Herbs 中药

Category, nature and flavour, traditional role — and the safety notes that matter.

Educational and cultural reference only — not medical advice. We do not diagnose, do not prescribe, do not recommend medicines or doses, and make no claim to treat or cure any condition. Nothing here should delay you from seeking care. If you have a health concern, consult a licensed healthcare professional.

Every entry below also opens on its own page, with the full note and its sources.

补气药 · Qi-tonifying

Ginseng rén shēn · 人参

Panax ginseng

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly warm; Spleen and Lung systems.

The archetypal tonic for depleted vitality and weak digestion — described as supporting the source.

性味归经。甘、微苦,微温;归脾、肺经。

补虚扶正的代表药,用于元气与脾胃偏弱,传统称其"大补元气"。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Measurable pharmacological activity. Documented interaction concerns include warfarin and other anticoagulants, and diabetes medication; stimulant effects can disturb sleep.

具有可测量的药理活性。文献记录的关注点包括与华法林等抗凝药、降糖药的相互作用;兴奋作用可能影响睡眠。

补气药 · Qi-tonifying

Astragalus huáng qí · 黄芪

Astragalus membranaceus

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly warm; Spleen and Lung systems.

Traditionally described as supporting defensive Qi and the surface; a food-grade ingredient in Chinese soups.

性味归经。甘,微温;归脾、肺经。

传统上用于益气固表,是中国人煲汤常用的食材级药材。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Immunologically active — caution for people on immunosuppressants after transplant.

具有免疫相关活性,移植后服用免疫抑制剂者应谨慎。

补气药 · Qi-tonifying

Codonopsis dǎng shēn · 党参

Codonopsis pilosula

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Spleen and Lung systems.

A gentler alternative to ginseng in classical formulas, and the one most commonly used in everyday cooking.

性味归经。甘,平;归脾、肺经。

在经典方中作为人参的平补替代品,也是日常食疗中最常用的一味。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Regarded as milder than ginseng, but still a tonic with measurable activity. The same interaction cautions apply with anticoagulants and antidiabetic drugs. Not advised where there is marked heat or during an acute infection without professional guidance.

一般认为比人参平和,但仍属有可测量活性的补益药,与抗凝药、降糖药同用有同样的相互作用提示。明显热证或急性感染期,未经专业指导不宜使用。

补气药 · Qi-tonifying

Atractylodes bái zhú · 白术

Atractylodes macrocephala

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, warm; Spleen and Stomach systems.

Described as strengthening the Spleen system and drying Damp — the second herb in the classic "four gentlemen" formula.

性味归经。苦、甘,温;归脾、胃经。

传统认为健脾燥湿,是经典"四君子汤"的第二味药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Generally well tolerated. Classical literature describes it as drying, so it is not advised where there is marked yin deficiency or dryness, and it may aggravate constipation.

一般耐受良好。传统认为其性偏燥,阴虚或津亏者不宜,且可能加重便秘。

补气药 · Qi-tonifying

Chinese yam shān yào · 山药

Dioscorea opposita

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Spleen, Lung and Kidney systems.

Both food and medicine; classically described as gently supporting three systems at once.

性味归经。甘,平;归脾、肺、肾经。

药食两用,传统认为能平补脾、肺、肾三系。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A food-grade tonic, mild in use. Raw yam can irritate the skin on handling. It is starchy, which matters if blood sugar is being managed.

药食两用,作用平和。生山药处理时可能刺激皮肤。含淀粉较多,与血糖管理相关者需注意。

补气药 · Qi-tonifying

Jujube (red date) dà zǎo · 大枣

Ziziphus jujuba

Nature and flavour. Sweet, warm; Spleen and Stomach systems.

A food first; in formulas it is used to harmonise and to support the Spleen and Blood aspects.

性味归经。甘,温;归脾、胃经。

首先是食物;在方剂中用于调和药性、兼顾脾胃与血分。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. High sugar content; relevant if blood glucose is a concern.

含糖量高,血糖需控制者应留意。

补气兼调和药 · Tonic and harmonising

Licorice gān cǎo · 甘草

Glycyrrhiza uralensis

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; often said to enter all twelve meridians.

Plays the "envoy" role in formula design, moderating the other ingredients.

性味归经。甘,平;多认为归十二经。

在方剂配伍中担任"使"的角色,调和诸药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Glycyrrhizin causes sodium retention and can raise blood pressure and lower potassium with prolonged or high intake — a documented caution for hypertension and diuretic use.

甘草酸可致水钠潴留,长期或大量服用可能升高血压、降低血钾;对高血压患者或服用利尿剂者,这是文献中反复提到的注意事项。

补血药 · Blood-nourishing

Dong quai dāng guī · 当归

Angelica sinensis

Nature and flavour. Sweet, pungent, warm; Liver, Heart and Spleen systems.

One of the most frequently used herbs in the classical corpus, especially in formulas relating to the Blood.

性味归经。甘、辛,温;归肝、心、脾经。

经典方剂中最常用的药物之一,尤其是与血相关的方。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Affects clotting — most often flagged alongside anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication; traditionally avoided in pregnancy.

影响凝血,与抗凝、抗血小板药物并用的提醒最常见;传统上孕期避免使用。

补血药 · Blood-nourishing

Prepared rehmannia shú dì huáng · 熟地黄

Rehmannia glutinosa preparata

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

The central herb of the classical Kidney- and Blood-nourishing formulas.

性味归经。甘,微温;归肝、肾经。

经典补肾与养血方中的核心药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Traditionally noted as heavy on digestion; may cause loose stools in some people.

传统认为较为滋腻,部分人服用后可能出现大便偏稀。

补血药 · Blood-nourishing

White peony root bái sháo · 白芍

Paeonia lactiflora

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sour, slightly cold; Liver and Spleen systems.

Classically paired with licorice in one of the best-known two-herb combinations.

性味归经。苦、酸,微寒;归肝、脾经。

经典中常与甘草相配,构成最有名的两味药组合之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains compounds that may affect platelet function, so caution with anticoagulants is prudent. Classical literature describes it as unsuitable where there is marked cold or cold-type diarrhoea.

含可能影响血小板功能的成分,与抗凝药同用宜谨慎。传统认为明显寒证或寒性腹泻者不宜。

补血药 · Blood-nourishing

He Shou Wu hé shǒu wū · 何首乌

Polygonum multiflorum

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, astringent, slightly warm; Liver, Heart and Kidney systems.

Traditionally associated with hair and with long-term nourishment of the Liver and Kidney systems.

性味归经。苦、甘、涩,微温;归肝、心、肾经。

传统上与须发相关,并认为能长期滋养肝肾。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Liver injury has been reported with raw and with unprocessed root; regulatory alerts exist in several countries. Only processed forms are used, and still with caution.

生品及未经规范炮制品有肝损伤报告,多国发布过监管提示。只使用规范炮制品,且仍需谨慎。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Goji berry gǒu qǐ zǐ · 枸杞

Lycium barbarum

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Liver and Kidney systems.

Traditionally associated with the eyes and with long-term nourishment — hence its use in everyday soups and teas.

性味归经。甘,平;归肝、肾经。

传统上与目部及长期滋养相关,因此常见于日常汤水茶饮。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Can potentiate warfarin; interaction case reports exist. Caution with blood thinners or diabetes.

可能增强华法林作用,已有相互作用的个案报告;服用抗凝药或患糖尿病者应谨慎。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Ophiopogon root mài dōng · 麦冬

Ophiopogon japonicus

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly bitter, slightly cold; Heart, Lung and Stomach systems.

Described as moistening the Lung and Stomach systems in dry patterns.

性味归经。甘、微苦,微寒;归心、肺、胃经。

传统认为能润养肺、胃,用于"燥"类证候。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Regarded as mild. Classical statements advise against it where there is marked dampness or loose stool. Allergic reactions have been reported occasionally.

一般认为平和。传统认为湿盛或便溏者不宜。偶有过敏反应的报道。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Dendrobium shí hú · 石斛

Dendrobium nobile

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly cold; Stomach and Kidney systems.

The herb most associated with moistening the Stomach system; also widely traded as a premium food.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归胃、肾经。

与"养胃生津"关联最密切的一味,也是高价滋补品市场上常见的品种。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Regarded as mild and moistening. Liver injury has been reported in a small number of cases with certain products, so source quality matters; obtain it from regulated suppliers.

一般认为平和滋润。个别产品有肝损伤的报告,因此来源质量重要;请从受监管渠道取得。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Ligustrum nǚ zhēn zǐ · 女贞子

Ligustrum lucidum

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, cool; Liver and Kidney systems.

A gentle Yin-nourishing herb, classically paired with dodder.

性味归经。甘、苦,凉;归肝、肾经。

平和的补阴药,经典中常与菟丝子相配。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mild in reported use. May cause loose stool in some people. Because it is normally taken over long periods, professional review is sensible rather than self-directed long-term use.

文献记载中作用平和。部分人可能出现便溏。因通常长期服用,宜经专业评估,不宜自行长期使用。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Eucommia bark dù zhòng · 杜仲

Eucommia ulmoides

Nature and flavour. Sweet, warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

The best-known herb in the classical literature on the lower back and the sinews and bone.

性味归经。甘,温;归肝、肾经。

经典中关于腰背与筋骨论述里最常出现的药物。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Regarded as mild. Reported effects on blood pressure are modest and should not replace prescribed blood-pressure management.

一般认为平和。有报告显示对血压有温和影响,但不能替代医生的降压方案。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Epimedium yín yáng huò · 淫羊藿

Epimedium brevicornum

Nature and flavour. Pungent, sweet, warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

Classically associated with the Kidney Yang aspect and with the sinews and bone.

性味归经。辛、甘,温;归肝、肾经。

传统上与肾阳及筋骨相关。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. May interact with anticoagulants and blood-pressure medication; liver injury case reports exist.

可能与抗凝药与降压药相互作用;有肝损伤个案报告。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Cistanche ròu cōng róng · 肉苁蓉

Cistanche deserticola

Nature and flavour. Sweet, salty, warm; Kidney and Large Intestine systems.

Unusual among tonics: classically also described as moistening the intestine.

性味归经。甘、咸,温;归肾、大肠经。

在补阳药中较为特殊:经典同时记载其能润肠。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A gentle warming tonic. Loose stool or marked heat signs are classical reasons to avoid it. Regarded as mild in the safety literature.

温性平和的补益药。便溏或明显热象属传统不宜的情形。安全文献中评价为平和。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Dodder seed tù sī zǐ · 菟丝子

Cuscuta chinensis

Nature and flavour. Pungent, sweet, neutral; Liver, Kidney and Spleen systems.

A mild, balanced tonic used across three systems rather than strongly warming.

性味归经。辛、甘,平;归肝、肾、脾经。

平补之品,兼顾三系,而不是强温补。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Regarded as mild. The standard caution for Kidney-tonifying herbs applies in pregnancy: use only under professional guidance.

一般认为平和。孕期使用补肾类药的常规原则适用:须在专业指导下使用。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Ephedra má huáng · 麻黄

Ephedra sinica

Nature and flavour. Pungent, slightly bitter, warm; Lung and Bladder systems.

A classical herb in the earliest recorded cold-damage formulas, where "release the exterior" begins.

性味归经。辛、微苦,温;归肺、膀胱经。

《伤寒论》开篇"解表"类方中的核心药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains ephedrine alkaloids. Sale as a dietary supplement is restricted or banned in several countries because of cardiovascular risk; interactions with many medicines are documented.

含麻黄碱类生物碱。因心血管风险,多国限制或禁止其作为膳食补充剂销售;与多种药物的相互作用有明确记载。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Cinnamon twig guì zhī · 桂枝

Cinnamomum cassia

Nature and flavour. Pungent, sweet, warm; Heart, Lung and Bladder systems.

Paired with white peony in the most famous classical two-herb pair for "harmonising the Ying and Wei".

性味归经。辛、甘,温;归心、肺、膀胱经。

与白芍相配,构成经典中"调和营卫"最著名的药对。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cinnamon in quantity contains coumarin, which is a liver concern with prolonged high intake.

肉桂类药材含香豆素,长期大量摄入存在肝脏方面的关注。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Fresh ginger shēng jiāng · 生姜

Zingiber officinale

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Lung, Spleen and Stomach systems.

Fresh ginger releases the exterior and settles the stomach; dried ginger warms the interior. Also simply a food.

性味归经。辛,温;归肺、脾、胃经。

生姜偏于解表、和胃;干姜偏于温里。它同时也是日常食材。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. High intake may interact with anticoagulants and can aggravate reflux.

大量摄入可能与抗凝药相互作用,也可能加重反流。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Perilla leaf zǐ sū · 紫苏

Perilla frutescens

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Lung and Spleen systems.

Classically used for the "wind-cold" presentation, and a cooking herb across East Asia.

性味归经。辛,温;归肺、脾经。

经典用于"风寒"一类表现;也是东亚常见烹调用香草。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A food herb, mild in use. Contains a volatile oil; concentrated essential oil is not for internal use without guidance.

药食两用,作用平和。含挥发油;浓缩的精油未经指导不可内服。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Field mint bò he · 薄荷

Mentha haplocalyx

Nature and flavour. Pungent, cool; Lung and Liver systems.

A cooling surface herb, classically used for the head, throat and eyes.

性味归经。辛,凉;归肺、肝经。

辛凉解表药,经典中用于头面、咽喉与目部。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Can aggravate reflux; avoid in infants as a topical or inhaled preparation.

可能加重反流;婴幼儿不宜外用或吸入制剂。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Bupleurum chái hú · 柴胡

Bupleurum chinense

Nature and flavour. Bitter, pungent, slightly cold; Liver and Gallbladder systems.

The key herb of the "harmonising" method — the in-between state in the classical cold-damage framework.

性味归经。苦、辛,微寒;归肝、胆经。

和解法的主药,对应经典伤寒框架中的"半表半里"状态。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Liver-related adverse reports exist for some formulas containing it at high dose; caution with liver disease.

