芳草类五十六种
（《本经》中品）
【释名】干归（《本经》）、山蕲（《尔雅》）、白蕲（《尔雅》）、文无（《纲目》）。颂曰∶
按
而粗大。许慎《说文》云∶生山中者，名薜，一名山蕲。然则当归，芹类也。在平地者名芹
，生山中粗大者，名当归也。宗 曰∶今川蜀皆以畦种，尤肥好多脂，不以平地、山中为等
差也。时珍曰∶当归本非芹类，特以花叶似芹，故得芹名。古人娶妻为嗣续也，当归调血为
女人要药，有思夫之意，故有当归之名，正与唐诗胡麻好种无人种，正是归时又不归之旨相
同。崔豹《古今注》云∶古人相赠以芍药，相招以文无。文无一名当归，芍药一名将离故也
。承曰∶当归治妊妇产后恶血上冲，仓猝取效。气血昏乱者，服之即定。能使气血各有所归
，恐当归之名必因此出也。
【集解】《别录》曰∶当归生陇西川谷，二月、八月采根，阴干。弘景曰∶今陇西四阳
黑水当归，多肉少枝气香，名马尾当归。西川北部当归，多根枝而细。历阳所出者，色白而
气味薄，不相似，呼为草当归，缺少时亦用之。恭曰∶今出当州、宕州、翼州、松州，以宕
州者最胜。有二种∶一种似大叶芎 者，名马尾当归，今人多用；一种似细叶芎 者，名蚕
头当归，即陶称历阳者，不堪用，茎叶并卑下于芎 。颂曰∶今川蜀、陕西诸郡及江宁府、
滁州皆有之，以蜀中者为胜。春生苗，绿叶有三瓣。七八月开花似莳萝，浅紫色。根黑黄色，
以肉浓而不枯者为胜。时珍曰∶今陕、蜀、秦州、汶州诸处人多栽莳为货。以秦归头圆尾多
色紫气香肥润者，名马尾归，最胜他处；头大尾粗色白坚枯者，为搀头归，止宜入发散药尔。
韩言∶川产者力刚而善攻，秦产者力柔而善补，是矣。
根
【修治】 曰∶凡用去芦头，以酒浸一宿入药。止血破血，头尾效各不同。若要破血，
即使头一节硬实处。若要止痛止血，即用尾。若一并用，服食无效，不如不使，惟单使妙也
。元素曰∶头，止血；尾，破血；身，和血；全用，即一破一止也。先以水洗净土。治上，
酒浸；治外，酒洗过，或火干、晒干入药。
杲曰∶头，止血而上行；身，养血而中守；梢，破血而下流；全活血而不走。
时珍曰∶雷、张二氏所说头尾功效各异。凡物之根，身半以上，气脉上行，法乎天；身
半以下，气脉下行，法乎地。人身法象天地，则，治上当用头，治中当用身，治下当用尾，
通治则全用，乃一定之理也。当以张氏之说为优。凡晒干乘热纸封瓮收之，不蛀。
【气味】甘，温，无毒。《别录》曰∶辛，大温。普曰∶神农、黄帝、桐君、扁鹊∶甘，
无毒；岐伯、雷公∶辛，无毒；李当之∶小温。杲曰∶甘、辛，温，无毒。气浓味薄，可升
可降，阳中微阴，入手少阴、足太阴、厥阴经血分。之才曰∶恶 茹、湿面，畏菖蒲、海藻、
牡蒙、生姜，制雄黄。
【主治】咳逆上气，温疟寒热洗洗在皮肤中，妇人漏下绝子，诸恶疮疡金疮，煮汁饮之
（《本经》）。温中止痛，除客血内塞，中风 汗不出，湿痹中恶，客气虚冷，补五脏，生肌
肉（《别录》）。止呕逆，虚劳寒热，下痢腹痛齿痛，女人沥血腰痛，崩中，补诸不足（甄权）。
治一切风，一切血，补一切劳，破恶血，养新血，及症癖，肠胃冷（大明）。治头痛，心腹
诸痛，润肠胃筋骨皮肤，治痈疽，排脓止痛，和血补血（时珍）。主痿癖嗜卧，足下热而痛。
冲脉为病，气逆里急。带脉为病，腹痛，腰溶溶如坐水中（好古）。
【发明】权曰∶患人虚冷者，加而用之。承曰∶世俗多谓惟能治血，而《金匮》、《外台》
、《千金》诸方皆为大补不足、决取立效之药。古方用治妇人产后恶血上冲，取效无急于此
。凡气血昏乱者，服之即定。可以补虚，备产后要药也。宗 曰∶《药性论》补女子诸不足
一说，尽当归之用矣。成无己曰∶脉者血之府，诸血皆属心。凡通脉者，必先补心益血。故
张仲景治手足厥寒、脉细欲绝者，用当归之苦温以助心血。元素曰∶其用有三∶一，心经
本药；二，和血；三，治诸病夜甚。凡血受病，必须用之。血壅而不流则痛，当归之甘温能
和血，辛温能散内寒，苦温能助心散寒，使气血各有所归。
好古曰∶入手少阴，以其心生血也。入足太阴，以其脾裹血也。入足厥阴，以其肝藏血
也。头，能破血；身，能养血，尾能行血。全用，同人参、黄 ，则补气而生血；同牵牛、
大
治头痛，诸痛皆属木，故以血药主之。
机曰∶治头痛，酒煮服清，取其浮而上也。治心痛，酒调末服，取其浊而半沉半浮也。
治小便出血，用酒煎服，取其沉入下极也。自有高低之分如此。王海藏言当归血药，如何治
胸中咳逆上气？按∶当归其味辛散，乃血中气药也。况咳逆上气，有阴虚阳无所附者，故用
血药补阴，则血和而气降矣。
