〔破故纸〕（即补骨脂）辛温，入心包命门。暖丹田，缩小便，治虚寒喘嗽，腰膝酸痛
。若阴虚有热，大便结实戒用。得胡桃肉良。
〔益智仁〕辛温，治脾阳郁滞，冷气腹痛，又能使气宣通，温中进食，摄涎缩小便。
血燥有热不宜用。出岭南，取仁炒。
〔蛇床子〕辛苦温，强阳补肾，散风寒，燥湿杀虫，治女子阴痛阴痒。（同矾煎汤洗。
）时珍曰∶不独补助男子，而且有益妇人。世人舍贱求贵，岂有不负斯味乎？
〔良姜〕辛热，治胃脘冷痛，虚者可与参、术同行。出岭南高州，土拌炒。
〔藿香〕出交广，辛微温，入肺脾。快气和中，开胃止呕，去恶气，治霍乱吐泻，心
腹绞痛，上中二焦邪滞。若胃家有热戒用。梗胜于叶。
〔白芷〕色白味辛，入肺胃大肠三经。发汗除风湿，治头目昏痛，目痒泪出，活血排
脓，生肌止痛，又为疮家圣药，（同大黄煎服治痈疽发背。）外用为末敷涂。虚而有火忌。不
香者不入药。
〔 本〕辛温，为太阳膀胱经风药，本经寒郁头痛连脑者，必用之。又去风湿，疗胃
风泄泻头痛，不因寒伤太阳不可用。
〔香薷〕辛，散皮肤之蒸热，温解心腹之凝结，治呕逆水肿，霍乱转筋。香薷为夏月
解表之品，其性温热，感寒宜之。若阳暑宜清凉，误服之反成大害。香薷饮宜冷服。
〔荆芥〕辛苦温，散皮里膜外之风，发汗胜湿，利咽喉，清头目，为风病血病疮家要
药。治血炒黑用。
〔紫苏〕性温，发汗解肌，散风寒，利肺下气，定喘安胎。若旦暮恣食，亦能耗损真
气，古称芳草致豪贵之疾，此类是也。苏子驱寒降气，消痰利膈，润心肺，止咳嗽。炒研。
老苏梗顺气安胎，挟虚宜之。
〔薄荷〕辛凉清散，疗风热而发汗，清头目，利咽喉，起皮肤隐疹，治伤风失音。表
虚勿服。
〔地黄〕向年人从怀庆归，馈地黄一囊，钉头鼠尾，细纹坚实，所谓原枝是也。铺中
所售，皆细长，缩而为肥短之状，其力远不及原枝，滋补肝肾之要药。生用凉补，熟用温补
。同当归能纳气，同桂、附能暖命门，为补阴益血之元戎。惟大便溏泄，大伤湿热，胃欠运
行者忌之。与莱菔同食，须发易白，蔻莱公所从事焉。鲜生地另是一种，出杭州桥水，（地
名）惟能清热润燥，配入玉女煎，最为相称。
〔旱莲草〕（即醴肠。）止牙宣出血，捣汁收入食盐，擦牙能固齿，微有益肾之功。
〔麦冬〕清肺中伏火。若燥金用之，能滋能清最宜，兼能宁心。若肺有外邪，则不可
用。复脉汤、生脉散用之，皆取其润养肺金也。
〔甘菊〕息肝风，解疔毒，凡因肝风上冒头目，必需之品。炒黑用，疮家勿炒。
〔谷精草〕功善明目退翳，稻根得余气而生。
〔草决明〕（即青葙子。）除风热，治一切目疾。惟瞳子散大者忌。
〔木贼草〕治目疾，见风流泪，翳膜遮睛。
〔麻黄〕辛苦温，（中牟产麻黄，地冬不积雪，性热可知）入心膀胱大肠，而为肺之主
药。能发汗，去营中寒邪，利九窍，开毛孔，伤寒头痛，恶寒无汗，脉紧者宜之。治咳逆上
气，痰哮气喘，皮肉不仁，水肿风肿。惟冬月表有寒邪用之，误投祸不旋踵。按∶麻黄用蒸
发汗，驶不能御；根节止汗，又效如影响，物理难测如是也。
〔刺蒺藜〕苦温，平肝风，胜湿破血，古方用以补肾何也？
〔沙苑蒺藜〕产潼关者，入药，补肾纳气，须从熟地、枸杞相辅为功，独力无成也。
盐水炒。
〔益母草〕（即茺蔚）微苦微寒，入心包肝。行血去瘀生新，调经消疔肿乳痈，辛散滑
利，益母之名，勿为误之。茺蔚子功用相同，行中略补。
〔夏枯草〕苦寒，散肝经郁火，故治瘰 鼠 瘿瘤，症坚乳痈，目珠夜痛，此皆肝
火为患也。久服亦伤胃。
〔青蒿〕二月生苗，得春气最早，故入肝胆血分，治骨蒸虚热，久疟盗汗，清暑辟秽
。青蒿性虽苦寒，然芬香醒脾，血虚有热者最宜。
〔连翘〕清六经之火，只治上中，力不到下焦，凉药之轻清者也。
〔地丁草〕辛苦寒，治痈疽发背，疔肿疮毒，为外科要药。水洗。
〔牛蒡子〕（即鼠粘子。）辛苦寒，泻热散结，宣达肺气，清咽喉，消斑疹，行十二经
，散诸疮肿毒。
〔大小蓟〕甘苦凉，皆能破血退热，治吐血衄血肠痈。小蓟只能破瘀生新，不如大蓟
之消痈毒。
〔红花〕入肝经，破瘀活血，润燥消肿止痛，治经闭难产，痘疮血滞。过用能使血妄
行。酒润焙。
〔瞿麦〕苦寒，降心火，利小肠，治热淋要药，更通经堕胎。
〔 蓄〕苦平，能去湿热，故利小便，治黄胆热淋。
〔车前子〕清肺肝风热，渗膀胱湿热，开水窍，固精窍。阳虚下陷勿服。入利水剂中
炒研，入补药酒蒸捣饼。
〔灯芯〕淡渗，祛心火，清肺热，利小肠，同竹卷心。稍加甘草，治心火咽痛如神。
〔地肤子〕微寒，入膀胱，利小便，通热淋。
〔海金沙〕除手足太阳小肠膀胱血热之要药。
〔茵陈〕入膀胱，发汗利水，泄脾胃湿热，为治阳黄之主药。若阴黄宜温补，用茵陈
大谬。
〔葶苈子〕辛苦大寒，能泻肺中水气，从膀胱出，止嗽除痰定喘。十剂曰∶泄可去闭
。大黄泄阴分血闭，葶苈泄阳分气闭，猛峻之药，得大枣为辅，稍缓其性。有甜苦二种，甜
者力稍缓，同糯米微炒，去米用。稍挟虚者切勿轻试。
〔大青〕苦咸而寒，解心胃热毒，治伤寒狂热，阳毒发斑。非心胃实邪勿用。
〔青黛〕从波斯来者最佳，然难得；今所用者，干靛花，每斤漂取一两亦妙。泻肝散
五脏郁火，治伤寒发斑血痢，同天花粉作散服，治火嗽无痰，面浮眼肿者如神。
〔芦根〕清肺胃热，痘疹痧斑，可以煎汤代茶，取其甘寒退热，不犯胃气之良药也；
茅根清养肺气，燥金咳呛宜之。
〔 草〕苦辛，生寒熟温，治缠绵风气，四肢麻痹。长于理风湿，未免燥血，亦可
捣汁熬膏。
〔旋复花〕苦辛，能下气行水，咸能软坚，入肺大肠，通血脉，消痰结，同代赭石治
噫气频频。然走散之药，虚人禁之。入煎剂须绢包，或沥清。（有细毛着肺令人嗽。）
〔紫菀〕辛苦温，治痰逆上气，能开喉痹，取恶涎。阴虚肺热者不宜专用，须地黄、
麦冬共之。
〔款冬花〕辛温润肺，治咳逆上气，喘渴喉痹，肺痿咳吐脓血，为治嗽要药。十二月
开花，当积雪坚冰，此花独秀，禀纯阳之性，故主辛温开豁，却不助火，可以久任。
〔牛膝〕味酸，入肝肾并膝足，炒黑治虚火吐血，下降之药。凡小便多与胎气不固者
忌用。
〔续断〕川产者佳。苦辛微温，补肝肾，通血脉，理筋骨。主劳伤，止痛生肌，补而
不滞，行而不泄，取用宏多。女科外科，需为上剂。
〔葫芦巴〕出岭南者佳。苦温纯阳，入右肾命门，同茴香、巴戟、川乌、川楝子、吴
茱萸，治疝瘕冷气，寒湿香港脚。酒炒。
〔艾叶〕苦辛，生温熟热，纯阳之性，能回垂绝之元阳，通十二经，理气血，逐寒湿
，温中开郁，调经安胎，陈久者良。揉捣如绵，谓之熟艾，灸火用。凡血燥有火禁。
〔附子〕辛甘大热，其性纯阳多浮，其用走而不守，通行经络，无所不至。能引补气
药，以复失散之元阳；引补血药，以滋不足之真阴；引发散药，逐在表之风寒；引温暖药，
祛下焦之寒湿。治中寒中风，心腹冷痛，暴泻脱阳，脾虚久泄，拘挛风痹，小儿慢惊，痘疮
灰白，一切沉寒痼冷之症，开关门，消水肿。通宜冷服，（热因寒用。）发散生用，峻补熟用
。若内有真热，外见假寒，服之祸不旋踵。从前附子野生产罕，价贵功力亦大；近今多是种
者，土人以盐腌之，其性愈减。乌头天雄，名异用同。
〔白附子〕辛甘大热，入阳明经，能行诸药上行头面，祛风痰，治心气冷痛，中风失
音。燥毒之品，勿可轻用。
〔天南星〕苦辛，入肺脾肝三经，性燥，除湿痰，治风散血，攻积拔肿。按∶南星治
风痰，半夏治湿痰。故阴虚燥痰大忌。
〔半夏〕辛温性燥，能走能散，和胃健脾，除湿化痰，发表开郁止呕；又能行水利二
便，为治湿痰之主药。苟无湿者禁。古有三禁，谓失血、口渴、多汗也。造曲，燥性减，调
理剂中宜之。