含此药的大剂量方剂有肝脏相关不良报告;肝病患者应谨慎。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Kudzu root gé gēn · 葛根

Pueraria lobata

Nature and flavour. Sweet, pungent, cool; Spleen and Stomach systems.

Classically used for the neck and upper back, and as a food starch across Asia.

性味归经。甘、辛,凉;归脾、胃经。

经典中用于项背;同时也是亚洲常见的食用淀粉来源。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A food herb, mild in use. Contains isoflavones with oestrogen-like activity, which matters for hormone-sensitive conditions. Interaction concerns with some drugs have been reported.

药食两用,作用平和。含具雌激素样活性的异黄酮,与激素相关疾病有关。文献中也记录了与部分药物的相互作用关注。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Chrysanthemum jú huā · 菊花

Chrysanthemum morifolium

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, slightly cold; Lung and Liver systems.

Traditionally used in the "wind-heat" pattern and for the eyes — and the base of the most widely drunk infusion in China.

性味归经。甘、苦,微寒;归肺、肝经。

传统用于风热一类表现及目部,也是中国最普及的日常饮品原料。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Asteraceae family — can trigger reactions in people allergic to daisy-family plants.

属菊科,对菊科植物过敏者可能引起反应。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Coptis rhizome huáng lián · 黄连

Coptis chinensis

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Liver, Gallbladder and Large Intestine systems.

The bitterest and coldest of the heat-clearing herbs; its name is synonymous with "bitter" in Chinese.

性味归经。苦,寒;归心、脾、胃、肝、胆、大肠经。

清热药中最苦最寒的一味;中文里"苦"的化身。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains berberine, which interacts with many medicines and can displace bilirubin — dangerous in newborns and infants.

含小檗碱,与多种药物存在相互作用,并可影响胆红素代谢——新生儿与婴儿禁用。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Scutellaria root huáng qín · 黄芩

Scutellaria baicalensis

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Lung, Gallbladder, Spleen, Large Intestine and Small Intestine systems.

The first of the "three yellows" in the classical heat-clearing repertoire.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肺、胆、脾、大肠、小肠经。

经典清热药"三黄"中的第一味。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bitter and cold. Laboratory work shows measurable activity, including interaction potential with anticoagulants and some anticonvulsants. Classical statements advise against it where there is cold or a weak Spleen.

苦寒。实验研究显示有可测量的活性,包括与抗凝药及部分抗癫痫药的相互作用潜力。传统认为寒证或脾胃虚弱者不宜。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Phellodendron bark huáng bò · 黄柏

Phellodendron amurense

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Kidney and Bladder systems.

The third of the "three yellows"; classically directed at the lower body.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肾、膀胱经。

"三黄"之末,经典中偏于下焦。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Same berberine-family considerations as coptis.

与小檗碱相关的注意事项同黄连。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Honeysuckle flower jīn yín huā · 金银花

Lonicera japonica

Nature and flavour. Sweet, cold; Lung, Heart and Stomach systems.

The most commonly used cooling flower in Chinese households; classically paired with forsythia.

性味归经。甘,寒;归肺、心、胃经。

中国家庭最常用的清热花类,经典中常与连翘相配。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mild in use. Cross-reactivity is a real concern for people allergic to related pollens. The classical caution is against prolonged use where there is cold or weak digestion.

作用平和。对相关花粉过敏者存在真实的交叉过敏关注。传统认为寒证或脾胃弱者不宜久服。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Forsythia fruit lián qiào · 连翘

Forsythia suspensa

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; Lung, Heart and Small Intestine systems.

Paired with honeysuckle in one of the best-known classical two-herb pairs.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归肺、心、小肠经。

与金银花相配,是最著名的经典药对之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bitter and slightly cold, generally well tolerated. Classical statements advise caution where digestion is weak or there is cold. Allergic skin reactions are reported occasionally.

苦、微寒,一般耐受良好。传统认为脾胃虚弱或寒证者应慎用。偶有过敏性皮肤反应的报道。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Isatis root bǎn lán gēn · 板蓝根

Isatis indigotica

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Heart and Stomach systems.

The herb that became a household name during epidemics; among the most-consumed Chinese herbal products.

性味归经。苦,寒;归心、胃经。

在传染病流行期间成为家喻户晓的一味,也是消费量最大的中药制品之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Widely used for its cooling action, but it is not a harmless drink: allergic reactions and, rarely, blood disorders have been reported. Prolonged daily use without an indication is not advised.

因其清热作用被广泛使用,但并非无害饮品:有过敏反应与罕见的血液系统异常报告。无适应证长期每日服用不宜。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Dandelion pú gōng yīng · 蒲公英

Taraxacum mongolicum

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, cold; Liver and Stomach systems.

A heat-clearing herb that is also a common wild vegetable in northern China.

性味归经。苦、甘,寒;归肝、胃经。

清热的药材,同时也是中国北方常见的野菜。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Asteraceae family — allergy caution as with chrysanthemum.

属菊科,过敏注意同菊花。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Gardenia fruit zhī zi · 栀子

Gardenia jasminoides

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Heart, Lung and San Jiao systems.

Also one of the oldest natural yellow dyes in East Asia.

性味归经。苦,寒;归心、肺、三焦经。

同时也是东亚最古老的天然黄色染料之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bitter and cold. Its strong cooling action makes it unsuitable where digestion is weak or there is cold. Extracts may cause loose stool.

苦寒。清热力强,脾胃虚寒者不宜。提取物可能引起便溏。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Anemarrhena rhizome zhī mǔ · 知母

Anemarrhena asphodeloides

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, cold; Lung, Stomach and Kidney systems.

Classically paired with phellodendron in the most-cited "clear deficiency heat" pair.

性味归经。苦、甘,寒;归肺、胃、肾经。

与黄柏相配,是"清虚热"论述中最常引用的药对。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bitter and cold, regarded as mild in normal use. Classical statements advise against it where there is loose stool or an absence of heat signs.

苦寒,常规使用下评价平和。传统认为便溏或无热象者不宜。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Cassia seed jué míng zǐ · 决明子

Cassia obtusifolia

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, salty, slightly cold; Liver and Large Intestine systems.

The name means "brightening the eyes"; also commonly used as a tea and as a pillow filling in China.

性味归经。甘、苦、咸,微寒;归肝、大肠经。

穴名意在"明目";在中国也常作茶饮与枕芯填充物。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Has a laxative effect; long-term daily use is not advisable.

有缓泻作用,不宜长期每日服用。

泻下药 · Purgative

Rhubarb root dà huáng · 大黄

Rheum palmatum

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine, Liver and Pericardium systems.

The classical purgative, and the herb that gives some Chinese formulas their "attack" character.

性味归经。苦,寒;归脾、胃、大肠、肝、心包经。

经典泻下药,是许多方剂"攻下"之力的来源。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Anthraquinone laxatives can cause dependence and electrolyte loss with prolonged use; not for long-term self-use.

蒽醌类泻药长期使用可致依赖与电解质紊乱,不宜长期自行服用。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Poria fú líng · 茯苓

Poria cocos

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, neutral; Heart, Lung, Spleen and Kidney systems.

The most-used neutral herb in classical formulas and a common food ingredient — the "quiet workhorse".

性味归经。甘、淡,平;归心、肺、脾、肾经。

经典方剂中最常用的平和之品,也是常见食材——不显眼但出场率极高。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A food-grade fungus used in foods as well as in formulas. Mild in reported use.

药食两用的菌类,也广泛用于食品。文献记载中作用平和。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Alisma zé xiè · 泽泻

Alisma orientale

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, cold; Kidney and Bladder systems.

Classically paired with poria in the water-metabolism formulas.

性味归经。甘、淡,寒;归肾、膀胱经。

在利水方中经典地与茯苓相配。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Draining herbs of this kind have been used over long periods in some traditions, and modern work has raised concerns about liver and kidney effects with prolonged high intake. Periodic professional review is advised.

此类利水药在部分传统用法中长期使用,而现代研究对长期大剂量服用的肝肾影响提出关注。建议定期经专业评估。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Coix seed (Job's tears) yì yǐ rén · 薏苡仁

Coix lacryma-jobi

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, cool; Spleen, Stomach and Lung systems.

A grain as much as a medicine; one of the most widely eaten damp-draining ingredients.

性味归经。甘、淡,凉;归脾、胃、肺经。

既是药也是粮,是最普及的祛湿食材之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Traditional caution regarding use in pregnancy is widely cited.

孕期使用的传统注意事项被广泛引用。

化湿药 · Damp-transforming

Agastache huò xiāng · 藿香

Agastache rugosa

Nature and flavour. Pungent, slightly warm; Spleen, Stomach and Lung systems.

The herb most associated with summer digestive complaints in the classical literature.

性味归经。辛,微温;归脾、胃、肺经。

经典文献中与暑湿、夏季脾胃不适关联最密切的一味。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mild in use. Contains a volatile oil; concentrated preparations are not for casual internal use. A classical caution applies where there is dryness or deficiency.

作用平和。含挥发油,浓缩制品不可随意内服。传统认为阴虚或津亏者不宜。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Aged tangerine peel chén pí · 陈皮

Citrus reticulata

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, warm; Spleen and Lung systems.

Deliberately aged peel — vintage peel is traded at high prices — and a cooking flavouring as well as a medicine.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归脾、肺经。

需陈放的橘皮,老陈皮价格可观;既是药材也是烹饪调料。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A food herb, mild in use. Classical statements describe it as drying, so it is not advised in large amount where there is dryness or yin deficiency.

药食两用,作用平和。传统认为其性偏燥,阴虚或津亏者不宜大量使用。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Bitter orange (immature) zhǐ shí · 枳实

Citrus aurantium

Nature and flavour. Bitter, pungent, slightly cold; Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

Described as moving Qi downward; the stronger counterpart of the mature peel.

性味归经。苦、辛,微寒;归脾、胃、大肠经。

传统认为能破气下行,是陈皮之"峻"者。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains synephrine; blood-pressure and drug-interaction cautions apply, and it appears in many "slimming" supplements.

含辛弗林,存在血压与药物相互作用的关注;常见于各类"减肥"补充剂中。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Aucklandia root mù xiāng · 木香

Aucklandia lappa

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, warm; Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine and Gallbladder systems.

The classical herb for moving stagnant Qi in the digestive tract.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归脾、胃、大肠、胆经。

经典中用于行肠胃气滞的要药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mild in reported use. Contains a volatile oil; the concentrated oil is not for internal use. Classical tradition advises caution where there is yin deficiency with heat.

文献记载中作用平和。含挥发油,精油不可内服。传统认为阴虚有热者慎用。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Cyperus rhizome xiāng fù · 香附

Cyperus rotundus

Nature and flavour. Pungent, slightly bitter and sweet, neutral; Liver, Spleen and San Jiao systems.

The "general of Qi-regulating herbs", especially in the Liver-system model and the menstrual cycle.

性味归经。辛、微苦、微甘,平;归肝、脾、三焦经。

被称为"气病之总司",尤见于肝系与月经相关的论述。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Traditionally avoided in pregnancy without supervision.

传统上孕期不宜自行服用。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Chuanxiong chuān xiōng · 川芎

Ligusticum chuanxiong

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Liver, Gallbladder and Pericardium systems.

Described as moving both Blood and Qi; the "general" of the blood-moving herbs and a frequent head point.

性味归经。辛,温;归肝、胆、心包经。

传统认为气血双行,是活血药中的"主帅",也常用于头部相关证候。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Caution with anticoagulants and in heavy menstrual bleeding.

与抗凝药并用、以及月经过多者应谨慎。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Salvia (red sage) dān shēn · 丹参

Salvia miltiorrhiza

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; Heart and Liver systems.

The herb of the modern cardiovascular formulas, and one of the most researched Chinese herbs.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归心、肝经。

现代心血管类中成药的核心药,也是研究最多的中药之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Documented interaction with warfarin and other anticoagulants; may lower blood pressure.

与华法林等抗凝药有明确相互作用记载;可能降低血压。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Safflower hóng huā · 红花

Carthamus tinctorius

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Heart and Liver systems.

Classically used in the blood-moving repertoire; also an ancient textile dye.

性味归经。辛,温;归心、肝经。

经典活血药之一;也是古老的织物染料。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Anticoagulant interaction concerns; traditionally avoided in pregnancy.

存在与抗凝药相互作用的关注;传统上孕期避免使用。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Peach kernel táo rén · 桃仁

Prunus persica

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, neutral; Heart, Liver and Large Intestine systems.

Paired with safflower in the best-known classical blood-moving pair.

性味归经。苦、甘,平;归心、肝、大肠经。

与红花相配,是经典活血药对之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains amygdalin; only processed forms are used, and quantity matters.

含苦杏仁苷,只使用炮制品,且用量需谨慎。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Notoginseng sān qī · 三七

Panax notoginseng

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly bitter, warm; Liver and Stomach systems.

Known as "not leave a scratch without returning" — the classical herb for bleeding with stagnation, and a Yunnan specialty.

性味归经。甘、微苦,温;归肝、胃经。

有"止血不留瘀"之称,是云南道地药材,经典用于出血兼瘀。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Anticoagulant interaction concerns; liver injury reports exist for some products.

存在与抗凝药相互作用的关注;部分产品有肝损伤报告。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Motherwort yì mǔ cǎo · 益母草

Leonurus japonicus

Nature and flavour. Bitter, pungent, slightly cold; Liver, Pericardium and Bladder systems.

The name means "benefiting the mother" — classically central to the menstrual and postpartum literature.

性味归经。苦、辛,微寒;归肝、心包、膀胱经。

穴名意为"益母",经典中与月经与产后论述关系最深。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Traditionally avoided in pregnancy. Kidney injury reports exist for long-term high-dose use.

