竹沥甘寒最滋阴，止渴止汗除烦心，口疮目痛救胎产，中风痰壅失声音。
取竹沥法，见六卷。丹溪云∶无毒，性缓，能除阴虚大热大寒。治消渴、久渴、自汗、尿多，胸中
烦热、狂闷惊悸及口疮目疮、头风头痛、中风失音、风痹。一切痰火、气血虚而少食者宜用。又云∶痰在四肢，
非此不开。妇人胎前子烦，头旋倒地，胎动不安，产后强直口噤，小儿惊痫，天钓夜语，兼治金疮口噤欲死，
时行瘟疫迷闷。大抵寒而能补，不必疑其寒也。
菖蒲
菖蒲气温味辛苦，除烦下气出音语，明目聪耳定头风，伸痹通心五脏补。
菖，昌盛之貌，叶丛生如蒲。无毒。除烦闷，治咳逆上气、中恶鬼气、心腹冷痛，出声音，明目。治耳聋、
耳鸣、耳痛、头风。利四肢风寒湿痹不得屈伸。通九窍，开心孔，补五脏虚，久服延年高志。兼治痈肿疮疥，
杀诸虫，止小便，丈夫水脏，妇人血海久冷，安胎。治产后下血不止。《局方》补心药中多用，然辛劳太甚，
年壮心孔昏塞者用之得宜，若心劳神耗者禁用。生石涧，一寸九节不露根者佳。五月、腊月采，阴干去毛。秦
艽为使，恶麻黄，忌饴糖、羊肉、铁器。
远志
远志苦温益肾精，补中高志定心惊，利膈通窍除咳逆，苗感阴生止梦萦。
性能令人志识高远。苗名小草，其形细也。无毒。沉而降，阳也。主益精壮阳，补中虚，定心气惊悸、
健忘、梦邪遗精，去心下膈气，除咳逆，利九窍，明耳目。小草，四月感阴而生，故益精补阴气，止虚损梦泄，
治心孔昏塞。先用甘草、黑豆水煮去骨，后用姜汁炒。畏珍珠、藜芦、蛴螬，杀雄、附毒，得茯苓、葵子良。
酸枣仁
酸枣仁平止烦渴，引血归脾安睡歇，补中止泄及脐疼，宁心益胆除脾蹶。
出酸枣县者真。味酸，无毒。除骨蒸烦热及心虚惊悸不眠。丹溪云∶血不归脾而睡卧不宁者，宜用此
大补心脾，则血归脾，而五脏安和，则睡卧自宁。又补中益气。治心腹寒热，邪结气聚，脐上下痛满，血转久
泄，宁心志，敛虚汗，益胆气，又治四肢酸疼湿痹，筋骨风。久服助阴气，安五脏，令人肥健，轻身延年。
睡多，生用∶不得睡，炒熟，再蒸半日，去皮尖，研碎用。恶防己。
以上解热生津药。
生地黄
生地黄寒甘苦味，滋肾凉心清肺胃，调脾养肝润二肠，妇人崩漏胎产治。
水试浮者为天黄，半沉者为人黄，俱不用，沉重者为地黄，最胜。无毒。沉而降，阴也。入手太阳、少
阴，足少阴本药也。滋肾水，真阴不足，劳瘦骨蒸，日晡寒热，唾血，耳鸣，凉心火血热，五心潮烦，惊悸。
清肺热咳嗽，鼻衄，泻脾胃湿热，吐血，牙痛欲脱。丹溪云∶生地较之熟地更宣通不滞。劳倦伤脾者，以实脾
药中用二三分，以固脾气，使脾家永不受邪，盖湿热去而脾胃自固。所以本草曰∶除寒热积聚，去胃中宿食，
养肝血，益胆气。主折伤绝筋伤中，逐血痹，明眼目，利大小二肠，治便血溺血。老人津枯便燥者必用之。女
子崩中血不止，胎动胎漏，产后血上泊心闷绝。大抵补五脏，通血脉，益气力，虚而多热加而用之。多用恐倒
脾胃，中虚寒者禁用。生采者大寒，日干者微寒，火干者微温。脉洪实热者，生采捣汁服之；脉虚血热者，用
姜汁拌炒，免致泥膈痰。得门冬、清酒良，恶贝母，畏芜荑。若犯铜铁器，令消肾白发，男伤荣，女损卫。又
合萝卜食，则能耗诸血。
熟地黄
熟地黄甘苦温平，补血填髓滋肾精，疗伤
寒后腰股痛，除新产罢腹脐疼。
无毒。沉而降，阴也。入手足少阴、厥阴经。东垣云∶熟地黄补血，且疗虚损。又曰∶活血气，填骨髓，
滋肾水，补真阴，治伤寒后血衰、腰股酸疼，除新产后血虚脐痛难禁。丹溪云∶下元血衰者须用之，尺脉微者，
佐以桂、附则填精补髓；尺脉旺者，佐以知、柏则滋阴降火。独用则泥膈，故中满痰盛者慎用。余治与生地悉同。
盖本经只言干生二种，后世改用熟者，生寒熟滞，中寒有痞易泄者全禁。怀庆者佳。水洗，用生地捣汁九蒸九
晒，或酒或姜汁俱好。畏忌同生地。
当归
当归甘辛头止血，破血用尾和用身，随所引用上头角，中理胸腹下荣筋，兼治风疮及气逆，金疮胎产更称
神。
气血昏乱服之各有所归，出当州者良。大温，无毒。可升可降，阳也。入手少阴、足太阴、厥阴经。以心
主血，肝藏血，脾裹血也。头止血而上行，身养血而中守，尾破血而下流，全活血而不走，又头硬者亦破血。
大抵去旧生新之剂全用。引以川芎、细辛之类，则治血虚头痛、眼痛、齿痛，合诸血药。入薏苡、牛膝，则下
行而治血不荣筋，腰痛足疾，合诸血药。入人参、川乌、乌药、薏苡，则能荣表以治一身筋寒湿毒。在参、
则补气血虚劳而止汗长肌；在芍、术、地黄则养血滋阴而补肾。合芍药、木香，则能和肝而止痛治痢；合鳖甲、
柴胡，则定寒热而除温疟；合陈皮、半夏，则能止呕；合远志、酸枣，则能养心定悸。在桂、附则热而温中
散冷；在硝、黄则寒而通肠润燥；在莪、棱、牵牛则破恶血而消 痞。是皆随所引药为用，盖味辛甘而气疏畅
无定故也。兼治客血内塞，中风痉汗不出，湿痹，中恶客气，金疮跌扑，诸恶疮疡及风癣在皮肤中。经云本血药
而又治胸中咳逆上气。主妇人漏下绝子，脐腹急痛， 瘕，胎动下血，心腹疼痛，逆产，死胎，产后恶血上冲。
《别说》云∶于补虚最速，于产后备急。又有言曰∶补女子诸不足，说尽当归之用。患大虚冷，加而用之。肥润
不枯燥者佳。治上酒浸，治外酒洗，血病酒蒸，痰用姜汁炒。畏菖蒲、海藻，恶牡蒙、 茹、热面。一云∶川
产者力刚可攻，秦产者力柔可补。
川芎
川芎辛温行血气，止头疼破血海瘀，更散心郁治痈疽，风寒湿痹亦能去，叶名蘼芜治老风，又主咳逆及蛊疰。
芎，穹也，至高之位，性主头病，故名。无毒。浮而升，阳也。入手足厥阴，少阳本经药。主血虚中风，
入脑冷痛，面上游风去来，目泪出，多涕唾，东垣所谓上行头角，助清阳之气而止痛是也。主妇人经闭无子。
或崩中不止，或胎动不安，子死腹中，或胎衣不下，或产后血晕，破瘀血，养新血，一切衄吐溺血皆治。东垣
所谓下行血海，养新生之血而调经是也。丹溪云∶川芎味辛，但能升散而不能下守，血贵宁静而不贵躁动，四
物汤用之，以行血药之滞耳，岂有辛散而能养下元之血哉？愚谓东垣、丹溪原不相背，盖行滞破瘀而后新生之
血可养。丹溪又曰∶痈疽诸疮肿痛药中多用之者，以其入心而能散火邪耳。又开郁行气，止胁痛、心腹坚痛，诸
寒冷气，疝气，亦以川芎入心助行气血而邪自散也。古人所谓血中气药，信哉！一切风寒湿痹、气痹、血痹、
腰脚软弱、半身不遂皆治。《日华》云∶治一切血，一切气，一切风，一切劳损。但单服、多服、久服则走泄
真气，多致暴亡。川产形块重实色白者良。水洗，略炒或蒸。生用痹皮风。自芷为使。得细辛疗金疮止痛，得
牡蛎疗头风吐逆。蘼芜，辛温无毒。主身中老风、头中久风、风眩。又治咳逆，定惊气，辟邪恶，除蛊毒鬼疰。
四五月采苗，阴干。
白芍
白芍酸寒补津液，治血虚痛破坚积，止泻痢因湿热消，生血损肝还受益。
芍，灼也，灼灼其花，根能治病，故名。有
小毒。可升可降，阴中阳也。入手、足太阴经。通肺燥，滋肾阴，补津停湿，令小便自行，非通利之药也。血
虚腹痛非此不除，以其酸能收敛肝之阴气，而补中焦脾胃故也。质重味浓能破坚积疝瘕。水泻下痢刺痛后重
必用之者，以能收敛湿热邪毒，而脾之正气自舒。兼治诸淋、诸血、风毒骨痛，敛汗退热。治妇人产前诸疾，
赤白带下，能入血海，乃收降之妙剂也。昔人皆谓泻肝补脾，东垣又谓损其肝者缓其中，缓中即调血也。谓芍
药能调血者，何哉？盖当肝火阴邪犯脾，酸能收泄阴气而止痛健脾，非泻肝之正气也。若肝损血虚，则能调
