上药一百二十种为君，主养命以应天，无毒，多服、久服不伤人。欲轻身益气，不老
延年者，本上经。
中药一百二十种为臣，主养性以应人，无毒有毒，斟酌其宜。欲遏病，补虚羸者，本
中经。
下药一百二十五种为佐使，主治病以应地，多毒，不可久服。欲除寒热邪气，破积聚愈
疾者，本下经。
三品合三百六十五种，法三百六十五度，一度应一日，以成一岁。倍其数，合七百三十
名也。
陶弘景曰∶今按上品药性，亦能遣疾，但势力和浓，不为速效。岁月常服，必获大益
。病既愈矣，命亦兼申，天道仁育，故曰应天。一百二十种者，当谓寅、卯、辰、巳之月
，法万物生荣时也。中品药性，疗病之辞渐深，轻身之说稍薄，祛患为速，延龄为缓。人
怀性情，故曰应人。一百二十种，当谓午、未、申、酉之月，法万物成熟时也。下品药性，
专主攻击，毒烈之气，倾损中和，不可常服，疾愈即止。地体收杀，故曰应地。一百二十
五种者，当谓戌、亥、子、丑之月，法万物枯藏时也，兼以闰之盈数焉。若单服或配隶，
自随人患，参而行之，不必偏执也。
掌禹锡曰∶陶氏本草例∶神农以朱书，《别录》以墨书。《本经》药止三百六十五种，
今此言倍其数合七百三十名，是并《别录》副品而言。则此一节乃《别录》之文，传写既
久，错乱所致。遂令后世捃摭此类，以为非神农之书，率以此故也。
时珍曰∶《神农本草》，药分三品。陶氏《别录》，倍增药品，始分部类。唐、宋诸家
大加增补，兼或退出。虽有朱、墨之别，三品之名而实已紊矣。或一药而分数条，或二物
而同一处；或木居草部，或虫入木部；水土共居，虫鱼杂处；淄渑罔辨，玉 王不分；名
已难寻，实何由觅。今则通合古今诸家之药，析为十六部。当分者分，当并者并，当移者
移，当增者增。不分三品，惟逐各部，物以类从，目随纲举。每药标一总名，正大纲也；
大书气味、主治，正小纲也；分注释名、集解、发明，详其目也；而辨疑、正误、附录附
之，备其体也；单方又附于其末，详其用也。大纲之下，明注本草及三品，所以原始也；
小纲之下，明注各家之名，所以注实也；分注则各书人名，一则古今之出处不没，一则各
家之是非有归。虽旧章似乎剖析，而支脉更觉分明。非敢僭越，实便讨寻尔。
药有君臣佐使，以相宣摄。合和宜一君、二臣、三佐、五使，又可一君、三臣、九佐
使也。
弘景曰∶用药犹如立人之制，若多君少臣，多臣少佐，则气力不周也。然检仙经世俗
诸方，亦不必皆尔。大抵养命之药多君，养性之药多臣，疗病之药多佐，犹依本性所主，
而复斟酌之。上品君中，复有贵贱；臣佐之中，亦复如之。所以门冬、远志，别有君臣；
甘草国老，大黄将军，明其优劣，皆不同秩也。
岐伯曰∶方制君臣者，主病之谓君，佐君之谓臣，应臣之谓使，非上、中、下三品
之谓也。所以明善恶之殊贯也。
张元素曰∶为君者最多，为臣者次之，佐者又次之。药之于证，所主同者，则各等分
。或云力大者为君。
李杲曰∶凡药之所用，皆以气味为主。补泻在味，随时换气。主病为君，假令治风，
防风为君；治寒，附子为君；治湿，防己为君；治上焦热，黄芩为君；中焦热，黄连为君
。兼见何证，以佐使药分治之，此制方之要也。本草上品为君之说，各从其宜尔。
药有阴阳配合，子母兄弟。
韩保升曰∶凡天地万物皆有阴阳、大小，各有色类，并有法象。故羽毛之类，皆生
于阳而属于阴；鳞介之类，皆生于阴而属于阳。所以空青法木，故色青而主肝；丹砂法
火，故色赤而主心；云母法金，故色白而主肺；雌黄法土，故色黄而主脾；磁石法水，
故色黑而主肾。余皆以此例推之。子母兄弟，若榆皮为母，浓朴为子之类是也。
根茎花实，苗皮骨肉。
元素曰∶凡药根之在土中者，中半已上，气脉之上行也，以生苗者为根；中半已下，
气脉之下行也，以入土者为梢。病在中焦与上焦者，用根；在下焦者，用梢，根升梢降
。人之身半已上，天之阳也，用头；中焦用身；身半已下，地之阴也，用梢。乃述类象
形者也。
时珍曰∶草木有单使一件者，如羌活之根，木通之茎，款冬之花，葶苈之实，败酱
之苗，大青之叶，大腹之皮，郁李之核，柏木之皮，沉香之节，苏木之肌，胡桐之泪，
龙脑之膏是也。有兼用者，远志、小草，蜀漆、常山之类是也。有全用者，枸杞、甘菊
之类是也。有一物两用者，当归头尾，麻黄根节，赤白茯苓，牛膝春夏用苗、秋冬用根
之类是也。羽毛、鳞介、玉石、水火之属，往往皆然，不可一律论也。
有单行者，有相须者，有相使者，有相畏者，有相恶者，有相反者，有相杀者。凡
此七情，合和视之。当用相须、相使者良，勿用相恶、相反者。若有毒宜制，可用相畏
、相杀者；不尔，勿合用也。
保升曰∶《本经》三百六十五种中，单行者，七十一种；相须者，十二种；相使者，
九十种；相畏者，七十八种；相恶者，六十种；相反者，十八种；相杀者，三十六种。
凡此七情，合和视之。
弘景曰∶凡检旧方用药，亦有相恶相反者。如仙方甘草丸，有防己、细辛；俗方玉
石散，用栝蒌、干姜之类，服之乃不为害。或有制持之者，譬如寇、贾辅汉，程、周佐
吴，大体既正，不得以私情为害。虽尔，不如不用尤良。半夏有毒，须用生姜，取其相
畏、相制也。
又曰∶相反为害深于相恶者，谓彼虽恶我，我无忿心，犹如牛黄恶龙骨，而龙骨得
牛黄更良，此有以制伏故也。相反者，则彼我交雠，必不和合。今画家用雌黄、胡粉相
近，便自黯妒，可证矣。
时珍曰∶药有七情，独行者，单方不用辅也。相须者，同类不可离也，如人参、甘
草，黄柏、知母之类。相使者，我之佐使也。相恶者，夺我之能也。相畏者，受彼之制
也。相反者，两不相合也。相杀者，制彼之毒也。古方多有用相恶、相反者。盖相须、
相使同用者，帝道也；相畏、相杀同用者，王道也；相恶、相反同用者，霸道也。有经
有权，在用者识悟尔。
药有酸、咸、甘、苦、辛五味，又有寒、热、温、凉四气，宗 曰∶凡称气者，是
香臭之气。其寒、热、温、凉，是药之性。且如白鹅脂性冷，不可言气冷也。四气则是
香、臭、腥、臊。如蒜、阿魏、鲍鱼、汗袜，则其气臭；鸡、鱼、鸭、蛇，则其气腥；
狐狸、白马茎、人中白，则其气臊；沉、檀、龙、麝，则其气香是也。则气字当改为性
字，于义方允。
时珍曰∶寇氏言寒、热、温、凉是性，香、臭、腥、臊是气，其说与《礼记》文合
。但自《素问》以来，只以气味言，卒难改易，姑从旧尔。
好古曰∶味有五，气有四。五味之中，各有四气。如辛则有石膏之寒，桂、附之热
，半夏之温，薄荷之凉是也。气者，天也；味者，地也。温、热者，天之阳；寒、凉者
，天之阴；辛、甘者，地之阳，咸、苦者，地之阴。本草五味不言淡，四气不言凉；只
