地黄（四一） 生地黄，味苦甘，气凉。气薄味浓，沉也，阴也。鲜者更凉，干者微凉。能生血
补血，凉心火，退血热，去烦躁骨蒸，热痢下血，止呕血衄血，脾中湿热，或妇人血热而经枯，或
上下三消而热渴。总之其性颇凉，若脾胃有寒者，用宜斟酌。
熟地黄，味甘微苦，味浓气薄，沉也，阴中有阳。《本草》言其入手足厥、少阴经，大补血衰，
滋培肾水，填骨髓，益真阴，专补肾中元气，兼疗藏血之经。此虽泛得其概，亦岂足以尽是之妙。
夫地黄产于中州沃土之乡，得土气之最浓者也。其色黄，士之色也。其味甘，土之味也。得土之气，
而曰非太阴、阳明之药，吾弗信也。惟是生者性凉，脾胃喜暖，故脾阳不足者，所当慎用。至若熟
则性平，禀至阴之德，气味纯静，故能补五脏之真阴，而又于多血之脏为最要，得非脾胃经药耶？
且夫人之所以有生者，气与血耳，气主阳而动，血主阴而静。补气以人参为主，而 术但可为
之佐；补血以熟地为主，而芎、归但可为之佐。然在 、术、芎、归，则又有所当避，而人参、熟
地，则气血之必不可无。故凡诸经之阳气虚者，非人参不可；诸经之阴血虚者，非熟地不可。人参
有健运之功，熟地禀静顺之德。此熟地之与人参，一阴一阳，相为表里，一形一气，互主生成，性
味中正，无逾于此，诚有不可假借而更代者矣。
凡诸真阴亏损者，有为发热，为头疼，为焦渴，为喉痹，为嗽痰，为喘气，或脾肾寒逆为呕吐，
或虚火载
血于口鼻，或水泛于皮肤，或阴虚而泄利，或阳浮而狂躁，或阴脱而仆地。阴虚而神散者，非熟地
之守不足以聚之；阴虚而火升者，非熟地之重不足以降之；阴虚而躁动者，非熟地之静不足以镇之；
阴虚而刚急者，非熟地之甘不足以缓之。阴虚而水邪泛滥者，舍熟地何以自制？阴虚而真气散失者，
舍熟地何以归源？阴虚而精血俱损，脂膏残薄者，舍熟地何以浓肠胃？
且犹有最玄最妙者，则熟地兼散剂方能发汗，何也？以汗化于血，而无阴不作汗也。熟地兼温
剂始能回阳，何也？以阳生于下，而无复不成干也。然而阳性速，故人参少用亦可成功；阴性缓，
熟地非多难以奏效。而今人有畏其滞腻者，则崔氏何以用肾气丸而治痰浮？有畏其滑湿者，则仲景
何以用八味丸而医肾泄？有谓阳能生阴，阴不能生阳者，则阴阳之理，原自互根，彼此相须，缺一
不可，无阳则阴无以生，无阴则阳无以化，故《内经》曰∶精化为气，得非阴亦生阳乎？孰谓阳之
能生，而阴之不能长也。
又若制用之法，有用姜汁拌炒者，则必有中寒兼呕而后可；有用砂仁制者，则必有胀满不行而
后可；有用酒拌炒者，则必有经络壅滞而后可。使无此数者，而必欲强用制法，是不知用熟地者正
欲用其静重之妙，而反为散动以乱其性，何异画蛇而添足。
今之人即欲用之补阴，而必兼以渗利，则焉知补阴不利水，利水不补阴，而补阴之法不宜渗。
即有用之补血，而复疑其滞腻，则焉知血虚如燥土，旱极望云霓，而枯竭之阳极喜滋。设不明此，
则少爪之尚欲兼之以利，又孰敢单用之而任之以多？单用而多且不敢，又孰敢再助以甘而尽其所长？
是又何异因咽而废食也。嗟，嗟！熟地之功，其不申于时用者久矣，其有不可以笔楮尽者尚多也，
予今特表而出之，尚祈明者之自悟焉。
牛膝（四二） 味若甘，气微凉，性降而滑，阴也。忌牛肉。酒渍， 咀。走十二经络，助一身
元气。主手足血热痿痹，血燥拘挛；通膀胱涩秘，大肠干结，补髓填精。益阴活血；治腰膝酸疼，
滋须发枯白。其性下走如奔，故能通经闭，破血症，引诸药下降。同麝香用，堕胎尤速。凡脏寒便
滑，下元不固者，当忌用之。
麦门冬（四三） 味甘微苦，性微寒，降也，阳中阴也。去心用，恐令人烦。其味甘多苦少，故上
行心肺，补上焦之津液，清胸膈之渴烦，解火炎之呕吐，退血燥之虚热；益精滋阴，泽肌润结；肺
痿肺痈，咳唾衄血；经枯乳汁不行，肺干咳嗽不绝；降火清心，消痰补怯。复脉须仗人参，便滑中
寒者勿设。
续断（四四） 川者色灰黑，尖瘦多芦，形如鸡脚，皮断而皱者是。味苦而涩，苦重涩轻，气微凉。
他产者，味甘微辛涩少。用川者良。凡用此者，用其苦涩。其味苦而重，故能入血分、调血脉，消
肿毒乳痈，瘰 痔 ，治金损跌伤，续筋骨血脉。其味涩，故能止吐血衄血，崩淋胎漏，便血尿血，
调血痢，缩小便，止遗精带浊。佐之以甘，如甘草、地黄、人参、山药之类，其效尤捷。
蜀葵子（四五） 味甘性寒。能利小水，通淋闭，消水肿，润大肠，催生落胎，通乳汁，亦治一切疮
疥，并瘢疵赤靥。苗叶可作菜茹，古以葵为五菜之主，今不复用之矣。
黄葵花 性滑利，与蜀葵大同。若治诸恶疮脓水久不瘥者，用花为末，敷之即愈，为疮家要药。浸
油可涂汤火疮。
车前子（四六） 即苤苡味甘微咸，气寒，入膀胱、肝经。通尿管热淋涩痛，驱风热目赤翳膜；利
水能除湿痹，性滑极善催生，兼治湿热泻痢，亦去心胸烦热。
根叶 生捣汁饮，治一切尿血衄血热痢，尤逐气瘾利水。
白蒺藜（四七） 味苦微辛微廿，微凉。能破 瘕结聚，止遗溺泄精，疗肺痿肺痈，翳膜目赤，除
喉痹癣疥痔瘰癜风，通身湿烂恶疮，乳岩带下俱宜，催生止烦亦用，凉血养血，亦善补阴。用补宜
炒热去刺，用凉宜连刺生捣，去风解毒，白者最良。
沙苑蒺藜性亦大同。若用固精补肾，止遗沥尿血，缩小便，止烦渴，去燥热，则亦可用此。
红花（四八） 味甘微苦微宰，气微凉，阴中微阳。惟入血脉，多用女科。少用可活血引经，多用
能破血通瘀。可
下死胎，亦疗血晕；达痘疮血热难出，散斑疹血滞不消；润燥活血，止痛通经，亦消肿毒。
紫菀（四九） 味苦平微辛。辛能入肺，苦能降气，故治咳嗽上气痰喘。惟肺实气壅，或火邪刑金而致
咳唾脓血者，乃可用之。若以劳伤肺肾，水亏金燥而咳喘失血者，则非所宜。观陶氏《别录》谓其
补不足，治五劳体虚，其亦言之过也。
甘菊花（五十）（白菊花根善利水，捣汁和酒服之，大治癃闭） 味甘色黄者，能养血散风，去头目风
热，眩晕疼痛，目中翳膜，及遍身游风风疹。作枕明目，叶亦可用。
味苦者性凉，能解血中郁热，清头目，去风热眼目肿痛流浪。根叶辛香，能消痈毒，止疼痛。
野菊花（五一） 一名苦薏。根叶茎花皆可同用。味苦辛。大能散火散气，消痈毒疔肿瘰 ，眼目
热痛，亦破妇人瘀血。孙氏治痈毒方，用野菊连根叶捣烂酒煎，热服取汗，以渣敷之；或同苍耳捣
汁，以热酒冲服。冬月用干者煎服，或为末酒服亦可。
（五二） 味苦，气微寒，有小毒。此物气味颇峻，善逐风湿诸毒。用蜜酒层层和洒，九蒸九
曝，蜜丸，空心酒吞，多寡随宜。善治中风口眼歪邪，除湿痹腰脚痿痛麻木。生者酒煎，逐破伤风
危急如神。散撒麻疔恶毒，恶疮浮肿，虎伤狗咬，蜘蛛虫毒，或捣烂封之，或煎汤，或散敷并良。