〔常山〕辛苦寒，能引吐行水，祛老痰积饮，截诸疟必效。性猛，挟虚不可用。
〔藜芦〕至苦辛，入口即令人吐，善通顶使嚏，风痫宜用之，因其善吐痰涎也。取根
用。
〔大戟〕辛苦寒，专能泻脏腑水湿，治十二种水肿，发汗通经，消痈逐血，除寒善
泄。大损真气，元虚无湿勿用。杭产色紫者入药。
〔甘遂〕苦寒，直达水气所结之处，以攻决为用，下水之圣药。主十二种水，大腹肿
满，去水极神。损真极速，大实大水，可以暂用。面裹煨。
〔商陆〕苦寒，沉阴下行，逐水退肿胀，（肿属脾，胀属肝）肿胀因脾虚者多，若误用
甘遂、大戟、商陆等药，虽取快一时，未几再作，决不能救。
〔芫花〕苦温，去水饮痰癖，疗五水在五脏，皮肤胀满，（五水者∶风水、皮水、正水
、石水、黄汗也。仲景治伤寒心下有水而咳，干呕，痛引两胁，十枣汤。）毒性至紧，取效
最捷。稍虚服之，多致夭折。
〔千金子〕辛温，行水破血，治冷气胀，下恶滞物，攻击猛挚。肿胀不因体实水积而
用之必死。去壳研，压净油。
〔牵牛〕辛热，惟善走泻气，宜下焦郁遏，治大小便气闭不通，逐水消痰，杀虫堕胎
。凡气虚病在血分者大忌。
有黑白二种，黑者力速。（亦名黑丑。）
〔蓖麻子〕辛甘热，性善收，又善走，能开通诸窍经络，治水症浮肿，针刺入肉，（捣
敷伤处，刺出即去药。）追脓拔毒，敷瘰 恶疮，屡奏奇功。外科煎膏多用之，内服不可轻
率。
〔贯众〕有毒。而能解毒，故解邪热之毒，发斑痘，杀诸虫。浸水缸中，日饮其水，
能辟时疫。
〔射干〕苦寒，泻肺脾实火，消结痰老血，治喉痹咽痛为要药，消结核，化疟母，惟
实火宜之。扁竹花根也。
〔大黄〕大苦大寒，气味俱浓，除肠胃中有形之邪，治伤寒邪结于胃，与少阳胆少阴
肾诸经者，皆可下之。温疫邪伏膜原，积滞于肠胃，非此不能疗。血痢初起，体实者亦可用
。一切上病治下，釜底抽薪，法用之得当，亦其效如神。辨证不真而误用之，贻害非细。酒
制力缓，煎剂生用，迟入有力。
〔天名精〕（一名地松）辛甘寒，能破血，吐痰涎，解毒杀虫，治乳蛾喉痹，小儿急惊
，（不省人事，绞汁入好酒灌之即醒。）服汁能吐疟痰。根名杜牛膝，功用相同。子名鹤虱，
杀虫治蛔咬腹痛。
〔山慈菇〕甘辛微寒，功专清热散结，痈疮疔肿解毒，去毛切。仙茅产浙东仙居县，
性温补肾，不入丸料，只可浸酒服。
〔苍耳子〕（即诗卷耳）甘苦温，善发汗，散风湿，上通脑顶，下行足膝，外达皮肤，
治头痛肢挛痹痛，遍身瘙痒。散气耗血，虚人勿服。
〔何首乌〕益肝补肾，敛阴气，乌发须，于冬季得大重斤者，竹刀刮去皮，切开煨，
料豆汁拌蒸曝干，再蒸黑色为度。七宝美髯丹，前明嘉靖初，方士邵应节进上，世宗服饵，
连生皇嗣，于是何首乌方，天下大行矣。
〔菟丝子〕补肾强腰膝，和平中正之品，《千金》大菟丝子丸，首用此味，凡脾疾久
而不愈，必责诸肾，此丸是也。淘净杂子，煮透吐丝，捣饼酒炒。
〔覆盆子〕甘酸温，益肾补肝，固精缩小便，女子服之多孕。小便不利忌。淘净酒拌
蒸。此味贱药之金玉品也。
〔五味子〕收肺家耗散之金，一分肺邪未尽，用之即受其害，虽名五味，酸居其八，
辛居其二，余味非我所知。其酸不亚于梅，即欲用之，只可十粒，或一分，不宜多用。
〔天冬〕苦寒，补水，与地黄皆为补北济南之品，但脾胃虚寒者大忌。糖制者虽易其
性，然亦能滑肠，大便不实者不宜食。
〔百部〕甘苦温，润肺经，治寒嗽久嗽，杀蛔除虱，烧烟熏拊虫，伤胃滑肠，虚人须
与补药并行。酒浸焙。
〔马兜铃〕轻清肺热，苦辛降气，治痰嗽喘促。若肺虚挟寒大忌。根名青木香，涂诸
毒热肿。
〔栝蒌皮〕能和肝阳，开胸涤痰。栝蒌仁润肺疗干咳；便滑者忌。
〔天花粉〕（即栝蒌根。）生津止渴，清肺胃烦热，和平之品，同地骨皮、桑叶治客热
，久而不愈；同漂青黛，治火呛如神。
〔山豆根〕苦寒，泻心火，保肺金，去大肠风热，治喉痈喉风。能损脾胃。
〔金银花〕甘平，除热解毒，养血除痢宽膨，治一切疮疽。禀春和之气以生，故无禁
忌。其藤名忍冬，（凌冬不凋。）治筋骨痹痛。按∶银花无论外科与痢症，俱宜重用。
〔土茯苓〕甘淡，祛湿热，利小便，止泄泻。治筋骨拘挛，杨梅疮毒，瘰 疮肿，淡
渗伤阴。肝肾阴亏勿服。有赤白二种，白者良。
〔萆 〕甘苦，入胃肝，祛风湿，治风寒湿痹，茎痛遗浊。肾虚无湿者禁。有黄白二
种，白者良。
【破故纸】（即补骨脂）味辛性温，入心包经和命门。能温暖丹田，缩小便，治疗虚寒引起的喘咳、腰膝酸痛。如果是阴虚有热、大便干结者，应忌用。与胡桃肉同用效果良好。
【益智仁】味辛性温，治疗脾阳郁滞导致的冷气腹痛，又能使气机宣通，温中开胃进食，收敛唾液、缩小便。血燥有热者不宜使用。产于岭南，取仁炒制后入药。
【蛇床子】味辛苦性温，能壮阳补肾，散风寒，燥湿杀虫，治疗女子阴部疼痛、瘙痒。（可与明矾一起煎汤清洗。）李时珍说：不仅对男子有益，对妇人也有好处。世人舍弃便宜的而追求昂贵的，难道不是辜负了这味良药吗？
【良姜】味辛性热，治疗胃脘冷痛，体虚者可与人参、白术同用。产于岭南高州，用土拌炒。
【藿香】产于交广地区，味辛微温，入肺、脾经。能理气和中，开胃止呕，去除恶气，治疗霍乱吐泻、心腹绞痛、上中二焦邪气阻滞。如果胃中有热，应忌用。藿香梗优于叶。
【白芷】色白味辛，入肺、胃、大肠三经。能发汗祛除风湿，治疗头目昏痛、眼睛痒流泪，活血排脓，生肌止痛，又是疮疡家的圣药，（与大黄一起煎服可治疗痈疽发背。）外用研末敷涂。虚而有火者忌用。不香的不能入药。
【本】味辛性温，是太阳膀胱经的风药，本经寒邪郁滞导致的头痛连及脑部者，必须使用它。又能祛除风湿，治疗胃风泄泻、头痛，如果不是寒邪损伤太阳经，不可使用。
【香薷】味辛，能散发皮肤上的蒸热，温散解除心腹的凝结，治疗呕吐逆乱、水肿、霍乱转筋。香薷是夏季解表的药物，其性温热，感受寒邪者适宜。如果是阳暑则宜清凉，误服反而造成大害。香薷饮宜冷服。
【荆芥】味辛苦性温，能散发皮里膜外的风邪，发汗胜湿，利咽喉，清头目，是风病、血病、疮疡家的重要药物。治疗血证时炒黑使用。
【紫苏】性温，能发汗解肌，散风寒，利肺气降气，定喘安胎。如果早晚恣意食用，也会耗损真气，古人称芳草会导致豪贵之疾，这类药物就是如此。苏子能驱寒降气，消痰利膈，润心肺，止咳嗽。炒研使用。老苏梗能顺气安胎，体虚者适宜。
【薄荷】味辛凉，具有清散作用，治疗风热并出汗，清头目，利咽喉，消除皮肤隐疹，治疗伤风失音。表虚者勿服。
【地黄】往年有人从怀庆回来，赠送我一袋地黄，呈钉头鼠尾状，细纹坚实，这就是所谓的原枝。药店出售的都是细长、缩成肥短形状的，药效远不及原枝，是滋补肝肾的要药。生用凉补，熟用温补。与当归同用能纳气，与桂枝、附子同用能暖命门，是补阴益血的根本药物。只有大便溏泄、湿热严重、胃运化功能差的人忌用。与莱菔同食，须发容易变白，这是蔻莱公所从事的事情。鲜生地是另一种，产于杭州桥水（地名），只能清热润燥，配入玉女煎中最为合适。
【旱莲草】（即鳢肠。）能止牙龈出血，捣汁加入食盐，擦牙能固齿，有轻微的益肾功效。
【麦冬】清肺中的伏火。如果是燥金体质用它，既能滋润又能清热，最为适宜，兼能宁心。如果肺有外邪，则不可用。复脉汤、生脉散中使用它，都是取其润养肺金的作用。
【甘菊】平息肝风，解疔毒，凡是因肝风上扰头目的，都是必需的药物。炒黑使用，疮疡家不要炒。
【草决明】（即青葙子。）祛除风热，治疗各种眼疾。只有瞳孔散大者忌用。
