徐之才曰∶药有宣、通、补、泄、轻、重、涩、滑、燥、湿十种，是药之大体，而《本
经》不言，后人未述。凡用药者，审而详之，则靡所遗失矣。
宣剂
之才曰∶宣可去壅，生姜、橘皮之属是也。
杲曰∶外感六淫之邪，欲传入里，三阴实而不受，逆于胸中，天分气分窒塞不通，而或
哕、或呕，所谓壅也。三阴者，脾也。故必破气药，如姜、橘、藿香、半夏之类，泻其壅塞
从正曰∶俚人以宣为泻，又以宣为通，不知十剂之中已有泻与通矣。仲景曰∶春病在头
，大法宜吐，是宣剂即涌剂也。《经》曰∶高者因而越之，木郁则达之。宣者，升而上也
，以君召臣曰宣，是矣。凡风痫中风，胸中诸实，痰饮寒结，胸中热郁，上而不下，久则嗽
喘满胀、水肿之病生焉，非宣剂莫能愈也。吐中有汗，如引涎、追泪、嚏鼻，凡上行者，皆
吐法也。
完素曰∶郁而不散为壅，必宣以散之，如痞满不通之类是矣。攻其里，则宣者上也，泄
者下也。涌剂则瓜蒂、栀子之属是矣。发汗通表亦同。
好古曰∶《经》有五郁∶木郁达之，火郁发之，土郁夺之，金郁泄之，水郁折之，皆宣
也。
曰∶宣，扬制曰宣朗，君召臣曰宣唤，臣奉君命宣布上意，皆宣之意也。
时珍曰∶壅者，塞也；宣者，布也，散也。郁塞之病，不升不降，传化失常，或郁久生
病，或病久生郁。必药以宣布敷散之，如承流宣化之意，不独涌越为宣也。是以气郁有余，
则香附、抚芎之属以开之；不足，则补中益气以运之。火郁微，则山栀、青黛以散之；甚，
则升阳解肌以发之。湿郁微，则苍术、白芷之属以燥之；甚，则风药以胜之。痰郁微，则
南星、橘皮之属以化之；甚，则瓜蒂、藜芦之属以涌之。血郁微，则桃仁、红花以行之；甚
，则
通剂
之才曰∶通可去滞，通草、防己之属是也。
完素曰∶留而不行，必通以行之，如水病为痰 之类。以木通、防己之属攻其内，则留
者行也。滑石、茯苓、芫花、甘遂、大戟、牵牛之类是也。
从正曰∶通者，流通也。前后不得溲便，宜木通、海金沙、琥珀、大黄之属通之。痹痛
郁滞，经隧不利，亦宜通之。
时珍曰∶滞，留滞也。湿热之邪留于气分，而为痛痹癃闭者，宜淡味之药，上助肺气下
降，通其小便，而泄气中之滞，木通、猪苓之类是也。湿热之邪留于血分，而为痹痛肿注、
二便不通者，宜苦寒之药下引，通其前后，而泄血中之滞，防己之类是也。《经》曰∶味薄
者通，故淡味之药谓之通剂。
补剂
之才曰∶补可去弱，人参、羊肉之属是也。
杲曰∶人参甘温，能补气虚；羊肉甘热，能补血虚。羊肉补形，人参补气。凡气味与二
药同者，皆是也。
从正曰∶五脏各有补泻，五味各补其脏，有表虚、里虚，上虚、下虚，阴虚、阳虚，
气虚、血虚。《经》曰∶精不足者，补之以味；形不足者，补之以气。五谷、五菜、五果
、五肉，皆补养之物也。
时珍曰∶《经》云∶不足者补之。又云∶虚则补其母。生姜之辛补肝，炒盐之咸补心，
甘草之甘补脾，五味子之酸补肺，黄柏之苦补肾。又如茯神之补心气，生地黄之补心血；人
参之补脾气，白芍药之补脾血；黄 之补肺气，阿胶之补肺血；杜仲之补肾气，熟地黄之补
肾血；芎 之补肝气，当归之补肝血之类，皆补剂。不特人参、羊肉为补也。
泄剂
之才曰∶泄可去闭，葶苈、大黄之属是也。
杲曰∶葶苈苦寒，气味俱浓，不减大黄，能泄肺中之闭，又泄大肠。大黄走而不守，能
泄血闭肠胃渣秽之物。一泄气闭，利小便；一泄血闭，利大便。凡与二药同者，皆然。
从正曰∶实则泻之。诸痛为实，痛随利减。芒硝、大黄、牵牛、甘遂、巴豆之属，皆泻
剂也。其催生下乳，磨积逐水，破经泄气，凡下行者，皆下法也。
时珍曰∶去闭，当作去实。《经》云∶实者泻之，实则泻其子，是矣。五脏五味皆有泻
，不独葶苈、大黄也。肝实，泻以芍药之酸；心实，泻以甘草之甘；脾实，泻以黄连之苦；
肺实，泻以石膏之辛；肾实，泻以泽泻之咸，是矣。
轻剂
之才曰∶轻可去实，麻黄、葛根之属是也。
从正曰∶风寒之邪，始客皮肤，头痛身热，宜解其表，《内经》所谓轻而扬之也。痈疮
疥痤，俱宜解表，汗以泄之，毒以熏之，皆轻剂也。几熏洗蒸炙，熨烙刺砭，导引按摩，皆
汗法也。
时珍曰∶当作轻可去闭。有表闭、里闭，上闭、下闭。表闭者，风寒伤营，腠理闭密，
阳气怫郁，不能外出，而为发热、恶寒、头痛、脊强诸病，宜轻扬之剂发其汗，而表自解也
。里闭者，火热郁抑，津液不行，皮肤干闭，而为肌热、烦热、头痛、目肿、昏瞀、疮疡诸
病，宜轻扬之剂以解其肌，而火自散也。上闭有二∶一则外寒内热，上焦气闭，发为咽喉闭
痛之证，宜辛凉之剂以扬散之，则闭自开。一则饮食寒冷抑遏阳气在下，发为胸膈痞满闭塞
之证，宜扬其清而抑其浊，则痞自泰也。下闭亦有二∶有阳气陷下，发为里急后重，数至圊
而不行之证，但升其阳而大便自顺，所谓下者举之也。有燥热伤肺，金气 郁，窍闭于上，
而膀胱闭于下，为小便不利之证，以升麻之类探而吐之，上窍通而小便自利矣，所谓病在下
取之上也。
重剂
之才曰∶重可去怯，磁石、铁粉之属是也。
从正曰∶重者，镇缒之谓也。怯则气浮，如丧神守，而惊悸气上，朱砂、水银、沉香、
黄丹、寒水石之伦，皆体重也。久病咳嗽，涎潮于上，形羸不可攻者，以此缒之。《经》云
∶重者，因而减之，贵其渐也。
时珍曰∶重剂凡四∶有惊则气乱，而魂气飞扬、如丧神守者；有怒则气逆，而肝火激烈
、病狂善怒者，并铁粉、雄黄之类以平其肝。有神不守舍，而多惊健忘、迷惑不宁者，宜朱
砂、紫石英之类以镇其心。有恐则气下，精志失守而畏，如人将捕者，宜磁石、沉香之类以
安其肾。大抵重剂压浮火而坠痰涎，不独治怯也。故诸风掉眩及惊痫痰喘之病，吐逆不止及
反胃之病，皆浮火痰涎为害，俱宜重剂以坠之。
滑剂之才曰∶滑可去着，冬葵子、榆白皮之属是也。
完素曰∶涩则气着，必滑剂以利之。滑能养窍，故润利也。
从正曰∶大便燥结，宜麻仁、郁李之类；小便淋沥，宜葵子、滑石之类。前后不通，两
阴俱闭也，名曰三焦约。约者，束也。
宜先以滑剂润养其燥，然后攻之。
时珍曰∶着者，有形之邪，留着于经络脏腑之间也，便尿、浊带、痰涎、胞胎、痈肿之
类是矣。皆宜滑药以引去其留着之物。此与木通、猪苓通以去滞相类而不同。木通、猪苓，
淡泄之物，去湿热无形之邪；葵子、榆皮，甘滑之类，去湿热有形之邪。故彼曰滞，此曰着
