（《本经》上品）
【释名】地熏（《本经》）、芸蒿（《别录》）、山菜（《吴普》）、茹草（《吴普》）。
恭曰∶茈，是古柴字。《上林赋》云茈姜，及《尔雅》云茈草，并作此茈字。此草根紫
色，今太常用茈胡是也。又以木代系，相承呼为柴胡。且检诸本草无名此者。
时珍曰∶茈字，有柴、紫二音。茈姜、茈草之茈，皆音紫；茈胡之茈，音柴。茈胡生山
中，嫩则可茹，老则采而为柴，故苗有芸蒿、山菜、茹草之名，而根名柴胡也。苏恭之说殊
欠明。古本张仲景《伤寒论》，
【集解】《别录》曰∶茈胡，叶名芸蒿，辛香可食。生弘农川谷及冤句。二月、八月采
根，曝干。弘景曰∶今出近道，状如前胡而强。《博物志》云∶芸蒿叶似邪蒿，春秋有白 ，
长四、五寸，香美可食，长安及河内并有之。恭曰∶伤寒大小柴胡汤，为痰气之要。若以芸
蒿根为之，大谬矣。颂曰∶今关陕、江湖间近道皆有之，以银州者为胜。二月生苗甚香。茎
青紫坚硬，微有细线。叶似竹叶而稍紧小，亦有似斜蒿者，亦有似麦门冬叶而短者。七月开
黄花。根淡赤色，似前胡而强。生丹州者结青子，与他处者不类。其根似芦头，有赤毛如鼠
尾，独窠长者好。 曰∶茈胡，出在平州平县，即今银州银县也。西畔生处，多有白鹤、绿
鹤于此飞翔，是茈胡香直上云间，若有过往闻者，皆气爽也。承曰∶柴胡以银、夏者最良，
根如鼠尾，长一、二尺，香味甚佳。今《图经》所载，俗不识其真，市人以同、华者代之。
然亦胜于他处者，盖银、夏地方多沙，同、华亦沙苑所出也。机曰∶解散用北柴胡，虚热用
海阳软柴胡为良。时珍曰∶银州，即今延安府神木县，五原城是其废迹。所产柴胡长尺余而
微白且软，不易得也。北地所产者，亦如前胡而软，今人谓之北柴胡是也，入药亦良。南土
所产者，不似前胡，正如蒿根，强硬不堪使用。其苗有如韭叶者、竹叶者，以竹叶者为胜。
其如邪蒿者最下也。按∶《夏小正月令》云∶仲春芸始生。《仓颉解诂》云∶芸，蒿也。似
邪蒿，可食。亦柴胡之类，入药不甚良，故苏恭以为非柴胡云。近时有一种，根似桔梗、沙
参，白色而大，市人以伪充银柴胡，殊无气味，不可不辨。
根
【修治】 曰∶凡采得银州柴胡，去须及头，用银刀削去赤薄皮少许，以粗布拭净
，锉用。勿令犯火，立便无效也。
【气味】苦，平，无毒。《别录》曰∶微寒。普曰∶神农、岐伯、雷公∶苦，无毒。大
明曰∶甘。元素曰∶气味俱轻，阳也，升也，少阳经药，引胃气上升。苦寒以发散表热。杲
曰∶升也，阴中之阳，手足少阳、厥阴四经引经药也。在脏主血，在经主气。欲上升，则用
根，以酒浸；欲中及下降，则用梢。之才曰∶半夏为之使，恶皂荚，畏女菀、藜芦。时珍曰∶
行手、足少阳，以黄芩为佐；行手、足厥阴，以黄连为佐。
【主治】心腹、去肠胃中结气，饮食积聚，寒热邪气，推陈致新。久服轻身明目益精（
《本经》）。除伤寒心下烦热，诸痰热结实，胸中邪逆，五脏间游气，大肠停积水胀，及湿
痹拘挛，亦可作浴汤（《别录》）。治热劳骨节烦疼，热气肩背疼痛，劳乏羸瘦，下气消食，
宣畅气血，主时疾内外热不解，单煮服之良（甄权）。补五劳七伤，除烦止惊，益气力，消
痰止嗽，润心肺，添精髓，健忘（大明）。除虚劳，散肌热，去早晨潮热，寒热往来，胆瘅，
妇人产前、产后诸热，心下痞，胸胁痛（元素）。治阳气下陷，平肝胆三焦包络相火，及头
痛眩运，目昏赤痛障翳，耳聋鸣，诸疟，及肥气寒热，妇人热入血室，经水不调，小儿痘疹
余热，
【发明】之才曰∶茈胡，得茯苓、桔梗、大黄、石膏、麻子仁、甘草、桂。以水一斗，
煮取四升入硝石三方寸匕，疗伤寒寒热头痛，心下烦满。
颂曰∶张仲景治伤寒，有大、小柴胡，及柴胡加龙骨、柴胡加芒硝等汤，故后人治寒热，
此为最要之药。