韩 曰∶当归主血分之病。川产力刚可攻，秦产力柔宜补。凡用，本病宜酒制，有痰以
姜制，导血归源之理。血虚以人参、石脂为佐，血热以生地黄、条芩为佐，不绝生化之源。
血积配以大黄。要之，血药不容舍当归。故古方四物汤以为君，芍药为臣，地黄为佐，芎
为使也。
【附方】旧八，新一十九。血虚发热∶当归补血汤∶治肌热燥热，目赤面红，烦渴引饮，
昼夜不息，其脉洪大而虚，重按全无力，此血虚之候也。得于饥困劳役，证象白虎，但脉不
长实为异耳。若误服白虎汤即死，宜此主之。当归身（酒洗）二钱，绵黄 （蜜炙）一两。
作一服。水二钟，煎一钟，空心温服，日再服。（东垣《兰室秘藏》）失血眩运∶凡伤胎去血，
产后去血，崩中去血，金疮去血，拔牙去血，一切去血过多，心烦眩运，闷绝不省人事。当
归二两，芎 一两。每用五钱，水七分，酒三分，煎七分，热服，日再。（《妇人良方》）
衄血不止∶当归（焙）研末，每服一钱，米饮调下。（《圣济录》）
小便出血∶当归四两（锉），酒三升，煮取一升，顿服。（《肘后》）
头痛欲裂∶当归二两，酒一升，煎取六合，饮之，日再服。（《外台秘要》方）
内虚目暗∶补气养血。用当归（生晒）六两，附子（火炮）一两，为末，炼蜜丸梧子大。
每服三十丸，温酒下，名六一丸。（《圣济总录》）心下痛刺∶当归为末，酒服方寸匕。（《必
效方》）手臂疼痛∶当归三两（切），酒浸三日，温饮之。饮尽，别以三两再浸，以瘥为度。
（《事林广记》）温疟不止∶当归一两。水煎饮，日一服。（《圣济总录》）久痢不止∶当归二
两，
（
妇人百病，诸虚不足者。当归四两，地黄二两，为末，蜜丸梧子大。每食前，米饮下十五丸
。（《太医支法存方》）月经逆行，从口鼻出。先以京墨磨汁服，止之。次用当归尾、红花各
三钱。水一钟半，煎八分，温服，其经即通。（《简便方》）室女经闭∶当归尾、没药各一钱。
为末，红花浸酒，面北饮之，一日一服。（《普济方》）妇人血气，脐下气胀，月经不利，血
气上攻欲呕，不得睡。当归四钱，干漆（烧存性）二钱，为末，炼蜜丸梧子大。每服十五丸，
温酒下。（《永类方》）堕胎下血不止。当归（焙）一两，葱白一握。每服五钱，酒一盏半，
煎八分，温服。（《圣济总录》）妊娠胎动，神妙。佛手散∶治妇人妊娠伤动，或子死腹中，
血下疼痛，口噤欲死。服此探之，不损则痛止，已损便立下，此乃徐王神验方也。当归二两，
芎一两。为粗末。每服三钱，水一盏，煎令泣泣欲干，投酒一盏，再煎一沸，温服，或灌
之。如人行五里，再服。不过三、五服，便效。（张文仲《备急方》）产难胎死，横生倒生。
用当归三两，芎 一两。为末，先以大黑豆炒焦，入流水一盏，童便一盏，煎至一盏，分为
二服。未效再服。（《妇人良方》）倒产子死不出。当归末，酒服方寸匕。（《子母秘录》）产
后血胀，腹痛引胁。当归二钱，干姜（炮）五分。为末。每服三钱，水一盏，煎八分，入盐、
酢少许，热服。（《妇人良方》）产后腹痛如绞。当归末五钱，白蜜一合，水一盏，煎一盏，
分为二服。未效再服。（《妇人良方》）产后自汗∶壮热，气短，腰脚痛不可转。当归三钱，
黄、白芍药（酒炒）各二钱，生姜五片。水一盏半，煎七分，温服。（《和剂局方》）产后
中风∶不省人事，口吐涎沫，手足螈 。当归、荆芥穗等分，为末。每服三钱，水一盏，酒
少许，童尿少许，煎七分，灌之，下咽即有生意，神效。（《圣惠方》）小儿胎寒好啼，昼夜
不止，因此成痫。当归末一小豆大，以乳汁灌之，日夜三四度。（《肘后方》）小儿脐湿不早
治，成脐风。或肿赤，或出水。用当归末敷之。一方，入麝香少许。一方，用胡粉等分。试
之最验。若愈后因尿入复作，再敷即愈。（《圣惠方》）汤火伤疮， 赤溃烂，用此生肌，拔
热止痛。当归、黄蜡各一两，麻油四两。以油煎当归焦黄，去滓，纳蜡搅成膏，出火毒，摊
贴之。（《和剂局方》）
白黄色枯∶舌缩、恍惚若语乱者死。当归、白术二两，水煎，入生 汁、蜜和服。（《三
十
芳草类五十六种
（《神农本草经》列为中品）
【释名】干归（出自《神农本草经》）、山蕲（出自《尔雅》）、白蕲（出自《尔雅》）、文无（出自《本草纲目》）。苏颂说：
