根据古庵而增以通用,各药制法见圈外,其程氏《释药》,出《大观》注、《尔雅》、《博物志》,多从
之。
即《汤液》风升生也。古庵云∶风属阳,善行数变,自外而入以郁正气,故治风多行气开表药。又风入
久变热,热能生痰,宜用祛风化痰药。又热极生风,风能燥液,宜用清热润燥药。
防风
防风气温味甘辛,通疗诸风痛满身,头目胁痛并胸满,除湿止汗住崩津。
凡药必先其立名之义,而后审其治疗。防风者,预防风疾也。无毒。浮而升,阳也,治脾胃二经及太阳经。
乃卒伍卑贱之职,随所引而至者也。主诸风邪在表,恶风,周身节痛,四肢拘挛,一切风邪头眩目盲流泪,胁
痛诸疮,泻上焦风邪之仙药也。又疏泄肺窍,解胸膈烦满,通五脏关脉,药中润剂。误服泻人上焦元气。兼理
劳损盗汗,女人崩带。除经络间留湿,风能胜湿故也。诸风药皆然。坚润者佳,去芦及叉头叉尾者。恶干姜、
藜芦、白蔹、芫花,畏萆 ,杀附子毒。得泽泻、 本治风,得当归、芍药、阳起石,治妇人子脏风。
独活
独活甘辛平苦温,诸风痹痛无久新,头项齿颊皆能疗,金疮疝 及奔豚。
一茎直上,得风不摇。无毒。沉而升,阴中阳也,足少阴行经药。主诸风掉眩,百节痛挛,肌肉发痒,风
寒湿痹,两足不能动。《汤液》去∶独活气细而低,治足少阴伏风,而不治太阳,故足痹尤验。一切风邪,不
论久新,头眩目晕,齿痛颊肿,颈项难伸,金疮奔豚,瘿痫 ,女子疝瘕。蠡实为使,得细辛治少阴头痛。
羌活
羌活苦温散表风,利节痛排巨阳痈,更除新旧风寒湿,手足太阳表里通。
活,生也,出羌胡。无毒。浮而升,阳也。散肌表八方风邪,利周身百节疼痛,排巨阳肉腐痈疽,散时疫新
旧风湿,乃手足太阳足厥阴少阴表里引经之药,拨乱反正之主也。兼治赤眼及贼风失音,多痒血癞,手足不遂,
口眼 斜,及妇人产后中风、腹痛、子肠脱出。余与独活同。《本经》原不分羌独二活,后人始分,紫色节密
者为羌活,黄色作块者为独活,羌活气雄,独活气细。去皮及腐朽者,得川芎治足太阳头疼。
荆芥
荆芥辛温疗诸疮,暴伤寒证发汗良,除痹破气专凉血,血风血晕是仙方。
俗名荆芥,本名假苏,气味似紫苏也。无毒。浮而升,阳也。主诸疮癞疮,风疹瘰 ,暴伤寒,头疼目眩,
手足拘急,气壅寒热等证,发汗即散,惟有渴者不宜。除湿痹香港脚,筋骨烦疼,破结气,下瘀血,通血脉,
凉血止血,妇人血风要药。产后血晕,为末,童便调热服。产后中风身强,酒调服神效。又为末和醋,封风毒
疔肿。取花实成穗者,日干用。
薄荷
薄荷辛凉最发汗,清头目解皮风绊,止惊风热劫劳蒸,消食下气除霍乱。
至轻清而薄,荷乃花叶总名。无毒,浮而升,阳也,入手太阴厥阴经。主贼风伤寒发汗,通利关节,
清利头目咽喉,一切在上及皮肤风
热。又治小儿风涎惊风壮热,大人骨蒸劳热,消宿食,下气壅,心腹胀满霍乱。兼能破血止痢,除痫 ,疗
阴阳毒,能引诸药入荣卫。大病后勿食,令人出虚汗不止。去梗。
升麻
升麻甘苦气寒平,解毒除瘟治腹疼,伤寒初证并衄血,疮肿咽牙热自清。
能升阳气,其叶如麻。无毒。浮而升,阳也。主解百毒。辟瘟疫瘴气蛊毒,中恶腹痛,伤寒时气头疼,
寒热初证,及瘀血入里吐衄,肺痿肺痈咳唾脓血,小儿风痫痘疮斑疹,一切风痈肿毒,咽痛口疮牙疼,疮家
之圣药也。但阳气下陷者宜用,下虚气不足者禁用。细削如鸡骨,色青绿者佳,发散生用,补中酒炒,止咳汗
者蜜炒。得葱白、白芷、石膏之类,本治手足阳明风邪;得参、术、芍药之类,兼治手足太阴肌肉间热。
细辛
细辛温辣治伤寒,下气消痰通节关,头面诸风不可缺。调经治痫又益肝,
形细味辛。小毒。浮而升,阳中阴也,足少阴本药,手少阴引经。东垣云∶止少阴合病之首痛,杀三
阳数变之风邪,最能温肾,散水寒内冷,故仲景用治邪在里之表也。主咳逆上气,破痰止嗽开胸中滞,利九窍,
通百节。治头痛眼风泪下,鼻痈齿痛口臭喉痹,一切头面风痛,不可缺也。又治风痫疾,风湿痹蜷挛,消死肌
疮肉,及妇人乳结汗不出,经血不行,益肝胆气。如单服半钱,则气塞不通而死。水洗去土及芦叶头节。独
活为使,恶野狼毒、山茱萸、黄 ,畏硝石、滑石,反藜芦,忌生菜。得当归、芍药、川芎、白芷、牡丹皮、
本、甘草,共疗妇人。得决明、鲤鱼、胆青、羊肝,共疗目痛。
白芷
白芷辛温疗风邪,主头面疾佐疮家,妇人崩带通经用,血滞心腹痛又嘉。
《离骚》谓之药,言以芳洁自约而为止极。无毒。升也,阳也,手阳明本药,足阳明手太阴解利风寒剂
也。主头面皮肤瘙痒,痹痛风邪,头风眩痛,目痒泪出。作面脂去 瘢。与辛荑、细辛同用,治鼻塞。诸疮用
以为佐,最能排脓长肌止痛。妇人血崩、赤白带下、经闭阴肿,瘀血心腹刺痛,胁痛呕吐,乃去旧生新之剂
也。当归为使,恶旋复花。治带白芷丸∶治肠有脓、带下腥秽不已。白芷一两,红葵根二两,枯矾、白芍各
五钱,为末,蜡丸梧子大,每十丸空心米饮下,俟脓尽,乃以他药补之。
麻黄
麻黄甘苦性微温,主中风邪治不仁,伤寒表证及嗽喘,理瘴解疟消斑痕。
丛生如麻,色黄也。无毒。浮而升,阳也,手太阴之药,入足太阳手少阴阳明经,泻卫实,去荣中寒之
药也。主中风表证及风毒痿痹不仁,伤寒初证头疼寒热咳嗽喘逆上气,理岚瘴及瘟疟,消赤黑斑毒风疹,皆发
汗而散也。丹溪尝以人参佐用,表实无汗者一服即效。多则令人虚,或衄血亡阳,惟伤风有汗及阴虚伤食者
禁用。诸风药大同,兼破坚瘕积聚、黄胆,及小儿痘疮倒靥。发汗用身去节,水煮三沸去沫。止汗用根。浓朴
为使,恶辛荑、石韦。
本
本辛温治 风,顶面皮肤一样功,专辟雾露兼通血,疝瘕腹痛阴肿同。
根上苗下似枯 。无毒。升也,阳也,太阳本经药。主风邪 曳疼痛,痫风金疮,大寒犯脑巅顶痛,
或引齿痛。一切头面皮肤风疾,及酒渣粉刺,中雾露清邪必用之。既治风,又治湿也,兼通妇人血脉疝瘕腹急
痛,阴中寒肿。长肌悦颜,可作面脂。去芦,出宕州者佳。恶茹,畏青葙子。
紫苏
紫苏辛温能解表,下气宽胸痰自少,开胃通肠除蟹毒,子定喘咳须微炒。
紫,色;苏,苴也,形气土苴也。无毒。紫色者佳。能出汗,发散风寒在表,下气下食,开胃宽胸膈,
通大小肠最捷。遇蟹毒,煮汁饮之。茎
去节,治风寒湿痹,及筋骨疼痛香港脚。子略炒捣碎,主肺气喘急痰嗽,呕吐翻胃,五膈破 ,利大小便。丹溪
云∶苏性轻浮而气味辛温,本草言下气者,散气也,子尤甚。脾胃气虚常泄者禁用。
秦艽
秦艽辛苦气温平,风痹肢节口牙疼,时行寒热并劳热,治疸消浮令便清。
生秦地而形相交也。可升可降,阴中微阳,手阳明药。主风寒湿痹,肢节疼痛,通身挛急,善能养血荣
筋,故肠风下血亦用之。一切头风口疮下牙痛,无问久新,时行邪气传尸骨蒸,小儿疳热,疗五种黄胆,消水
肿,利小便,罗纹者佳,水洗去土,菖蒲为使。
威灵仙
威灵仙苦温无毒,能治诸风痛痒肤,腰疼脚肿不履地,腹冷胃痰 癖除。
昔人患痿不瘥,忽遇此药,数日能行,因神而名之。可升可降,阳也。治中风口眼 斜,诸风湿冷,历节
痛风上下,腰膝脚冷痛不能履地。去大肠风及皮肤风痒,白癜毒疮折伤,通十二经脉,乃治痛要药也。去腹内冷
滞,心膈痰水,久积瘕 癖气块,膀胱宿脓恶水,宜通五脏而不大泄,朝服暮效,但多服疏人真气,虚者禁
用。酒洗,忌茗及面。单方∶骨鲠喉咙,为末,酒调服。
苍耳子
苍耳子味温甘苦,周痹拘挛入骨髓,瘰 疥癣肤痒顽,头鼻目齿风皆愈。