杲曰∶能引清气而行阳道，伤寒外，诸有热则加之，无热则不加也。又能引胃气上行、
升腾而行春令者，宜加之。又凡诸疟，以柴胡为君，随所发时所在经分，佐以引经之药。十
二经疮疽中，须用柴胡以散诸经血结气聚，功与连翘同也。
好古曰∶柴胡能去脏腑内外俱乏，既能引清气上行而顺阳道，又入足少阳。在经主气，
在脏主血。证前行则恶热，却退则恶寒。惟气之微寒，味之薄者，故能行经。若佐以三棱、
广术、巴豆之类，则能消坚积，是主血也。妇人经水适来适断，伤寒杂病，易老俱用小柴胡
汤，加以四物之类，并秦艽、牡丹皮辈，为调经之剂。又言妇人产后血热必用之药也。
宗 曰∶柴胡，《本经》并无一字治劳，今人治劳方中鲜有不用者。呜呼！凡此误世甚
多。尝原病劳，有一种其脏虚损，复受邪热，因虚而致劳，故曰劳者牢也，当须斟酌用之。
如《经验方》中治劳热青蒿煎之用柴胡，正合宜尔，服之无不效，热去即须急止。若或无热
，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，一字亦不可忽。
盖万世之后，所误无穷，可不谨哉？如张仲景治寒热往来如疟状，用柴胡汤，正合其宜也。
时珍曰∶劳有五劳，病在五脏。若劳在肝、胆、心，及包络有热，或少阳经寒热者，则
柴胡乃手足厥阴、少阳必用之药；劳在脾胃有热，或阳气下陷，则柴胡乃引清气、退热必用
之药；惟劳在肺、肾者，不用可尔。然东垣李氏言诸有热者，宜加之；无热，则不加。又言
诸经之疟，皆以柴胡为君。十二经疮疽，须用柴胡以散结聚。则是肺疟、肾疟，十二经之疮
，有热者皆可用之矣。但要用者精思病原，加减佐使可也。寇氏不分脏腑经络、有热无热，
乃谓柴胡不治劳乏，一概摈斥，殊非通论。如《和剂局方》治上下诸血，龙脑鸡苏丸，用银
柴胡浸汁熬膏之法，则世人知此意者鲜矣。按∶庞元英《谈薮》云∶张知 久病疟，热时如
火，年余骨立。医用茸、附诸药，热益甚。召医官孙琳诊之。琳投小柴胡汤一帖，热减十之
九，三服脱然。琳曰∶此名劳疟，热从髓出，加以刚剂，气血愈亏，安得不瘦？盖热有在
皮肤、在脏腑、在骨髓，非柴胡不可。若得银柴胡，只须一服；南方者力减，故三服乃效也
。观此，则得用药之妙的矣。寇氏之说，可尽凭乎？
【附方】旧一，新五。
伤寒余热∶伤寒之后，邪入经络，体瘦肌热，推陈致新，解利伤寒时气伏暑，仓卒并治，
不论长幼。柴胡四两，甘草一两。每用三钱，水一盏，煎服。（许学士《本事方》）小儿骨热∶
十五岁以下，遍身如火，日渐黄瘦，盗汗，咳嗽烦渴。柴胡四两，丹砂三两。为末， 猪胆
汁拌和，饭上蒸熟，丸绿豆大。每服一丸，桃仁、乌梅汤下，日三服。（《圣济总录》）虚劳
发热∶柴胡、人参等分。每服三钱，姜、枣同水煎服。（《澹寮方》）湿热黄胆∶柴胡一两，
甘草二钱半。作一剂，以水一碗，白茅根一握，煎至七分，任意时时服，一日尽。（孙尚药
《秘宝方》）
眼目昏暗∶柴胡六铢，决明子十八铢。治筛，人乳汁和敷目上，久久夜见五色。（《千
金方》）
积热下痢∶柴胡、黄芩等分。半酒半水煎七分，浸冷，空心服之。（《济急方》）
苗
【主治】猝聋，捣汁频滴之（《千金》）。
【《神农本草经》列为上品】
【名称解释】地熏（出自《神农本草经》）、芸蒿（出自《名医别录》）、山菜（出自《吴普本草》）、茹草（出自《吴普本草》）。
苏恭说：茈，是古时的“柴”字。《上林赋》中说“茈姜”，以及《尔雅》中说“茈草”，都写作这个“茈”字。这种草根呈紫色，就是现在常用的柴胡。后来人们用木字旁代替草字头，沿袭称呼为柴胡。而且查阅各种本草书籍，没有名字直接叫“茈”的。
