（《本经》上品）
【释名】 冬（音门），
韭（《吴普》）
阶前草
时珍曰∶麦须曰 ，此草根似麦而有须，其叶如韭，凌冬不凋，故谓之麦 冬，及有诸
韭、忍冬诸名。俗作门冬，便于字也。可以服食断谷，
一名仆垒，一名随脂。
【集解】《别录》曰∶麦门冬叶如韭，冬夏长生。生函谷川谷及堤 肥土石间久废处。
二月、三月、八月、十月采根，阴干。
普曰∶生山谷肥地，丛生，叶如韭，实青黄。采无时。
弘景曰∶函谷即秦关。处处有之，冬月作实如青珠，以四月采根，肥大者为好。
藏器曰∶出江宁者小润；出新安者大白。其苗大者如鹿葱；小者如韭叶，大小有三、四
种，功用相似，其子圆碧。
颂曰∶所在有之。叶青似莎草，长及尺余，四季不凋。根黄白色有须，根如连珠形。四
月开淡红花，如红蓼花。实碧而圆如珠。江南出者叶大，或
时珍曰∶古人惟用野生者。后世所用多是种莳而成。其法∶四月初采根，于黑壤肥沙地
栽之。每年六月、九月、十一月三次上粪及耘灌。夏至前一日取根，洗晒收之。其子亦可种，
但成迟尔。浙中来者甚良，其叶似韭而多纵纹且坚韧为异。
根
【修治】弘景曰∶凡用，取肥大者，汤浸，抽去心，不尔令人烦。大抵一斤须减去四五
两也。
时珍曰∶凡入汤液，以滚水润湿，少顷抽去心，或以瓦焙软，乘热去心。若入丸散，须
瓦焙热，即于风中吹冷，如此三四次，即易燥，且不损药力。或以汤浸捣膏和药，亦可。滋
补药，则以酒浸擂之。
【气味】甘，平，无毒。《别录》曰∶微寒。普曰∶神农、岐伯∶甘，平；黄帝、桐君、
雷公∶甘，无毒；李当之∶甘，小温。杲曰∶甘、微苦，微寒，阳中微阴，降也。入手
太阴经气分。
之才曰∶地黄、车前为之使。恶款冬、苦瓠、苦 。畏苦参、青 、木耳。伏石钟乳。
【主治】心腹结气，伤中伤饱，胃络脉绝，羸瘦短气。久服轻身不老不饥（《本经》）。
疗身重目黄，心下支满，虚劳客热，口干燥渴，止呕吐，愈痿蹶，强阴益精，消谷调中保神，
定肺气，安五脏，令人肥健，美颜色，有子（《别录》）。去心热，止烦热，寒热体劳，下痰
饮（藏器）。治五劳七伤，安魂定魄，止嗽，治肺痿吐脓，时疾热狂头痛（大明）。治热毒大
水
，面目肢节浮肿，下水，主泄精（甄权）。治肺中伏火，补心气不足，主血妄行，及经水枯，
乳汁不下（元素）。久服轻身明目。和车前、地黄丸服，去温瘴，变白，夜视有光（藏器）。
断谷为要药
【发明】宗 曰∶麦门冬治肺热之功为多，其味苦，但专泄而不专收，寒多人禁服。治
心肺虚热及虚劳。与地黄、阿胶、麻仁，同为润经益血、复脉通心之剂；与五味子、枸杞子，
同为生脉之剂。
元素曰∶麦门冬治肺中伏火、脉气欲绝者，加五味子、人参二味为生脉散，补肺中元气
不足。
杲曰∶六七月间湿热方旺，人病骨乏无力，身重气短，头旋眼黑，甚则痿软。故孙真人
以生脉散补其天元真气。脉者，人之元气也。人参之甘寒，泻热火而益元气。麦门冬之苦寒，
滋燥金而清水源。五味子之酸温，泻丙火而补庚金，兼益五脏之气也。
时珍曰∶按∶赵继宗《儒医精要》云∶麦门冬以地黄为使，服之令人头不白，补髓，通
肾气，定喘促，令人肌体滑泽，除身上一切恶气不洁之疾，盖有君而有使也。若有君无使，
是独行无功矣。此方惟火盛气壮之人服之相宜。若气弱胃寒者，必不可饵也。
【附方】旧三，新九。麦门冬煎，补中益心，悦颜色，安神益气，令人肥健，其力甚快∶
取新麦门冬根去心，捣熟绞汁，和白蜜，银器中重汤煮，搅不停手，候如饴乃成。温酒日日
化服之。（《图经本草》）消渴饮水∶用上元板桥麦门冬（鲜肥者）二大两。宣州黄连（九节
者）
二大两，去两头尖三、五节，小刀子调理去皮毛了，吹去尘，更以生布摩拭秤之，捣末。以
肥大苦瓠汁浸麦门冬，经宿然后去心，即于臼中捣烂，纳黄连末和捣，并手丸如梧子大。食
后饮下五十丸，日再。但服两日，其渴必定。若重者，即初服一百五十丸，二日服一百二十
丸，三日一百丸，四日八十丸，五日五十丸。合药要天气晴明之夜，方浸药。须净处，禁妇
