山草类三十一种
（《本经》上品）
【释名】蜜甘（《别录》）、蜜草（《别录》）、美草（《别录》）、 草（《别录》）、灵通
（《记事珠》）、国老（《别录》）。
弘景曰∶此草最为众药之主，经方少有不用者，犹如香中有沉香也。国老即帝师之称，
虽非君而为君所宗，是以能安和草石而解诸毒也。
甄权曰∶诸药中甘草为君，治七十二种乳石毒，解一千二百般草木毒，调和众药有功
故有国老之号。
【集解】《别录》曰∶甘草生河西川谷积沙山及上郡。二月、八月除日采根，曝干，十
日成。
陶弘景曰∶河西上郡，今不复通市。今出蜀汉中，悉从汶山诸地中来。赤皮断理，看之
坚实者，是抱罕草，最佳。抱罕乃西羌地名。亦有火炙干者，理多虚疏。又有如鲤鱼肠者，
被刀破，不复好。青州间有而不如。又有紫甘草，细而实，乏时亦可用。
苏颂曰∶今陕西、河东州郡皆有之。春生青苗，高一、二尺，叶如槐叶，七月开紫花似
柰冬，结实作角子如毕豆。根长者，三、四尺，粗细不定，皮赤色，上有横梁，梁下皆细根
也。采得去芦头及赤皮，阴干用。今甘草有数种，以坚实断理者为佳。其轻虚纵理及细韧者，
不堪，惟货汤家用之。谨按∶《尔雅》云∶ ，大苦。郭璞∶ ，似地黄。又《诗·唐风》
云∶采苓采苓，首阳之巅，是也。 ，与苓通用。首阳之山在河东蒲 县，乃今甘草所生处
相近，而先儒所说苗叶与今全别，岂种类有不同者乎？
李时珍曰∶按∶沈括《笔谈》云∶《本草注》引《尔雅》 大苦之注，为甘草者，非矣。
郭璞之注，乃黄药也，其味极苦，故谓之大苦，非甘草也。甘草枝叶悉如槐，高五、六尺，
但叶端微尖而糙涩，似有白毛，结角如相思角，作一本生，至熟时角拆，子扁如小豆，极坚，
齿啮不破，今出河东西界。寇氏《衍义》亦取此说，而不言大苦非甘草也。以理度之，郭说
形状殊不相类，沈说近之。今人惟以大径寸而结紧断纹者，为佳，谓之粉草；其轻虚细小者，
皆不及之。刘绩《霏雪录》，言安南甘草大者如柱，土人以架屋，不识果然否也？
根
【修治】雷 曰∶凡使须去头尾尖处，其头、尾吐人。每用切长三寸，擘作六七片，
入瓷器中盛，用酒浸蒸，从巳至午，取出曝干，锉细用。一法∶每斤用酥七两涂炙，酥尽为
度。又法∶先炮令内外赤黄用。
时珍曰∶方书炙甘草皆用长流水蘸湿炙之，至熟刮去赤皮，或用浆水炙熟，未有酥炙、
酒蒸者。大抵补中宜炙用；泻火宜生用。
【气味】甘，平，无毒。寇宗 曰∶生则微凉，味不佳；炙则温。
王好古曰∶气薄味浓，升而浮，阳也。入足太阴厥阴经。时珍曰∶通入手足十二经。
徐之才曰∶术、苦参、干漆为之使，恶远志，反大戟、芫花、甘遂、海藻。
权曰∶忌猪肉。
时珍曰∶甘草与藻、戟、遂、芫四物相反，而胡洽居士治痰 ，以十枣汤加甘草、大黄，
乃是痰在膈上，欲令通泄，以拔去病根也。东垣李杲治项下结核，消肿溃坚汤加海藻。丹溪
朱震亨治劳瘵，莲心饮用芫花。二方俱有甘草，皆本胡居士之意也。故陶弘景言古方亦有相
恶相反者，乃不为害。非妙达精微者，不知此理。
【主治】五脏六腑寒热邪气，坚筋骨，长肌肉，倍气力，金疮 ，解毒。久服轻身延年
（《本经》。 ，音时勇切，肿也）。温中下气，烦满短气，伤脏咳嗽，止渴，通经脉，利血
气，解百药毒，为九土之精，安和七十二种石，一千二百种草（《别录》）。主腹中冷痛，治
惊痫，除腹胀满，补益五脏，养肾气内伤，令人阴不痿，主妇人血沥腰痛，凡虚而多热者，
加用之（甄权）。安魂定魄，补五劳七伤，一切虚损，惊悸烦闷健忘，通九窍，利百脉，益
精
养气，壮筋骨（大明）。生用泻火热；熟用散表寒，去咽痛，除邪热，缓正气，养阴血，补
脾
胃，润肺（李杲）。吐肺痿之脓血，消五发之疮疽（好古）。解小儿胎毒惊痫，降火止痛（时
珍）。
稍 【主治】生用治胸中积热，去茎中痛，加酒煮玄胡索、苦楝子尤妙（元素）。
头 【主治】生用能行足厥阴、阳明二经污浊之血，消肿导毒（震亨）。主痈肿，
宜入吐药（时珍）。
【发明】震亨曰∶甘草味甘，大缓诸火，黄中通理，浓德载物之君子也。欲达下焦，须
用梢子。杲曰∶甘草气薄味浓，可升可降，阴中阳也。阳不足者，补之以甘。甘温能除大热，
故生用则气平，补脾胃不足而大泻心火；炙之则气温，补三焦元气而散表寒，除邪热，去咽
痛，缓正气，养阴血。凡心火乘脾，腹中急痛，腹皮急缩者，宜倍用之。其性能缓急，而又
协和诸药，使之不争。故热药得之缓其热；寒药得之缓其寒；寒热相杂者用之得其平。好古
曰∶五味之用，苦泄辛散，酸收咸敛，甘上行而发，而本草言甘草下气何也？盖甘味主中，
有升降浮沉，可上可下，可外可内，有和有缓，有补有泄，居中之道尽矣。张仲景附子理中
汤用甘草，恐其僭上也；调胃承气汤用甘草，恐其速下也，皆缓之之意。小柴胡汤有柴胡、
黄芩之寒，人参、半夏之温，而用甘草者，则有调和之意。建中汤用甘草，以补中而缓脾急
也；凤髓丹用甘草，以缓肾急而生元气也，乃甘补之意。又曰∶甘者令人中满；中满者勿食
甘，甘缓而壅气，非中满所宜也。凡不满而用炙甘草为之补；若中满而用生甘草为之泻，
能引诸药直至满所，甘味入脾，归其所喜，此升降、浮沉之理也。《经》云∶以甘补之，以
甘泻之，以甘缓之，是矣。
时珍曰∶甘草外赤中黄，色兼坤离；味浓气薄，资全土德。协和群品，有元老之功；普
治百邪，得王道之化。赞帝力而人不知，敛神功而己不与，可谓药中之良相也。然中满、呕
吐、酒客之病，不喜其甘；而大戟、芫花、甘遂、海藻，与之相反。是亦迂缓不可以救昏昧，
而君子尝见嫉于宵人之意欤？
颂曰∶按∶孙思邈《千金方》论云∶甘草解百药毒，如汤沃雪。有中乌头、巴豆毒，甘
草入腹即定，验如反掌。方称大豆汁解百药毒，予每试之不效，加入甘草为甘豆汤，其验乃
奇也。又葛洪《肘后备急方》云∶席辩刺史尝言∶岭南俚人解蛊毒药，并是常用之物，畏人
得其法，乃言三百头牛药，或言三百两银药。久与亲狎，乃得其详。凡饮食时，先取炙熟甘
草一寸，嚼之咽汁，若中毒。随即吐出。仍以炙甘草三两，生姜四两，水六升，煮二升，日