李时珍说：“茈”字，有“柴”和“紫”两个读音。“茈姜”、“茈草”中的“茈”，都读作“紫”音；“柴胡”中的“茈”，读作“柴”音。柴胡生长在山中，嫩的时候可以作为蔬菜食用，老了就可以采集作为柴火，所以它的苗有芸蒿、山菜、茹草的名字，而根则称为柴胡。苏恭的说法非常不明确。在古本张仲景的《伤寒论》中……
【集解】《名医别录》说：茈胡，叶名芸蒿，气味辛香可以食用。生长在弘农郡的山谷及冤句县。二月和八月采收根部，晒干。陶弘景说：现在各地都有出产，形状像前胡但质地更强壮。《博物志》说：芸蒿的叶子像邪蒿，春秋季节长出白色的花穗，长四、五寸，香气美味可食用，长安和河内两地都有出产。苏恭说：治疗伤寒的大柴胡汤和小柴胡汤，是治疗痰气阻滞的关键方剂。如果用芸蒿的根来代替，那就大错特错了。苏颂说：现在关陕、江湖一带近处都有出产，以银州出产的质量最好。二月生出苗来，气味很香。茎呈青紫色，坚硬，上面有细微的线条。叶子像竹叶但稍紧小，也有像斜蒿的，也有像麦门冬叶但较短的。七月开黄花。根呈淡红色，像前胡但质地更强壮。丹州出产的结青色种子，与其他地方的不同。它的根像芦头，有红色的须毛像老鼠尾巴一样，单独成丛且长的品质好。寇宗奭说：柴胡产于平州平县，即现在的银州银县。西边生长的地方，多有白鹤、绿鹤在此飞翔，这是因为柴胡的香气直冲云霄，如果有路过闻到的人，都会感到神清气爽。陈承说：柴胡以银州、夏州出产的最为优良，根像鼠尾，长一、二尺，香味非常好。现在《图经本草》所载的，普通人不认识其真品，市场上常用同州、华州的柴胡来代替。然而这也胜过其他地方的，大概是因为银州、夏州地方多沙土，同州、华州也是沙苑地区出产的。庞安常说：用于解散表邪用北柴胡，用于虚热用海阳产的软柴胡为好。李时珍说：银州，即现在的延安府神木县，五原城是其废弃的遗迹。那里出产的柴胡长一尺多，颜色微白且柔软，不容易得到。北方地产的柴胡，也像前胡但质地柔软，就是现在人所说的北柴胡，入药也很好。南方地产的柴胡，不像前胡，正像蒿菜的根，强硬不堪使用。它的苗有的像韭菜叶，有的像竹叶，以竹叶形的为佳。像邪蒿叶的最差。按：《夏小正月令》说：仲春时节芸才开始生长。《仓颉解诂》说：芸，就是蒿。形状像邪蒿，可以食用。也属于柴胡一类，入药效果不太好，所以苏恭认为它不是柴胡。近来有一种药材，根像桔梗、沙参，白色且个头大，市场上有人用它冒充银柴胡，完全没有气味，不可不辨别。
【根】
【炮制方法】寇宗奭说：凡是采得银州柴胡，去掉须根和头部，用银刀削去少许红色的薄皮，用粗布擦拭干净，切碎使用。不要让火接触，否则立刻失效。
【性味】苦，平，无毒。《名医别录》说：微寒。吴普说：神农、岐伯、雷公认为：苦，无毒。孟洗（大明）说：甘。李杲（元素）说：气味都轻，属阳，主升，是少阳经的药物，能引导胃气上升。苦寒以发散表热。王好古（杲）说：主升，是阴中之阳，是手足少阳、厥阴四经的引经药。在脏主要作用于血，在经主要作用于气。想要药力上升，就用根，用酒浸泡；想要药力在中或下降，就用梢。徐之才说：半夏是它的使药，厌恶皂荚，畏惧女菀、藜芦。李时珍说：运行于手、足少阳经，以黄芩为佐使；运行于手、足厥阴经，以黄连为佐使。
【主治功效】治疗心腹部的疾病，去除肠胃中郁结的气机，消除饮食积聚，驱除寒热邪气，推陈出新。长期服用可以身体轻盈、明目、益精（出自《神农本草经》）。除去伤寒引起的心下烦热，各种痰热结实，胸中邪气逆乱，五脏间的游移之气，大肠停积水肿胀满，以及湿痹引起的拘挛抽搐，也可以用来做洗浴的药汤（出自《名医别录》）。治疗骨蒸劳热导致的骨节烦痛，热气引起的肩背疼痛，疲劳乏力、身体消瘦，降气消食，宣畅气血，主治时行疫病内外热邪不解，单煮服用效果好（甄权补注）。补益五劳七伤，消除烦躁、止惊悸，益气力，消除痰液、止咳，滋润心肺，增添精髓，治疗健忘（孟洗补注）。除去虚劳，散发肌表之热，去除早晨的潮热，往来寒热，胆腑热盛（胆瘅），妇人产前、产后各种热病，心下痞满，胸胁疼痛（李杲补注）。治疗阳气下陷，平抑肝胆三焦包络的相火，以及头痛眩晕，眼睛昏花、红肿疼痛、障翳，耳聋耳鸣，各种疟疾，以及肥气引起的寒热，妇人热入血室，月经不调，小儿痘疹后的余热……