人鸡犬见之。如觉可时，每日只服二十五丸。服讫觉虚，即取白羊头一枚治净，以水三大斗
煮烂，取汁一斗以来，细细饮之。勿食肉，勿入盐。不过三剂平复也。（崔元亮《海上集
验方》）
劳气欲绝∶麦门冬一两，甘草（炙）二两，粳米半合，枣二枚，竹叶十五片，水二升，
煎一升，分三服。（《南阳活人书》）
虚劳客热∶麦门冬煎汤频饮。（《本草衍义》）
不效者∶麦门冬（去心）一斤，捣取自然汁，入蜜二合，分作二服，即止。（《活人心统》）
衄血不止∶麦门冬（去心）、生地黄各五钱。水煎服，立止。（《保命集》）
齿缝出血∶麦门冬煎汤漱之。（《兰室宝鉴》）
咽喉生疮，脾肺虚热上攻也∶麦门冬一两，黄连半两，为末，炼蜜丸
梧子大。每服二十
丸，麦门冬汤下。（《普济方》）
乳汁不下∶麦门冬（去心），焙为末。每用三钱，酒磨犀角约一钱许，温热调下，不过
二服便下。（《熊氏补遗》）
下痢口渴，引饮无度∶麦门冬（去心）三两，乌梅肉二十个，细锉，以水一升，煮取七合，
细细呷之。（《必效》）
金石药发∶麦门冬六两，人参四两，甘草（炙）二两，为末，蜜丸梧子大。每服五十丸，
饮下，日再服。（《本草图经》）
男女血虚∶麦门冬三斤（取汁熬成膏）、生地黄三斤（取汁熬成膏）等分。一处滤过，
入蜜四之一，再熬成，瓶收。每日白汤点服。忌铁器。（《医方摘要》）
【《神农本草经》列为上品】
【释名】 麦门冬（“冬”音同“门”），
韭菜（出自《吴普本草》）
阶前草
李时珍说：麦子的须毛叫“”，这种草根像麦子一样有须，叶子像韭菜，经历冬天也不凋谢，所以称为麦门冬，以及有诸如韭菜、忍冬等别名。俗写作“门冬”，是为了书写方便。它可以用来服食以断绝五谷（辟谷）。
又名仆垒，又名随脂。
【集解】《名医别录》说：麦门冬的叶子像韭菜，冬夏常青。生长在函谷川的河谷及堤坝肥沃的土石间长期废弃的地方。
二月、三月、八月、十月采集根部，阴干。
吴普说：生长在山谷肥沃之地，丛生，叶子像韭菜，果实青黄色。随时可以采集。
陶弘景说：函谷就是秦关。到处都有，冬天结出像青珠一样的果实，四月采集根部，肥大者为好。
苏颂说：各地都有。叶子青色像莎草，长达一尺多，四季不凋谢。根黄白色有须，根呈连珠状。四月开淡红花，像红蓼花。果实碧绿圆润如珠。江南出产的叶子大。
李时珍说：古人只用野生的。后世所用的多是人工种植的。方法是：四月初采集根部，栽种在黑壤肥沙地中。每年六月、九月、十一月三次施肥及除草灌溉。夏至前一天取根，洗净晒干收藏。其种子也可以种植，只是成材较慢罢了。浙江来的品质很好，其叶像韭菜但多有纵纹且坚韧为其特征。
【修治】陶弘景说：凡入药，选取肥大的，用汤水浸泡，抽去心，否则令人烦躁。大概一斤需要减去四五两的心。
李时珍说：凡是入汤剂，用滚水润湿，片刻后抽去心；或者用瓦片焙软，趁热去心。如果入丸散，必须用瓦片焙热，随即在风中吹冷，如此三四次，就容易干燥，且不损伤药力。或者用汤水浸泡捣烂成膏和药，也可以。滋补药，则用酒浸泡研磨。
【气味】甘味，平性，无毒。《名医别录》说：微寒。吴普说：神农、岐伯认为：甘味，平性；黄帝、桐君、雷公认为：甘味，无毒；李当之认为：甘味，小温。张杲说：甘味、微苦，微寒，阳中微阴，具有降泄作用。入手太阴肺经气分。
徐之才说：地黄、车前子作为引经药。厌恶款冬花、苦瓠、苦参。畏惧苦参、青葙子、木耳。受石钟乳制约。
【主治】心腹结气，内伤饱食，胃络脉绝，身体消瘦短气。久服轻身不老不饥（《神农本草经》）。
治疗身体沉重目黄，心下痞满，虚劳客热，口干燥渴，止呕吐，治愈痿蹶，强阴益精，消谷调中保神，定肺气，安五脏，使人肥健，美容色，助生育（《名医别录》）。去除心热，止烦热，寒热体劳，下痰饮（苏颂）。治疗五劳七伤，安魂定魄，止咳，治疗肺痿吐脓，时行热病狂头痛（孟洗）。治疗热毒大水，面目肢节浮肿，利水，主泄精（甄权）。治疗肺中伏火，补心气不足，主血妄行，及经水枯，乳汁不下（张元素）。久服轻身明目。与车前子、地黄丸服用，去除温瘴，变白，夜视有光（苏颂）。是断谷的要药。