也。大便涩者，菠菱、牵牛之属；小便涩者，车前、榆皮之属；精窍涩者，黄柏、葵花之属
；胞胎涩者，黄葵子、王不留行之属；引痰涎自小便去者，则半夏、茯苓之属；引疮毒自小
便去者，则五叶藤、萱草根之属，皆滑剂也。半夏、南星皆辛而涎滑，能泄湿气、通大便，
盖辛能润、能走气、能化液也。或以为燥物，谬矣。湿去则土燥，非二物性燥也。
涩剂
之才曰∶涩可去脱，牡蛎、龙骨之属是也。
完素曰∶滑则气脱，如开肠洞泄、便溺遗失之类，必涩剂以收敛之。
从正曰∶寝汗不禁，涩以麻黄根、防风；滑泄不已，涩以豆蔻、枯矾、木贼、罂粟壳；
喘嗽上奔，涩以乌梅、诃子。凡酸味同乎涩者，收敛之义也。然此种皆宜先攻其本，而后收
之可也。
时珍曰∶脱者，气脱也，血脱也，精脱也，神脱也。脱则散而不收，故用酸涩温平之药
，以敛其耗散。汗出亡阳，精滑不禁，泄痢不止，大便不固，小便自遗，久嗽亡津，皆气脱
也。下血不已，崩中暴下，诸大亡血，皆血脱也。牡蛎、龙骨、海螵蛸、五倍子、五味子、
乌梅、榴皮、诃黎勒、罂粟壳、莲房、棕灰、赤石脂、麻黄根之类，皆涩药也。气脱兼以
气药，血脱兼以血药及兼气药，气者血之帅也。脱阳者见鬼，脱阴者目盲，此神脱也，非涩
药所能收也。
燥剂
之才曰∶燥可去湿，桑白皮、赤小豆之属是也。
完素曰∶湿气淫胜，肿满脾湿，必燥剂以除之，桑皮之属。湿胜于上，以苦吐之，以淡
渗之是也。
从正曰∶积寒久冷，吐利腥秽，上下所出，水液澄彻清冷，此大寒之病，宜姜、附、胡
椒辈以燥之。若病湿气，则白术、陈皮、木香、苍术之属除之，亦燥剂也。而黄连、黄柏、
栀
子、大黄，其味皆苦，苦属火，皆能燥湿，此《内经》之本旨也，岂独姜、附之俦为燥剂乎？
好古曰∶湿有在上、在中、在下、在经、在皮、在里。
时珍曰∶湿有外感，有内伤。
外感之湿，雨露岚雾，地气水湿，袭于皮肉筋骨经络之间；内伤之湿，生于水饮酒食，
及脾弱肾强，固不可一例言也。故风药可以胜湿，燥药可以除湿，淡药可以渗湿，泄小便可
以引湿，利大便可以逐湿，吐痰涎可以祛湿。湿而有热，苦寒之剂燥之；湿而有寒，辛热之
剂燥之；不独桑皮、小豆为燥剂也。湿去则燥，故谓之燥。
湿剂
之才曰∶湿可去枯，白石英、紫石英之属是也。
从正曰∶湿者，润湿也。虽与滑类，少有不同。《经》云∶辛以润之，辛能走气、能化
液故也。盐硝味虽咸，属真阴之水，诚濡枯之上药也。人有枯涸皴揭之病，非独金化，盖有
火以乘之，故非湿剂不能愈。
完素曰∶津耗为枯。五脏痿弱，营卫涸流，必湿剂以润之。
好古曰∶有减气而枯，有减血而枯。
时珍曰∶湿剂当作润剂。枯者燥也，阳明燥金之化，秋令也，风热怫甚，则血液枯涸而
为燥病。上燥则渴，下燥则结，筋燥则强，皮燥则揭，肉燥则裂，骨燥则枯，肺燥则痿，肾
燥则消。凡麻仁、阿胶膏润之属，皆润剂也。养血，则当归、地黄之属；生津，则麦门冬、
栝蒌根之属；益精，则苁蓉、枸杞之属。若但以石英为润药则偏矣，古人以服石为滋补故尔
。刘完素曰∶制方之体，欲成七方、十剂之用者，必本于气味也。寒、热、温、凉，四气生
于天；酸、苦、辛、咸、甘、淡，六味成乎地。是以有形为味，无形为气。气为阳，味为阴。
阳气出上窍，阴味出下窍。气化则精生，味化则形长。故地产养形，形不足者温之以气；天
产养精，精不足者补之以味。辛甘发散为阳，酸苦涌泄为阴；咸味涌泄为阴，淡味渗泄为阳
。辛散、酸收、甘缓、苦坚、咸软，各随五脏之病，而制药性之品味。故方有七，剂有十
。方不七，不足以尽方之变；剂不十，不足以尽剂之用。方不对证，非方也；剂不蠲疾，非
剂也。此乃太古先师，设绳墨而取曲直；叔世方士，乃出规矩以为方圆。夫物各有性，制而
用之，变而通之，施于品剂，其功用岂有穷哉。如是，有因其性为用者，有因其所胜而为制
者，有气同则相求者，有气相克则相制者，有气有余而补不足者，有气相感则以意使者，有
质同而性异者，有名异而实同者。故蛇之性上窜而引药，蝉之性外脱而退翳，虻饮血而用以
治血，鼠善穿而用以治漏，所谓因其性而为用者如此。弩牙速产，以机发而不括也；杵糠下
噎，以杵筑下也，所谓因其用而为使者如此。浮萍不沉水，可以胜酒；独活不摇风，可以治
风，所谓因其所胜而为制也如此。麻，木谷而治风；豆，水谷而治水，所谓气相同则相求者
如此。牛，土畜，乳可以止渴疾；豕，水畜，心可以镇恍惚，所谓因其气相克则相制也如此。
熊肉振羸，兔肝明视，所谓其气有余补不足也如此。鲤之治水， 之利水，所谓因其气相感
则以意使者如此。蜜成于蜂，蜜温而蜂寒；油生于麻，麻温而油寒，兹同质而异性也。蘼芜
生于芎 ，蓬 生于覆盆，兹名异而实同者也。所以如此之类，不可胜举。故天地赋形，不
离阴阳，形色自然，皆有法象。毛羽之类，生于阳而属于阴；鳞甲之类，生于阴而属于阳。
空青法木，色青而主肝；丹砂法火，色赤而主心；云母法金，色白而主肺；磁石法水，色黑
而主肾；黄石脂法土，色黄而主脾。故触类而长之，莫不有自然之理也。欲为医者，上知天
文，下知地理，中知人事，三者俱明，然后可以语人之疾病；不然，则如无目夜游，无足登
涉，动致颠殒，而欲愈疾者，未之有也。
雷 《炮炙论》序曰∶若夫世人使药，岂知自有君臣；既辨君臣，宁分相制。只如 毛
（今盐草也）沾溺，立销斑肿之毒；象胆挥粘，乃知药有情异。 鱼插树，立便干枯；用狗
胆
涂之（以犬胆灌之，插鱼处，立如故也），却当荣盛。无名（无名异形似玉，仰面又如石炭
味
别）止楚，截指而似去甲毛；圣石开盲，明目而如云离日。当归止血破血，头尾效各不同
止血，尾破血）；蕤子熟生，
足睡不眠立据。弊箅淡卤（常使者甑中箅，能淡盐味）；如酒
徐之才说：药物有宣、通、补、泄、轻、重、涩、滑、燥、湿十种分类，这是药物的总体原则，但《神农本草经》中没有提及，后人也没有详细论述。凡是用药的人，如果仔细审察并详尽分析，就不会有所遗漏了。
宣剂（宣散之剂）
徐之才说：宣可以去除壅滞，生姜、橘皮这类药物就是代表。
李杲说：外感六淫邪气，想要传入体内，三阴经充实而不受纳，邪气逆乱于胸中，导致天和人的气分窒塞不通，从而出现呃逆或呕吐，这就是所谓的“壅”。三阴指的是脾脏。所以必须使用破气药，如生姜、橘皮、藿香、半夏之类，以泻除壅塞。