【麻黄】味辛苦性温，（中牟产的麻黄，冬天地面积雪不存，可知其性热）入心、膀胱、大肠经，作为肺的主药。能发汗，去除营分中的寒邪，利九窍，开毛孔，伤寒头痛、恶寒无汗、脉紧者适宜。治疗咳逆上气、痰哮气喘、皮肉麻木不仁、水肿风肿。只有在冬季表有寒邪时才使用，误投祸患立至。按：麻黄用于蒸发汗，猛烈无法控制；根节止汗，又效如响应，物理道理难以预测到这种程度。
【刺蒺藜】味苦性温，平肝风，胜湿破血，古方用来补肾为什么呢？
【沙苑蒺藜】产于潼关的，入药，补肾纳气，必须从熟地、枸杞相辅相成才能起作用，单独使用没有成效。盐水炒。
【益母草】（即茺蔚）味微苦微寒，入心包、肝经。行血去瘀生新，调经消除疔肿乳痈，辛散滑利，“益母”这个名字，不要被误导。茺蔚子功效相同，行血中略带补益。
【夏枯草】味苦寒，散肝经郁火，所以治疗瘰疬、鼠瘿、瘤症坚硬、乳痈、眼球夜间疼痛，这都是肝火为患。久服也伤胃。
【青蒿】二月生苗，最早得到春气，所以入肝胆血分，治疗骨蒸虚热、久疟盗汗，清暑辟秽。青蒿性虽苦寒，但芬香醒脾，血虚有热者最适宜。
【连翘】清六经之火，只治上中焦，力量不到下焦，是凉药中轻清的一类。
【地丁草】味辛苦寒，治疗痈疽发背、疔肿疮毒，是外科要药。水洗。
【牛蒡子】（即鼠粘子。）味辛苦寒，泻热散结，宣达肺气，清咽喉，消斑疹，通行十二经，散诸疮肿毒。
【大小蓟】味甘苦凉，都能破血退热，治疗吐血、衄血、肠痈。小蓟只能破瘀生新，不如大蓟消除痈毒。
【红花】入肝经，破瘀活血，润燥消肿止痛，治疗经闭难产、痘疮血滞。过量使用能使血妄行。酒润焙。
【瞿麦】味苦寒，降心火，利小肠，是治疗热淋的要药，更能通经堕胎。
【车前子】清肺肝风热，渗膀胱湿热，开水窍，固精窍。阳虚下陷者勿服。入利水剂中炒研，入补药酒蒸捣饼。
【灯芯】淡渗，祛心火，清肺热，利小肠，同竹卷心。稍加甘草，治疗心火咽痛如神。
【茵陈】入膀胱，发汗利水，泄脾胃湿热，是治疗阳黄的主药。如果是阴黄宜温补，用茵陈是大错特错。
【葶苈子】味辛苦大寒，能泻肺中水气，从膀胱排出，止嗽除痰定喘。十剂说：泄可去闭。大黄泄阴分血闭，葶苈泄阳分气闭，是猛峻的药物，得大枣为辅，稍微缓和其性质。有甜苦两种，甜的力稍缓，同糯米微炒，去米使用。稍微体虚者切勿轻易尝试。
【大青】味苦咸而寒，解心胃热毒，治疗伤寒狂热、阳毒发斑。不是心胃实邪勿用。
【青黛】从波斯来的最佳，然而难得；现在所用的，是干靛花，每斤漂取一两也很好。泻肝散五脏郁火，治疗伤寒发斑血痢，同天花粉作散服用，治疗火嗽无痰、面浮眼肿者如神。
【芦根】清肺胃热，痘疹痧斑，可以煎汤代茶，取其甘寒退热，不犯胃气的良药；茅根清养肺气，燥金咳呛适宜。
【草】味苦辛，生寒熟温，治疗缠绵风气，四肢麻痹。长于理风湿，未免燥血，也可以捣汁熬膏。
【旋复花】味苦辛，能下气行水，咸能软坚，入肺大肠，通血脉，消痰结，同代赭石治疗频频打嗝。但是走散的药物，虚人禁用。入煎剂需用绢包，或沥清。（有细毛着肺令人咳嗽。）
【紫菀】味辛苦温，治疗痰逆上气，能开喉痹，取出恶涎。阴虚肺热者不宜专用，须与地黄、麦冬共用。
【款冬花】辛温润肺，治疗咳逆上气、喘渴喉痹、肺痿咳吐脓血，是治疗咳嗽的要药。十二月开花，正当积雪坚冰之时，此花独秀，禀纯阳之性，所以主辛温开豁，却不助火，可以久任。
【牛膝】味酸，入肝肾并膝足，炒黑治疗虚火吐血，是下降的药物。凡小便多与胎气不固者忌用。
【续断】川产者佳。味苦辛微温，补肝肾，通血脉，理筋骨。主治劳伤，止痛生肌，补而不滞，行而不泄，取用宏多。女科外科，需为上剂。
【葫芦巴】出岭南者佳。味苦温纯阳，入右肾命门，同茴香、巴戟天、川乌、川楝子、吴茱萸，治疗疝瘕冷气、寒湿香港脚。酒炒。
【艾叶】味苦辛，生温熟热，纯阳之性，能回垂绝之元阳，通十二经，理气血，逐寒湿，温中开郁，调经安胎，陈久的良。揉捣如绵，谓之熟艾，灸火用。凡血燥有火禁。
【附子】味辛甘大热，其性纯阳多浮，其用走而不守，通行经络，无所不至。能引补气药，以恢复失散的元阳；引补血药，以滋养不足的真阴；引发散药，驱逐在表的风寒；引温暖药，祛除下焦的寒湿。治疗中寒中风、心腹冷痛、暴泻脱阳、脾虚久泄、拘挛风痹、小儿慢惊、痘疮灰白，一切沉寒痼冷之症，开关门，消水肿。通常宜冷服，（热因寒用。）发散生用，峻补熟用。如果内有真热，外见假寒，服之祸患立至。从前附子野生产量少，价格贵功力也大；近今多是种植的，当地人用盐腌制，其性更减。乌头天雄，名异用同。
【白附子】味辛甘大热，入阳明经，能行诸药上行头面，祛风痰，治疗心气冷痛、中风失音。燥毒之品，不可轻用。
【天南星】味苦辛，入肺脾肝三经，性燥，除湿痰，治风散血，攻积拔肿。按：南星治风痰，半夏治湿痰。所以阴虚燥痰大忌。
【半夏】味辛温性燥，能走能散，和胃健脾，除湿化痰，发表开郁止呕；又能行水利二便，是治疗湿痰的主药。如果没有湿者禁。古有三禁，谓失血、口渴、多汗也。造曲，燥性减，调理剂中宜之。
【常山】味辛苦寒，能引吐行水，祛老痰积饮，截诸疟必效。性猛，挟虚不可用。
【藜芦】至苦辛，入口即令人吐，善通顶使嚏，风痫宜用之，因其善吐痰涎也。取根用。
【大戟】味辛苦寒，专能泻脏腑水湿，治十二种水肿，发汗通经，消痈逐血，除寒善泄。大损真气，元虚无湿勿用。杭产色紫者入药。
【甘遂】味苦寒，直达水气所结之处，以攻决为用，下水之圣药。主十二种水，大腹肿满，去水极神。损真极速，大实大水，可以暂用。面裹煨。
【商陆】味苦寒，沉阴下行，逐水退肿胀，（肿属脾，胀属肝）肿胀因脾虚者多，若误用甘遂、大戟、商陆等药，虽取快一时，未几再作，决不能救。
【芫花】味苦温，去水饮痰癖，疗五水在五脏，皮肤胀满，（五水者∶风水、皮水、正水、石水、黄汗也。仲景治伤寒心下有水而咳，干呕，痛引两胁，十枣汤。）毒性至紧，取效最捷。稍虚服之，多致夭折。
【千金子】味辛温，行水破血，治冷气胀，下恶滞物，攻击猛挚。肿胀不因体实水积而用之必死。去壳研，压净油。
【牵牛】味辛热，惟善走泻气，宜下焦郁遏，治大小便气闭不通，逐水消痰，杀虫堕胎。凡气虚病在血分者大忌。
有黑白二种，黑者力速。（亦名黑丑。）
【蓖麻子】味辛甘热，性善收，又善走，能开通诸窍经络，治水症浮肿，针刺入肉，（捣敷伤处，刺出即去药。）追脓拔毒，敷瘰疬恶疮，屡奏奇功。外科煎膏多用之，内服不可轻率。
【贯众】有毒。而能解毒，故解邪热之毒，发斑痘，杀诸虫。浸水缸中，日饮其水，能辟时疫。
【射干】味苦寒，泻肺脾实火，消结痰老血，治喉痹咽痛为要药，消结核，化疟母，惟实火宜之。扁竹花根也。
【大黄】味大苦大寒，气味俱浓，除肠胃中有形之邪，治伤寒邪结于胃，与少阳胆少阴肾诸经者，皆可下之。温疫邪伏膜原，积滞于肠胃，非此不能疗。血痢初起，体实者亦可用。一切上病治下，釜底抽薪，法用之得当，亦其效如神。辨证不真而误用之，贻害非细。酒制力缓，煎剂生用，迟入有力。
【天名精】（一名地松）味辛甘寒，能破血，吐痰涎，解毒杀虫，治乳蛾喉痹，小儿急惊，（不省人事，绞汁入好酒灌之即醒。）服汁能吐疟痰。根名杜牛膝，功用相同。子名鹤虱，杀虫治蛔咬腹痛。
【山慈菇】味甘辛微寒，功专清热散结，痈疮疔肿解毒，去毛切。仙茅产浙东仙居县，性温补肾，不入丸料，只可浸酒服。
【苍耳子】（即诗卷耳）味甘苦温，善发汗，散风湿，上通脑顶，下行足膝，外达皮肤，治疗头痛肢挛痹痛，遍身瘙痒。散气耗血，虚人勿服。
【何首乌】益肝补肾，敛阴气，乌发须，于冬季得大重斤者，竹刀刮去皮，切开煨，料豆汁拌蒸曝干，再蒸黑色为度。七宝美髯丹，前明嘉靖初，方士邵应节进上，世宗服饵，连生皇嗣，于是何首乌方，天下大行矣。