【发明】寇宗奭说：麦门冬治疗肺热的功效较多，其味苦，只专于泄而不专于收，寒气重的人禁止服用。治疗心肺虚热及虚劳。与地黄、阿胶、麻仁，同为润经益血、复脉通心的药剂；与五味子、枸杞子，同为生脉的药剂。
张元素说：麦门冬治疗肺中伏火、脉气欲绝者，加五味子、人参二味组成生脉散，补肺中元气不足。
张杲说：六七月间湿热正旺，人患病骨乏无力，身重气短，头晕眼黑，甚至痿软。所以孙真人用生脉散补充其天元真气。脉，就是人的元气。人参的甘寒，泻热火而益元气。麦门冬的苦寒，滋燥金而清水源。五味子的酸温，泻丙火而补庚金，兼益五脏之气。
李时珍说：按：赵继宗《儒医精要》说：麦门冬以地黄为使药，服用它让人头发不白，补髓，通肾气，定喘促，让人肌体滑泽，除去身上一切恶气不洁的疾病，这大概是因有君药而有使药的作用。如果有君无使，是独行无功的。此方只有火盛气壮的人服用适宜。如果气弱胃寒的人，绝对不可服用。
【附方】旧方三首，新方九首。麦门冬煎，补中益心，悦颜色，安神益气，使人肥健，效力很快：
取新鲜麦门冬根去心，捣熟绞汁，和白蜜，在银器中隔水加热煮，不停搅拌，等到像饴糖那样稠厚才制成。温酒每日化服。（《图经本草》）消渴饮水：用上元板桥麦门冬（鲜肥者）二大两。宣州黄连（九节者）
二大两，去掉两头尖三、五节，用小刀刮去皮毛，吹去灰尘，再用生布摩擦擦拭称重，捣成末。用肥大苦瓠汁浸泡麦门冬，过夜然后去心，就在臼中捣烂，纳入黄连末一起捣匀，用手做成梧桐子大小的丸药。饭后饮送五十丸，每日两次。只要服用两天，口渴必定停止。如果病情重，就初服一百五十丸，第二天服一百二十丸，第三天一百丸，第四天八十丸，第五天五十丸。制药要在天气晴朗的夜晚进行，方才浸药。必须在洁净处，禁止妇女鸡犬看见。如果觉得可以了，每天只服二十五丸。服完后觉得虚，就取白羊头一枚处理干净，用水三大斗煮烂，取汁一斗以上，细细饮用。不吃肉，不加盐。不超过三剂即可康复。（崔元亮《海上集验方》）
劳气欲绝：麦门冬一两，甘草（炙）二两，粳米半合，枣二枚，竹叶十五片，水二升，煎取一升，分三次服用。（《南阳活人书》）
虚劳客热：麦门冬煎汤频饮。（《本草衍义》）
无效者：麦门冬（去心）一斤，捣取自然汁，入蜜二合，分作两次服用，即止。（《活人心统》）
衄血不止：麦门冬（去心）、生地黄各五钱。水煎服，立即止血。（《保命集》）
齿缝出血：麦门冬煎汤漱口。（《兰室宝鉴》）
咽喉生疮，脾肺虚热上攻也：麦门冬一两，黄连半两，为末，炼蜜丸梧桐子大。每服二十丸，麦门冬汤送下。（《普济方》）
乳汁不下：麦门冬（去心），焙为末。每次用三钱，酒磨犀角约一钱许，温热调下，不超过两次便下。（《熊氏补遗》）
下痢口渴，引饮无度：麦门冬（去心）三两，乌梅肉二十个，细锉，以水一升，煮取七合，细细呷之。（《必效方》）
金石药发：麦门冬六两，人参四两，甘草（炙）二两，为末，蜜丸梧桐子大。每服五十丸，饮送，每日两次服用。（《本草图经》）
男女血虚：麦门冬三斤（取汁熬成膏）、生地黄三斤（取汁熬成膏）等分。一处滤过，入蜜四分之一，再熬成，瓶收。每日白开水点服。忌铁器。（《医方摘要》）
[Classified as Upper Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
【Names】 Maidong (Maidong, "Dong" pronounced as "Men"),
Jiu (from *Wu Pu Bencao*)
Jieqian Cao (Grass before the steps)