三服。或用都淋藤、黄藤二物，酒煎温常服，则毒随大。小溲出。又常带甘草数寸，随身备
急。若经含甘草而食物不吐者，非毒物也。三百头牛药，即土常山也；三百两银药，即马兜
铃藤也，详见各条。
【附方】旧十五，新二十二。
伤寒心悸，脉结代者∶甘草二两。水三升，煮一半，服七合。日一服。（《伤寒类要》）
伤寒咽痛∶少阴证，甘草汤主之。用甘草二两（蜜水炙），水二升，煮一升半，服五合，
日二服。（张仲景《伤寒论》）
肺热喉痛有痰热者。甘草（炒）二两，桔梗（米泔浸一夜）一两。每服五钱，水一钟半，
入阿胶半片，煎服。（钱乙《直诀》）
肺痿多涎∶肺痿吐涎沫，头眩，小便数而不咳者，肺中冷也，甘草干姜汤温之。甘草（炙）
四两，干姜（炮）二两。水三升，煮一升五合，分服。（张仲景《金匮要略》）肺痿久嗽涕唾
多，骨节烦闷，寒热。以甘草三两（炙），捣为末。每日取小便三合，调甘草末一钱，服之。
（《广利方》）
小儿热嗽∶甘草二两，猪胆汁浸五宿，炙，研末，蜜丸绿豆大。食后薄荷汤下十丸。名
凉膈丸。（《圣惠方》）
初生解毒∶小儿初生，未可便与朱砂、蜜。只以甘草一指节长，炙碎，以水二合，煮取
一合，以绵染点儿口中，可为一蚬壳，当吐出胸中恶汁。此后待儿饥渴，更与之。令儿智慧，
无病，出痘稀少。（王 《选方》）
初生便闭∶甘草、枳壳（煨）各一钱。水半盏，煎服。（《全幼心鉴》）
小儿撮口发噤∶用生甘草二钱半，水一盏，煎六分，温服。令吐痰涎，后以乳汁点儿口
中。（《金匮玉函》）
婴儿目涩∶月内目闭不开，或肿羞明，或出血者，名慢肝风。用甘草一截，以猪胆汁炙，
为末。每用米泔调少许，灌之。（《幼幼新书》）
小儿遗尿∶大甘草头，煎汤，夜夜服之。（危氏《得效方》）
小儿尿血∶甘草一两二钱，水六合，煎二合，一岁儿一日服尽。（姚和众《至宝方》）
小儿羸瘦∶甘草三两，炙焦为末，蜜丸绿豆大。每温水下五丸，日二服。（《金匮玉函》）
大人羸瘦∶甘草三两（炙）。每旦以小便煮三、四沸，顿服之。良。（《外台秘要》）
赤白痢下∶崔宣州衍所传方∶用甘草一尺，炙，劈破，以淡浆水蘸，三二度，又以慢火
炙之，后用生姜去皮半两，二味以浆水一升半，煎取八合，服之立效。《梅师方》∶用甘
草一两（炙），肉豆蔻七个（煨）锉。以水三升，煎一升，分服。舌肿塞口，不治杀人∶甘
草，煎浓汤，热漱频吐。（《圣济总录》）
太阴口疮∶甘草二寸，白矾一粟大，同嚼，咽汁。（《保命集》）
发背痈疽∶崔元亮《海上集验方》云∶李北海言，此方乃神授，极奇秘。用甘草三大两
（生捣筛末），大麦面九两，和匀，取好酥少许入内，下沸水搜如饼状，方圆大于疮一分，
热
敷肿上，以绸片及故纸隔，令通风，冷则换之。已成者脓水自出；未成者肿便内消，仍当吃
黄粥为妙。又一法∶甘草一大两，水炙，捣碎，水一大升浸之，器上横一小刀子，露一宿，
平明以物搅，令沫出，去沫服之。但是疮肿发背，皆甚效。（苏颂《图经》）
诸般痈疽∶甘草三两，微炙，切，以酒一斗，同浸瓶中，用黑铅一片溶成汁，投酒中取
出，如此九度。令病者饮酒至醉，寝后即愈也。（《经验方》）一切痈疽诸发，预期服之，能
消肿逐毒，使毒不内攻，功效不可具述。用大横纹粉草二斤捶碎，河水浸一宿，揉取浓汁，
再以密绢过，银石器内慢火熬成膏，以瓷罐收之。每服一、二匙，无灰酒或白汤下。曾服丹
药者，亦解之，或微利无妨，名国老膏。（《外科精要方》）
痈疽秘塞∶生甘草二钱半，井水煎服，能疏导下恶物。（《直指方》）
乳痈初起∶炙甘草二钱，新水煎服，仍令人咂之。（《直指方》）
些小痈疖∶发热时，即用粉草节，晒干为末，热酒服一、二钱，连进数服，痛热皆止。
（《外科精要方》）
痘疮烦渴∶粉甘草（炙）、栝蒌根等分，水煎服之。甘草能通血脉，发疮痘也。（《直指
方》）
阴下悬痈∶生于谷道前后，初发如松子大，渐如莲子，数十日后，赤肿如桃李，成脓即
破，破则难愈也。用横纹甘草一两，四寸截断，以溪涧长流水一碗，河水、井水不用，以文
武火慢慢蘸水炙之，自早至午，令水尽为度，劈开视之，中心水润乃止。细锉，用无灰好酒
二小碗，煎至一碗，温服，次日再服，便可保无虞。此药不能急消，过二十日，方得消尽。
兴化守康朝病已破，众医拱手，服此两剂即合口，乃韶州刘从周方也。（李迅《痈疽方》）
阴头生疮∶蜜煎甘草末，频频涂之，神效。（《千金方》）
阴下湿痒∶甘草，煎汤，日洗三、五度。（《古今录验》）
代指肿痛∶甘草，煎汤渍之。（《千金方》）
冻疮发裂∶甘草，煎汤洗之。次以黄连、黄柏、黄芩末，入轻粉、麻油调敷。（《谈野
翁方》）
汤火灼疮∶甘草，煎蜜涂。（李楼《奇方》）
蛊毒药毒∶甘草节，以真麻油浸之，年久愈妙。每用嚼咽，或水煎服，神妙。（《直指
方》）
小儿中蛊欲死者∶甘草半两，水一盏，煎五分，服。当吐出。（《金匮玉函》）
牛马肉毒∶甘草，煮浓汁，饮一、二升，或煎酒服，取吐或下。如渴，不可饮水，饮之
即死。（《千金方》）饮馔中毒，未审何物，猝急无药。只煎甘草荠 汤，入口便活。（《金
匮玉函方》）
水莨菪毒∶菜中有水莨菪，叶圆而光，有毒，误食令人狂乱，状若中风，或作吐。以甘
草煮汁服之，即解。（《金匮玉函妙方》）
山草类（共）三十一种
（《神农本草经》列为上品）
【释名】蜜甘（《名医别录》）、蜜草（《名医别录》）、美草（《名医别录》）、 草（《名医别录》）、灵通（《记事珠》）、国老（《名医别录》）。
陶弘景说：这种草是众药的主帅，经方中很少有不用它的，就像香料中有沉香一样。国老是帝师的称呼，虽然不是君主，却是君主所尊崇的，因此它能安和草药矿物并解除各种毒物。
甄权说：在各种药物中，甘草为君药，能治疗七十二种乳石毒，解除一千二百种草木毒，因为调和众药有功，所以有国老的称号。
【集解】《名医别录》说：甘草生长在河西川谷积沙山及上郡。二月、八月的除日采集根部，晒干，十天制成。
