典藏书目

Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), see the entry under Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger).

Ben (Ligusticum sinense, or Kwan-tsao), grows in the valleys of Chong Mountain. It is now found in various prefectures of Xichuan and Hedong, as well as in Yanzhou and Hangzhou. Its leaves resemble those of Bai Zhi (Angelica dahurica). The fragrance is similar to that of Xiong Qiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong); however, while Xiong Qiong's leaves are like water celery and larger, Ben's leaves are finer. The root is above and the sprout below, resembling grain plants, hence its name. In May, it bears white flowers; in July and August, it produces seeds. The root is purple. The roots are harvested in January and February, sun-dried, and processed over thirty days.

Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), grows in the Jin region and Hedong. It is now widely available near the capital, with those from Xingyang and Zhongmu being considered superior. The shoots emerge in spring and grow to about one chi (approx. 33 cm) by May in summer, bearing yellow flowers at the tips. The fruit resembles small lily petals but is smaller, and also looks like soap pod seeds; it tastes sweet, has a slight Mahuang odor, red outer skin, and black inner seeds. The root is purplish-red. Folklore suggests there are male and female varieties: females flower in March and April and bear fruit in June. Males do not flower nor bear fruit. After the Start of Autumn, the stems are harvested and dried in the shade to retain their green color. Zhang Zhongjing used Mahuang Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) for treating Shanghan (Cold Damage), as well as Da Qinglong Tang (Major Blue Dragon Decoction) and Xiao Qinglong Tang (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction), all utilizing Mahuang. For treating Fei Wei (Lung Withering) with rebellious Qi, Shegan Mahuang Tang (Belamcanda and Ephedra Decoction) and Houpo Mahuang Tang (Magnolia Bark and Ephedra Decoction) are used, both being major prescriptions. In ancient decoctions using Mahuang, it was always first boiled to remove foam before adding other herbs. This step is not required for modern pills and powders. The "Bixiao Fang" (Effective Formula) treats epidemic fevers in their first one or two days by using one da liang (approx. 40g) of Mahuang, removing the nodes, boiling in four sheng (approx. 800ml) of water until foam is removed, reducing to two sheng, straining, adding one spoonful of rice and Dou Chi (Prepared Soybean) to make a thin porridge, obtaining one strong sheng (approx. 200ml) of concentrated liquid. First, take a hot bath and pour water over the head more than a hundred times, then drink the porridge, cover warmly to induce sweating, which is best done at night. The "Qianjin Fang" (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold): To treat Shanghan, the Snow Decoction uses ten jin (approx. 5-6 kg) of Mahuang with nodes removed, four sheng of Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) with tips and skins removed and roasted, and one jin thirteen liang of golden-colored Da Huang (Rhubarb Root). Soak the Mahuang in five shuo four dou (large volume) of snow water in a cauldron on an east-facing stove for three nights. Then add Da Huang, stir well, and boil with mulberry wood fire until two shuo of liquid remains. Strain, return to the cauldron, crush Xing Ren, add to the liquid, and boil again until six or seven dou remain. Strain, place in a copper vessel, add three dou of snow water, and boil down to two dan four sheng (approx. 24 liters total reduction process). The medicine is formed into pills the size of bullet shots. For patients, dissolve one pill in five he (approx. 100ml) of boiling clear water, mix into the water, and drink at a suitable temperature to induce immediate sweating. If not cured, administer another pill. Store the medicine tightly sealed to prevent leakage.