传统上孕期避免使用。长期大剂量使用有肾脏相关报告。

化痰药 · Phlegm-resolving

Pinellia rhizome bàn xià · 半夏

Pinellia ternata

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; toxic if raw; Spleen, Stomach and Lung systems.

The central herb of the classical phlegm-resolving repertoire.

性味归经。辛,温;生品有毒;归脾、胃、肺经。

经典化痰方的核心药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Raw pinellia is toxic and causes oral and throat irritation. Only processed forms are used. A well-known example of a herb where processing is not optional.

生半夏有毒,可致口腔与咽喉刺激。只使用炮制品。这是"炮制不可省"的典型例子。

化痰止咳药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough

Platycodon root jié gěng · 桔梗

Platycodon grandiflorus

Nature and flavour. Bitter, pungent, neutral; Lung system.

Described as "opening the Lung" and directing other herbs upward — a guiding herb in many formulas.

性味归经。苦、辛,平;归肺经。

传统认为能宣肺并载药上行,在许多方中作为引经药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. May irritate the stomach; caution with gastric ulcer.

可能刺激胃部,胃溃疡者应谨慎。

化痰药 · Phlegm-resolving

Fritillaria chuān bèi mǔ · 川贝母

Fritillaria cirrhosa

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, slightly cold; Lung and Heart systems.

The expensive, gentle member of the fritillaria family; heavily traded and frequently adulterated.

性味归经。苦、甘,微寒;归肺、心经。

贝母类中较贵重、较平和者;交易量大,掺伪问题也常见。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Being a high-value herb, adulteration and substitution are documented problems.

属贵重药材,掺伪与替代问题有明确记载。

止咳平喘药 · Cough-suppressing

Bitter apricot seed kǔ xìng rén · 苦杏仁

Prunus armeniaca

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly warm; mildly toxic; Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Classical herb in the cough and wheeze repertoire.

性味归经。苦,微温;有小毒;归肺、大肠经。

经典止咳平喘方常用药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains amygdalin, which releases cyanide when metabolised. Only processed forms, and quantity must be controlled — a documented poisoning risk.

含苦杏仁苷,代谢后可释放氰化物。只使用炮制品,且必须控制用量——有明确的中毒风险记录。

安神药 · Spirit-calming

Polygala root yuǎn zhì · 远志

Polygala tenuifolia

Nature and flavour. Bitter, pungent, warm; Heart, Kidney and Lung systems.

The name means "far aspiration"; classically paired with jujuba seed.

性味归经。苦、辛,温;归心、肾、肺经。

穴名意为"远大之志",经典中常与酸枣仁相配。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. May irritate the stomach; caution with gastric ulcer.

可能刺激胃部,胃溃疡者应谨慎。

收涩药 · Astringent

Schisandra berry wǔ wèi zǐ · 五味子

Schisandra chinensis

Nature and flavour. Sour, sweet, warm; Lung, Heart and Kidney systems.

The name means "five-flavour berry" — sweet, sour, bitter, pungent and salty are all said to be present.

性味归经。酸、甘,温;归肺、心、肾经。

穴名意为"五味之果"——据说酸、甜、苦、辣、咸五味俱备。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. May interact with some medicines metabolised by the liver; caution with liver disease.

可能与经肝脏代谢的某些药物相互作用;肝病患者应谨慎。

收涩药 · Astringent

Cornus (dogwood fruit) shān zhū yú · 山茱萸

Cornus officinalis

Nature and flavour. Sour, astringent, slightly warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

The key astringent in the best-known classical Kidney-tonifying formula.

性味归经。酸、涩,微温;归肝、肾经。

经典补肾方中最关键的收涩药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Generally well tolerated. Classical statements advise against it where there is marked damp-heat or difficult urination. Allergic reactions have been reported.

一般耐受良好。传统认为明显湿热或小便不利者不宜。有过敏反应的报道。

消食药 · Digestive

Hawthorn shān zhā · 山楂

Crataegus pinnatifida

Nature and flavour. Sour, sweet, slightly warm; Spleen, Stomach and Liver systems.

The classic "meat and grease" digestant, and the base of the Chinese hawthorn flake snack.

性味归经。酸、甘,微温;归脾、胃、肝经。

经典的"消肉食油腻"之品,也是山楂片的原料。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Documented interactions with cardiac glycosides and some blood-pressure medicines; caution with heart medication.

与强心苷类及部分降压药有相互作用记载;服用心脏药物者应谨慎。

解表药 · Releasing the exterior

Schizonepeta jīng jiè · 荆芥

Schizonepeta tenuifolia

Nature and flavour. Pungent, slightly warm; Lung and Liver systems.

Traditionally described as a mild, gently dispersing herb for early-stage exterior conditions; the charred form is used topically in classical practice.

性味归经。辛,微温;归肺、肝经。

传统用于外感初起,性质平和善于疏散;炒炭后在古籍中亦作外用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Generally described as mild. Essential-oil-rich herbs can cause skin sensitisation when applied topically.

一般认为性质平和。含挥发油类药材外用时可能引起皮肤过敏。

解表药 · Releasing the exterior

Saposhnikovia root fáng fēng · 防风

Saposhnikovia divaricata

Nature and flavour. Pungent and sweet, slightly warm; Bladder, Liver and Spleen systems.

Traditionally called the herb that expels wind; used in compound formulas for exterior patterns and for joints described as affected by wind-damp.

性味归经。辛、甘,微温;归膀胱、肝、脾经。

传统称其能祛风,多入复方用于外感,以及风湿类关节不适。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Described as mild in classical use, with no major toxicity recorded. Quality and contamination of raw material vary widely by supplier.

传统认为药性平和,未见重大毒性记载。但不同来源的药材质量与污染情况差异较大。

解表药 · Releasing the exterior

Dahurian angelica root bái zhǐ · 白芷

Angelica dahurica

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Stomach, Large Intestine and Lung systems.

Aromatic and pungent; traditionally used for the face and nose, including blocked-nose type congestion, and as a pain-relieving herb in compound formulas.

性味归经。辛,温;归胃、大肠、肺经。

芳香气烈,传统多用于面部与鼻部,如鼻塞类不适,并在复方中用于止痛。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains furocoumarins, which are photosensitising, so topical use followed by sun exposure can cause reactions.

含呋喃香豆素类成分,具光敏性;外用后日晒可能引起反应。

解表药 · Releasing the exterior

Magnolia flower xīn yí · 辛夷

Magnolia biondii

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Lung and Stomach systems.

The flower bud, traditionally the principal herb for a blocked nose; classically wrapped in cloth before decoction because the fine hairs irritate the throat.

性味归经。辛,温;归肺、胃经。

为花蕾,传统上是鼻塞不通常用的主药;因表面绒毛刺激咽喉,古籍要求煎煮时包煎。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The surface hairs irritate the throat, hence the classical instruction to wrap it before decoction. Not for people with a known allergy to magnolia-family plants.

表面绒毛可刺激咽喉,故传统要求包煎。对木兰科植物过敏者不宜使用。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Gypsum shí gāo · 石膏

Gypsum fibrosum

Nature and flavour. Pungent and sweet, strongly cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

A mineral, classically described as the material used for marked heat with thirst; in modern life it is also the source of the calcium sulfate used in casting.

性味归经。辛、甘,大寒;归肺、胃经。

属矿物药,传统用于高热烦渴;在现代生活中它也是石膏绷带所用硫酸钙的来源。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. As a mineral it is poorly absorbed, but the classical description is strongly cold, and it is described as unsuitable where there is deficiency cold.

作为矿物药人体吸收有限,但传统认为药性大寒,虚寒者不宜。

泻下药 · Laxative

Hemp seed huǒ má rén · 火麻仁

Cannabis sativa

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

The seed of the hemp plant, traditionally used as a gentle moistening laxative for dry constipation, especially described for older people.

性味归经。甘,平;归脾、胃、大肠经。

为麻的成熟种子,传统作润肠通便的缓和药,多用于肠燥便秘,古籍尤称适合老年人。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The seed itself does not contain significant THC, but products vary and whole-plant material is regulated in many countries. Constipation lasting weeks needs medical assessment.

种子本身不含明显四氢大麻酚,但产品差异较大,且全株植物在多国受法规限制。便秘持续数周以上应就医评估。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Pubescent angelica root dú huó · 独活

Angelica pubescens

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter, warm; Kidney and Bladder systems.

Aromatic root traditionally used for the lower half of the body: joints, lower back and legs described as affected by wind-damp.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归肾、膀胱经。

为芳香根类药,传统用于身体下半部:腰、腿、关节的风湿类不适。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains furocoumarins, which are photosensitising. Prolonged use without supervision is not advised.

含呋喃香豆素类成分,具光敏性。不宜长期无人监督使用。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Clematis root wēi líng xiān · 威灵仙

Clematis chinensis

Nature and flavour. Pungent and salty, warm; Bladder system.

Traditionally described as strongly moving, used for joints and bones, and in classical writing also for the sensation of a fishbone caught in the throat.

性味归经。辛、咸,温;归膀胱经。

传统认为其走窜力强,用于关节骨节不适;古籍中亦用于骨鲠在喉的感觉。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains saponins and is described as irritating to the stomach; the fresh plant is toxic. Not for long-term use.

含皂苷类成分,传统认为对胃有刺激;鲜品有毒。不宜长期服用。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Chinese taxillus herb sāng jì shēng · 桑寄生

Taxillus chinensis

Nature and flavour. Bitter and sweet, neutral; Liver and Kidney systems.

A plant that grows on mulberry trees; traditionally used for the lower back, knees and joints, and in pregnancy formulas under supervision.

性味归经。苦、甘,平;归肝、肾经。

寄生于桑树的植物,传统用于腰膝与关节不适,并在医师指导下用于妊娠相关方剂。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Described as relatively mild. Any use in pregnancy must be supervised, and pregnancy discomfort should first be medically assessed.

传统认为药性较平和。妊娠期使用必须由医师指导,孕期不适也应先就医评估。

化湿药 · Aromatic damp-resolving

Eupatorium herb pèi lán · 佩兰

Eupatorium fortunei

Nature and flavour. Pungent, neutral; Spleen, Stomach and Lung systems.

Aromatic herb traditionally used for the heavy, sluggish feeling and bad taste in the mouth described as summerheat with damp.

性味归经。辛,平;归脾、胃、肺经。

芳香类药,传统用于身重困倦、口中黏腻,属暑湿一类的表现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains volatile oils. Some species in the Eupatorium genus have been associated with liver concerns, so correct species identification and a regulated supplier matter.

含挥发油。泽兰属中部分品种有肝损伤相关报告,因此品种鉴定与正规渠道很重要。

化湿药 · Aromatic damp-resolving

Magnolia bark hòu pò · 厚朴

Magnolia officinalis

Nature and flavour. Bitter and pungent, warm; Spleen, Stomach, Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Bark traditionally used to move stagnant qi and resolve damp in the abdomen, with a reputation in classical writing for being strong in action.

性味归经。苦、辛,温;归脾、胃、肺、大肠经。

为树皮,传统用于行气化湿、消腹胀,古籍素以药力较强著称。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Reported to have muscle-relaxing activity with interaction concerns around neuromuscular blocking agents. Not appropriate in pregnancy.

有肌肉松弛作用的报告,与神经肌肉阻滞剂存在相互作用关注。孕期不宜。

化湿药 · Aromatic damp-resolving

Atractylodes lancea rhizome cāng zhú · 苍术

Atractylodes lancea

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter, warm; Spleen, Stomach and Liver systems.

Aromatic rhizome traditionally the main herb for drying dampness in the Spleen and Stomach; also burned as a fumigant in classical practice.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归脾、胃、肝经。

芳香根茎,传统上是燥脾湿的主药;古籍中亦作熏烧用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains volatile oils. Described as drying, so classical sources consider it unsuitable where there is yin deficiency or dryness.

含挥发油。传统认为其性燥,阴虚或津亏者不宜。

利水渗湿药 · Dampness-draining

Polyporus zhū líng · 猪苓

Polyporus umbellatus

Nature and flavour. Sweet and bland, neutral; Kidney and Bladder systems.

A fungus with a hard dark exterior; traditionally used as a draining herb for water metabolism, very often paired with poria.

性味归经。甘、淡,平;归肾、膀胱经。

为外皮黑硬的真菌,传统作利水渗湿药用,常与茯苓同用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Draining herbs can affect fluid and electrolyte balance with prolonged unsupervised use. Not for use where dehydration is present.

利水类药长期无人监督使用可能影响水液与电解质平衡。已有脱水状况者不宜。

利水渗湿药 · Dampness-draining

Plantain seed chē qián zǐ · 车前子

Plantago asiatica

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly cold; Liver, Kidney and Lung systems.

The seed coat swells in water; traditionally used for urinary and bowel complaints, and to clear heat described as damp.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归肝、肾、肺经。

种皮遇水膨胀;传统用于小便与大便不畅,并用于清利湿热。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Because the seed swells, it must be taken with enough water. Described as unsuitable in pregnancy without supervision.

因遇水膨胀,服用时需足够饮水。孕期无医师指导不宜使用。

利水渗湿药 · Dampness-draining

Artemisia capillaris herb yīn chén · 茵陈

Artemisia capillaris

Nature and flavour. Bitter and pungent, slightly cold; Spleen, Stomach, Liver and Gallbladder systems.

The young shoots of a wormwood species, traditionally the principal herb for jaundice in classical formulas.

性味归经。苦、辛,微寒;归脾、胃、肝、胆经。

为蒿属植物的幼嫩茎叶,在古籍中是治黄疸方剂的主药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Jaundice is a sign that requires medical diagnosis and monitoring, not self-treatment. Use only within a supervised formula.

黄疸必须经医学诊断与监测,不可自行处理。仅在医师监督下的复方中使用。

温里药 · Interior-warming

Dried ginger gān jiāng · 干姜

Zingiber officinale

Nature and flavour. Pungent, hot; Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, Heart and Lung systems.

