（《本经》上品）
【释名】苗名小草（《本经》）、细草（《本经》）、棘菀（《本经》）、 绕（《本经》）。
时珍曰∶此草服之能益智强志，故有远志之称。《世说》载郝隆讥谢安云∶处则为远志，
出则为小草。《记事珠》谓之醒心杖。
【集解】《别录》曰∶远志，生太山及冤句川谷。四月采根、叶，阴干。
弘景曰∶冤句，属兖州济阴郡。今此药犹从彭城北兰陵来。用之去心取皮，一斤止得三
两尔。亦入仙方用。小草，状似麻黄而青。
志曰∶茎叶似大青而小。比之麻黄，陶不识也。
禹锡曰∶按∶《尔雅》云∶ 绕，棘菀。郭璞注云∶今远志也。似麻黄，赤华，叶锐而
黄。其上谓之小草。
颂曰∶今河、陕、洛西州郡亦有之。根形如蒿根，黄色。苗似麻黄而青，又如毕豆。叶
亦有似大青而小者。三月开白花。根长及一尺。泗州出者，花红，根叶俱大于他处。商州出
者，根乃黑色。俗传夷门出者最佳。四月采根，晒干。古方通用远志、小草。今医但用远志
，稀用小草。
时珍曰∶远志有大叶、小叶二种，陶弘景所说者，小叶也；马志所说者，大叶也。大叶
者，花红。
根
【修治】 曰∶凡使，须去心，否则令人烦闷。仍用甘草汤浸一宿，曝干或焙干用。
【气味】苦，温，无毒。之才曰∶远志、小草，得茯苓、冬葵子、龙骨良。畏珍珠、藜
芦、蜚蠊、齐蛤。弘景曰∶药无齐蛤，恐是百合也。权曰∶是蛴螬也。恭曰∶《药录》下卷
有齐蛤，陶说∶非也。
【主治】咳逆伤中，补不足，除邪气，利九窍，益智慧，耳目聪明，不忘，强志倍力。
久服轻身不老（《本经》）。利丈夫，定心气，止惊悸，益精，去心下膈气，皮肤中热，面目
黄（《别录》）。杀天雄、附子、乌头毒，煎汁饮之（之才）。治健忘，安魂魄，令人不迷，坚
壮阳道（甄权）。长肌肉，助筋骨，妇人血噤失音，小儿客忤（《日华》）。肾积奔豚（好古）。
治一切痈疽（时珍）。
叶
【主治】益精补阴气，止虚损梦泄（《别录》）。
【发明】好古曰∶远志，肾经气分药也。
时珍曰∶远志，入足少阴肾经，非心经药也。其功专于强志益精，治善忘。盖精与志，
皆肾经之所藏也。肾经不足，则志气衰，不能上通于心，故迷惑善忘。《灵枢经》云∶肾藏
精，精合志。肾盛怒而不止则伤志，志伤则喜忘其前言，腰脊不可以俯仰屈伸，毛悴色夭。
又云∶人之善忘者，上气不足，下气有余，肠胃实而心肺虚，虚则营卫留于下，久之不
以时上，故善忘也。陈言《三因方》远志酒，治痈疽，云有奇功，盖亦补肾之力尔。葛洪《抱
朴
【附方】旧三，新四。
心孔昏塞∶多忘善误。丁酉日密自至市买远志，着巾角中，还为末服之，勿令人知。（《
肘后方》）
胸痹心痛∶逆气，膈中饮不下。小草丸∶用小草、桂心、干姜、细辛、蜀椒（出汗）各
三分，附子二分（炮）。六物下筛，蜜和丸梧子大。先食米汁下三丸，日三服，不知稍增，
以知为度。忌猪肉、冷水、生葱、生菜。（《范汪东阳方》）喉痹作痛∶远志肉为末，吹之。
涎出为度。（《直指方》）脑风头痛∶不可忍。远志末 鼻。（《宣明方》）吹乳肿痛∶远志焙研，
酒服二钱，以滓敷之。（《袖珍方》）
一切痈疽∶远志酒∶治一切痈疽、发背、疖毒，恶候侵大。有死血，阴毒在中则不痛，