荣卫而生新血。惟产后气血大虚，东方生发真气亦微，初产又无邪火，误用伐伤生气，必变他症。大抵亦随所佐
用而为寒热。佐以柴胡、牡丹、山栀，则泻火而除热燥；佐以生姜、肉桂、干姜则温经而散寒湿。恶寒腹痛则
加桂，恶热腹痛则加芩。与参、术同用则补中气，与归、地同用则补阴血。惟血虚冷而中虚寒者禁用。冬月
宜服者亦减半。出杭越茅山者佳。酒浸，炒或煨。雷丸为使。恶石斛，畏硝石、鳖甲、小蓟，反藜芦。
赤芍
赤芍专能消瘀血，利水下气祛烦热，大除腹痛通月经，疗眼消痈肝火泄。
二芍药性亦大同，但色白在西方，则补而敛涩；色赤在南方，则泻而微散。东垣云∶赤芍药破瘀血而
疗腹痛，烦热亦解。仲景方中多用之者，以其能定寒热，利小便也。宣通脏腑，利膀胱、大小肠，故月经闭者
用之。泻肝火，赤眼暴肿， 肉及诸疮，肠风，痔 。生用偏降，酒浸梢能升发。
枸杞子
枸杞子寒滋肾精，补气养血眼自明，退热宽胸润肠胃，疮毒风痹脚腰疼。
枸，狗也。《尔雅》云∶其根久如狗形，服之大有灵异。杞，即杞柳之杞。多刺，又名枸棘。味苦、甘，
微寒。无毒。古谚云∶去家千里，勿食枸杞。言其滋益清气，强盛阴道也。内伤大劳，嘘吸少气，肝风血虚，
眼赤痛痒昏翳。除烦止虚劳寒热，下胸胁气，治五内邪气、热中消渴，利大小肠，散诸疮毒，去皮肤骨节间风、
周痹、风湿腰脚疼痛。兼治客热头痛、齿痛、满口出血。煎膏久服．轻身不老，坚筋骨，耐寒暑。其叶甘，春初
可作菜食。甘州者佳，去蒂晒干。
肉苁蓉
肉苁蓉补右肾精，阴痿非此不能兴，止茎中痛强筋髓，妇人崩带与瘕 。
马精落地所生，初生似肉。味甘、酸、咸，微温。盖其性从容和缓。无毒。补右命门相火不足，男子绝阳
不兴，泄精，尿血，遗溺，下痢，止茎中寒热痛，膀胱邪气，强筋髓，暖腰膝，止腰痛。又治妇人血崩带下、
瘕、阴痛、绝阴不产。丹溪云∶峻补精血，骤用反致动火便滑。酒浸一宿，刷去浮甲及心中白膜，如竹丝草
样，不尔，令人上气不散。酒蒸，或酥涂炙，根名琐阳，味甘、咸，气温，无毒。闭精，补阴气。虚而大便燥
结者，煮粥食之，不燥者勿用。入药炙。
牛膝 本滋精血，润燥药也。因何首乌连编风类。
鹿茸
鹿茸甘温生精血，专治崩漏与遗泄，虚劳如疟脚腰疼，石淋痈肿骨中热。
鹿，六也，为律，律主鹿。六月初生肉角，其毛茸茸。味甘、咸，无毒。补虚羸，生精血，益气强志。
主女人崩中漏血、赤白带下。男子泄精，溺血，小便利，虚劳洒洒如疟，羸瘦，四肢酸疼，腰脊冷痛，脚膝无
力，散石淋，痈肿，骨中热，疽痒。又能破留血在腹，坚筋骨，安胎下气，治寒热惊痫，杀鬼精。生齿不老，乃
血家去旧生新剂也。不损破出血，形小如紫茄者佳。或长四五寸，分歧如马鞍形，茸端如玛瑙者亦好。用酥涂
匀，火焰中急燎去毛尽，微炙用。有小虫，不可鼻嗅。麻勃为使。按月令，冬至一阳生，麋解角；夏至一阴生，
鹿解角。故麋
茸补阳，鹿茸补阴。鹿 峻，乃牝牡相感之精。其法用初生牡鹿三五只，苑囿驯养，每日以人参煎汤，同一切料
草任其饮食，久之以硫黄细末和入，从少至多，燥则渐减，过而复始，大约三年之内，一旦毛脱筋露，气胜阳极，
别以牝鹿隔苑诱之，欲交不得，或泄精于外，或令其一交，即设法取其精置瓷器内，香粘如饧，随人所宜补药，
如补阴丸、固本丸之类，以此 加炼蜜三分之一，同和为丸，或和鹿角霜为丸。空心盐酒下，起虚羸瘵疾危症甚捷。
鹿角
鹿角咸温仍秘精，止尿血与小腹疼，逐瘀强筋祛邪恶，疮肿磨敷可复平。
鹿者，仙兽。常自能乐性云泉，至六十年，必怀琼于角下，角有斑痕紫点，盖鹿载玉而角斑。无毒。东垣云∶
鹿角秘精髓，而腰脊之痛除，止尿血、留血在阴中，除小腹血急痛，治折伤恶血，强筋骨，补绝伤，除邪恶气，
治妇人梦与鬼交及胞中余血不尽欲死。诸恶疮、痈肿、热毒，醋磨敷之。或醋煮锉碎为末，或磨水，或烧灰，或
炙黄色。杜仲为使。
鹿角胶
鹿角胶甘温而平，虚羸失血四肢疼，女崩无子安胎孕，淋露折伤用最灵，霜味咸能补肾气，壮阳专止梦遗精。
即白胶。无毒。主伤中虚羸、劳绝气衰、多汗、咳嗽、吐血、咯血、嗽血、尿血、下血、四肢酸疼，腰痛、
女人崩中不止、血闭无子，服之令有子，安胎止痛，淋露，折跌伤损。久服益髓长肌悦颜色，令人肥健轻身延年。
凡肿已溃、未溃者，以白胶一片渍软贴之，头上开孔，有脓即出，无脓自消。鹿角霜，味咸，温，无毒。治五
劳七伤羸瘦，补肾益气固精壮阳，强骨髓，止梦遗。煎胶霜法∶取鲜角锯半寸长，置长流水中浸三日，削去黑皮，
入砂锅内以清水浸过不露角，桑柴火煮。从子至戌时止，旋旋添水，勿令火歇，如是者，三日角软，取出晒干成
竹沥味甘性寒，最能滋阴，可止渴、止汗、除烦，治疗口疮、目痛，救助胎产疾病，以及中风痰壅导致的失音。
取竹沥的方法，见第六卷。朱丹溪说：竹沥无毒，药性缓和，能清除阴虚引起的大热大寒。治疗消渴、久渴、自汗、尿多，胸中烦热、狂闷惊悸以及口疮目疮、头风头痛、中风失音、风痹。一切痰火证，以及气血虚弱而食欲不振者适宜使用。又说：痰在四肢，非用此药不能开通。妇女妊娠期间子烦（妊娠期烦躁），头晕倒地，胎动不安，产后强直口噤，小儿惊痫，天钓（婴儿惊风）夜语，兼治金疮（金属利器造成的创伤）口噤欲死，时行瘟疫引起的迷闷。大抵竹沥寒凉但具有补益作用，不必怀疑其寒凉之弊。
石菖蒲
石菖蒲气温味辛苦，能除烦下气、恢复声音言语，明目聪耳、定头风，舒通痹阻、开心窍，补五脏虚损。
“菖”是昌盛的样子，叶子丛生像蒲草。无毒。除烦闷，治疗咳逆上气、中恶鬼气（突发的邪气致病）、心腹冷痛，恢复声音，明目。治疗耳聋、耳鸣、耳痛、头风。利四肢风寒湿痹导致的不屈伸。通九窍，开心孔，补五脏虚，久服延年益寿、志向高远。兼治痈肿疮疥，杀虫，止小便频数，治疗男子水脏（肾与膀胱）久冷，妇人血海（子宫）久冷，安胎。治疗产后下血不止。《局方》补心药中多用，但如果辛劳过度，年壮且心窍昏塞者使用得当；若心劳神耗者禁用。生于石涧，一寸九节且不露根的为佳。五月、腊月采集，阴干去毛。以秦艽为使药，恶麻黄，忌饴糖、羊肉、铁器。
远志
远志苦温，益肾精，补中益气、提高志向、定心惊，利膈通窍、除咳逆，幼苗感阴而生，止梦遗。
药性能令人志识高远。幼苗名小草，形状细小。无毒。性沉而降，属阳。主要功效是益精壮阳，补中虚，定心气惊悸、健忘、梦邪遗精，去心下膈气，除咳逆，利九窍，明耳目。小草，四月感阴而生，故益精补阴气，止虚损梦泄，治疗心窍昏塞。先用甘草、黑豆水煮去骨，后用姜汁炒。畏珍珠、藜芦、蛴螬，能杀雄黄、附子毒，得茯苓、葵子良。
酸枣仁
酸枣仁平性，止烦渴，引血归脾以安神睡眠，补中止泄及脐疼，宁心益胆、除脾病。
出自酸枣县的为真品。味酸，无毒。除骨蒸烦热及心虚惊悸不眠。朱丹溪说：血不归脾而睡卧不宁者，宜用此药大补心脾，则血归脾，而五脏安和，则睡卧自宁。又补中益气。治疗心腹寒热，邪结气聚，脐上下痛满，血转久泄，宁心志，敛虚汗，益胆气，又治四肢酸疼湿痹，筋骨风。久服助阴气，安五脏，令人肥健，轻身延年。嗜睡者生用；不得睡者，炒熟，再蒸半日，去皮尖，研碎用。恶防己。
以上为解热生津药。
生地黄
生地黄寒甘苦味，滋肾凉心清肺胃，调脾养肝润二肠，治疗妇人崩漏及胎产疾病。