言温、大温、热、大热、寒、大寒、微寒、平、小毒、大毒、有毒、无毒，何也？淡附
于甘，微寒即凉也。
及有毒无毒。
岐伯曰∶病有久新，方有大小，有毒无毒，固宜常制。大毒治病，十去其六；常毒
治病，十去其七；小毒治病，十去其八；无毒治病，十去其九。谷、肉、果、菜，食养
尽之，无使过之，伤其正也。
又曰∶耐毒者，以浓药；不胜毒者，以薄药。
王冰云∶药气有偏胜，则脏气有偏绝，故十分去其六、七、八、九而止也。
阴干曝干，采造时月生熟，弘景曰∶凡采药时月，皆是建寅岁首，则从汉太初后所
记也。其根物多以二月、八月采者，谓春初津润始萌，未充枝叶，势力淳浓也；至秋枝
叶干枯，津润归流于下也。大抵春宁宜早，秋宁宜晚。花、实、茎、叶，各随其成熟尔
。岁月亦有早晏，不必都依本文也。所谓阴干者，就六甲阴中干之也。又依遁甲法，甲
子旬阴中在癸酉，以药着酉地也。实不必然，但露暴于阴影处干之尔。若可两用，益当
为善。
孙思邈曰∶古之医者，自解采取，阴干、曝干皆如法，用药必依土地，所以治病十
愈八九。今之医者，不知采取时节，至于出产土地，新、陈、虚、实，一皆不悉，所以
治病十不得五也。
马志曰∶今按法阴干者，多恶。如鹿茸阴干悉烂，火干且良。草木根苗，九月以前
采者，悉宜日干；十月以后采者，阴干乃好。
时珍曰∶生产有南北，节气有早迟，根苗异收采，制造异法度。故市之地黄以锅煮
熟；大黄用火焙干；松黄和蒲黄，樟脑杂龙脑，皆失制作伪者也。孔志约云∶动植形生
，因地舛性；春秋节变，感气殊功。离其本土，则质同而效异；乖于采取，则物是而时
非。名实既虚，寒温多谬，施于君父，逆莫大焉。
嘉谟曰∶医药贸易多在市家。谚云∶卖药者，两眼；用药者，一眼；服药者，无眼
。非
古圹灰云死龙骨，苜蓿根为土黄 ，麝香捣荔核搀藿香，采茄叶杂煮半夏为玄胡索
，盐松梢为肉苁蓉，草仁充草豆蔻，西呆代南木香，熬广胶入荞面作阿胶，煮鸡子及鱼
枕为琥珀，枇杷蕊代款冬，驴脚胫作虎骨，松脂混麒麟竭，番硝和龙脑香。巧诈百般，
甘受其侮，甚至杀人，归咎用药，乃大关系，非比寻常，不可不慎也。
土地所出，真伪陈新，并各有法。
弘景曰∶诸药所生，皆的有境界。秦、汉以前，当言列国。今郡县之名，后人所增
尔。江东以来，小小杂药，多出近道，气力性理，不及本邦。假令荆、益不通，则全用
历阳当归，钱塘三建，岂得相似。所以疗病不及往人，亦当缘此。又且医不识药，惟听
市人；市人又不辨究，皆委采送之家。采送之家，传习造作，真伪好恶，并皆莫测。所
以钟乳醋煮令白，细辛水渍使直，黄 蜜蒸为甜，当归酒洒取润，蜈蚣朱足令赤，螵蛸
胶于桑枝，以虺床当蘼芜，以荠 乱人参。此等既非事实，合药不量剥除。只如远志、
牡丹，才不收半；地黄、门冬，三分耗一。凡去皮、除心之属，分两不应，不知取足。
王公贵胜合药之日，群下窃换好药，终不能觉。以此疗病，固难责效。
宗 曰∶凡用药必须择土地所宜者，则药力具，用之有据。如上党人参、川西当归
、齐州半夏、华州细辛。东壁土、冬月灰、半天河水、热汤、浆水之类，其物至微，其
用至广，盖亦有理。若不推究厥理，治病徒费其功。
杲曰∶陶隐居本草言野狼毒、枳实、橘皮、半夏、麻黄、吴茱萸，皆须陈久者良，其
余须精新也。然大黄、木贼、荆芥、芫花、槐花之类，亦宜陈久，不独六陈也。凡药味
须要专精。至元庚辰六月，许伯威年五十四，中气本弱，病伤寒八、九日，热甚。医以
凉药下之，又食梨，冷伤脾胃，四肢逆冷，时发昏愦，心下悸动，吃噫不止，面色青黄
，目不欲开。其脉动中有止，时自还，乃结脉也。用仲景复脉汤加人参、肉桂，急扶正
气；生地黄减半，恐伤阳气。服二剂，病不退。再为诊之，脉证相对，因念莫非药欠专
精陈腐耶？再市新药与服，其证减半，又服而安。凡诸草、木、昆虫，产之有地；根、
叶、花、实，采之有时。失其地，则性味少异；失其时，则气味不全。又况新陈之不同
，精粗之不等。倘不择而用之，其不效者
药误新方。是矣。
岁物专精见后。
药性有宜丸者，宜散者，宜水煮者，宜酒渍者，宜膏煎者，亦有一物兼宜者，亦有
不可入汤酒者，并随药性，不得违越。
弘景曰∶又按病有宜服丸、服散、服汤、服酒、服膏煎者，亦兼参用，察病之源，
以为其制。
华佗曰∶病有宜汤者，宜丸者，宜散者，宜下者，宜吐者，宜汗者。汤可以荡涤脏
腑，开通经络，调品阴阳。丸可以逐风冷，破坚积，进饮食。散可以去风寒暑湿之邪，
散五脏之结伏，开肠利胃。可下而不下，使人心腹胀满烦乱。可汗而不汗，使人毛孔闭
塞，闷绝而终。可吐而不吐，使人结胸上喘，水食不入而死。
杲曰∶汤者，荡也，去大病用之。散者，散也，去急病用之。丸者，缓也，舒缓而治之
也。 咀者，古制也。古无铁刃，以口咬
凡治至高之病，加酒煎；去湿，以生姜；补元气，以大枣；发散风寒，以葱白；去膈上
痰，以蜜。细末者，不循经络，止去胃中及脏腑之积。气味浓者，白汤调；气味薄者，煎之，
和滓服。去下部之疾，其丸极大而光且圆；治中焦者，次之；治上焦者，极小。稠面糊，取
其迟化，直至下焦；或酒或醋，取其收散之意也；犯半夏、南星，欲去湿者，丸以姜汁稀糊，
取其易化也；水浸宿炊饼，又易化；滴水丸，又易化；炼蜜丸者，取其迟化而气循经络也；
蜡丸，取其难化而旋旋取效，或毒药不伤脾胃也。
上药一百二十种作为君药，主要保养生命以顺应天道，无毒，多服、久服不伤人。想要轻身益气、不老延年的人，依据《上经》（即上品药）。
中药一百二十种作为臣药，主要调养性情以顺应人道，有有毒也有无毒，需斟酌适宜使用。想要遏制疾病、补益虚弱羸瘦的人，依据《中经》（即中品药）。
下药一百二十五种作为佐使药，主要治疗疾病以顺应地道，毒性较大，不可久服。想要去除寒热邪气、破除积聚、治愈疾病的人，依据《下经》（即下品药）。
三品合计三百六十五种，效法一年三百六十五度（天度），一度对应一日，以此构成一岁。加倍其数，合七百三十名也。
陶弘景说：现在考察上品药性，也能驱除疾病，但势力温和浓淡适中，不产生速效。常年服用，必定获得大益。病既已痊愈，生命也得以延续，天道仁爱养育万物，所以说是应天。一百二十种，应当指寅、卯、辰、巳之月，效法万物生长繁荣的时节。中品药性，治疗疾病的言辞逐渐深入，轻身延年的说法稍弱，祛患迅速，延龄缓慢。人怀有情性，所以说是应人。一百二十种，应当指午、未、申、酉之月，效法万物成熟的时节。下品药性，专门主攻攻击，毒烈之气，倾损中和，不可常服，病愈即止。地体收敛肃杀，所以说是应地。一百二十五种，应当指戌、亥、子、丑之月，效法万物枯藏时节，兼以闰月的盈数。如果单服或配伍，自随人的病患，参合而行，不必偏执一端。
