寒性 犀角解乎心热。羚羊清乎肺肝。泽泻利水通淋而补阴不足。薏苡能理香港脚而风湿堪除。车前子明目止泻。
能清小便。栝蒌子润肺止嗽。下气宽中。黄柏泻膀胱而补肾。薄荷消诸肿以清风。宽中下气。枳壳缓而枳实速。疗肌解
表。柴胡次而干葛先。柴胡泻肝。止两胁之痛。枳实削积。除久滞之痰。百部治肺热。于咳嗽可止。栀子凉心肾。而鼻
衄最宜。升麻力消风热。发散疮 。足阴引气升阳。导药游经有四。麦冬清心解渴。专除肺热。清肺隐伏之火。生肺不
足之金。金箔乃镇心而安神志。茵陈除湿热而治胎黄。石膏坠头痛。兼清脾胃。天冬定肺喘。又润心肝。大黄能通闭结。
朴硝降火通关。前胡除内外之实痰。滑石利六腑之涩结。熟地黄滋肾水。补益真阴。生地黄凉心火。肺脾解热。赤芍药
行血而疗腹痛。烦热亦解。白芍药补虚兼泻肝火。新血能生。香附子理气。有消浮退肿之功。知母滋阴。乃泻肾除蒸之
用。贝母清热痰而利心肺。寒痰愈滞。桔梗通肺窍而传诸药。肺部引经。黄芩泻大肠之火。肺寒勿用。常山攻痰结之
味。剿疟尤强。葶苈子止肺喘以通水气。水藕节消瘀血而止衄红。大黄朴硝。乃脾虚送死之鸩毒。黄连贝母。乃寒痰伐
命之斧斤。
夏禹铸曰。大黄犹之一员猛将。朴硝却是偏裨。如敌势猖獗。负踞要冲。用之搴旗折馘。一出成功。若民遭困苦之
余。平定安集。尚恐不及。亦轻为调遣。不惟无地树功。而且敌梳兵篦。轻用之害。惨不可言。果肺火焰天。大肠毒结。
一用则瞬息通关。至于脏腑俱虚。或气虚肿胀。误用则扫尽元气。不刃而杀人矣。
热性 生姜发散。除乎胃呕。胃热切不可用。五味止嗽。且滋肾水。初嗽不可遽加。川芎能祛风湿。清头补血。
紫苏力能表散。亦可助脾。麻黄散寒邪以发表。根止盗汗而固虚。白术消湿痰而温胃。利水道以强脾。丁香快脾胃。以
止吐逆。附子疗虚寒。大壮元阳。当归补虚以养血。独活祛风以治疯。浓朴温胃。且消呕胀。除痰亦验。肉桂可疗冷泻。
止汗如神。橘红皮开胃去痰。导壅滞之逆气。山茱肉治头昏晕。止下部之遗精。
夏禹铸曰。附子之力猛。用之贵小心谨慎。虚寒者受之。如枯木逢春。若壮气不衰。误为过问。必发直冲冠。以是
知脾气两虚。元阳亡失。虚极生寒。体如冰雪。口中寒气逼人。一用如石投水。不特莫之逆也。且同流湿就燥。如只虚
而不寒。即寒不到阴极地位。情势犹能自立。一用如水投石。不特莫之受也。而且水火参商。是知宜用不怕朝夕。不宜
却怕分厘。可为轻用附子者作一箴规。
温性 木香理乎滞气。半夏主于风痰。苍术燥脾去湿。山药脾湿能医。藿香叶止吐温胃。能消喉响之寒痰。款
冬花润肺去痰。又定久嗽之壅喘。草果仁温脾胃以止疟。威灵仙宣风气以除疼。茴香却膀胱疝气之痛。秦艽去肢节肿痛
之风。槟榔坠痰导水。治痢疾之后重如神。诃子生津润肺。疗滑泻之沉 似圣。防风祛风。杜仲益肾。橘核止腰疼疝气
之急痛。麻仁润肺及六腑之燥坚。黄 实腠理益元气。外固表虚之汗。肉豆蔻温中止霍乱。更助脾脏之虚。生姜皮可消
浮肿。钩藤钩专定惊风。
夏禹铸曰。黄 之性。温内分。实腠理。益元气。外固表虚之盗汗。内托阴证之疮疡。乃脾家气分之第一种固虚药
也。故仲景有曰。黄 、甘草。以益元气之内。人参、肉桂。调和营卫之中。人动曰提气。只知道一个气字。那知道人
身上气有两种。主乎脾者。气之元也。主乎肺者。气之发也。脾之元气。犹每岁之为生为长。为收为藏。内运之气是也。
肺发之气。犹山岳之晴岚。村落之烟雾。溪壑之阴云。碧海之楼市。外发之气也。不能分别两种。各有所司。猥曰提气。
嗟嗟。黄 何曾走着肺家。又何曾理着肺气。把扶正气的一味圣药看坏了。致令脾气弱症。卒不敢用。不亦深可悼哉。
余推其故。多因肺部有邪。气喘气促。那医家不去清肺之邪。而遽为扶脾之气。适凑其会。气愈喘愈促。便诬赖到黄
身上。不然。黄 与肺何涉。而亦乱道提气耶。若以余言为谬。试到明医处。把黄 温内分。实腠理。益元气。固盗汗。
这几个字。几种性。细问一番。庶可了然于心矣。
平性 青皮利脾胃。快膈削积。天麻定惊痫。燥湿祛风。甘草调燮阴阳。解药百毒。生用乃泻心经之火。人参
宁心润肺。助胃开脾。生津扶气。肺热反来伤肺之忧。南星去惊风痰吐之苦。枣仁有补心去怔之功。大腹皮消浮下气。
亦能和胃。远志肉遗精能止而宁心。木通猪苓。并为利水之用。莲肉醒脾。更有清心之妙。白茯苓补虚劳。心脾俱到。
白茯神宁心脏。惊悸能安。麦 有入脾化食之力。脾虚莫用。小麦有止汗养心之功。浮者为佳。神曲消食。恐伤脾气。
百合止嗽。兼敛肺虚。连翘泻六经之火，排却疮脓。大枣有健脾之力。中满勿尝。乌梅治便血。疟痢兼用。竹沥治痰壅。
