（《本经》上品）
【释名】黄 （《纲目》）、戴糁（《本经》）、戴椹（《别录》，又名独椹）、芰草（《别录》，
又名蜀脂）、百本（《别录》）、王孙（《药性论》）。
时珍曰∶耆，长也。黄耆色黄，为补药之长，故名。今俗通作黄 。或作蓍者，非矣。
蓍，乃蓍龟之蓍，音尸。王孙与牡蒙同名异物。
【集解】《别录》曰∶黄 ，生蜀郡山谷、白水、汉中。二月、十月采，阴干。
弘景曰∶第一出陇西洮阳，色黄白，甜美，今亦难得。次用黑水宕昌者，色白，肌理粗，
新者亦甘而温补。又有蚕陵白水者，色理胜蜀中者而冷补。又有赤色者，可作膏贴。俗方多
用，道家不须。
恭曰∶今出原州及华原者，最良，蜀汉不复采用。宜州、宁州者，亦佳。
颂曰∶今河东、陕西州郡多有之。根长二、三尺以来。独茎，或作丛生，枝干去地二、
三寸。其叶扶疏作羊齿状，又如蒺藜苗。七月中开黄紫花。其实作荚子，长寸许。八月中采
根用。其皮折之如绵，谓之绵黄 。然有数种，有白水 、赤水 、木 ，功用并同，而力
不及白水 。木 ，短而理横。今人多以苜蓿根假作黄 ，折皮亦似绵，颇能乱真。但苜蓿
根坚而脆，黄 至柔韧，皮微黄褐色，肉中白色，此为异耳。
承曰∶黄 本出绵上者为良，故名绵黄 ，非谓其柔韧如绵也。今《图经》所绘宪州者，
地与绵上相邻也。
好古曰∶绵上，即出西沁州；白水，在陕西同州。黄 味甘，柔软如绵，能令人肥；苜
蓿根，味苦而坚脆，俗呼为土黄 ，能令人瘦。用者宜审。
嘉谟曰∶绵上，沁州乡名，今有巡检司；白水、赤水二乡，俱属陇西。
时珍曰∶黄 ，叶似槐叶而微尖小，又似蒺藜叶而微阔大，青白色。开黄紫花，大如槐
花。结小尖角，长寸许。根长二、三尺，以紧实如箭竿者为良。嫩苗亦可 淘茹食。其子收
之，十月下种，如种菜法亦可。
【修治】 曰∶凡使勿用木 草，真相似，只是生时叶短并根横也。须去头上皱皮，蒸
半日，擘细，于槐砧上锉用。
时珍曰∶今人但捶扁，以蜜水涂炙数次，以熟为度。亦有以盐汤润透，器盛，于汤瓶蒸
熟切用者。
根
【气味】甘，微温，无毒（《本经》）。白水者冷，补（《别录》）。
元素曰∶味甘，气温、平。气薄味浓，可升可降，阴中阳也。入手足太阴气分，又入手
少阳、足少阴命门。
之才曰∶茯苓为之使，恶龟甲、白藓皮。
【主治】痈痈久败疮，排脓止痛，大风癞疾，五痔鼠 ，补虚，小儿百病（《本经》）。
妇人子脏风邪气，逐五脏间恶血，补丈夫虚损，五劳羸瘦，止渴，腹痛泄痢，益气，利阴气
（《别录》）。主虚喘，肾衰耳聋，疗寒热，治发背，内补（甄权）。助气壮筋骨，长肉补血，
破症癖，瘰 瘿赘，肠风血崩，带下赤白痢，产前后一切病，月候不匀，痰嗽，头风热毒赤
目（《日华》）。治虚劳自汗，补肺气，泻肺火、心火，实皮毛，益胃气，去肌热及诸经之痛
（元素）。主太阴疟疾，阳维为病，苦寒热；督脉为病，逆气里急（好古）。
【发明】
弘景曰∶出陇西者，温补；出白水者，冷补。又有赤色者，可作膏，用消痈肿。
藏器曰∶虚而客热，用白水黄 ；虚而客冷，用陇西黄 。
大明曰∶黄 ，药中补益，呼为羊肉；白水 ，凉，无毒，排脓治血，及烦闷热毒骨蒸
劳；赤水 ，凉，无毒，治血退热毒，余功并同；木 ，凉，无毒，治烦排脓之力，微于黄
，遇阙即倍用之。
元素曰∶黄 甘温纯阳，其用有五∶补诸虚不足，一也；益元气，二也；壮脾胃，三也；
去肌热，四也；排脓止痛，活血生血，内托阴疽，为疮家圣药，五也。又曰∶补五脏诸虚，
治脉弦自汗，泻阴火，去虚热，无汗，则发之；有汗，则止之。
好古曰∶黄 ，治气虚盗汗，并自汗及肤痛，是皮表之药；治咯血，柔脾胃，是中州之
药；治伤寒尺脉不至，补肾脏元气，是里药。乃上、中、下、内、外、三焦之药也。
杲曰∶《灵枢》云∶卫气者，所以温分肉而充皮肤，肥腠理而司开阖。黄 既补三焦，
实卫气，与桂同功；特比桂甘平，不辛热为异耳。但桂则通血脉，能破血而实卫气， 则益
气也。又黄 与人参、甘草三味，为除躁热肌热之圣药。脾胃一虚，肺气先绝，必用黄 温
分肉，益皮毛，实腠理，不令汗出，以益元气而补三焦。
震亨曰∶黄 补元气，肥白而多汗者，为宜；若面黑形实而瘦者，服之，令人胸满，宜
以三拗汤泻之。
宗 曰∶防风、黄 ，世多相须而用。唐许胤宗初仕陈为新蔡王外兵参军时，柳太后病
风不能言，脉沉而口噤。胤宗曰∶既不能下药，宜汤气蒸之，药入腠理，周时可瘥。乃造黄
防风汤数斛，置于床下，气如烟雾，其夕便得语也。
杲曰∶防风能制黄 ，黄 得防风其功愈大，乃相畏而相使也。
震亨曰∶人之口通乎地，鼻通乎天。口以养阴，鼻以养阳。天主清，故鼻不受有形而受
无形；地主浊，故口受有形而兼乎无形。柳太后之病不言，若以有形之汤，缓不及事；今投