水试浮者为天黄，半沉者为人黄，都不用，沉重者为地黄，最好。无毒。性沉而降，属阴。入手太阳、少阴经，足少阴本药。滋肾水，治疗真阴不足，劳瘦骨蒸，日晡潮热，唾血，耳鸣，凉心火血热，五心潮烦，惊悸。清肺热咳嗽，鼻衄，泻脾胃湿热，吐血，牙痛欲脱。朱丹溪说：生地较之熟地更宣通不滞。劳倦伤脾者，在以实脾药中加入二三分，以固脾气，使脾家永不受邪，盖湿热去而脾胃自固。所以本草说：除寒热积聚，去胃中宿食，养肝血，益胆气。主折伤绝筋伤中，逐血痹，明眼目，利大小二肠，治便血溺血。老人津枯便燥者必用之。女子崩中血不止，胎动胎漏，产后血上泊心闷绝。大抵补五脏，通血脉，益气力，虚而多热加而用之。多用恐倒脾胃，中虚寒者禁用。生采者大寒，日干者微寒，火干者微温。脉洪实热者，生采捣汁服之；脉虚血热者，用姜汁拌炒，免致泥膈痰。得门冬、清酒良，恶贝母，畏芜荑。若犯铜铁器，令消肾白发，男伤荣，女损卫。又合萝卜食，则能耗诸血。
熟地黄
熟地黄甘苦温平，补血填髓滋肾精，疗伤寒后腰股痛，除新产罢腹脐疼。
无毒。性沉而降，属阴。入手足少阴、厥阴经。李东垣说：熟地黄补血，且疗虚损。又说：活血气，填骨髓，滋肾水，补真阴，治伤寒后血衰、腰股酸疼，除新产后血虚脐痛难禁。朱丹溪说：下元血衰者须用之，尺脉微者，佐以桂、附则填精补髓；尺脉旺者，佐以知、柏则滋阴降火。独用则泥膈，故中满痰盛者慎用。其余治疗与生地悉同。盖《本经》只言干生两种，后世改用熟者，生寒熟滞，中寒有痞易泄者全禁。怀庆者佳。水洗，用生地捣汁九蒸九晒，或酒或姜汁俱好。畏忌同生地。
当归
当归甘辛，头止血，破血用尾，和用身，随所引用上头角，中理胸腹下荣筋，兼治风疮及气逆，金疮胎产更称神。
气血昏乱服之各有所归，出当州者良。大温，无毒。可升可降，属阳。入手少阴、足太阴、厥阴经。以心主血，肝藏血，脾裹血也。头止血而上行，身养血而中守，尾破血而下流，全活血而不走，又头硬者亦破血。大抵去旧生新之剂全用。引以川芎、细辛之类，则治血虚头痛、眼痛、齿痛，合诸血药。入薏苡、牛膝，则下行而治血不荣筋，腰痛足疾，合诸血药。入人参、川乌、乌药、薏苡，则能荣表以治一身筋寒湿毒。在参、[术]，则补气血虚劳而止汗长肌；在芍、术、地黄则养血滋阴而补肾。合芍药、木香，则能和肝而止痛治痢；合鳖甲、柴胡，则定寒热而除温疟；合陈皮、半夏，则能止呕；合远志、酸枣，则能养心定悸。在桂、附则热而温中散冷；在硝、黄则寒而通肠润燥；在莪、棱、牵牛则破恶血而消痞。是皆随所引药为用，盖味辛甘而气疏畅无定故也。兼治客血内塞，中风痉汗不出，湿痹，中恶客气，金疮跌扑，诸恶疮疡及风癣在皮肤中。经云本血药而又治胸中咳逆上气。主妇人漏下绝子，脐腹急痛，瘕，胎动下血，心腹疼痛，逆产，死胎，产后恶血上冲。《别说》说：于补虚最速，于产后备急。又有言曰：补女子诸不足，说尽当归之用。患大虚冷，加而用之。肥润不枯燥者佳。治上酒浸，治外酒洗，血病酒蒸，痰用姜汁炒。畏菖蒲、海藻，恶牡蒙、[茹]、热面。一说：川产者力刚可攻，秦产者力柔可补。
川芎
川芎辛温行血气，止头疼破血海瘀，更散心郁治痈疽，风寒湿痹亦能去，叶名蘼芜治老风，又主咳逆及蛊疰。
“芎”，穹也，至高之位，性主头病，故名。无毒。浮而升，属阳。入手足厥阴，少阳本经药。主血虚中风，入脑冷痛，面上游风去来，目泪出，多涕唾，李东垣所谓上行头角，助清阳之气而止痛是也。主妇人经闭无子。或崩中不止，或胎动不安，子死腹中，或胎衣不下，或产后血晕，破瘀血，养新血，一切衄吐溺血皆治。李东垣所谓下行血海，养新生之血而调经是也。朱丹溪说：川芎味辛，但能升散而不能下守，血贵宁静而不贵躁动，四物汤用之，以行血药之滞耳，岂有辛散而能养下元之血哉？愚谓李东垣、朱丹溪原不相背，盖行滞破瘀而后新生之血可养。朱丹溪又说：痈疽诸疮肿痛药中多用之者，以其入心而能散火邪耳。又开郁行气，止胁痛、心腹坚痛，诸寒冷气，疝气，亦以川芎入心助行气血而邪自散也。古人所谓血中气药，信哉！一切风寒湿痹、气痹、血痹、腰脚软弱、半身不遂皆治。《日华》说：治一切血，一切气，一切风，一切劳损。但单服、多服、久服则走泄真气，多致暴亡。川产形块重实色白者良。水洗，略炒或蒸。生用痹皮风。以白芷为使。得细辛疗金疮止痛，得牡蛎疗头风吐逆。蘼芜，辛温无毒。主身中老风、头中久风、风眩。又治咳逆，定惊气，辟邪恶，除蛊毒鬼疰。四五月采苗，阴干。
白芍
白芍酸寒补津液，治血虚痛破坚积，止泻痢因湿热消，生血损肝还受益。
“芍”，灼也，灼灼其花，根能治病，故名。有小毒。可升可降，阴中阳也。入手、足太阴经。通肺燥，滋肾阴，补津停湿，令小便自行，非通利之药也。血虚腹痛非此不除，以其酸能收敛肝之阴气，而补中焦脾胃故也。质重味浓能破坚积疝瘕。水泻下痢刺痛后重必用之者，以能收敛湿热邪毒，而脾之正气自舒。兼治诸淋、诸血、风毒骨痛，敛汗退热。治妇人产前诸疾，赤白带下，能入血海，乃收降之妙剂也。昔人皆谓泻肝补脾，李东垣又谓损其肝者缓其中，缓中即调血也。谓芍药能调血者，何哉？盖当肝火阴邪犯脾，酸能收泄阴气而止痛健脾，非泻肝之正气也。若肝损血虚，则能调荣卫而生新血。惟产后气血大虚，东方生发真气亦微，初产又无邪火，误用伐伤生气，必变他症。大抵亦随所佐用而为寒热。佐以柴胡、牡丹、山栀，则泻火而除热燥；佐以生姜、肉桂、干姜则温经而散寒湿。恶寒腹痛则加桂，恶热腹痛则加芩。与参、术同用则补中气，与归、地同用则补阴血。惟血虚冷而中虚寒者禁用。冬月宜服者亦减半。出杭越茅山者佳。酒浸，炒或煨。以雷丸为使。恶石斛，畏硝石、鳖甲、小蓟，反藜芦。
赤芍
赤芍专能消瘀血，利水下气祛烦热，大除腹痛通月经，疗眼消痈肝火泄。
二芍药性亦大同，但色白在西方，则补而敛涩；色赤在南方，则泻而微散。李东垣说：赤芍药破瘀血而疗腹痛，烦热亦解。仲景方中多用之者，以其能定寒热，利小便也。宣通脏腑，利膀胱、大小肠，故月经闭者用之。泻肝火，赤眼暴肿，[胬]肉及诸疮，肠风，痔[疾]。生用偏降，酒浸梢能升发。
枸杞子
枸杞子寒滋肾精，补气养血眼自明，退热宽胸润肠胃，疮毒风痹脚腰疼。
“枸”，狗也。《尔雅》说：其根久如狗形，服之大有灵异。“杞”，即杞柳之杞。多刺，又名枸棘。味苦、甘，微寒。无毒。古谚说：去家千里，勿食枸杞。言其滋益清气，强盛阴道也。内伤大劳，嘘吸少气，肝风血虚，眼赤痛痒昏翳。除烦止虚劳寒热，下胸胁气，治五内邪气、热中消渴，利大小肠，散诸疮毒，去皮肤骨节间风、周痹、风湿腰脚疼痛。兼治客热头痛、齿痛、满口出血。煎膏久服，轻身不老，坚筋骨，耐寒暑。其叶甘，春初可作菜食。甘州者佳，去蒂晒干。
肉苁蓉
肉苁蓉补右肾精，阴痿非此不能兴，止茎中痛强筋髓，妇人崩带与瘕[积]。
马精落地所生，初生似肉。味甘、酸、咸，微温。盖其性从容和缓。无毒。补右命门相火不足，男子绝阳不兴，泄精，尿血，遗溺，下痢，止茎中寒热痛，膀胱邪气，强筋髓，暖腰膝，止腰痛。又治妇人血崩带下、瘕积、阴痛、绝阴不产。朱丹溪说：峻补精血，骤用反致动火便滑。酒浸一宿，刷去浮甲及心中白膜，如竹丝草样，不尔，令人上气不散。酒蒸，或酥涂炙，根名琐阳，味甘、咸，气温，无毒。闭精，补阴气。虚而大便燥结者，煮粥食之，不燥者勿用。入药炙。
牛膝 本滋精血，润燥药也。因何首乌连编风类。
鹿茸
鹿茸甘温生精血，专治崩漏与遗泄，虚劳如疟脚腰疼，石淋痈肿骨中热。