根据考证，当归是芹菜一类。许慎在《说文解字》中说：生长在山中的叫薜，又名山蕲。那么当归属于芹类。生长在平地的叫芹，长得粗壮高大的。而生长在深山中的长得粗大者，名叫当归。陈承说：如今川蜀地区都在田垄上种植，尤其肥大且多油脂，并不以平地或山中作为优劣的区分。李时珍说：当归本来不是芹类，只是因为它的花叶像芹菜，所以得了芹菜的名号。古人娶妻是为了延续后代，当归能调理血液，是妇女的要药，有思念丈夫的意思，所以有了“当归”这个名字，这与唐诗“胡麻好种无人种，正是归时又不归”的主旨相同。崔豹在《古今注》中说：古人互相赠送芍药，互相邀请用文无。文无就是当归的别名，芍药就是将离的别名。陈承说：当归治疗孕妇和产后恶血上冲，仓促间就能见效。气血昏乱的人，服用后立刻安定。能使气血各有所归属，恐怕“当归”的名字一定是因此而来的。
【集解】《名医别录》说：当归生长在陇西的山谷中，二月、八月采集根部，阴干。陶弘景说：现在陇西四阳黑水产的当归，肉质多肉少枝，气味香，名叫马尾当归。西川北部的当归，根枝多而细。历阳出产的，颜色白而气味淡薄，不像其他地方的，被称为草当归，缺少时也可以使用。苏恭说：现在产于当州、宕州、翼州、松州，其中宕州的最好。有两种：一种像大叶芎䓖的，名叫马尾当归，现在人多用；一种像细叶芎䓖的，名叫蚕头当归，就是陶弘景所说的历阳产的，不堪使用，茎叶都比芎䓖低矮。苏颂说：现在川蜀、陕西各郡以及江宁府、滁州都有出产，以蜀地出产的最好。春天生苗，绿叶有三瓣。七八月开花像莳萝，浅紫色。根黑黄色，以肉质浓厚而不干枯的为优。李时珍说：现在陕西、蜀地、秦州、汶州等地的人多栽培作为商品出售。以秦州产的头部圆、尾部多、颜色紫、气味香、肥润的，名叫马尾归，胜过其他地方；头部大、尾部粗、颜色白、坚硬干枯的，称为搀头归，只适宜用于发散药罢了。韩说：四川产的力道刚猛善于攻邪，陕西产的力道柔和善于补益，这是正确的。
根
【修治】雷敩说：凡是使用要去掉芦头，用酒浸泡一夜入药。止血和破血，头和尾的效果各不相同。如果要破血，就用头部第一节硬实的地方。如果要止痛止血，就用尾部。如果一起使用，服用无效，不如不使用，只有单用才妙。张元素说：头部止血；尾部破血；身体和血；全用，就是一破一止。先用水洗净泥土。治疗上部病症，用酒浸；治疗外部病症，用酒洗过，或者火干、晒干入药。
王杲说：头部，止血而上行；身体，养血而居中守持；梢部，破血而下流；全用，活血而不走散。
李时珍说：雷敩和张元素两位先生所说头的尾的功效各异。大凡植物的根，身半以上，气脉上行，效法天；身半以下，气脉下行，效法地。人身效法天地，那么，治疗上部应当用头，治疗中部应当用身体，治疗下部应当用尾部，通治则全用，这是一定的道理。应当以张元素的说法为优。凡是晒干时要趁热用纸封好放入瓮中收藏，不会生虫。
【气味】甘，温，无毒。《名医别录》说：辛，大温。李当之说：神农、黄帝、桐君、扁鹊认为：甘，无毒；岐伯、雷公认为：辛，无毒；李当之认为：小温。王杲说：甘、辛，温，无毒。气浓味薄，可升可降，阳中微阴，入手少阴心经、足太阴脾经、足厥阴肝经的血分。徐之才说：厌恶茹草、湿面，畏惧石菖蒲、海藻、牡蒙、生姜，能制约雄黄。
【主治】咳嗽气逆，温疟寒热瑟瑟发抖在皮肤中，妇人漏下绝子，各种恶疮疡金疮，煮汁饮用（《神农本草经》）。温暖中焦止痛，去除体内停滞的瘀血，中风汗不出，湿痹中恶，客气虚冷，补五脏，生肌肉（《名医别录》）。止呕逆，虚劳寒热，下痢腹痛齿痛，女人沥血腰痛，崩中，补诸不足（甄权）。治疗一切风病，一切血病，补一切劳损，破恶血，养新血，以及症癖，肠胃冷（大明）。治疗头痛，心腹各种疼痛，润肠胃筋骨皮肤，治疗痈疽，排脓止痛，和血补血（李时珍）。主痿癖嗜卧，足下热而痛。冲脉为病，气逆里急。带脉为病，腹痛，腰溶溶如坐水中（好古）。
【发明】甄权说：病人虚冷的，加入使用。陈承说：世俗多认为只能治血，而《金匮要略》、《外台秘要》、《千金方》等各方都把它作为大补不足、决取立效的药。古方用它治疗妇人产后恶血上冲，取效没有比这更急迫的。凡是气血昏乱的人，服用后立刻安定。可以补虚，备产后要药也。陈承说：《药性论》补充女子诸不足一说，尽当归之用矣。成无己说：脉是血的府库，诸血皆属于心。凡是通脉的，必须先补心益血。所以张仲景治疗手足厥寒、脉细欲绝的，用当归的苦温来助心血。张元素说：它的用途有三：一，是心经的本药；二，和血；三，治疗各种疾病夜间加重。凡是血受病，必须使用它。血壅塞而不流通就会痛，当归的甘温能和血，辛温能散内寒，苦温能助心散寒，使气血各有所归属。
李好古说：入手少阴心经，因为心生血。入足太阴脾经，因为脾裹血。入足厥阴肝经，因为肝藏血。头部，能破血；身体，能养血，尾部能行血。全用，同人参、黄芪，则补气而生血；同牵牛、大黄，则破血下行。治疗头痛，诸痛皆属木，所以用血药主治。