其扫荡功力若此，似于元气虚者非利。
益母草（五三） 子名茺蔚味微苦微辛，微寒，性滑而利。善调女人胎产诸证，故有益母之号。能
去死胎，滑生胎，活血凉血行血，故能治产难胎衣不下，子死腹中，及经脉不调，崩中漏下，尿血
泻血瘀血等证。然惟血热血滞，及胎产艰涩者宜之，若血气素虚兼寒，及滑陷不固者，皆非所宜，
不得以其益母之名，谓妇人所必用也。盖用其滑利之性则可，求其补益之功则未也。《本草》言其
久服益精轻身，诚不足信。此外如退浮肿，下水气，及打扑瘀血，通大小便之类，皆以其能利也。
若治疔肿乳痈，丹毒恶毒，则可捣汁饮之，其渣亦可敷贴。
子名茺蔚，功用略同，但子味微甘，稍温，故能凉血补血，亦益阴气明目。
瞿麦（五四） 味苦，微寒，降也，性滑利。能通小便，降阴火，除五淋，利血脉。兼凉药亦消眼
目肿痛，兼血药则能通经破血下胎。凡下焦湿热疼痛诸病，皆可用之。
茵陈（五五） 味苦微辛，气微寒，阴中微阳，入足太阳经。用此者，用其利湿逐热，故能通关节，解
热滞，疗天行时疾，热狂头痛，利小水。专治黄胆，宜佐栀子。黄而湿者多肿，再加渗利；黄而燥
者干涩，再加凉润。只有阴黄一证，因以中寒不运，此非所宜。又解伤寒瘴疟火热，散热痰风热疼
痛。湿热为痢，尤其所宜。
青蒿（五六） 味苦微辛，性寒，阴中有阳，降中有散。主肝肾三焦血分之病，疗阴火伏留骨节，
故善治骨蒸劳热，尸疰鬼气，降火滋阴，润颜色，长毛发，治疟疾寒热，杀虫毒，及恶疮湿疥。生
捣可敷金疮，止血止痛。款冬花（五七）味微甘微辛而温，其气浮，阳也，入手太阴经。能温肺气，故
疗咳嗽，及肺痈肺痿咳唾脓血。寇宗 曰∶有人病嗽多日，或教以燃款冬花三两于无风处，以笔管
吸其烟，满口则咽之，数日果效。
麻黄（五八） 味微苦微涩，气温而辛，升也，阳也。此以轻杨之味，而兼辛温之性，故善达肌表，走
经铬，大能表散风邪，祛除寒毒，一应瘟疫疟疾，瘴气山岚，凡足三阳表实之证，必宜用之。苦寒
邪深入少阴、厥阴筋骨之间，非用麻黄、官桂不能逐也。但用此之法，自有微妙，则在佐使之间，
或兼气药以助力，可得卫中之汗，或兼血药以助液，可得营中之汗；或兼温药以助阳，可逐阴凝之
寒毒；或兼寒药以助阴，可解炎热之瘟邪。此实伤寒阴疟家第一要药，故仲景诸方以此为首，实千
古之独得者也。今见后人多有畏之为毒药而不敢用，又有谓夏月不宜用麻黄者，皆不逢可哂也。虽
在李氏有云∶若过发则汗多亡阳，若自汗表虚之人用之则脱人元气，是皆过用及误用而然。若阴邪
深入，则无论冬夏，皆所最宜，又何过之有？此外如手太阴之风寒咳嗽，手少阴之风热斑疹，足少
阴之风水肿胀，足厥阴之风痛目痛，凡宜用散者，惟斯为最。然柴胡、麻黄俱为散邪要药，但阳邪
宜柴胡，阴邪宜麻黄，不可不察也。制用之法，须折去粗根，入滚汤中煮三五沸，以
竹片掠去浮沫，晒干用之。不尔，令人动烦。
麻黄根 味甘，平，微苦微涩。用甘敛药煎服，可以止汗。同牡蛎粉、米粉，或用旧蕉扇杵
末，等分，以生绢袋盛贮，用扑盗汗或夏月多汗，用之俱佳。
萱草（五九） 一名忘忧，一名宜男，一名鹿葱。萱草者，《诗》作谖草。凡树此玩此者，可解
忧思，故名忘忧。烹食其苗，气味如葱，而鹿喜食之，故名鹿葱。妇人佩其花则生男，故名宜男。
花叶气味甘而微凉，故能去湿热，利小便赤涩，除烦渴酒湿黄胆；安五脏，利胸膈，令人和悦，亦
能明目。
根，治沙淋带浊，利水气，解酒疸，宜捣汁服之。治吐血衄血，研汁一大盏，和姜汁细细呷之。
治吹乳、乳痈肿痛，须擂酒服，以渣封之。
连翘（六十） 味苦微辛，气微寒，气味俱薄，轻清而浮，升也，阳中有阴。入手少阴、手足少阳、
阳明。泻心经客热，降脾胃湿热，去寸白、蛔虫，通月水五淋。以其味苦而轻，故善达肌表，散鼠
、瘰 、瘿瘤、结热、蛊毒、痈毒、斑疹，治疮疖，止痛消肿排脓，疮家号为圣丹。以其辛而能
用，故又走经络，通血凝，气滞结聚，所不可无。
旋复花（六一） 味苦甘微辛，阴也，降也，乃手太阴肺经、手阳明大肠经药。开结气，降痰涎，
通水道，消肿满，凡气壅湿热者宜之。但其性在走散，故凡见大肠不实，及气虚阳衰之人，皆所忌
用。
鼠粘子（六二） 一名牛蒡子，一名大力子。味苦辛，降中有升。治风毒斑疹诸 ，散疮疡肿毒喉
痹，及腰膝凝寒痹滞之气，以其善走十二经而解中有散也。
决明（六三） 味微苦微甘，性平微凉，力薄。治肝热风眼，赤而多泪，及肝火目昏，可为佐使，
惟多服久服，方可得效。或作枕用，治头风，明目，其功胜于黑豆。
葶苈（六四） 味苦，大寒，沉也，阴也，气味俱浓，有毒。善逐水气，不减大黄，但大黄能泄血
闭，葶苈能泄气
闭，气行而水自行也。若肺中水气 满胀急者，非此不能除。然性急利甚，凡涉气虚者，不可轻用。
《淮南子》曰∶大戟去水，葶苈愈胀，用之不慎，乃反成病，即此谓也。第此有甜苦二种，虽曰为
甜，然亦非真甜，但稍淡耳，稍淡者，其性亦稍缓。
夏枯草（六五） 味微苦微辛，气浮而升，阴中阳也。善解肝气，养肝血，故能散结开郁，大治瘰
鼠屡，乳痈瘿气，并治头疮目疾。楼全善云∶夏枯草治目珠痛，至夜则甚者，神致；或用苦药点眼
反甚者，亦神效。一男子目珠痛，至夜则重，用黄连点之更甚，诸药不效，乃用夏枯草二两，香附
二两，甘草四钱，为末，每服一钱半，清茶调服，下咽即疼减，至四五服，良愈也。
地黄（四一） 生地黄，味道苦甘，性质凉。其气轻薄而味道浓厚，属性沉降，属于阴。鲜品更加寒凉，干品微凉。能够生成血液、补充血液，清降心火，退除血分热邪，消除烦躁和骨蒸劳热，治疗热痢便血，止住呕血和鼻出血，清除脾中湿热，或者治疗妇人因血热导致的经血枯竭，以及上、中、下三消症引起的口渴。总之它的性质颇凉，如果脾胃有寒证，使用应当斟酌。
熟地黄，味道甘甜微苦，味道浓厚而气轻薄，属性沉降，属于阴中有阳。《本草》说它进入足厥阴、足少阴经，大补血液衰败，滋养肾水，填补骨髓，增益真阴，专门补肾中元气，兼治藏血的经脉。这虽然概括了大概，但哪里足以穷尽它的奥妙呢？地黄产于中原肥沃的土地，是得土气最浓厚的药材。它的颜色黄，是土的颜色；它的味道甜，是土的味道。得了土的气，如果说不是太阴、阳明经的药，我不相信。只是生的性质凉，脾胃喜欢温暖，所以脾阳不足的人，应当慎用。至于熟的则性质平和，禀受至阴的德行，气味纯正宁静，所以能补五脏的真阴，又对于多血的脏器最为重要，难道不是脾胃经的药吗？况且人之所以生存，靠的是气和血罢了。气主阳而动，血主阴而静。补气以人参为主，白术只能作为辅助；补血以熟地为主，川芎、当归只能作为辅助。然而在白术、川芎、当归方面，又有应当避免使用的情况，而人参、熟地，则是气血中必不可缺少的。所以凡是各经阳气虚的，非人参不可；各经阴血虚的，非熟地不可。人参有健运的功能，熟地禀受静顺的德行。这熟地与参，一阴一阳，互为表里，一形一气，互相主宰生成，性味中正，没有超过这个的，确实是有不能假借替代的了。