陶弘景说：河西上郡，现在不再互通市场。现在出产于蜀地汉中，都从汶山等地来。皮赤色、纹理坚实断面的，是抱罕草，品质最佳。抱罕是西羌的地名。也有用火烤干的，纹理多虚疏。又有像鲤鱼肠子形状的，被刀切开，不再好。青州间有但不如它。还有紫甘草，细而坚实，缺乏时也可用。
苏颂说：现在陕西、河东州郡都有。春天生青苗，高一、二尺，叶子像槐树叶，七月开紫花类似柰冬，结成果实像角豆。根长的三、四尺，粗细不定，皮赤色，上面有横梁，梁下都是细根。采得后去掉芦头及赤皮，阴干使用。现在甘草有好几种，以坚实断面者为佳。那些轻虚纵理及细韧的，不堪用，只卖给汤药家用。谨按：《尔雅》说： ，大苦。郭璞注： ，似地黄。又《诗经·唐风》说：采苓采苓，首阳之巅，就是它。 ，与苓通用。首阳山在河东蒲 县，乃是现在甘草生长的地方相近，但先儒所说的苗叶与现在完全不同，难道是种类有不同吗？
李时珍说：按：沈括《笔谈》说：《本草注》引用《尔雅》 大苦的注，认为是甘草，是不对的。郭璞的注，是黄药，其味极苦，所以叫做大苦，不是甘草。甘草枝叶全像槐树，高五、六尺，只是叶端微尖而粗糙涩，似乎有白毛，结角像相思角，作一本生长，到成熟时角裂开，种子扁小如小豆，极坚硬，牙齿咬不破，现在出产于河东西界。寇氏《衍义》也采用此说，但不说大苦不是甘草。以理度之，郭说的形状殊不相类，沈说的接近。现在的人只以大径寸而结紧断纹者为佳，称为粉草；那些轻虚细小的，都不如它。刘绩《霏雪录》，说安南甘草大的像柱子，当地人用来架屋，不知是否果然？
根
【修治】雷敩说：凡使用须去掉头尾尖处，头、尾会使人呕吐。每次用切成长三寸，掰成六七片，放入瓷器中盛放，用酒浸泡蒸，从巳时至午时，取出晒干，锉细使用。一法：每斤用酥七两涂炙，酥尽为止。又一法：先炮令内外赤黄使用。
李时珍说：方书中炙甘草都用长流水蘸湿炙之，至熟刮去赤皮，或用浆水炙熟，没有酥炙、酒蒸的。大概补中宜炙用；泻火宜生用。
【气味】甘，平，无毒。寇宗奭说：生则微凉，味道不佳；炙则温。
王好古说：气薄味浓，升而浮，属阳。入足太阴厥阴经。李时珍说：通入手足十二经。
徐之才说：术、苦参、干漆为之使，恶远志，反大戟、芫花、甘遂、海藻。
甄权说：忌猪肉。
李时珍说：甘草与藻、戟、遂、芫四物相反，但胡洽居士治痰 ，用十枣汤加甘草、大黄，乃是痰在膈上，欲令通泄，以拔去病根。东垣李杲治项下结核，消肿溃坚汤加海藻。丹溪朱震亨治劳瘵，莲心饮用芫花。二方俱有甘草，皆本胡居士之意。所以陶弘景言古方亦有相恶相反者，乃不为害。不是妙达精微者，不知道这个道理。
【主治】五脏六腑寒热邪气，坚筋骨，长肌肉，倍气力，金疮 ，解毒。久服轻身延年（《神农本草经》。 ，音时勇切，肿也）。温中下气，烦满短气，伤脏咳嗽，止渴，通经脉，利血气，解百药毒，为九土之精，安和七十二种石，一千二百种草（《名医别录》）。主腹中冷痛，治惊痫，除腹胀满，补益五脏，养肾气内伤，令人阴不痿，主妇人血沥腰痛，凡虚而多热者，加用之（甄权）。安魂定魄，补五劳七伤，一切虚损，惊悸烦闷健忘，通九窍，利百脉，益精养气，壮筋骨（大明）。生用泻火热；熟用散表寒，去咽痛，除邪热，缓正气，养阴血，补脾胃，润肺（李杲）。吐肺痿之脓血，消五发之疮疽（好古）。解小儿胎毒惊痫，降火止痛（李时珍）。
梢 【主治】生用治胸中积热，去茎中痛，加酒煮玄胡索、苦楝子尤妙（元素）。
头 【主治】生用能行足厥阴、阳明二经污浊之血，消肿导毒（震亨）。主痈肿，宜入吐药（李时珍）。
【发明】朱震亨说：甘草味甘，大缓诸火，黄中通理，浓德载物之君子也。欲达下焦，须用梢子。李杲说：甘草气薄味浓，可升可降，阴中阳也。阳不足者，补之以甘。甘温能除大热，故生用则气平，补脾胃不足而大泻心火；炙之则气温，补三焦元气而散表寒，除邪热，去咽痛，缓正气，养阴血。凡心火乘脾，腹中急痛，腹皮急缩者，宜倍用之。其性能缓急，而又协和诸药，使之不争。故热药得之缓其热；寒药得之缓其寒；寒热相杂者用之得其平。王好古说：五味之用，苦泄辛散，酸收咸敛，甘上行而发，而本草言甘草下气何也？盖甘味主中，有升降浮沉，可上可下，可外可内，有和有缓，有补有泄，居中之道尽矣。张仲景附子理中汤用甘草，恐其僭上也；调胃承气汤用甘草，恐其速下也，皆缓之之意。小柴胡汤有柴胡、黄芩之寒，人参、半夏之温，而用甘草者，则有调和之意。建中汤用甘草，以补中而缓脾急也；凤髓丹用甘草，以缓肾急而生元气也，乃甘补之意。又说：甘者令人中满；中满者勿食甘，甘缓而壅气，非中满所宜也。凡不满而用炙甘草为之补；若中满而用生甘草为之泻，能引诸药直至满所，甘味入脾，归其所喜，此升降、浮沉之理也。《经》云：以甘补之，以甘泻之，以甘缓之，是矣。
李时珍说：甘草外赤中黄，色兼坤离；味浓气薄，资全土德。协和群品，有元老之功；普治百邪，得王道之化。赞帝力而人不知，敛神功而己不与，可谓药中之良相也。然中满、呕吐、酒客之病，不喜其甘；而大戟、芫花、甘遂、海藻，与之相反。是亦迂缓不可以救昏昧，而君子尝见嫉于宵人之意欤？
苏颂说：按：孙思邈《千金方》论云：甘草解百药毒，如汤沃雪。有中乌头、巴豆毒，甘草入腹即定，验如反掌。方称大豆汁解百药毒，我每次试之不效，加入甘草为甘豆汤，其验乃奇也。又葛洪《肘后备急方》云：席辩刺史尝言：岭南俚人解蛊毒药，并是常用之物，畏人得其法，乃言三百头牛药，或言三百两银药。久与亲狎，乃得其详。凡饮食时，先取炙熟甘草一寸，嚼之咽汁，若中毒。随即吐出。仍以炙甘草三两，生姜四两，水六升，煮二升，日三服。或用都淋藤、黄藤二物，酒煎温常服，则毒随大。小溲出。又常带甘草数寸，随身备急。若经含甘草而食物不吐者，非毒物也。三百头牛药，即土常山也；三百两银药，即马兜铃藤也，详见各条。
【附方】旧十五，新二十二。
伤寒心悸，脉结代者：甘草二两。水三升，煮一半，服七合。日一服。（《伤寒类要》）
伤寒咽痛：少阴证，甘草汤主之。用甘草二两（蜜水炙），水二升，煮一升半，服五合，日二服。（张仲景《伤寒论》）