以二物，汤气满室，则口鼻俱受。非智者通神，不可回生也。
杲曰∶小儿外物惊，宜用黄连安神丸镇心药。若脾胃寒湿，呕吐腹痛，泻痢青白，宜用
益黄散药。如脾胃伏火，劳役不足之证，及服巴豆之类，胃虚而成慢惊者，用益黄、理中之
药，必伤人命。当于心经中，以甘温补土之源，更于脾土中，以甘寒泻火，以酸凉补金，使
金旺火衰，风木自平矣。今立黄 汤泻火补金益土，为神治之法。用炙黄 二钱，人参一钱，
炙甘草五分，白芍药五分，水一大盏，煎半盏，温服。
机曰∶萧山魏直着《博爱心鉴》三卷，言小儿痘疮，惟有顺、逆、险三证。顺者为吉，
不用药。逆者为凶，不必用药。惟险乃悔吝之象，当以药转危为安，宜用保元汤加减主之。
此方原出东垣，治慢惊土衰火旺之法。今借而治痘，以其内固营血，外护卫气，滋助阴阳，
作为脓血，其证虽异，其理则同。去白芍药，加生姜，改名曰保元汤。炙黄 三钱，人参二
钱，炙甘草一钱，生姜一片，水煎服之。险证者，初出圆晕干红少润也，浆长光泽，顶陷不
起也；既出虽起惨色不明也，浆行色灰不荣也，浆定光润不消也，浆老湿润不敛也，结痂而
胃弱内虚也，痂落而口渴不食也，痂后生痈肿也，痈肿溃而敛迟也。凡有诸症，并宜此汤。
或加芎 ，加官桂，加糯米以助之。详见本书。
嘉谟曰∶人参补中，黄 实表。凡内伤脾胃，发热恶寒，吐泄怠卧，胀满痞塞，神短脉
微者，当以人参为君，黄 为臣；若表虚自汗亡阳，溃疡痘疹阴疮者，当以黄 为君，人参
为臣，不可执一也。
【附方】旧五，新九。
小便不通∶绵黄 二钱，水二盏，煎一盏，温服。小儿减半。（《总微论》）
酒疸黄疾∶心下懊痛，足胫满，小便黄，饮酒发赤黑黄斑，由大醉当风，入水所致。黄
二两，木兰一两，为末。酒服方寸匕，日三服。（《肘后方》）
气虚白浊∶黄 （盐炒）半两，茯苓一两。为末。每服一钱，白汤下。（《经验良方》）
治渴补虚∶男子妇人诸虚不足，烦悸焦渴，面色萎黄，不能饮食，或先渴而后发疮疖，
或先痈疽而后发渴，并宜常服此药，平补气血，安和脏腑，终身可免痈疽之疾。用绵黄 （箭
杆者，去芦）六两（一半生焙，一半以盐水润湿，饭上蒸三次，焙，锉），粉甘草一两（一
半生用，一半炙黄为末）。每服二钱，白汤点服，早晨、日午各一服，亦可煎服，名黄 六
一汤。（《外科精要》）
老人秘塞∶绵黄 、陈皮（去白）各半两。为末。每服三钱，用大麻子一合，研烂，以
水
滤浆，煎至乳起，入白蜜一匙，再煎沸，调药空心服，甚者不过二服。此药不冷不热，常服
无秘塞之患，其效如神。（《和剂局方》）
肠风泻血∶黄 、黄连等分，为末。面糊丸绿豆大。每服三十丸，米饮下。（孙用和《秘
宝方》）尿血沙淋，痛不可忍∶黄 、人参等分。为末，以大萝卜一个，切一指浓大，四、
五片，蜜二两，淹炙令尽，不令焦，点末，食无时，以盐汤下。（《永类方》）
吐血不止∶黄 二钱半，紫背浮萍五钱。为末。每服一钱，姜、蜜水下。（《圣济总录》）
咳嗽脓血咽干，乃虚中有热，不可服凉药。以好黄 四两，甘草一两。为末。每服二钱，点
汤服。（席延赏方）
肺痈得吐∶黄 二两。为末。每服二钱，水一中盏，煎至六分，温服，日三、四服。（《圣
惠方》）
甲疽疮脓∶生足趾甲边，赤肉突出，时常举发者。黄 二两， 茹一两。醋浸一宿，以
猪脂五合，微火上煎取二合，绞去滓，以封疮口上，日三度，其肉自消。（《外台秘要》）
胎动不安腹痛，下黄汁。黄 、川芎 各一两，糯米一合。水一升，煎半升，分服。（《妇
人良方》）
阴汗湿痒∶绵黄 ，酒炒为末，以熟猪心点吃妙。（赵真人《济急方》）
痈疽内固∶黄 、人参各一两。为末，入真龙脑一钱，用生藕汁和丸绿豆大。每服二十，
温水下，日三服。（《本事方》）
茎叶
【主治】疗渴及筋挛，痈肿疽疮（《别录》）。
（《神农本草经》列为上品）
【释名】黄耆（《本草纲目》）、戴糁（《神农本草经》）、戴椹（《名医别录》，又名独椹）、芰草（《名医别录》，又名蜀脂）、百本（《名医别录》）、王孙（《药性论》）。
李时珍说：耆，意为长者。黄耆颜色发黄，是补益药物中的首领，所以得名。现在俗世通常写作“黄芪”。有人写作“蓍”，这是错误的。“蓍”是指用于占卜的蓍草，读音为“尸”。王孙与牡蒙名称相同但实物不同。
【集解】《名医别录》记载：黄耆，生长在蜀郡的山谷、白水、汉中地区。二月和十月采收，阴干。
陶弘景说：品质最好的产自陇西洮阳，颜色黄白，味道甜美，现在也很难得。其次使用黑水宕昌产的，颜色白，肌理粗糙，新采的也甘甜且温补。又有蚕陵白水产的，颜色和纹理比蜀中产的更好，但性质偏冷补。又有红色的，可以制作膏药贴敷。世俗方剂中多用，道家不需要。
恭曰：现在出产于原州和华原的，质量最好，蜀汉地区不再采用。宜州、宁州产的，也很好。