寒滞宜防。
夏禹铸曰。人参是世间一种灵丹。若脾虚作泻。胃虚发吐。心虚惊悸。肺虚作嗽。津亡作渴。气虚失血。病久成慢。
诸类用之。如入芝兰之室。盖善与善相亲也。肺热。气旺，风邪。热邪。燥邪。火邪。诸类用之。如入鲍鱼之肆。盖邪
正不肯并立也。凡今之人。因前庸手误用伤人。相沿视为鸩毒。不深可恨哉。脏有淫邪。不可遽用。邪去正衰。不可不
用。遽用者伤人。不用者亦杀人也。
寒性药物：犀角能解除心经的热邪。羚羊角能清泄肺、肝之热。泽泻能利水通淋，同时补益阴液不足。薏苡仁能治疗脚气病，并能祛除风湿。车前子能明目并止泻，能够清利小便。栝蒌子能润肺止咳，下气宽中。黄柏能泻膀胱之火而补肾。薄荷能消散各种肿毒并清风热，具有宽中下气的功效。枳壳作用缓和，枳实作用迅速，二者均能解肌发表。柴胡作用较缓，葛根作用较快；柴胡能泻肝火，治疗两胁疼痛；枳实能消除积滞，去除久留的痰饮。百部能治疗肺热，对于咳嗽有止效。栀子能凉心肾，对于鼻出血最为适宜。升麻力能消散风热，发散疮疡（痘疹），足少阴肾经引气上升以助阳气，引导药物在经络中游走运行。麦冬能清心解渴，专门清除肺热，清泄肺中隐伏的火邪，生养肺金不足之气。金箔能镇心安神。茵陈能除湿热而治疗胎黄。石膏能缓解头痛，兼清脾胃之热。天冬能定肺喘，又能润养心肝。大黄能通导闭塞结滞。朴硝能降火通关。前胡能清除内外的实痰。滑石能利六腑的涩结。熟地黄能滋补肾水，补益真阴。生地黄能凉心火，清肺脾之热。赤芍药能行血并治疗腹痛，烦热也能解除。白芍药能补虚兼泻肝火，促进新血生成。香附子能理气，有消除浮肿退肿的功效。知母能滋阴，是泻肾火除骨蒸的作用。贝母能清热痰并利心肺，寒痰痊愈后若停滞可用。桔梗能通肺窍并作为诸药的引经药，引导药物入肺经。黄芩能泻大肠之火，但肺寒者勿用。常山是能攻逐痰结的药物，截疟效果尤强。葶苈子能止肺喘并通调水气。藕节能消瘀血并止鼻衄。大黄和朴硝，对于脾虚之人来说是送死的鸩毒。黄连和贝母，对于寒痰证来说是伐命的斧斤。
夏禹铸说：大黄就像一名猛将，朴硝则是偏将副帅。如果敌势猖獗，占据要冲，使用它们可以斩旗杀敌，一举成功。但如果百姓遭受困苦之后，想要平定安抚，尚且担心来不及，此时也轻易调遣（使用），不仅无法建立功勋，而且会让敌人像梳子篦子一样梳理军队般破坏殆尽。轻率使用的危害，惨痛得不可言说。如果是肺如火焰烧天，大肠毒邪结聚，使用它们瞬息间就能通关开结。至于脏腑都虚弱，或者气虚肿胀，误用的话会扫尽元气，不用刀砍就杀人了。
热性药物：生姜能发散，消除胃部的呕吐，但胃热者切不可用。五味子能止咳，且滋补肾水，初起咳嗽不可立即加入。川芎能祛除风湿，清头目并补血。紫苏力量能表散，也可以辅助脾胃。麻黄能散寒邪以发表，麻黄根能止盗汗并固护虚损。白术能消除湿痰并温胃，利水道以强健脾胃。丁香能快脾胃之气，以停止吐逆。附子能治疗虚寒，大壮元阳。当归能补虚养血。独活能祛风治疗疯病。浓朴能温胃，且消除呕胀，除痰也有效。肉桂可治疗冷泻，止汗如神。橘红皮能开胃去痰，引导壅滞的逆气下行。山茱萸能治疗头昏晕，止下部遗精。
夏禹铸说：附子的力量猛烈，使用它贵在小心谨慎。虚寒体质的人服用它，如同枯木遇到春天。如果正气壮盛不衰，误用过问，必定会导致怒发冲冠（肝火上炎）。由此可知，脾气两虚，元阳亡失，极度虚弱而生寒，身体如冰雪一般寒冷，口中寒气逼人，此时使用附子如同石头投入水中，不仅不会抗拒，而且会同流合污、趋湿就燥。如果只是虚而不寒，即使有寒也未到阴极的地位，情势还能自立，此时使用附子如同水投石头，不仅不能接受，而且会造成水火参商（不相容）。因此知道宜用的时候不怕早晚，不宜用的时候却怕分毫之差，这可以作为轻率使用附子者的规劝。
温性药物：木香能调理滞气。半夏主治风痰。苍术能燥脾去湿。山药能医治脾湿。藿香叶能止吐温胃，能消除喉间响动之寒痰。款冬花能润肺去痰，又安定久咳引起的壅喘。草果仁能温脾胃以止疟。威灵仙能宣通风气以除疼痛。茴香能消除膀胱疝气之痛。秦艽能祛除肢节肿痛之风。槟榔能坠痰导水，治疗痢疾后的里急后重效果如神。诃子能生津润肺，治疗滑泻的沉疴似圣。防风能祛风。杜仲能益肾。橘核能止腰疼和疝气的急痛。麻仁能润肺及六腑的燥坚。黄芪能充实腠理并益元气，外固表虚之自汗。肉豆蔻能温中止霍乱，更辅助脾脏之虚。生姜皮可消除浮肿。钩藤钩专用于定惊风。