Dried rhizome, warmer and more interior-acting than fresh ginger; traditionally used for cold in the middle and for warming the Lung.

性味归经。辛,热;归脾、胃、肾、心、肺经。

为干燥根茎,比生姜更温热、更偏走里;传统用于中焦寒证与温肺。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Warming herbs are described as unsuitable where heat signs, or yin deficiency with heat, are present.

传统认为温热类药在有热象,或阴虚有热者不宜。

温里药 · Interior-warming

Cinnamon bark ròu guì · 肉桂

Cinnamomum cassia

Nature and flavour. Pungent and sweet, hot; Kidney, Spleen, Heart and Liver systems.

Inner bark of the cinnamon tree, traditionally used to warm Kidney yang and to draw fire back to its source.

性味归经。辛、甘,热;归肾、脾、心、肝经。

为桂树的干皮,传统用于温补肾阳、引火归元。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains coumarin, which raises liver-toxicity concerns with prolonged high intake, and is reported to interact with anticoagulants. Several countries set limits in foods.

含香豆素,长期大量摄入有肝毒性关注,并有与抗凝药相互作用的报告。多国对食品中的含量设有上限。

温里药 · Interior-warming

Evodia fruit wú zhū yú · 吴茱萸

Euodia rutaecarpa

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter, hot; slightly toxic by classical account.

A small, strongly aromatic fruit traditionally used for cold pain in the head, abdomen and limbs; also ground and applied topically in classical practice.

性味归经。辛、苦,热;传统記載有小毒。

辛香走窜的小果,传统用于头、腹、四肢的寒性疼痛;古籍中亦研末外用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Described in classical sources as mildly toxic and not for prolonged use. Topical application can irritate the skin.

古籍认为其有小毒,不宜久服。外用可能刺激皮肤。

消食药 · Digestive

Medicated leaven shén qū · 神曲

Fermented preparation (no single binomial)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and pungent, warm; Spleen and Stomach systems.

A fermented preparation of several plant materials, traditionally used to help with the feeling of food sitting undigested.

性味归经。甘、辛,温;归脾、胃经。

由数种植物药发酵制成的制品,传统用于食积不化、脘腹胀满。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A fermented product, so composition varies between makers and batches; people sensitive to moulds or yeasts should be cautious.

属发酵制品,不同厂家与批次的组成有差异;对霉菌或酵母敏感者应谨慎。

消食药 · Digestive

Malt mài yá · 麦芽

Hordeum vulgare

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Spleen and Stomach systems.

Sprouted and dried barley; traditionally used for food stagnation, and in classical practice described as reducing milk flow in nursing mothers.

性味归经。甘,平;归脾、胃经。

为发芽干燥的大麦,传统用于食积;古籍中亦用于减少乳汁分泌。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Because of the classical use to reduce milk production, nursing mothers should not take it without practitioner guidance.

因古籍中用其回乳,哺乳期不宜在无医师指导下使用。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Bletilla Rhizome bái jí · 白及

Bletilla striata

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet and astringent; slightly cold; Lung, Stomach and Liver systems.

The classical astringent for bleeding — traditionally described for blood in the cough or vomit, and applied as a powder to wounds in external practice.

性味归经。苦、甘、涩,微寒;归肺、胃、肝经。

收敛止血的经典药物,传统记载用于咳血、吐血,也有研粉外用于创面的传统用法。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bleeding of any kind should be medically assessed first — this is not a reason to delay care. Contact sensitivity to the root has been reported, and the powder is for topical or decocted use, never for injection.

任何出血都应先经医学评估,不可因此延误就诊。有对该药接触过敏的报道;研粉用于外用或入汤剂,绝不可注射使用。

止血药 · Hemostatic; warming

Mugwort Leaf ài yè · 艾叶

Artemisia argyi

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter; warm; Liver, Spleen and Kidney systems.

The herb that is both burned in moxibustion and used internally to warm and stop bleeding. Traditionally described for cold-type menstrual discomfort.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归肝、脾、肾经。

既是艾灸所用材料,也作温经止血的内服药。传统记载用于寒性月经不适。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Moxa smoke is a respiratory irritant: ventilate the room and avoid it where there is asthma or lung disease. Internal use at high intake has been linked to liver injury because of its thujone content, and the essential oil is not for casual internal use.

艾烟是呼吸道刺激物:应保持通风,哮喘或肺部疾病者应避免。因含侧柏酮,内服大剂量有肝损伤的相关报告;艾叶油不可随意内服。

安神药 · Spirit-calming

Spiny Date Seed suān zǎo rén · 酸枣仁

Ziziphus jujuba var. spinosa

Nature and flavour. Sweet and sour; neutral; Heart, Liver and Gallbladder systems.

The most frequently cited classical herb for quieting the spirit and supporting sleep, traditionally described where sleep is disturbed against a deficiency picture.

性味归经。甘、酸,平;归心、肝、胆经。

最常被引用的安神助眠类经典药物,传统用于虚证背景下的睡眠不安。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Generally regarded as mild, though allergic reactions have been reported occasionally. Because it quiets the spirit, combining it with sedative medication or alcohol deserves professional review. Persistent insomnia needs medical assessment.

一般认为药性平和,但偶有过敏反应的报道。因其安神之性,与镇静类药物或酒精同用应经专业评估。持续失眠需要医学评估。

安神药 · Spirit-calming; astringent

Fossilised Bone (Os Draconis) lóng gǔ · 龙骨

Os Draconis (fossilised mammalian bone)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and astringent; neutral, described as slightly cold in some texts; Heart, Liver and Kidney systems.

A fossilised bone used classically to settle the spirit and to astringe. It is a mineral-like material and is decocted first in traditional preparation.

性味归经。甘、涩,平(部分文献作微寒);归心、肝、肾经。

传统用于镇惊安神与收敛的化石类药材。属矿物样材料,传统煎法须先煎。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Fossil and mineral materials carry a real risk of heavy-metal contamination depending on the source, so supplier testing matters. Obtain it only from regulated suppliers.

化石与矿物类药材依来源不同存在重金属污染的实际风险,供货方的检测因此很重要。只从受监管渠道取得。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming

Gastrodia Rhizome tiān má · 天麻

Gastrodia elata

Nature and flavour. Sweet; neutral; Liver system.

The classical herb for calming Liver wind, traditionally described for dizziness and headache in a wind pattern. It has also long been used in food-medicine preparations.

性味归经。甘,平;归肝经。

平息肝风的经典药物,传统记载用于风证相关的眩晕与头痛;也长期用于药食同源的调养。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Well tolerated in the reported literature, with occasional skin reactions described. Sudden dizziness with weakness, numbness or slurred speech is a medical emergency, not something to treat with herbs.

文献记载中耐受性良好,有个别皮肤反应的描述。突发眩晕伴无力、麻木或言语不清属急症,不是用草药能处理的情形。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming

Gambir Vine Stem gōu téng · 钩藤

Uncaria rhynchophylla

Nature and flavour. Sweet; cool; Liver and Pericardium systems.

Traditionally used to calm Liver wind and clear heat, most often cited for headache and dizziness with irritability. Added late in the decoction in traditional preparation.

性味归经。甘,凉;归肝、心包经。

传统用于清热平肝息风,多用于肝阳偏亢的头痛眩晕伴烦躁。传统煎法为后下。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains alkaloids with measurable cardiovascular effects, so combining it with blood-pressure medication should be reviewed professionally. Not for use in pregnancy without professional guidance.

含具有可测量心血管作用的生物碱,与降压药同用应经专业评估。孕期未经专业指导不宜使用。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming; classically toxic

Scorpion quán xiē · 全蝎

Buthus martensii

Nature and flavour. Pungent; neutral; listed as toxic in the classical materia medica; Liver system.

An animal drug used classically for severe wind patterns and for stubborn pain. It is always used in processed form, in small amount, under supervision.

性味归经。辛,平;传统本草列为有毒;归肝经。

虫类药,传统用于较重的风证与顽固疼痛。使用时必须是炮制品,用量小,且须在专业监督下。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classically listed as toxic, and unprocessed scorpion is not for internal use. Overdose can produce neurological and cardiovascular symptoms. Allergy to insect proteins is a real concern. This is not a self-care herb.

传统列为有毒,生全蝎不可内服。过量可引起神经与心血管症状。对虫类蛋白过敏是真实风险。不属于可自行使用的药材。

补血药 · Blood-tonifying

Donkey-Hide Gelatin ē jiāo · 阿胶

Equus asinus (hide gelatin)

Nature and flavour. Sweet; neutral; Lung, Liver and Kidney systems.

A gelatin produced by long simmering of donkey hide, used classically for Blood deficiency and for bleeding accompanied by dryness.

性味归经。甘,平;归肺、肝、肾经。

以驴皮长时间熬制而成的胶类,传统用于血虚以及出血兼燥的调养。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Animal-derived, so unsuitable for vegan diets and relevant to some religious diets. Cases suggesting interaction with warfarin have been reported. Digestive heaviness is commonly described when it is taken in excess.

属动物来源制品,素食者不适用,也与部分宗教饮食习惯相关。有提示与华法林相互作用的报告。过量服用常有消化负担的描述。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Deer Antler Velvet lù róng · 鹿茸

Cervus nippon / Cervus elaphus (young antler)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and salty; warm; Kidney and Liver systems.

The classical warming tonic described for Kidney yang deficiency. Harvest ethics and animal welfare are documented concerns in the global trade.

性味归经。甘、咸,温;归肾、肝经。

温补肾阳的经典补益药。全球贸易中,采集伦理与动物福利是有记录的关注点。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains hormone-like growth factors, so it is not appropriate in children, in pregnancy, or where there is hormone-sensitive disease. Some users experience raised blood pressure, insomnia, nosebleeds or irritability.

含类激素样生长因子,儿童、孕期以及激素相关疾病者不宜使用。部分使用者会出现血压升高、失眠、鼻出血或烦躁。

补阴药 · Yin-tonifying

Glehnia Root běi shā shēn · 北沙参

Glehnia littoralis

Nature and flavour. Sweet and slightly bitter; slightly cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

A gentle yin-nourishing herb for dryness of the Lung and Stomach, traditionally described for a dry cough or thirst with a dry mouth.

性味归经。甘、微苦,微寒;归肺、胃经。

养肺胃之阴的平和药物,传统记载用于肺胃偏燥、干咳或口干口渴。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mild in reported use. The classical incompatibility rule that pairs ginseng-type herbs with Veratrum is debated in scope, and whether sand ginseng is covered by it is not settled.

文献记载中作用平和。传统关于「诸参」与藜芦相反的配伍规则,其适用范围在文献中尚有争议,沙参类是否包含在内并无定论。

收涩药 · Astringent

Smoked Plum wū méi · 乌梅

Prunus mume

Nature and flavour. Sour and astringent; neutral; Liver, Spleen, Lung and Large Intestine systems.

A sour astringent used classically for prolonged cough, chronic loose stool and thirst. It is also a familiar food across East Asia.

性味归经。酸、涩,平;归肝、脾、肺、大肠经。

酸涩收敛的经典药物,传统用于久咳、久泻与口渴;也是东亚地区常见的食品。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Sour enough to bother people with reflux or sensitive teeth. Smoked preparations should come from regulated suppliers so that smoke-related contaminants are controlled.

酸度较高,胃食管反流者或牙齿敏感者可能不适。熏制品应来自受监管渠道,以控制烟熏相关污染物。

消食药 · Digestive

Chicken Gizzard Lining jī nèi jīn · 鸡内金

Gallus gallus domesticus (gizzard lining)

Nature and flavour. Sweet; neutral; Spleen, Stomach, Small Intestine and Bladder systems.

The dried inner lining of the chicken gizzard, used classically to support digestion and, in some texts, described in relation to urinary stones.

性味归经。甘,平;归脾、胃、小肠、膀胱经。

鸡胗内壁干燥而成的药材,传统用于助消化;部分文献也有关于泌尿系结石的记载。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Regarded as mild. As an animal by-product it should come from a hygienically controlled source, and unregulated products carry a contamination risk.

一般认为药性平和。作为动物副产品,应来自卫生受控的来源;非规范产品存在污染风险。

温里药 · Interior-warming

Prepared Aconite fù zǐ · 附子

Aconitum carmichaelii (prepared root)

Nature and flavour. Pungent and sweet, hot, toxic; Heart, Kidney and Spleen systems.

Classically described as the herb that restores yang in collapse - the strongest warming agent in the materia medica.

性味归经。辛、甘,大热,有毒;归心、肾、脾经。

传统上称其回阳救逆,是本草中温阳作用最强的一味。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is the herb whose toxicity matters most. Only the processed root is used; the raw root is highly toxic and has caused fatal arrhythmia. In every regulated system it is a controlled substance handled by practitioners, and it is never self-administered.

这是本草中毒性最需要警惕的一味。只用炮制后的附子;生品毒性极大,曾致致命性心律失常。在任何受监管的体系里都属于必须由执业者处理的受管制品,切勿自行服用。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Rehmannia (raw) shēng dì huáng · 生地黄

Rehmannia glutinosa (raw root)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and bitter, cold; Heart, Liver and Kidney systems.

The raw root is classically described as cooling the blood and nourishing yin - a different herb in use from the prepared root, which tonifies blood.

性味归经。甘、苦,寒;归心、肝、肾经。

生地黄传统上用于清热凉血、养阴,与炮制后的熟地黄(补血药)功用不同,实为两味。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold in nature and classically avoided where digestion is weak or there is diarrhoea. The blood-tonifying form is the prepared root (shu di huang), not this one.

性寒,传统上脾胃虚弱或腹泻者不宜。补血用的是炮制后的熟地黄,不是这一味。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Moutan Bark mǔ dān pí · 牡丹皮

Paeonia suffruticosa (root bark)

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter, slightly cold; Heart, Liver and Kidney systems.

Classically recorded as cooling the blood and moving blood stasis at the same time - unusual in doing both.