凡是各种真阴亏损的，有的表现为发热，有的头疼，有的焦渴，有的喉痹，有的咳嗽痰多，有的气喘，或者脾肾寒逆导致呕吐，或者虚火迫血从口鼻溢出，或者水湿泛滥于皮肤，或者阴虚导致泄泻，或者阳浮导致狂躁，或者阴脱导致昏倒。阴虚而神气涣散的，非熟地的守而不走不足以收敛它；阴虚而火气上升的，非熟地的沉重不足以降伏它；阴虚而躁动的，非熟地的宁静不足以镇摄它；阴虚而刚急的，非熟地的甘甜不足以缓和它。阴虚而水邪泛滥的，除了熟地还有什么能自我制约？阴虚而真气散失的，除了熟地还有什么能回归本源？阴虚而精血俱损，脂膏残薄消瘦的，除了熟地还有什么能浓稠肠胃？
况且还有最玄妙奇妙的地方，就是熟地配合发散药才能发汗，为什么呢？因为汗由血化生，没有阴就不能作汗。熟地配合温药始能回阳，为什么呢？因为阳生于下，没有阴复归就不能成干（此处指阳气依附于阴液）。然而阳的性质迅速，所以人参少量使用也可以成功；阴的性质缓慢，熟地如果不大量使用难以奏效。而现在有人害怕它滞腻，那么崔氏为什么用肾气丸来治疗痰浮？有人害怕它滑湿，那么张仲景为什么用八味丸来医治肾泄？有人说阳能生阴，阴不能生阳，那么阴阳的道理，原本互根，彼此相互需要，缺一不可，无阳则阴无法生成，无阴则阳无法化生，所以《内经》说：精化为气，这不也是阴也能生阳吗？谁说阳能生长，而阴不能滋长呢？
另外关于炮制方法，有用姜汁拌炒的，那必须是有中寒兼呕吐的情况才可以；有用砂仁炮制的，那必须是有胀满不通的情况才可以；有用酒拌炒的，那必须是有经络壅滞的情况才可以。如果没有这些情况，却一定要强行使用炮制法，这是不知道用熟地正是想用它静重的妙处，反而用散动的方法来扰乱它的本性，这和画蛇添足有什么区别。
现在的人即使想用熟地补阴，却一定兼用渗利药，怎么知道补阴不利水，利水不补阴，而补阴的方法不宜渗利呢？即使有用它补血，却又怀疑它滞腻，怎么知道血虚就像旱土，干旱到了极点盼望云雨，而枯竭至极的阳极喜欢滋润。如果不明白这一点，那么像李东垣那样还想兼用利水药，又有谁敢单用并让它发挥最大作用？单用且多用都不敢，又有谁敢再助以甘味药来尽它的长处？这又和因噎废食有什么区别。唉！熟地的功效，不被时人所推崇已经很久了，其中不可以用笔墨完全表达的还有很多，我今天特意表彰它出来，还希望明理的人自己领悟。
牛膝（四二） 味道好像甘甜，气微凉，性质下降而滑利，属于阴。忌吃牛肉。用酒浸泡，切碎。通行十二经络，帮助一身元气。主治手足血热导致的痿痹，血燥导致的拘挛；通利膀胱涩秘，大肠干结，补髓填精。益阴活血；治疗腰膝酸痛，滋润枯白的须发。它的性质向下行走如奔跑，所以能通经闭，破血症，引导诸药下降。同麝香一起用，堕胎尤其快。凡是脏腑寒冷大便滑泄，下元不固的人，应当忌用。
麦门冬（四三） 味道甘甜微苦，性质微寒，属于降，是阳中之阴。去掉心使用，恐怕让人心烦。它的味甘多苦少，所以上行心肺，补上焦的津液，清胸膈的渴烦，解火炎导致的呕吐，退血燥的虚热；益精滋阴，润泽肌肤润燥；治疗肺痿肺痈，咳唾衄血；经血枯竭乳汁不行，肺干咳嗽不止；降火清心，消痰补虚。恢复脉象须依靠人参，大便滑泄中寒者不要设置（使用）。
续断（四四） 四川产的色灰黑，尖瘦多芦头，形状像鸡脚，皮断裂而有皱纹的是。味道苦而涩，苦重涩轻，气微凉。其他产地生产的，味道甘甜微辛涩少。用四川产的好。凡是用此药的，用的是它的苦涩。它的味道苦而重，所以能入血分、调血脉，消肿毒乳痈，瘰疬痔疮，治疗金刃损伤跌打损伤，接续筋骨血脉。它的味道涩，所以能止吐血衄血，崩漏胎漏，便血尿血，调血痢，缩小便，止遗精带浊。佐以甘味药，如甘草、地黄、人参、山药之类，效果尤其快捷。
蜀葵子（四五） 味道甘性寒。能利小便，通淋闭，消水肿，润大肠，催生落胎，通乳汁，也治疗一切疮疥，以及瘢痕赤靥。苗叶可作蔬菜，古时候以葵为五菜之主，现在不再使用了。
黄葵花 性质滑利，与蜀葵大体相同。如果治疗各种恶疮脓水久不愈合的，用花研末，敷上即愈，是疮家的要药。浸油可涂汤火烫伤。
车前子（四六） 即苤苡，味道甘微咸，气寒，入膀胱、肝经。通尿管热淋涩痛，驱风热目赤翳膜；利水能除湿痹，性质滑极善于催生，兼治湿热泻痢，也去心胸烦热。
白蒺藜（四七） 味道苦微辛微甘，微凉。能破癥瘕结聚，止遗溺泄精，疗肺痿肺痈，翳膜目赤，除喉痹癣疥痔瘰癜风，通身湿烂恶疮，乳岩带下都适宜，催生止烦也用，凉血养血，也善于补阴。用于补宜炒热去刺，用于凉宜连刺生捣，去风解毒，白色的最好。
沙苑蒺藜性质也大体相同。如果用固精补肾，止遗沥尿血，缩小便，止烦渴，去燥热，则也可以用这个。
红花（四八） 味道甘微苦微辛，气微凉，阴中微阳。只入血脉，多用于妇科。少用可活血引经，多用能破血通瘀。可下死胎，也疗血晕；达痘疮血热难出，散斑疹血滞不消；润燥活血，止痛通经，也消肿毒。
紫菀（四九） 味道苦平微辛。辛能入肺，苦能降气，所以治咳嗽上气痰喘。只有肺实气壅，或火邪刑金而致咳唾脓血的，才可用它。如果是劳伤肺肾，水亏金燥而咳喘失血的，则不适宜。看陶弘景《别录》说它补不足，治五劳体虚，这也说得过分了。
甘菊花（五十）（白菊花根善于利水，捣汁和酒服之，大治癃闭） 味道甘颜色黄的，能养血散风，去头目风热，眩晕疼痛，目中翳膜，以及遍身游风风疹。做枕头明目，叶也可用。
味道苦的性凉，能解血中郁热，清头目，去风热眼目肿痛流泪。根叶辛香，能消痈毒，止疼痛。
野菊花（五一） 一名苦薏。根叶茎花都可同用。味道苦辛。大能散火散气，消痈毒疔肿瘰疬，眼目热痛，也破妇人瘀血。孙思邈治痈毒方，用野菊连根叶捣烂酒煎，热服取汗，以渣敷之；或同苍耳捣汁，以热酒冲服。冬月用干者煎服，或为末酒服也可。
草乌（五二） 味道苦，气微寒，有小毒。此物气味颇峻烈，善于驱逐风湿诸毒。用蜜酒层层和洒，九蒸九晒，蜜丸，空心酒吞，多少随宜。善于治疗中风口眼歪斜，除湿痹腰脚痿痛麻木。生者酒煎，驱逐破伤风危急如神。散撒麻疔恶毒，恶疮浮肿，虎伤狗咬，蜘蛛虫毒，或捣烂封之，或煎汤，或散敷都良。它的扫荡功力如此，似乎对元气虚的人不利。