【发明】徐之才说：柴胡，配合茯苓、桔梗、大黄、石膏、麻子仁、甘草、桂枝。用水一斗，煮取四升，加入硝石三方寸匕，治疗伤寒引起的寒热头痛，心下烦闷。
苏颂说：张仲景治疗伤寒，有大柴胡汤、小柴胡汤，以及柴胡加龙骨汤、柴胡加芒硝汤等方剂，所以后人治疗寒热往来，这是最重要的药物。
李杲说：能引导清气而行阳道，除了伤寒之外，凡是有热的病症都可以加入，没有热就不加。又能引导胃气上行、升腾而顺应春生之气，适宜加入。另外凡是各种疟疾，以柴胡为君药，根据发作时间所在的经络分部，配合引经药使用。十二经疮疽中，必须用柴胡来消散各经的血结气聚，功效与连翘相同。
王好古说：柴胡能去除脏腑内外的虚弱不足，既能引导清气上行而顺应阳道，又入足少阳经。在经主要作用于气，在脏主要作用于血。证候向前发展则恶热，向后撤退则恶寒。只有因为气微寒、味薄的特性，所以能通行经络。如果佐以三棱、莪术、巴豆之类，就能消除坚积，这是针对血分的功效。妇人月经刚来或刚断，伤寒杂病，易老（张元素的后学或指代）都用小柴胡汤，加上四物汤之类，并秦艽、牡丹皮等，作为调经的方剂。又说这是妇人产后血热必用的药物。
寇宗奭说：柴胡，《神农本草经》中没有一字提到治疗劳损，现在人治疗劳损的方子里很少有不用柴胡的。唉！凡是这样的误人子弟的情况很多。曾经推究劳损的病源，有一种情况是脏腑虚损，又受到邪热侵袭，因虚而导致劳损，所以说“劳”就是“牢”的意思，应当仔细斟酌使用。如《经验方》中治疗劳热青蒿煎里使用柴胡，正合宜理，服用没有无效的，热退就必须立即停药。如果没有热，用了反而加重，即使致死，人们也不会怨恨，亲眼目睹的情况很多。《日华子本草》又说补五劳七伤，《药性论》也说治劳乏羸瘦。像这类病，如果没有实热，医生固执地使用，不死还等什么？注释本草，一个字也不可忽视。因为万世之后，所误导的人无穷无尽，能不谨慎吗？如张仲景治疗寒热往来像疟疾一样的症状，使用柴胡汤，正合宜理。
李时珍说：劳有五劳，病位在五脏。如果劳损在肝、胆、心，以及包络有热，或少阳经寒热往来的，那么柴胡是手足厥阴、少阳经必用的药物；劳损在脾胃有热，或阳气下陷的，那么柴胡是引导清气、退热必用的药物；只有劳损在肺、肾的，不用也可以。但是李东垣说诸有热者，适宜加入；无热，则不加。又说诸经的疟疾，都以柴胡为君药。十二经的疮疽，必须用柴胡来消散结聚。那么肺疟、肾疟，十二经的疮疽，有热的都可以使用了。只是使用者要精心思考病因，进行加减配伍即可。寇氏不分脏腑经络、有热无热，就说柴胡不治劳乏，一概排斥，这绝对不是通达的议论。如《和剂局方》治疗上下各种出血，龙脑鸡苏丸，使用银柴胡浸汁熬膏的方法，那么世人知道这个道理的就很少了。按：庞元英《谈薮》说：张知久患疟疾，发热时如火烧，一年多身体消瘦如骨。医生用鹿茸、附子等药，热势更甚。召请医官孙琳诊治。孙琳投用小柴胡汤一帖，热势减去十分之九，服三帖后痊愈。孙琳说：这叫劳疟，热从骨髓发出，加上刚燥的药物，气血更加亏损，怎么能不消瘦？大概热有的在皮肤、有的在脏腑、有的在骨髓，非柴胡不可。如果得到银柴胡，只需一服见效；南方的柴胡效力减弱，所以服三帖才见效。看这个例子，就懂得用药的精妙之处了。寇氏的说法，可以完全相信吗？
【附方】旧方一个，新方五个。