掌禹锡说：陶氏《本草》例：神农用朱砂书写，《别录》用墨书写。《本经》药只三百六十五种，现在这里说加倍其数合七百三十名，是并《别录》副品而言。那么这一节乃是《别录》的文字，传写已久，错乱所致。遂令后世拾取此类，认为不是神农之书，大都因为这个缘故。
李时珍说：《神农本草》，药分三品。陶氏《别录》，倍增药品，开始分部类。唐、宋诸家大加增补，兼或退出。虽有朱、墨之别，三品之名而实已紊乱了。或者一药而分数条，或者二物而同一处；或者木居草部，或者虫入木部；水土共居，虫鱼杂处；淄渑难辨，玉王不分；名已难寻，实何由觅。现在则通合古今诸家之药，析为十六部。当分者分，当并者并，当移者移，当增者增。不分三品，惟逐各部，物以类从，目随纲举。每药标一总名，正大纲也；大书气味、主治，正小纲也；分注释名、集解、发明，详其目也；而辨疑、正误、附录附之，备其体也；单方又附于其末，详其用也。大纲之下，明注本草及三品，所以原始也；小纲之下，明注各家之名，所以注实也；分注则各书人名，一则古今之出处不没，一则各家之是非有归。虽旧章似乎剖析，而支脉更觉分明。非敢僭越，实便讨寻尔。
药有君臣佐使，以相宣摄。合和宜一君、二臣、三佐、五使，又可一君、三臣、九佐使也。
陶弘景说：用药犹如立人之制，若多君少臣，多臣少佐，则气力不周也。然而检仙经世俗诸方，也不必皆如此。大抵养命之药多君，养性之药多臣，疗病之药多佐，犹依本性所主，而复斟酌之。上品君中，复有贵贱；臣佐之中，亦复如之。所以门冬、远志，别有君臣；甘草国老，大黄将军，明其优劣，皆不同秩也。
岐伯说：方制君臣者，主病之谓君，佐君之谓臣，应臣之谓使，非上、中、下三品之谓也。所以明善恶之殊贯也。
张元素说：为君者最多，为臣者次之，佐者又次之。药之于证，所主同者，则各等分。或云力大者为君。
李杲说：凡药之所用，皆以气味为主。补泻在味，随时换气。主病为君，假令治风，防风为君；治寒，附子为君；治湿，防己为君；治上焦热，黄芩为君；中焦热，黄连为君。兼见何证，以佐使药分治之，此制方之要也。本草上品为君之说，各从其宜尔。
韩保升说：凡天地万物皆有阴阳、大小，各有色类，并有法象。故羽毛之类，皆生于阳而属于阴；鳞介之类，皆生于阴而属于阳。所以空青法木，故色青而主肝；丹砂法火，故色赤而主心；云母法金，故色白而主肺；雌黄法土，故色黄而主脾；磁石法水，故色黑而主肾。余皆以此例推之。子母兄弟，若榆皮为母，厚朴为子之类是也。
张元素说：凡药根之在土中者，中半已上，气脉之上行也，以生苗者为根；中半已下，气脉之下行也，以入土者为梢。病在中焦与上焦者，用根；在下焦者，用梢，根升梢降。人之身半已上，天之阳也，用头；中焦用身；身半已下，地之阴也，用梢。乃述类象形者也。
李时珍说：草木有单使一件者，如羌活的根，木通的茎，款冬的花，葶苈的实，败酱的苗，大青的叶，大腹的皮，郁李的核，柏木的皮，沉香的节，苏木的肌，胡桐的泪，龙脑的膏是也。有兼用者，远志、小草，蜀漆、常山之类是也。有全用者，枸杞、甘菊之类是也。有一物两用者，当归头尾，麻黄根节，赤白茯苓，牛膝春夏用苗、秋冬用根之类是也。羽毛、鳞介、玉石、水火之属，往往皆然，不可一律论也。
有单行者，有相须者，有相使者，有相畏者，有相恶者，有相反者，有相杀者。凡此七情，合和视之。当用相须、相使者良，勿用相恶、相反者。若有毒宜制，可用相畏、相杀者；不尔，勿合用也。
韩保升说：《本经》三百六十五种中，单行者，七十一种；相须者，十二种；相使者，九十种；相畏者，七十八种；相恶者，六十种；相反者，十八种；相杀者，三十六种。凡此七情，合和视之。
陶弘景说：凡检旧方用药，亦有相恶相反者。如仙方甘草丸，有防己、细辛；俗方玉石散，用栝蒌、干姜之类，服之乃不为害。或有制持之者，譬如寇、贾辅汉，程、周佐吴，大体既正，不得以私情为害。虽尔，不如不用尤良。半夏有毒，须用生姜，取其相畏、相制也。
又说：相反为害深于相恶者，谓彼虽恶我，我无忿心，犹如牛黄恶龙骨，而龙骨得牛黄更良，此有以制伏故也。相反者，则彼我交雠，必不和合。今画家用雌黄、胡粉相近，便自黯妒，可证矣。
李时珍说：药有七情，独行者，单方不用辅也。相须者，同类不可离也，如人参、甘草，黄柏、知母之类。相使者，我之佐使也。相恶者，夺我之能也。相畏者，受彼之制也。相反者，两不相合也。相杀者，制彼之毒也。古方多有用相恶、相反者。盖相须、相使同用者，帝道也；相畏、相杀同用者，王道也；相恶、相反同用者，霸道也。有经有权，在用者识悟尔。
药有酸、咸、甘、苦、辛五味，又有寒、热、温、凉四气，寇宗奭说：凡称气者，是香臭之气。其寒、热、温、凉，是药之性。且如白鹅脂性冷，不可言气冷也。四气则是香、臭、腥、臊。如蒜、阿魏、鲍鱼、汗袜，则其气臭；鸡、鱼、鸭、蛇，则其气腥；狐狸、白马茎、人中白，则其气臊；沉、檀、龙、麝，则其气香是也。则气字当改为性字，于义方允。
李时珍说：寇氏言寒、热、温、凉是性，香、臭、腥、臊是气，其说与《礼记》文合。但自《素问》以来，只以气味言，卒难改易，姑从旧尔。
王好古说：味有五，气有四。五味之中，各有四气。如辛则有石膏之寒，桂、附之热，半夏之温，薄荷之凉是也。气者，天也；味者，地也。温、热者，天之阳；寒、凉者，天之阴；辛、甘者，地之阳，咸、苦者，地之阴。本草五味不言淡，四气不言凉；只言温、大温、热、大热、寒、大寒、微寒、平、小毒、大毒、有毒、无毒，何也？淡附于甘，微寒即凉也。
岐伯说：病有久新，方有大小，有毒无毒，固宜常制。大毒治病，十去其六；常毒治病，十去其七；小毒治病，十去其八；无毒治病，十去其九。谷、肉、果、菜，食养尽之，无使过之，伤其正也。
王冰说：药气有偏胜，则脏气有偏绝，故十分去其六、七、八、九而止也。
阴干曝干，采造时月生熟，陶弘景说：凡采药时月，皆是建寅岁首，则从汉太初后所记也。其根物多以二月、八月采者，谓春初津润始萌，未充枝叶，势力淳浓也；至秋枝叶干枯，津润归流于下也。大抵春宁宜早，秋宁宜晚。花、实、茎、叶，各随其成熟尔。岁月亦有早晏，不必都依本文也。所谓阴干者，就六甲阴中干之也。又依遁甲法，甲子旬阴中在癸酉，以药着酉地也。实不必然，但露暴于阴影处干之尔。若可两用，益当为善。
孙思邈说：古之医者，自解采取，阴干、曝干皆如法，用药必依土地，所以治病十愈八九。今之医者，不知采取时节，至于出产土地，新、陈、虚、实，一皆不悉，所以治病十不得五也。