鹿，六也，为律，律主鹿。六月初生肉角，其毛茸茸。味甘、咸，无毒。补虚羸，生精血，益气强志。主女人崩中漏血、赤白带下。男子泄精，溺血，小便利，虚劳洒洒如疟，羸瘦，四肢酸疼，腰脊冷痛，脚膝无力，散石淋，痈肿，骨中热，疽痒。又能破留血在腹，坚筋骨，安胎下气，治寒热惊痫，杀鬼精。生齿不老，乃血家去旧生新剂也。不损破出血，形小如紫茄者佳。或长四五寸，分歧如马鞍形，茸端如玛瑙者亦好。用酥涂匀，火焰中急燎去毛尽，微炙用。有小虫，不可鼻嗅。以麻勃为使。按月令，冬至一阳生，麋解角；夏至一阴生，鹿解角。故麋[茸]补阳，鹿茸补阴。鹿[胶]峻，乃牝牡相感之精。其法用初生牡鹿三五只，苑囿驯养，每日以人参煎汤，同一切料草任其饮食，久之以硫黄细末和入，从少至多，燥则渐减，过而复始，大约三年之内，一旦毛脱筋露，气胜阳极，别以牝鹿隔苑诱之，欲交不得，或泄精于外，或令其一交，即设法取其精置瓷器内，香粘如饧，随人所宜补药，如补阴丸、固本丸之类，以此[精]加炼蜜三分之一，同和为丸，或和鹿角霜为丸。空心盐酒下，起虚羸瘵疾危症甚捷。
鹿角
鹿角咸温仍秘精，止尿血与小腹疼，逐瘀强筋祛邪恶，疮肿磨敷可复平。
鹿者，仙兽。常自能乐性云泉，至六十年，必怀琼于角下，角有斑痕紫点，盖鹿载玉而角斑。无毒。李东垣说：鹿角秘精髓，而腰脊之痛除，止尿血、留血在阴中，除小腹血急痛，治折伤恶血，强筋骨，补绝伤，除邪恶气，治妇人梦与鬼交及胞中余血不尽欲死。诸恶疮、痈肿、热毒，醋磨敷之。或醋煮锉碎为末，或磨水，或烧灰，或炙黄色。杜仲为使。
鹿角胶
鹿角胶甘温而平，虚羸失血四肢疼，女崩无子安胎孕，淋露折伤用最灵，霜味咸能补肾气，壮阳专止梦遗精。
即白胶。无毒。主伤中虚羸、劳绝气衰、多汗、咳嗽、吐血、咯血、嗽血、尿血、下血、四肢酸疼，腰痛、女人崩中不止、血闭无子，服之令有子，安胎止痛，淋露，折跌伤损。久服益髓长肌悦颜色，令人肥健轻身延年。凡肿已溃、未溃者，以白胶一片渍软贴之，头上开孔，有脓即出，无脓自消。鹿角霜，味咸，温，无毒。治五劳七伤羸瘦，补肾益气固精壮阳，强骨髓，止梦遗。煎胶霜法：取鲜角锯半寸长，置长流水中浸三日，削去黑皮，入砂锅内以清水浸过不露角，桑柴火煮。从子至戌时止，旋旋添水，勿令火歇，如是者，三日角软，取出晒干成
Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) is sweet and cold, most effective in nourishing Yin. It stops thirst and sweating, relieves vexation, treats mouth ulcers and eye pain, rescues conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, and addresses stroke with phlegm obstruction and loss of voice.
The method for obtaining Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) is found in Volume 6. Zhu Danxi said: "It is non-toxic, has a mild nature, and can eliminate severe heat and cold caused by Yin deficiency. It treats Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome), prolonged thirst, spontaneous sweating, polyuria, chest vexation and heat, mania, palpitations, mouth and eye ulcers, head wind and headache, stroke with loss of voice, and wind-bi syndrome. It is suitable for all phlegm-fire conditions, as well as Qi and Blood deficiency with poor appetite." He also stated: "For phlegm in the four limbs, this herb is essential to open the blockage." For women, it treats Zi Fan (pregnancy-related vexation), dizziness leading to falling, restless fetus, postpartum rigidity and lockjaw, pediatric epilepsy, Tian Diao (infant convulsions) with night talking, and assists in treating Jin Chuang (metal weapon injuries) with lockjaw approaching death, as well as confusion from epidemic febrile diseases. Generally, although cold, it has tonifying properties; one need not doubt its cold nature.
Shichangpu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii)
Shichangpu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii) is warm in temperature and pungent and bitter in flavor. It eliminates vexation, directs Qi downward, restores voice and speech, brightens the eyes, benefits the ears, stabilizes head wind, unblocks bi-syndrome, opens the heart orifice, and tonifies the five Zang organs' deficiency.