王从正说：民间人把宣当作泻，又把宣当作通，不知道在十剂之中已经有泻剂和通剂了。张仲景说：春季疾病多在头部，大法适宜用吐法，这说明宣剂就是涌吐之剂。《内经》说：病位高的，顺势使其越出；木气郁结，则使之通达。宣，就是升发向上。以君主召唤臣子称为“宣”，这是正确的。凡是风痫、中风，胸中的各种实证，痰饮寒凝，胸中热郁，气机上逆而不能下行，时间久了就会生出咳嗽、气喘、胸满、腹胀、水肿等疾病，不用宣剂不能治愈。吐法中包含发汗的作用，如引涎、追泪、嚏鼻，凡是向上的方法，都属于吐法。
张完素说：郁结而不能发散就形成壅滞，必须用宣剂来发散它，如痞满不通之类的病症。攻逐里实，那么宣是向上的，泄是向下的。涌吐剂则是瓜蒂、栀子这类药物。发汗解表也是同样的道理。
李好古说：《内经》有五郁：木郁达之，火郁发之，土郁夺之，金郁泄之，水郁折之，这些都属于宣。
无名氏说：宣，发扬制约叫宣朗，君主召唤臣子叫宣唤，臣子奉行君命宣布上意，都是宣的意思。
李时珍说：壅，就是阻塞；宣，就是布散、发散。郁塞的疾病，不升不降，传化功能失常，或者郁久生病，或者病久生郁。必须用药来宣布敷散，如同承流宣化的意思，不仅仅是涌吐才叫宣。所以气郁有余，就用香附、抚芎这类药物来开散；气虚不足，就用补中益气汤来运化。火郁轻微，就用山栀、青黛来发散；严重，就用升阳解肌的方法来发汗。湿郁轻微，就用苍术、白芷这类药物来燥湿；严重，就用风药来胜湿。痰郁轻微，就用南星、橘皮这类药物来化痰；严重，就用瓜蒂、藜芦这类药物来涌吐。血郁轻微，就用桃仁、红花来行血；严重……
通剂（通利之剂）
徐之才说：通可以去除留滞，通草、防己这类药物就是代表。
张完素说：停留而不能运行，必须用通剂来推动它，如水病产生痰饮之类。用木通、防己这类药物攻逐内部，那么停留的东西就能运行。滑石、茯苓、芫花、甘遂、大戟、牵牛这类药物就是代表。
王从正说：通，就是流通。前后大小便不通，适宜用木通、海金沙、琥珀、大黄这类药物来通利。痹痛郁滞，经络不利，也适宜用通剂。
李时珍说：滞，就是留滞。湿热邪气停留在气分，而成为痛痹、癃闭的，适宜用淡味药物，上助肺气下降，通利小便，从而泄去气分中的滞气，木通、猪苓这类药物就是代表。湿热邪气停留在血分，而成为痹痛肿注、二便不通的，适宜用苦寒药物下引，通利前后二阴，从而泄去血分中的滞气，防己这类药物就是代表。《内经》说：气味薄的能通，所以淡味药物被称为通剂。
补剂（补益之剂）
徐之才说：补可以去除虚弱，人参、羊肉这类药物就是代表。
李杲说：人参味甘性温，能补气虚；羊肉味甘性热，能补血虚。羊肉补形体，人参补元气。凡是气味与这两种药相同的，都是补剂。
王从正说：五脏各有补泻，五味各补其相应的脏腑，有表虚、里虚，上虚、下虚，阴虚、阳虚，气虚、血虚。《内经》说：精气不足的，用厚味来补；形体不足的，用薄气来补。五谷、五菜、五果、五肉，都是补养之物。
李时珍说：《内经》说：不足的就要补。又说：虚证要补其母脏。生姜的辛味补肝，炒盐的咸味补心，甘草的甘味补脾，五味子的酸味补肺，黄柏的苦味补肾。又如茯神补心气，生地黄补心血；人参补脾气，白芍药补脾血；黄芪补肺气，阿胶补肺血；杜仲补肾气，熟地黄补肾血；川芎补肝气，当归补肝血之类，都是补剂。不仅仅是人参、羊肉才算补剂。
泄剂（泻下之剂）
徐之才说：泄可以去除闭塞，葶苈子、大黄这类药物就是代表。
李杲说：葶苈子味苦性寒，气味都很浓厚，不亚于大黄，能泄肺中的闭塞，又能泄大肠。大黄走而不守，能泄血闭和肠胃中的渣秽之物。一种泄气闭，利小便；一种泄血闭，利大便。凡是与这两种药功效相同的，都是如此。
王从正说：实证就要泻。各种疼痛属于实证，疼痛随着通利而减轻。芒硝、大黄、牵牛、甘遂、巴豆这类药物，都是泻剂。那些催生下乳、磨积逐水、破经泄气，凡是向下的方法，都属于下法。
李时珍说：“去闭”应当作“去实”。《内经》说：实证就要泻，实则泻其子，这是正确的。五脏的五味都有泻法，不仅仅是葶苈子、大黄。肝实，用芍药的酸味来泻；心实，用甘草的甘味来泻；脾实，用黄连的苦味来泻；肺实，用石膏的辛味来泻；肾实，用泽泻的咸味来泻，这是正确的。
轻剂（轻扬之剂）
徐之才说：轻可以去除实邪，麻黄、葛根这类药物就是代表。
王从正说：风寒邪气，刚开始客居皮肤，头痛身热，适宜解表，《内经》所谓“轻而扬之”。痈疮疥痤，都适宜解表，用汗法来泄毒，用熏法来解毒，都是轻剂。凡是熏洗蒸炙、熨烙刺砭、导引按摩，都属于汗法。
李时珍说：应当作“轻可去闭”。有表闭、里闭，上闭、下闭。表闭，是风寒伤及营分，腠理密闭，阳气怫郁，不能外出，从而产生发热、恶寒、头痛、脊强等各种疾病，适宜用轻扬之剂发汗，表证自然解除。里闭，是火热郁抑，津液不行，皮肤干闭，从而产生肌热、烦热、头痛、目肿、昏瞀、疮疡等各种疾病，适宜用轻扬之剂来解肌，火气自然消散。上闭有两种：一种是外寒内热，上焦气闭，引发咽喉闭痛的证候，适宜用辛凉之剂来扬散，闭塞自然开通。一种是饮食寒冷抑制阳气在下，引发胸膈痞满闭塞的证候，适宜扬清抑浊，痞满自然消除。下闭也有两种：有阳气陷下，引发里急后重，频繁上厕所却排不出来的证候，只要提升阳气，大便自然顺畅，这就是所谓“下者举之”。有燥热伤肺，金气郁结，窍闭于上，而膀胱闭于下，成为小便不利的证候，用升麻之类探吐，上窍通了，小便自然通利，这就是所谓“病在下取之上”。
重剂（重镇之剂）
徐之才说：重可以去除怯弱，磁石、铁粉这类药物就是代表。
王从正说：重，就是镇坠的意思。怯弱则气浮，如丧神守，惊悸气上，朱砂、水银、沉香、黄丹、寒水石这类药物，都是体重重的。久病咳嗽，涎潮于上，形体羸弱不可攻伐的，用这类药物来镇坠。《内经》说：重的，顺势减去，贵在渐进。
李时珍说：重剂主要有四种：有因惊则气乱，魂气飞扬、如丧神守的；有因怒则气逆，肝火激烈、病狂善怒的，都用铁粉、雄黄这类药物来平肝。有神不守舍，多惊健忘、迷惑不宁的，适宜用朱砂、紫石英这类药物来镇心。有因恐则气下，精志失守而畏惧，如被人追捕的，适宜用磁石、沉香这类药物来安肾。大抵重剂压制浮火而坠痰涎，不仅仅是治疗怯弱。所以各种风病震颤眩晕以及惊痫痰喘的病，呕吐不止以及反胃的病，都是浮火痰涎为害，都适宜用重剂来坠之。