马志说：现在按法阴干者，多恶。如鹿茸阴干悉烂，火干且良。草木根苗，九月以前采者，悉宜日干；十月以后采者，阴干乃好。
李时珍说：生产有南北，节气有早迟，根苗异收采，制造异法度。故市之地黄以锅煮熟；大黄用火焙干；松黄和蒲黄，樟脑杂龙脑，皆失制作伪者也。孔志约说：动植形生，因地舛性；春秋节变，感气殊功。离其本土，则质同而效异；乖于采取，则物是而时非。名实既虚，寒温多谬，施于君父，逆莫大焉。
嘉谟说：医药贸易多在市家。谚云：卖药者，两眼；用药者，一眼；服药者，无眼。非古圹灰云死龙骨，苜蓿根为土黄 ，麝香捣荔核搀藿香，采茄叶杂煮半夏为玄胡索，盐松梢为肉苁蓉，草仁充草豆蔻，西呆代南木香，熬广胶入荞面作阿胶，煮鸡子及鱼枕为琥珀，枇杷蕊代款冬，驴脚胫作虎骨，松脂混麒麟竭，番硝和龙脑香。巧诈百般，甘受其侮，甚至杀人，归咎用药，乃大关系，非比寻常，不可不慎也。
陶弘景说：诸药所生，皆的有境界。秦、汉以前，当言列国。今郡县之名，后人所增尔。江东以来，小小杂药，多出近道，气力性理，不及本邦。假令荆、益不通，则全用历阳当归，钱塘三建，岂得相似。所以疗病不及往人，亦当缘此。又且医不识药，惟听市人；市人又不辨究，皆委采送之家。采送之家，传习造作，真伪好恶，并皆莫测。所以钟乳醋煮令白，细辛水渍使直，黄蜜蒸为甜，当归酒洒取润，蜈蚣朱足令赤，螵蛸胶于桑枝，以虺床当蘼芜，以荠乱人参。此等既非事实，合药不量剥除。只如远志、牡丹，才不收半；地黄、门冬，三分耗一。凡去皮、除心之属，分两不应，不知取足。王公贵胜合药之日，群下窃换好药，终不能觉。以此疗病，固难责效。
寇宗奭说：凡用药必须择土地所宜者，则药力具，用之有据。如上党人参、川西当归、齐州半夏、华州细辛。东壁土、冬月灰、半天河水、热汤、浆水之类，其物至微，其用至广，盖亦有理。若不推究厥理，治病徒费其功。
李杲说：陶隐居本草言野狼毒、枳实、橘皮、半夏、麻黄、吴茱萸，皆须陈久者良，其余须精新也。然大黄、木贼、荆芥、芫花、槐花之类，亦宜陈久，不独六陈也。凡药味须要专精。至元庚辰六月，许伯威年五十四，中气本弱，病伤寒八、九日，热甚。医以凉药下之，又食梨，冷伤脾胃，四肢逆冷，时发昏愦，心下悸动，吃噫不止，面色青黄，目不欲开。其脉动中有止，时自还，乃结脉也。用仲景复脉汤加人参、肉桂，急扶正气；生地黄减半，恐伤阳气。服二剂，病不退。再为诊之，脉证相对，因念莫非药欠专精陈腐耶？再市新药与服，其证减半，又服而安。凡诸草、木、昆虫，产之有地；根、叶、花、实，采之有时。失其地，则性味少异；失其时，则气味不全。又况新陈之不同，精粗之不等。倘不择而用之，其不效者药误新方。是矣。
药性有宜丸者，宜散者，宜水煮者，宜酒渍者，宜膏煎者，亦有一物兼宜者，亦有不可入汤酒者，并随药性，不得违越。
陶弘景说：又按病有宜服丸、服散、服汤、服酒、服膏煎者，亦兼参用，察病之源，以为其制。
华佗说：病有宜汤者，宜丸者，宜散者，宜下者，宜吐者，宜汗者。汤可以荡涤脏腑，开通经络，调品阴阳。丸可以逐风冷，破坚积，进饮食。散可以去风寒暑湿之邪，散五脏之结伏，开肠利胃。可下而不下，使人心腹胀满烦乱。可汗而不汗，使人毛孔闭塞，闷绝而终。可吐而不吐，使人结胸上喘，水食不入而死。
李杲说：汤者，荡也，去大病用之。散者，散也，去急病用之。丸者，缓也，舒缓而治之也。 咀者，古制也。古无铁刃，以口咬
凡治至高之病，加酒煎；去湿，以生姜；补元气，以大枣；发散风寒，以葱白；去膈上痰，以蜜。细末者，不循经络，止去胃中及脏腑之积。气味浓者，白汤调；气味薄者，煎之，和滓服。去下部之疾，其丸极大而光且圆；治中焦者，次之；治上焦者，极小。稠面糊，取其迟化，直至下焦；或酒或醋，取其收散之意也；犯半夏、南星，欲去湿者，丸以姜汁稀糊，取其易化也；水浸宿炊饼，又易化；滴水丸，又易化；炼蜜丸者，取其迟化而气循经络也；蜡丸，取其难化而旋旋取效，或毒药不伤脾胃也。
The superior drugs, numbering one hundred and twenty, serve as the Sovereign (Jun, sovereign drug) ingredients. They primarily nourish life to correspond with Heaven. They are non-toxic; taking them in large doses or for a long time does not harm the body. Those who wish to lighten the body, augment Qi (vital energy), prevent aging, and prolong longevity should base their use on the Superior Class (Shangpin).
The medium drugs, numbering one hundred and twenty, serve as the Minister (Chen, minister drug) ingredients. They primarily nurture nature to correspond with Humanity. They include both toxic and non-toxic substances, requiring careful judgment of suitability. Those who wish to suppress diseases and tonify deficiency and emaciation should base their use on the Medium Class (Zhongpin).
The inferior drugs, numbering one hundred and twenty-five, serve as the Assistant (Zuo, assistant drug) and Envoy (Shi, envoy drug) ingredients. They primarily treat diseases to correspond with Earth. They are highly toxic and must not be taken for long periods. Those who wish to eliminate cold-heat pathogenic factors, break up accumulations and masses, and cure illnesses should base their use on the Inferior Class (Xiapin).