"Chang" implies prosperity; its leaves grow in clusters resembling Pu (Iris). It is non-toxic. It eliminates vexation, treats cough with rebellious Qi, sudden evil Qi (sudden onset of illness due to pathogenic factors), cold pain in the heart and abdomen, restores voice, and brightens the eyes. It treats deafness, tinnitus, ear pain, and head wind. It benefits the four limbs, relieving wind-cold-damp bi-syndrome that prevents flexion and extension. It opens the nine orifices, opens the heart orifice, tonifies the five Zang organs' deficiency, and with long-term use, extends life and elevates aspirations. It also treats carbuncles, sores, scabies, kills parasites, stops frequent urination, treats chronic coldness of the Water Organ (Kidney and Bladder) in men and the Blood Sea (Uterus) in women, calms the fetus, and treats continuous bleeding after childbirth. It is frequently used in Heart-tonifying prescriptions from the *Ju Fang*. However, if one has overexerted themselves and has a blocked heart orifice despite being young and strong, it is appropriate; but it is contraindicated for those with mental exhaustion. The best quality grows in rocky streams, having nine nodes per inch without exposed roots. Harvest in May and December, dry in shade, and remove hairs. Qin Jiao (Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae) serves as an assistant herb. It opposes Mahuang (Herba Ephedrae) and is incompatible with Yitang (Maltose), mutton, and iron vessels.
Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae)
Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae) is bitter and warm, benefiting Kidney Essence, tonifying the Middle, elevating aspirations, calming fright and palpitations, benefiting the diaphragm, opening orifices, eliminating cough with rebellious Qi, and its seedling grows sensing Yin to stop dream emission.
Its property enables one to have lofty insights. The seedling is called Xiao Cao (Little Grass) due to its fine shape. It is non-toxic. It sinks and descends, belonging to Yang. It primarily benefits Essence, strengthens Yang, tonifies Middle deficiency, stabilizes Heart Qi against fright and palpitations, amnesia, and dream emission, removes diaphragmatic Qi below the heart, eliminates cough with rebellious Qi, benefits the nine orifices, and brightens the eyes and ears. Xiao Cao grows in April sensing Yin, thus benefiting Essence and tonifying Yin Qi, stopping dream emission due to deficiency, and treating a blocked heart orifice. First boil in Licorice and Black Soybean water to remove the woody core, then stir-fry with Ginger Juice. It fears Zhenzhu (Pearl), Lilu (Veratrum Nigrum), and Qicao (Ground Beetle). It neutralizes the toxicity of Xionghuang (Realgar) and Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata); combined with Fuling (Poria) and Kuizi (Abutilon Seed), it is beneficial.
Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae)
Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae) is neutral, stops vexation and thirst, guides Blood back to the Spleen to calm sleep, tonifies the Middle, stops diarrhea and umbilical pain, calms the Heart, benefits the Gallbladder, and treats Spleen collapse.