朱震亨说：治疗头痛，酒煮服清液，取其浮而上行。治疗心痛，酒调末服，取其浊而半沉半浮。治疗小便出血，用酒煎服，取其沉入下极。自有高低之分如此。王海藏说当归是血药，如何治疗胸中咳逆上气？按：当归其味辛散，乃血中气药也。况且咳逆上气，有阴虚阳无所附着的，所以用血药补阴，则血和而气降了。
韩祗和说：当归主血分之病。四川产的力道刚猛可攻，陕西产的力道柔和宜补。凡是使用，本病宜酒制，有痰以姜制，导血归源之理。血虚以人参、赤石脂为佐，血热以生地黄、黄芩为佐，不绝生化之源。血积配以大黄。总之，血药不容舍当归。所以古方四物汤以为君，芍药为臣，地黄为佐，川芎为使。
【附方】旧八，新一十九。血虚发热：当归补血汤：治疗肌热燥热，目赤面红，烦渴引饮，昼夜不息，其脉洪大而虚，重按全无力，这是血虚的证候。得于饥困劳役，证象白虎汤证，但脉不长实为异耳。如果误服白虎汤即死，宜此方主治。当归身（酒洗）二钱，绵黄芪（蜜炙）一两。作一服。水二钟，煎一钟，空心温服，日再服。（东垣《兰室秘藏》）失血眩运：凡是伤胎去血，产后去血，崩中去血，金疮去血，拔牙去血，一切去血过多，心烦眩运，闷绝不省人事。当归二两，川芎一两。每用五钱，水七分，酒三分，煎七分，热服，日再服。（《妇人良方》）衄血不止：当归（焙）研末，每服一钱，米饮调下。（《圣济录》）
小便出血：当归四两（锉），酒三升，煮取一升，顿服。（《肘后备急方》）
头痛欲裂：当归二两，酒一升，煎取六合，饮之，日再服。（《外台秘要》方）
内虚目暗：补气养血。用当归（生晒）六两，附子（火炮）一两，为末，炼蜜丸梧子大。每服三十丸，温酒下，名六一丸。（《圣济总录》）心下痛刺：当归为末，酒服方寸匕。（《必效方》）手臂疼痛：当归三两（切），酒浸三日，温饮之。饮尽，别以三两再浸，以瘥为度。（《事林广记》）温疟不止：当归一两。水煎饮，日一服。（《圣济总录》）久痢不止：当归二两，[此处原文缺失药材名，推测为黄连或其他，依原文留空或仅译现有文字]...（原文此处截断，暂译可见部分）妇人百病，诸虚不足者。当归四两，地黄二两，为末，蜜丸梧子大。每食前，米饮下十五丸。（《太医支法存方》）月经逆行，从口鼻出。先以京墨磨汁服，止之。次用当归尾、红花各三钱。水一钟半，煎八分，温服，其经即通。（《简便方》）室女经闭：当归尾、没药各一钱。为末，红花浸酒，面北饮之，一日一服。（《普济方》）妇人血气，脐下气胀，月经不利，血气上攻欲呕，不得睡。当归四钱，干漆（烧存性）二钱，为末，炼蜜丸梧子大。每服十五丸，温酒下。（《永类方》）堕胎下血不止。当归（焙）一两，葱白一握。每服五钱，酒一盏半，煎八分，温服。（《圣济总录》）妊娠胎动，神妙。佛手散：治疗妇人妊娠伤动，或子死腹中，血下疼痛，口噤欲死。服此探之，不损则痛止，已损便立下，此乃徐王神验方也。当归二两，川芎一两。为粗末。每服三钱，水一盏，煎令泣泣欲干，投酒一盏，再煎一沸，温服，或灌之。如人行五里，再服。不过三、五服，便效。（张文仲《备急方》）产难胎死，横生倒生。用当归三两，川芎一两。为末，先以大黑豆炒焦，入流水一盏，童便一盏，煎至一盏，分为二服。未效再服。（《妇人良方》）倒产子死不出。当归末，酒服方寸匕。（《子母秘录》）产后血胀，腹痛引胁。当归二钱，干姜（炮）五分。为末。每服三钱，水一盏，煎八分，入盐、酢少许，热服。（《妇人良方》）产后腹痛如绞。当归末五钱，白蜜一合，水一盏，煎一盏，分为二服。未效再服。（《妇人良方》）产后自汗：壮热，气短，腰脚痛不可转。当归三钱，黄芪、白芍药（酒炒）各二钱，生姜五片。水一盏半，煎七分，温服。（《和剂局方》）产后中风：不省人事，口吐涎沫，手足抽搐。当归、荆芥穗等分，为末。每服三钱，水一盏，酒少许，童尿少许，煎七分，灌之，下咽即有生意，神效。（《圣惠方》）小儿胎寒好啼，昼夜不止，因此成痫。当归末一小豆大，以乳汁灌之，日夜三四度。（《肘后方》）小儿脐湿不早治，成脐风。或肿赤，或出水。用当归末敷之。一方，入麝香少许。一方，用胡粉等分。试之最验。若愈后因尿入复作，再敷即愈。（《圣惠方》）汤火伤疮，红肿溃烂，用此生肌，拔热止痛。当归、黄蜡各一两，麻油四两。以油煎当归焦黄，去滓，纳蜡搅成膏，出火毒，摊贴之。（《和剂局方》）
白黄色枯：舌缩、恍惚若语乱者死。当归、白术二两，水煎，入生[此处原文截断，推测为人参或类似补气药]汁、蜜和服。（《三十...
Fragrant Grasses Category, 56 Species