伤寒余热：伤寒之后，邪气进入经络，身体消瘦肌肉发热，推陈致新，解除伤寒时气伏暑，仓促之间一并治疗，不论老少。柴胡四两，甘草一两。每次用三钱，水一盏，煎服。（许学士《本事方》）
小儿骨热：十五岁以下，遍身如火，日渐发黄消瘦，盗汗，咳嗽烦渴。柴胡四两，丹砂三两。研为末，用猪胆汁拌和，放在饭上蒸熟，制成绿豆大小的丸药。每次服一丸，桃仁、乌梅汤送下，每日三次。（《圣济总录》）
虚劳发热：柴胡、人参等分。每次服三钱，生姜、大枣同水煎服。（《澹寮方》）
湿热黄疸：柴胡一两，甘草二钱半。作一剂，用水一碗，白茅根一把，煎至七分，任意时候服用，一天服完。（孙尚药《秘宝方》）
眼目昏暗：柴胡六铢，决明子十八铢。研磨筛选，用人乳汁调和敷在眼睛上，久而久之晚上能看到五色光。（《千金方》）
积热下痢：柴胡、黄芩等分。半酒半水煎至七分，浸泡冷却，空腹服用。（《济急方》）
【苗】
【主治功效】突然耳聋，捣汁频繁滴入耳中（《千金方》）。
[Classified as Upper Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
【Names】Dixun (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*), Yunhao (from *Mingyi Bielu*), Shancai (from *Wu Pu Bencao*), Rucuo (from *Wu Pu Bencao*).
Su Gong stated: "Zi" is the ancient character for "Chai". The *Shanglin Fu* mentions "Zi Jiang", and the *Erya* mentions "Zi Cao", both written with this character "Zi". The root of this plant is purple, which is the Chaihu commonly used today. Later, people replaced the grass radical with the wood radical, and it was inherited as Chaihu. Furthermore, checking various materia medica texts, none are named simply "Zi".
Li Shizhen stated: The character "Zi" has two pronunciations: "Chai" and "Zi". In "Zi Jiang" and "Zi Cao", "Zi" is pronounced "Zi"; in "Chaihu", "Zi" is pronounced "Chai". Chaihu grows in mountains; when tender, it can be eaten as a vegetable, and when mature, it can be gathered as firewood. Hence, its seedlings have names such as Yunhao, Shancai, and Rucuo, while its root is called Chaihu. Su Gong's explanation is particularly unclear. In the ancient edition of Zhang Zhongjing's *Shanghan Lun*...