【菟丝子】补肾强腰膝，和平中正之品，《千金》大菟丝子丸，首用此味，凡脾疾久而不愈，必责诸肾，此丸是也。淘净杂子，煮透吐丝，捣饼酒炒。
【覆盆子】味甘酸温，益肾补肝，固精缩小便，女子服之多孕。小便不利忌。淘净酒拌蒸。此味贱药之金玉品也。
【五味子】收肺家耗散之金，一分肺邪未尽，用之即受其害，虽名五味，酸居其八，辛居其二，余味非我所知。其酸不亚于梅，即欲用之，只可十粒，或一分，不宜多用。
【天冬】味苦寒，补水，与地黄皆为补北济南之品，但脾胃虚寒者大忌。糖制者虽易其性，然亦能滑肠，大便不实者不宜食。
【百部】味甘苦温，润肺经，治寒嗽久嗽，杀蛔除虱，烧烟熏拊虫，伤胃滑肠，虚人须与补药并行。酒浸焙。
【马兜铃】轻清肺热，苦辛降气，治痰嗽喘促。若肺虚挟寒大忌。根名青木香，涂诸毒热肿。
【天花粉】（即栝蒌根。）生津止渴，清肺胃烦热，和平之品，同地骨皮、桑叶治客热，久而不愈；同漂青黛，治火呛如神。
【山豆根】味苦寒，泻心火，保肺金，去大肠风热，治喉痈喉风。能损脾胃。
【金银花】味甘平，除热解毒，养血除痢宽膨，治一切疮疽。禀春和之气以生，故无禁忌。其藤名忍冬，（凌冬不凋。）治疗筋骨痹痛。按：银花无论外科与痢症，俱宜重用。
【土茯苓】味甘淡，祛湿热，利小便，止泄泻。治疗筋骨拘挛、杨梅疮毒、瘰疬疮肿，淡渗伤阴。肝肾阴亏勿服。有赤白二种，白者良。
[Po Gu Zhi] (i.e., Psoraleae Fructus, 补骨脂) Acrid and warm, enters the Pericardium and Mingmen. It warms the Dantian, reduces urination, treats asthma and cough due to deficiency-cold, and soreness and pain in the waist and knees. If there is yin deficiency with heat and dry stool, it should be avoided. It works well when combined with Walnut Meat.
[Yi Zhi Ren] (Alpiniae Oxyphyllae Fructus, 益智仁) Acrid and warm, treats cold qi abdominal pain caused by stagnation of Spleen Yang, promotes the free flow of Qi, warms the middle Jiao to promote appetite, controls saliva, and reduces urination. It is not suitable for those with blood dryness and heat. It originates from Lingnan; the seed is used after stir-frying.
[She Chuang Zi] (Cnidii Fructus, 蛇床子) Acrid, bitter, and warm, strengthens yang and tonifies the kidneys, disperses wind-cold, dries dampness, and kills parasites. It treats female genital itching and pain. (It can be washed with a decoction prepared with Alum.) Li Shizhen said: "It benefits not only men but also women. People discard cheap herbs for expensive ones; is this not betraying this valuable herb?"
[Liang Jiang] (Galangal Rhizome, 良姜) Acrid and hot, treats cold pain in the epigastrium. For deficiency cases, it can be used with Ginseng and Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome. It originates from Gaozhou in Lingnan and is stir-fried with soil.
[Huo Xiang] (Agastaches Herba, 藿香) Originates from Jiaoguang, acrid and slightly warm, enters the Lung and Spleen meridians. It regulates Qi and harmonizes the middle, opens the stomach and stops vomiting, removes foul odors, treats cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, cardiac and abdominal colic, and pathogenic stagnation in the Upper and Middle Jiao. If there is heat in the stomach, it should be avoided. The stem is superior to the leaf.
[Bai Zhi] (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 白芷) White in color and acrid in taste, enters the Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. It induces sweating and dispels wind-dampness, treats dizziness and headache, itchy eyes with tearing, invigorates blood, discharges pus, generates flesh, and relieves pain. It is also a sacred herb for sores and ulcers. (Combined with Rhubarb and taken as a decoction, it treats carbuncles and back infections.) Externally, it is applied as a powder. It is contraindicated for deficiency with fire. Non-aromatic varieties are not used in medicine.