(Listed as Medium Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing* / *Divine Farmer's Materia Medica*)
【Names】Gan Gui (Dry Return) (*Shennong Bencao Jing*), Shan Qi (Mountain Celery) (*Erya*), Bai Qi (White Celery) (*Erya*), Wen Wu (No Loss) (*Bencao Gangmu*). Su Song stated:
According to verification, Dang Gui belongs to the celery family. Xu Shen in *Shuowen Jiezi* said: Those growing in mountains are named Bi, also known as Shan Qi. Thus, Dang Gui is a type of celery. Those growing in flatlands are named Qian (Celery), which grow coarse and large. Those growing in deep mountains that grow coarse and large are named Dang Gui. Chen Cheng stated: Nowadays, in Sichuan and Shu regions, it is planted in field ridges, becoming especially fat and oily-rich, without distinction between flatland or mountain origins for quality grading. Li Shizhen stated: Dang Gui is originally not a celery species; it merely acquired the name "celery" because its flowers and leaves resemble celery. In ancient times, men married women to continue the lineage. Dang Gui regulates blood and is an essential herb for women, implying a longing for one's husband, hence the name "Dang Gui" (Return). This aligns with the sentiment of the Tang poem: "Hemp seeds are good to plant but no one plants them; just when it is time to return, he does not return." Cui Bao in *Gujin Zhu* said: Ancients gifted each other Peony (Shaoyao) and invited each other with Wen Wu. Wen Wu is another name for Dang Gui, and Shaoyao is another name for Jiang Li (Parting). Chen Cheng stated: Dang Gui treats upward rushing of evil blood in pregnant women and postpartum cases, taking effect swiftly. For those with chaotic Qi and Blood, administration brings immediate calm. It allows Qi and Blood to return to their proper places; perhaps the name "Dang Gui" originated from this.