Li Shizhen said: The awns of wheat are called "". This herb's root resembles that of wheat with awns, its leaves resemble those of Chinese chives (*Allium tuberosum*), and it does not wither in winter; hence it is called Maidong. It also has other names such as Zhufang and Rendong. Colloquially written as Mendong for convenience. It can be used for dietary consumption to abstain from grains (Bigu).
Also known as Pulei, also known as Suizhi.
【Collection and Explanation】 *Bielu* states: Maidong's leaves resemble those of Chinese chives, remaining evergreen in both winter and summer. It grows in the valleys of Hangu River and on the fertile soil and rocks of long-abandoned embankments.
The roots are harvested in February, March, August, and October, and dried in the shade.
Pu said: It grows in clusters in fertile mountain valleys, with leaves resembling Chinese chives and fruits that are greenish-yellow. It can be harvested at any time.
Hongjing said: Hangu refers to the Qin Pass. It is found everywhere, producing fruit like green pearls in winter. Roots harvested in April, with plump ones being superior.
Zangqi said: Those from Jiangning are small and moist; those from Xin'an are large and white. Its seedlings vary in size, some as large as deer onions, others as small as chive leaves, with three or four varieties having similar medicinal functions. Its seeds are round and dark green.
Song said: It is found everywhere. Leaves are green like sedge grass, growing over a foot long, never withering throughout the four seasons. Roots are yellowish-white with awns, shaped like linked beads. In April, it opens pale red flowers, resembling Polygonum multiflorum flowers. Fruits are dark green, round, and pearl-like. Those from Jiangnan have larger leaves.