色苍,实如鼠耳。《诗》谓卷耳,俗名羊带归。小毒。主风湿周痹,四肢拘挛,毒在骨髓,瘰 疥癣,
瘙痒疔疮,五痔肿痛,恶肉死肌,及时疫风寒,头痛鼻涕不止。凉肝明目,治齿痛且动,久服益气,耳目聪明,
强志填髓,暖腰脚。入药去刺略炒,常服用黄精汁蒸三时,忌猪肉。叶微寒,治同。蛇毒擂酒,内服外敷。
天麻
天麻辛平治麻痹,利膝舒筋仍益气,治儿惊痫通女血,除疝消痈关窍利。
味大辛而麻辣。无毒。降也,阳也。主诸风湿疾,头目昏眩,四肢麻痹拘挛,利腰膝,强筋力,久服益气。
小儿风痫惊悸发搐,女人用之通血脉,兼治寒疝热毒痈肿。主诸疮恶气鬼疰蛊毒,有自内达外之理。苗名赤箭,
似箭干而色赤,治性亦同,有自表入里之功,但与御风草相似,误服令人有结肠之患。坚实者佳,凡使多用,
更以他药佐之乃效。
蔓荆子
蔓荆子味苦甘辛,主筋骨痹热寒攻,明目坚齿脑鸣痛,长须利窍杀白虫。
出秦地,六月开花,九月结实,故名蔓。无毒。阳中阴也,太阳经药。主筋骨寒热,湿痹拘挛,除目睛内
痛,赤肿泪出,齿痛头痛,头昏脑鸣,凉诸经血故也。兼能长须发,利关节通窍,杀白虫,胃虚者禁用。酒蒸一
时,晒于捣碎,恶乌头、石膏。
牡荆实
牡荆实苦温通胃,除骨寒热下逆气,烧沥清心开热痰,出音止眩儿痫悸。
不蔓生,故曰牡,即笞杖黄荆也。无毒。主通利胃气,除骨间寒热,止咳逆下气。茎烧沥饮之,去心烦
热,漾漾欲吐,清头旋目眩,卒失音,小儿心热惊痫,兼解暑气,止消渴,除痰唾,气实痰盛人宜服之。丹溪
云∶虚痰用竹沥,实痰用荆沥,二味开经络,行气血,俱用姜汁助送。叶擂酒敷乳肿。八月采子阴干,青色者
佳。防风为使,恶石膏。
牛蒡子
牛蒡子辛疏风拥,头面目齿咽喉肿,皮肤疮疡筋骨挛,补中止渴消痰壅。
牛好食其根,一名恶实,俗名鼠粘子。无毒。疗诸风遍身毒肿、头面目赤肿、齿牙疼痛、咽膈不利,除
皮肤疮疹,利腰膝筋骨拘挛,通十二经。吞一粒,可出痈疽头,兼能补中止消渴,宽胸痰,解痘毒。微炒捣碎
用。根茎蒸熟,疗伤寒寒热汗出、中风面肿,热中逐水。叶入
盐少许,封疔肿,敷金疮,夏月浴皮肤习习如虫行风。
以上行气开表药。
南星
南星苦辛利风痰,破伤惊搐紧牙函,麻痹疮肿寒咳嗽,消瘀破积蛇虫含。
生南方,形圆色白如星。有毒,可升可降,阴中阳也。利中风痰壅胸膈、不省人事及破伤风、小儿惊搐、
身强如尸、口噤牙关紧闭、头目肢体麻痹、疥癣恶疮痈肿、金疮扑损瘀血。又破坚积、堕胎、蛇伤虫咬。丹溪
云∶欲其下行,以黄柏引之。腊月置水中冻去燥性,入灰火中炮裂去皮。治惊痫,取为末,用牛胆汁拌匀,再
入胆中,阴干为末;或用姜汁、白矾煮至中心无白点亦好。畏附子、干姜、生姜。
白附子
白附子甘辛行药势,上治风疮头面痕,中心腹痛外血痹,下湿阴囊及腿豚。
色白,苗似黑附子,性走行药亦近之,气温。小毒。治诸风癣疮,头面痕,面上游风百病,冷气心痛血痹
皮肤不仁,阴囊下湿,腿豚无力。兼治中风失音,女子带下。冷热灰炮裂用。
瓜蒂
瓜蒂苦寒能吐痰,风痫喉痹不须探,果积蛊毒心腹胀,咳逆浮疽鼻息拈。
凡蔓生者为瓜,此甜瓜蒂也。有毒。善吐。凡风痰暴塞胸膈,头眩喉风,风痫风疹,咳逆上气,及诸果积蛊
毒,病在胸中,皆吐下之。治黄胆及暴水肿,和赤小豆、丁香为末,吹鼻中,少时黄水自出,亦可服方寸匕。治
鼻中 肉,为末,羊脂调少许敷之。青绿者佳,水煮去皮,麸炒黄色。花主心痛咳逆。
藜芦
藜芦苦寒亦善吐,风痫蛊毒与喉痹,诸疮癣秃鼻 肉,止痢治疸除逆哕。
藜,黑色;芦,虚也。茎中虚如葱管,故俗名鹿葱。有毒。大吐上膈风痰,中风不语,暗风痫病,喉痹及
蛊毒,浓煎防风汤浴过,焙干微炒为末,温水下五分,以吐为度。兼治诸疮疥癣马刀,鼻中 肉头秃,及久痢
肠,黄胆,咳逆哕逆,杀诸虫。去芦头,糯米泔浸一宿微炒,不入汤药。黄连为使,反细辛、芍药、五参,
恶大黄。单方∶牙疼,为末,纳牙孔中勿咽。又烧灰煎膏点黑痣。
皂荚
皂荚辛咸利窍关,卒中风痹头痛宽,消痰止嗽除胀满,祛痨贴肿堕胞难。
皂,黑色;两相夹合而中藏子也。气温,小毒,入厥阴经。搐鼻可开关窍,内服可通关格不利。中风、中
气、中恶、痰厥、鬼魇、卒死、卒头痛甚,并皆为末吹鼻。久患风痹,死肌疥癣,及痰嗽咳逆,坐不得卧,为末,
蜜丸服之。兼疗腹胀满,谷食不消,杀痨虫,破 瘕腹痛,牙疼咽肿,妇人难产及胞衣不下。又和酒煎膏,贴
一切肿毒,止痛。长荚者疏风气,如猪牙者治齿取积,俱要肥腻不蛀,去皮子酥炙,或蜜炙烧灰。柏实为使,
恶麦门冬,畏空青、人参、苦参。皂子疏通五脏风热;皂刺凡痈疽未破者能开窍,已破者能引药达疮所,乃诸
根据古庵(陈藏器)的观点加以增补通用内容,各药物的炮制方法见圆圈外侧。程氏的《释药》一书,引用了《大观本草》的注释、《尔雅》和《博物志》,大多遵循这些说法。
这也就是《汤液经法》中提到的“风升生”的理论。古庵说:风属于阳邪,善于游走变化,从外部侵入从而郁遏正气,所以治疗风病多用行气开表的药物。另外,风邪入体日久会化热,热能生痰,适宜使用祛风化痰的药物。还有热极生风,风能燥伤津液,适宜使用清热润燥的药物。
防风
防风的性味气温,味甘辛,能通治各种风邪引起的全身疼痛、头目胁痛以及胸满,能除湿止汗,治疗崩漏和津液流失。
凡是药物必须先明白其命名的含义,然后审视其治疗作用。“防风”这个名字,意为预防风疾。它无毒。性质浮而上升,属阳,主治脾胃二经及太阳经的疾病。它就像地位低微的士兵,随引经药到达病变部位。主要治疗在表的风邪,恶风,周身关节疼痛,四肢拘挛,一切风邪引起的头晕目眩、失明流泪,胁痛和各种疮疡,是泻除上焦风邪的仙药。又能疏泄肺窍,解除胸膈烦闷胀满,通畅五脏关脉,是药中的润剂。误服会泻损人体上焦元气。兼治劳损盗汗,妇女崩漏带下。能去除经络间滞留的湿气,因为风能胜湿的缘故。其他风药也是如此。质地坚实润泽的为佳,需去掉芦头和分叉的头尾。忌与干姜、藜芦、白蔹、芫花同用,畏萆薢,能解附子毒。配合泽泻、藁本可治风病,配合当归、芍药、阳起石可治妇人子宫风病。
独活
独活性味甘辛平、苦温,能治各种风痹疼痛,无论新久,头项齿颊都能治疗,还能治金疮疝气和奔豚。
独活一茎直上,得风不摇。无毒。性质沉而升,属阴中之阳,是足少阴肾经的行经药。主要治疗各种风邪引起的眩晕动摇,全身关节疼痛拘挛,肌肉发痒,风寒湿痹,两脚不能活动。《汤液经法》指出:独活气味细弱低沉,治疗足少阴伏风,而不治太阳经,所以对足痹特别有效。治疗一切风邪,不论新久,头眩目晕,齿痛颊肿,颈项僵硬难伸,金疮奔豚,瘿瘤癫痫,女子疝瘕。以茺蔚子为使药,配合细辛可治少阴头痛。
羌活
羌活性味苦温,能发散体表风邪,利关节止痛,排除巨阳经的痈疽,更能去除新旧的风寒湿邪,通达手足太阳经的表里。
“活”,即生长之意,产于羌胡地区。无毒。性质浮而上升,属阳。能发散肌表八方风邪,利周身百节疼痛,排除巨阳经肌肉腐烂的痈疽,散发时疫新旧风湿,是手足太阳经、足厥阴经、足少阴经表里引经的主药,是拨乱反正的关键药物。兼治红眼病及贼风失音,多瘙痒的血癞,手足不遂,口眼歪斜,以及妇人产后中风、腹痛、子宫脱垂。其余功效与独活相同。《神农本草经》原本不分羌活和独活两种,后人开始区分,紫色节密的是羌活,黄色成块状的是独活,羌活气味雄烈,独活气味细弱。需去皮及腐朽部分,配合川芎可治足太阳经头疼。