滑剂（滑利之剂）
徐之才说：滑可以去除着留，冬葵子、榆白皮这类药物就是代表。
张完素说：涩则气着，必须用滑剂来利导。滑能养窍，所以具有润利的作用。
王从正说：大便燥结，适宜用麻仁、郁李仁之类；小便淋沥，适宜用葵子、滑石之类。前后不通，两阴俱闭，名叫三焦约。约，就是束的意思。应当先用滑剂润养其燥，然后再攻逐。
李时珍说：着，是有形的邪气，留着在经络脏腑之间，如便尿、浊带、痰涎、胞胎、痈肿之类。都适宜用滑药来引导去除留着之物。这与木通、猪苓通利以去滞相似但不同。木通、猪苓，是淡泄之物，去除湿热无形之邪；葵子、榆皮，是甘滑之类，去除湿热有形之邪。所以前者叫滞，后者叫着。大便涩，用菠菜、牵牛之类；小便涩，用车前子、榆皮之类；精窍涩，用黄柏、葵花之类；胞胎涩，用黄葵子、王不留行之类；引导痰涎从小便去的，用半夏、茯苓之类；引导疮毒从小便去的，用五叶藤、萱草根之类，都是滑剂。半夏、南星都辛而涎滑，能泄湿气、通大便，因为辛能润、能走气、能化液。有人认为是燥物，错了。湿去则土燥，不是这两味药性燥。
涩剂（收敛之剂）
徐之才说：涩可以去除脱失，牡蛎、龙骨这类药物就是代表。
张完素说：滑则气脱，如肠洞泄、便溺遗失之类，必须用涩剂来收敛。
王从正说：睡中出汗不禁，用麻黄根、防风来涩；滑泄不已，用豆蔻、枯矾、木贼、罂粟壳来涩；喘嗽上奔，用乌梅、诃子来涩。凡是酸味同于涩味的，都有收敛的意义。然而这类情况都应当先攻治根本，然后收敛才可以。
李时珍说：脱，是气脱、血脱、精脱、神脱。脱则散而不收，所以用酸涩温平的药物，来收敛耗散。汗出亡阳，精滑不禁，泄痢不止，大便不固，小便自遗，久嗽亡津，都是气脱。下血不已，崩中暴下，各种大量失血，都是血脱。牡蛎、龙骨、海螵蛸、五倍子、五味子、乌梅、榴皮、诃黎勒、罂粟壳、莲房、棕灰、赤石脂、麻黄根之类，都是涩药。气脱兼用补气药，血脱兼用补血药及补气药，气是血的统帅。脱阳的见鬼，脱阴的目盲，这是神脱，不是涩药所能收敛的。
燥剂（燥湿之剂）
徐之才说：燥可以去除湿邪，桑白皮、赤小豆这类药物就是代表。
张完素说：湿气淫胜，肿满脾湿，必须用燥剂来除去，如桑皮之类。湿胜于上，用苦味吐之，用淡味渗之，就是这个道理。
王从正说：积寒久冷，吐利腥秽，上下所出，水液澄彻清冷，这是大寒的病，适宜用姜、附、胡椒辈来燥湿。如果是湿气病，就用白术、陈皮、木香、苍术之类来除去，也是燥剂。而黄连、黄柏、栀子、大黄，它们的味都是苦的，苦属火，都能燥湿，这是《内经》的本旨，难道只有姜、附这类才是燥剂吗？
李好古说：湿有在上、在中、在下、在经、在皮、在里的区别。
李时珍说：湿有外感和内伤。
外感的湿，是雨露岚雾、地气水湿，侵袭于皮肉筋骨经络之间；内伤的湿，生于饮水饮酒饮食，以及脾弱肾强，固不可一概而论。所以风药可以胜湿，燥药可以除湿，淡药可以渗湿，泄小便可引湿，利大便可以逐湿，吐痰涎可以祛湿。湿而有热，用苦寒之剂燥之；湿而有寒，用辛热之剂燥之；不仅仅是桑皮、小豆算燥剂。湿去则燥，所以叫燥。
湿剂（滋润之剂）
徐之才说：湿可以去除枯槁，白石英、紫石英这类药物就是代表。
王从正说：湿，就是润湿。虽然与滑剂类似，稍有不同。《内经》说：辛以润之，因为辛能走气、能化液。盐硝味道虽咸，属于真阴之水，确实是濡润枯槁的上药。人有枯涸皴揭的病，不仅仅是金化所致，大概有火来乘之，所以不用湿剂不能痊愈。
张完素说：津液消耗成为枯。五脏痿弱，营卫涸流，必须用湿剂来润之。
李好古说：有减气而枯，有减血而枯。
李时珍说：湿剂应当作润剂。枯就是燥，是阳明燥金的化象，对应秋令，风热怫郁严重，则血液枯涸而成为燥病。上燥则渴，下燥则结，筋燥则强，皮燥则揭，肉燥则裂，骨燥则枯，肺燥则痿，肾燥则消。凡是麻仁、阿胶膏润之类，都是润剂。养血，用当归、地黄之类；生津，用麦门冬、栝蒌根之类；益精，用苁蓉、枸杞之类。如果只把石英当作润药就偏颇了，古人认为服石是滋补的缘故。刘完素说：制方的体制，想要成就七方、十剂的作用的，必须基于气味。寒、热、温、凉，四气生于天；酸、苦、辛、咸、甘、淡，六味成乎地。所以有形的是味，无形的是气。气为阳，味为阴。阳气出上窍，阴味出下窍。气化则精生，味化则形长。所以地产养形，形不足者用气温之；天产养精，精不足者用味补之。辛甘发散为阳，酸苦涌泄为阴；咸味涌泄为阴，淡味渗泄为阳。辛散、酸收、甘缓、苦坚、咸软，各随五脏的病，而制药性的品味。所以方有七，剂有十。方不七，不足以尽方之变；剂不十，不足以尽剂之用。方不对证，不是方；剂不蠲疾，不是剂。这是太古先师，设绳墨而取曲直；叔世方士，乃出规矩以为方圆。万物各有性，制而用之，变而通之，施于品剂，其功用哪有穷尽呢。像这样，有因其性为用的，有因其所胜而为制的，有气同则相求的，有气相克则相制的，有气有余而补不足的，有气相感则以意使者的，有质同而性异的，有名异而实同的。所以蛇性上窜而引药，蝉性外脱而退翳，虻饮血而用以治血，鼠善穿而用以治漏，这就是所谓因其性而为用。弩牙速产，以机发而不括也；杵糠下噎，以杵筑下也，这就是所谓因其用而使者。浮萍不沉水，可以胜酒；独活不摇风，可以治风，这就是所谓因其所胜而为制。麻，木谷而治风；豆，水谷而治水，这就是所谓气相同则相求。牛，土畜，乳可以止渴疾；豕，水畜，心可以镇恍惚，这就是所谓因其气相克则相制。熊肉振羸，兔肝明视，这就是所谓气有余补不足。鲤之治水，鳢之利水，这就是所谓因其气相感则以意使。蜜成于蜂，蜜温而蜂寒；油生于麻，麻温而油寒，这是同质而异性。蘼芜生于芎 ，蓬 生于覆盆，这是名异而实同。所以像这样的例子，不可胜举。所以天地赋形，不离阴阳，形色自然，皆有法象。毛羽之类，生于阳而属于阴；鳞甲之类，生于阴而属于阳。空青法木，色青而主肝；丹砂法火，色赤而主心；云母法金，色白而主肺；磁石法水，色黑而主肾；黄石脂法土，色黄而主脾。所以触类而长之，莫不有自然之理。欲为医者，上知天文，下知地理，中知人事，三者俱明，然后可以语人之疾病；不然，则如无目夜游，无足登涉，动致颠殒，而欲愈疾者，未之有也。