The three classes total three hundred and sixty-five types, corresponding to the three hundred and sixty-five degrees of the heavens. Each degree corresponds to one day, thereby completing one year. Doubling this number results in seven hundred and thirty names.
Tao Hongjing stated: "Upon examining the properties of the Superior Class drugs today, they can also dispel diseases, but their action is mild and concentrated, lacking rapid effects. Regular consumption over years will surely yield great benefits. Once the disease is cured, life is extended. This reflects the benevolent nurturing of Heaven, hence it is said to 'correspond with Heaven.' The number one hundred and twenty corresponds to the months of Yin, Mao, Chen, and Si, mirroring the time when all things grow and flourish. The properties of the Medium Class drugs involve deeper therapeutic actions for diseases, with slightly less emphasis on lightening the body. They remove afflictions quickly but extend lifespan slowly. Humans possess temperament and nature, hence it is said to 'correspond with Humanity.' The number one hundred and twenty corresponds to the months of Wu, Wei, Shen, and You, mirroring the time when all things mature. The properties of the Inferior Class drugs focus exclusively on aggressive attack. Their toxic and fierce Qi damages the harmonious balance and must not be taken regularly; usage should cease once the illness is cured. Earth's nature is receptive and killing, hence it is said to 'correspond with Earth.' The number one hundred and twenty-five corresponds to the months of Xu, Hai, Zi, and Chou, mirroring the time when all things wither and store, including the surplus numbers of leap months. Whether used singly or in combination, one should follow the patient's condition and practice integration, without adhering rigidly to one side."
Zhang Yuxi stated: "In Tao’s classification of Materia Medica: Shennong used vermilion ink, while the *Bielu* (Additional Records) used black ink. The *Benjing* (Original Classic) contains only three hundred and sixty-five drugs. The current text mentions doubling the number to seven hundred and thirty, implying the inclusion of the *Bielu*'s supplementary items. Thus, this section is likely text from the *Bielu*, which became confused due to long-term transmission. This has led later generations to collect such materials and claim they are not works of Shennong, largely due to this reason."