敷之即痛。有忧怒等气积而怒攻则痛不可忍，敷之即不痛。或蕴热在内，热逼人手不可近，
敷之即清凉。或气虚血冷，溃而不敛，敷之即敛。此本韩大夫宅用以救人方，极验。若七情
内郁，不问虚实寒热，治之皆愈。用远志不以多少，米泔浸洗，捶去心，为末。每服三钱，
温酒一盏调，澄少顷饮其清，以滓敷患处。（《三因方》）小便赤浊 远志（甘草水煮）半斤，
茯神、益智仁各二两。为末，酒糊丸梧子大。每空心枣
（《神农本草经》列为上品）
【释名】苗的别名有小草（《本经》）、细草（《本经》）、棘菀（《本经》）、绕（《本经》）。
李时珍说：这种草服用后能益智强志，所以称为远志。《世说新语》记载郝隆讥讽谢安说：“隐居则为远志，出仕则为小草。”《记事珠》称它为醒心杖。
【集解】《名医别录》说：远志，生长在太山及冤句的川谷中。四月采集根和叶，阴干。
陶弘景说：冤句，属于兖州济阴郡。现在这种药仍然从彭城北面的兰陵运来。使用时要去除心部只取皮，一斤药材只能得到三两。它也用于仙方中。小草，形状像麻黄但颜色青绿。
李时珍说：茎叶像大青但较小。与麻黄相比，陶弘景未能识别。
苏颂说：按照《尔雅》记载：绕，即棘菀。郭璞注释说：就是现在的远志。形状像麻黄，开红花，叶尖锐且呈黄色。其地上部分称为小草。
苏颂说：现在河、陕、洛西等州郡也有生长。根的形状像蒿根，黄色。苗像麻黄但青绿，又像毕豆。叶子也有像大青但较小的。三月开白花。根长达一尺。泗州出产的，花红，根叶都比其他地方大。商州出产的，根是黑色的。民间传说夷门出产的最佳。四月采集根，晒干。古方通用远志和小草。现在医生只用远志，很少用小草。
李时珍说：远志有大叶、小叶两种，陶弘景所说的是小叶；马志所说的是大叶。大叶的，花红。
根
【修治】雷敩说：凡是使用，必须去除心，否则令人烦闷。仍需用甘草汤浸泡一夜，晒干或焙干后使用。
【气味】苦，温，无毒。徐之才说：远志、小草，配合茯苓、冬葵子、龙骨效果好。畏珍珠、藜芦、蜚蠊、齐蛤。陶弘景说：药典中没有齐蛤，恐怕是百合吧。甄权说：是蛴螬。恭说：《药录》下卷有齐蛤，陶弘景的说法不对。
【主治】治疗咳逆伤中，补不足，除邪气，利九窍，益智慧，耳目聪明，不忘，强志倍力。久服轻身不老（《本经》）。利丈夫，定心气，止惊悸，益精，去心下膈气，皮肤中热，面目黄（《别录》）。杀天雄、附子、乌头毒，煎汁饮之（徐之才）。治健忘，安魂魄，令人不迷，坚壮阳道（甄权）。长肌肉，助筋骨，妇人血噤失音，小儿客忤（《日华子本草》）。肾积奔豚（好古）。治一切痈疽（李时珍）。
叶
【发明】王好古说：远志，是肾经气分药。
李时珍说：远志，入足少阴肾经，不是心经药。它的功效专于强志益精，治疗善忘。因为精与志，都是肾经所藏的。肾经不足，则志气衰，不能上通于心，所以迷惑善忘。《灵枢经》说：肾藏精，精合志。肾盛怒而不止则伤志，志伤则喜忘其前言，腰脊不可以俯仰屈伸，毛悴色夭。又说：人之所以善忘，是因为上气不足，下气有余，肠胃实而心肺虚，虚则营卫留于下，久之不以时上，所以善忘也。陈言《三因方》中的远志酒，治疗痈疽，说有奇功，大概也是补肾的力量罢了。葛洪《抱朴子...