荆芥
荆芥性味辛温,能治疗各种疮疡,暴感伤寒证发汗效果好,能除痹破气专于凉血,是治疗血风血晕的仙方。
俗称荆芥,原名假苏,气味类似紫苏。无毒。性质浮而上升,属阳。主要治疗各种疮癞疮、风疹瘰疬,暴感伤寒,头疼目眩,手足拘急,气壅寒热等证,发汗后症状即散,唯独口渴者不宜使用。能除湿痹和香港脚(足踝肿痛),筋骨烦疼,破结气,下瘀血,通血脉,凉血止血,是妇人血风的要药。产后血晕,研末,用童便调热服。产后中风身体强直,用酒调服神效。又研末和醋,外敷风毒疔肿。取花实成穗的,晒干使用。
薄荷
薄荷性味辛凉,最擅长发汗,清头目,解皮肤风邪羁绊,止惊风,清热劫劳蒸,消食下气,除霍乱。
质地至轻清而薄,“荷”是花叶的总称。无毒,性质浮而上升,属阳,入手太阴肺经和厥阴肝经。主要治疗贼风伤寒发汗,通利关节,清利头目咽喉,一切在上部及皮肤的风热。又治小儿风涎惊风壮热,大人骨蒸劳热,消宿食,下气壅,心腹胀满霍乱。兼能破血止痢,除癫痫,疗阴阳毒,能引导诸药进入营卫。大病后勿食,令人出虚汗不止。去梗使用。
升麻
升麻性味甘苦气寒平,能解毒除瘟治腹痛,治伤寒初证并鼻衄血,疮肿咽牙热自清。
能升举阳气,其叶像麻。无毒。性质浮而上升,属阳。主要解百毒。辟瘟疫瘴气蛊毒,中恶腹痛,伤寒时气头疼,寒热初证,以及瘀血入里吐衄,肺痿肺痈咳唾脓血,小儿风痫痘疮斑疹,一切风痈肿毒,咽痛口疮牙疼,是疮家的圣药。但阳气下陷者宜用,下虚气不足者禁用。细削如鸡骨,色青绿的为佳,发散生用,补中酒炒,止咳汗者蜜炒。配合葱白、白芷、石膏之类,能治手足阳明经风邪;配合人参、白术、芍药之类,兼治手足太阴经肌肉间的热。
细辛
细辛性味温辣,治伤寒,下气消痰通节关,头面诸风不可缺。调经治痫又益肝。
形状细小,味道辛。小毒。性质浮而上升,属阳中之阴,是足少阴肾经的本药,手少阴心经的引经药。李东垣说:能止少阴合病的首痛,杀三阳数变的风邪,最能温肾,散水寒内冷,所以张仲景用它治疗邪在里的表证。主要治疗咳逆上气,破痰止嗽开胸中滞,利九窍,通百节。治头痛眼风泪下,鼻痈齿痛口臭喉痹,一切头面风痛,不可缺也。又治风痫疾,风湿痹蜷挛,消死肌疮肉,及妇人乳结汗不出,经血不行,益肝胆气。如果单服半钱,则气塞不通而死。水洗去土及芦叶头节。以独活为使药,忌野狼毒、山茱萸、黄芩,畏硝石、滑石,反藜芦,忌生菜。配合当归、芍药、川芎、白芷、牡丹皮、藁本、甘草,共疗妇人病。配合决明、鲤鱼、胆青、羊肝,共疗目痛。
白芷
白芷性味辛温,疗风邪,主头面疾佐助疮家,妇人崩带通经用,血滞心腹痛又嘉。
《离骚》称之为药,言以芳洁自约而为止极。无毒。升也,阳也,手阳明大肠经的本药,足阳明胃经和手太阴肺经解利风寒的药剂。主要治疗头面皮肤瘙痒,痹痛风邪,头风眩痛,目痒泪出。做面脂去瘢痕。与辛荑、细辛同用,治鼻塞。各种疮疡用以为佐药,最能排脓长肌止痛。妇人血崩、赤白带下、经闭阴肿,瘀血心腹刺痛,胁痛呕吐,是去旧生新的药剂。以当归为使药,忌旋复花。治带下白芷丸:治肠有脓、带下腥秽不已。白芷一两,红葵根二两,枯矾、白芍各五钱,研末,蜡丸梧子大,每十丸空心米饮下,待脓尽,再以他药补之。
麻黄
麻黄性味甘苦性微温,主中风邪治不仁,伤寒表证及嗽喘,理瘴解疟消斑痕。
丛生如麻,色黄。无毒。性质浮而上升,属阳,是手太阴肺经的药,入足太阳膀胱经、手少阴心经、阳明经,是泻卫实,去荣中寒的药。主要治疗中风表证及风毒痿痹不仁,伤寒初证头疼寒热咳嗽喘逆上气,理岚瘴及瘟疟,消赤黑斑毒风疹,都是发汗而散。朱丹溪曾用参佐用,表实无汗者一服即效。多服则令人虚,或衄血亡阳,惟伤风有汗及阴虚伤食者禁用。诸风药大同,兼破坚瘕积聚、黄疸,及小儿痘疮倒靥。发汗用身去节,水煮三沸去沫。止汗用根。以厚朴为使药,忌辛荑、石韦。
藁本
藁本性味辛温,治风头风,顶面皮肤一样功,专辟雾露兼通血,疝瘕腹痛阴肿同。
根上苗下似枯蒿。无毒。升也,阳也,太阳膀胱经的本经药。主风邪牵引疼痛,痫风金疮,大寒犯脑巅顶痛,或引齿痛。一切头面皮肤风疾,及酒渣粉刺,中雾露清邪必用之。既治风,又治湿也,兼通妇人血脉疝瘕腹急痛,阴中寒肿。长肌悦颜,可作面脂。去芦,出宕州者佳。忌茹,畏青葙子。
紫苏
紫苏性味辛温能解表,下气宽胸痰自少,开胃通肠除蟹毒,子定喘咳须微炒。
紫,色;苏,苴也,形气土苴也。无毒。紫色者佳。能出汗,发散风寒在表,下气下食,开胃宽胸膈,通大小肠最捷。遇蟹毒,煮汁饮之。茎去节,治风寒湿痹,及筋骨疼痛香港脚。子略炒捣碎,主肺气喘急痰嗽,呕吐翻胃,五膈破,利大小便。朱丹溪说:苏性轻浮而气味辛温,本草言下气者,散气也,子尤甚。脾胃气虚常泄者禁用。
秦艽
秦艽性味辛苦气温平,风痹肢节口牙疼,时行寒热并劳热,治疸消浮令便清。
生于秦地而形相交也。可升可降,阴中微阳,手阳明大肠经药。主风寒湿痹,肢节疼痛,通身挛急,善能养血荣筋,故肠风下血亦用之。一切头风口疮下牙痛,无问久新,时行邪气传尸骨蒸,小儿疳热,疗五种黄疸,消水肿,利小便,罗纹者佳,水洗去土,菖蒲为使。
威灵仙
威灵仙性味苦温无毒,能治诸风痛痒肤,腰疼脚肿不履地,腹冷胃痰癖除。
昔人患痿不瘥,忽遇此药,数日能行,因神而名之。可升可降,阳也。治中风口眼歪斜,诸风湿冷,历节痛风上下,腰膝脚冷痛不能履地。去大肠风及皮肤风痒,白癜毒疮折伤,通十二经脉,乃治痛要药也。去腹内冷滞,心膈痰水,久积瘕癖气块,膀胱宿脓恶水,宜通五脏而不大泄,朝服暮效,但多服疏人真气,虚者禁用。酒洗,忌茗及面。单方:骨鲠喉咙,为末,酒调服。
苍耳子
苍耳子味温甘苦,周痹拘挛入骨髓,瘰疬疥癣肤痒顽,头鼻目齿风皆愈。
色苍,实如鼠耳。《诗》谓卷耳,俗名羊带归。小毒。主风湿周痹,四肢拘挛,毒在骨髓,瘰疬疥癣,瘙痒疔疮,五痔肿痛,恶肉死肌,及时疫风寒,头痛鼻涕不止。凉肝明目,治齿痛且动,久服益气,耳目聪明,强志填髓,暖腰脚。入药去刺略炒,常服用黄精汁蒸三时,忌猪肉。叶微寒,治同。蛇毒擂酒,内服外敷。
天麻
天麻性味辛平治麻痹,利膝舒筋仍益气,治儿惊痫通女血,除疝消痈关窍利。
味大辛而麻辣。无毒。降也,阳也。主诸风湿疾,头目昏眩,四肢麻痹拘挛,利腰膝,强筋力,久服益气。小儿风痫惊悸发搐,女人用之通血脉,兼治寒疝热毒痈肿。主诸疮恶气鬼疰蛊毒,有自内达外之理。苗名赤箭,似箭干而色赤,治性亦同,有自表入里之功,但与御风草相似,误服令人有结肠之患。坚实者佳,凡使多用,更以他药佐之乃效。
蔓荆子
蔓荆子味苦甘辛,主筋骨痹热寒攻,明目坚齿脑鸣痛,长须利窍杀白虫。
出秦地,六月开花,九月结实,故名蔓。无毒。阳中阴也,太阳经药。主筋骨寒热,湿痹拘挛,除目睛内痛,赤肿泪出,齿痛头痛,头昏脑鸣,凉诸经血故也。兼能长须发,利关节通窍,杀白虫,胃虚者禁用。酒蒸一时,晒干捣碎,恶乌头、石膏。
牡荆实
牡荆实性味苦温通胃,除骨寒热下逆气,烧沥清心开热痰,出音止眩儿痫悸。
不蔓生,故曰牡,即笞杖黄荆也。无毒。主通利胃气,除骨间寒热,止咳逆下气。茎烧沥饮之,去心烦热,漾漾欲吐,清头旋目眩,卒失音,小儿心热惊痫,兼解暑气,止消渴,除痰唾,气实痰盛人宜服之。朱丹溪说:虚痰用竹沥,实痰用荆沥,二味开经络,行气血,俱用姜汁助送。叶擂酒敷乳肿。八月采子阴干,青色者佳。以防风为使药,忌石膏。