苏颂说：现在河东、陕西各州郡多有出产。根长二、三尺以上。单独茎干，或丛生，枝干离地二、三寸。叶子扶疏呈羊齿状，又像蒺藜的苗。七月开黄紫色花。果实呈荚状，长约一寸。八月采收根部使用。它的皮折断后像棉絮一样，称为绵黄芪。然而有好几种，有白水芪、赤水芪、木芪，功效作用相同，但药力不如白水芪。木芪短小且纹理横向。现在的人常用苜蓿根假冒黄耆，折断皮也像棉絮，很容易混淆真假。只是苜蓿根坚硬而脆，黄耆极其柔韧，皮微黄褐色，肉质白色，这是区别所在。
寇宗奭说：黄耆原本出产于绵上地区的为好，所以叫绵黄芪，并不是指它柔韧如棉絮。现在的《图经》所绘制的宪州产的，地理位置与绵上相邻。
好古说：绵上，即出产于西沁州；白水，在陕西同州。黄耆味甘，柔软如棉，能使人发胖；苜蓿根，味苦而坚脆，俗称土黄芪，能使人消瘦。使用者应当仔细辨别。
嘉谟说：绵上，是沁州的乡名，现在有巡检司；白水、赤水两个乡，都属于陇西。
李时珍说：黄耆，叶子像槐树叶但稍微尖小，又像蒺藜叶但稍微宽大，青白色。开黄紫色花，大小如槐花。结小尖角果，长约一寸。根长二、三尺，以紧实如箭竿者为优良。嫩苗也可以淘洗后作为蔬菜食用。它的种子收集起来，十月下种，像种菜的方法也可以。
【修治】雷敩说：凡使用不要选用木芪草，真品非常相似，只是生长时叶子短并且根横生。必须去掉头部的皱皮，蒸半天，掰细，在槐树砧板上锉碎使用。
李时珍说：现在的人只是捶扁，用蜜水涂抹炙烤数次，以熟透为限度。也有用盐汤润透，装在容器中，在汤瓶上蒸熟切开的用法。
根
【气味】甘，微温，无毒（《神农本草经》）。白水产的性冷，补益（《名医别录》）。
张元素说：味甘，气温、平。气薄味浓，可升可降，属于阴中之阳。入手足太阴气分，又入手少阳、足少阴命门。
【主治】痈疽久败疮，排脓止痛，大风癞疾，五痔鼠瘘，补虚，小儿百病（《神农本草经》）。
妇人子宫风邪气，驱逐五脏间恶血，补丈夫虚损，五劳羸瘦，止渴，腹痛泄痢，益气，利阴气（《名医别录》）。主虚喘，肾衰耳聋，疗寒热，治发背，内补（甄权）。助气壮筋骨，长肉补血，破症癖，瘰疬瘿赘，肠风血崩，带下赤白痢，产前后一切病，月候不匀，痰嗽，头风热毒赤目（《日华子本草》）。治虚劳自汗，补肺气，泻肺火、心火，实皮毛，益胃气，去肌热及诸经之痛（张元素）。主太阴疟疾，阳维为病，苦寒热；督脉为病，逆气里急（李好古）。
【发明】
陶弘景说：出产于陇西的，温补；出产于白水的，冷补。又有红色的，可以制作膏药，用来消除痈肿。
大明说：黄耆，是药物中的补益品，被称为羊肉；白水芪，凉，无毒，排脓治血，以及烦闷热毒骨蒸劳；赤水芪，凉，无毒，治血退热毒，其余功效都相同；木芪，凉，无毒，治烦排脓之力，略弱于黄耆，遇到缺憾就加倍使用。
张元素说：黄耆甘温纯阳，它有五种用途：补各种虚不足，是一；益元气，二是；壮脾胃，三是；去肌热，四是；排脓止痛，活血生血，内托阴疽，是疮家圣药，五是。又说：补五脏各种虚，治脉弦自汗，泻阴火，去虚热，无汗，则发之；有汗，则止之。
李好古说：黄耆，治气虚盗汗，并自汗及肤痛，是皮表之药；治咯血，柔脾胃，是中州之药；治伤寒尺脉不至，补肾脏元气，是里药。是上、中、下、内、外、三焦之药。
杲曰：《灵枢》说：卫气，是用来温养肌肉充实皮肤，肥厚腠理并主管开阖的。黄耆既然补三焦，实卫气，与桂枝功效相同；特别比桂枝甘平，不辛热是不同之处。只是桂枝通血脉，能破血而实卫气，黄耆则是益气。另外黄耆与人参、甘草三味药，是清除躁热肌热的圣药。脾胃一虚，肺气先绝，必须用黄耆温养肌肉，益皮毛，实腠理，不让出汗，以益元气而补三焦。
震亨说：黄耆补元气，适合身体肥胖多汗的人服用；如果面色黑形体实而瘦的人，服用它，会令人胸满，应该用三拗汤来泻之。
宗 说：防风、黄耆，世间多相须而用。唐代许胤宗初仕陈为新蔡王外兵参军时，柳太后患风病不能说话，脉沉而口噤。胤宗说：既然不能下药，适宜用汤气熏蒸，药入腠理，周时可痊愈。于是制造黄耆防风汤数斛，放在床下，气如烟雾，当晚就能说话了。
杲说：防风能制约黄耆，黄耆得到防风其功效更大，乃是相畏而相使的关系。
震亨说：人的口通乎地，鼻通乎天。口用来养阴，鼻用来养阳。天主清，所以鼻不受有形之物而受无形之气；地主浊，所以口受有形之物而兼乎无形之气。柳太后的病不能言，如果用有形的汤药，缓不及事；现在投以这两味药，汤气满室，则口鼻俱受。不是智者通神，不可回生也。
杲说：小儿被外物惊吓，适宜用黄连安神丸镇心药。如果脾胃寒湿，呕吐腹痛，泻痢青白，适宜用益黄散药。如脾胃伏火，劳役不足之证，以及服用巴豆之类，胃虚而成慢惊者，用益黄、理中之药，必伤人命。应当在心经中，以甘温补土之源，更于脾土中，以甘寒泻火，以酸凉补金，使金旺火衰，风木自平矣。现在立黄耆汤泻火补金益土，为神治之法。用炙黄耆二钱，人参一钱，炙甘草五分，白芍药五分，水一大盏，煎半盏，温服。