Li Shizhen stated: "In the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, drugs are divided into three classes. In Tao’s *Bielu*, the number of drugs was doubled, and categories were established. Scholars of the Tang and Song dynasties greatly expanded and supplemented them, sometimes removing items. Although there were distinctions between vermilion and black ink, and the names of the three classes remained, the reality had become chaotic. Sometimes one drug was split into several entries, or two different substances were listed in the same place; trees were placed in the herb section, or insects in the wood section; water and earth dwellings mixed, insects and fish intermingled; Zishui and Mian streams were indistinguishable, jade and kingfisher feathers were confused; names were hard to trace, how could realities be found? Now, I integrate the drugs of ancient and modern scholars into sixteen sections. Dividing where necessary, merging where appropriate, moving where needed, adding where required. I do not distinguish the three classes, but follow each section, grouping objects by category, with details following the main outline. Each drug bears a general name to establish the main outline; major headings list flavor and indications to establish the sub-outline; annotations explain names, collect explanations, and elucidate discoveries to detail the specifics; doubts are辨析 (analyzed), errors corrected, and appendices added to complete the structure; simple prescriptions are attached at the end to detail applications. Under the main outline, the source of the Bencao and the three classes are noted to trace origins; under the sub-outline, names from various schools are noted to verify facts; annotations record authors' names so that historical sources are not lost and judgments on various schools have a归宿 (归宿/standard). Although old chapters seem analyzed, branches and veins appear clearer. I dare not overstep, but truly for ease of search."
Drugs have Sovereign, Minister, Assistant, and Envoy roles to interact and regulate each other. Harmonization should ideally involve one Sovereign, two Ministers, three Assistants, and five Envoys, or alternatively one Sovereign, three Ministers, and nine Assistants/Envoys.
Tao Hongjing stated: "Using drugs is like establishing human hierarchy. If there are too many Sovereigns and few Ministers, or too many Ministers and few Assistants, the energetic force will be insufficient. However, checking immortal scriptures and secular prescriptions, this is not always the case. Generally, drugs for nourishing life act as Sovereigns, those for nurturing nature as Ministers, and those for treating disease as Assistants, relying on their inherent nature and further adjusting accordingly. Among the Sovereigns of the Superior Class, there are still distinctions of nobility and baseness; similarly among Ministers and Assistants. Thus, Dongchong (Ophiopogon) and Yuanzhi (Polygala) have distinct Sovereign-Minister relationships; Gancao (Licorice) is the 'State Elder,' Dahuang (Rhubarb) is the 'General,' clarifying their superiority and inferiority, belonging to different ranks."
Qibo stated: "In prescription formulation, the Sovereign treats the primary disease, the Minister assists the Sovereign, and the Envoy responds to the Minister. This refers to functional roles, not the Superior, Medium, and Inferior classes. This clarifies the distinction between good and bad qualities."
Zhang Yuansu stated: "The Sovereign ingredient is most abundant, the Minister is next, and the Assistant is least. When drugs address the same syndrome, they are used in equal parts. Some say the drug with the strongest power serves as the Sovereign."
Li Gao stated: "Whatever drugs are used, flavor and Qi (energy/nature) are primary. Tonification and purgation depend on flavor, changing Qi according to the season. The drug treating the main disease is the Sovereign. For example, in treating wind, Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia) is the Sovereign; in treating cold, Fuzi (Aconite) is the Sovereign; in treating dampness, Fangji (Stephania) is the Sovereign; in treating upper Jiao heat, Huangqin (Scutellaria) is the Sovereign; in treating middle Jiao heat, Huanglian (Coptis) is the Sovereign. If other syndromes are present, Assistant and Envoy drugs are used to treat them separately. This is the key to formulating prescriptions. The theory of Superior Class drugs as Sovereigns in the Bencao follows appropriateness."
Drugs have Yin-Yang combinations, mother-son, and brother relationships.
Han Baosheng stated: "All things in heaven and earth have Yin-Yang and size, each with color categories and symbolic images. Therefore, feathered creatures are born of Yang and belong to Yin; scaled and shelled creatures are born of Yin and belong to Yang. Kongqing (Azurite) corresponds to Wood, hence its green color and affinity for the Liver; Zhusha (Cinnabar) corresponds to Fire, hence its red color and affinity for the Heart; Yunmu (Muscovite) corresponds to Metal, hence its white color and affinity for the Lung; Cihuang (Orpiment) corresponds to Earth, hence its yellow color and affinity for the Spleen; Cishi (Magnetite) corresponds to Water, hence its black color and affinity for the Kidney. Others are deduced by this analogy. Mother-son relationships are exemplified by Yupi (Elm Bark) as mother and Houpo (Magnolia Bark) as son."
Roots, stems, flowers, fruits, sprouts, bark, flesh, and bones.
Zhang Yuansu stated: "For drugs whose roots are in the soil, the upper half is where Qi and meridians ascend, identified as the root where sprouts emerge; the lower half is where Qi and meridians descend, identified as the tip/shoot entering the soil. For diseases in the Middle and Upper Jiao, use the root; for diseases in the Lower Jiao, use the tip. Roots ascend, tips descend. The upper half of the human body is Heaven's Yang, use the head/top part; the Middle Jiao uses the body/middle part; the lower half is Earth's Yin, use the tip/bottom part. This describes categories and mimics forms."
Li Shizhen stated: "Some herbs use only one part, such as Qianghuo (Notopterygium) root, Mutong (Akebia) stem, Kuandonghua (Coltsfoot) flower, Tingli (Descurainia) seed, Baijiangcao (Patrinia) sprout, Daqing (Isatis) leaf, Dafupi (Citrus peel), Yuliren (Bush Cherry) kernel, Baimupi (Cypress bark), Chenxiang (Agarwood) knot, Sumu (Sappanwood) muscle, Hutonglei (Tallow Tree resin), and Longnao (Borneol) gum. Some use combined parts, such as Yuanzhi (Polygala) and Xiaocao (Oldenlandia), Shuqi (Periploca) and Changshan (Dichroa). Some use the whole plant, such as Gouqi (Goji) and Ganju (Chrysanthemum). Some use one substance for two purposes, such as Danggui (Angelica) head and tail, Mahuang (Ephedra) root and nodes, Chi/Fu Ling (Poria) red/white, Niuxi (Achyranthes) sprout in spring/summer and root in autumn/winter. Feathered, scaled, jade, stone, water, and fire categories often follow similar patterns and cannot be judged by a single rule."
There are single agents, mutually enhancing pairs, mutually assisting pairs, mutually fearing pairs, mutually repelling pairs, mutually opposing pairs, and mutually detoxifying pairs. These seven interactions (Seven Emotions) must be considered together. Use mutually enhancing and mutually assisting pairs for best results; avoid mutually repelling and mutually opposing pairs. If toxicity needs control, mutually fearing and mutually detoxifying pairs can be used; otherwise, do not combine them.