益母草（五三） 子名茺蔚，味道微苦微辛，微寒，性质滑而利。善于调理女人胎产诸证，所以有益母的名号。能去死胎，滑利生胎，活血凉血行血，所以能治产难胎衣不下，子死腹中，及经脉不调，崩中漏下，尿血泻血瘀血等证。然而只有血热血滞，及胎产艰涩的适宜它，如果血气素虚兼寒，及滑陷不固的，都不适宜，不要因为它是益母之名，就说妇人所必用。盖用它的滑利性质则可以，求它的补益之功则没有。《本草》说它久服益精轻身，确实不值得相信。此外如退浮肿，下水气，及打扑瘀血，通大小便之类，都是因为它能利。如果治疔肿乳痈，丹毒恶毒，则可捣汁饮之，其渣也可敷贴。
子名茺蔚，功用略同，但子味微甘，稍温，所以能凉血补血，也益阴气明目。
瞿麦（五四） 味道苦，微寒，降也，性质滑利。能通小便，降阴火，除五淋，利血脉。兼凉药也消眼目肿痛，兼血药则能通经破血下胎。凡下焦湿热疼痛诸病，都可以用它。
茵陈（五五） 味道苦微辛，气微寒，阴中微阳，入足太阳经。用此药，用的是它利湿逐热，所以能通关节，解热滞，疗天行时疾，热狂头痛，利小水。专治黄疸，宜佐栀子。黄而湿的多肿，再加渗利；黄而燥的干涩，再加凉润。只有阴黄一证，因中寒不运，这不适宜。又解伤寒瘴疟火热，散热痰风热疼痛。湿热为痢，尤其适宜。
青蒿（五六） 味道苦微辛，性寒，阴中有阳，降中有散。主肝肾三焦血分之病，疗阴火伏留骨节，所以善治骨蒸劳热，尸疰鬼气，降火滋阴，润颜色，长毛发，治疟疾寒热，杀虫毒，及恶疮湿疥。生捣可敷金疮，止血止痛。款冬花（五七）味道微甘微辛而温，其气浮，阳也，入手太阴经。能温肺气，所以疗咳嗽，及肺痈肺痿咳唾脓血。寇宗奭说：有人病嗽多日，有人教他在无风处燃款冬花三两，以笔管吸其烟，满口则咽之，数日果效。
麻黄（五八） 味道微苦微涩，气温而辛，升也，阳也。此以轻扬之味，而兼辛温之性，所以善达肌表，走经络，大能表散风邪，祛除寒毒，一应瘟疫疟疾，瘴气山岚，凡足三阳表实之证，必宜用之。苦寒邪深入少阴、厥阴筋骨之间，不用麻黄、官桂不能驱逐。但用此药的方法，自有微妙，则在佐使之间，或兼气药以助力，可得卫中之汗，或兼血药以助液，可得营中之汗；或兼温药以助阳，可逐阴凝之寒毒；或兼寒药以助阴，可解炎热之瘟邪。这实在是伤寒阴疟家第一要药，所以张仲景诸方以此为首，实千古之独得者也。今见后人多有畏之为毒药而不敢用，又有谓夏月不宜用麻黄者，都是令人讥笑的。虽然在李氏有说：如果过发则汗多亡阳，如果自汗表虚之人用之则脱人元气，这都是过用及误用造成的。如果阴邪深入，则无论冬夏，都是最适宜的，又有什么过错呢？此外如手太阴之风寒咳嗽，手少阴之风热斑疹，足少阴之风水肿胀，足厥阴之风痛目痛，凡宜用散的，惟此最适宜。然而柴胡、麻黄俱为散邪要药，但阳邪宜柴胡，阴邪宜麻黄，不可不察。制用的方法，须折去粗根，入滚汤中煮三五沸，以竹片掠去浮沫，晒干用之。不然，让人动烦。
麻黄根 味道甘，平，微苦微涩。用甘敛药煎服，可以止汗。同牡蛎粉、米粉，或用旧蕉扇杵末，等分，以生绢袋盛贮，用扑盗汗或夏月多汗，用之都佳。
萱草（五九） 一名忘忧，一名宜男，一名鹿葱。萱草者，《诗》作谖草。凡种此玩此者，可解忧思，故名忘忧。烹食其苗，气味如葱，而鹿喜食之，故名鹿葱。妇人佩其花则生男，故名宜男。花叶气味甘而微凉，所以能去湿热，利小便赤涩，除烦渴酒湿黄疸；安五脏，利胸膈，令人和悦，也能明目。
根，治沙淋带浊，利水气，解酒疸，宜捣汁服之。治吐血衄血，研汁一大盏，和姜汁细细呷之。治吹乳、乳痈肿痛，须擂酒服，以渣封之。
连翘（六十） 味道苦微辛，气微寒，气味俱薄，轻清而浮，升也，阳中有阴。入手少阴、手足少阳、阳明。泻心经客热，降脾胃湿热，去寸白、蛔虫，通月水五淋。以其味苦而轻，所以善达肌表，散鼠瘘、瘰疬、瘿瘤、结热、蛊毒、痈毒、斑疹，治疮疖，止痛消肿排脓，疮家号为圣丹。以其辛而能用，所以又走经络，通血凝，气滞结聚，所不可无。
旋复花（六一） 味道苦甘微辛，阴也，降也，乃手太阴肺经、手阳明大肠经药。开结气，降痰涎，通水道，消肿满，凡气壅湿热者适宜它。但其性质在走散，所以凡见大肠不实，及气虚阳衰之人，都忌用。
鼠粘子（六二） 一名牛蒡子，一名大力子。味道苦辛，降中有升。治风毒斑疹诸疮，散疮疡肿毒喉痹，及腰膝凝寒痹滞之气，因为它善于走十二经而解中有散。
决明（六三） 味道微苦微甘，性平微凉，力薄。治肝热风眼，赤而多泪，及肝火目昏，可为佐使，只有多服久服，方可得效。或作枕用，治头风，明目，其功胜于黑豆。
葶苈（六四） 味道苦，大寒，沉也，阴也，气味俱浓，有毒。善逐水气，不减大黄，但大黄能泄血闭，葶苈能泄气闭，气行而水自行也。如果肺中水气胀满急者，非此不能除。然而性质急利甚，凡涉气虚者，不可轻用。《淮南子》说：大戟去水，葶苈愈胀，用之不慎，乃反成病，就是这个意思。但这有甜苦二种，虽说是甜，然而也不是真甜，只是稍淡而已，稍淡者，其性质也稍缓。
夏枯草（六五） 味道微苦微辛，气浮而升，阴中阳也。善解肝气，养肝血，所以能散结开郁，大治瘰疬鼠瘘，乳痈瘿气，并治头疮目疾。楼全善说：夏枯草治目珠痛，至夜则甚者，神效；或用苦药点眼反甚者的，也神效。一男子目珠痛，至夜则重，用黄连点之更甚，诸药不效，乃用夏枯草二两，香附二两，甘草四钱，为末，每服一钱半，清茶调服，下咽即疼减，至四五服，良愈也。
Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix) (41) Sheng Di Huang (Raw Rehmannia Root), with a bitter and sweet taste, has a cool nature. Its qi is light and thin while its flavor is dense; it sinks and belongs to Yin. The fresh form is cooler, while the dried form is slightly cool. It can generate and nourish blood, clear Heart fire, dissipate heat in the blood level, remove irritability and bone-steaming fever, treat dysentery with bloody stool, stop hematemesis and epistaxis, clear damp-heat in the Spleen, or treat women with blood-heat causing amenorrhea, as well as upper, middle, and lower Xiao (wasting-thirst syndrome) with heat and thirst. In short, its nature is quite cool; if there is cold in the Spleen and Stomach, its use should be considered carefully.