牛蒡子
牛蒡子性味辛疏风拥,头面目齿咽喉肿,皮肤疮疡筋骨挛,补中止渴消痰壅。
牛好食其根,一名恶实,俗名鼠粘子。无毒。疗诸风遍身毒肿、头面目赤肿、齿牙疼痛、咽膈不利,除皮肤疮疹,利腰膝筋骨拘挛,通十二经。吞一粒,可出痈疽头,兼能补中止消渴,宽胸痰,解痘毒。微炒捣碎用。根茎蒸熟,疗伤寒寒热汗出、中风面肿,热中逐水。叶入盐少许,封疔肿,敷金疮,夏月浴皮肤习习如虫行风。
以上为行气开表药。
南星
南星性味苦辛利风痰,破伤惊搐紧牙函,麻痹疮肿寒咳嗽,消瘀破积蛇虫含。
生南方,形圆色白如星。有毒,可升可降,阴中阳也。利中风痰壅胸膈、不省人事及破伤风、小儿惊搐、身强如尸、口噤牙关紧闭、头目肢体麻痹、疥癣恶疮痈肿、金疮扑损瘀血。又破坚积、堕胎、蛇伤虫咬。朱丹溪说:欲其下行,以黄柏引之。腊月置水中冻去燥性,入灰火中炮裂去皮。治惊痫,取为末,用牛胆汁拌匀,再入胆中,阴干为末;或用姜汁、白矾煮至中心无白点亦好。畏附子、干姜、生姜。
白附子
白附子性味甘辛行药势,上治风疮头面痕,中心腹痛外血痹,下湿阴囊及腿豚。
色白,苗似黑附子,性走行药亦近之,气温。小毒。治诸风癣疮,头面痕,面上游风百病,冷气心痛血痹皮肤不仁,阴囊下湿,腿豚无力。兼治中风失音,女子带下。冷热灰炮裂用。
瓜蒂
瓜蒂性味苦寒能吐痰,风痫喉痹不须探,果积蛊毒心腹胀,咳逆浮疽鼻息拈。
凡蔓生者为瓜,此甜瓜蒂也。有毒。善吐。凡风痰暴塞胸膈,头眩喉风,风痫风疹,咳逆上气,及诸果积蛊毒,病在胸中,皆吐下之。治黄疸及暴水肿,和赤小豆、丁香为末,吹鼻中,少时黄水自出,亦可服方寸匕。治鼻中息肉,为末,羊脂调少许敷之。青绿者佳,水煮去皮,麸炒黄色。花主心痛咳逆。
藜芦
藜芦性味苦寒亦善吐,风痫蛊毒与喉痹,诸疮癣秃鼻息肉,止痢治疸除逆哕。
藜,黑色;芦,虚也。茎中虚如葱管,故俗名鹿葱。有毒。大吐上膈风痰,中风不语,暗风痫病,喉痹及蛊毒,浓煎防风汤浴过,焙干微炒为末,温水下五分,以吐为度。兼治诸疮疥癣马刀,鼻中息肉头秃,及久痢肠,黄疸,咳逆哕逆,杀诸虫。去芦头,糯米泔浸一宿微炒,不入汤药。以黄连为使药,反细辛、芍药、五参,恶大黄。单方:牙疼,为末,纳牙孔中勿咽。又烧灰煎膏点黑痣。
皂荚
皂荚性味辛咸利窍关,卒中风痹头痛宽,消痰止嗽除胀满,祛痨贴肿堕胞难。
皂,黑色;两相夹合而中藏子也。气温,小毒,入厥阴肝经。搐鼻可开关窍,内服可通关格不利。中风、中气、中恶、痰厥、鬼魇、卒死、卒头痛甚,并皆为末吹鼻。久患风痹,死肌疥癣,及痰嗽咳逆,坐不得卧,为末,蜜丸服之。兼疗腹胀满,谷食不消,杀痨虫,破瘕腹痛,牙疼咽肿,妇人难产及胞衣不下。又和酒煎膏,贴一切肿毒,止痛。长荚者疏风气,如猪牙者治齿取积,俱要肥腻不蛀,去皮子酥炙,或蜜炙烧灰。以柏实为使药,恶麦门冬,畏空青、人参、苦参。皂子疏通五脏风热;皂刺凡痈疽未破者能开窍,已破者能引药达疮所,乃诸
Based on the views of Gu An (Chen Cangqi), general applications are added. The processing methods for each herb are shown outside the circles. Cheng's *Shi Yao* (Explanation of Medicinals) cites annotations from *Da Guan Ben Cao*, *Er Ya*, and *Bao Wu Zhi*, largely following these sources.
This corresponds to the "Wind Rising and Generating" theory in the *Tang Ye Jing Fa* (Classic of Decoctions). Gu An stated: Wind belongs to Yang, is agile and prone to change; entering from the exterior, it stagnates Zheng Qi (Upright Qi). Therefore, treating wind diseases often involves using herbs that promote Qi circulation and release the exterior. Furthermore, wind pathogens lingering for a long time transform into Heat, which can generate Phlegm; thus, wind-dispelling and phlegm-resolving herbs are appropriate. Additionally, extreme Heat can generate Wind, and Wind can dry up body fluids; therefore, clearing Heat and moistening dryness is indicated.
Fang Feng (Saposhnikoviae Radix)
Fang Feng has a warm temperature and sweet, pungent flavor. It treats various wind-induced whole-body pain, headache, eye pain, hypochondriac pain, and chest fullness. It dispels dampness, stops sweating, and treats metrorrhagia and fluid loss.
For any herb, one must first understand the meaning of its name before examining its therapeutic actions. "Fang Feng" means preventing wind diseases. It is non-toxic. Its nature is floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. It treats diseases of the Spleen and Stomach meridians and the Taiyang (Greater Yang) meridian. It acts like a low-ranking soldier, reaching the affected area guided by other herbs. It primarily treats wind pathogens