【Collection & Description】 *Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians) stated: Dang Gui grows in the valleys of Longxi. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the shade. Tao Hongjing stated: Currently, Dang Gui from Siyang and Heishui in Longxi has fleshy roots with few branches and a fragrant aroma, named Mawei Dang Gui (Horse-tail Dang Gui). Dang Gui from northern Sichuan has many fine branches. That from Liyang is white in color with a thin taste and odor, unlike others, called Cao Dang Gui (Grass Dang Gui), used only when scarce. Su Gong stated: Currently produced in Dangzhou, Dangzhou, Yizhou, and Songzhou, with Dangzhou being the best. There are two types: one resembling large-leaf Xiongqiong, named Mawei Dang Gui, commonly used today; another resembling small-leaf Xiongqiong, named Cantou Dang Gui (Silkworm-head Dang Gui), which is the Liyang variety mentioned by Tao, considered unsuitable. Its stems and leaves are lower than Xiongqiong. Su Song stated: It is now found in Sichuan, Shu, Shaanxi prefectures, as well as Jiangning Prefecture and Chuzhou, with Sichuan origin being superior. Sprouts emerge in spring, with green leaves having three leaflets. Flowers bloom in July and August resembling dill, light purple. Roots are black-yellow; those with thick flesh and not dry are superior. Li Shizhen stated: People in Shaanxi, Shu, Qinzhou, and Wenzhou cultivate it extensively for trade. Those from Qinzhou with round heads, many tails, purple color, fragrant aroma, and moist flesh are named Mawei Gui (Horse-tail Gui), surpassing others; those with large heads, coarse tails, white color, hard and dry texture are called Chantou Gui (Mixed-head Gui), suitable only for dispersing formulas. Han Yan stated: Sichuan-produced ones have strong force and excel in attacking pathogens; Qin-produced ones have gentle force and excel in tonifying, which is correct.
Root
【Processing】 Lei Xiao stated: When used, remove the radicle head. Soak in wine overnight before decocting. For stopping bleeding versus breaking blood stasis, the head and tail have different effects. To break blood stasis, use the hard, solid part of the first section of the head. To stop pain and bleeding, use the tail. Using both together renders the medicine ineffective; it is better not to use it, or use singly for best results. Zhang Yuansu stated: The head stops bleeding; the tail breaks blood stasis; the body harmonizes blood; using the whole root achieves both breaking and stopping. First wash off soil with water. For treating upper body ailments, soak in wine; for external ailments, wash with wine, or fire-dry/sun-dry before use.
Wang Hao stated: The head stops bleeding and moves upward; the body nourishes blood and stays central; the tip breaks blood stasis and flows downward; using the whole root invigorates blood without scattering.
Li Shizhen stated: Lei Xiao and Zhang Yuansu described different effects for the head and tail. Generally, for plant roots, the upper half moves Qi and Blood upward, following Heaven; the lower half moves downward, following Earth. Since humans mirror Heaven and Earth, treating the upper body should use the head, the middle body the body, and the lower body the tail; for general treatment, use the whole root. This is a fixed principle. Zhang Yuansu's view is superior. When sun-drying, seal hot in paper within jars to prevent insect damage.
【Flavor & Properties】 Sweet, Warm, Non-toxic. *Bielu* stated: Pungent, Greatly Warm. Li Zhidang stated: Shennong, Huangdi, Tongjun, Bianque: Sweet, Non-toxic; Qibo, Leigong: Pungent, Non-toxic; Li Zhidang: Slightly Warm. Wang Hao stated: Sweet, Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic. Dense Qi, thin Flavor, can ascend and descend, Yang with slight Yin, enters the Blood aspect of the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart), Foot-Taiyin (Spleen), and Foot-Jueyin (Liver) meridians. Xu Zhicai stated: Dislikes Ru grass and wet dough; fears Changpu (Acorus), Haizao (Seaweed), Mumeng, and Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger); controls Xionghuang (Realgar).
【Indications】 Cough and rebellious Qi, warm malaria with chills and shivering in the skin, uterine leakage and infertility, various malignant sores and metal wounds, decocted juice drunk (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Warms the Middle, stops pain, removes internal stagnant evil blood, wind-stroke with inability to sweat, damp-bi with evil qi invasion, guest Qi deficiency-cold, tonifies the Five Viscera, generates muscle flesh (*Bielu*). Stops vomiting and rebellious Qi, deficiency-labor with cold-heat, dysentery with abdominal and tooth pain, women's dripping blood and lumbar pain, metrorrhagia, tonifies various deficiencies (Zhen Quan). Treats all wind diseases, all blood diseases, tonifies all labor injuries, breaks evil blood, nourishes new blood, and addresses masses/lumps and cold intestines/stomach (Da Ming). Treats headache, heart and abdominal pains, moistens intestines/stomach, tendons, bones, and skin, treats carbuncles/ulcers, discharges pus, stops pain, harmonizes and tonifies blood (Li Shizhen). Mainly treats atrophy syndromes, lethargy, heat and pain in the soles. Diseases of the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel): rebellious Qi and internal urgency. Diseases of the Dai Mai (Girdle Vessel): abdominal pain, lumbar sensation like sitting in water (Hao Gu).
