**Root**
[Processing] Lei Xiao says: After harvesting, scrape off the coarse skin, soak overnight in natural juice of *Polygonati Rhizoma* (Huangjing, 黄精), dry in sun, cut, steam, then dry again before use.
Li Shizhen says: Nowadays, only those that are white inside, black outside, and compact are selected, called Guilian Shengma (Ghost Face Shengma). Remove fibrous roots and crown, cut for use.
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, bitter, neutral or slightly cold, non-toxic.
Zhang Yuansu says: Warm in nature, pungent and slightly bitter in flavor, with subtle qi and flavor, floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. It is a guiding herb for Foot Yangming and Foot Taiyin meridians. Combined with scallion white and *Angelicae Dahuricae Radix* (Baizhi, 白芷), it also enters Hand Yangming and Hand Taiyin meridians. Wang Haogu says: Guides scallion white to disperse wind pathogen in Hand Yangming meridian. Guides *Gypsum Fibrosum* (Shigao, 石膏) to relieve toothache in Yangming meridian. *Ginseng Radix* (Renshen, 人参) and *Astragali Radix* (Huangqi, 黄芪) cannot ascend without its guidance. Li Shizhen says: Shengma, combined with *Bupleuri Radix* (Chaihu, 柴胡), guides the ascending energy of generation; combined with *Puerariae Lobatae Radix* (Gegen, 葛根), induces sweating in Yangming meridian.
[Indications] Resolves hundred toxins, kills hundred spirits and old entities causing misfortune, wards off plague, miasma, evil qi, and gu poison (vomiting out ingested toxins); treats sudden evil abdominal pain, seasonal toxic epidemics, headache with chills and fever, wind-induced swelling and various toxins, sore throat, and oral ulcers. Long-term use prevents premature death, lightens the body, and prolongs life (*Bielu*). Calms the soul and spirit, treats ghost possession weeping, infantile malnutrition (Gan accumulation), and wandering wind swelling and toxins (Meng Shen). Treats infantile convulsions, heat obstruction and blockage, carbuncles, and smallpox; decoct water, dip cotton, and wipe sores (Zhen Quan). Treats Yangming headache, tonifies spleen and stomach, removes wind pathogen from skin, resolves wind-heat in muscles, treats lung abscess with coughing up pus and blood, induces mild sweating (Zhang Yuansu). Floating and rotting gums with foul odor, Taiyang meridian epistaxis, considered the holy medicine for sores (Li Dongyuan). Clears macules and rashes, moves stagnant blood, treats vertigo due to sinking of yang, deficiency pain in chest and hypochondrium, chronic diarrhea with tenesmus, leakage of turbid urine, leukorrhea, metrorrhagia, hematuria, impotence, and cold feet (Li Shizhen).
[Elucidation] Zhang Yuansu says: Tonifying spleen and stomach herbs require it as a guide to be effective. Pi Bi (Spleen Obstruction) cannot be removed without it. Its uses are fourfold: first, guiding herb for Hand and Foot Yangming meridians; second, raising yang qi from below the supreme yin; third, removing wind pathogen from the highest parts and skin; fourth, treating Yangming headache. Wang Haogu says: Shengma disperses wind pathogen in Yangming meridian, raises clear qi in the stomach, and guides sweet-warm herbs upward to supplement dispersed Wei Qi and solidify the exterior. Therefore, for those with insufficient Yuan Qi, it is used to raise yang within yin, and also relieves contraction of the Dai Mai. For those with stomach deficiency and cold injury, where yang qi is depressed in spleen earth, Shengma and Gegen should be used to raise and disperse fire depression. Li Dongyuan says: Shengma Gegen Tang is a dispersing herb for Yangming meridian. If taken initially for Taiyang syndrome, inducing sweat will cause transmission to Yangming, causing harm. Zhu Gong's *Huo Ren Shu* states: For blood stasis entering the interior with hematemesis and epistaxis, Xijiao Dihuang Tang is the holy medicine of Yangming meridian. If Xijiao is unavailable, substitute with Shengma. Though their flavors and natures differ greatly, why substitute? Because Shengma guides Dihuang and other herbs into Yangming meridian. Li Shizhen says: Shengma guides clear qi of Yangming upward; Chaihu guides clear qi of Shaoyang upward. This is for those with weak constitution, deficient Yuan Qi, and internal injury from labor, hunger/fullness, and cold/raw foods; it is the most important guiding herb for spleen and stomach. Shengma Gegen Tang is a herb dispersing wind-cold of Yangming meridian. Li Shizhen used it to treat depressed yang qi and sinking yuan qi diseases, and epidemic red eyes, often with remarkable effect. Can one be rigid if one understands its spirit? A person accustomed to drinking alcohol, caught cold while mourning his mother in winter, developed cold middle syndrome, unable to consume ginger or garlic. In summer heat, he drank much water and harbored frustration. He suffered from a painful distension at one point in the right waist, radiating to the right hypochondrium and up to the chest, requiring lying down. Upon attack, he had tenesmus, frequent