[Ben] (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizome, 本) Acrid and warm, is a wind-dispelling herb for the Taiyang Bladder meridian. It must be used for headaches connected to the brain caused by cold stagnation in this meridian. It also dispels wind-dampness and treats gastric wind diarrhea and headaches. It should not be used if the Taiyang meridian is not injured by cold.
[Xiang Ru] (Moslae Herba, 香薷) Acrid, dissipates steaming heat from the skin, warms and resolves condensation in the heart and abdomen, treats vomiting, edema, cholera with muscle cramps. Xiang Ru is an exterior-releasing herb for summer; its nature is warm and hot, suitable for cold invasion. For summerheat, cooling methods are appropriate; mistaken use causes great harm. Xiang Ru Yin should be taken cold.
[Jing Jie] (Schizonepetae Herba, 荆芥) Acrid, bitter, and warm, disperses wind from inside the skin and membranes, induces sweating and overcomes dampness, benefits the throat, clears the head and eyes, and is a key herb for wind diseases, blood diseases, and sores. For blood disorders, it is used charred black.
[Zi Su] (Perillae Fructus/Herba, 紫苏) Warm in nature, induces sweating and releases the muscle layer, disperses wind-cold, benefits the Lung and directs Qi downward, calms wheezing, and calms the fetus. Indulging in it morning and evening consumes true Qi; ancients called fragrant herbs the cause of diseases among the wealthy, and this is one such example. Zi Su Zi drives out cold, directs Qi downward, resolves phlegm, benefits the diaphragm, moistens the Lung and Heart, and stops cough. It is stir-fried and crushed. Old Su Geng directs Qi and calms the fetus, suitable for deficiency.
[Bo He] (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, 薄荷) Acrid and cool, clears and disperses, treats wind-heat and induces sweating, clears the head and eyes, benefits the throat, resolves hidden rashes on the skin, and treats loss of voice due to wind-cold. Do not take if the exterior is deficient.
[Dihuang] (Rehmanniae Radix, 地黄) In past years, someone returned from Huaqing and gifted me a bag of Dihuang, shaped like a nail head and rat tail, with fine grains and solid texture, known as the original branch. Those sold in shops are long and thin, shrunk into fat and short shapes, with far less efficacy. It is a key herb for tonifying the Liver and Kidney. Raw use cools and tonifies; cooked use warms and tonifies. Combined with Dang Gui, it guides Qi inward; combined with Guizhi and Fuzi, it warms the Mingmen. It is the primary agent for nourishing Yin and benefiting blood. Contraindicated for loose stools, severe damp-heat, and poor stomach transport. Eating it with Radish may cause hair and beard to turn white quickly. Fresh Dihuang is different, originating from Qiaoshui in Hangzhou; it only clears heat and moistens dryness, fitting best in Yv Nu Jian.
[Han Lian Cao] (Ecliptae Herba, 旱莲草) (i.e., Eclipta). Stops gum bleeding; juice mixed with salt rubbed on teeth strengthens them, with slight kidney-tonifying effects.