肺热喉痛有痰热者。甘草（炒）二两，桔梗（米泔浸一夜）一两。每服五钱，水一钟半，入阿胶半片，煎服。（钱乙《直诀》）
肺痿多涎：肺痿吐涎沫，头眩，小便数而不咳者，肺中冷也，甘草干姜汤温之。甘草（炙）四两，干姜（炮）二两。水三升，煮一升五合，分服。（张仲景《金匮要略》）肺痿久嗽涕唾多，骨节烦闷，寒热。以甘草三两（炙），捣为末。每日取小便三合，调甘草末一钱，服之。（《广利方》）
小儿热嗽：甘草二两，猪胆汁浸五宿，炙，研末，蜜丸绿豆大。食后薄荷汤下十丸。名凉膈丸。（《圣惠方》）
初生解毒：小儿初生，未可便与朱砂、蜜。只以甘草一指节长，炙碎，以水二合，煮取一合，以绵染点儿口中，可为一蚬壳，当吐出胸中恶汁。此后待儿饥渴，更与之。令儿智慧，无病，出痘稀少。（王 选方）
初生便闭：甘草、枳壳（煨）各一钱。水半盏，煎服。（《全幼心鉴》）
小儿撮口发噤：用生甘草二钱半，水一盏，煎六分，温服。令吐痰涎，后以乳汁点儿口中。（《金匮玉函》）
婴儿目涩：月内目闭不开，或肿羞明，或出血者，名慢肝风。用甘草一截，以猪胆汁炙，为末。每用米泔调少许，灌之。（《幼幼新书》）
小儿遗尿：大甘草头，煎汤，夜夜服之。（危氏《得效方》）
小儿尿血：甘草一两二钱，水六合，煎二合，一岁儿一日服尽。（姚和众《至宝方》）
小儿羸瘦：甘草三两，炙焦为末，蜜丸绿豆大。每温水下五丸，日二服。（《金匮玉函》）
大人羸瘦：甘草三两（炙）。每旦以小便煮三、四沸，顿服之。良。（《外台秘要》）
赤白痢下：崔宣州衍所传方：用甘草一尺，炙，劈破，以淡浆水蘸，三二度，又以慢火炙之，后用生姜去皮半两，二味以浆水一升半，煎取八合，服之立效。《梅师方》：用甘草一两（炙），肉豆蔻七个（煨）锉。以水三升，煎一升，分服。舌肿塞口，不治杀人：甘草，煎浓汤，热漱频吐。（《圣济总录》）
太阴口疮：甘草二寸，白矾一粟大，同嚼，咽汁。（《保命集》）
发背痈疽：崔元亮《海上集验方》云：李北海言，此方乃神授，极奇秘。用甘草三大两（生捣筛末），大麦面九两，和匀，取好酥少许入内，下沸水搜如饼状，方圆大于疮一分，热敷肿上，以绸片及故纸隔，令通风，冷则换之。已成者脓水自出；未成者肿便内消，仍当吃黄粥为妙。又一法：甘草一大两，水炙，捣碎，水一大升浸之，器上横一小刀子，露一宿，平明以物搅，令沫出，去沫服之。但是疮肿发背，皆甚效。（苏颂《图经》）
诸般痈疽：甘草三两，微炙，切，以酒一斗，同浸瓶中，用黑铅一片溶成汁，投酒中取出，如此九度。令病者饮酒至醉，寝后即愈也。（《经验方》）一切痈疽诸发，预期服之，能消肿逐毒，使毒不内攻，功效不可具述。用大横纹粉草二斤捶碎，河水浸一宿，揉取浓汁，再以密绢过，银石器内慢火熬成膏，以瓷罐收之。每服一、二匙，无灰酒或白汤下。曾服丹药者，亦解之，或微利无妨，名国老膏。（《外科精要方》）
痈疽秘塞：生甘草二钱半，井水煎服，能疏导下恶物。（《直指方》）
乳痈初起：炙甘草二钱，新水煎服，仍令人咂之。（《直指方》）
些小痈疖：发热时，即用粉草节，晒干为末，热酒服一、二钱，连进数服，痛热皆止。（《外科精要方》）
痘疮烦渴：粉甘草（炙）、栝蒌根等分，水煎服之。甘草能通血脉，发疮痘也。（《直指方》）
阴下悬痈：生于谷道前后，初发如松子大，渐如莲子，数十日后，赤肿如桃李，成脓即破，破则难愈也。用横纹甘草一两，四寸截断，以溪涧长流水一碗，河水、井水不用，以文武火慢慢蘸水炙之，自早至午，令水尽为度，劈开视之，中心水润乃止。细锉，用无灰好酒二小碗，煎至一碗，温服，次日再服，便可保无虞。此药不能急消，过二十日，方得消尽。兴化守康朝病已破，众医拱手，服此两剂即合口，乃韶州刘从周方也。（李迅《痈疽方》）
阴头生疮：蜜煎甘草末，频频涂之，神效。（《千金方》）
阴下湿痒：甘草，煎汤，日洗三、五度。（《古今录验》）
代指肿痛：甘草，煎汤渍之。（《千金方》）
冻疮发裂：甘草，煎汤洗之。次以黄连、黄柏、黄芩末，入轻粉、麻油调敷。（《谈野翁方》）
汤火灼疮：甘草，煎蜜涂。（李楼《奇方》）
蛊毒药毒：甘草节，以真麻油浸之，年久愈妙。每用嚼咽，或水煎服，神妙。（《直指方》）
小儿中蛊欲死者：甘草半两，水一盏，煎五分，服。当吐出。（《金匮玉函》）
牛马肉毒：甘草，煮浓汁，饮一、二升，或煎酒服，取吐或下。如渴，不可饮水，饮之即死。（《千金方》）饮馔中毒，未审何物，猝急无药。只煎甘草荠 汤，入口便活。（《金匮玉函方》）
水莨菪毒：菜中有水莨菪，叶圆而光，有毒，误食令人狂乱，状若中风，或作吐。以甘草煮汁服之，即解。（《金匮玉函妙方》）
Thirty-one species of Mountain Herbs (Grasses)
(Listed as Superior Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing* [Classic of Materia Medica])
[Names] Mi Gan (Honey Sweet, *Mingyi Bielu*), Mi Cao (Honey Grass, *Mingyi Bielu*), Mei Cao (Beautiful Grass, *Mingyi Bielu*), Cao (*Mingyi Bielu*), Ling Tong (Spiritual Connection, *Jishi Zhu*), Guo Lao (State Elder, *Mingyi Bielu*).
Tao Hongjing stated: This herb is the master of all medicines; few classical prescriptions do not use it, just as there is Agarwood among fragrances. "Guo Lao" is a title for the Emperor's teacher. Although not the sovereign himself, he is revered by the sovereign; thus, it can harmonize herbs and minerals and resolve various toxins.