【附方】旧方三个，新方四个。
心孔昏塞∶多忘善误。丁酉日密自至市买远志，着巾角中，还为末服之，勿令人知。（《肘后方》）
胸痹心痛∶逆气，膈中饮不下。小草丸∶用小草、桂心、干姜、细辛、蜀椒（出汗）各三分，附子二分（炮）。六物下筛，蜜和丸梧子大。先食米汁下三丸，日三服，不知稍增，以知为度。忌猪肉、冷水、生葱、生菜。（《范汪东阳方》）喉痹作痛∶远志肉为末，吹之。涎出为度。（《直指方》）脑风头痛∶不可忍。远志末 鼻。（《宣明方》）吹乳肿痛∶远志焙研，酒服二钱，以滓敷之。（《袖珍方》）
一切痈疽∶远志酒∶治一切痈疽、发背、疖毒，恶候侵大。有死血，阴毒在中则不痛，敷之即痛。有忧怒等气积而怒攻则痛不可忍，敷之即不痛。或蕴热在内，热逼人手不可近，敷之即清凉。或气虚血冷，溃而不敛，敷之即敛。此本韩大夫宅用以救人方，极验。若七情内郁，不问虚实寒热，治之皆愈。用远志不以多少，米泔浸洗，捶去心，为末。每服三钱，温酒一盏调，澄少顷饮其清，以滓敷患处。（《三因方》）小便赤浊 远志（甘草水煮）半斤，茯神、益智仁各二两。为末，酒糊丸梧子大。每空心枣
(Shangpin, High Grade) in *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica)
[Names] The seedling is named Xiaocao (Small Grass) (*Benjing*), Xicao (Fine Grass) (*Benjing*), Jiwan (Thistle Wan) (*Benjing*), Rao (Winding) (*Benjing*).
Li Shizhen said: This herb, when taken, can enhance intelligence and strengthen willpower, hence the name Yuanzhi (Polygala Root). *Shishuo Xinyu* records Hao Long mocking Xie An saying: "When dwelling in seclusion, one is Yuanzhi; when entering officialdom, one is Xiaocao." *Jishi Zhu* calls it the Xingxin Zhang (Mind-Awakening Staff).
[Collection and Explanation] *Bielu* states: Yuanzhi grows in the valleys of Taishan and Yuanju. In April, harvest the roots and leaves, and dry them in the shade.
Tao Hongjing said: Yuanju belongs to Jiyin Commandery, Yanzhou Prefecture. Currently, this medicine still comes from Lanling north of Pengcheng. When used, remove the core and use only the bark; one jin yields only three liang. It is also used in immortal formulas. Xiaocao resembles Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) but is green.
Li Shizhen said: The stems and leaves resemble Daqing (Isatidis Folium) but are smaller. Compared to Mahuang, Tao Hongjing failed to identify it.
Su Song said: According to *Erya*: Rao is Jiwan. Guo Pu annotated: It is the current Yuanzhi. It resembles Mahuang, has red flowers, sharp leaves that are yellow. Its above-ground part is called Xiaocao.
Su Song said: It is also found in He, Sha, Luoxi prefectures. The root shape resembles Aogen (Artemisiae Radix), yellow. The seedling resembles Mahuang but is green, like Bidou. Leaves also resemble Daqing but are smaller. White flowers bloom in March. Roots grow up to one chi long. Those from Sizhou have red flowers, and both roots and leaves are larger than elsewhere. Those from Shangzhou have black roots. Folklore claims those from Yimen are best. Harvest roots in April, sun-dry. Ancient formulas generally used both Yuanzhi and Xiaocao. Modern physicians use only Yuanzhi, rarely Xiaocao.
Li Shizhen said: There are two types of Yuanzhi: Daye (Large Leaf) and Xiaoye (Small Leaf). What Tao Hongjing described is Xiaoye; what Ma Zhi described is Daye. Daye has red flowers.
Root
[Processing] Lei Xiao said: Whenever used, the core must be removed, otherwise it causes restlessness. Soak in Gancao Tang (Licorice Decoction) overnight, then sun-dry or bake-dry for use.
[Flavor and Properties] Bitter, Warm, Non-toxic. Xu Zhicai said: Yuanzhi and Xiaocao work well with Fuling (Poria), Dongkuizi (Malvae Semen), and Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi). They are incompatible with Zhenzhu (Margarita), Lilu (Veratri Radix), Feilian (Blatta Orientalis), and Qige. Tao Hongjing said: The materia medica does not list Qige; perhaps it refers to Baihe (Lilii Bulbus). Quan said: It is Qicao (Meloe). Gong said: *Yaolu* Volume 2 lists Qige; Tao's statement is incorrect.