[Mai Dong] (Ophiopogonis Radix, 麦冬) Clears latent fire in the Lung. Suitable for dry metal constitution as it both moistens and clears, and also calms the Heart. Contraindicated if there are external pathogens in the Lung. Used in Mai Mai Tang and Sheng Mai San for its ability to moisten and nourish Lung Metal.
[Gan Ju] (Chrysanthemi Flos, 甘菊) Calms Liver wind, resolves ding poison. Essential for conditions where Liver wind rises to disturb the head and eyes. Use charred black; avoid charring for sores.
[Gu Jing Cao] (Glossostelidis Herba, 谷精草) Excellent for brightening eyes and removing nebula, grows on rice roots absorbing residual Qi.
[Cao Jue Ming] (Cassiae Semen, 草决明) (i.e., Qing Xiang Zi). Dispels wind-heat, treats all eye diseases. Contraindicated for dilated pupils.
[Mu Zei Cao] (Equiseti Herba, 木贼草) Treats eye diseases, tearing upon exposure to wind, and nebula obscuring vision.
[Mahuang] (Ephedrae Herba, 麻黄) Acrid, bitter, and warm. (Mahuang from Zhongmu does not accumulate snow in winter, indicating its hot nature.) Enters the Heart, Bladder, and Large Intestine meridians, serving as the chief herb for the Lung. It induces sweating, removes cold pathogens from the Ying level, benefits the nine orifices, opens pores, and is suitable for Shanghan headache, aversion to cold, anhidrosis, and tight pulse. Treats cough with upward rushing Qi, phlegmatic wheezing, numbness of skin and flesh, edema, and wind-swelling. Only use in winter when there is cold pathogen on the exterior; mistaken use brings immediate disaster. Note: Mahuang induces sweating through evaporation, which can be uncontrollable; its root nodes stop sweating effectively. The physical principles are hard to fathom.
[Ci Ji Li] (Tribuli Fructus, 刺蒺藜) Bitter and warm, calms Liver wind, overcomes dampness, breaks blood stasis. Why did ancient formulas use it to tonify the Kidney?
[Sha Yuan Ji Li] (Astragali Complanati Semen, 沙苑蒺藜) Those from Tongguan are used in medicine. Tonifies the Kidney and gathers Qi. It must work in conjunction with Shu Di Huang and Gou Qi Zi; alone it is ineffective. Stir-fry with salt water.
[Yi Mu Cao] (Leonuri Herba, 益母草) (i.e., Chong Wei). Slightly bitter and cool, enters the Pericardium and Liver. Moves blood, removes stasis, generates new blood, regulates menstruation, eliminates ding swelling and breast abscess. Its acrid dispersion and slippery lubrication justify the name "Beneficial to Mothers." Do not be misled. Chong Wei Zi has similar functions but is slightly more tonifying.
[Xia Ku Cao] (Prunellae Spica, 夏枯草) Bitter and cold, disperses stagnant fire in the Liver meridian. Thus, it treats scrofula, goiter, hard masses, breast abscess, and night pain in the eyeballs, all caused by Liver fire. Long-term use damages the Stomach.
[Qing Hao] (Artemisiae Annuae Herba, 青蒿) Sprouts in February, receiving Spring Qi earliest, thus entering the Liver and Gallbladder blood levels. Treats bone-steaming deficiency heat, chronic malaria with night sweats, clears summerheat, and expels filth. Although bitter and cold, its fragrance awakens the Spleen, making it ideal for blood deficiency with heat.
[Lian Qiao] (Forsythiae Fructus, 连翘) Clears fire in the six meridians, acting only on the Upper and Middle Jiao, not reaching the Lower Jiao. It is a light and clear cooling herb.
[Di Ding Cao] (Violariae Herba, 地丁草) Acrid, bitter, and cold. Treats carbuncles, back infections, ding swelling, and sores/poisons. It is a key surgical herb. Wash with water.
[Niu Bang Zi] (Arctii Fructus, 牛蒡子) (i.e., Shu Niu Zi). Acrid, bitter, and cold. Purges heat, resolves nodules, diffuses Lung Qi, clears the throat, eliminates macules/rashes, circulates through the twelve meridians, and disperses various sores/swellings/poisons.
[Da Xiao Ji] (Cirsii Japonici Herba/Radix, 大小蓟) Sweet, bitter, and cool. Both break blood and reduce heat, treating hematemesis, epistaxis, and intestinal abscesses. Xiao Ji only breaks stasis and generates new blood, inferior to Da Ji in eliminating toxin-induced sores.
[Hong Hua] (Carthami Flos, 红花) Enters the Liver meridian, breaks stasis, invigorates blood, moistens dryness, reduces swelling, and relieves pain. Treats amenorrhea, difficult labor, and blood stasis in smallpox. Overuse causes reckless blood movement. Moisten with wine and bake.
[Qu Mai] (Dianthi Herba, 瞿麦) Bitter and cold. Descends Heart fire, benefits the Small Intestine. Key herb for heat strangury, also promotes menstruation and induces abortion.
[Ba](Persicariae Herba, 蓄) Bitter and neutral. Removes damp-heat, thus benefiting urination. Treats jaundice and heat strangury.
[Che Qian Zi] (Plantaginis Semen, 车前子) Clears wind-heat of the Lung and Liver, leaches damp-heat from the Bladder, opens water passages, and secures essence passages. Contraindicated for Yang deficiency with sinking. Stir-fry and crush for diuretic formulas; steam in wine and crush into cakes for tonic formulas.
[Deng Xin] (Junci Medulla, 灯芯) Pale and permeating. Removes Heart fire, clears Lung heat, benefits the Small Intestine, often used with Bamboo Heart. Add a little Licorice to treat Heart fire throat pain miraculously.
[Di Fu Zi] (Kochiae Fructus, 地肤子) Slightly cool, enters the Bladder. Benefits urination, treats heat strangury.
[Hai Jin Sha] (Lygodii Spora, 海金沙) Key herb for removing blood heat in the Hand and Foot Taiyang, Small Intestine, and Bladder.
[Yin Chen] (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba, 茵陈) Enters the Bladder, induces sweating and benefits urination, drains damp-heat from the Spleen and Stomach. Chief herb for treating Yang Jaundice. For Yin Jaundice, warming and tonifying is appropriate; using Yin Chen is a major error.
[Ting Li Zi] (Descurainiae/Semen Sinapis, 葶苈子) Acrid, bitter, and very cold. Drains water-Qi from the Lung, excreting via the Bladder. Stops cough, resolves phlegm, calms wheezing. The Ten Formulas states: "Draining can remove closure." Da Huang drains Yin-level blood closure; Ting Li Zi drains Yang-level Qi closure. It is a fierce herb; assisted by Da Zao, its nature is moderated. There are sweet and bitter types; the sweet type is milder. Stir-fry slightly with glutinous rice, then remove the rice. Do not try lightly on those with slight deficiency.
[Da Qing] (Isatidis Folium/Radix, 大青) Bitter, salty, and cold. Resolves Heart and Stomach heat-toxin. Treats Shanghan with high fever, Yang Du with macules. Do not use unless there is excess pathogen in the Heart and Stomach.
[Qing Dai] (Indigo Naturalis, 青黛) Best from Persia, but rare; now used is dried Indigo flower, extracting one tael per jin is excellent. Purges Liver, disperses stagnant fire in the five Zang organs. Treats Shanghan with macules and bloody dysentery. Mixed with Tian Hua Fen as a powder, it treats fire-cough without phlegm and facial/eye swelling miraculously.