机说：萧山魏直著《博爱心鉴》三卷，说小儿痘疮，惟有顺、逆、险三证。顺者为吉，不用药。逆者为凶，不必用药。惟险乃悔吝之象，当以药转危为安，适宜用保元汤加减主之。此方原出东垣，治慢惊土衰火旺之法。现在借用来治痘，因为它内固营血，外护卫气，滋助阴阳，作为脓血，其证虽异，其理则同。去白芍药，加生姜，改名曰保元汤。炙黄耆三钱，人参二钱，炙甘草一钱，生姜一片，水煎服之。险证者，初出圆晕干红少润也，浆长光泽，顶陷不起也；既出虽起惨色不明也，浆行色灰不荣也，浆定光润不消也，浆老湿润不敛也，结痂而胃弱内虚也，痂落而口渴不食也，痂后生痈肿也，痈肿溃而敛迟也。凡有诸症，并宜此汤。或加川芎，加官桂，加糯米以助之。详见本书。
嘉谟说：人参补中，黄耆实表。凡是内伤脾胃，发热恶寒，吐泄怠卧，胀满痞塞，神短脉微者，应当以人参为君，黄耆为臣；如果表虚自汗亡阳，溃疡痘疹阴疮者，应当以黄耆为君，人参为臣，不可执一也。
【附方】旧五，新九。
小便不通：绵黄芪二钱，水二盏，煎一盏，温服。小儿减半。（《总微论》）
酒疸黄疾：心下懊痛，足胫满，小便黄，饮酒发赤黑黄斑，由大醉当风，入水所致。黄芪二两，木兰一两，为末。酒服方寸匕，日三服。（《肘后方》）
气虚白浊：黄芪（盐炒）半两，茯苓一两。为末。每服一钱，白汤下。（《经验良方》）
治渴补虚：男子妇人诸虚不足，烦悸焦渴，面色萎黄，不能饮食，或先渴而后发疮疖，或先痈疽而后发渴，并宜常服此药，平补气血，安和脏腑，终身可免痈疽之疾。用绵黄芪（箭杆者，去芦）六两（一半生焙，一半以盐水润湿，饭上蒸三次，焙，锉），粉甘草一两（一半生用，一半炙黄为末）。每服二钱，白汤点服，早晨、日午各一服，亦可煎服，名黄芪六一汤。（《外科精要》）
老人秘塞：绵黄芪、陈皮（去白）各半两。为末。每服三钱，用大麻子一合，研烂，以水滤浆，煎至乳起，入白蜜一匙，再煎沸，调药空心服，甚者不过二服。此药不冷不热，常服无秘塞之患，其效如神。（《和剂局方》）
肠风泻血：黄芪、黄连等分，为末。面糊丸绿豆大。每服三十丸，米饮下。（孙用和《秘宝方》）尿血沙淋，痛不可忍：黄芪、人参等分。为末，以大萝卜一个，切一指浓大，四、五片，蜜二两，淹炙令尽，不令焦，点末，食无时，以盐汤下。（《永类方》）
吐血不止：黄芪二钱半，紫背浮萍五钱。为末。每服一钱，姜、蜜水下。（《圣济总录》）
咳嗽脓血咽干，乃虚中有热，不可服凉药。以好黄芪四两，甘草一两。为末。每服二钱，点汤服。（席延赏方）
肺痈得吐：黄芪二两。为末。每服二钱，水一中盏，煎至六分，温服，日三、四服。（《圣惠方》）
甲疽疮脓：生足趾甲边，赤肉突出，时常举发者。黄芪二两，茹一两。醋浸一宿，以猪脂五合，微火上煎取二合，绞去滓，以封疮口上，日三度，其肉自消。（《外台秘要》）
胎动不安腹痛，下黄汁。黄芪、川芎各一两，糯米一合。水一升，煎半升，分服。（《妇人良方》）
阴汗湿痒：绵黄芪，酒炒为末，以熟猪心点吃妙。（赵真人《济急方》）
痈疽内固：黄芪、人参各一两。为末，入真龙脑一钱，用生藕汁和丸绿豆大。每服二十，温水下，日三服。（《本事方》）
茎叶
(Superior Grade in *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
**[Names]** Huangqi (in *Bencao Gangmu*); Daishen (in *Shennong Bencao Jing*); Daichen (in *Mingyi Bielu*, also known as Dushen); Jicao (in *Mingyi Bielu*, also known as Shuzhi); Baiben (in *Mingyi Bielu*); Wangsun (in *Yaoxing Lun*).
Li Shizhen stated: "Qi" means elder or chief. Huangqi has a yellow color and is the leader among tonifying herbs, hence the name. In common usage, it is often written as "Huangqi". Some write it as "Shi", which is incorrect. "Shi" refers to the yarrow plant used for divination, pronounced "shi". Wangsun and Mumeng share the same name but are different substances.