at the exterior, aversion to wind, generalized joint pain, limb spasms, dizziness, blindness, tearing, hypochondriac pain, and various sores. It is an excellent herb for draining wind pathogens from the Upper Jiao. It also unblocks the Lung orifices, resolves chest and diaphragmatic oppression, and unblocks the pulse gates of the Five Zang organs; it is a moistening agent among herbs. Misuse may drain Yuan Qi (Original Qi) of the Upper Jiao. It also treats consumptive disorders with night sweats, and metrorrhagia and leukorrhea in women. It removes retained dampness in the collaterals because wind can overcome dampness. Other wind-dispelling herbs act similarly. Those that are firm and moist are preferred; remove the rhizome head and forked tips. It is incompatible with Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Li Lu (Veratri Radix), Bai Lian (Paeoniae Rubra Radix), and Yuan Hua (Genkwa Flos). It fears Bi Xie (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), but can neutralize the toxicity of Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata). Combined with Ze Xie (Alismatis Rhizoma) and Xi Ben (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix), it treats wind diseases. Combined with Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Yang Qi Shi (Quicksilver Ore), it treats uterine wind diseases in women.
Du Huo (Pubescent Angelica Root)
Du Huo has a sweet, pungent, neutral, bitter, and warm flavor. It treats various wind-bi pains regardless of duration. It treats headaches, neck pain, toothache, and cheek swelling, as well as traumatic injuries, hernia, and running piglet qi.
Du Huo grows with a single straight stem and does not sway in the wind. It is non-toxic. Its nature is sinking yet ascending, belonging to Yin within Yang. It is a guiding herb for the Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian. It primarily treats wind-induced vertigo and tremors, generalized joint pain and spasms, muscle itching, wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, and inability to move the legs. The *Tang Ye Jing Fa* states: Du Huo has a subtle and low aroma, treating latent wind in the Foot Shaoyin meridian but not the Taiyang meridian; thus, it is particularly effective for leg bi. It treats all wind pathogens, whether new or old, causing dizziness, toothache, cheek swelling, stiff neck, traumatic injuries, running piglet qi, goiter, epilepsy, and female hernia masses. Use Chong Wei Zi (Euphorbiae Lathyridis Semen) as the guiding herb. Combined with Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), it treats Shaoyin headaches.
Qiang Huo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix)
Qiang Huo has a bitter and warm flavor. It disperses exterior wind, relieves joint pain, expels abscesses in the Ju Yang (Giant Yang/Taiyang) region, and removes new and old wind-cold-dampness, connecting the interior and exterior of the Hand and Foot Taiyang meridians.