[Lu Gen] (Phragmitis Rhizoma, 芦根) Clears Lung and Stomach heat. For measles/rash, decoct as tea. Its sweet and cold nature reduces heat without harming Stomach Qi; a good herb. Mao Gen (Imperatae Rhizoma) clears and nourishes Lung Qi, suitable for dry-metal cough.
[Caobian](Saposhnikoviae Radix, 草) (Note: Text likely refers to Fang Feng or similar, literal translation "Grass" is ambiguous, context suggests wind-damp herb). Bitter and acrid, cold raw/warm cooked. Treats lingering wind pathogens, limb paralysis. Good for wind-damp, but may dry blood. Can also be crushed for juice or boiled for paste.
[Xuan Fu Hua] (Inulae Flos, 旋复花) Bitter and acrid. Directs Qi downward and moves water. Salty nature softens hardness. Enters Lung and Large Intestine, unblocks vessels, resolves phlegm nodules. Combined with Dai Zhe Shi, treats frequent belching. However, it is a dispersing herb, contraindicated for the deficient. Wrap in silk when decocting, or strain clearly. (Fine hairs irritate the Lung causing cough.)
[Zi Wan] (Adenophorae Radix, 紫菀) Acrid, bitter, and warm. Treats rebellious Qi with phlegm, opens throat obstruction, extracts bad saliva. Not suitable for exclusive use in Yin deficiency with Lung heat; must be combined with Shu Di Huang and Mai Dong.
[Kuan Dong Hua] (Farfarae Flos, 款冬花) Acrid, warm, moistens the Lung. Treats cough with upward rushing Qi, wheezing/thirst, throat obstruction, Lung萎 with purulent bloody sputum. Key herb for cough. Blooms in December amidst snow and ice, unique in its purity, inheriting pure Yang nature. Thus, it is acrid-warm and opening, yet does not aid fire, allowing long-term use.
[Niu Xi] (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix, 牛膝) Sour, enters Liver and Kidney, and knees/feet. Charred black to treat deficiency-fire hematemesis. It is a descending herb. Contraindicated for frequent urination and unstable fetal Qi.
[Xu Duan] (Dipsaci Radix, 续断) Sichuan origin is best. Bitter, acrid, slightly warm. Tonifies Liver and Kidney, unblocks vessels, regulates sinews and bones. Treats劳伤 (strain/injury), stops pain, generates flesh. Tonifying without stagnation, moving without leakage. Widely used. Top grade for Gynecology and Surgery.
[Hu Lu Ba] (Trigonellae Semens, 葫芦巴) Best from Lingnan. Bitter, warm, pure Yang. Enters Right Kidney and Mingmen. Combined with Huixiang, Bajitian, Chuanwu, Chuanlianzi, Wuzhuyu, treats hernia, cold masses, cold-damp Hong Kong foot. Stir-fry with wine.
[Ai Ye] (Artemisiae Argyi Folium, 艾叶) Bitter, acrid. Warm raw/hot cooked. Pure Yang nature. Can restore nearly exhausted Yuan Yang. Unblocks twelve meridians, regulates Qi and blood, drives out cold-damp, warms middle, opens depression, regulates menstruation, calms fetus. Aged material is better. Rubbed/crushed into cotton-like substance, called Shu Ai, used for moxibustion. Contraindicated for blood dryness with fire.
[Fuzi] (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata, 附子) Acrid, sweet, very hot. Nature is pure Yang, floating. Action is moving without staying, circulating through collaterals everywhere. Guides Qi-tonics to recover scattered Yuan Yang; guides Blood-tonics to nourish insufficient True Yin; guides dispersing herbs to drive out exterior wind-cold; guides warming herbs to remove Lower Jiao cold-damp. Treats internal cold/stroke, cold pain in heart/abdomen, sudden diarrhea with Yang collapse, Spleen deficiency chronic diarrhea, spasms/wind-bi, pediatric slow convulsion, gray-white chickenpox, all deep-seated cold stubborn diseases. Opens gates, reduces edema. Usually taken cold (Heat treated with Cold method). Dispersing uses raw; fierce tonification uses cooked. If interior has true heat with exterior false cold, consumption brings immediate disaster. Previously, wild Fuzi was rare, expensive, and potent; now mostly cultivated, pickled in salt by locals, reducing potency. Wu Tou and Tian Xiong have different names but same use.
[Bai Fu Zi] (Typhonii Rhizoma, 白附子) Acrid, sweet, very hot. Enters Yangming meridian. Guides other herbs upward to head/face, dispels wind-phlegm, treats cold pain in Heart Qi, stroke with loss of voice. Toxic/drying product, do not use lightly.
[Tian Nan Xing] (Pinelliae Tuber, 天南星) Bitter, acrid. Enters Lung, Spleen, Liver. Dry nature, removes damp-phlegm, treats wind, disperses blood, attacks accumulation, draws out swelling. Note: Nan Xing treats wind-phlegm; Ban Xia treats damp-phlegm. Thus, strictly contraindicated for Yin deficiency with dry-phlegm.
[Ban Xia] (Pinelliae Tuber, 半夏) Acrid, warm, dry nature. Moving and dispersing. Harmonizes Stomach, strengthens Spleen, removes dampness, transforms phlegm, releases exterior, opens depression, stops vomiting. Also moves water, benefits two bowels. Chief herb for damp-phlegm. Contraindicated if no dampness. Ancient three prohibitions: blood loss, thirst, excessive sweating. Made into Qu (yeast), dryness reduced, suitable for regulation formulas.
[Chang Shan] (Dichroae Radix, 常山) Acrid, bitter, cold. Induces vomiting, moves water, removes old phlegm and retained fluid. Effective for cutting malaria. Fierce nature, contraindicated with deficiency.
[Li Lu] (Veratri Rhizoma, 藜芦) Extremely bitter/acrid. Causes vomiting upon contact. Opens the top, induces sneezing. Suitable for wind-epilepsy because it expels phlegm-saliva. Use root.
[Da Ji] (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix, 大戟) Acrid, bitter, cold. Specifically drains water-dampness from Zang-Fu. Treats twelve types of edema, induces sweating, unblocks menstruation, reduces sores, drives blood, removes cold, good at draining. Greatly damages True Qi. Contraindicated for Yuan deficiency without dampness. Purple Hang origin used in medicine.
[GAN SUI] (Kansui Radix, 甘遂) Bitter, cold. Reaches directly to water accumulation sites, acts by attacking and resolving. Holy herb for draining water. Main for twelve types of water, large abdominal distension. Removes water miraculously. Damages True Qi rapidly. Only for temporary use in extreme excess and massive water retention. Bake wrapped in flour.
[Shang Lu] (Phytolaccae Radix, 商陆) Bitter, cold. Heavy, Yin, descends. Drives water, reduces swelling. (Swelling belongs to Spleen, distension to Liver). Most swellings are due to Spleen deficiency. Mistaken use of Gan Sui, Da Ji, Shang Lu etc., may bring temporary relief, but recurrence follows, and rescue becomes impossible.
[Yuan Hua] (Genkwa Flos, 芫花) Bitter, warm. Removes water-fluid and phlegm-partialities. Treats five waters in five Zang organs, skin fullness. (Five waters: Wind water, Skin water, Correct water, Stone water, Yellow sweat. Zhang Zhongjing treats Shanghan with water under heart causing cough, dry retching, pain radiating to hypochondrium with Shi Zao Tang.) Highly toxic, fastest effect. Slight deficiency users often suffer premature death.