【Collected Explanations】The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Chaihu, whose leaves are called Yunhao, has a pungent aroma and is edible. It grows in the valleys of Hongnong Commandery and Yuanju County. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. Tao Hongjing stated: It is now produced in nearby regions, resembling Qianhu but stronger. The *Bowuzhi* states: The leaves of Yunhao resemble those of Xiehao, producing white flower spikes in spring and autumn, four to five inches long, fragrant and delicious, available in Chang'an and Henei. Su Gong stated: The Da Chaihu Tang and Xiao Chaihu Tang for treating Shanghan are crucial for resolving phlegm and qi stagnation. Using Yunhao root instead would be a major error. Su Song stated: It is now found near Guan-Shan and the Jiang-Hu regions, with the best quality coming from Yinzhou. Seedlings emerge in February with a strong fragrance. The stems are greenish-purple, hard, with fine lines. Leaves resemble bamboo leaves but are tighter and smaller; some resemble Xiehao, others resemble Ophiopogon japonicus leaves but are shorter. Yellow flowers bloom in July. Roots are pale reddish, resembling Qianhu but stronger. Those from Danzhou produce green seeds, distinct from others. The root resembles a reed head, with red hairs like a mouse's tail; solitary clumps that are long are of good quality. Kou Zongshi stated: Chaihu comes from Pingzhou, Ping County, i.e., current Yinxian, Yinzhou. On the western side, many white and green cranes fly there because the fragrance of Chaihu rises straight into the clouds; passersby who smell it feel refreshed. Cheng Cheng stated: Chaihu from Yin and Xia is the best, with roots like mouse tails, one to two chi long, with excellent fragrance. The current *Tujing* illustrations are unrecognized by common people, who substitute them with those from Tongzhou and Huazhou. However, these are still superior to others, likely because Yin and Xia have sandy soil, as do Tong and Hua (from Shayuan). Pang Anchang stated: For releasing the exterior, use Northern Chaihu; for deficiency heat, use soft Chaihu from Haiyang. Li Shizhen stated: Yinzhou is now Shenmu County, Yan'an Prefecture; Wuyuan City is its ruin. The Chaihu produced there is over one chi long, slightly white and soft, and difficult to obtain. Northern Chaihu resembles Qianhu but is soft, known today as Bei Chaihu, and is good for medicinal use. Southern Chaihu does not resemble Qianhu but rather Artemisia roots, being too hard and unsuitable. Its seedlings may resemble chive leaves or bamboo leaves, with bamboo-leaf types being superior. Those resembling Xiehao are the worst. According to the *Xiaoxiao Zhengyueling*: In mid-spring, Yun begins to grow. The *Cangjie Jiegu* states: Yun is Hao, resembling Xiehao, edible. It belongs to the Chaihu category but is not ideal for medicine, hence Su Gong considered it not Chaihu. Recently, a type has appeared with roots resembling Platycodon grandiflorus and Adenophora stricta, white and large, sold as fake Yin Chaihu, lacking odor, which must be distinguished.
【Root】
【Processing】Kou Zongshi stated: When harvesting Yinzhou Chaihu, remove the fibrous roots and the head. Use a silver knife to scrape off a little of the thin red skin, wipe clean with coarse cloth, and chop. Do not expose to fire, or it will lose efficacy immediately.
【Flavor and Properties】Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. The *Mingyi Bielu* states: Slightly cold. Wu Pu stated: Shennong, Qibo, and Leigong considered it: Bitter, non-toxic. Meng Xi (Da Ming) stated: Sweet. Li Gao (Yuansu) stated: Both flavor and aroma are light, belonging to Yang, ascending, a drug for the Shaoyang meridian, guiding stomach qi upward. Bitter and cold to dissipate exterior heat. Wang Haogu (Gao) stated: Ascending, yang within yin, a guiding drug for the Hand-Foot Shaoyang and Jueyin meridians. In the zang organs, it governs blood; in the meridians, it governs qi. To direct action upward, use the root, soaked in wine; to direct action to the middle or downward, use the tip. Xu Zhicai stated: Banxia is its assistant; it dislikes Saponaria officinalis and fears Wanwan and Lulu. Li Shizhen stated: For the Hand-Foot Shaoyang meridians, use Huangqin as an assistant; for the Hand-Foot Jueyin meridians, use Huanglian as an assistant.