【Elucidation】 Zhen Quan stated: Add it for patients with deficiency-cold. Chen Cheng stated: The common people often believe it only treats blood, yet *Jingui Yaolue*, *Waitai Miyao*, and *Qianjin Fang* all use it as a major herb for tonifying deficiencies and achieving rapid effects. Ancient formulas use it for postpartum upward rushing of evil blood, with no faster acting remedy. For chaotic Qi and Blood, it calms immediately. It can tonify deficiency and is an essential postpartum herb. Chen Cheng stated: The *Yaoxing Lun* supplement on "tonifying women's various deficiencies" exhausts the uses of Dang Gui. Cheng Wuji stated: The vessels are the residence of Blood; all blood belongs to the Heart. To unblock vessels, one must first tonify the Heart and benefit Blood. Thus, Zhang Zhongjing used Dang Gui's bitter-warm nature to assist Heart Blood for hand-foot coldness and faint pulse. Zhang Yuansu stated: Its uses are threefold: 1. Primary herb for the Heart Meridian; 2. Harmonizes Blood; 3. Treats diseases worsening at night. Whenever Blood is diseased, it must be used. Blood stagnation causes pain; Dang Gui's sweet-warm harmonizes blood, pungent-warm disperses internal cold, bitter-warm assists the Heart in dispersing cold, allowing Qi and Blood to return to their sources.
Hao Gu stated: Enters Hand-Shaoyin because the Heart generates Blood. Enters Foot-Taiyin because the Spleen envelopes Blood. Enters Foot-Jueyin because the Liver stores Blood. Head breaks blood; Body nourishes blood; Tail moves blood. Used wholly with Renshen (Ginseng) and Huangqi (Astragalus), it tonifies Qi and generates Blood; used with Qianniu (Pharbitis) and Dahuang (Rhubarb), it breaks blood and descends. Treating headaches: All pains belong to Wood, thus treated with Blood herbs.
Zhu Danxi stated: For headaches, decoct in wine and drink the clear liquid, utilizing its floating/upward action. For heart pain, mix powder with wine, utilizing its turbid/half-floating-half-sinking action. For hematuria, decoct in wine, utilizing its sinking/deep-penetrating action. There is such division in height and depth. Wang Haicang asked how Dang Gui, a Blood herb, treats chest cough and rebellious Qi? Analysis: Dang Gui's pungent dispersion makes it a Qi herb within the Blood category. Moreover, cough/rebellious Qi may involve Yin deficiency where Yang has no attachment; thus, using Blood herbs to tonify Yin harmonizes Blood and descends Qi.
Han Zhihe stated: Dang Gui treats Blood aspect diseases. Sichuan origin is strong for attacking; Qin origin is gentle for tonifying. Generally, process with wine for the primary disease, with Ginger for phlegm, guiding Blood to its source. For Blood deficiency, add Renshen and Shizhi (Litharge/Hematite); for Blood heat, add Shengdihuang (Rehmannia) and Huangqin (Scutellaria), preserving the source of generation. For Blood accumulation, pair with Dahuang. Ultimately, Blood herbs cannot exclude Dang Gui. Hence, in the ancient formula Siwu Tang, it is the Sovereign herb, Shaoyao (Peony) is the Minister, Dihuang (Rehmannia) is the Assistant, and Xiongqiong (Ligusticum) is the Envoy.
【Attached Formulas】 Eight old, nineteen new. Blood Deficiency Fever: Dang Gui Buxue Tang: Treats muscular fever and dry heat, red eyes and face, irritability and thirst drinking continuously day and night, pulse surging and large but empty, completely powerless upon heavy pressure. This is a sign of Blood deficiency, arising from hunger, fatigue, and overwork. Symptoms resemble Baihu Tang syndrome, but the pulse is not long and solid. Misusing Baihu Tang is fatal; this formula is indicated. Dang Gui Shen (Body, wine-washed) 2 qian, Mian Huangqi (Astragalus, honey-fried) 1 liang. Prepare as one dose. Decoct 2 zhong of water to 1 zhong. Take warm on an empty stomach, twice daily. (Dongyuan *Lanshi Micang*) Loss of Blood & Vertigo: Any case of fetal injury blood loss, postpartum blood loss, metrorrhagia blood loss, metal wound blood loss, tooth extraction blood loss, or any excessive blood loss causing heart vexation, vertigo, suffocation, and unconsciousness. Dang Gui 2 liang, Xiongqiong 1 liang. Use 5 qian per dose. Decoct 70% water and 30% wine to 70%. Take hot, twice daily. (*Funren Liangfang*) Epistaxis Unstopping: Dang Gui (roasted) powdered. Take 1 qian mixed with rice drink. (*Shengji Lu*)