性味归经。辛、苦,微寒;归心、肝、肾经。

传统记载既能清热凉血,又能活血化瘀,一味兼两种方向。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classical texts advise caution in pregnancy, and it is traditionally avoided where bleeding is heavy.

传统上孕妇慎用,出血量多者不宜。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Red Peony Root chì sháo · 赤芍

Paeonia lactiflora (red root)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; Liver system.

Classically described as cooling the blood and dispersing stasis, most often recorded alongside moutan bark.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归肝经。

传统上用于清热凉血、散瘀,文献中常与牡丹皮并列出现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Not interchangeable with white peony root, which nourishes blood rather than moving it - a distinction readers new to the materia medica routinely miss. Classical texts advise caution in pregnancy.

与补血的白芍不是同一味,二者不可互相代用——这是初学本草者最常混淆的一处。传统上孕妇慎用。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Prunella Spike xià kū cǎo · 夏枯草

Prunella vulgaris (spike)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and pungent, cold; Liver and Gallbladder systems.

Classically recorded for the eyes and for nodules; in everyday Chinese practice it is also brewed as a cooling summer tea.

性味归经。苦、辛,寒;归肝、胆经。

传统记载与目系及瘿瘤瘰疬相关;在中国民间也常煎作夏季凉茶。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Taken in quantity as a tea it can upset digestion. A real caution exists for people on thyroid medication: prunella has documented activity on thyroid tissue and interference has been reported. Worth raising with a pharmacist.

大量作茶饮可能伤胃。服用甲状腺药物者有真实提示:夏枯草对甲状腺组织有文献记录的作用,并有过干扰的报道,建议先与药师确认。

化湿药 · Aromatic damp-resolving

Amomum Fruit shā rén · 砂仁

Amomum villosum (fruit)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Spleen and Stomach systems.

Classically used to move stagnation in the middle and to settle the stomach; its aroma is why cooks add it late in a braise.

性味归经。辛,温;归脾、胃经。

传统上用于化湿行气、温中止呕;因其芳香,煲汤炖肉时常在将熟时才下。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Low risk in culinary amounts. As a warm aromatic it is classically reserved for cold-damp patterns rather than for heat, and it is traditionally avoided in pregnancy.

供食用的用量一般认为风险低。作为温性芳香药,传统上用于寒湿而非热证,且孕妇不宜。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Dipsacus Root xù duàn · 续断

Dipsacus asper (root)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and pungent, slightly warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

Its name means to continue the broken. Classically used for the lower back, the knees and injured connective tissue, and a standard herb in traditional bone-setting.

性味归经。苦、辛,微温;归肝、肾经。

药名取断续接骨之意,传统上用于腰膝与筋伤,是跌打接骨的常用药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Low risk in ordinary use. Like other warming tonics it is classically avoided where there is evident heat or an acute infection.

一般使用风险低。与其他温补药一样,传统上明显热证或急性感染期不宜。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming

Oyster Shell mǔ lì · 牡蛎

Ostrea gigas (shell)

Nature and flavour. Salty and astringent, slightly cold; Liver, Kidney and Gallbladder systems.

The shell is the medicine, not the flesh: classically described as settling yang, calming the spirit and softening hardness.

性味归经。咸、涩,微寒;归肝、肾、胆经。

入药的是贝壳而非蚝肉:传统上用于平肝潜阳、重镇安神、软坚散结。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The shell carries a genuine contamination concern, because oysters concentrate heavy metals and, in some waters, algal toxins. Sourcing and processing are a real food-safety issue rather than a side effect of the herb itself.

贝壳有真实的污染关注点:牡蛎会富集重金属,在某些水域还会富集藻类毒素。产地与炮制属于真实的食品安全问题,而不是药物本身的副作用。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Mulberry leaf sāng yè · 桑叶

Morus alba

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, cold; Lung and Liver systems.

A cooling exterior herb used in the wind-heat group, for the eyes, and for dryness described in the Lung. It is also a food: the young leaf is fed to silkworms, and the infusion is drunk across China.

性味归经。甘、苦,寒;归肺、肝经。

辛凉解表类药材,传统用于风热一类的外感表现、目部不适,以及肺燥相关描述。桑叶亦属药食两用:嫩叶饲蚕,桑叶茶在中国广泛饮用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Widely drunk as a food infusion. Blood-glucose-lowering activity is documented, so people taking diabetes medication should be cautious. As with all leaf material, pesticide residue and source quality vary by supplier.

作为日常饮品使用广泛。文献记载其有降血糖活性,正在服用降糖药者应谨慎;叶类药材的农残与来源质量因供应商不同差异较大。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Burdock fruit niú bàng zǐ · 牛蒡子

Arctium lappa

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

A cooling exterior herb in the wind-heat group, classically used for the throat, for rashes that have not surfaced, and for the voice. The root of the same plant is eaten as a vegetable in Japan.

性味归经。辛、苦,寒;归肺、胃经。

辛凉解表药,传统用于咽喉、疹出不畅与声音不利。同株的根在日本作为蔬菜食用(牛蒡根)。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Asteraceae family — can trigger reactions in people allergic to daisy-family plants. Classical sources describe it as cold and slippery, and caution against it when the digestion is weak or the stools are loose. Safety in pregnancy is not established; avoid it there.

属菊科,对菊科植物过敏者可能引起反应。古籍记载其性寒滑利,脾胃虚弱、大便溏泄者慎用。孕期安全性未确立,应避免使用。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Cicada moulting chán tuì · 蝉蜕

Cryptotympana atrata

Nature and flavour. Sweet, cold; Lung and Liver systems.

The shed skin of the cicada — an animal-derived exterior herb used in the wind-heat group, for the throat and the voice, for the eyes, and in classical texts for childhood convulsive presentations.

性味归经。甘,寒;归肺、肝经。

蝉科昆虫羽化时脱落的皮壳。属辛凉解表类,传统用于风热外感、咽喉与声音、目部,古籍中也用于小儿惊风一类表现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An animal product: allergic reactions are possible, and raw-material cleanliness and correct species identification matter. Safety in pregnancy is not established, so it should be avoided there. The traditional uses above are recorded in the literature rather than established by modern clinical evidence.

属动物药:可能引起过敏反应,原料洁净度与品种鉴别很重要。孕期安全性未确立,应避免使用。上述传统用途见于文献记载,并非由现代临床证据所确立。

解表药 · Exterior-releasing

Cimicifuga rhizome shēng má · 升麻

Cimicifuga foetida

Nature and flavour. Pungent, slightly sweet, slightly cold; Lung, Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

A cooling exterior herb with two classical roles: venting rashes and clearing heat, and the upward 'raising' action used in compound formulas for the sinking and prolapse presentations of the classical framing.

性味归经。辛、微甘,微寒;归肺、脾、胃、大肠经。

辛凉解表药,传统有两方面用途:发表透疹、清热解毒;以及「升提」——在复方中用于经典框架里的气陷、脱垂一类表现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Not a self-care herb. Reports of liver injury are documented for the North American relative black cohosh (Actaea racemosa); Chinese shengma is a different species of the same genus, and the same class of caution is usually applied. Classical sources list it as contraindicated once a rash has fully surfaced, and advise caution in pregnancy.

不宜自行使用。文献记载其北美近缘种黑升麻(Actaea racemosa)有肝损伤报告;中药升麻为同属不同种,通常按同类谨慎对待。古籍以麻疹已透者为禁忌,并提示孕妇谨慎。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Ningpo Figwort Root xuán shēn · 玄参

Scrophularia ningpoensis

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, salty, slightly cold; Lung, Stomach and Kidney systems.

Classed as cooling the Blood and nourishing Yin while draining deficient fire. Used in traditional writing for heat at the deeper nutritive level, for swelling and nodular lumps in the neck, and for dryness with thirst.

性味归经。甘、苦、咸,微寒;归肺、胃、肾经。

归类为清热凉血、滋阴降火、解毒散结。传统记载用于热入营血、咽喉肿痛与颈部瘰疬痰核一类,以及阴虚内热之口渴干燥。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cooling and moistening — not for people with cold, weak digestion or loose stools. It is one of the herbs listed in the traditional "eighteen antagonisms" as incompatible with Veratrum (藜芦). Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient; professional guidance is needed before combining it with conventional medication.

性偏寒润,脾胃虚寒、食少便溏者不宜。传统"十八反"记载其与藜芦相反,不宜配伍。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足;与处方药同用前应咨询专业人员。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Chinese Gentian Root lóng dǎn · 龙胆

Gentiana scabra (and allied Gentiana species)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Liver and Gallbladder systems.

Classed as drying Damp and clearing heat, and specifically as draining fire from the Liver and Gallbladder. Traditional texts use it for Damp-heat patterns affecting the lower body and for the red face, bitter taste and irritability described as ascending Liver fire.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肝、胆经。

归类为清热燥湿、泻肝胆火。传统用于下焦湿热,以及肝火上炎所致的面赤、口苦、烦躁等。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Very bitter and cold — one of the herbs most likely to injure a weak stomach. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and diarrhoea are the reactions documented with excessive or prolonged use. Not for long-term use, and not for people with cold, deficient digestion. Safety in pregnancy is not established.

大苦大寒,最易伤胃。过量或久服文献可见恶心、呕吐、胃脘不适与腹泻。不宜长期服用,脾胃虚寒者忌用。妊娠期安全性未确立。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Lightyellow Sophora Root kǔ shēn · 苦参

Sophora flavescens

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Heart, Liver, Stomach, Large Intestine and Bladder systems.

Classed as drying Damp and clearing heat, as an antiparasitic herb, and as promoting urination. Traditional use covers Damp-heat with dysentery-like stools or jaundice, urinary difficulty, and skin itching attributed to parasites or Damp.

性味归经。苦,寒;归心、肝、胃、大肠、膀胱经。

归类为清热燥湿、杀虫、利尿。传统用于湿热所致泻痢、黄疸、小便不利,以及虫扰或湿热所致皮肤瘙痒。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains matrine and related quinolizidine alkaloids, which have measurable pharmacological activity; published case literature documents liver injury and cardiac adverse events in connection with improper or prolonged use. Not for long-term use. Listed among the herbs traditionally incompatible with Veratrum (藜芦). Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding — animal data raise concern and human data are lacking.

含苦参碱等喹诺里西啶类生物碱,具有可测量药理活性;公开发表的病例文献记录了不当或长期使用相关的肝损伤与心脏不良事件。不宜久服。传统"十八反"记载其与藜芦相反。动物研究提示妊娠期风险、人体数据缺乏,妊娠与哺乳期应避免使用。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Houttuynia yú xīng cǎo · 鱼腥草

Houttuynia cordata

Nature and flavour. Acrid, slightly cold; Lung system.

Classed as clearing heat and relieving toxicity, discharging pus and reducing swelling, and promoting urination. Traditional use covers lung abscess with purulent sputum, heat-related cough, and painful urinary difficulty. It is also eaten as a vegetable in parts of southwest China.

性味归经。辛,微寒;归肺经。

归类为清热解毒、消痈排脓、利尿通淋。传统用于肺痈吐脓、痰热咳嗽与热淋涩痛;在中国西南地区亦作野菜食用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The herb contains aristolactam-type compounds, and whether these carry the kidney and cancer risks associated with aristolochic acid is debated in the literature and not settled. Injectable Houttuynia preparations were suspended in China in 2006 after reports of severe allergic reactions — that finding concerns the injected form, not the herb or the food. Long-term or high-dose safety is not established; avoid during pregnancy.

本品含马兜铃内酰胺类成分,其是否具有马兜铃酸相关的肾毒性与致癌风险,学界尚有争议、未有定论。鱼腥草注射液因严重过敏反应报告,已于 2006 年在中国被暂停使用——该结论针对注射剂型,不等于草药或食材本身。长期或大剂量服用的安全性未确立;妊娠期避免使用。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Blackberry Lily Rhizome shè gān · 射干

Belamcanda chinensis (accepted name Iris domestica)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Lung system.

Classed as clearing heat and relieving toxicity, dissolving phlegm and benefiting the throat. It is the standard traditional herb for painful, obstructed throat with phlegm-heat and for the noisy breathing described as rattling phlegm.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肺经。

归类为清热解毒、消痰利咽。传统用于痰热壅盛所致咽喉肿痛、声音不利与痰鸣气喘。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bitter and cold — not for people with cold digestion or loose stools. Safety in pregnancy is not established, so it is treated as a herb to avoid there. As with other wild-collected rhizomes, correct identification matters; different Iris-family rhizomes have been encountered as substitutes.

苦寒,脾胃虚寒、大便溏泄者不宜。妊娠期安全性未确立,按惯例应避免使用。与其他野生采集的根茎类一样,品种鉴别要紧,市场上曾见鸢尾科其它根茎充作射干。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Snakegourd Fruit guā lóu · 瓜蒌

Trichosanthes kirilowii (and Trichosanthes rosthornii)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly bitter, cold; Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

Classed as clearing heat and dissolving phlegm, as opening the chest and dispersing accumulations, and as moistening dryness. Traditional use covers thick phlegm with cough and a sense of tightness in the chest, and dryness-type constipation. The peel, the seed and the whole fruit are used and are described somewhat differently in traditional writing.

性味归经。甘、微苦,寒;归肺、胃、大肠经。

归类为清热涤痰、宽胸散结、润燥滑肠。传统用于痰热咳嗽、胸膈痞满结聚与肠燥便秘。瓜蒌皮、瓜蒌仁与全瓜蒌传统记载的用法侧重略有不同。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold and moistening — not for people with cold, weak digestion or loose stools. It is listed in the traditional "eighteen antagonisms" as incompatible with Aconitum (乌头类), so the two are not combined. The seeds can cause gastrointestinal upset in some people. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient; professional guidance is needed before combining it with conventional medication.