Shu Di Huang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), with a sweet and slightly bitter taste, has a dense flavor and light qi; it sinks and belongs to Yin containing Yang. *Ben Cao* states that it enters the Jueyin and Shaoyin meridians of the Foot, greatly replenishing blood deficiency, nourishing Kidney water, filling the marrow, benefiting True Yin, and specifically tonifying Yuan Qi in the Kidney, while also treating meridians storing blood. Although this provides a general overview, it hardly exhausts its profound effects. Di Huang grows in the fertile lands of the Central Plains, obtaining the most concentrated Earth Qi. Its color is yellow, which is the color of Earth; its taste is sweet, which is the taste of Earth. Having obtained Earth Qi, if one says it is not a medicine for the Taiyin and Yangming meridians, I do not believe it. However, since the raw form is cool and the Spleen prefers warmth, those with insufficient Spleen Yang should use it with caution. As for the prepared form, its nature is neutral, possessing the virtue of extreme Yin, with pure and quiet qi and flavor, so it can tonify the True Yin of the Five Zang organs and is particularly important for blood-rich organs. Is it not a medicine for the Spleen and Stomach meridians? Moreover, human life depends on Qi and Blood. Qi governs Yang and moves; Blood governs Yin and is still. For tonifying Qi, Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) is primary, while Bai Zhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) serves only as an assistant; for tonifying Blood, Shu Di Huang is primary, while Xiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhizome) and Gui (Cinnamon Twig) serve only as assistants. However, regarding Bai Zhu, Xiong, and Gui, there are situations where they should be avoided, whereas Ren Shen and Shu Di Huang are indispensable for Qi and Blood. Therefore, for deficiency of Yang Qi in any meridian, Ren Shen is essential; for deficiency of Yin Blood in any meridian, Shu Di Huang is essential. Ren Shen has the function of vigorous movement, while Shu Di Huang possesses the virtue of tranquility and compliance. Shu Di Huang and Ren Shen are Yin and Yang, exterior and interior, Form and Qi, mutually governing generation and transformation. Their nature and taste are central and correct, surpassing all others, truly irreplaceable.