**[Collection and Explanation]** *Mingyi Bielu* records: Huangqi grows in the valleys of Shujun, Baishui, and Hanzhong. It is harvested in February and October and dried in the shade.
Tao Hongjing said: The best quality comes from Taoyang in Longxi; it is yellow-white, sweet, and now rare. Next best is that from Dangchang in Heishui; it is white, with coarse texture, yet new harvests are sweet and warming/tonic. There is also that from Bailian Baishui, which has better color and texture than that from Shuzhong but has a cold-tonic property. There is also a red variety, which can be made into plasters. It is widely used in secular prescriptions but not required by Daoists.
Gong said: Those produced in Yuanzhou and Huayuan are currently the best; those from Shu and Han are no longer adopted. Those from Yizhou and Ningzhou are also excellent.
Su Song said: It is now abundant in various prefectures of Hedong and Shaanxi. The roots are two to three chi long. They have a single stem or grow in clusters, with branches and trunks two to three cun above the ground. The leaves are sparse and fern-like, resembling the seedlings of Tribulus terrestris. It blooms with yellow-purple flowers in July. The fruit is a pod about one cun long. Roots are harvested in August. When broken, the skin resembles cotton, hence called Mianhuangqi. However, there are several types: Baishui Huangqi, Chishui Huangqi, and Muqi. Their functions are similar, but their potency does not equal that of Baishui Huangqi. Muqi is short with transverse grain. Nowadays, people often use Medicago sativa roots to fake Huangqi; when broken, the skin also looks like cotton, easily confusing the true product. The difference is that Medicago sativa roots are hard and brittle, whereas Huangqi is extremely flexible/tough, with slightly yellow-brown skin and white flesh.