Zhen Quan stated: Among all medicines, Licorice Root (Gancao) serves as the Sovereign herb. It treats seventy-two types of Milkstone toxicity and resolves one thousand two hundred kinds of herbal and woody plant toxins. Because it has merit in harmonizing various medicines, it bears the title of State Elder.
[Collection and Explanation] *Mingyi Bielu* states: Licorice Root grows in the valleys of Hexi, Jisha Mountain, and Shang Commandery. The roots are harvested on the "Chu" days of February and August, dried in the sun, and processed over ten days.
Tao Hongjing stated: Trade with Hexi and Shang Commandery no longer exists. Currently, it comes from Shu, Hanzhong, and places like Wenshan. Those with reddish bark and solid, fractured texture are called Baohan Grass, which is of the best quality. Baohan is a place name of the Western Qiang people. Some are dried by fire roasting, but their texture tends to be hollow and loose. Others resemble carp intestines, having been cut open, rendering them inferior. Those from Qingzhou are available but inferior. There is also Purple Licorice Root, which is thin but solid, usable when others are scarce.
Su Song stated: It is now found in Shaanxi and Hedong prefectures. Green shoots emerge in spring, growing one or two chi high. Leaves resemble those of the locust tree. In July, purple flowers bloom, resembling *Naidong*, bearing pods like broad beans. Roots can be three to four chi long, varying in thickness. The bark is reddish, with horizontal ridges above and fine rootlets below. After harvesting, remove the rhizome head and reddish bark, then dry in the shade. There are several varieties of Licorice Root; those with solid texture and clear fracture lines are preferred. Those that are light, hollow, longitudinally fibrous, or thin and tough are unsuitable, used only for decoction shops. Note: *Erya* states: , Da Ku (Great Bitter). Guo Pu's annotation: , resembles *Rehmanniae Radix*. Also, *Shijing · Tang Feng* states: "Gathering Ling, gathering Ling, at the peak of Shouyang." Here, is interchangeable with Ling. Mount Shouyang is in Pu County, Hedong, near where Licorice Root currently grows. However, the seedlings and leaves described by ancient scholars differ completely from current ones. Could there be different species?