Han Baosheng stated: "Among the three hundred and sixty-five drugs in the *Benjing*: Single agents, seventy-one; Mutually enhancing, twelve; Mutually assisting, ninety; Mutually fearing, seventy-eight; Mutually repelling, sixty; Mutually opposing, eighteen; Mutually detoxifying, thirty-six. These seven interactions must be considered together."
Tao Hongjing stated: "Examining old prescriptions, there are cases of using mutually repelling or opposing drugs. For example, Xianfang Gancao Wan contains Fangji and Xixin; common formula Yushi San uses Gualou and Ganjiang. Taking them causes no harm. There may be controlling agents involved, like Kou Qian and Jia Yi assisting Han, or Cheng Yaojin and Zhou Tong assisting Wu. Since the main intent is correct, private conflicts do not cause harm. Nevertheless, it is better not to use them if possible. Banxia (Pinellia) is toxic and requires Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) to utilize their mutual fear and control."
He also stated: "Mutual opposition causes deeper harm than mutual repulsion. Mutual repulsion means one dislikes the other, but I hold no resentment, like Niuhuang (Calculus Bovis) disliking Longgu (Fossil Bone), yet Longgu becomes better with Niuhuang due to control. Mutual opposition means mutual enmity, inevitably failing to harmonize. Painters note that Cihuang (Orpiment) and Hufen (Lead White) are close but darken each other out of jealousy, proving this point."
Li Shizhen stated: "Drugs have seven interactions. Single agents are used alone without auxiliaries. Mutually enhancing drugs are inseparable similar types, such as Renshen (Ginseng) and Gancao (Licorice), Huangbai (Phellodendron) and Zhimu (Anemarrhena). Mutually assisting drugs are my assistants. Mutually repelling drugs deprive my efficacy. Mutually fearing drugs are controlled by the other. Mutually opposing drugs do not combine. Mutually detoxifying drugs control the other's toxicity. Ancient formulas often used mutually repelling and opposing drugs. Using mutually enhancing and assisting drugs together is the 'Emperor's Way'; using mutually fearing and detoxifying drugs together is the 'King's Way'; using mutually repelling and opposing drugs together is the 'Hegemon's Way.' There are constants and variables, depending on the practitioner's understanding."
Drugs have Sour, Salty, Sweet, Bitter, and Pungent Five Flavors, and Cold, Hot, Warm, and Cool Four Natures. Kou Zongshi stated: "When referring to 'Qi,' it usually means fragrance or stench. Cold, Hot, Warm, and Cool refer to the drug's Nature (Xing). For instance, Bai'e Zhi (White Goose Fat) is cold in nature, not cold in Qi. The Four Natures here refer to Fragrance, Stench, Fishy, and Musky odors. Garlic, Asafetida, Abalone, and sweaty socks have a Stench; Chicken, Fish, Duck, and Snake have a Fishy odor; Fox, White Horse Penis, and Renzhongbai (Urine Deposit) have a Musky odor; Chenxiang (Agarwood), Tanxiang (Sandalwood), Longnao (Borneol), and Shexiang (Musk) have a Fragrance. Thus, the character 'Qi' should be changed to 'Nature' for accuracy."
Li Shizhen stated: "Kou's view that Cold, Hot, Warm, and Cool are Natures, and Fragrance, Stench, Fishy, and Musky are Qi, aligns with the *Book of Rites*. However, since the *Suwen*, only 'Flavor and Qi' have been discussed, making change difficult. I shall follow the old convention."
Wang Haogu stated: "There are Five Flavors and Four Natures. Within the Five Flavors, each has four natures. For example, Pungent includes Shigao (Gypsum) which is Cold, Guizhi (Cinnamon Twig) and Fuzi (Aconite) which are Hot, Banxia (Pinellia) which is Warm, and Bohe (Mint) which is Cool. Qi belongs to Heaven; Flavor belongs to Earth. Warm and Hot are Heaven's Yang; Cold and Cool are Heaven's Yin; Pungent and Sweet are Earth's Yang; Salty and Bitter are Earth's Yin. The Bencao lists Five Flavors but omits Bland, and Four Natures but omits Cool; instead listing Warm, Great Warm, Hot, Great Hot, Cold, Great Cold, Slightly Cold, Neutral, Slight Toxicity, Great Toxicity, Toxic, and Non-toxic. Why? Bland attaches to Sweet; Slightly Cold is equivalent to Cool."
Regarding Toxic and Non-toxic.
Qibo stated: "Diseases vary in duration; prescriptions vary in size. Whether toxic or non-toxic, standard regulations apply. For drugs with Great Toxicity, treat until six-tenths of the disease is gone; for Common Toxicity, seven-tenths; for Slight Toxicity, eight-tenths; for Non-toxic drugs, nine-tenths. Use grains, meats, fruits, and vegetables to complete the nourishment. Do not exceed these limits, lest you injure healthy Qi."
He also stated: "Those tolerant of toxicity use strong drugs; those intolerant use mild drugs."
Wang Bing stated: "If drug Qi is excessively biased, organ Qi becomes severely deficient. Hence, stop after removing six, seven, eight, or nine-tenths."
Drying in shade or sun, harvesting times, and raw/cooked states. Tao Hongjing stated: "Harvesting times are recorded from the beginning of the Yin month (first month of the lunar calendar), dating from the Han Taichu era. Root drugs are mostly harvested in the second and eighth months. Early spring, sap begins to sprout, leaves and branches are not full, so the energy is pure and concentrated. By autumn, leaves and branches wither, and sap flows downward. Generally, spring harvesting should be early, autumn late. Flowers, fruits, stems, and leaves are harvested according to maturity. Years vary in early or late timing, not strictly following the original text. 'Drying in shade' means drying within the Yin phases of the Six Jia cycles. According to Dunjia method, in the Jiazi cycle, the Yin phase is Guiyou, placing the drug in the You direction. This is not necessarily literal, but simply drying in shaded areas. If dual-use is possible, it is even better."
Sun Simiao stated: "Ancient physicians understood harvesting, drying in shade or sun according to method, and used drugs based on local origin, thus curing eight or nine out of ten cases. Modern physicians do not know harvesting seasons or origins, new vs. old, empty vs. solid, thus curing fewer than five out of ten."
Ma Zhi stated: "Currently, shading drying is often detrimental. For example, Lurong (Deer Antler) rots if shaded dried; fire-dried is better. Herbal roots and sprouts harvested before September should be sun-dried; those harvested after October are better shaded-dried."