Kou Zongshi said: The best Huangqi originally came from Mianshang, hence the name Mianhuangqi, not because it is soft like cotton. The *Tu Jing* depicts those from Xianzhou, whose land is adjacent to Mianshang.
Haogu said: Mianshang refers to the area producing Xi Qinzhou; Baishui is in Tongzhou, Shaanxi. Huangqi tastes sweet, is soft like cotton, and can make one fat. Medicago sativa root tastes bitter, is hard and brittle, commonly called Tu Huangqi, and can make one thin. Users should examine carefully.
Jiamo said: Mianshang is a township in Qinzhou, where an inspection station exists now; Baishui and Chishui townships both belong to Longxi.
Li Shizhen said: Huangqi leaves resemble locust leaves but are slightly smaller and pointed, or like Tribulus leaves but slightly broader, greenish-white. It opens yellow-purple flowers, large like locust flowers. It bears small pointed pods, about one cun long. Roots are two to three chi long; those tight and solid like arrow shafts are superior. Young shoots can also be washed and eaten as vegetables. Its seeds can be collected and sown in October, just like planting vegetables.
**[Processing]** Lei Xiao said: Do not use Muqi grass. It looks very similar, but its leaves are shorter when growing and its roots are horizontal. You must remove the wrinkled skin from the top, steam it for half a day, break it into fine pieces, and chop it on a locust wood cutting board.
Li Shizhen said: Nowadays, people simply flatten it by beating, coat it with honey water, and roast it several times until cooked. Others soak it thoroughly in salt water, store it in vessels, steam it over boiling water until cooked, and then slice it.
**Root**
**[Flavor and Properties]** Sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Those from Baishui are cold and tonic (*Mingyi Bielu*).
Zhang Yuansu said: Sweet flavor, warm/neutral temperature. Thin qi and strong taste, capable of ascending and descending, belonging to Yang within Yin. Enters the Qi aspect of Hand and Foot Taiyin meridians, and also enters Hand Shaoyang and Foot Shaoying Mingmen.
Xu Zhicai said: Poria cocos is its guiding herb; it is incompatible with Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum and Dictamni Cortex.
**[Indications]** Carbuncles, chronic ulcerating sores, discharging pus and relieving pain, severe leprosy, five types of hemorrhoids and fistulas, tonifying deficiency, treating various diseases in children (*Shennong Bencao Jing*).
Wind-pathogens in the uterus of women, expelling evil blood from the five zang organs, tonifying deficiency and damage in men, treating five labors and emaciation, stopping thirst, abdominal pain, diarrhea/dysentery, benefiting Qi, promoting Yin Qi (*Mingyi Bielu*). Mainly treats deficient wheezing, deafness due to kidney decline, alleviates alternating chills and fever, treats back carbuncles, internal tonification (Zhen Quan). Assists Qi, strengthens sinews and bones, promotes flesh growth and blood generation, breaks masses/stasis, treats scrofula/goiter/exostoses, intestinal wind with bloody discharge, metrorrhagia/metrostaxis, leukorrhea with red and white discharge, all diseases before and after childbirth, irregular menstruation, phlegm-cough, headache due to wind-heat, toxic red eyes (*Rihua Bencao*). Treats spontaneous sweating due to deficiency consumption, tonifies Lung Qi, drains Lung and Heart fire, consolidates skin and hair, benefits Stomach Qi, removes muscle heat and pains of various meridians (Zhang Yuansu). Mainly treats Taiyin malaria; when Yangwei vessel is diseased, suffering from alternating chills and fever; when Dubo vessel is diseased, rebellious Qi and internal urgency (Li Haogu).
**[Elucidation]**
Tao Hongjing said: Those from Longxi are warming/tonic; those from Baishui are cooling/tonic. The red variety can be made into plasters to dissipate carbuncles and swelling.
Zangqi said: For deficiency with external heat, use Baishui Huangqi; for deficiency with external cold, use Longxi Huangqi.
Daming said: Huangqi is a tonifying herb among medicines, called "Lamb Meat"; Baishui Huangqi is cool, non-toxic, discharges pus, treats blood disorders, and addresses irritability, heat toxicity, bone-stealing consumption; Chishui Huangqi is cool, non-toxic, treats blood heat and dissipates toxicity, with other functions being the same; Muqi is cool, non-toxic, its power to treat irritability and discharge pus is slightly less than Huangqi; if insufficient, double the dosage.
Zhang Yuansu said: Huangqi is sweet, warm, and purely Yang. It has five uses: 1) Tonifying various deficiencies and insufficiencies; 2) Benefiting Original Qi; 3) Strengthening Spleen and Stomach; 4) Removing muscle heat; 5) Discharging pus, relieving pain, invigorating blood, generating blood, supporting internal yong-sores, making it the sacred medicine for sore practitioners. Furthermore: It tonifies various deficiencies of the five zang organs, treats pulse-stringiness and spontaneous sweating, drains Yin fire, removes deficient heat. If there is no sweat, it induces it; if there is sweat, it stops it.