Hematuria: Dang Gui 4 liang (chopped), Wine 3 sheng. Boil to obtain 1 sheng. Take in one dose. (*Zhouhou Beiji Fang*) Severe Headache: Dang Gui 2 liang, Wine 1 sheng. Decoct to obtain 6 he. Drink, twice daily. (*Waitai Miyao*) Internal Deficiency & Dim Vision: Tonify Qi and Blood. Dang Gui (sun-dried) 6 liang, Fuzi (fire-roasted) 1 liang. Powder, refine honey into pills size of wu zi. Take 30 pills with warm wine. Named Liuyi Wan. (*Shengji Zonglu*) Subcardiac Stabbing Pain: Dang Gui powder, take with wine using a cunbi measure. (*Bixiao Fang*) Arm Pain: Dang Gui 3 liang (sliced), soak in wine for 3 days. Drink warm. After finishing, soak another 3 liang again until cured. (*Shilin Guangji*) Persistent Warm Malaria: Dang Gui 1 liang. Decoct in water, drink once daily. (*Shengji Zonglu*) Chronic Dysentery: Dang Gui 2 liang... [Text cuts off here] Women's Hundred Diseases & Various Deficiencies: Dang Gui 4 liang, Dihuang 2 liang. Powder, honey pills size of wu zi. Take 15 pills with rice drink before meals. (*Taiyi Zhifacun Fang*) Retrograde Menstruation (from mouth/nose): First grind Beijing ink stone in water and drink to stop it. Then use Dang Gui Wei (Tail) and Honghua (Safflower) 3 qian each. Decoct 1.5 zhong water to 0.8 zhong. Take warm, menstruation will resume. (*Jianbian Fang*) Virgin Amenorrhea: Dang Gui Wei (Tail) and Moyao (Myrrh) 1 qian each. Powder, soak Honghua in wine, face north and drink, once daily. (*Puji Fang*) Women's Blood-Qi Stagnation: Abdominal distension below navel, irregular menstruation, Blood-Qi attacking upward causing nausea and insomnia. Dang Gui 4 qian, Ganqi (Resin of Toxicodendron, burned to retain character) 2 qian. Powder, honey pills size of wu zi. Take 15 pills with warm wine. (*Yonglei Fang*) Miscarriage with Unstopping Bleeding: Dang Gui (roasted) 1 liang, Congbai (Green Onion White) one handful. Take 5 qian, decoct in 1.5 zhong wine to 0.8 zhong. Take warm. (*Shengji Zonglu*) Pregnancy Fetal Movement: Miraculous. Foshou San: Treats pregnancy disturbance, dead fetus in uterus, bleeding with pain, jaw clenching nearing death. Take this to test: if not damaged, pain stops; if damaged, fetus passes down. This is the Divine Verified Formula of Prince Xu. Dang Gui 2 liang, Xiongqiong 1 liang. Coarse powder. Take 3 qian, decoct 1 zhong water until nearly dry, add 1 zhong wine, boil once more. Take warm or administer. If person walks five li, take again. Within 3-5 doses, effect seen. (Zhang Wenzhong *Beiji Fang*) Difficult Labor & Dead Fetus/Breech Presentation: Dang Gui 3 liang, Xiongqiong 1 liang. Powder. First stir-fry large black soybeans until scorched, add 1 zhong running water and 1 zhong child's urine. Decoct to 1 zhong, divide into two doses. Repeat if ineffective. (*Funren Liangfang*) Breech Presentation with Dead Fetus Not Emerging: Dang Gui powder, take with wine using cunbi measure. (*Zimu Milu*) Postpartum Blood Distension & Abdominal Pain Radiating to Flanks: Dang Gui 2 qian, Ganjiang (Dried Ginger, roasted) 0.5 fen. Powder. Take 3 qian, decoct 1 zhong water to 0.8 zhong, add little salt and vinegar. Take hot. (*Funren Liangfang*) Postpartum Cramping Abdominal Pain: Dang Gui powder 5 qian, Baimiti (White Honey) 1 he, Water 1 zhong. Decoct to 1 zhong, divide into two doses. Repeat if ineffective. (*Funren Liangfang*) Postpartum Spontaneous Sweating: High fever, shortness of breath, severe lumbar/leg pain immobile. Dang Gui 3 qian, Huangqi (Astragalus) and Baishaoyao (White Peony, wine-fried) 2 qian each, Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) 5 slices. Decoct 1.5 zhong water to 0.7 zhong. Take warm. (*Heji Jufang*) Postpartum Wind-Stroke: Unconsciousness, foaming at mouth, convulsions of hands/feet. Dang Gui and Jingjie Sui (Schizonepeta Spike) equal parts. Powder. Take 3 qian, decoct 1 zhong water with little wine and child's urine to 0.7 zhong. Administer. Life returns upon swallowing, miraculous. (*Shenghui Fang*) Infant Fetal Cold & Crying: Day and night incessant crying leading to epilepsy. Dang Gui powder size of a small bean, administer with breast milk, 3-4 times day and night. (*Zhouhou Fang*) Infant Umbilical Dampness Untreated Leading to Umbilical Tetanus: Swelling/redness or oozing. Apply Dang Gui powder. One formula adds little Shexiang (Musk). Another uses Hufen (Lead Carbonate) equal parts. Tested most effective. If recurrence after healing due to urine contact, reapply to cure. (*Shenghui Fang*) Scald/Burn Wounds: Redness, swelling, ulceration. Use to generate muscle, draw out heat, stop pain. Dang Gui and Huangla (Yellow Beeswax) 1 liang each, Mayou (Hemp Seed Oil) 4 liang. Fry Dang Gui in oil until scorched yellow, strain, add wax, stir into paste, remove fire toxicity, apply as plaster. (*Heji Jufang*)
Pale Yellow & Dry Tongue: Retraction of tongue, delirium indicating death. Dang Gui and Baizhu (Atractylodes) 2 liang. Decoct in water, add raw [text cut off, likely Ren Shen/Ginseng] juice and honey, mix and take. (*San Shi...