【Indications】Treats heart and abdominal conditions, removes stagnant qi in the intestines and stomach, resolves food accumulation, expels cold and heat pathogenic factors, pushes out the old and brings forth the new. Long-term use makes the body light, improves vision, and benefits essence (from *Shennong Bencao Jing*). Removes heart vexation and heat caused by Shanghan, various phlegm-heat solidities, rebellious evil qi in the chest, wandering qi among the five zang organs, water retention and distension in the large intestine, and damp-bi with spasms; can also be used for bathing (from *Mingyi Bielu*). Treats bone-steaming consumption causing joint pain, heat causing shoulder and back pain, fatigue and emaciation, descends qi and aids digestion, promotes smooth flow of qi and blood, treats persistent internal and external heat from epidemic diseases; boiling alone is effective (added by Zhen Quan). Tonifies the five consumptions and seven injuries, removes vexation and stops惊悸, boosts qi and strength, resolves phlegm and stops cough, moistens lungs and heart, replenishes essence, treats forgetfulness (added by Da Ming). Removes deficiency consumption, disperses muscle heat, eliminates morning tidal fever, alternating chills and fever, gallbladder heat (Dan Dan), various fevers in women before and after childbirth, epigastric fullness, and hypochondriac pain (added by Li Gao). Treats sinking of yang qi, calms ministerial fire of the liver, gallbladder, Sanjiao, and pericardium, as well as headache and dizziness, blurred vision, red painful eyes with nebula, deafness and tinnitus, various malaria, and febrile diseases associated with Feiqi; also treats women's heat entering the blood chamber, irregular menstruation, and residual heat after smallpox in children...
【Elucidations】Xu Zhicai stated: Chaihu, combined with Fuling, Jiegeng, Dahuang, Shigao, Maziren, Gancao, and Guizhi. Boil one dou of water to yield four sheng, add Sanfang Cunbi of Xiaoshi, to treat Shanghan with chills, fever, headache, and epigastric fullness.
Su Song stated: Zhang Zhongjing treated Shanghan with Da Chaihu Tang, Xiao Chaihu Tang, Chaihu Jia Longgu Tang, Chaihu Jia Mangxiao Tang, etc. Thus, for later generations treating alternating chills and fever, this is the most important herb.
Li Gao stated: It guides clear qi to follow the yang pathway. Outside of Shanghan, it should be added to any condition with heat, but not if there is no heat. It also guides stomach qi upward, ascending to follow the spring energy, making it suitable for addition. Furthermore, for all types of malaria, Chaihu is the sovereign drug; based on the time of onset and affected meridian, it is supplemented with guiding drugs. Among sores and ulcers of the twelve meridians, Chaihu must be used to dissipate blood stasis and qi aggregation, with effects similar to Lianqiao.
Wang Haogu stated: Chaihu removes deficiency in both interior and exterior of the zang-fu. It guides clear qi upward following the yang pathway and enters the Foot Shaoyang meridian. In the meridians, it governs qi; in the zang organs, it governs blood. As symptoms advance, there is aversion to heat; as they retreat, there is aversion to cold. Due to its slight cold qi and thin flavor, it can travel through meridians. If assisted by Sanleng, Ezhu, or Badou, it can dissolve hard accumulations, addressing blood issues. For women with irregular menstruation (just starting or stopping), or mixed Shanghan diseases, Yi Lao uses Xiao Chaihu Tang combined with Siwu Tang, along with Qinjiao and Mudanpi, as a formula for regulating menstruation. He also stated it is essential for postpartum blood heat.