[Indications] Treats cough with qi rebellion injuring the middle, tonifies deficiency, eliminates pathogenic factors, unblocks the nine orifices, benefits wisdom, brightens eyes and ears, prevents forgetfulness, strengthens willpower and increases strength. Long-term use lightens the body and delays aging (*Benjing*). Benefits men, stabilizes Heart Qi, stops palpitations and fright, benefits essence, removes diaphragmatic qi stagnation beneath the heart, clears heat in the skin, treats yellow complexion (*Bielu*). Detoxifies Tianxiong, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), and Wutou (Aconiti Radix); decoct juice and drink (*Zhicai*). Treats amnesia, calms hun and po spirits, prevents confusion, strengthens yang potency (*Quan*). Promotes muscle growth, assists sinews and bones, treats women's blood spasm with aphonia, and pediatric Ke Wu (*Rihua*). Treats Shenji Ben Tun (*Haogu*). Treats all carbuncles and sores (*Shizhen*).
Leaf
[Indications] Benefits essence, tonifies Yin Qi, stops dream emission due to deficiency (*Bielu*).
[Elucidation] Haogu said: Yuanzhi is a herb for the Qi aspect of the Kidney Meridian.
Li Shizhen said: Yuanzhi enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, not the Heart Meridian. Its function focuses on strengthening willpower and benefiting essence, treating amnesia. Essence and Will are stored by the Kidney Meridian. If Kidney Meridian is deficient, Will Qi declines and cannot ascend to connect with the Heart, leading to confusion and amnesia. *Ling Shu Jing* states: The Kidneys store Essence, and Essence combines with Will. Unrestrained anger in the Kidneys injures Will; injured Will leads to forgetting previous words, inability to bend/extend waist and spine, withered hair, and dull complexion. It also states: Those prone to amnesia have insufficient Upper Qi and excessive Lower Qi, solid Intestines/Stomach but deficient Heart/Lungs. Deficiency causes Ying and Wei to remain below; if they do not ascend timely, amnesia occurs. Chen Yan's *Sanyin Fang* Yuanzhi Wine treats carbuncles with miraculous effect, likely due to its Kidney-tonifying power. Ge Hong's *Baopuzi...
[Attached Formulas] Three old, four new.
Heart Orifice Obstruction: Frequent forgetfulness and errors. On Dingyou days, secretly buy Yuanzhi at the market, place in the corner of a hat, grind into powder, and take orally. Do not let others know. (*Zhouhou Fang*)
Chest Bi and Heart Pain: Rebellious Qi, inability to swallow fluids in the diaphragm. Xiaocao Pill: Use Xiaocao, Guixin (Cinnamomi Ramulus), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), Shujiao (Zanthoxyli Pericarpium - induces sweating) each 3 fen, Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) 2 fen (processed). Sieve the six ingredients, mix with honey to make pills the size of wu zi. Take 3 pills with rice juice before meals, three times daily. If no effect, slightly increase dosage until effective. Avoid pork, cold water, raw scallions, raw vegetables. (*Fan Wang Dongyang Fang*)
Throat Bi with Pain: Grind Yuanzhi flesh into powder, insufflate into nose. Stop when saliva flows out. (*Zhizhi Fang*)
Brain Wind Headache: Unbearable pain. Insufflate Yuanzhi powder into nose. (*Xuanming Fang*)
Breast Abscess with Swelling and Pain: Bake and grind Yuanzhi, take 2 qian with wine, apply the dregs to the affected area. (*Xiuzhen Fang*)
All Carbuncles and Sores: Yuanzhi Wine: Treats all carbuncles, back carbuncles, furuncles, severe conditions. If there is dead blood, yin toxin in the center causes no pain; applying [the wine/dregs] makes it painful. If caused by accumulated worry/anger attacking, pain is unbearable; applying makes it painless. If heat accumulates internally, heat is intense enough to repel touch; applying brings coolness. If Qi deficiency and cold blood cause ulceration without healing; applying promotes healing. This was originally a life-saving formula from Dr. Han's residence, highly effective. For internal depression of the Seven Emotions, regardless of excess/deficiency or cold/heat, treatment cures. Use any amount of Yuanzhi, soak in rice wash water, beat to remove core, grind into powder. Take 3 qian each time, mix with one cup of warm wine, let settle briefly, drink the clear liquid, apply the dregs to the lesion. (*Sanyin Fang*) Red and Turbid Urine: Yuanzhi (boiled in Licorice Water) 8 liang, Fushen (Poria with Hostwood), Yizhiren (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus) each 2 liang. Grind into powder, make pills with wine paste the size of wu zi. Take on an empty stomach with jujube...