夏禹铸说：黄芪的性质，温补内分，充实腠理，益元气，外固表虚之盗汗，内托阴证之疮疡，是脾家气分中的第一种固虚药。所以张仲景曾说：“黄芪、甘草，以益元气于内；人参、肉桂，调和营卫之中。”人们动不动就说“提气”，只知道一个“气”字，哪里知道人身上的气有两种？主宰于脾的是气的本源，主宰于肺的是气的发散。脾的元气，犹如每年的生、长、收、藏，是内运之气。肺的发散之气，犹如山岳的晴岚、村落的烟雾、溪壑的阴云、碧海的蜃楼，是外发之气。不能分别这两种气各有所司，胡乱地说“提气”，唉！黄芪何曾涉足肺家？又何曾调理肺气？把扶正气的这一味圣药看坏了，致使脾气弱的病症，最终不敢使用，不也是深深值得哀悼的吗？我推测其原因，多是因为肺部有邪气，气喘气促，那医生不去清肺之邪，而急于扶助脾之气，恰好凑合在一起，气更加喘促，便诬赖到黄芪身上。不然的话，黄芪与肺有什么关系，而也乱谈提气呢？如果认为我的话是错误的，请到明医那里，把黄芪“温内分、实腠理、益元气、固盗汗”这几个字，以及它的几种性质，细细询问一番，心中就可以明白了。
平性药物：青皮能利脾胃，快膈削积。天麻能定惊痫，燥湿祛风。甘草能调燮阴阳，解百药毒，生用能泻心经之火。人参能宁心润肺，助胃开脾，生津扶气，防止肺热反过来伤肺的忧虑。南星能去除惊风痰吐的痛苦。枣仁有补心去除怔忡的功效。大腹皮能消浮肿下气，也能和胃。远志肉能止遗精并宁心。木通、猪苓，都是利水的药物。莲肉能醒脾，更有清心的妙处。白茯苓能补虚劳，心脾俱补。白茯神能宁心脏，惊悸能安。麦芽有入脾化食之力，脾虚者莫用。小麦有止汗养心之功，浮小麦为佳。神曲能消食，但恐伤脾气。百合能止咳，兼敛肺虚。连翘能泻六经之火，排却疮脓。大枣有健脾之力，中满者勿尝。乌梅能治便血，疟痢兼用。竹沥能治痰壅，寒滞者宜防。
夏禹铸说：人参是世间一种灵丹。如果是脾虚作泻，胃虚发吐，心虚惊悸，肺虚作嗽，津亡作渴，气虚失血，病久成慢病，各类情况都可以使用。如同进入芝兰之室，因为善与善相亲。如果是肺热、气旺、风邪、热邪、燥邪、火邪等，各类情况如果使用人参，如同进入鲍鱼之肆，因为邪正不肯并立。凡是现在的人，因为以前庸医误用伤人，相沿视为鸩毒，不也是深深可恨吗？脏有淫邪，不可立即使用。邪去正衰，不可不使用。立即使用会伤人，不使用也会杀人。
Cold-natured herbs: Xijiao (Rhino Horn) resolves heat in the Heart. Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn) clears heat in the Lungs and Liver. Zexie (Alisma Rhizome) promotes urination to unblock strangury and tonifies insufficient Yin. Yiyiren (Coix Seed) treats tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and dispels wind-dampness. Cheqianzi (Plantago Seed) brightens the eyes and stops diarrhea, clearing the lower jiao urine. Gualouzi (Trichosanthes Seed) moistens the Lungs and stops cough, descends Qi and broadens the middle. Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) drains bladder fire and tonifies the Kidney. Bohe (Mint) dissipates various swellings and clears wind-heat, having the effect of broadening the middle and descending Qi. Zhike (Bitter Orange Fruit) acts slowly, while Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange Fruit) acts quickly; both release the muscle layer and vent the exterior. Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) acts secondarily, while Gegen (Kudzu Root) acts first; Chaihu drains Liver fire and stops pain in the hypochondrium; Zhishi eliminates accumulation and removes chronic phlegm. Bubu (Stemona Root) treats Lung heat and stops cough. Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) cools the Heart and Kidney, being most suitable for epistaxis. Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome) powerfully dissipates wind-heat and vents sores; the Foot-Shaoyin channel guides Qi upward to raise Yang, guiding drugs through the meridians. Maimen (Ophiopogon Tuber) clears the Heart and relieves thirst, specifically removing Lung heat and latent fire in the Lungs, generating insufficient Lung Metal. Jinpo (Gold Leaf) calms the Heart and stabilizes the spirit. Ychen (Artemisia Capillaris Herb) dampens damp-heat and treats fetal jaundice. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) alleviates headache and clears Stomach and Spleen heat. Tiandong (Asparagus Tuber) settles Lung wheezing and moistens the Heart and Liver. Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) unblocks closure and stagnation. Puxiao (Mirabilite) reduces fire and opens passages. Qianhu (Peucedanum Root) removes excess phlegm internally and externally. Huashi (Talcum) benefits the six fu organs by resolving astringent stagnation. Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) nourishes Kidney water and tonifies true Yin. Shengdihuang (Raw Rehmannia Root) cools Heart fire and clears heat in the Lungs and Spleen. Chishaoyao (Red Peony Root) moves blood and treats abdominal pain, resolving irritability and heat. Baishaoyao (White Peony Root) tonifies deficiency and drains Liver fire, generating new blood. Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) regulates Qi, with the function of eliminating edema and reducing swelling. Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) nourishes Yin, serving to drain Kidney fire and eliminate steaming bone disorder. Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) clears heat-phlegm and benefits the Lungs and Heart; it is used when cold-phlegm heals but stagnates. Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) opens Lung orifices and transmits other drugs, acting as a guiding herb for the Lung meridian. Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) drains fire in the Large Intestine; do not use if the Lungs are cold. Changshan (Dichroa Root) attacks phlegm nodules, being particularly strong in arresting malaria. Tinglizi (Lepidium Seed) stops Lung wheezing and unblocks water qi. Oujié (Lotus Rhizome Node) eliminates blood stasis and stops bleeding. Dahuang and Puxiao are like poison for those with Spleen deficiency. Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Beimu are like axes for destroying life in cases of cold-phlegm.
Xia Yuzhu said: Dahuang is like a fierce general, while Puxiao is a subordinate officer. If the enemy forces are rampant and occupy key positions, using them can capture flags and kill enemies, achieving success in one stroke. However, if the people have suffered hardship and we wish to pacify and settle them, we may still fear falling short; yet if we lightly dispatch them, not only will there be no merit established, but the enemy will comb through the troops like a sieve. The harm of light use is too terrible to speak of. If Lung fire burns like the sky and Large Intestine toxicity is knotted, using them opens passages instantly. But if the zang-fu are all deficient, or there is Qi-deficiency swelling, misusing them will sweep away Yuan Qi, killing without a blade.