For various deficiencies of True Yin, symptoms may include fever, headache, intense thirst, throat obstruction, cough with phlegm, asthma, or vomiting due to Cold reversal in the Spleen and Kidney; bleeding from mouth and nose due to deficient fire carrying blood; edema due to water overflowing; diarrhea due to Yin deficiency; mania due to floating Yang; or collapse due to Yin exhaustion. If Yin deficiency causes scattering of Spirit, only the stabilizing nature of Shu Di Huang can gather it; if Yin deficiency causes rising fire, only the heaviness of Shu Di Huang can descend it; if Yin deficiency causes restlessness, only the tranquility of Shu Di Huang can calm it; if Yin deficiency causes rigidity and urgency, only the sweetness of Shu Di Huang can relieve it. If Yin deficiency leads to flooding of water pathogenic factors, what else but Shu Di Huang can self-regulate? If Yin deficiency leads to loss of True Qi, what else but Shu Di Huang can return it to its source? If Yin deficiency leads to damage of both Essence and Blood, with residual thinness of fat and flesh, what else but Shu Di Huang can thicken the intestines and stomach?
Furthermore, there is a most profound and wondrous aspect: Shu Di Huang combined with diaphoretic agents can induce sweating. Why? Because sweat transforms from Blood, and without Yin, no sweat can be produced. Shu Di Huang combined with warming agents can restore Yang. Why? Because Yang is born from below, and without Yin returning, dryness prevails. However, Yang nature is rapid, so Ren Shen can succeed even in small doses; Yin nature is slow, so Shu Di Huang is difficult to be effective unless used in large amounts. Now, some fear its cloying and greasy nature; then why did Cui Shi use Shen Qi Wan (Kidney Qi Pill) to treat floating phlegm? Some fear its slippery and damp nature; then why did Zhang Zhongjing use Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) to treat Kidney diarrhea? Some claim Yang generates Yin, but Yin does not generate Yang. However, the principle of Yin and Yang is mutual root, requiring each other, neither can be lacking. Without Yang, Yin cannot be generated; without Yin, Yang cannot transform. Thus, *Nei Jing* states: "Essence transforms into Qi." Does this not show that Yin also generates Yang? Who claims Yang can grow while Yin cannot?
Regarding processing methods: using Ginger Juice stir-fried is suitable only when there is Middle Jiao Cold with vomiting; using Amomum processing is suitable only when there is distension and stagnation; using Wine stir-fried is suitable only when there is meridian congestion and stagnation. If these conditions are absent but one insists on processing, it shows ignorance that the purpose of using Shu Di Huang is precisely to utilize its tranquil and heavy virtues, while instead using dispersing and moving methods to disrupt its nature. This is like drawing legs on a snake.
Today, people who wish to use Shu Di Huang to tonify Yin must combine it with draining-dampness agents. How do they know that tonifying Yin does not benefit water metabolism, and draining water does not tonify Yin, and thus the method of tonifying Yin should not involve draining? Even when using it to tonify Blood, yet suspecting it is cloying, how do they know that Blood deficiency is like dry soil, where extreme drought longs for rain, and extreme dryness favors moistening? If this is not understood, then someone like Li Dongyuan still wants to combine it with draining agents. Who would dare to use it alone and let it play its full role? If one dares not use it alone in large doses, who would dare to assist it with sweet agents to maximize its strength? This is akin to giving up eating because of choking. Alas! The merits of Shu Di Huang have long been unrecognized in current times, and there are many more aspects that cannot be fully expressed in writing. I hereby highlight them, hoping that the enlightened will realize their value.
Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) (42) Tastes somewhat sweet, has a slightly cool qi, descends and is slippery, belonging to Yin. Avoid beef. Soak in wine and chew. It travels through the Twelve Meridians and assists the Yuan Qi of the whole body. It treats wind-bi and flaccidity due to blood-heat in hands and feet, spasms due to blood dryness; unblocks bladder difficulty and constipation, supplements marrow and fills essence, benefits Yin and invigorates blood; treats soreness and pain in waist and knees, nourishes withered and white beard and hair. Its nature descends rapidly, so it can unblock menstrual obstruction, break blood stasis, and guide other herbs downward. Used together with Moschus, it induces abortion quickly. Those with cold viscera and loose stools, or insecure Lower Yuan, should avoid it.
Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogonis Radix) (43) Tastes sweet and slightly bitter, nature is slightly cold, descending, Yang within Yin. Remove the heart to prevent irritability. Since it is sweet with little bitterness, it ascends to Lung and Heart, tonifies fluids in Upper Jiao, clears thirst and irritability in chest and diaphragm, resolves vomiting due to flaming fire, dissipates deficiency heat due to blood dryness; benefits essence and nourishes Yin, moistens skin and resolves dryness; treats Lung萎 (Lung atrophy) and Lung abscess, coughing and spitting blood/epistaxis; amenorrhea and lack of lactation, dry Lung with incessant cough; descends fire and clears Heart, eliminates phlegm and tonifies weakness. Restoring pulse requires Ren Shen; avoid in cases of loose stools and Middle Jiao Cold.
Xu Duan (Dipsaci Radix) (44) Sichuan origin is gray-black, sharp and thin with many nodes, shaped like chicken feet, with cracked and wrinkled bark. Tastes bitter and astringent, bitter heavy and astringent light, qi slightly cool. Others are sweet with slight acridity and astringency. Use Sichuan origin for best quality. When using this herb, utilize its bitter and astringent properties. Its bitter and heavy taste allows entry into Blood level and regulation of blood vessels, reducing swelling and toxic sores/mastitis, scrofula, and hemorrhoids; treating metal injuries and falls, reconnecting sinews, bones, and blood vessels. Its astringent taste stops hematemesis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia, uterine bleeding, hematochezia, hematuria, regulates bloody dysentery, reduces urination frequency, and stops spermatorrhea and leukorrhea. Assisted by sweet herbs like Gan Cao (Licorice Root), Di Huang, Ren Shen, and Shan Yao (Chinese Yam), the effect is especially swift.
Shu Kui Zi (Malvae Semen) (45) Tastes sweet and is cold in nature. It promotes urination, relieves strangury, reduces edema, moistens Large Intestine, induces labor and aborts fetus, promotes lactation, and treats all sores and scabies, as well as scars and red spots. Seedlings and leaves can be eaten as vegetables; ancient texts regarded Malva as the chief of five vegetables, but it is no longer commonly used.
Huang Kui Hua (Yellow Malva Flower) Has a slippery and unblocking nature, largely similar to Shu Kui Zi. For treating various malignant sores with pus that do not heal for a long time, grind the flower into powder and apply externally for immediate healing; it is a key herb for sores. Infused in oil, it can be applied to burns and scalds.
Che Qian Zi (Plantaginis Semen) (46) Also known as Pi Yi, tastes sweet and slightly salty, qi is cold, enters Bladder and Liver meridians. Relieves hot strangury and painful urination, dispels wind-heat causing red eyes and corneal opacity; promotes urination to remove damp-bi, nature is very slippery and excellent for inducing labor, also treats damp-heat diarrhea and dysentery, and removes vexation and heat in chest and heart.