Li Shizhen stated: According to Shen Kuo's *Bitan*: The annotation in *Bencao Zhu* citing *Erya*'s "Da Ku" as Licorice Root is incorrect. Guo Pu's annotation refers to Huang Yao (Yellow Medicine), which tastes extremely bitter, hence "Great Bitter," not Licorice Root. Licorice Root branches and leaves are exactly like the locust tree, five to six chi high, but leaf tips are slightly pointed and rough, seemingly with white hairs. Pods resemble Acacia pods, growing on a single stem. When ripe, pods split; seeds are flat, small like mung beans, extremely hard, and unbreakable by teeth. It is now produced at the borders of He Dong. Kou Zongshi's *Yanyi* adopts this view but does not state that Da Ku is not Licorice Root. Reasoning logically, Guo's description of the shape is quite different, while Shen's is closer. People today consider Licorice Root with large diameter (one cun) and tight, fractured patterns as best, called Fen Cao (Powder Licorice); those that are light, hollow, and thin are inferior. Liu Ji's *Feixue Lu* mentions that Licorice Root in Annam is as large as pillars, used by locals for house framing; whether true or not is unknown.
Root
[Processing] Lei Xiao stated: When using, remove the head, tail, and sharp ends, as these parts induce vomiting. Cut into three-cun lengths, break into six or seven pieces, place in a porcelain vessel, soak in wine, steam from Si hour to Wu hour, take out, dry in the sun, and grind finely. Another method: For every jin, apply seven liang of butter, roast until butter is absorbed. Another method: Roast until both inside and outside are reddish-yellow.
Li Shizhen stated: Classical texts state that roasted Licorice Root is moistened with running water before roasting, then the reddish bark is scraped off after cooking, or roasted with fermented grain wash. Roasting with butter or steaming with wine is rare. Generally, for tonifying the middle, use roasted; for clearing heat/fire, use raw.
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Kou Zongshi stated: Raw is slightly cool and tastes poor; roasted is warm.
Wang Haogu stated: Thin qi, strong flavor, ascending and floating, Yang in nature. Enters the Foot Taiyin and Jueyin meridians. Li Shizhen stated: Connects to the twelve meridians of the hands and feet.
Xu Zhicai stated: Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome (Baizhu), Sophora Flavescens Root (Kushen), and Dried Lacquer (Ganqi) act as guides. It is antagonistic to Polygala Root (Yuanzhi) and incompatible with Euphorbia Lathyris Root (Daji), Genkwa Flower (Yuanhua), Kansui Root (Gansui), and Sargassum Thallus (Haizao).
Zhen Quan stated: Avoid pork.
Li Shizhen stated: Licorice Root is incompatible with Sargassum, Euphorbia, Kansui, and Genkwa. However, Hu Qiajushi treated phlegm accumulation by adding Licorice Root and Rhubarb to Shizao Tang. This is because the phlegm is located above the diaphragm, aiming to promote drainage to remove the root cause. Li Gao (Dongyuan) treated cervical lymphadenopathy by adding Sargassum to Xiaozhong Kuijian Tang. Zhu Zhenheng (Danxi) treated consumption tuberculosis by adding Genkwa Flower to Lianxin Yin. Both formulas contain Licorice Root, following Hu Qiajushi's intent. Thus, Tao Hongjing noted that ancient formulas sometimes used mutually antagonistic herbs without harm. Only those who deeply understand subtle principles know this truth.
[Indications] Treats cold and heat pathogenic factors in the five zang and six fu organs, strengthens sinews and bones, promotes muscle growth, increases strength, treats traumatic injuries, and detoxifies. Long-term use lightens the body and prolongs life (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Warms the middle, directs rebellious qi downward, relieves fullness and shortness of breath, treats organ-damaging cough, stops thirst, unblocks meridians, benefits blood and qi, resolves toxicity of all medicines, considered the essence of the nine soils, harmonizes seventy-two types of stones and one thousand two hundred grasses (*Mingyi Bielu*). Treats abdominal cold pain, convulsions and epilepsy, removes abdominal distension, tonifies the five zang organs, nourishes kidney qi and internal injuries, prevents impotence in men, treats women's blood stasis and lower back pain. Add for deficiency with excess heat (*Zhen Quan*). Calms the soul, tonifies five labors and seven injuries, all deficiencies, palpitations, irritability, forgetfulness, opens nine orifices, benefits hundred vessels, enriches essence and qi, strengthens sinews and bones (*Tangbencao*). Raw clears fire and heat; cooked disperses exterior cold, relieves sore throat, eliminates pathogenic heat, moderates righteous qi, nourishes yin blood, tonifies spleen and stomach, moistens lungs (*Li Gao*). Expels pus and blood from lung abscess, reduces sores and ulcers of the five emissions (*Wang Haogu*). Resolves neonatal toxin and infantile convulsions, descends fire and relieves pain (*Li Shizhen*).
Tip [Indications] Raw treats accumulated heat in the chest, removes pain in the urethra. Adding wine-boiled Corydalis Tuber (Yanhusuo) and Melia Toosendan Fruit (KuLianzi) is especially effective (*Li Dongyuan*).
Head [Indications] Raw moves turbid blood in the Foot Jueyin and Yangming meridians, reduces swelling and guides out toxins (*Zhu Zhenheng*). Treats carbuncles and sores, suitable for emetic formulas (*Li Shizhen*).