Hot-natured herbs: Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) disperses and eliminates stomach vomiting, but must absolutely not be used for stomach heat. Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) stops cough and nourishes Kidney water, but should not be added abruptly at the onset of cough. Chuanxiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhizome) dispels wind-dampness, clears the head and nourishes blood. Zisu (Perilla Leaf) has the power to vent the exterior and can also assist the Spleen. Mahuang (Ephedra Stem) scatters cold pathogens to vent the exterior; Mahuanggen (Ephedra Root) stops night sweats and consolidates deficiency. Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) eliminates damp-phlegm and warms the Stomach, benefiting water pathways to strengthen the Spleen. Dingxiang (Clove) quickens the Stomach and Spleen to stop vomiting and reflux. Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) treats deficiency-cold and greatly strengthens Yuan Yang. Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) tonifies deficiency and nourishes blood. Duhuo (Chinese Angelica Root) dispels wind to treat paralysis. Houpo (Magnolia Bark) warms the Stomach and eliminates vomiting and distension, and is effective in removing phlegm. Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) treats cold diarrhea and stops sweating miraculously. Juhongpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) opens the appetite and removes phlegm, guiding stagnant rebellious Qi downward. Shanzhurou (Cornus Fruit) treats dizziness and stops seminal emission from the lower jiao.
Xia Yuzhu said: The power of Fuzi is fierce; its use requires great care and caution. For those with deficiency-cold, taking it is like dead wood meeting spring. If vigorous Qi is not declining, misusing it will surely cause anger to rush up to the hair (hair standing on end). Thus, knowing that Spleen Qi and Lung Qi are both deficient, Yuan Yang is lost, extreme deficiency generates cold, the body is like ice and snow, and cold air radiates from the mouth, using Fuzi is like throwing a stone into water; not only will it not resist, but it will flow together with dampness and seek dryness. If it is only deficient but not cold, even if there is cold, it has not reached the extreme yin position, and the condition can still stand independently. Using Fuzi then is like throwing water on a stone; not only will it not be accepted, but it will result in water and fire conflicting. Therefore, one knows that when it is appropriate to use, one need not fear morning or evening; when inappropriate, one must fear even a fraction of a millimeter. This can serve as a warning for those who lightly use Fuzi.
Warm-natured herbs: Muxiang (Costus Root) regulates stagnant Qi. Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) governs wind-phlegm. Cangzhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome) dries the Spleen and removes dampness. Shanyao (Dioscorea Rhizome) can treat Spleen dampness. Huoxiangye (Patchouli Leaf) stops vomiting and warms the Stomach, eliminating cold-phlegm causing throat rattling. Kuandonghua (Farfusa Flower) moistens the Lungs and removes phlegm, settling chronic cough and obstruction-wheezing. Caoguoren (Tsaoko Cardamom Seed) warms the Stomach and Spleen to arrest malaria. Weilingxian (Syneilesis Root) circulates wind-qi to remove pain. Huixiang (Fennel Fruit) eliminates pain from bladder hernia. Qinjiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root) dispels wind causing joint swelling and pain. Binglang (Areca Seed) drops phlegm and guides water, treating tenesmus in dysentery with miraculous effect. Hezi (Chebulic Myrobalan Fruit) generates fluids and moistens the Lungs, treating severe slippery diarrhea with saintly effect. Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) dispels wind. Duzhong (Eucommia Bark) benefits the Kidney. Juhe (Orange Seed) stops acute pain in lower back and hernia. Maren (Hemp Seed) moistens the Lungs and the dryness/stagnation of the six fu organs. Huangqi (Astragalus Root) solidifies cou li (pores) and benefits Yuan Qi, externally securing spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency. Roudoukou (Nutmeg Seed) warms the middle to stop cholera-like vomiting and further assists Spleen deficiency. Shengjiangpi (Ginger Skin) can eliminate edema. Goutenggou (Uncaria Hook) specializes in settling convulsive wind.