"Huo" means living/growing; it originates from the Qianghu regions. It is non-toxic. Its nature is floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. It disperses wind pathogens from all directions on the muscle surface, relieves pain in all joints, expels flesh-rotting abscesses in the Taiyang region, and dissipates epidemic wind-cold-dampness. It is a guiding herb for the Hand and Foot Taiyang, Foot Jueyin, and Foot Shaoyin meridians, serving as the primary agent for restoring order. It also treats red eyes, sudden loss of voice due to thief-wind, pruritic blood-related skin diseases, hemiplegia, facial paralysis, postpartum wind-stroke in women, abdominal pain, and uterine prolapse. Its other effects are similar to Du Huo. The *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* originally did not distinguish between Qiang Huo and Du Huo; later scholars differentiated them. Purple ones with dense nodes are Qiang Huo; yellow, blocky ones are Du Huo. Qiang Huo has a vigorous aroma, while Du Huo has a subtle aroma. Remove the bark and rotten parts. Combined with Chuan Xiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), it treats Taiyang headaches.
Jing Jie (Schizonepetae Spica)
Jing Jie has a pungent and warm flavor. It treats various sores, induces sweating effectively in acute cold damage syndromes, removes bi obstruction, breaks Qi stagnation, and specifically cools blood. It is an excellent formula for blood-wind and blood vertigo.
Commonly known as Jing Jie, originally named Jia Su, its aroma resembles Zi Su (Perillae Folium). It is non-toxic. Its nature is floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. It primarily treats various leprous sores, wind-rash, scrofula, acute cold damage, headache, dizziness, limb spasms, Qi congestion with chills and fever. Sweating disperses the pathogen; however, it is unsuitable for those with thirst. It dispels damp-bi and podagra (Hong Kong foot), bone and tendon painful stiffness, breaks Qi nodules, moves blood stasis, unblocks vessels, cools blood and stops bleeding, and is a key herb for women's blood-wind. For postpartum blood vertigo, take as powder mixed with warm child's urine. For postpartum wind-stroke with body rigidity, mix with wine for miraculous effect. Powder mixed with vinegar applied externally treats wind-toxin carbuncles. Use the flowering spikes, dried in the sun.
Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba)
Bo He has a pungent and cool flavor. It most effectively induces sweating, clears the head and eyes, releases skin wind constraints, stops convulsions, clears heat, consumes food, directs Qi downward, and relieves cholera.
It is extremely light, clear, and thin. "He" is the general name for flower and leaves. It is non-toxic, floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. It enters the Hand Taiyin (Lung) and Jueyin (Liver) meridians. It primarily treats thief-wind and cold damage inducing sweating, unblocks joints, clears and benefits the head, eyes, and throat, and treats wind-heat in the upper body and skin. It also treats pediatric wind-phlegm, convulsions, and high fever, adult bone-steaming consumptive fever, residual food stagnation, Qi congestion, abdominal distension, and cholera. It can break blood stasis, stop dysentery, relieve epilepsy, treat Yin-Yang toxin, and guide other herbs into the Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) levels. Do not consume after severe illness, as it causes continuous deficiency sweating. Remove the stems.
Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma)
Sheng Ma has a sweet, bitter, cold, and neutral flavor. It detoxifies, prevents epidemics, treats abdominal pain, early-stage cold damage, and epistaxis. It clears heat from sores, swollen throat, and teeth.
It raises Yang Qi; its leaves resemble hemp. It is non-toxic. Its nature is floating and ascending, belonging to Yang. It primarily resolves hundred toxins. It wards off plague, miasma, and gu poison, treats evil Qi abdominal pain, epidemic headache with cold and fever early stages, blood stasis entering the interior causing vomiting and nosebleeds, lung萎 (flaccidity) and lung abscess with pus-blood expectoration, pediatric wind-epilepsy, smallpox rash, all wind-carbuncle swellings, sore throat, mouth ulcers, and toothache. It is the holy medicine for skin diseases. However, it is suitable for sinking of Yang Qi and contraindicated for deficiency of Qi in the lower jiao. Thin slices resembling chicken bones, greenish in color, are best. Raw for dispersing; wine-fried for tonifying the middle; honey-fried for stopping cough and sweating. Combined with Cong Bai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus), Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), etc., it treats Hand and Foot Yangming wind pathogens. Combined with Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Shao Yao (Paeoniae Radix), etc., it treats heat in the muscles of the Hand and Foot Taiyin meridians.
Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma)
Xi Xin has a warm and pungent flavor. It treats cold damage, directs Qi downward, eliminates phlegm, unblocks joints, and is indispensable for wind affecting the head and face. It regulates menstruation, treats epilepsy, and benefits the Liver.
Shape is slender, taste is pungent. Slightly toxic. Nature is floating and ascending, belonging to Yang within Yin. It is the principal herb of the Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian and a guiding herb for the Hand Shaoyin (Heart) meridian. Li Dongyuan stated: It stops headaches in Shaoyin combined diseases, kills wind pathogens that change rapidly in the Three Yang meridians, warms the Kidney best, and disperses internal cold from water-cold. Thus, Zhang Zhongjing used it to treat exterior conditions where pathogens are in the interior. It primarily treats cough and rebellious Qi, breaks phlegm, stops cough, opens chest stagnation, benefits the nine orifices, and unblocks all joints. It treats headache, wind-tearing eyes, nasal abscess, toothache, bad breath, and throat obstruction, and all wind-pains of the head and face. It also treats wind-epilepsy, wind-damp bi with curling spasms, eliminates dead flesh in sores, breast engorgement with no sweat, amenorrhea, and benefits Liver and Gallbladder Qi. Taking half a qian alone causes Qi blockage and death. Wash to remove soil, rhizome heads, and leaf nodes. Use Du Huo as the guiding herb. Incompatible with Ye Lang Du (Stellerae Radix), Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix); fears Xiao Shi (Natrii Sulfas), Hua Shi (Talcum); contrary to Li Lu (Veratri Radix); avoid raw vegetables. Combined with Dang Gui, Shao Yao, Chuan Xiong, Bai Zhi, Mu Dan Pi, Xi Ben, Gan Cao, it treats women's diseases. Combined with Jue Ming Zi (Cassiae Semen), Carp, Pig Gall, Sheep Liver, it treats eye pain.
Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix)
Bai Zhi has a pungent and warm flavor. It treats wind pathogens, assists in treating head and face ailments and sores, treats metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, unblocks menstruation, and benefits blood stasis causing heart and abdominal pain.
Referred to as "Yao" in the *Li Sao*, implying self-restraint through fragrance and purity. Non-toxic. Ascending, Yang. Principal herb of the Hand Yangming (Large Intestine) meridian; a relieving agent for wind-cold in the Foot Yangming (Stomach) and Hand Taiyin (Lung) meridians. Primarily treats head and face skin itching, bi wind pathogens, wind-headache with dizziness, itchy eyes with tearing. Used in facial cosmetics to remove scars. Combined with Xin Yi (Magnoliae Flos) and Xi Xin, it treats nasal congestion. Used as an assistant in various sores; it best expels pus, promotes tissue growth, and stops pain. Treats metrorrhagia, red/white leukorrhea, amenorrhea, vulvar swelling, blood stasis causing stabbing heart/abdominal pain, hypochondriac pain, and vomiting; it is a formula that removes the old and generates the new. Use Dang Gui as the guiding herb. Incompatible with Xuan Fu Hua (Inulae Flos). Bai Zhi Pill for Leukorrhea: Treats intestinal pus and persistent foul leukorrhea. Bai Zhi 1 liang, Hong Kui Gen (Hibisci Rosa-Sinensis Radix) 2 liang, Ku Fan (Alumen), Shao Yao 5 qian each. Grind to powder, make wax pills size of wu zi. Take 10 pills empty stomach with rice water. After pus is exhausted, tonify with other herbs.
Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba)
Ma Huang has a sweet, bitter, slightly warm flavor. It treats wind-stroke causing numbness, exterior cold damage syndromes, cough, and asthma. It manages miasma, resolves malaria, and eliminates macules.
Grows in clusters like hemp, yellow in color. Non-toxic. Floating and ascending, Yang. Herb of the Hand Taiyin (Lung) meridian, entering Foot Taiyang (Bladder), Hand Shaoyin (Heart), and Yangming meridians. It drains Wei excess and removes Cold from Ying. Primarily treats wind-stroke exterior syndrome and wind-toxin flaccidity/numbness, early cold damage with headache/chills/cough/asthma, miasma and epidemic malaria, red/black macules/toxic wind-rash, all resolved by sweating. Danxi once used it with Ren Shen; effective in one dose for exterior excess with no sweat. Overdose causes deficiency, epistaxis, or loss of Yang. Contraindicated in wind-cold with sweating, Yin deficiency, and food injury. Similar to other wind herbs; also breaks hard masses, jaundice, and inverted smallpox. For sweating, use the stem minus joints, boil water three times, skim foam. For stopping sweat, use the root. Use Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex) as guiding herb. Incompatible with Xin Yi, Shi Wei.
Gao Ben (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix)
Gao Ben has a pungent and warm flavor. It treats head wind; top and face skin have the same efficacy. It specifically wards off fog/dew, unblocks blood, and treats hernia, abdominal pain, and vulvar swelling similarly.
Root above, seedling below, resembling withered mugwort. Non-toxic. Ascending, Yang. Principal herb of the Taiyang (Bladder) meridian. Treats wind-pathogen牵引 pain, wind-epilepsy, traumatic injuries, severe Cold attacking the vertex causing headache or radiating to teeth. Indispensable for all head/face/skin wind diseases, rosacea, acne, and clear pathogens from fog/dew. Treats both wind and dampness; unblocks women's blood vessels, hernia, abdominal urgency/pain, and vulvar cold swelling. Promotes tissue growth and beautifies face; can be used in facial cosmetics. Remove rhizome head; those from Dangzhou are best. Incompatible with Ru, fears Qing Xiang Zi (Phytolaccae Semen).
Zi Su (Perillae Folium)
Zi Su has a pungent and warm flavor. It releases the exterior, directs Qi downward, broadens the chest, reduces phlegm, opens the stomach, unblocks intestines, and removes crab toxicity. Seeds calm asthma/cough when lightly fried.
"Zi" means purple; "Su" means male plant, shape/qi resembling common weeds. Non-toxic. Purple ones are best. Induces sweating, disperses wind-cold at exterior, directs Qi and food downward, opens stomach, broadens chest/diaphragm, unblocks large/small intestins quickly. For crab toxicity, boil juice and drink. Stems minus joints treat wind-cold-damp bi and bone/tendon pain/podagra. Seeds lightly fried and crushed treat pulmonary asthma, wheezing, phlegm-cough, vomiting, five obstructions, break stasis, benefit urination/defecation. Danxi said: Su is light and floating, pungent/warm. "Directing Qi down" in materia medica means dispersing Qi; seeds do this most strongly. Contraindicated in Spleen/Stomach Qi deficiency with chronic diarrhea.
Qin Jiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix)
Qin Jiao has a bitter, pungent, warm, neutral flavor. It treats wind-bi, limb/joint/mouth/tooth pain, epidemic chills/fever, and consumptive fever. It treats jaundice, reduces edema, and clears urination.
Grows in Qin region with interlacing forms. Can ascend and descend, slight Yang within Yin. Herb of Hand Yangming (Large Intestine) meridian. Treats wind-cold-damp bi, limb/joint pain, generalized spasms. Excellent at nourishing Blood and benefiting sinews; thus also used for intestinal wind with bloody stool. Treats all head wind, mouth ulcers, lower toothache, regardless of duration. Epidemic pathogens, tuberculosis consumption, pediatric malnutrition fever, five types of jaundice, edema, and difficult urination. Ring-patterned ones are best. Wash to remove soil. Use Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) as guiding herb.
Wei Ling Xian (Clematidis Radix et Rhizoma)
Wei Ling Xian has a bitter, warm, non-toxic flavor. It treats various wind pains and skin itching, lower back pain, swollen feet unable to walk, and removes cold stomach/phlegm masses.
Ancients suffered from flaccidity that didn't heal; suddenly encountering this herb allowed walking in days, hence named "Spirit." Can ascend and descend, Yang. Treats stroke facial paralysis, wind-damp-cold, joint gout up and down, cold pain in waist/knees/feet unable to walk. Removes Large Intestine wind and skin itching, vitiligo, toxic sores, fractures, unblocks Twelve Meridians; it is a key herb for pain. Removes internal cold stagnation, heart/diaphragm phlegm-water, long-standing masses, bladder pus/bad water. Benefits Five Zang without excessive purging; morning dose works by evening. However, long-term use depletes True Qi; contraindicated in deficiency. Wash with wine. Avoid tea and wheat flour. Single prescription: Fishbone stuck in throat, powder mixed with wine.
Cang Er Zi (Xanthii Fructus)
Cang Er Zi has a warm, sweet, bitter flavor. It treats generalized bi spasms penetrating marrow, scrofula, tinea, stubborn skin itching. It cures wind affecting head, nose, eyes, and teeth.
Color is dark gray, fruit like mouse ear. *Shi Jing* calls it Juan Er, commonly Yang Dai Gui. Slightly toxic. Treats wind-damp generalized bi, limb spasms, toxin in marrow, scrofula, tinea, itching carbuncles, five hemorrhoids swelling/pain, necrotic flesh, epidemic wind-cold, headache, incessant runny nose. Cools Liver, brightens eyes, treats moving toothache. Long-term use benefits Qi, clarifies ears/eyes, strengthens will, fills marrow, warms waist/legs. Remove spines, lightly fry for use. For daily use, steam three hours in Huang Jing juice. Avoid pork. Leaves slightly cold, same treatment. Snake venom: pound with wine, internal and external application.
Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma)
Tian Ma has a pungent, neutral flavor. It treats numbness, benefits knees, relaxes sinews, benefits Qi. Treats pediatric convulsions/epilepsy, unblocks women's blood, relieves hernia, eliminates carbuncles, benefits orifices.
Taste is very pungent and numbing-spicy. Non-toxic. Descending, Yang. Treats wind-damp diseases, dizziness, limb numbness/spasms, benefits waist/knees, strengthens sinews/strength, long-term use benefits Qi. Pediatric wind-epilepsy, palpitations, convulsions. Women use it to unblock blood vessels; also treats cold hernia, heat-toxin carbuncles. Treats malignant qi, ghost attachment, gu poison in all sores; has the principle of moving from interior to exterior. Seedling name Chi Jian (Red Arrow), resembles arrow shaft, red color, same therapeutic nature, but has effect from exterior to interior. Similar to Yu Feng Cao; mistaken use causes colon constriction issues. Firm ones are best. Often used with assistants for efficacy.
Man Jing Zi (Vitalbae Flos)
Man Jing Zi has a bitter, sweet, pungent flavor. Treats bone/tendon bi heat/cold attacks, brightens eyes, strengthens teeth, cures brain ringing/pain, promotes hair growth, benefits orifices, kills white worms.