性寒而润,脾胃虚寒、大便不实者不宜。传统"十八反"记载其与乌头类相反,二者不宜配伍。瓜蒌仁部分人服后可有胃肠不适。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足;与处方药同用前应咨询专业人员。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Bamboo Shavings zhú rú · 竹茹

Bambusa tuldoides (and allied Bambusa / Phyllostachys species)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly cold; Lung, Stomach and Gallbladder systems.

Classed as clearing heat and dissolving phlegm, as easing restlessness, and as settling the stomach against nausea and vomiting. Traditional use covers hot phlegm with cough, a restless or agitated feeling attributed to heat, and nausea or vomiting from stomach heat.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归肺、胃、胆经。

归类为清热化痰、除烦止呕。传统用于痰热咳嗽、胆火挟痰之烦闷不宁,以及胃热所致恶心呕吐。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold — not for cough of the cold-phlegm type or for people with cold, deficient digestion. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Since several bamboo species supply this material and the shavings look alike, buying from a traceable supplier matters more than the label.

微寒,寒痰咳嗽与脾胃虚寒者不宜。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。市售竹茹来源竹种不止一种、饮片外观相近,来源可追溯的供应渠道比品名标签更要紧。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Hogfennel Root qián hú · 前胡

Peucedanum praeruptorum

Nature and flavour. Bitter, acrid, slightly cold; Lung system.

Classed as directing Qi downward and dissolving phlegm, and as dispersing wind and clearing heat. Traditional use covers cough with thick phlegm and congested breathing, and the early stage of an exterior wind-heat pattern with cough.

性味归经。苦、辛,微寒;归肺经。

归类为降气化痰、散风清热。传统用于痰热壅肺之咳嗽痰多、气逆喘满,以及外感风热初起兼见咳嗽者。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains coumarin-type compounds (the praeruptorins), which show measurable activity in laboratory studies; what that means for people using the root has not been established in clinical trials. Slightly cold — not for cough attributed to deficiency-cold of the Lung. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

含白花前胡素等香豆素类成分,实验室研究中可见活性;其对使用者的意义尚无临床试验确立。微寒,肺虚寒咳者不宜。妊娠期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Thunberg Fritillary Bulb zhè bèi mǔ · 浙贝母

Fritillaria thunbergii

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Lung and Heart systems.

Classed as clearing heat and dissolving phlegm, as stopping cough, and as relieving toxicity while dispersing nodules and swellings. Traditional use covers hot phlegm cough, and the lumps and swellings described as phlegm-fire accumulations, including scrofula-type swellings of the neck and breast abscess.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肺、心经。

归类为清热化痰止咳、解毒散结消痈。传统用于痰热咳嗽,以及痰火郁结所致的瘰疬、乳痈等肿结。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains Fritillaria alkaloids (peimine and related compounds) with measurable pharmacological activity. Cold and bitter — not for cold-phlegm cough or for people with cold, deficient digestion. Listed in the traditional "eighteen antagonisms" as incompatible with Aconitum (乌头类). Safety in pregnancy is not established.

含贝母素等生物碱,具有可测量药理活性。苦寒,寒痰咳嗽与脾胃虚寒者不宜。传统"十八反"记载其与乌头类相反。妊娠期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Inula Flower xuán fù huā · 旋覆花

Inula japonica (and Inula britannica)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, acrid, salty, slightly warm; Lung, Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

Classed as directing Qi downward, dissolving phlegm and stopping cough, and as settling rebellious Stomach Qi against belching and vomiting. Traditional use covers cough with copious phlegm and a feeling of fullness below the heart, and the persistent belching described in the classical sources.

性味归经。苦、辛、咸,微温;归肺、脾、胃、大肠经。

归类为降气化痰、降逆止呕。传统用于痰壅气逆之咳嗽痰多、心下痞硬,以及呃逆、噫气不除等胃气上逆之证。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The flower head is covered in fine hairs, which is why traditional preparation wraps it in a cloth bag for decoction — the loose hairs can irritate the throat. It belongs to the Asteraceae (daisy) family; people with a known allergy to that family may react. Not for dry cough attributed to Yin deficiency or for wind-heat cough. Safety in pregnancy is not established.

花头密被绒毛,传统煎法要求包煎——绒毛散落会刺激咽喉。本品属菊科,已知对菊科过敏者可能发生过敏反应。阴虚劳嗽与风热燥咳者不宜。妊娠期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Willowleaf Swallowwort Rhizome bái qián · 白前

Cynanchum stauntonii

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter, slightly warm; Lung system.

Classed as directing Lung Qi downward, dissolving phlegm and stopping cough. Traditional use is narrow and consistent: cough with copious phlegm and congested breathing attributed to Qi that will not descend. It is one of the herbs traditional writing pairs with 旋覆花 for this purpose.

性味归经。辛、苦,微温;归肺经。

归类为降气化痰止咳。传统用途范围较窄而一致:肺气壅实不降所致咳嗽痰多、喉中痰鸣、气逆喘促。传统文献常与旋覆花相须为用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly warm and descending in action — it is not the herb for cough attributed to Qi deficiency, which traditional texts say should be supported rather than pushed down. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. 白前 and 白薇 are different herbs with similar-sounding names and a history of confusion in the market, so correct identification matters.

微温而主降,传统认为气虚所致咳喘宜补不宜降,故不宜单用本品。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。白前与白薇名称相近但属不同药材,历史上曾有混淆,品种鉴别要紧。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Achyranthes Root niú xī · 牛膝

Achyranthes bidentata (huai niu xi); Cyathula officinalis (chuan niu xi)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet and sour, neutral; Liver and Kidney systems.

A blood-moving herb that the classical texts also credit with carrying the downward movement of blood, with strengthening the sinews and bones, and with opening the water passages. Two plant sources are traded under this name and are not fully interchangeable in practice. Its modern effect on any specific condition is not established.

性味归经。苦、甘、酸,平;归肝、肾经。

活血化瘀药。传统记载认为其能引血下行、补肝肾强筋骨、通利水道。同名入药有两种来源(怀牛膝、川牛膝),传统用法并不完全等同。其对具体病症的现代疗效未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Traditionally avoided in pregnancy, and used with caution in heavy menstrual bleeding. Not a herb for self-directed use; a qualified practitioner should decide whether it is appropriate.

传统上孕期避免使用;月经过多者亦应谨慎。不宜自行使用,应由具备资质的执业者判断是否适用。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Frankincense rǔ xiāng · 乳香

Boswellia carterii (gum resin)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and bitter, warm; Heart, Liver and Spleen systems.

A tree gum resin that came into Chinese medicine along the overland trade routes. In the classical framework it moves blood and qi to address pain and swelling, and is used to support the closing of sores and wounds. It is a processed resin, not a food. Research on Boswellia extracts is ongoing; no clinical benefit is claimed here.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归心、肝、脾经。

树脂类药,经陆上商路传入。传统归入活血行气止痛、消肿生肌一类,用于气血瘀滞所致的疼痛与肿疡。它是炮制过的树脂,不是食物。乳香提取物的研究仍在进行,本库不声称任何已被证实的临床获益。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A resin rather than a kitchen ingredient: it can irritate the stomach, and sensitisation with topical use is described. Traditionally avoided in pregnancy. Do not use it on your own.

树脂类,不可当食材。可能刺激胃部,外用亦有致敏记载。传统上孕期避免使用。请勿自行使用。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Myrrh mò yào · 没药

Commiphora myrrha (gum resin)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and bitter, neutral; Heart, Liver and Spleen systems.

A gum resin paired with frankincense in the classical literature: it disperses stasis, settles pain, and is used for swelling and for sores that heal slowly. Like frankincense it is processed before use and is not a food.

性味归经。辛、苦,平;归心、肝、脾经。

树脂类药,传统上与乳香相须为用:散瘀定痛、消肿生肌,用于瘀滞疼痛与久不收口的疮疡。与乳香一样需炮制后使用,不是食物。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A resin, not a food. Stomach irritation and topical sensitisation are described, and it is traditionally avoided in pregnancy. Do not use it on your own.

树脂类,不可当食材。有刺激胃部与外用致敏的记载;传统上孕期避免使用。请勿自行使用。

活血药 · Blood-moving

Corydalis Rhizome yán hú suǒ · 延胡索

Corydalis yanhusuo

Nature and flavour. Acrid and bitter, warm; Liver and Spleen systems.

The best-known pain herb within the blood-moving group. It is described as moving both blood and qi, and classical sources treat it as a general-purpose herb for pain. Its alkaloid chemistry has been studied in the laboratory, but a reliable clinical benefit in people has not been established.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归肝、脾经。

活血药中最著名的止痛之品。传统记载认为其既能活血又能行气,被当作通用止痛药使用。其生物碱成分已有实验室研究,但对人体的确切临床获益尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains active alkaloids including tetrahydropalmatine. Published case reports describe liver injury, and drowsiness is described. Traditionally avoided in pregnancy. This is not a herb to try on yourself, and it is a poor choice without professional advice if you already take sedating medication.

含延胡索乙素等活性生物碱。已有肝损伤的病例报告发表,并有嗜睡的记载。传统上孕期避免使用。不宜自行试用;正在服用镇静类药物者,未经专业意见更不应使用。

理气药 · Qi-regulating; classically toxic

Sichuan Chinaberry chuān liàn zǐ · 川楝子

Melia toosendan

Nature and flavour. Bitter and cold; classed as slightly toxic in the classical sources; Liver, Small Intestine and Bladder systems.

A qi-regulating herb that drains heat from the Liver and moves qi in the classical framework; it is also recorded against intestinal parasites. The tradition itself records this herb as having low-grade toxicity, and here the classical warning and modern case reports point in the same direction.

性味归经。苦,寒;有小毒;归肝、小肠、膀胱经。

理气药。传统记载其清肝泄热、行气止痛,亦用于虫积。传统本身即记载其有小毒;在此,古代警示与现代病例报告指向一致。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The tradition itself classifies this herb as slightly toxic, and poisoning and liver injury have been reported. It is not for self-directed use, not for pregnancy, and not for anyone with existing liver disease or with cold and weak digestion.

传统本身即列其为有小毒之品,并有中毒与肝损伤的报告。不得自行使用;孕期禁用;已有肝病或脾胃虚寒者不宜。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Buddha's Hand Citron fó shǒu · 佛手

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter and sour, warm; Liver, Spleen, Stomach and Lung systems.

The citron fruit. Compared with the stronger qi-moving herbs it is gentle: it is used to loosen constrained Liver qi, to settle the stomach, and to dry dampness and transform phlegm in classical descriptions. It is also a food and a tea ingredient, which is why it turns up outside the clinic.

性味归经。辛、苦、酸,温;归肝、脾、胃、肺经。

香橼的变种果实。与力道较强的理气药相比,它的作用较缓和:传统记载其疏肝理气、和胃止痛、燥湿化痰。它同时是食材与茶饮材料,因此在治病之外也常见于日常。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mild by reputation, yet the classical sources still caution where there is no qi constraint, and in patterns of yin deficiency with heat. It is a citrus fruit; whether it affects the way the body handles medication the way grapefruit does has not been established, so ask a pharmacist if you take medication regularly.

历来认为较为平和,但传统仍指出无气滞者、以及阴虚有热者不宜使用。它属于柑橘类;是否会像西柚那样影响人体对药物的处理,目前未被证实,正在规律用药者请先咨询药师。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Solomon's Seal Rhizome yù zhú · 玉竹

Polygonatum odoratum (rhizome)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

Classed as nourishing Yin and moistening dryness, and as generating fluid to relieve thirst. Its place in the classical framework is narrow and consistent: dryness and fluid depletion in the Lung and Stomach — dry throat, dry cough, thirst. It is one of the gentler Yin-nourishing herbs, and unlike many of that group it is not described as cloying to the digestion.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归肺、胃经。

归类为养阴润燥、生津止渴。它在传统框架中的位置较窄而一致:肺胃阴伤、燥热伤津所致的咽干口燥、干咳少痰、口渴。它属养阴药中较平和的一味,且不像同类多数药物那样被描述为滋腻碍胃。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The tradition itself cautions against it where there is dampness with phlegm, or where the Spleen is weak with loose stool — a Yin-nourishing herb can make both worse. The raw rhizome and the steamed, processed form are not treated as the same material in traditional practice. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient.

传统本身即指出痰湿内蕴、脾虚便溏者不宜——养阴之品可能加重这两者。生品与蒸制炮制品在传统用法中不作同一物看待。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Tortoise Shell (carapace and plastron) guī jiǎ · 龟甲

Chinemys reevesii (Carapax et Plastrum Testudinis)

Nature and flavour. Salty and sweet, slightly cold; Liver, Kidney and Heart systems.

Classed as nourishing Yin and anchoring yang, as strengthening the sinews and bones, as nourishing blood and settling the spirit, and as stabilising the menses. Within the Yin-nourishing group it is one of the heavier materials, described for the situation where Yin depletion lets yang float upward — the tidal fever, night sweating and dizziness of the classical descriptions.

性味归经。咸、甘,微寒;归肝、肾、心经。

归类为滋阴潜阳、益肾强骨、养血补心、固经止崩。在补阴药中它属质重之品,用于阴液亏虚、阳无所附而上浮的情形——即传统描述中的潮热、盗汗、头晕目眩。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An animal-derived material. Several species used in the trade are listed under CITES, so provenance and cross-border movement are legal questions in many countries, and ethical concern is on record as it is for other wildlife-derived materia medica. The tradition itself cautions against it in pregnancy and where the digestion is cold and weak: it is a heavy, salty, cold material. Traditional practice has specific requirements for its preparation and for decocting it first, and it is not a kitchen ingredient.

本品为动物来源药材。贸易中涉及的龟类多种已被列入 CITES 附录,来源与跨境流通在多数国家属法律问题;与所有野生动物来源药材一样,伦理关注亦有记录。传统本身即指出孕期慎用、脾胃虚寒者不宜——其性咸寒质重。传统用法对炮制与先煎有专门要求,它不是食材。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Soft-shelled Turtle Carapace biē jiǎ · 鳖甲

Pelodiscus sinensis (Carapax Trionycis)

Nature and flavour. Salty, slightly cold; Liver and Kidney systems.