雷斅《炮炙论》序说：至于世人用药，哪里知道自有君臣；既然辨别君臣，难道不分相制。只如 毛（今盐草也）沾溺，立销斑肿之毒；象胆挥粘，乃知药有情异。 鱼插树，立便干枯；用狗胆涂之（以犬胆灌之，插鱼处，立如故也），却当荣盛。无名（无名异形似玉，仰面又如石炭味别）止楚，截指而似去甲毛；圣石开盲，明目而如云离日。当归止血破血，头尾效各不同（头止血，尾破血）；蕤子熟生，足睡不眠立据。弊箅淡卤（常使者甑中箅，能淡盐味）；如酒
Xu Zhicai stated: Medicines are categorized into ten types: Xuan (dispersing), Tong (unblocking), Bu (tonifying), Xie (draining), Qing (light), Zhong (heavy), Se (astringent), Hua (slippery), Zao (drying), and Shi (moistening). These constitute the general framework of materia medica, yet they were not mentioned in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) nor elaborated upon by later scholars. Practitioners who carefully examine and analyze these principles will leave nothing overlooked.
**Xuan Agents (Dispersing Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Xuan agents can remove stagnation (obstruction); examples include Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) and Ju Pi (Tangerine Peel).
Liu Guo stated: When external pathogens of the six climatic factors (Six Evils) attempt to penetrate inward, if the Three Yin meridians are full and reject them, the pathogens reverse into the chest, causing obstruction in the Qi division between Heaven and humanity, leading to hiccups or vomiting. This is what is meant by "stagnation." The Three Yin refers to the Spleen. Therefore, Qi-breaking herbs such as Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome), Ju Pi (Tangerine Peel), Huoxiang (Patchouli Herb), and Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) must be used to drain the obstruction.
Wang Congzheng stated: Laypeople mistake Xuan for Xie (draining) and also for Tong (unblocking), not realizing that the Ten Agents already include specific Xie and Tong categories. Zhang Zhongjing stated: In spring, diseases often affect the head; the major principle is to induce vomiting. Thus, Xuan agents are essentially Yong (vomiting/pushing-up) agents. The *Classic* states: "For high-seated ailments, use the method of pushing up"; "If Wood Qi is stagnant, expand it." Xuan means ascending and rising. Just as a ruler summons ministers, this is called Xuan. For wind-epilepsy, wind-stroke, various excess conditions in the chest, phlegm-fluid retention with cold coagulation, heat depression in the chest, and Qi reversing upward without descending, prolonged cases may develop cough, asthma, chest fullness, distension, edema, etc. Only Xuan agents can cure these. Vomiting methods contain sweating effects, such as inducing salivation, tears, or sneezing; any method acting upward belongs to the vomiting technique.