Authentic material comes from Suanzao County. It is sour and non-toxic. It eliminates bone-steaming fever and vexation, and Heart deficiency causing fright, palpitations, and insomnia. Zhu Danxi said: "When Blood does not return to the Spleen causing restless sleep, this herb should be used to greatly tonify the Heart and Spleen; then Blood returns to the Spleen, the Five Zang harmonize, and sleep naturally calms." It also tonifies Middle Qi. It treats cold-heat in the heart and abdomen, pathological Qi accumulation, pain and fullness above and below the umbilicus, chronic diarrhea due to blood transformation, calms the mind, consolidates deficient sweating, benefits Gallbladder Qi, and treats soreness and pain of the four limbs due to damp-bi and wind affecting sinews and bones. Long-term use aids Yin Qi, calms the Five Zang, makes one robust and light, extending life. For excessive sleepiness, use raw; for insomnia, stir-fry until cooked, steam for half a day, remove skin and tips, and grind. It opposes Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae).
The above are herbs that resolve heat and generate fluids.
Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Fresh)
Shengdihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Fresh) is cold, sweet, and bitter. It nourishes the Kidney, cools the Heart, clears the Lung and Stomach, regulates the Spleen, nourishes the Liver, moistens the Large and Small Intestines, and treats uterine bleeding and obstetric conditions in women.
Those that float in water are Tian Huang (Heaven Yellow) and those half-sinking are Ren Huang (Human Yellow); neither is used. Those that sink are Dihuang (Rehmannia Root), which is superior. It is non-toxic. It sinks and descends, belonging to Yin. It enters the Hand Taiyang and Shaoyin meridians and is the primary herb for the Foot Shaoyin. It nourishes Kidney Water, treating True Yin deficiency, emaciation from labor, bone-steaming fever, afternoon tidal fever, hemoptysis, tinnitus, cools Heart Fire and Blood Heat, five-palm tidal vexation, and palpitations. It clears Lung Heat cough, epistaxis, drains Damp-Heat from the Spleen and Stomach, hematemesis, and toothache threatening to loosen. Zhu Danxi said: "Shengdi is more circulating and less cloying than Shudi." For those whose Spleen is injured by fatigue, add two or three fen to Spleen-solidifying formulas to secure Spleen Qi, preventing pathogens from invading, as removing Damp-Heat naturally solidifies the Spleen and Stomach. Thus, the Materia Medica states: "Eliminates cold-heat accumulations, removes retained food in the Stomach, nourishes Liver Blood, and benefits Gallbladder Qi." It treats fractures, severed tendons, internal injury, drives out Blood Bi, brightens the eyes, benefits the intestines, treats hematochezia and hematuria. It is essential for the elderly with fluid depletion and dry stool. For women with metrorrhagia, restless fetus, fetal leakage, or postpartum blood rushing to the heart causing suffocation, it is indicated. Generally, it tonifies the Five Zang, unblocks vessels, benefits Qi and strength; add it for deficiency with excess heat. Overuse may damage the Spleen and Stomach; it is contraindicated for those with Middle Deficiency-Cold. Freshly harvested is very cold; sun-dried is slightly cold; fire-dried is slightly warm. For pulse indicating excess heat, crush fresh and take juice; for pulse indicating deficiency with heat, stir-fry with Ginger Juice to prevent cloying the chest. Combined with Donggu (Radix Ophiopogonis) and clear wine, it is good. It opposes Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus) and fears Wuyi (Myrobalan). Contact with copper or iron causes kidney depletion, white hair, injures Ying in men, and Wei in women. Eating radish with it consumes Blood.
Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata)
Shudihuang (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata) is sweet, bitter, warm, and neutral. It tonifies Blood, fills Marrow, nourishes Kidney Essence, treats lower back and thigh pain after Cold Damage, and eliminates abdominal and umbilical pain after new childbirth.
It is non-toxic. It sinks and descends, belonging to Yin. It enters the Hand and Foot Shaoyin and Jueyin meridians. Li Dongyuan said: "Shudihuang tonifies Blood and treats deficiency." He also said: "It moves Blood Qi, fills Marrow, nourishes Kidney Water, tonifies True Yin, treats Blood decline and lower back/thigh soreness after Cold Damage, and eliminates difficult umbilical pain due to Blood deficiency after childbirth." Zhu Danxi said: "For Blood decline in the Lower Origin, it must be used. If the Chi pulse is faint, assist with Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) and Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) to fill Essence and Marrow; if the Chi pulse is vigorous, assist with Zhimu (Rhizoma Anemarrhenae) and Houbai (Phellodendri Cortex) to nourish Yin and descend Fire." Used alone, it is cloying; thus, caution is needed for those with fullness and abundant phlegm. Its other treatments are identical to Shengdihuang. Originally, the *Ben Jing* mentioned only two types of dried Rehmannia; later generations adopted the prepared form. Raw is cold, prepared is cloying; it is completely contraindicated for those with Middle Cold, stagnation, and loose stools. Huaiqing origin is best. Wash, make juice from Shengdihuang, steam nine times, and sun-dry nine times; Wine or Ginger Juice are both good. Contraindications are the same as Shengdihuang.
Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis)
Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) is sweet and pungent; the head stops bleeding, the tail breaks Blood stasis, the body harmonizes. Depending on guiding herbs, it reaches the head, regulates the chest and abdomen, and nourishes sinews below. It also treats wind sores and rebellious Qi, and is miraculous for metal injuries and obstetric conditions.
When Qi and Blood are chaotic, taking this herb allows them to return to their proper places. Authentic material comes from Dangzhou. It is very warm and non-toxic. It can ascend and descend, belonging to Yang. It enters the Hand Shaoyin, Foot Taiyin, and Jueyin meridians. The Heart governs Blood, the Liver stores Blood, and the Spleen envelops Blood. The head stops bleeding and ascends; the body nourishes Blood and stays central; the tail breaks Blood stasis and descends; the whole root moves Blood without dispersing excessively; hard heads also break Blood. Generally, using the whole root creates a formula that removes old and generates new. Guided by Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) and Xixin (Herba Asari), it treats Blood deficiency headache, eye pain, and toothache, combined with other Blood herbs. Combined with Yiyiren (Semen Coicis) and Niuxi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), it descends to treat sinews not nourished by Blood, lower back pain, and foot ailments, combined with other Blood herbs. Combined with Renshen (Radix Ginseng), Chuanwu (Radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii), Wuyao (Radix Linderae), and Yiyiren, it nourishes the exterior to treat systemic sinus-cold-damp toxins. With Renshen [Baizhu], it tonifies Qi and Blood deficiency consumption, stops sweating, and promotes flesh growth; with Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba/Rubra), Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), and Dihuang (Radix Rehmanniae), it nourishes Blood, tonifies Yin, and benefits the Kidney. Combined with Shaoyao and Muxiang (Radix Aucklandiae), it harmonizes the Liver, stops pain, and treats dysentery; combined with Biejia (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis) and Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), it stabilizes cold-heat and eliminates warm malaria; combined Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) and Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae), it stops vomiting; combined Yuanzhi (Radix Polygalae) and Suanzaoren (Semen Ziziphi Spinosae), it nourishes the Heart and stabilizes palpitations. With Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) and Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata), it warms the Middle and disperses cold; with Xiaoshi (Natrii Sulfas) and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei), it clears heat, unblocks the intestines, and moistens dryness; with E Zhu (Rhizoma Curcumae) and San Leng (Rhizoma Sparganii), and Qiuniu (Radix Stemonae), it breaks bad Blood and eliminates stagnation. All these effects depend on the guiding herbs, as its pungent and sweet flavor and free-flowing Qi allow variable application. It also treats internal obstruction by guest Blood, stroke with spasms and no sweat, damp-bi, sudden evil Qi, metal injuries and falls, various malignant sores, and wind-xuan on the skin. The Classics state it is a Blood herb but also treats cough with rebellious Qi in the chest. It governs uterine dripping, infertility, urgent pain in the umbilicus and abdomen, masses, restless fetus with bleeding, heart and abdominal pain, breech presentation, dead fetus, and postpartum rushing of bad Blood upwards. *Bie Shuo* says: "It is fastest in tonifying deficiency and urgent for postpartum emergencies." Another saying: "It tonifies all deficiencies in women," describing the full utility of Danggui. Add it for severe deficiency-cold. Choose plump, moist, and non-dry roots. For upper body treatment, soak in wine; for external use, wash in wine; for Blood disease, steam in wine; for phlegm, stir-fry with Ginger Juice. It fears Shichangpu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii) and Haizao (Thallus Laminariae/Sargassum), opposes Mumeng [Huangjing?], Ru [Rushu?], and hot noodles. One view: Sichuan origin is strong and attacking; Qin origin is mild and tonifying.
Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)
Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) is pungent and warm, moving Qi and Blood, stopping headaches, breaking Blood Sea stasis, dispersing Heart depression, treating carbuncles, and eliminating wind-cold-damp bi. Its leaf is Mi Wu, treating chronic wind, and also governs cough and gu-zhu (parasitic disease).
"Xiong" means dome; it is at the highest position, and its nature governs head diseases, hence the name. It is non-toxic. It floats and ascends, belonging to Yang. It is a primary herb for the Hand and Foot Jueyin and Shaoyang meridians. It treats Wind-stroke due to Blood deficiency, cold pain entering the brain, wandering wind on the face, tearing, and excessive saliva. This is what Li Dongyuan meant by "ascending to the head corners, assisting Clear Yang Qi to stop pain." It governs amenorrhea and infertility in women. Or continuous metrorrhagia, restless fetus, dead fetus in the womb, retained placenta, postpartum blood syncope, breaks Blood stasis, nourishes new Blood, and treats all epistaxis, hematemesis, and hematuria. This is what Li Dongyuan meant by "descending to the Blood Sea, nourishing newly generated Blood to regulate menstruation." Zhu Danxi said: "Chuanxiong is pungent; it can only ascend and disperse, not descend and retain. Blood values tranquility over agitation. In Si Wu Tang, it is used to move the stagnation of Blood herbs; how can pungent dispersion nourish the Blood of the Lower Origin?" I believe Li Dongyuan and Zhu Danxi do not contradict; moving stagnation and breaking stasis allows new Blood to be nourished. Zhu Danxi also said: "It is often used in carbuncle and sore swelling formulas because it enters the Heart and can disperse Fire Evil." It also opens depression, moves Qi, stops hypochondriac pain, rigid abdominal pain, cold Qi, and hernia, as Chuanxiong enters the Heart to assist Qi and Blood movement, causing pathogens to scatter. The ancients called it the "Qi herb within the Blood," truly! It treats all wind-cold-damp bi, Qi bi, Blood bi, weak waist and legs, and hemiplegia. *Ri Hua* says: "Treats all Blood, all Qi, all Wind, all consumptive diseases." But single, excessive, or long-term use leaks True Qi and often leads to sudden death. Sichuan origin with heavy, solid, white chunks is best. Wash, lightly stir-fry or steam. Raw treats skin wind-bi. Bai Zhi (Rhizoma Angelicae Dahuricae) serves as an assistant. Combined with Xixin (Herba Asari), it treats metal injuries and stops pain; combined with Muli (Concha Ostreae), it treats head wind and vomiting. Mi Wu (Leaf of Chuanxiong) is pungent, warm, and non-toxic. It treats chronic wind in the body and head, wind vertigo. It also treats cough, stabilizes fright Qi, wards off evil, and eliminates gu-toxin and ghost zhu. Harvest seedlings in April and May, dry in shade.
Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
Baishao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) is sour and cold, tonifying Body Fluids, treating Blood deficiency pain, breaking firm accumulations, stopping diarrhea and dysentery due to Damp-Heat resolution, generating Blood, and benefiting the Liver when damaged.
"Shao" means burning/shining; its flowers are brilliant, and its root treats disease, hence the name. It has slight toxicity. It can ascend and descend, being Yang within Yin. It enters the Hand and Foot Taiyin meridians. It unblocks Lung dryness, nourishes Kidney Yin, tonifies Body Fluids, retains Dampness, allowing Urine to flow naturally; it is not a diuretic. Blood deficiency abdominal pain cannot be removed without it, because its sourness converges Liver Yin Qi and tonifies the Middle Jiao Spleen and Stomach. Its heavy texture and strong flavor can break firm accumulations and hernias. It is essential for watery diarrhea and dysentery with stabbing pain and tenesmus because it converges Damp-Heat pathogens and toxins, allowing Spleen Righteous Qi to relax. It also treats various strangury, Blood disorders, wind-toxin bone pain, consolidates sweat, and reduces fever. It treats various pre-partum diseases in women, leukorrhea (red and white), entering the Blood Sea, making it a wonderful descending and收敛 (astringing) agent. Ancients said it purges the Liver and tonifies the Spleen; Li Dongyuan said "to harm the Liver, soothe its center"; soothing the center means regulating Blood. Why is Shaoyao said to regulate Blood? When Liver Fire and Yin pathogens invade the Spleen, sourness collects and drains Yin Qi to stop pain and tonify the Spleen; it does not purge the Liver's Righteous Qi. If the Liver is damaged and Blood is deficient, it can regulate Ying and Wei and generate new Blood. Only in postpartum Great Qi and Blood deficiency, where the East's generating True Qi is slight, and there is no evil fire initially, mistaken use harms the generating Qi and causes other symptoms. Generally, its cold or warm nature depends on accompanying herbs. Assisted by Chaihu (Radix Bupleuri), Mudanpi (Cortex Moutan), and Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae), it purges Fire and eliminates heat-dryness; assisted by Shengjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), Rougui (Cortex Cinnamomi), and Ganjiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis), it warms meridians and disperses cold-damp. Add Guizhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) for cold abdominal pain; add Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae) for heat abdominal pain. Combined with Renshen (Radix Ginseng) and Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), it tonifies Middle Qi; combined with Danggui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis) and Dihuang (Radix Rehmanniae), it tonifies Yin Blood. It is contraindicated for Blood deficiency-cold and Middle deficiency-cold. Even in winter, dosage should be halved. Hangzhou, Yue, and Maoshan origins are best. Soak in wine, stir-fry or bake. Lei Wan serves as an assistant. It opposes Shihu (Caulis Dendrobii), fears Xiaoshi (Natrii Sulfas), Biejia (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis), and Xiaoji (Herba Leonuri), and is contrary to Lilu (Veratrum Nigrum).
Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra)
Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra) specializes in eliminating Blood stasis, promoting water flow, directing Qi downward, dispelling vexation and heat, greatly relieving abdominal pain, regulating menstruation, treating eye disorders, reducing carbuncles, and draining Liver Fire.
The properties of the two Shaos are largely similar, but White belongs to the West, so it tonifies and astringes; Red belongs to the South, so it purges and slightly disperses. Li Dongyuan said: "Chishaoyao breaks Blood stasis and treats abdominal pain, resolving vexation and heat." Zhang Zhongjing used it frequently because it stabilizes cold-heat and benefits urination. It unblocks Zang-Fu, benefits the Bladder, Large and Small Intestines, thus used for amenorrhea. It drains Liver Fire, treats acute red eye swelling, pterygium, various sores, intestinal wind, and hemorrhoids. Raw use tends to descend; wine-soaked tips can ascend.
Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii)
Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii) is cold, nourishing Kidney Essence, tonifying Qi and Blood, clarifying the eyes, reducing heat, widening the chest, moistening the intestines and stomach, treating toxin sores, wind-bi, and leg/waist pain.
"Gou" means dog. *Erya* says: "Its old root resembles a dog; taking it has great spiritual effects." "Qi" refers to the Qi willow. It is thorny, also called Gou Ji. It is bitter, sweet, and slightly cold. Non-toxic. Ancient proverb: "Travel a thousand miles from home, do not eat Gouqi." Meaning it nourishes Clear Qi and strengthens the Yin pathway. It treats internal injury from great fatigue, shortness of breath, Liver Wind and Blood deficiency, red/painful/itchy/blurred eyes. It eliminates vexation, stops deficiency-consumptive cold-heat, directs down Chest/Hypochondriac Qi, treats internal pathogens, heat-center wasting-thirst, benefits intestines, disperses sores toxins, removes wind from skin/joints, general bi, wind-damp waist/leg pain. Also treats guest-heat headache, toothache, full-mouth bleeding. Decocted into paste and taken long-term, it lightens the body, prevents aging, strengthens sinews/bones, resists cold/heat. Its leaves are sweet and can be eaten as vegetables in early spring. Ganzhou origin is best; remove stems and sun-dry.
Roucongrou (Cistanche Deserticola)
Roucongrou tonifies Right Kidney Essence; impotence cannot rise without it. It stops pain in the urethra, strengthens sinews/marrow, and treats uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, and masses.
Born from horse essence falling to the ground, initially resembling meat. Sweet, sour, salty, slightly warm. Its nature is leisurely and gentle. Non-toxic. Tonifies insufficiency of Minister Fire in the Right Mingmen. Treats male absolute yang impotence, seminal emission, hematuria, enuresis, dysentery, stops cold-heat pain in the urethra, Bladder pathogens, strengthens sinews/marrow, warms waist/knees, stops lower back pain. Also treats female uterine bleeding, leukorrhea, masses, genital pain, absolute yin infertility. Zhu Danxi said: "It severely tonifies Essence and Blood; sudden use may trigger Fire and cause loose stools." Soak in wine overnight, brush off floating shell and white membrane inside like bamboo fibers; otherwise, it causes upward Qi stagnation. Steam in wine or roast with butter. The root is named Suoyang, sweet/salty, warm, non-toxic. Closes Essence, tonifies Yin Qi. For deficiency with dry stool constipation, cook in porridge; do not use if not dry. Roast before use.
Niuxi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae)
Niuxi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae) originally nourishes Essence and Blood, a moistening and drying-resolving herb. Included here due to connection with He Shou Wu in wind categories.
Lurong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum)
Lurong (Cornu Cervi Pantotrichum) is sweet and warm, generating Essence and Blood, specifically treating metrorrhagia and emission, consumptive disease like malaria, leg/waist pain, stone strangury, carbuncles, and bone heat.
"Lu" relates to six; law governs deer. In early June, fleshy horns grow, covered in fuzz. Sweet, salty, non-toxic. Tonifies emaciation, generates Essence and Blood, benefits Qi, strengthens will. Treats female metrorrhagia, leukorrhea. Male seminal emission, hematuria, frequent urination, consumptive chills like malaria, emaciation, limb soreness, cold lower back pain, weak knees, disperses stone strangury, carbuncles, bone heat, ulcer itching. It also breaks retained Blood in the abdomen, strengthens sinews/bones, calms fetus, directs Qi downward, treats cold-heat epilepsy, kills ghost essence. Promotes tooth regeneration, is a Blood specialist's formula to remove old and generate new. Choose small, purple-eggplant-shaped pieces without bleeding; or 4-5 inches long, saddle-shaped branches, agate-like tips. Coat with butter, quickly burn off hairs in flame, lightly roast. Contains small insects; do not sniff. Ma Bo serves as an assistant. According to monthly ordinances: Winter Solstice, one Yang arises, elk sheds horns; Summer Solstice, one Yin arises, deer sheds horns. Thus, Elk Antler tonifies Yang, Deer Antler tonifies Yin. Deer [Glue] is potent, being the essence of male-female interaction. Method: Take 3-5 young male deer, tame in enclosure, feed daily with Ginseng decoction and fodder. Gradually add sulfur powder, increasing amount, reducing when dry, repeating cycle. Within three years, fur falls, sinews expose, Qi reaches extreme Yang. Lure female deer across enclosure; if mating prevented or ejaculation occurs externally, collect semen in porcelain, sticky like syrup. Mix with suitable tonics like Buyin Wan or Guben Wan, adding one-third refined honey, form pills, or mix with Lu Jiao Shuang. Take on empty stomach with salt wine; very effective for critical deficiency-consumptive diseases.
Lu Jiao (Cornu Cervi)
Lu Jiao (Cornu Cervi) is salty and warm, still securing Essence, stopping hematuria and lower abdominal pain, driving out stasis, strengthening sinews, dispelling evil, and grinding for application can flatten sores/swelling.
Deer are immortal beasts, enjoying clouds and springs. At sixty years, they carry jade under horns; horns have purple spots, as deer carry jade and horns are spotted. Non-toxic. Li Dongyuan said: "Lu Jiao secures Essence/Marrow, eliminating lower back pain; stops hematuria, retained Blood in Yin, eliminates urgent lower abdominal Blood pain, treats traumatic bad Blood, strengthens sinews/bones, repairs severe injuries, dispels evil Qi, treats women dreaming of intercourse with ghosts, and dying from residual Blood in uterus." For malignant sores, carbuncles, heat toxins, grind with vinegar for application. Or boil in vinegar, grind to powder, grind with water, burn to ash, or roast yellow. Du Zhong (Cortex Eucommiae) serves as an assistant.
Lu Jiao Jiao (Colla Cornus Cervi)
Lu Jiao Jiao (Colla Cornus Cervi) is sweet, warm, and neutral. For emaciation, blood loss, limb pain, female metrorrhagia, infertility, calming fetus, strangury, and trauma, it is most effective. Lu Jiao Shuang is salty, tonifying Kidney Qi, strengthening Yang, specifically stopping dream emission.
Also known as Bai Jiao. Non-toxic. Treats middle injury, emaciation, exhaustion, Qi decline, sweating, cough, hematemesis, hemoptysis, hematuria, lower bleeding, limb soreness, lower back pain, female metrorrhagia, blood closure, infertility (taking it enables conception), calms fetus, stops pain, strangury, fractures. Long-term use benefits Marrow, grows muscle, beautifies complexion, makes one robust and light, extending life. For abscesses, whether ulcerated or not, soak one piece of Bai Jiao until soft, apply, open hole on top; pus drains if present, otherwise resolves spontaneously. Lu Jiao Shuang is salty, warm, non-toxic. Treats five labors and seven injuries, emaciation, tonifies Kidney, benefits Qi, secures Essence, strengthens Yang, strengthens Marrow, stops dream emission. Method for making glue/shuang: Saw fresh horn into half-inch lengths, soak in running water for three days, scrape black skin, place in clay pot, cover with clear water without exposing horn, boil with mulberry wood fire. From Zi hour to Xu hour, continuously add water, do not let fire rest. After three days, horn becomes soft, take out and sun-dry to complete.