Classed as nourishing Yin and anchoring yang, as clearing deficiency heat, and as softening hardness and dispersing masses. The classical texts pair it with 龟甲 with a division of labour: where 龟甲 is the heavier blood-nourishing material, 鳖甲 is the one described for clearing deficiency heat and for masses below the ribs.

性味归经。咸,微寒;归肝、肾经。

归类为滋阴潜阳、退热除蒸、软坚散结。传统文献常将它与龟甲并提而分工不同:龟甲偏于质重养血,鳖甲则被描述为长于清虚热、散胁下癥瘕。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Animal-derived, with the same CITES and provenance questions as other wildlife materia medica. The tradition is explicit that it is avoided in pregnancy — it is a softening herb, and classical sources treat that as the reason — and it is not for cold, weak digestion with loose stool. Human safety data in breastfeeding are insufficient.

动物来源药材,与其它野生动物来源药材一样存在 CITES 与来源问题。传统明确记载孕期禁用——因其软坚,古典文献以此为理由;脾胃虚寒、食少便溏者亦不宜。哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Morinda Root bā jǐ tiān · 巴戟天

Morinda officinalis How (root)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and sweet, slightly warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

Classed as supplementing Kidney yang, as strengthening the sinews and bones, and as dispelling wind-damp. Traditional use covers the cold presentations of the lower body — cold pain in the lower abdomen and loins, and the aching and weakness described in the classical sources. It is regarded as milder than several of the other yang-tonifying herbs, and as combining a tonic action with a wind-damp action.

性味归经。辛、甘,微温;归肾、肝经。

归类为补肾阳、强筋骨、祛风湿。传统用于下元的寒证——少腹冷痛、腰膝冷痛,以及古典文献所载的筋骨痿软无力。一般认为它比若干其它补阳药平和,且补益与祛风湿两方面兼具。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Warming and yang-tonifying, so the tradition cautions against it where there is Yin deficiency with heat, or where ministerial fire is exuberant. It is not a herb to try on your own, and safety in pregnancy is not established.

性温而补阳,传统指出阴虚火旺、相火炽盛者不宜。不宜自行试用;妊娠期安全性未确立。

补阳药 · Yang-tonifying

Psoralea Fruit bǔ gǔ zhī · 补骨脂

Psoralea corylifolia L. (syn. Cullen corylifolium; fruit)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and bitter, warm; Kidney and Spleen systems.

Classed as warming and supplementing Kidney yang, as grasping Qi, and as stopping diarrhoea. It is also used externally, where the classical sources describe it against patchy loss of pigment in the skin. Its effect on any specific condition has not been established in modern terms.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归肾、脾经。

归类为温肾助阳、纳气止泻;外用则传统记载用于皮肤色素脱失的斑片。其对具体病症的现代疗效未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is one of the materia medica where modern safety reports go beyond what the tradition recorded: liver injury has been reported, and the psoralens — furanocoumarins in the seed — make skin photosensitive, which is why psoralen combined with ultraviolet light is a supervised medical procedure rather than a home activity. Because of that photosensitivity, do not combine it with phototherapy or with other photosensitising medication, and keep treated skin out of the sun. Avoided in pregnancy. Not for self-directed use.

本品属于现代安全报告超出传统记载范围的药材之一:已有肝损伤报告;种子所含的呋喃香豆素(补骨脂素类)会使皮肤光敏,这正是「光化学疗法」须在医疗监护下进行、而非居家活动的原因。鉴于这种光敏性,不应与光疗或其它光敏性药物同用,用药部位的皮肤要避光。孕期避免使用。不得自行使用。

补血药 · Blood-nourishing

Longan Aril lóng yǎn ròu · 龙眼肉

Dimocarpus longan Lour. (aril)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, warm; Heart and Spleen systems.

Classed as supplementing the Heart and Spleen and as nourishing blood and calming the spirit. It is the best known of the tonic herbs that is also an ordinary food: the dried aril is eaten as a sweet and simmered in congee and desserts, which is how most people meet it rather than through a clinic.

性味归经。甘,温;归心、脾经。

归类为补益心脾、养血安神。它是补虚药中最著名的「药食两用」之品:干制的假种皮当作甜食直接食用,也常入粥与甜品,多数人是通过日常饮食而非诊室认识它的。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Sweet, warm and sticky in the classical description: the tradition cautions against it where there is internal phlegm-fire or where dampness is retained, and eating a lot of it is described as producing heat and constraining the digestion. It is a dried fruit with a high natural sugar content, so anyone monitoring their blood sugar should treat it as a sweet dried fruit rather than as a medicine. Safety in pregnancy is not established beyond ordinary food amounts.

传统描述其甘温而滋腻:内有痰火、湿滞中阻者不宜;多食被描述为助热、滞气碍脾。它含糖量高的干果,需要留意血糖者应把它当作甜味果干而非药物看待。妊娠期超出日常食用量以外的安全性未确立。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Mulberry Fruit sāng shèn · 桑椹

Morus alba L. (fruit)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and sour, cold; Heart, Liver and Kidney systems.

Classed as nourishing Yin and supplementing blood, and as generating fluid and moistening dryness. In the classical framework it is used where Yin and blood are depleted — dizziness, tinnitus, early greying — and where fluid has dried up, with thirst and constipation. It is also a food, fresh and dried, and that is how most people meet it.

性味归经。甘、酸,寒;归心、肝、肾经。

归类为滋阴补血、生津润燥。传统用于阴血亏虚所致的眩晕耳鸣、须发早白,以及津液耗伤所致的口渴与肠燥便秘。它同时是鲜食与干制的食材,多数人是这样认识它的。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold in nature, so the tradition cautions against it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold with loose stool. Unripe fruit and large amounts of the fresh fruit have both been described as causing digestive upset. It is a fruit with a high natural sugar content when dried. Human safety data in pregnancy are insufficient beyond ordinary food amounts.

性寒,传统指出脾胃虚寒、大便溏泻者不宜。未成熟果实以及大量食用鲜果,均有引起胃肠不适的记载。干制品含糖量高。妊娠期超出日常食用量以外的人体安全性数据不足。

安神药 · Spirit-calming

Biota Seed (Oriental Arborvitae Seed) bǎi zǐ rén · 柏子仁

Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco (seed)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and neutral; Heart, Kidney and Large Intestine systems.

Classed as nourishing the Heart and calming the spirit, and as moistening the intestine to move stool. Within the spirit-calming group it is the one chosen where the tradition reads the picture as depletion: the restless sleep, palpitations and fretfulness attributed to depleted Yin and blood, and the dry constipation of the depleted or the elderly. It is an oily seed, and that oiliness is the thread running through both halves of its traditional profile.

性味归经。甘,平;归心、肾、大肠经。

归类为养心安神、润肠通便。在安神药中它对应的是「虚」的一类:阴血不足所致的虚烦不眠、惊悸怔忡,以及虚人或年老者津枯的肠燥便秘。它是富含油脂的种子,这「润」的性质贯穿其两方面的传统用途。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The tradition itself cautions against it where there is loose stool from weak digestion, or where phlegm is copious — an oily, moistening seed can make both worse. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. It is not a herb to try on your own.

传统本身即指出脾虚便溏、痰多者慎用 —— 质润多油的种子可能加重这两者。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

安神药 · Spirit-calming

Albizia Bark (Silk Tree Bark) hé huān pí · 合欢皮

Albizia julibrissin Durazz. (bark)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and neutral; Heart, Liver and Lung systems.

Classed as resolving constraint and calming the spirit, and as moving blood and dispersing swelling. It is the spirit-calming herb chosen when the tradition reads the distress as constraint — the low spirits and poor sleep attributed to emotion held in — rather than as depletion. The second half of its traditional profile turns outward: the classical sources record it for traumatic injury, for fractures, and for swellings and sores, taken internally and applied externally. The flower of the same tree, 合欢花, is a separate entry in the materia medica and is not treated as interchangeable with the bark.

性味归经。甘,平;归心、肝、肺经。

归类为解郁安神、活血消肿。当传统把心神不安读作「郁」而不是「虚」时,选用的就是这一味 —— 情志不舒所致的忧郁不乐、夜寐不安。它传统用途的后半段转向外证:古典文献记载其用于跌打损伤、骨折,以及痈肿疮毒,内服与外用皆有。同株的花(合欢花)在本草中是另一味药材,传统不作与皮互用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The tradition itself cautions against it in pregnancy, on the blood-moving half of its profile. It is not for self-directed use: bark and flower are not interchangeable, and the traumatic-injury use presumes a qualified practitioner has already made an assessment. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient.

传统本身即因其活血而指出孕期慎用。不得自行使用 —— 皮与花不可互用,且跌打损伤的用法前提是已由具备资质者作出判断。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。

收涩药 · Astringent

Lotus Seed lián zǐ · 莲子

Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. (seed)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and astringent, neutral; Spleen, Kidney and Heart systems.

Classed as supplementing the Spleen and stopping diarrhoea, as securing the Kidney and holding essence, and as nourishing the Heart and calming the spirit. It is the astringent that is also an everyday food: the seed is eaten fresh, dried, and simmered in congee and sweet soups across Asia, and that is how most people meet it. Within the astringent group it is unusual in combining a supplementing action with the holding action — most astringents only hold. The green embryo inside the seed, 莲子心, is a separate material in the materia medica with a bitter and cold profile of its own, and the two are not used as substitutes for one another.

性味归经。甘、涩,平;归脾、肾、心经。

归类为补脾止泻、益肾涩精、养心安神。它是收涩药中同时又是日常食材的一味:莲子鲜食、干制,或入粥与甜汤,在亚洲各地普遍食用,多数人是这样认识它的。在收涩药中它特别之处在于「补」与「涩」兼具 —— 多数收涩药只有涩的一面。莲子中间的青绿色胚(莲子心)在本草中是另一味药材,性苦寒,二者不作互用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Astringent by nature, so the tradition cautions against it where there is constipation or where the digestion is already bound up. It is a food in ordinary amounts, and the safety questions concern the medicinal rather than the culinary use. Human safety data in pregnancy are insufficient beyond ordinary food amounts.

性涩,传统指出便秘、中满气滞者不宜。日常食用量下它属于食物,安全性问题针对的是药用而非食用。妊娠期超出日常食用量以外的人体安全性数据不足。

收涩药 · Astringent

Euryale Seed (Fox Nut) qiàn shí · 芡实

Euryale ferox Salisb. (seed)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and astringent, neutral; Spleen and Kidney systems.

Classed as securing the Kidney and holding essence, as supplementing the Spleen and stopping diarrhoea, and as removing damp and stopping discharge. In the classical framework it sits beside 莲子 and is often paired with it: the traditional distinction is that 芡实 is the one described for discharge and for damp that has settled in the lower body, while 莲子 is the one that also carries the Heart-calming action. Holding and removing damp together is its character — the chronic loose stool and the discharge of the classical descriptions.

性味归经。甘、涩,平;归脾、肾经。

归类为益肾固精、补脾止泻、除湿止带。传统常把它与莲子并列或同用,二者的传统区分在于:芡实被描述为长于止带、去下焦之湿,而莲子另有养心安神之用。「涩」与「除湿」并行是它的特点 —— 即古典描述中的久泻不止与带下。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Astringent and, in the classical description, not easy to digest: the tradition cautions against it where there is constipation, or where the digestion is weak and bound up. It is starchy and is eaten as a food in parts of Asia. Human safety data in pregnancy are insufficient beyond ordinary food amounts.

性涩,且传统描述其较难消化:便秘、脾胃虚弱而中满者不宜。它富含淀粉,在亚洲部分地区作食物食用。妊娠期超出日常食用量以外的人体安全性数据不足。

收涩药 · Astringent

Nutmeg ròu dòu kòu · 肉豆蔻

Myristica fragrans Houtt. (seed)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and warm; Spleen, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

Classed as binding the intestine and stopping diarrhoea, and as warming the middle and moving qi. It is the astringent used for the cold presentation: the daybreak diarrhoea that the classical sources attribute to cold in the Spleen and Kidney, with poor appetite and a cold abdomen. It is also the familiar kitchen spice, and both uses rest on the same aromatic warmth — but they are not the same amount of material, and the traditional sources are specific about preparing it before use.

性味归经。辛,温;归脾、胃、大肠经。

归类为涩肠止泻、温中行气。它是收涩药中用于「寒」证的一味:古典文献所载脾肾虚寒所致的五更泻,兼见纳差、腹冷。它同时也是厨房常见的香料,两种用途同出于其辛温芳香之性 —— 但二者所用不是同一量级,且传统文献对其炮制有专门要求。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is one of the materia medica where modern safety reports go well beyond what the tradition recorded: nutmeg contains myristicin, and poisoning with agitation, hallucinations, nausea and a racing heart has been reported after large amounts, including from people who took it deliberately for that effect. Warming and drying, so the tradition itself cautions against it where there is damp-heat diarrhoea or dysentery, and against it where there is heat from Yin depletion. Avoided in pregnancy. Kept away from children as a medicine. Not for self-directed use — a spice on food and a medicinal amount are not the same thing.

本品属于现代安全报告远超传统记载范围的药材:肉豆蔻含肉豆蔻醚(myristicin),已有大量摄入后中毒的报告,表现为烦躁、幻觉、恶心与心悸,其中也包括为求其作用而自行服用者。性温而燥,传统本身即指出湿热泻痢者忌用,阴虚火旺者亦不宜。孕期避免使用。作为药材应放在儿童接触不到的地方。不得自行使用 —— 佐餐的香料与药用的量不是一回事。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming

Abalone Shell shí jué míng · 石决明

Haliotis spp. (shell; Concha Haliotidis)

Nature and flavour. Salty and cold; Liver system.