Zhang Yuansu stated: Depression without dispersion leads to stagnation; it must be dispersed using Xuan agents, such as in cases of epigastric fullness and obstruction. To attack the interior, Xuan acts upward while Xie acts downward. Yong agents include Gengdi (Melon Fruit) and Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit). Sweating and unblocking the exterior follow the same logic.
Li Haogu stated: The *Classic* mentions Five Depressions: Expand Wood, Elicit Fire, Seize Earth, Drain Metal, and Restrict Water; all belong to Xuan.
Anonymous stated: Xuan implies spreading and controlling, like "Xuanlang" (clear and bright); a ruler summoning a minister is "Xuanhuan"; a minister executing the ruler's will to announce intentions—all reflect the meaning of Xuan.
Li Shizhen stated: Stagnation means blockage; Xuan means distribution and dispersion. Diseases of depression and blockage involve failure to ascend or descend, with abnormal transmission and transformation. Prolonged depression causes disease, or prolonged disease causes depression. Herbs must be used to distribute and disperse, akin to conveying flow and transforming influence, not merely through vomiting. Thus, for excess Qi stagnation, use Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) and Fuxiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) to open it; for deficiency, use Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction) to move it. For mild Fire stagnation, use Shanzhi (Gardenia Fruit) and Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis) to disperse; for severe cases, use Shengyang Jiexi (Raise Yang and Resolve Muscle) methods to sweat it out. For mild Dampness stagnation, use Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) and Baizhi (Angelica Dahurica Root) to dry it; for severe cases, use Wind-dispelling herbs to overcome it. For mild Phlegm stagnation, use Nanting (Arisaema Tuber) and Ju Pi (Tangerine Peel) to transform it; for severe cases, use Gengdi (Melon Fruit) and Lili (Veratrum Rhizome) to vomit it. For mild Blood stagnation, use Taoren (Peach Seed) and Honghua (Carthamus Flower) to move it; for severe...
**Tong Agents (Unblocking Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Tong agents can remove retention; examples include Tongcao (Tetrapanax Pith) and Fangji (Stephania Root).
Zhang Yuansu stated: Retention without movement requires Tong agents to promote circulation, such as in water diseases producing phlegm. Using Mutong (Akebia Stem) and Fangji (Stephania Root) to attack internally allows retained substances to move. Examples include Huashi (Talcum), Fuling (Poria), Yuanhua (Kadua Root), Gansui (Euphorbia Root), Daji (Euphorbia Pekinensis Root), and Qianniu (Pharbitis Seed).
Wang Congzheng stated: Tong means free flow. For inability to urinate or defecate, use Mutong (Akebia Stem), Haijinsha (Lygodium Spore), Hupo (Fossilized Wood), and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) to unblock. For bi-syndrome pain and stagnation with meridian obstruction, Tong agents are also appropriate.
Li Shizhen stated: Retention refers to lingering pathogenic factors. When Damp-Heat stays in the Qi level causing painful obstruction or urinary retention, use bland-tasting herbs to assist Lung Qi in descending, unblock urination, and drain Qi-level stagnation; Mutong (Akebia Stem) and Zhuling (Polyporus) are examples. When Damp-Heat stays in the Blood level causing bi-pain, swelling, and blockage of both bowels and bladder, use bitter-cold herbs to guide downward, unblock both outlets, and drain Blood-level stagnation; Fangji (Stephania Root) is an example. The *Classic* states: "Thin flavors lead to unblocking," hence bland herbs are called Tong agents.
**Bu Agents (Tonifying Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Bu agents can counteract weakness; examples include Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Yangrou (Mutton Meat).
Liu Guo stated: Renshen (Ginseng Root) is sweet and warm, tonifying Qi deficiency; Yangrou (Mutton Meat) is sweet and hot, tonifying Blood deficiency. Mutton tonifies form, Ginseng tonifies Qi. Any herb with similar properties serves as a tonifier.
Wang Congzheng stated: Each Zang organ has specific tonification and drainage methods; each of the five flavors tonifies its corresponding organ. There are Exterior Deficiency, Interior Deficiency, Upper Deficiency, Lower Deficiency, Yin Deficiency, Yang Deficiency, Qi Deficiency, and Blood Deficiency. The *Classic* states: "Deficiency of Essence is tonified with flavor; deficiency of Form is tonified with Qi." Grains, vegetables, fruits, and meats are all nourishing substances.
Li Shizhen stated: The *Classic* says: "Tonify what is deficient" and "Tonify the Mother when there is deficiency." The pungency of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger Rhizome) tonifies the Liver; the saltiness of fried salt tonifies the Heart; the sweetness of Gancao (Licorice Root) tonifies the Spleen; the sourness of Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) tonifies the Lungs; the bitterness of Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) tonifies the Kidneys. Similarly, Fushen (Poria with Hostwood) tonifies Heart Qi, Shengdihuang (Rehmannia Root) tonifies Heart Blood; Renshen (Ginseng Root) tonifies Spleen Qi, Baishao (White Peony Root) tonifies Spleen Blood; Huangqi (Astragalus Root) tonifies Lung Qi, Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) tonifies Lung Blood; Duzhong (Eucommia Bark) tonifies Kidney Qi, Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) tonifies Kidney Blood; Xiong (Ligusticum Rhizome) tonifies Liver Qi, Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) tonifies Liver Blood. All are Bu agents, not just Renshen (Ginseng Root) and Yangrou (Mutton Meat).
**Xie Agents (Draining Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Xie agents can remove closure; examples include Tingli (Descurainia Seed) and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root).
Liu Guo stated: Tingli is bitter and cold, with strong aroma and flavor, comparable to Dahuang (Rhubarb Root). It drains lung closure and large intestine accumulation. Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) moves freely and does not stay put, draining blood closure and fecal impaction. One drains Qi closure via urination; the other drains Blood closure via defecation. Others with similar actions apply.
Wang Congzheng stated: Excess requires draining. Pain indicates excess; pain decreases with relief. Mangxiao (Mirabilite), Dahuang (Rhubarb Root), Qianniu (Pharbitis Seed), Gansui (Euphorbia Root), and Badou (Croton Seed) are all Xie agents. Methods that induce labor, promote lactation, grind accumulations, drive out water, break menstruation, or drain Qi—any downward action—belongs to the Xia (purging) method.
Li Shizhen stated: "Remove closure" should be read as "Remove Excess." The *Classic* states: "Excess requires draining; drain the Child element of the excess organ." This is correct. Each Zang organ has specific draining methods using the five flavors, not limited to Tingli (Descurainia Seed) and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root). Liver excess is drained with Sour Shaoyao (Peony Root); Heart excess with Sweet Gancao (Licorice Root); Spleen excess with Bitter Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome); Lung excess with Pungent Shigao (Gypsum); Kidney excess with Salty Zexie (Alisma Rhizome).