[Elucidation] Zhu Zhenheng stated: Licorice Root is sweet, greatly slowing various fires. Yellow in color, it regulates internal structures, a gentleman with thick virtue carrying things. To reach the lower jiao, use the tip. Li Gao stated: Licorice Root has thin qi and strong flavor, capable of ascending and descending, Yang within Yin. For insufficient Yang, tonify with sweetness. Sweet-warm can eliminate great heat. Thus, raw use makes qi neutral, tonifying spleen and stomach insufficiency and greatly clearing Heart Fire; roasted use makes qi warm, tonifying Sanjiao Yuan Qi, dispersing exterior cold, eliminating pathogenic heat, relieving sore throat, moderating righteous qi, and nourishing yin blood. Whenever Heart Fire invades the Spleen, causing acute abdominal pain and skin contraction, double the dose. Its nature slows urgency and harmonizes other medicines, preventing conflict. Thus, hot medicines become less hot with it; cold medicines become less cold; mixed cold and heat are balanced with it. Wang Haogu stated: The uses of the five flavors: Bitter drains, Pungent disperses, Sour collects, Saline astringes, Sweet ascends and releases. Why does the materia medica say Licorice Root directs qi downward? Sweet flavor governs the center, possessing ascending/descending and floating/sinking properties, capable of going up/down, out/in, harmonizing/slacking, tonifying/draining. The way of the center is fully realized here. Zhang Zhongjing uses Licorice Root in Fuzi Lizhong Tang to prevent rebellion upward; in Tiaowei Chengqi Tang to prevent rapid purgation, both intending to moderate. Xiaochaihu Tang contains cold Chaihu and Huangqin, warm Renshen and Banxia; Licorice Root is used for harmonization. Jianzhong Tang uses Licorice Root to tonify the center and slacken Spleen urgency; Fengsui Dan uses it to slacken Kidney urgency and generate Yuan Qi, the intention of sweet tonification. Furthermore: Sweet causes central fullness; those with central fullness should not eat sweet, as sweet slackens and obstructs qi, unsuitable for fullness. If not full, use roasted Licorice Root for tonification; if full, use raw Licorice Root for draining, guiding medicines to the site of fullness. Sweet flavor enters the Spleen, returning to its preference, illustrating the principles of ascending/descending and floating/sinking. The Classic says: Tonify with sweet, drain with sweet, slacken with sweet, this is correct.
Li Shizhen stated: Licorice Root is red outside and yellow inside, colors combining Kun and Li; strong flavor, thin qi, completing Earth Virtue. Harmonizing various products, it has the merit of a veteran statesman; treating hundred evils universally, it obtains the transformation of the Kingly Way. Praising imperial power without people knowing, concealing divine merit without claiming credit, it can be called the good minister among medicines. However, diseases of central fullness, vomiting, and alcoholics dislike its sweetness; and Euphorbia, Genkwa, Kansui, and Sargassum are incompatible with it. Is this also because being slow and steady cannot save confusion, and gentlemen are often envied by villains?
Su Song stated: According to Sun Simiao's *Qianjin Fang*: Licorice Root resolves toxicity of all medicines like soup melting snow. For Aconite or Croton poisoning, Licorice Root settles the abdomen immediately, verified easily. Formulas claim soybean juice resolves all toxins, but I tested it without effect. Adding Licorice Root to make Gandou Tang yields miraculous results. Ge Hong's *Zhouhou Beiji Fang* states: Governor Xi Bian said: People in Lingnan resolve gu poison using common items. Fearing others learn the method, they call it "300-head ox medicine" or "300-liang silver medicine." After close association, the details were learned. During meals, first take one cun of roasted Licorice Root, chew and swallow juice. If poisoned, vomit immediately. Then use three liang of roasted Licorice Root, four liang of fresh ginger, six sheng of water, boil to two sheng, take three times daily. Or use Dulinteng and Huangteng, decocted in wine, taken warm regularly, so poison exits via urine. Always carry several cun of Licorice Root for emergencies. If food is not vomited after holding Licorice Root, it is not poisonous. "300-head ox medicine" is Tuchangshan (Dichroa Febrifuga Root); "300-liang silver medicine" is Madouling Vine (Aristolochia Manshuriensis Stem), detailed in respective entries.
[Attached Prescriptions] Fifteen old, twenty-two new.
Cold Damage with palpitations and knotted/intermittent pulse: Licorice Root two liang. Three sheng of water, boil to half, take seven ge. Once daily (*Shanghan Leiyao*).
Cold Damage with sore throat: Shaoyin syndrome, Gancao Tang governs. Licorice Root two liang (honey-water roasted), two sheng of water, boil to one and a half sheng, take five ge, twice daily (*Zhang Zhongjing, Shanghan Lun*).
Lung heat with sore throat and phlegm-heat: Licorice Root (stir-fried) two liang, Platycodon Root (soaked in rice wash overnight) one liang. Take five qian each time, one and a half zhong of water, add half piece of Donkey-hide Gelatin, decoct and take (*Qian Yi, Zhijue*).
Lung Abscess with excessive saliva: Lung abscess with spitting saliva/froth, dizziness, frequent urination without cough, indicates cold in the lung. Warm with Gancao Ganjiang Tang. Licorice Root (roasted) four liang, Dried Ginger (pao) two liang. Three sheng of water, boil to one and a half sheng, divide and take (*Zhang Zhongjing, Jingui Yaolue*). Chronic cough with much sputum, bone/joint restlessness, chills/fever. Licorice Root three liang (roasted), grind to powder. Daily take three he of urine, mix with one qian of Licorice Root powder, take (*Guangli Fang*).
Infantile Heat Cough: Licorice Root two liang, soaked in pig bile for five nights, roasted, ground to powder, honey-pilled size of mung bean. Take ten pills after meals with mint decoction. Name: Liangge Wan (*Shenghui Fang*).
Newborn Detoxification: Newborns should not immediately take Cinnabar or honey. Use one finger-joint length of Licorice Root, crush after roasting, two he of water, boil to one he. Dip cotton in it, dab into mouth. Can extract one clam-shell amount of evil fluid from chest. Afterwards, when hungry/thirsty, give more. Promotes intelligence, prevents disease, reduces smallpox severity (*Wang's Selected Formulas*).
Newborn Constipation: Licorice Root, Aurantium Fructus (roasted) one qian each. Half zhan of water, decoct and take (*Quanyou Xinjian*).
Infantile Opisthotonos and Lockjaw: Raw Licorice Root two and a half qian, one zhan of water, boil to six fen, take warm. Induce vomiting of phlegm-saliva, then dab milk into mouth (*Jingui Yuyan*).
Infant Dry Eyes: Within one month, eyes closed, swollen/light-sensitive, or bleeding, named Man Gan Feng. Use one section of Licorice Root, roast with pig bile, grind to powder. Mix with rice wash, administer (*Youyou Xinsu*).