Xia Yuzhu said: The nature of Huangqi is to warm the interior, solidify cou li, benefit Yuan Qi, externally secure nocturnal sweating due to exterior deficiency, and internally support yin-type sores. It is the primary herb for consolidating deficiency in the Spleen Qi level. Thus, Zhang Zhongjing said: "Huangqi and Gancao benefit Yuan Qi internally; Renshen and Rougui harmonize Ying and Wei." People often say "lifting Qi," knowing only the word "Qi," but do they know there are two types of Qi in the human body? That which is governed by the Spleen is the source of Qi; that which is governed by the Lungs is the expression of Qi. The Spleen's Yuan Qi is like the annual processes of birth, growth, harvest, and storage; it is internal-moving Qi. The Lung's expressive Qi is like mountain mist, village smoke, valley clouds, and sea mirages; it is external-expressing Qi. One cannot distinguish these two types of Qi and their respective functions, and rashly speak of "lifting Qi." Alas! How has Huangqi ever entered the Lung home? How has it ever regulated Lung Qi? It has ruined this holy herb for supporting righteous Qi, causing physicians to dare not use it for Spleen-deficiency syndromes, which is deeply lamentable. I deduce the reason: mostly because the Lungs have pathogenic factors, causing wheezing and rapid breathing. The physician does not clear Lung pathogens but hastily supports Spleen Qi. They coincide, making wheezing and breathing more rapid, and then blame Huangqi. Otherwise, what does Huangqi have to do with the Lungs, and why discuss lifting Qi randomly? If you think my words are wrong, go to a skilled physician and ask carefully about Huangqi's properties: warming the interior, solidifying cou li, benefiting Yuan Qi, and securing nocturnal sweating. You will then understand clearly.
Neutral-natured herbs: Qingpi (Green Tangerine Peel) benefits the Stomach and Spleen, quickens the diaphragm, and eliminates accumulation. Tianma (Gastrodia Rhizome) settles convulsions and epilepsy, dries dampness and dispels wind. Gancao (Licorice Root) balances yin and yang, and resolves hundred drug toxins. Raw use drains Heart fire. Renshen (Ginseng Root) calms the Heart, moistens the Lungs, assists the Stomach, opens the Spleen, generates fluids, and supports Qi, preventing Lung heat from injuring the Lungs. Nanting (Arisaema Rhizome) removes the bitterness of convulsive wind-phlegm vomiting. Zaoren (Ziziphus Seed) tonifies the Heart and removes palpitations. Dafupi (Areca Pericarp) eliminates edema and descends Qi, and can harmonize the Stomach. Yuanzhi (Polygala Root) stops seminal emission and calms the Heart. Mutong (Akebia Stem) and Zhuling (Polyporus) are both used for promoting urination. Lianrou (Lotus Seed) awakens the Spleen and has the wonder of clearing the Heart. Baifuling (Poria with Wood) tonifies deficiency fatigue, reaching both Heart and Spleen. Baifushen (Poria with Pine Root) calms the Heart, settling palpitations. Maiya (Barley Sprout) has the power to enter the Spleen and transform food; do not use for Spleen deficiency. Xiaomai (Wheat Grain) stops sweating and nourishes the Heart; floating wheat is best. Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) transforms food but may injure Spleen Qi. Baihe (Lily Bulb) stops cough and astringes Lung deficiency. Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit) drains fire in the six channels and expels pus from sores. Dazao (Jujube Fruit) has the power to tonify the Spleen; do not consume if there is fullness in the middle. Wumei (Mume Fruit) treats bloody stool and is used for malaria and dysentery. Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) treats phlegm obstruction; beware of cold stagnation.
Xia Yuzhu said: Renshen is a spiritual elixir in the world. If there is Spleen-deficiency diarrhea, Stomach-deficiency vomiting, Heart-deficiency palpitations, Lung-deficiency cough, fluid-loss thirst, Qi-deficiency bleeding, or chronic illness from long duration, it can be used in all such categories. It is like entering a room of orchids, because good associates with good. If there is Lung heat, vigorous Qi, wind pathogen, heat pathogen, dryness pathogen, or fire pathogen, and Renshen is used, it is like entering a shop of salted fish, because evil and righteous cannot coexist. Nowadays, people, because previous mediocre doctors misused it and harmed others, have followed the custom of regarding it as poison. Is this not deeply hateful? When viscera have excessive pathogens, it must not be used abruptly. When pathogens are gone and righteousness is weak, it must not be omitted. Using it abruptly harms people; omitting it also kills people.