Originates from Qin region, flowers June, fruits September, hence named Man. Non-toxic. Yin within Yang, herb of Taiyang meridian. Treats bone/tendon cold/heat, damp-bi spasms, inner eye pain, red/swollen tearing, toothache/headache, dizziness/brain ringing, cools blood of all meridians. Also promotes hair growth, benefits joints/orifices, kills white worms. Contraindicated in Spleen deficiency. Steam with wine one hour, dry, crush. Incompatible with Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix), Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum).
Mu Jing Shi (Viticis Fructus)
Mu Jing Shi has a bitter, warm flavor. Unblocks Stomach, removes bone cold/heat, directs rebellious Qi downward. Ash-leach clears Heart, opens heat-phlegm, restores voice, stops dizziness, treats pediatric palpitations/epilepsy.
Does not vine, hence "Mu" (Male); it is the whipping yellow privet. Non-toxic. Benefits Stomach Qi, removes bone cold/heat, stops cough/rebellious Qi. Burn stems for leachate, drink to remove heart vexation/heat, nausea, clear dizzy vision, sudden aphonia, pediatric heart-heat convulsions. Also resolves summer-heat, stops thirst, eliminates phlegm-saliva. Suitable for excess Qi and abundant phlegm. Danxi said: Deficiency phlegm uses Bamboo Juice (Zhu Li), Excess phlegm uses Privet Leachate (Jing Li). Both open collaterals, move Qi/Blood, assisted by Ginger Juice. Leaves pounded with wine applied to breast swelling. Harvest seeds in August, dry in shade. Green ones are best. Use Fang Feng as guiding herb. Incompatible with Shi Gao.
Niu Bang Zi (Arctii Fructus)
Niu Bang Zi has a pungent flavor. Disperses wind, treats head/eye/tooth/throat swelling, skin sores, limb spasms. Tonifies middle, stops thirst, eliminates phlegm congestion.
Cows like eating its root, also named E Shi, commonly Shu Nian Zi. Non-toxic. Treats wind throughout body toxic swelling, head/eye/red swelling, tooth pain, throat obstruction, skin rashes, benefits waist/knee/limb spasms, unblocks Twelve Meridians. Swallow one grain to bring out carbuncle head. Also tonifies middle, stops thirst, broadens chest-phlegm, resolves smallpox toxin. Lightly fry, crush. Roots/stems steamed cooked treat cold damage chills/fever/sweating, stroke facial swelling, heat-withdrawal of water. Leaves with little salt applied to carbuncles, dress traumatic wounds. Summer bathing skin feels like insects crawling (wind sensation).
Above are Qi-moving and exterior-releasing herbs.
Nan Xing (Arisaematis Rhizoma)
Nan Xing has a bitter, pungent flavor. Benefits wind-phlegm, treats broken-wind convulsions/jaw lock, numbness, sores, cold-cough. Eliminulates stasis, breaks accumulations, snake/insect bites.
Grows in South, round shape, white like star. Toxic, can ascend/descend, Yang within Yin. Benefits wind-stroke phlegm congestion in chest/diaphragm, unconsciousness, broken-wind, pediatric convulsions, body rigidity like corpse, jaw lock, head/limb numbness, tinea/ulcers/abscesses, traumatic bruising/stasis. Also breaks hard accumulations, aborts fetus, snake/insect bites. Danxi said: To direct it downward, guide with Huang Bo (Phellodendri Cortex). Freeze in water in December to remove dryness, roast in ash fire until cracked, remove skin. For convulsions, make powder, mix with Ox Gall Juice, put back in gall, dry in shade to powder; or boil with Ginger Juice and Bai Fan (Alumen) until no white center remains. Feathers Fu Zi, Gan Jiang, Sheng Jiang.
Bai Fu Zi (Typhonii Rhizoma)
Bai Fu Zi has a sweet, pungent flavor. Moves drug potency, treats upper wind-sores/head-face marks, central abdominal pain, external blood-bi, lower dampness/scrotum and leg piglet.
White color, seedling resembles Black Fu Zi, nature moves drugs similarly, warm temperature. Slightly toxic. Treats wind-tinea sores, head-face marks, wandering wind diseases of face, cold Qi heart pain, blood-bi skin numbness, scrotal dampness, weak legs. Also treats stroke aphonia, women's leukorrhea. Roast cracked in hot/cold ash.
Gua Di (Melonis Fructus Reliquia)
Gua Di has a bitter, cold flavor. Induces vomiting of phlegm. Wind-epilepsy/throat obstruction need not probe. Fruit accumulation/gu poison abdominal distension, cough/rebellious Qi, floating abscess, pick nose.
Vining plants are melons; this is Sweet Melon Pedicel. Toxic. Good at inducing vomiting. For wind-phlegm sudden chest/diaphragm blockage, dizziness, throat wind, wind-epilepsy/rash, cough/rebellious Qi, fruit accumulation/gu poison, disease in chest, induce vomiting/downward purge. Treats jaundice and sudden edema. Mix Chi Xiao Dou (Vigna Semen Rubrum) and Ding Xiang (Caryophylli Flos) to powder, insufflate nose; yellow water flows out shortly. Can also take 1 cun spoonful. Treats nasal polyps, powder mixed with sheep fat applied. Green-blue ones are best. Boil water, remove skin, bran-roast yellow. Flower treats heart pain/cough.
Li Lu (Veratri Radix)
Li Lu has a bitter, cold flavor. Also good at inducing vomiting. Wind-epilepsy/gu poison/throat obstruction, all sores/tinea/alopecia/nasal polyps, stops dysentery, treats jaundice, removes rebellious belching.
"Li" black; "Lu" hollow. Stem hollow like scallion tube, hence Lu Cong. Toxic. Greatly vomits upper diaphragm wind-phlegm, stroke muteness, hidden wind-epilepsy, throat obstruction, gu poison. Decoct thickly in Fang Feng soup, bathe, dry, roast slightly, powder, take 5 fen warm water, stop when vomiting occurs. Also treats sores/tinea/mardancer, nasal polyps/alopecia, chronic dysentery/intestinal prolapse, jaundice, cough/belching, kills worms. Remove rhizome head, soak in rice wash overnight, roast slightly. Not for decoction. Use Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) as guiding herb. Contrary to Xi Xin, Shao Yao, Wu Shen (Five Ginsengs); dislikes Da Huang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma). Single prescription: Toothache, powder inserted into tooth hole, do not swallow. Burn to ash, make ointment to remove black moles.
Zao Jia (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus)
Zao Jia has a pungent, salty flavor. Benefits orifices, sudden stroke-bi headache relief, eliminates phlegm, stops cough, removes distension, treats consumption, applies to swelling, difficult delivery.
"Zao" black; two pods clasp together hiding seeds inside. Warm temperature, slightly toxic, enters Jueyin meridian. Snuffing opens orifices; internal use unblocks obstruction. Stroke, Qi strike, Evil Qi, Phlegm syncope, nightmare, sudden death, severe sudden headache, all made into powder and snuffed. Chronic wind-bi, dead skin/tinea, phlegm-cough/rebellious Qi unable to lie down, powder mixed with honey pills. Also treats abdominal distension, indigestion, kills consumption worms, breaks mass abdominal pain, toothache/throat swelling, difficult labor and retained placenta. Mixed with wine, boiled to ointment, applied to all swellings, stops pain. Long pods disperse wind Qi; pig-tooth shaped ones treat teeth/remove accumulation. Must be plump, not worm-eaten. Remove skin/seeds, roast with酥 (fat) or honey, or burn to ash. Use Bai Shi (Platycladi Semen) as guiding herb. Incompatible with Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix); fears Kong Qing (Azurite), Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix), Ku Shen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix). Zao Zi unblocks Five Zang wind-heat; Zao Ci (Spina Gleditsiae) opens orifices if abscess unbroken, guides drugs to sore if broken, is a...