Li Shizhen stated: "Production varies north and south; solar terms vary early and late; root and sprout harvesting differs; manufacturing methods differ. Market Dihuang (Rehmannia) is boiled in pots; Dahuang (Rhubarb) is baked by fire; Songhuang (Pine Pollen) mixed with Puhuang (Catkin); Zhangnao (Camphor) mixed with Longnao (Borneol); these are all counterfeit losses of proper preparation. Kong Zhiyue said: Animals and plants acquire different natures from their environment; Spring and Autumn changes bring different energies. Leaving native soil makes quality same but effect different; improper harvesting makes the object correct but the timing wrong. Names and realities become false, cold and hot properties often erroneous. Applying this to rulers and fathers is the greatest rebellion."
Jiamo stated: "Medicine trade is mostly in markets. Proverb: Sellers have two eyes; users have one eye; patients have none. Not fake fossil bone called dead dragon bone, alfalfa root as earth rhubarb, musk mixed with lychee pit and huoxiang, eggplant leaves boiled with banxia as yanshusu, salted pine tips as roucongrong, caoren冒充 caodoukou, xidai replacing nanmuxiang, boiling guangjiao with buckwheat to make ejiao, boiling chicken eggs and fish otoliths to make amber, pipal stamens replacing kuandonghua, donkey shin bones as tiger bones, pine resin mixed with qilinjie, foreign saltpeter mixed with borneol. Deceitful tricks abound, enduring humiliation, even causing death, blaming the medication. This is a major issue, not ordinary, requiring utmost caution."
Local origins, authenticity, age, and freshness each have methods.
Tao Hongjing stated: "All drugs have specific growing regions. Before Qin and Han, these were states. County names now are additions by later people. Since Jiangdong, minor miscellaneous drugs often come from nearby paths, lacking the potency and properties of their native regions. If Jing and Yi do not communicate, using Liyang Danggui and Qiantang Sanjian entirely would not be comparable. Thus, treatment effectiveness lags behind ancients, partly due to this. Moreover, doctors do not recognize drugs, listening only to merchants; merchants do not investigate, delegating to collectors. Collectors pass down practices, authenticity and quality are unpredictable. Thus, Zhongru is boiled in vinegar to whiten, Xixin soaked in water to straighten, Huangmi steamed with honey to sweeten, Danggui sprinkled with wine to moisten, Wugong painted red, Piaoxiao glued to mulberry branches, Huichuang passed off as Miwu, Qimai passed off as Renshen. These are not factual. When compounding, peeling and cleaning are not measured. Yuanzhi and Mudan lose half; Dihuang and Mendong lose one-third. Peeling and removing hearts do not match weights, failing to obtain sufficient amounts. On days nobles compound medicine, servants secretly swap good drugs, never detected. Treating disease this way makes efficacy hard to expect."
Kou Zongshi stated: "Drugs must be chosen according to suitable land for full potency and reliable use. Such as Shangdang Renshen, Chuanxi Danggui, Qizhou Banxia, Huazhou Xixin. Dongbitu (East Wall Soil), Dongyuehui (Winter Ash), Bantianhe (Half-sky River Water), Re Tang (Hot Water), Jiangshui (Fermented Rice Water) are trivial items but widely used, which has rationale. Without investigating principles, treating disease wastes effort."
Li Gao stated: "Tao Hongjing's Bencao says Yelangdu, Zhishi, Ju Pi, Banxia, Mahuang, and Wuzhuyu are best aged; others should be fresh and refined. However, Dahuang, Muzei, Jingjie, Yuanhua, and Huaihua should also be aged, not just the 'Six Aged Drugs.' Drug flavors require refinement. In June of Gengchen year, Xu Bowei, aged fifty-four, had weak middle Qi. After eight or nine days of Shanghan (Cold Damage) with high fever, the doctor used cold purgatives, and he ate pears, injuring spleen and stomach with cold. Limbs turned cold, fainting occurred, palpitations below heart, excessive belching, face green-yellow, eyes unwilling to open. Pulse had stops, returning intermittently, a Jie Mai (Knotted Pulse). Used Zhang Zhongjing's Fumai Tang plus Renshen and Rougui to urgently support healthy Qi; Shengdi reduced by half to protect Yang Qi. After two doses, disease did not retreat. Re-diagnosing, pulse and symptoms matched, thinking perhaps the drug lacked refinement or was stale? Bought new drugs and took them; symptoms halved, then resolved. All grasses, woods, and insects have production places; roots, leaves, flowers, and fruits have harvesting times. Losing place alters nature and flavor slightly; losing time makes Qi and flavor incomplete. Furthermore, new vs. old, fine vs. coarse differ. If not selected and used, ineffectiveness is due to drug error, not new prescription. Correct."
See later for annual drug refinement.
Drug properties suit pills, powders, water decoctions, wine maceration, paste frying. Some suit multiple forms; some cannot enter decoctions or wines. Follow drug properties, do not violate them.
Tao Hongjing stated: "Diseases suit pills, powders, decoctions, wines, or pastes. Combine references, observe disease source, and formulate accordingly."
Hua Tuo stated: "Diseases suit decoctions, pills, powders, purgatives, emetics, or diaphoretics. Decoctions cleanse organs, open meridians, regulate Yin-Yang. Pills expel wind-cold, break hardness, promote appetite. Powders dispel wind-cold-summerheat-dampness, scatter internal stagnation, benefit intestines and stomach. Purging when needed but not done causes abdominal distension and confusion. Sweating when needed but not done closes pores, leading to suffocation and death. Vomiting when needed but not done causes chest binding, wheezing, inability to eat/drink, and death."
Li Gao stated: "Decoction (Tang) sweeps away major diseases. Powder (San) disperses acute diseases. Pill (Wan) acts slowly, treating gently. Chu (chewing) is an ancient method. Ancient times had no iron blades, so drugs were chewed."
For treating highest diseases, add wine decoction; for removing dampness, use Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger); for tonifying Yuan Qi, use Dazao (Jujube); for dispersing wind-cold, use Congbai (Scallion White); for removing phlegm above diaphragm, use Honey. Fine powders do not follow meridians, only removing stomach and organ accumulations. Strong aroma/flavor mixed with white water; weak aroma/flavor decocted and taken with dregs. For lower body diseases, pills are large, smooth, and round; for middle Jiao, smaller; for upper Jiao, very small. Thick flour paste allows slow dissolution reaching lower Jiao; wine or vinegar for gathering or dispersing intent; if containing Banxia or Nanxing, use ginger juice thin paste for easy dissolution; water-soaked overnight steamed cake dissolves easily; drop-water pills dissolve easily; refined honey pills allow slow dissolution and Qi circulation through meridians; wax pills are hard to dissolve, providing gradual effect or protecting spleen/stomach from toxic drugs.