Li Shizhen said: Ancients only used wild specimens. Later generations mostly used cultivated ones. The method is: harvest roots in early April, plant them in black loamy sandy soil. Apply fertilizer and weed/irrigate three times a year in June, September, and November. Harvest roots one day before Summer Solstice, wash, dry, and store. Seeds can also be planted, but growth is slower. Those from Zhejiang are of high quality; their leaves resemble chives but have more longitudinal veins and are tougher.
【Processing】 Hongjing said: For use, select plump roots, soak in decoction, remove the heart, otherwise it causes irritability. Generally, one jin requires removing four or five liang of the heart.
Li Shizhen said: For decoctions, moisten with boiling water, let sit briefly, then remove the heart; or bake on pottery until soft, remove the heart while hot. For pills and powders, bake on pottery until hot, then cool in the wind, repeating this three or four times to facilitate drying without damaging medicinal potency. Alternatively, soak in decoction, mash into paste, and mix with other herbs. For tonics, soak in wine and grind.
【Flavor and Nature】 Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. *Bielu* states: Slightly cold. Pu said: Shennong and Qibo considered it sweet and neutral; Huangdi, Tongjun, and Leigong considered it sweet and non-toxic; Li Dangzhi considered it sweet and slightly warm. Gao said: Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold, slightly yin within yang, possessing descending properties. Enters the Qi level of the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian.
Zhicai said: Dihuang and Cheqianzi serve as guides. Dislikes Kuandonghua and Kuhu. Feared by Kushen, Qingxiangzi, and Mu'er. Controlled by Shizhongru.
【Indications】 Knots and qi stagnation in the chest and abdomen, internal injury from overeating, exhaustion of stomach collateral vessels, emaciation and shortness of breath. Long-term use lightens the body, prevents aging, and reduces hunger (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Treats heaviness of the body and jaundice, fullness below the heart, deficiency heat from external pathogens, dry mouth and thirst, stops vomiting, cures flaccidity and paralysis, strengthens yin and benefits essence, aids digestion, regulates the middle, nourishes the spirit, stabilizes lung qi, calms the five zang organs, promotes robustness and beauty, and facilitates conception (*Bielu*). Clears heart heat, stops irritability and fever, treats fatigue from cold-heat alternations, and resolves phlegm-fluids (Zangqi). Treats five labors and seven injuries, calms the soul and魄, stops coughing, treats lung abscess with pus expectoration, and headache from epidemic heat madness (Daming). Treats severe edema from heat toxins, swelling of face, eyes, limbs, and joints, promotes urination, and manages seminal emission (Zhenquan). Treats latent fire in the lungs, supplements insufficient heart qi, manages reckless bleeding, amenorrhea, and lack of lactation (Yuansu). Long-term use lightens the body and improves vision. Combined with Cheqianzi and Dihuang pills, it removes warm miasma, whitens hair, and improves night vision (Zangqi). It is a key herb for grain abstinence.
【Elucidation】 Zong said: Maidong is particularly effective for clearing lung heat. Its bitter flavor focuses on draining rather than astringing; thus, it is contraindicated for those with excessive cold. It treats deficiency heat of the heart and lungs and deficiency labor. Combined with Dihuang, Ejiao, and Mahren, it forms a formula to moisten meridians, benefit blood, restore pulse, and unblock the heart; combined with Wuweizi and Gouqizi, it forms a formula to generate pulse.
Yuansu said: For Maidong treating latent fire in the lungs and impending collapse of pulse qi, adding Wuweizi and Renshen creates Shengmai San to supplement insufficient yuan qi in the lungs.
Gao said: During the sixth and seventh months, damp-heat is rampant. People suffer from bone weakness, heaviness, shortness of breath, dizziness, blurred vision, and even flaccidity. Therefore, Sun Simiao used Shengmai San to replenish primordial qi. Pulse refers to human yuan qi. Renshen's sweet-cold nature clears heat fire and benefits yuan qi. Maidong's bitter-cold nature moistens dry metal (lungs) and clears the water source. Wuweizi's sour-warm nature drains bing fire and supplements geng metal, benefiting the qi of all five zang organs.