**Qing Agents (Light/Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Qing agents can remove excess; examples include Mahuang (Ephedra Herb) and Gegen (Kudzu Root).
Wang Congzheng stated: When Wind-Cold pathogens initially lodge in the skin, causing headache and fever, release the exterior. This corresponds to the *Neijing* concept of "light and dispersing." For sores, ulcers, scabies, and acne, releasing the exterior via sweating or fumigation constitutes Qing agents. Techniques like fumigation, washing, steaming, moxibustion, ironing, acupuncture, cupping, Dao Yin, and massage are all sweating methods.
Li Shizhen stated: It should be read as "Light can remove closure." There are Exterior Closure, Interior Closure, Upper Closure, and Lower Closure. Exterior closure involves Wind-Cold injuring the Ying level, closing pores, trapping Yang Qi, causing fever, aversion to cold, headache, and stiff spine; light dispersing agents induce sweating to resolve the exterior. Interior closure involves Heat/Fire depression, failing to circulate fluids, causing dry skin, muscle heat, irritability, headache, swollen eyes, dizziness, and sores; light dispersing agents resolve the muscle layer to dissipate fire. Upper closure has two types: 1) External Cold with Internal Heat blocking Upper Jiao Qi, causing sore throat pain; treat with Pungent-Cool agents to disperse. 2) Cold food/drink suppressing Yang Qi below, causing epigastric fullness; raise Clear Qi and suppress Turbid Qi to relieve fullness. Lower closure also has two types: 1) Yang Qi sinking causing tenesmus and frequent but ineffective defecation; raise Yang to smooth bowels ("raise what has sunk"). 2) Dry-Heat injuring Lungs, Metal Qi depressed, upper orifices blocked, lower Bladder closed, causing dysuria; use Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome) to induce vomiting, opening upper orifices to benefit urination ("treat lower by accessing upper").
**Zhong Agents (Heavy/Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Zhong agents can remove timidity; examples include Cishi (Magnetite) and Tie Fen (Iron Powder).
Wang Congzheng stated: Heavy implies sedation and anchoring. Timidity causes floating Qi, loss of spirit control, palpitations, and rebellious Qi. Zhu Sha (Cinnabar), Shuiyin (Mercury), Chenxiang (Agarwood), Huangdan (Minium), and Hanshuishi (Halloysitum Rubrum) are heavy. For chronic cough with phlegm flooding upward in emaciated patients unfit for purgation, use these to anchor. The *Classic* states: "Heavy reduces gradually."
Li Shizhen stated: Zhong agents address four conditions: 1) Fear causing Qi chaos and flying Hun (Soul); use Tie Fen (Iron Powder) and Xionghuang (Realgar) to calm the Liver. 2) Anger causing Qi rebellion and Liver Fire mania; use Tie Fen (Iron Powder) and Xionghuang (Realgar). 3) Spirit not residing in its house, causing palpitations, amnesia, and confusion; use Zhu Sha (Cinnabar) and Zi Shiyingshi (Fluorite) to calm the Heart. 4) Fear causing Qi sinking and loss of Jing/Zhi (Will), feeling hunted; use Cishi (Magnetite) and Chenxiang (Agarwood) to calm the Kidneys. Generally, Zhong agents suppress floating Fire and anchor Phlegm-Damp, treating more than just timidity. They are used for wind-induced tremors/dizziness, convulsions, phlegm-wheezing, persistent vomiting, and regurgitation caused by floating Fire and Phlegm-Damp.
**Hua Agents (Slippery/Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Hua agents can remove adhering pathogens; examples include Dongkuizi (Okra Seed) and Yubai Pi (Elm Bark).
Zhang Yuansu stated: Astringency causes adherence; Hua agents lubricate. Slipperiness nourishes orifices, providing moistening and lubrication.
Wang Congzheng stated: For dry stool constipation, use Huma (Hemp Seed) and Yuliren (Apricot Seed); for dribbling urine, use Kuizi (Okra Seed) and Huashi (Talcum). Blockage of both front and back orifices is called Sanjiao Yue (Sanjiao Constriction). Yue means binding. First use Hua agents to moisten dryness, then purge.
Li Shizhen stated: "Zhuo" (Adhering) refers to tangible pathogens lodged in meridians and Zang-Fu, such as abnormal discharge, turbid leukorrhea, phlegm, retained fetus, or abscesses. Use slippery herbs to guide them out. This differs from Mutong (Akebia Stem) and Zhuling (Polyporus) which drain invisible Damp-Heat; Hua agents like Kuizi (Okra Seed) and Yupi (Elm Bark) remove tangible Damp-Heat pathogens. Hence, one is called "Zhi" (Retention), the other "Zhuo" (Adherence). For dry bowel movements, use Boling (Spinach) and Qianniu (Pharbitis Seed); for dry urination, use Cheqian (Plantago Seed) and Yupi (Elm Bark); for dry seminal orifice, use Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) and Kuihua (Hibiscus Flower); for dry uterus, use Huangkuizi (Yellow Okra Seed) and Wangbuxing (Vaccaria Seed); to guide phlegm out via urine, use Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) and Fuling (Poria); to guide toxin out via urine, use Wuyeteng (Five-leaf Vine) and Xuancgen (Daylily Root). All are Hua agents. Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) and Nanting (Arisaema Tuber) are pungent and slimy, draining Dampness and smoothing bowels because Pungency moistens, moves Qi, and transforms fluids. Calling them drying is wrong; dryness results from Dampness removal, not their nature.
**Se Agents (Astringent/Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Se agents can prevent collapse/loss; examples include Muli (Oyster Shell) and Longgu (Fossilized Bone).
Zhang Yuansu stated: Slipperiness leads to Qi collapse, such as intestinal洞泄 (profuse diarrhea) or incontinence; Se agents are needed to consolidate.
Wang Congzheng stated: For uncontrollable night sweats, use Mahuang Gen (Ephedra Root) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root); for persistent loose stools, use Doukou (Cardamom Seed), Kufan (Alum), Muze (Equisetum), and Yingsuke (Poppy Shell); for wheezing/cough with rushing Qi, use Wumei (Myrobalan) and Hezi (Chebulic Myrobalan). Sour flavors share astringent properties of consolidation. However, treat the root cause first, then astringe.
Li Shizhen stated: Collapse includes Qi, Blood, Essence, and Spirit collapse. Collapse scatters and fails to retain; use Sour-Astringent-Warm-Neutral herbs to consolidate losses. Profuse sweating with Yang collapse, seminal emission, incontinence, chronic diarrhea, involuntary urination, and chronic cough with fluid loss are Qi collapses. Persistent bleeding, metrorrhagia, and massive hemorrhage are Blood collapses. Muli (Oyster Shell), Longgu (Fossilized Bone), Haipiaoxiao (Cuttlefish Bone), Wubeizi (Chinese Gallnut), Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry), Wumei (Myrobalan), Liupi (Pomegranate Peel), Helile (Chebulic Myrobalan), Yingsuke (Poppy Shell), Lianfang (Lotus Sepal), Zonghui (Coconut Husk Ash), Chishizhi (Red Halloysite), and Mahuang Gen (Ephedra Root) are all Se agents. Qi collapse requires Qi-tonics; Blood collapse requires Blood-tonics and Qi-tonics, as Qi commands Blood. Seeing ghosts indicates Yang collapse; blindness indicates Yin collapse; this is Spirit collapse, which Se agents cannot treat.