urge to defecate, long and frequent urination, acid regurgitation, vomiting water, diarrhea, impotence, cold extremities, slight relief with alcohol or heat. Any exposure to cold food, labor, sexual activity, anger, or hunger would trigger immediate attacks. Once stopped, symptoms vanished completely, sometimes occurring several times a day. Taking herbs to warm spleen, overcome dampness, tonify, or digest provided only temporary relief. Li Shizhen reasoned this was due to internal injury of yuan qi from hunger/labor, causing sinking and depression of clear qi. He prescribed Shengma Gegen Tang combined with Sijunzi Tang, adding Chaihu, *Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma* (Cangzhu, 苍术), and Huangqi, decocted and taken with one or two cups of wine to assist. Upon ingestion, he felt clear qi rising, chest and diaphragm feeling refreshed, hands and feet warming, head and eyes becoming bright, spirit energized, and symptoms swept away. Each dose stopped the attack immediately, extremely effective. Reducing Shengma/Gegen or omitting wine slowed efficacy. Generally, after age fifty, qi declines more than rises; descent exceeds ascent; autumn/winter influence exceeds spring/summer. For those with weak constitution and these symptoms, this active method is suitable. *Suwen* states: Where yin essence is offered, longevity prevails; where yang essence descends, premature death occurs. Since ancient times, only Zhang Jiegu and Li Dongyuan have penetrated its mysteries and elucidated its subtleties. Others writing *Can Tong Qi* and *Wuzhen Pian* share this intent. Furthermore, Shengma resolves toxin of smallpox; usable for detoxification only during initial fever stage; after eruption, if qi is weak or diarrhea exists, use sparingly; Shengma Gegen Tang must not be used after spots appear due to its dispersing nature. Materia Medica regards Shengma as a key herb for resolving toxins and expelling gu poison via vomiting, likely because it belongs to Yangming meridian and has an ascending nature. Note: *Fan Shihu Wenji* states: Li Tao, while Prefect Judge in Leizhou, obtained a gu poison treatment formula during case adjudication: Toxin above, use Shengma to induce vomiting; in abdomen, use *Curcuma aromatica* (Yujin, 郁金) to purge downward, or combine both; if no vomiting, then purging. This formula saved many lives.
[Attached Formulas] Five old formulas, eight new formulas.
Ingesting Cinnabar: Shi Quan Gong Wang Fangqing's *Lingnan Fang* states: Southern health preservation and disease treatment rely on Cinnabar. Formula uses Sanliao (three liang) of Shengma powder.
Pea-like Macular Rash: In recent years, epidemic rash disease appeared on head, face, and body, spreading rapidly like burns, topped with white fluid, healing with dark scars lasting a year, caused by malignant toxic qi. Said to originate northwest during Emperor Yuan of Jin, named "Barbarian Sore". Decoct Shengma in honey and consume frequently. Also decoct Shengma in water, dip cotton, and wash. (Ge Hong *Zhouhou Beiji Fang*)
Warding off Miasma and Brightening Eyes: Qiwu Shengma Wan: Shengma, *Rhinocerotis Cornu* (Xijiao, 犀角), *Scutellariae Radix* (Huangqin, 黄芩), *Natrii Sulfas* (Puxiao, 朴硝), *Gardeniae Fructus* (Zhizi, 栀子), *Rhei Radix et Rhizoma* (Dahuang, 大黄) each two liang, Fermented Soybean (Chidou, 豉) two sheng (lightly roasted). Pound together into powder, mix with honey to make pills the size of walnut seeds. When feeling intense heat in limbs and difficulty in defecation, take thirty pills until mild laxation. If slight heat in limbs, take twenty pills after meals. Not only wards off miasma but also brightens eyes. (Wang Fangqing *Lingnan Fang*)
Sudden Swelling and Toxicity: Grind Shengma with vinegar, apply frequently. (*Zhouhou Fang*)
Sore Throat Pain: Hold slices of Shengma in mouth and swallow. Or decoct half liang and induce vomiting. (*Zhizhi Fang*)
Stomach Heat Toothache: Decoct Shengma, rinse and swallow hot to resolve toxin. Or add raw *Rehmanniae Radix* (Shengdihuang, 生地黄). (*Zhizhi Fang*)
Oral Ulcers: One liang Shengma, three fen *Coptidis Rhizoma* (Huanglian, 黄连). Pound into powder, wrap in cotton, hold in mouth and swallow. (*Benshi Fang*)
Heat Pruritus: Decoct Shengma, drink and wash. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Infant Hematuria: Five fen Shuchuan Shengma. Decoct in five ge water until one ge remains, administer. One dose daily for one-year-old infant. (Yao Hezhong *Zhibao Fang*)
Postpartum Retained Blood Stasis or Menstrual Irregularity: Three liang Shengma, five sheng clear wine, boil to two sheng, divide into two doses. Should vomit or pass bad matter, very beneficial. (*Qianjin Yifang*)
Resolving Datura Poison: Decoct Shengma juice, consume generously. (*Waitai Miyao*)
Pickled Gu Poison / Wild Ginger Poison: Decoct Shengma heavily, drink frequently. (*Zhizhi Fang*)
Stream Toxin from Archer Fish: Shengma, *Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata* (Fuzi, 附子). Decoct water, ingest, and apply dregs externally. (*Zhouhou Fang*)