Kou Zongshi stated: The *Shennong Bencao Jing* contains not a single word about treating consumption, yet modern formulas for consumption rarely omit Chaihu. Alas! Such errors mislead many. I have traced the pathology of consumption; one type involves visceral deficiency compounded by pathogenic heat, leading to consumption. Thus, "Lao" implies "firmness/stubbornness," and it must be used with discretion. For example, in the *Jingyan Fang*, Qinghao Jian for treating consumption heat uses Chaihu, which is appropriate and effective; however, once heat subsides, it must be stopped immediately. If there is no heat, using it worsens the condition, potentially leading to death without blame on the user, a sight witnessed often. *Rihua Zi Bencao* claims it tonifies the five consumptions and seven injuries; *Yaoxing Lun* also claims it treats fatigue and emaciation. For such conditions, if there is no excess heat, doctors persistently using it invite death. One cannot ignore a single word in annotating materia medica. After ten thousand years, the misled will be countless; must we not be cautious? Zhang Zhongjing's use of Chaihu Tang for alternating chills and fever resembling malaria is perfectly appropriate.
Li Shizhen stated: Consumption involves five types, affecting the five zang organs. If consumption affects the liver, gallbladder, heart, and pericardium with heat, or involves Shaoymai meridian alternating chills and fever, Chaihu is essential for the Hand-Foot Jueyin and Shaoyang meridians. If consumption affects the spleen and stomach with heat, or involves sinking of yang qi, Chaihu is essential for guiding clear qi and reducing fever. Only if consumption affects the lungs and kidneys can it be omitted. However, Li Dongyuan stated that for all conditions with heat, it should be added; without heat, it should not. He also stated that for malaria of all meridians, Chaihu is the sovereign drug. For sores and ulcers of the twelve meridians, Chaihu is needed to dissipate aggregations. Thus, lung malaria, kidney malaria, and sores/ulcers of the twelve meridians with heat can all use it. Users must carefully analyze the etiology and adjust auxiliaries and messengers accordingly. Kou's rejection of Chaihu for consumption without distinguishing zang-fu, meridians, or presence of heat is not a comprehensive view. For instance, the *Heji Ju Fang* treats bleeding from upper and lower parts using Longnao Jisu Wan, employing a method of soaking Yin Chaihu and boiling it into paste; few people understand this nuance. According to Pang Yuanying's *Tanshu*: Zhang Zhi suffered from malaria for a long time, burning with heat, becoming emaciated over a year. Doctors used Rong (deer antler) and Fuzi, worsening the heat. Physician Sun Lin was summoned. Lin administered one dose of Xiao Chaihu Tang, reducing heat by 90%; after three doses, he recovered completely. Lin said: This is called Lao Malaria; heat originates from the marrow. Adding harsh agents depletes qi and blood, causing emaciation. Heat can reside in the skin, zang-fu, or marrow; only Chaihu works. If Yin Chaihu were obtained, one dose would suffice; southern varieties are weaker, requiring three doses. Observing this, one understands the subtleties of medication. Can Kou's views be fully trusted?
【Attached Formulas】One old, five new.
Residual Heat from Shanghan: After Shanghan, pathogens enter meridians, causing emaciation and muscle heat. Pushes out the old, brings forth the new, resolves Shanghan, seasonal qi, and latent summerheat. Treats urgently regardless of age. Chaihu 4 liang, Gancao 1 liang. Use 3 qian each time, boil in one sheng of water, and drink. (Xu Xueshi, *Benshi Fang*)
Pediatric Bone Heat: Under fifteen years old, body feels like fire, gradually yellow and emaciated, night sweats, cough, vexation, and thirst. Chaihu 4 liang, Dansha 3 liang. Powder, mix with pig bile, steam over rice until cooked, form pills size of mung beans. Take one pill each time, down with peach kernel and sour plum decoction, three times a day. (*Shengji Zonglu*)
Deficiency Consumption Fever: Chaihu and Renshen in equal parts. Take 3 qian each time, boil with ginger and jujube in water. (*Danliao Fang*)
Damp-Heat Jaundice: Chaihu 1 liang, Gancao 2.5 qian. Make one dose, boil in one bowl of water with a handful of Baimaogen until reduced to 70%, drink at any time, finish in one day. (Sun Shangyao, *Mibao Fang*)
Blurred Vision: Chaihu 6 zhu, Juemingzi 18 zhu. Grind and sieve, mix with human breast milk, apply to eyes. Over time, allows seeing five colors at night. (*Qianjin Fang*)
Accumulated Heat Dysentery: Chaihu and Huangqin in equal parts. Half wine, half water, boil to 70%, soak to cool, take on an empty stomach. (*Jiji Fang*)
【Seedlings】
【Indications】Sudden deafness. Crush and drip juice frequently into the ear (*Qianjin Fang*).