Gen Ye (Root and Leaves) Crushed fresh and juice drunk, treats all hematuria, epistaxis, and hot dysentery, especially driving out Qi accumulation and promoting urination.
Bai Ji Li (Tribuli Fructus) (47) Tastes bitter, slightly acrid and sweet, slightly cool. It breaks masses and accumulations, stops enuresis and seminal emission, treats Lung atrophy and abscess, corneal opacity and red eyes, removes throat obstruction, tinea, scabies, hemorrhoids, scrofula, vitiligo, generalized wet rotting sores, breast cancer, and leukorrhea; also used for inducing labor and stopping vexation, cooling blood and nourishing blood, and effectively tonifying Yin. For tonification, stir-fry until hot and remove spines; for cooling, crush fresh with spines. To dispel wind and detoxify, white ones are best.
Sha Yuan Ji Li (Astragali Complanati Semen) Nature is largely the same. For consolidating essence and tonifying Kidney, stopping dribbling urine and hematuria, reducing urination frequency, stopping thirst, removing dryness-heat, it can also be used.
Hong Hua (Carthami Flos) (48) Tastes sweet, slightly bitter and acrid, qi slightly cool, Yang within Yin. Enters only blood vessels, mostly used in Gynecology. Small doses invigorate blood and guide menstruation; large doses break blood and unblock stasis. Can expel dead fetus, treat blood syncope; helps acne with blood-heat difficult to erupt, dissipates macules and rashes with blood stagnation; moistens dryness and invigorates blood, stops pain and unblocks menstruation, also reduces swelling and toxins.
Zi Wan (Asteris Radix) (49) Tastes bitter, neutral, slightly acrid. Acrid enters Lung, bitter descends Qi, thus treating cough, rebellious Qi, and wheezing with phlegm. Only suitable for excess Lung with Qi congestion, or cough with pus and blood caused by Fire insulting Metal. Not suitable for cough, wheezing, and hemoptysis due to Lung-Kidney injury from overwork, Water deficiency, and Metal dryness. Tao Hongjing's *Bie Lu* claims it tonifies deficiency and treats Five Wastes and physical weakness; this is an exaggeration.
Gan Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos) (50) (White Chrysanthemum Root is good for promoting urination; crush juice and mix with wine to treat urinary retention). Sweet-tasted and yellow-colored ones nourish blood and disperse wind, remove wind-heat from head and eyes, dizziness and pain, corneal opacity, and wandering wind/rash over the body. Made into pillows to brighten eyes; leaves are also usable.
Bitter-tasted ones are cool in nature, clearing stagnant heat in blood, brightening head and eyes, removing wind-heat causing eye swelling/pain and tearing. Roots and leaves are acrid and fragrant, resolving toxic sores and stopping pain.
Ye Ju Hua (Wild Chrysanthemum) (51) Also known as Ku Yi. Roots, leaves, stems, and flowers can be used together. Tastes bitter and acrid. Greatly disperses fire and Qi, resolves toxic sores, carbuncles, and scrofula, eye heat/pain, and breaks blood stasis in women. Sun Simiao’s formula for toxic sores uses wild chrysanthemum with roots and leaves crushed and decocted in wine, taken hot to induce sweat, with residue applied externally; or crushed with Xanthium and taken with hot wine. In winter, use dried form decocted or powdered and taken with wine.
Cao Wu (Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix) (52) Tastes bitter, qi slightly cold, slightly toxic. This herb has potent qi and flavor, good at driving out wind-dampness and various toxins. Layer with honey and wine, steam nine times, sun-dry nine times, make honey pills, swallow with wine on empty stomach, dosage varies. Good for treating stroke with facial paralysis, removing damp-bi with limb flaccidity/pain/numbness. Raw decocted in wine drives out traumatic wind emergencies miraculously. Applied as powder for麻疔 (麻疔), malignant sores, edema, tiger/dog bites, spider/insect venom; crushed and applied, or decocted, or powdered and applied, all are good. Its sweeping power is such that it seems unsuitable for those with deficient Yuan Qi.
Yi Mu Cao (Leonuri Herba) (53) Seed named Chong Wei, tastes slightly bitter and acrid, slightly cold, nature slippery and unblocking. Excellent for regulating women’s pregnancy and postpartum conditions, hence the name "Beneficial Mother." Expels dead fetus, facilitates live birth, invigorates, cools, and moves blood; thus treats difficult labor, retained placenta, fetal death in uterus, irregular menstruation, metrorrhagia, hematuria, bloody diarrhea, and blood stasis. Suitable only for blood-heat and blood-stagnation, and difficult childbirth. Not suitable for those with inherent Qi/Blood deficiency and Cold, or sinking/unsecured conditions. Do not assume it is mandatory for women just because of its name. Using its slippery nature is fine, but seeking tonification is unfounded. *Ben Cao* claims long-term use benefits essence and lightens the body; this is unreliable. Additionally, reducing edema, draining water Qi, treating contusion stasis, and unblocking bowels/bladder are all due to its unblocking nature. For carbuncles, mastitis, erysipelas, and malignant toxins, crush juice to drink, residue applied externally.
Seed named Chong Wei, functions similar, but seed tastes slightly sweet and is slightly warm, thus cooling blood, tonifying blood, benefiting Yin Qi and brightening eyes.
Qu Mai (Dianthi Herba) (54) Tastes bitter, slightly cold, descending, nature slippery and unblocking. Promotes urination, descends Yin fire, removes Five Stranguries, benefits blood vessels. Combined with cooling herbs, reduces eye swelling/pain; combined with blood-invigorating herbs, unblocks menstruation, breaks blood, and expels fetus. Suitable for all Lower Jiao damp-heat pain diseases.
Yin Chen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba) (55) Tastes bitter and slightly acrid, qi slightly cold, Yang within Yin, enters Foot-Taiyang meridian. Used for its ability to drain dampness and drive out heat, thus unblocking joints, resolving heat stagnation, treating epidemic febrile diseases, manic headache, and promoting urination. Specializes in treating jaundice, assisted by Zhi Zi (Gardenia Fruit). Jaundice with dampness often has edema, add draining agents; jaundice with dryness has friction, add cooling-moistening agents. Only Yin Jaundice, due to Middle Jiao Cold failing to transport, is unsuitable. Also resolves Cold Damage, miasma malaria, and fire-heat, dissipates heat-phlegm and wind-heat pain. Especially suitable for damp-heat dysentery.
Qing Hao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) (56) Tastes bitter and slightly acrid, nature cold, Yang within Yin, descending with dispersing action. Governs blood-level diseases of Liver, Kidney, and Sanjiao, treats Yin fire lingering in bone joints, thus excellent for bone-steaming consumption fever, corpse-infecting ghost qi, descending fire and nourishing Yin, beautifying complexion, promoting hair growth, treating malaria with chills and fever, killing parasites/toxins, and malignant sores/wet scabies. Fresh crushed applied to metal wounds stops bleeding and pain. Kuan Dong Hua (Adenophorae Flos) (57) Tastes slightly sweet and acrid, warm, qi floats, Yang, enters Hand-Taiyin meridian. Warms Lung Qi, thus treating cough, Lung abscess/atrophies with pus/blood expectoration. Kou Zongshi said: Someone had chronic cough; advised to burn three liang of Kuan Dong Hua in a windless place, inhale smoke through a brush tube, and swallow when mouth is full; effective after several days.
Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba) (58) Tastes slightly bitter and astringent, temperature warm and acrid, ascending, Yang. With its light and扬 (rising) flavor and acrid-warm nature, it reaches muscle surface, travels meridians, greatly disperses wind pathogens, removes cold toxins. Suitable for all epidemics, malaria, miasma, mountain vapors, and any Taiyang/Yangming exterior excess syndromes. If bitter-cold pathogens penetrate deeply into Shaoyin/Jueyin sinew-bone, only Ma Huang and Guan Gui (Cassia Twig) can drive them out. However, the method of using it is subtle, depending on assistants. Combine with Qi herbs to aid force, obtain Wei-level sweat; combine with Blood herbs to aid fluid, obtain Ying-level sweat; combine with warming herbs to aid Yang, drive out Yin-congealed cold toxins; combine with cooling herbs to aid Yin, resolve hot epidemic pathogens. This is the first essential herb for Cold Damage and Yin Malaria, hence Zhang Zhongjing places it first in his formulas, a unique insight of millennia. Later generations fear it as toxic and dare not use it; some say it is unsuitable in summer. These views are laughable. Although Li Shi-zhen warned that excessive use causes sweating leading to Yang collapse, and using it in spontaneous-sweating/exterior-deficient patients depletes Yuan Qi, these are results of misuse. If Yin pathogens penetrate deeply, it is most suitable regardless of season. Additionally, for Hand-Taiyin wind-cold cough, Hand-Shaoyin wind-heat rash, Foot-Shaoyin wind-water edema, Foot-Jueyin wind-pain/eye pain, for dispersing syndromes, this is best. Chai Hu and Ma Huang are both key dispersing herbs, but Yang pathogens suit Chai Hu, Yin pathogens suit Ma Huang; this must be distinguished. Processing: remove coarse roots, boil in rolling water for 3-5 boils, skim foam with bamboo slice, sun-dry. Otherwise, it causes irritability.
Ma Huang Gen (Ephedrae Radix et Rhizoma) Tastes sweet, neutral, slightly bitter and astringent. Decocted with astringent herbs, it stops sweating. Mixed with Oyster Shell powder, rice flour, or pounded old banana fan powder in equal parts, stored in raw silk bag, used for dusting night sweats or summer hyperhidrosis, both are excellent.
Xuan Cao (Daylily) (59) Also known as Wang You (Forget Sorrow), Yi Nan (Suitable for Men), Lu Cong (Deer Onion). In *Shi Jing*, it is called Xuan Cao. Planting and playing with it relieves sorrow, hence "Forget Sorrow." Cooking shoots tastes like green onion, and deer like eating them, hence "Deer Onion." Women wearing its flower bear sons, hence "Suitable for Men." Flowers and leaves taste sweet and slightly cool, removing damp-heat, promoting urination for red/astringent urine, relieving thirst/alcohol-induced jaundice; calming Five Zang, benefiting chest/diaphragm, making one harmonious and joyful, also brightening eyes.
Root treats sand-strangury and turbid discharge, promotes water Qi, resolves alcohol jaundice; crush juice to drink. Treat hematemesis/epistaxis: crush juice (one large cup), mix with ginger juice, sip slowly. Treat breast engorgement/mastitis: crush with wine to drink, apply residue externally.
Lian Qiao (Forsythiae Fructus) (60) Tastes bitter and slightly acrid, qi slightly cold, thin qi/flavor, light/clear and floating, ascending, Yin within Yang. Enters Hand-Shaoyin, Hand-Yangming, Foot-Yangming. Drains guest heat in Heart, descends damp-heat in Spleen/Stomach, removes tapeworms/roundworms, unblocks menstruation and Five Stranguries. Due to bitter-light taste, it reaches muscle surface, disperses rat-glands, scrofula, goiter, clustered heat, gu-toxin, carbuncle toxin, macules/rashes, treats sores/furuncles, stops pain/reduces swelling/expels pus, called "Holy Dan" by sores specialists. Due to acrid property, it travels meridians, unblocks blood stasis and Qi stagnation/accumulation, indispensable.
Xuan Fu Hua (Inulae Flos) (61) Tastes bitter, sweet, slightly acrid, Yin, descending, medicine for Hand-Taiyin Lung and Hand-Yangming Large Intestine meridians. Opens stuck Qi, descends phlegm, unblocks water pathways, reduces swelling/fullness, suitable for Qi congestion and damp-heat. But its nature is dispersing, so contraindicated in Loose Large Intestine, Qi deficiency, and Yang decline.
Shu Niu Zi (Arctii Fructus) (62) Also known as Niu Bang Zi, Da Li Zi. Tastes bitter and acrid, descending with ascending action. Treats wind-toxin macules/rashes, disperses carbuncle/swelling/toxic throat obstruction, and cold-stagnation Qi in waist/knees, as it travels Twelve Meridians and disperses while resolving.
Jue Ming (Cassiae Semen) (63) Tastes slightly bitter and sweet, nature neutral and slightly cool, weak force. Treats Liver wind-heat red eyes, red with tearing, and Liver fire blurred vision; can be assistant, but requires long-term use for effect. Or made into pillow for head wind, brightening eyes, superior to Black Bean.
Ting Li (Descurainiae Semen seu Lepidii Semen) (64) Tastes bitter, extremely cold, sinking, Yin, dense qi/flavor, toxic. Excellent at driving out water Qi, no less than Da Huang (Rhubarb Root), but Da Huang drains blood closure, Ting Li drains Qi closure; when Qi moves, water moves. For Lung water Qi fullness/distress, nothing else can remove it. But nature is urgent and purgative, avoid lightly in Qi deficiency. *Huainanzi* says: Da戟 (Kansui Root) removes water, Ting Li cures distension; careless use causes disease. There are sweet and bitter varieties; "sweet" is actually slightly bland, and slightly bland means slightly slower nature.
Xia Ku Cao (Prunellae Spica) (65) Tastes slightly bitter and acrid, qi floats and ascends, Yang within Yin. Resolves Liver Qi, nourishes Liver Blood, thus dissipating nodules and opening depression, great for scrofula/rat-glands, mastitis/goiter, head sores, and eye diseases. Lou Quanshan said: Xia Ku Cao treats eye ball pain worsening at night, miraculous; also miraculous for those whose eye pain worsens with bitter eye drops. A man had eye pain worse at night,黄连 (Coptis Rhizome) drops made it worse, other herbs ineffective. Used two liang Xia Ku Cao, two liang Xiang Fu (Cyperi Rhizoma), four qian Gan Cao, powdered, take one-and-a-half qian with clear tea, pain reduced immediately after swallowing, cured after 4-5 doses.