[Qian Jin Zi] (Crotonis Fructus, 千金子) Acrid, warm. Moves water, breaks blood. Treats cold qi distension, expels evil stagnant matter. Fierce attack. Using for swelling not due to body-excess water accumulation leads to death. Remove shell, crush, press out oil.
[Qian Niu] (Pharbitidis Semen, 牵牛) Acrid, hot. Good at moving/draining Qi. Suitable for Lower Jiao stagnation. Treats Qi closure in urination/defecation, drives water, resolves phlegm, kills parasites, induces abortion. Strictly contraindicated for Qi deficiency or blood-level disease.
There are black and white types; black is faster. (Also named Hei Chou.)
[Bi Ma Zi] (Ricini Semen, 蓖麻子) Acrid, sweet, hot. Nature good at gathering, also good at moving. Opens orifices and collaterals. Treats water disease edema, needle insertion into flesh (crush apply to wound, remove after needle extraction), pursues pus, draws out toxin, applies to scrofula/evil sores, achieves miraculous results. Often used in surgical plasters; do not use internally lightly.
[Guan Zhong] (Cyrtomii Rhizoma, 贯众) Toxic but resolves toxicity. Resolves pathogenic heat toxin, treats macules/measles, kills parasites. Soak in water vat, drink daily to prevent epidemic diseases.
[She Gan] (Belamcandae Rhizoma, 射干) Bitter, cold. Purges excess fire of Lung/Spleen, resolves stuck phlegm/old blood. Key herb for throat obstruction/pain, resolves tuberculosis, dissolves malaria mother. Only suitable for excess fire. Root of Bian Zhu flower.
[Da Huang] (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma, 大黄) Very bitter, very cold, strong aroma/flavor. Removes有形 (formidable) pathogens in intestines/stomach. Treats Shanghan pathogen binding in Stomach, applicable to Shaoyang Gallbladder and Shaoyin Kidney meridians. Can be purged. For warm epidemic pathogens hiding in Membrane Source, accumulating in intestines/stomach, nothing else cures it. Early bloody dysentery in robust bodies can use it. Treating upper diseases by lowering (drawing fire from under the pot), if applied correctly, is miraculous. Misuse due to unclear differentiation causes great harm. Wine-processing slows power; raw in decoction, added late for strength.
[Tian Ming Jing] (Premnae Herba, 天名精) (Also Di Song). Acrid, sweet, cold. Breaks blood, vomits phlegm-saliva, resolves toxin, kills parasites. Treats tonsillitis/throat obstruction, pediatric acute convulsion (unconscious, squeeze juice mix with good wine to wake). Juice vomits malaria phlegm. Root named Du Niu Xi, same function. Seed named He Shi, kills parasites, treats roundworm biting abdominal pain.
[Shan Ci Gu] (Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma, 山慈菇) Sweet, acrid, slightly cold. Specializes in clearing heat, resolving nodules. Detoxifies sores/ding swelling. Remove hairs, cut. Xian Mao originates from Xianju County, Zhejiang East. Warm nature, tonifies Kidney. Not for pills, only soak in wine.
[Cang Er Zi] (Xanthii Fructus, 苍耳子) (i.e., Shi Juan Er). Sweet, bitter, warm. Good at inducing sweating, dispersing wind-damp. Upward connects to brain top, downward reaches feet/knees, outward reaches skin. Treats headache, limb spasm/bi pain, whole-body itching. Scatters Qi, consumes blood. Do not take for deficient people.
[He Shou Wu] (Polygoni Multiflori Radix, 何首乌) Benefits Liver, tonifies Kidney, gathers Yin Qi, darkens hair/beard. In winter, select heavy ones, scrape skin with bamboo knife, cut, bake, mix with Vigna Mungo juice, steam, dry, steam again until black. Qi Bao Mei Ran Dan: Early Ming Jiajing era, alchemist Shao Yingjia presented it. Emperor Shizong took it, had imperial heirs consecutively. Thus, He Shou Wu formula became popular worldwide.
[Tu Si Zi] (Cuscutae Semen, 菟丝子) Tonifies Kidney, strengthens waist/knees. Peaceful, central herb. Qian Jin Da Tu Si Zi Wan uses this first. For chronic Spleen disease not healing, blame Kidney; this pill exemplifies it. Wash clean, boil until silk appears, crush into cake, stir-fry with wine.
[Fu Pen Zi] (Rubiae Fructus, 覆盆子) Sweet, sour, warm. Tonifies Kidney/Liver, secures essence, reduces urination. Women taking it conceive often. Contraindicated for difficult urination. Wash clean, mix with wine, steam. This cheap herb is the gold/jade of medicines.
[Wu Wei Zi] (Schisandrae Fructus, 五味子) Collects dispersed Lung Metal. If even a fraction of Lung pathogen remains, using it causes harm. Though named Five Flavors, Acid is 80%, Pungent is 20%, others unknown. Sourness rivals plum. If used, only 10 grains or a fraction, do not use much.
[Tian Dong] (Asparagi Radix, 天冬) Bitter, cold. Tonifies Water. Along with Dihuang, they supplement North/Jinan. But strictly contraindicated for Spleen/Stomach deficiency-cold. Sugar-processed changes nature but still slides intestines. Unsuitable for loose stools.
[Bai Bu] (Stemonae Radix, 百部) Sweet, bitter, warm. Moistens Lung meridian. Treats cold/chronic cough, kills roundworms/lice. Burn smoke to fumigate insects. Damages Stomach, slides intestines. Deficient people must combine with tonics. Soak in wine, bake.
[Ma Dou Ling] (Aristolochiae Manshuriensis Fructus, 马兜铃) Lightly clears Lung heat. Bitter/acrid directs Qi down. Treats phlegm-cough/wheezing. Strictly contraindicated for Lung deficiency with cold. Root named Qing Mu Xiang, applies to various toxic hot swellings.
[Gua Lou Pi] (Trichosanthis Pericarpium, 栝蒌皮) Harmonizes Liver Yang, opens chest, washes phlegm. Gua Lou Ren moistens Lung, treats dry cough. Contraindicated for loose stools.
[Tian Hua Fen] (Trichosanthis Radix, 天花粉) (i.e., Gua Lou Gen). Generates fluids, stops thirst. Clears Lung/Stomach vexing heat. Peaceful herb. Combined with Di Gu Pi, Sang Ye treats lingering external heat. Combined with漂 Qing Dai, treats fire-cough miraculously.
[Shan Dou Gen] (Sophorae Tonkinensis Radix, 山豆根) Bitter, cold. Purges Heart fire, protects Lung Metal, removes Large Intestine wind-heat. Treats throat abscess/wind. Damages Spleen/Stomach.
[Jin Yin Hua] (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos, 金银花) Sweet, neutral. Reduces heat, resolves toxin, nourishes blood, removes dysentery, relieves bloating. Treats all sores/carbuncles. Born with Spring harmony Qi, thus no contraindications. Vine named Ren Dong (lingers through winter). Treats sinew-bone bi pain. Note: Jin Yin Hua should be heavily used for both surgery and dysentery.
[Tu Fu Ling] (Smilacis Glabrae Rhizoma, 土茯苓) Sweet, pale. Expels damp-heat, benefits urination, stops diarrhea. Treats sinew-bone spasms, syphilis toxin, scrofula/sores. Pale/permeating damages Yin. Contraindicated for Liver/Kidney Yin deficiency. Red and white types; white is better.
[Bi Xie] (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, 萆薢) Sweet, bitter. Enters Stomach/Liver. Expels wind-damp. Treats wind-cold-damp bi, penile pain, turbid urine. Contraindicated for Kidney deficiency without dampness. Yellow and white types; white is better.