Infantile Enuresis: Large Licorice Root head, decoct in soup, take nightly (*Wei Shi, Dexiao Fang*).
Infantile Hematuria: Licorice Root one liang two qian, six he of water, boil to two he, one-year-old infant takes all in one day (*Yao Hezhong, Zhibao Fang*).
Infantile Emaciation: Licorice Root three liang, roasted until scorched, ground to powder, honey-pilled size of mung bean. Take five pills with warm water, twice daily (*Jingui Yuyan*).
Adult Emaciation: Licorice Root three liang (roasted). Every morning, boil in urine for three to four boils, take at once. Effective (*Waitai Miyao*).
Red and White Dysentery: Formula passed by Cui Xuanzhou Yan: Licorice Root one chi, roasted, split, dipped in weak grain wash three times, then roasted slowly. Add peeled fresh ginger half liang. Two ingredients with one and a half sheng of grain wash, boil to eight ge, take for immediate effect. *Meishi Fang*: Licorice Root one liang (roasted), Nutmeg (roasted) seven, chopped. Three sheng of water, boil to one sheng, divide and take. Tongue Swelling Blocking Mouth, Untreatable Death: Licorice Root, decoct strong soup, gargle hot and spit frequently (*Shengji Zonglu*).
Taiyin Mouth Ulcer: Licorice Root two cun, Alum grain-sized, chew together, swallow juice (*Baoming Ji*).
Back Carbuncle and Ulcer: Cui Yuanliang's *Haishang Jiyuan Fang* states: Li Beihai said this formula was divinely bestowed, extremely secret. Licorice Root three da liang (raw, pounded, sifted), Farina Hordei (Barley Flour) nine liang, mix evenly. Add little good butter, knead with boiling water like dough. Shape larger than sore by one fen, apply hot to swelling. Separate with silk and old paper for ventilation, change when cold. If formed, pus drains naturally; if unformed, swelling dissipates internally. Eating yellow millet porridge is excellent. Another method: Licorice Root one da liang, water-roasted, crushed, soaked in one da sheng of water. Place small knife across vessel, expose overnight. At dawn, stir to create foam, remove foam, take. Effective for all sores, carbuncles, and back eruptions (*Su Song, Tujing*).
Various Carbuncles and Ulcers: Licorice Root three liang, lightly roasted, cut. Soak in one dou of wine in bottle. Melt one piece of black lead, pour into wine, remove. Repeat nine times. Let patient drink until drunk, sleep, then cured (*Experience Formula*). For all carbuncles and eruptions, taking in advance reduces swelling, expels toxin, prevents internal attack, effects indescribable. Use large transverse-pattern Powder Licorice Root two jin, crush, soak in river water overnight, knead to extract thick juice, filter through fine silk, slow-fire simmer in silver/copper vessel to paste, store in porcelain jar. Take one or two spoons with non-ash wine or plain water. Resolves effects of elixirs, mild diarrhea is acceptable. Name: Guolao Gao (*Waike Jingyao Fang*).
Carbuncle/Ulcer Constipation: Raw Licorice Root two and a half qian, well-water decoction, takes, can guide down evil matter (*Zhizhi Fang*).
Early Breast Abscess: Roasted Licorice Root two qian, fresh water decoction, take, still have someone suck (*Zhizhi Fang*).
Minor Boils and Furuncles: When fever occurs, use Powder Licorice Root nodes, dry, grind to powder. Take one or two qian with hot wine. Continue several doses, pain and heat stop (*Waike Jingyao Fang*).
Smallpox Restlessness and Thirst: Powder Licorice Root (roasted) and Trichosanthes Root in equal parts, decoct in water and take. Licorice Root unblocks blood vessels, promotes eruption of sores/smallpox (*Zhizhi Fang*).
Perineal Abscess: Occurs before and after anus, initially pine-seed sized, gradually lotus-seed sized. After dozens of days, red/swollen like peach/plum, breaks when pus forms, difficult to heal if broken. Use transverse-pattern Licorice Root one liang, cut into four-cun pieces. One bowl of stream water (not river/well), slowly roast dipping in water from morning to noon until water is gone. Split open, stop when center is moist. Finely chop, decoct in two small bowls of good non-ash wine to one bowl, take warm. Take again next day, safe. This medicine cannot dissolve quickly; after twenty days, it dissolves completely. Kang Chao, Prefect of Xinghua, had ruptured abscess, doctors gave up. Took two doses, wound closed. Formula of Liu Congzhou from Shaozhou (*Li Xun, Yongju Fang*).
Ulcer on Glans Penis: Honey-cooked Licorice Root powder, frequently apply, miraculous (*Qianjin Fang*).
Genital Wetness and Itching: Licorice Root, decoct soup, wash three to five times daily (*Gujin Luyian*).
Ingrown Nail Swelling/Pain: Licorice Root, decoct soup, soak (*Qianjin Fang*).
Frostbite Cracking: Licorice Root, decoct soup, wash. Next, apply powder of Coptis Rhizome (Huanglian), Phellodendron Bark (Huangbai), Scutellaria Root (Huangqin), mixed with Calomel and Sesame Oil (*Tan Ye Weng Fang*).
Scald/Burn Wounds: Licorice Root, decoct with honey, apply (*Li Lou, Qifang*).
Gu Poison/Toxin: Licorice Root nodes, soak in pure sesame oil, older is better. Chew and swallow each time, or decoct in water and take, miraculous (*Zhizhi Fang*).
Infant Severe Gu Poison: Licorice Root half liang, one zhan of water, boil to five fen, take. Should vomit (*Jingui Yuyan*).
Ox/Horse Meat Poison: Licorice Root, boil strong juice, drink one or two sheng, or decoct in wine and take, induce vomiting or purgation. If thirsty, do not drink water, drinking leads to death (*Qianjin Fang*). Food/Drink Poisoning, Unknown Substance, Sudden Emergency No Medicine: Decoct Gancao Ji Tang, alive upon entry (*Jingui Yufang*).
Water Henbane Poison: Vegetable contains Water Henbane, round shiny leaves, toxic. Accidental ingestion causes madness, stroke-like symptoms, or vomiting. Decoct Licorice Root juice and take, resolves immediately (*Jingui Yumi Fang*).