**Zao Agents (Drying/Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Zao agents can remove Dampness; examples include Sangbaipi (Mulberry Root Bark) and Chixiaodou (Adzuki Bean).
Zhang Yuansu stated: Excessive Dampness causing swelling and Spleen dampness requires Zao agents to eliminate, such as Sangpi (Mulberry Root Bark). For Dampness above, use Bitter herbs to vomit and Bland herbs to leach.
Wang Congzheng stated: Chronic cold causing foul vomiting/diarrhea and clear/cold excretions indicates severe Cold; use Jiang (Ginger), Fu (Aconite), and Hujiao (Pepper) to dry. For Dampness diseases, use Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Muxiang (Aucklandia Root), and Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) to eliminate; these are also Zao agents. Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark), Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit), and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) are Bitter; Bitter belongs to Fire and dries Dampness, consistent with the *Neijing*. Are only Ginger and Aconite Zao agents?
Li Haogu stated: Dampness exists in Upper, Middle, Lower, Meridians, Skin, and Interior.
Li Shizhen stated: Dampness comes from External contraction or Internal injury. External Dampness (rain, mist, ground moisture) attacks skin, flesh, bones, and meridians. Internal Dampness arises from diet (water/alcohol) or Spleen deficiency/Kidney excess. Treatments vary: Wind herbs overcome Dampness, Drying herbs remove Dampness, Bland herbs leach Dampness, Diuretics draw out Dampness, Cathartics expel Dampness, Emetics dispel Phlegm-Damp. Damp-Heat is dried by Bitter-Cold agents; Damp-Cold by Pungent-Hot agents. Not just Mulberry Root Bark and Adzuki Beans are Zao agents. Dampness removed leaves Dryness, hence "Zao."
**Shi Agents (Moistening/Formulas)**
Xu Zhicai stated: Shi agents can remove Withering; examples include Bai Shiyin (White Quartz) and Zi Shiyin (Purple Quartz).
Wang Congzheng stated: Shi means moistening. Though similar to Hua, it differs slightly. The *Classic* states: "Pungency moistens" because Pungency moves Qi and transforms fluids. Salt/Nitre are Salty, belonging to True Yin Water, excellent for moistening withering. Diseases of withering and cracking are not solely due to Metal/Qi deficiency but often Fire oppression; thus, Shi agents are necessary.
Zhang Yuansu stated: Fluid consumption leads to withering. Weakness of Five Zang, depletion of Ying and Wei requires Shi agents to moisten.
Li Haogu stated: Withering can result from Qi deficiency or Blood deficiency.
Li Shizhen stated: Shi agents should be called Run (Moistening) agents. Withering is Dryness, associated with Yangming Metal and Autumn. Severe Wind-Heat depletes Blood, causing Dryness diseases. Upper Dryness causes thirst; Lower Dryness causes constipation; Tendon Dryness causes stiffness; Skin Dryness causes scaling; Muscle Dryness causes cracking; Bone Dryness causes brittleness; Lung Dryness causes flaccidity; Kidney Dryness causes consumption. Mahren (Hemp Seed) and Ejiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) pastes are Run agents. Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) and Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) nourish Blood; Maidong (Ophiopogon Tuber) and Gualougen (Trichosanthes Root) generate fluids; Rongrong (Cistanche) and Gouqi (Goji Berry) benefit Essence. Limiting Shi agents to Quartz is biased; ancients viewed mineral ingestion as tonifying. Liu Wansu stated: Formula formulation relies on Flavor and Qi. Four Qi (Cold, Hot, Warm, Cool) come from Heaven; Six Flavors (Sour, Bitter, Pungent, Salty, Sweet, Bland) come from Earth. Formless is Qi (Yang); Form is Flavor (Yin). Yang Qi exits upper orifices; Yin Flavor exits lower orifices. Qi transformation generates Essence; Flavor transformation grows Form. Earth products nourish Form (tonify Form deficiency with Qi); Heaven products nourish Essence (tonify Essence deficiency with Flavor). Pungent/Sweet disperse (Yang); Sour/Bitter vomit/drains (Yin); Salty vomits/drains (Yin); Bland leaches/drains (Yang). Pungent disperses, Sour collects, Slackens Sweet, Hardens Bitter, Softens Salty—matching Zang diseases. Seven Forms and Ten Agents cover all variations. Formulas must match syndromes; Agents must cure diseases. Ancient masters set standards; later physicians created rules. Herbs have natures; processing and application vary. Examples: Snake guides drugs upward; Cicada shell removes nebula; Horse-leech treats Blood stasis; Rat burrows treat fistulas (using nature). Arrow mechanism speeds birth; Pestle helps swallowing (using function). Duckweed overcomes alcohol intoxication; Duhuo treats wind (using superiority). Hemp (Wood grain) treats wind; Beans (Water grain) treat water (Qi similarity). Ox (Earth animal) milk quenches thirst; Pig (Water animal) heart calms fright (Qi conflict). Bear meat strengthens frailty; Rabbit liver improves vision (excess Qi tonifies deficiency). Carp treats water; Snakehead fish promotes diuresis (Qi resonance). Honey (Warm) vs Bee (Cold); Sesame Oil (Cold) vs Sesame (Warm) (Same substance, different nature). Miwu (Valerian) vs Xiong (Ligusticum); Pengli (Rubus fruit) vs Fupen (Rubus fruit) (Different names, same substance). Nature follows Yin-Yang. Feathers belong to Yin born from Yang; Scales belong to Yang born from Yin. Kongqing (Azurite) matches Wood/Liver (Green); Cinnabar matches Fire/Heart (Red); Cloud Mother matches Metal/Lung (White); Magnetite matches Water/Kidney (Black); Red Halloysite matches Earth/Spleen (Yellow). Physicians must know Astronomy, Geography, and Human Affairs. Without this, healing is impossible.
Lei Xiao, Preface to *Paozhi Lun*: People use drugs without understanding Sovereign-Minister relationships or mutual restraint. For example, Mao Cao (Salt Grass) neutralizes poison; Elephant bile黏 (sticky) shows drug emotion. Fish inserted in trees dries instantly; applying Dog bile restores vitality. Wuming (Jade-like stone) stops pain; Shengshi (Holy Stone) cures blindness. Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) stops bleeding at the head, breaks blood at the tail. Ruizi (Prunus Seed) raw/cooked affects sleep. Bi Bi (Bamboo steamer insert) desalinates wine.