Li Shizhen said: According to Zhao Jizong's *Ruyi Jingyao*: Maidong uses Dihuang as an assistant herb. Taking it prevents graying hair, supplements marrow, unblocks kidney qi, relieves panting, makes skin smooth, and eliminates all impure diseases caused by evil qi. This implies the presence of a sovereign and assistant relationship. Without an assistant, the sovereign herb acts alone and is ineffective. This formula is suitable only for those with excess fire and strong qi. It must not be taken by those with weak qi and cold stomach.
【Attached Formulas】 Three old formulas, nine new formulas. Maidong Decoction (Maidong Jian): Tonifies the middle, benefits the heart, enhances complexion, calms the spirit, boosts qi, and promotes robustness with rapid effect:
Take fresh Maidong roots, remove hearts, mash, and squeeze juice. Mix with white honey. Boil in a silver vessel over double-boiling heat, stirring constantly, until thick like malt syrup. Take dissolved in warm wine daily. (*Tujing Bencao*) For Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst) drinking water: Use two large liang of Shangyuan Banqiao Maidong (fresh and plump). Two large liang of Xuanzhou Huanglian (nine-joint type). Remove the tips of the three to five joints. Scrape off skin and hairs with a small knife, blow away dust, rub with raw cloth, and weigh. Mash into powder. Soak Maidong in juice from large bitter gourds overnight, then remove hearts. Mash in a mortar, mix with Huanglian powder, and form pills the size of wu zi (cherry pits). Take fifty pills after meals with water, twice daily. Thirst will stop within two days. For severe cases, take 150 pills initially, 120 on day two, 100 on day three, 80 on day four, and 50 on day five. Prepare medicine on a clear night during soaking. Keep in a clean place, avoiding exposure to women, chickens, and dogs. If symptoms improve, reduce to 25 pills daily. If feeling weak after taking, boil one cleaned sheep head in three dou of water until soft, extract one dou of juice, and drink slowly. Do not eat meat or add salt. Recovery occurs within three doses. (Cui Yuanliang *Haishang Jiyan Fang*)
For exhaustion leading to collapse: One qian Maidong, two liang Gancao (roasted), half he Jingsmi, two dates, fifteen bamboo leaves. Add two sheng of water, decoct to one sheng, divide into three doses. (*Nanyang Huoren Shu*)
For deficiency labor with external heat: Drink Maidong decoction frequently. (*Bencao Yan Yi*)
If ineffective: One jin Maidong (heart removed), mash to extract natural juice, add two he of honey, divide into two doses to stop symptoms. (*Huoren Xintong*)
For persistent epistaxis: Five qian Maidong (heart removed) and five qian Shengdihuang. Decoct in water and take to stop bleeding immediately. (*Baoming Ji*)
For bleeding from gum crevices: Rinse mouth with Maidong decoction. (*Lanshi Baojian*)
For sores in the throat due to deficiency heat attacking upward from spleen and lungs: One liang Maidong, half liang Huanglian. Make into powder, mix with refined honey to form pills the size of wu zi. Take twenty pills per dose, washed down with Maidong decoction. (*Puji Fang*)
For lack of lactation: Dry Maidong (heart removed) and make into powder. Take three qian each time, mix with approximately one qian of rhino horn ground in wine, take warm. Milk will flow within two doses. (*Xiongshi Buiyi*)
For dysentery with excessive thirst: Three liang Maidong (heart removed), twenty Wumei flesh pieces. Finely chop, add one sheng of water, decoct to seven he, sip slowly. (*Bixiao Fang*)
For toxicity from mineral drugs: Six liang Maidong, four liang Renshen, two liang Gancao (roasted). Make into powder, mix with honey to form pills the size of wu zi. Take fifty pills per dose with water, twice daily. (*Bencao Tujing*)
For blood deficiency in men and women: Three jin Maidong (juice boiled into paste) and three jin Shengdihuang (juice boiled into paste) in equal parts. Filter together, add one-quarter part honey, boil again, store in bottles. Take daily with plain hot water. Avoid ironware. (*Yifang Ju Yao*)