Li Haogu said: Huangqi treats qi-deficiency night sweats, spontaneous sweating, and skin pain; it is a drug for the exterior. It treats hemoptysis and softens Spleen/Stomach; it is a drug for the Middle Jiao. It treats absent Chi pulse in typhoid and tonifies Kidney Original Qi; it is a drug for the interior. It acts on the Upper, Middle, Lower, Interior, Exterior, and Three Jiao.
Gao said: *Ling Shu* states: Wei Qi warms the muscles, fills the skin, thickens the interstices, and controls opening and closing. Since Huangqi tonifies the Three Jiao and solidifies Wei Qi, it shares functions with Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction); the difference is that Guizhi is pungent and hot, while Huangqi is sweet and neutral. Guizhi unites blood vessels, breaks blood stasis, and solidifies Wei Qi; Huangqi merely benefits Qi. Additionally, Huangqi combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Gancao (Licorice Root) is a sacred medicine for clearing irritability and muscle heat. When Spleen and Stomach are deficient, Lung Qi is first exhausted; one must use Huangqi to warm muscles, benefit skin/hair, solidify interstices, prevent sweating, thereby benefiting Original Qi and tonifying the Three Jiao.
Zhenheng said: Huangqi tonifies Original Qi and is suitable for obese individuals who sweat easily. If taken by dark-faced, solid-built, thin individuals, it causes chest fullness; San'ao Tang (Three Anomalies Decoction) should be used to drain it.
Zong said: Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) and Huangqi are often used together. During the Chen dynasty, Xu Yinzong served as Military Officer for Prince Xincai of Cai. Lady Liu suffered from wind disease and could not speak; her pulse was deep and mouth clenched. Yinzong said: Since oral medication cannot be administered, it is appropriate to use steam therapy. Medicine entering the interstices can cure within a week. He prepared several hu of Huangqi-Fangfeng Decoction, placed it under the bed, creating smoke-like vapor, and she could speak that evening.
Gao said: Fangfeng can restrain Huangqi; Huangqi gains greater efficacy with Fangfeng. This is a relationship of mutual restraint and mutual assistance.
Zhenheng said: The human mouth connects to Earth, and the nose connects to Heaven. The mouth nourishes Yin, and the nose nourishes Yang. Heaven is clear, so the nose receives formless Qi rather than solid matter; Earth is turbid, so the mouth receives solid matter along with formless Qi. Lady Liu's inability to speak meant solid decoctions were too slow. By using these two herbs, the vapor filled the room, allowing both mouth and nose to receive it. Only a wise person with divine insight could revive life thus.
Gao said: For children startled by external objects, use Huanglian Anshen Wan (Coptis Calming Heart Pill). If Spleen and Stomach have cold-dampness, with vomiting, abdominal pain, and blue-white dysentery, use Yihuang San (Benefit Yellow Powder). For cases of latent fire in Spleen/Stomach, exhaustion from labor, or slow convulsions due to Stomach deficiency after taking Crotonis Fructus (Bdellium), using Yihuang or Lizhong formulas will harm life. One should tonify the source of Earth with sweet-warm herbs in the Heart channel, drain fire with sweet-cool herbs in the Spleen channel, and tonify Metal with sour-cool herbs, causing Metal to flourish and Fire to decline, thus calming Wind-Liver naturally. Now, I establish Huangqi Tang to drain fire, tonify Metal, and benefit Earth, a divine treatment method. Use 2 qian of Zhi Huangqi (Honey-fried Astragali Radix), 1 qian of Renshen, 0.5 qian of Zhi Gancao, 0.5 qian of Baishao Yao, with one large bowl of water, decoct to half a bowl, and take warm.
Ji said: Wei Zhi of Xiaoshan wrote *Boxin Jian* (Mirror of Compassionate Heart) in three volumes, stating that pediatric smallpox has three patterns: Smooth, Reversed, and Dangerous. Smooth is auspicious and requires no medicine. Reversed is ominous and requires no medicine. Only Dangerous presents regret/regrettable signs, requiring medicine to turn danger into safety, preferably using Baoyuan Tang (Preserve Origin Decoction) with modifications. This formula originated from Dongyuan, treating slow convulsions due to Earth decline and Fire prosperity. Now borrowed to treat smallpox, as it internally secures Ying Blood, externally guards Wei Qi, nourishes Yin and Yang, and forms pus/blood. Although the manifestations differ, the principle is the same. Remove Baishao Yao, add Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), rename to Baoyuan Tang. Use 3 qian Zhi Huangqi, 2 qian Renshen, 1 qian Zhi Gancao, 1 slice Shengjiang, decoct in water and take. Dangerous pattern features: initial eruption with dry red halo lacking moisture; pus filling with luster but sunken apex; post-eruption pale unclear color; pus flow with gray dull color; fixed pus lacking luster; mature pus moist but not drying; scabbing with weak Stomach/internal deficiency; scab falling with thirst and anorexia; abscesses forming after scabbing; abscesses ulcerating with delayed healing. All such symptoms should use this decoction. Optionally add Chuanxiong (Ligustici Rhizoma), Guanzi Gui (Cinnamomi Ramulus), or Nuomi (Oryza Sativa Glutinosa) to assist. See the book for details.
Jiamo said: Renshen tonifies the Interior; Huangqi consolidates the Exterior. For internal injury to Spleen/Stomach with fever, aversion to cold, vomiting/diarrhea, lethargy, distension, obstruction, short spirit, and faint pulse, use Renshen as Sovereign and Huangqi as Minister. For exterior deficiency with spontaneous sweating and Yang collapse, or ulcers/smallpox/yin sores, use Huangqi as Sovereign and Renshen as Minister. Do not adhere rigidly to one approach.
**[Attached Prescriptions]** Five old, nine new.
**Impediment in Urination:** 2 qian Mian Huangqi, 2 bowls of water, decoct to 1 bowl, take warm. Halve dose for children. (*Zongwei Lun*)
**Alcoholic Jaundice:** Oppression/pain below the heart, fullness in calves/shins, yellow urine, red-black-yellow spots appearing after drinking, caused by drunkenness exposed to wind and entering water. 2 liang Huangqi, 1 liang Mulan, grind to powder. Take one fangcun bi with wine, three times daily. (*Zhouhou Fang*)
**Qi Deficiency with White Turbidity:** 0.5 liang Huangqi (salt-fried), 1 liang Fuling. Grind to powder. Take 1 qian each time, wash down with plain hot water. (*Jingyan Liangfang*)
**Treating Thirst and Tonifying Deficiency:** For men and women with various deficiencies, irritability, palpitations, extreme thirst, sallow complexion, inability to eat, or thirst preceding carbuncles/furuncles, or carbuncles preceding thirst, regularly take this medicine to peacefully tonify Qi and Blood, harmonize Zang-Fu, and avoid carbuncles for life. Use 6 liang Mian Huangqi (arrow-shaft type, remove rhizome) [half raw-roasted, half moistened with salt water, steamed over rice three times, roasted, chopped], 1 liang Fen Gancao [half raw, half honey-roasted to powder]. Take 2 qian each time, mix with plain hot water, once in morning, once at noon. Can also be decocted. Named Huangqi Liuyi Tang. (*Waike Jingyao*)
**Constipation in Elderly:** 0.5 liang Mian Huangqi, 0.5 liang Chenpi (remove white pith). Grind to powder. Take 3 qian each time, with 1 he of hemp seeds ground into paste, filtered with water, decocted until milky foam rises, add one spoon of white honey, boil again, mix with medicine and take on empty stomach. Severe cases need no more than two doses. This medicine is neither cold nor hot; regular use prevents constipation with miraculous effect. (*Heji Jufang*)
**Intestinal Wind with Bloody Diarrhea:** Equal parts Huangqi and Huanglian, grind to powder. Make pills with wheat starch paste, size of mung beans. Take 30 pills each time, wash down with rice drink. (Sun Yonghe *Mibao Fang*)
**Hematuria/Sandy Strangury with Unbearable Pain:** Equal parts Huangqi and Renshen. Grind to powder. Take one large radish, cut into slices one finger thick, four to five slices, marinate with 2 liang honey, roast thoroughly without burning, dip powder, take at any meal time, wash down with salt water. (*Yonglei Fang*)
**Unceasing Hematemesis:** 2.5 qian Huangqi, 5 qian Zi Bei Fu Ping. Grind to powder. Take 1 qian each time, wash down with ginger and honey water. (*Shengji Zonglu*)
**Cough with Pus/Blood and Dry Throat:** Due to deficiency with heat, do not take cooling medicines. Use 4 liang good Huangqi, 1 liang Gancao. Grind to powder. Take 2 qian each time, mix with hot water. (Xi Yanshang Formula)
**Lung Abscess Expectoration:** 2 liang Huangqi. Grind to powder. Take 2 qian each time, with one medium bowl of water, decoct to 0.6 bowl, take warm, three to four times daily. (*Shenghui Fang*)
**Onychocryptosis/Pus:** Growing beside toenail, red flesh protruding, recurring often. 2 liang Huangqi, 1 liang Ru. Soak in vinegar overnight, fry with 0.5 he pork lard over low heat to obtain 0.2 he, strain dregs, apply to wound, three times daily, flesh will dissolve itself. (*Waitai Miyao*)
**Restless Fetus with Abdominal Pain and Yellow Discharge:** 1 liang Huangqi, 1 liang Chuanxiong, 1 he Nuomi. Decoct 1 sheng water to 0.5 sheng, divide and take. (*Furen Liangfang*)
**Scrotal Sweat and Itching:** Mian Huangqi, wine-fried to powder, eat with cooked pig heart. (Zhao Zhenren *Jiji Fang*)
**Internal Consolidation for Carbuncles:** 1 liang Huangqi, 1 liang Renshen. Grind to powder, add 1 qian real Borneolum Syntheticum, mix with fresh lotus root juice to make pills size of mung beans. Take 20 pills each time, wash down with warm water, three times daily. (*Benshi Fang*)
**Stems and Leaves**
**[Indications]** Treats thirst and tendon spasms, carbuncles and sores (*Mingyi Bielu*).