Classed as calming the Liver and anchoring yang, and as clearing the Liver and brightening the eyes. It is a shell, and in the classical framework that weight is the point: it is used where Liver yang is understood to be rising, with the headache, dizziness and red painful eyes of the classical descriptions. Among the herbs recorded for the eyes it is specifically the one for presentations the tradition reads as Liver fire or rising Liver yang rather than as depletion.

性味归经。咸,寒;归肝经。

归类为平肝潜阳、清肝明目。它是贝壳类药材,在传统框架里「质重」正是其要点:用于肝阳上亢所致的头痛、眩晕、目赤肿痛。在治目疾的药材中,它专属于传统判为肝火上炎或肝阳上亢的一类,而不是虚证的一类。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A cold, heavy shell: the tradition itself cautions against it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak with loose stool, and against it where there is deficiency cold. Traditional practice has specific requirements for it — the shell is broken up and decocted before the other materials — which is one reason it is not a kitchen ingredient. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use.

咸寒质重之品:传统本身即指出脾胃虚寒、食少便溏者不宜,虚寒证亦不宜。传统用法对其有专门要求 —— 打碎先煎,再下其它药,这也是它不是食材的原因之一。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming

Mother-of-Pearl (Nacre Shell) zhēn zhū mǔ · 珍珠母

Concha Margaritifera (nacreous shell of Hyriopsis cumingii, Cristaria plicata or Pteria martensii)

Nature and flavour. Salty and cold; Liver and Heart systems.

Classed as calming the Liver and anchoring yang, as calming the spirit and settling fright, and as clearing the Liver and brightening the eyes. It is the shell the pearl grows in, and it is used in the classical framework for the same rising-yang presentations as 石决明 — headache, dizziness, tinnitus — with the difference that the traditional sources also give it the spirit-calming and fright-settling action, which is not recorded for 石决明. The pearl itself, 珍珠, is a separate entry in the materia medica.

性味归经。咸,寒;归肝、心经。

归类为平肝潜阳、安神定惊、清肝明目。它是珍珠所附的贝壳,传统用于与石决明相同的肝阳上亢之证 —— 头痛、眩晕、耳鸣;不同之处在于古典文献另载其安神定惊之用,而石决明未见此记载。珍珠本身在本草中是另一味药材。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold and heavy: the tradition itself cautions against it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak with loose stool. As with other shell materials, traditional practice requires it to be broken up and decocted first. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use.

咸寒质重:传统本身即指出脾胃虚寒、食少便溏者不宜。与其它贝壳类药材一样,传统用法要求打碎先煎。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Japanese Thistle (Cirsium Herb) dà jì · 大蓟

Cirsium japonicum DC. (aerial parts or root)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and bitter, cool; Heart and Liver systems.

Classed as cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, and as dispersing stasis, resolving toxin and dispersing swelling. Within the haemostatic group it is one of the two thistles — 大蓟 and 小蓟 — that the tradition pairs and then distinguishes. Both are cool and both are recorded for bleeding read as heat in the blood, but 大蓟 is the one whose profile turns outward to sores and swellings: the classical sources record it for boils and abscesses in their early stages, taken and applied. Where 小蓟 is described as also promoting urination and is the one chosen for blood in the urine, 大蓟 is the one whose dispersing action is described as going to the surface.

性味归经。甘、苦,凉;归心、肝经。

归类为凉血止血、散瘀解毒消痈。止血药中大蓟与小蓟两味蓟类常相提并论而又有别:二者皆性凉,皆用于血热妄行所致的出血;而大蓟的用途转向外证 —— 古典文献记载其用于痈肿疮毒初起,内服与外敷皆可。小蓟兼能利尿、长于尿血血淋,大蓟则以消散外疡见长。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cool and blood-moving: the tradition itself cautions against it where the bleeding is read as deficiency cold rather than as heat, and where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak with loose stool. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient, and the blood-moving half of its profile is the reason the traditional sources are cautious there. Not for self-directed use — bleeding is a sign that needs an explanation before it needs a herb.

性凉而兼散瘀:传统本身即指出出血属虚寒者不宜,脾胃虚寒、食少便溏者亦不宜。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足;其活血的一面正是传统文献对此持谨慎态度的原因。不得自行使用 —— 出血首先需要弄清原因,而不是先用药。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Field Thistle (Small Thistle Herb) xiǎo jì · 小蓟

Cirsium setosum (Willd.) Besser (aerial parts)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and bitter, cool; Heart and Liver systems.

Classed as cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, and as dispersing stasis and resolving toxin, with the added action of promoting urination. It is the smaller of the two thistles and the one the tradition reaches for when the bleeding is in the urine: the classical descriptions are of blood in the urine and of painful, difficult urination with blood, and that diuretic direction is what separates it from 大蓟 far more than potency does. The two are recorded together for bleeding read as heat in the blood, and separately once the site of the bleeding is what matters.

性味归经。甘、苦,凉;归心、肝经。

归类为凉血止血、散瘀解毒,兼能利尿。两味蓟中它偏小,传统在尿血时选用此味:古典描述为尿血与血淋(小便涩痛带血),正是这一利尿的方向把它与大蓟区分开来,而不仅是药力强弱之别。二者在血热妄行所致出血时并提,一旦出血部位成为辨治要点便分而论之。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cool, so the tradition itself cautions against it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak with loose stool, and against it where the bleeding is read as deficiency cold. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use: blood in the urine is never a self-diagnosis, and it can be a sign of something quite unrelated to the pattern this herb is classed for.

性凉,传统本身即指出脾胃虚寒、食少便溏者不宜,出血属虚寒者亦不宜。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用 —— 尿血从不应自行判断,它可以是与本药归类所指完全不同的其它问题。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Sanguisorba Root (Garden Burnet Root) dì yú · 地榆

Sanguisorba officinalis L. (root)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and sour, slightly cold; Liver and Large Intestine systems.

Classed as cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, and as resolving toxin and closing sores. It is the haemostatic that the tradition associates most specifically with the lower body: the classical descriptions are of blood in the stool, of bleeding from haemorrhoids, and of bloody dysentery, and that downward direction is its character. It is also the one in this group that is as much a topical material as an internal one — the classical sources record it dried and applied to burns, scalds and weeping sores, and the burn use is the one most English-language readers have heard about.

性味归经。苦、酸,微寒;归肝、大肠经。

归类为凉血止血、解毒敛疮。它是止血药中传统上最专于下焦的一味:古典描述为便血、痔血与血痢,这一向下的走向正是它的特点。它同时是本组中内服与外用并重的一味 —— 古典文献记载其研末外敷用于烧烫伤与疮疡溃烂不敛,英美读者通常听说的也正是这一用途。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cool and astringent, so the tradition itself cautions against it where the bleeding is read as deficiency cold, and against it where there is cold in the Spleen and Stomach. The root is rich in tannins, and modern Chinese safety texts warn against applying tannin-rich preparations over large areas of damaged skin — which is why extensive burns belong in medical care rather than in herbal self-care. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use.

性寒而涩,传统本身即指出出血属虚寒者不宜,脾胃虚寒者亦不宜。本品富含鞣质,现代中药安全性文献提示不宜将富含鞣质的制剂大面积涂敷于破损皮肤 —— 这正是大面积烧伤必须就医而不能自行处理的原因。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Pagoda Tree Flower (Sophora Flower) huái huā · 槐花

Sophora japonica L. (flower and flower bud; syn. Styphnolobium japonicum)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; Liver and Large Intestine systems.

Classed as cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, and as clearing the Liver and draining fire. It is the haemostatic chosen when the tradition reads the bleeding as heat in the blood with a Liver component: the classical pairings are bleeding from haemorrhoids and blood in the stool alongside the headache, red eyes and dizziness of the Liver fire descriptions. That second half is what makes it more than a haemostatic in the classical framework. The fruit of the same tree, 槐角, is a separate entry in the materia medica and is not used interchangeably with the flower.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归肝、大肠经。

归类为凉血止血、清肝泻火。当传统把出血读作血热妄行而兼肝火时选用的就是这一味:古典的对应是痔血、便血,与肝火上炎所致的头痛、目赤、眩晕并见。后半段正是它在传统框架中不只是一味止血药的原因。同株的果实(槐角)在本草中是另一味药材,与花不作互用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold, so the tradition itself cautions against it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak with loose stool, and against long use where the digestion is already weak. Rutin is among its constituents, and rutin preparations carry their own documented safety questions. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use — bleeding needs an explanation first.

性微寒,传统本身即指出脾胃虚寒、食少便溏者不宜,脾胃已弱者不宜久服。芦丁(rutin)是其成分之一,含芦丁的制剂另有其安全性记载。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用 —— 出血先要弄清原因,再谈用药。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Arborvitae Leafy Twig (Biota Leaf) cè bǎi yè · 侧柏叶

Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco (leafy twigs)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and astringent, cold; Lung, Liver and Large Intestine systems.

Classed as cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, as transforming phlegm and stopping cough, and — in the later tradition — as promoting hair growth and darkening the hair. It is the haemostatic that is also a Lung herb: the classical sources record it for cough with blood-streaked sputum and for the hot, thick phlegm presentations, which is unusual among herbs classed primarily for bleeding. The hair use is the one most people outside the tradition have met, usually as a wash or a tincture applied to the scalp; it belongs to the traditional record and is not supported by clinical evidence.

性味归经。苦、涩,寒;归肺、肝、大肠经。

归类为凉血止血、化痰止咳,后世本草另载其生发乌发之效。它是止血药中又兼入肺经的一味:古典文献记载其用于咳痰带血与痰热咳嗽,这在以止血为主要归类的药材中并不常见。生发之效是传统之外的人最熟悉的一项,多以煎水洗或浸剂外搽头皮的方式使用;这一项属于传统记载,尚无临床证据支持。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold and astringent, so the tradition itself cautions against it where there is cold in the Spleen and Stomach, and against long or heavy use. The foliage of arborvitae contains thujone among its volatile constituents, and thujone has a documented toxicity profile — one reason the traditional sources treat this as a medicine with limits rather than as a tea to drink freely. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use, and keep it away from children.

性寒而涩,传统本身即指出脾胃虚寒者不宜,不宜久服多服。侧柏叶的挥发油中含有侧柏酮(thujone),而侧柏酮有明确的毒性记载 —— 这正是传统把它当作有节制的药物、而不是可以随意饮用的茶饮的原因之一。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用,并应放在儿童接触不到的地方。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Lalang Grass Rhizome (Imperata Rhizome) bái máo gēn · 白茅根

Imperata cylindrica (L.) P. Beauv. var. major (rhizome)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, cold; Lung, Stomach and Bladder systems.

Classed as cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, and as clearing heat and promoting urination. It is the mildest of the haemostatics and the only one in common kitchen use: the rhizome is simmered in southern Chinese drinks, most familiarly with sugar cane, and children meet it as a cooling summertime drink rather than as a medicine. In the classical framework its two halves go together — the blood in the urine and the hot, scanty, difficult urination are the same presentation described from two directions — and it is the haemostatic chosen where the tradition reads the picture as heat with fluid rather than heat with stasis.

性味归经。甘,寒;归肺、胃、膀胱经。

归类为凉血止血、清热利尿。它是止血药中最平和的一味,也是唯一常入厨房的一味:根茎在华南的饮品中与竹蔗等同煮,人们多是在夏天的清凉饮料里、而不是在药罐里认识它的。在传统框架里它的两方面是一致的 —— 尿血与小便短赤涩痛,本是同一证候的两个说法;当传统把病象读作热而兼水湿、而非热而兼瘀时,选用的就是这一味。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The mildest herb here, and the one with a genuine food history. Still cold, so the tradition itself cautions against it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak, and against it where there is copious clear urine without thirst. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient beyond ordinary food amounts. Even as a drink, it is not a way to manage bleeding that has not been explained.

本组中味道最甘、性最平和且有真实食用历史的一味。毕竟性寒,传统本身即指出脾胃虚寒者不宜,小便清长而口不渴者不宜。妊娠期与哺乳期超出日常食用量以外的人体安全性数据不足。即便作为饮品,也不能用来处理尚未查明原因的出血。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Cattail Pollen (Typha Pollen) pú huáng · 蒲黄

Typha angustifolia L. (pollen; also Typha orientalis Presl)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Liver and Pericardium systems.

Classed as stopping bleeding, as transforming stasis, and as promoting urination and relieving strangury. It is the haemostatic that does not cool: within a group dominated by cold herbs it is neutral, and that is what makes it the one the tradition reaches for when it does not read the bleeding as heat. Its other distinguishing feature is that it both stops bleeding and moves blood, which sounds like a contradiction and is the point — the classical descriptions are of painful bleeding and of lochia that has not settled, where stasis and bleeding are understood to be present at once. The raw pollen and the charred pollen, 蒲黄炭, are not treated as the same material in practice.

性味归经。甘,平;归肝、心包经。

归类为止血、化瘀、利尿通淋。它是止血药中不寒的一味:在一组以寒凉为主的药材中它性平,这正是传统在不把出血判为热证时选用它的原因。它另一个特点是既止血又化瘀,看似相反而正是其要义 —— 古典描述为疼痛性的出血与产后恶露不尽,此时瘀与出血被认为同时存在。生蒲黄与蒲黄炭在实际应用中不作同一物对待。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. It is a pollen, and pollen can provoke allergic reactions, including in people who have never had hay fever — that risk is independent of the traditional classification. The blood-moving half of its profile is why the traditional sources are cautious about it in pregnancy. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use: unexplained bleeding, bleeding in pregnancy, and bleeding that is heavy or persistent all need assessment first.

它是花粉类药材,花粉可引起过敏反应,且可以发生在从未有过花粉症的人身上 —— 这一风险与传统归类无关。其化瘀的一面正是传统文献在孕期对它持谨慎态度的原因。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用:原因未明的出血、孕期出血,以及量多或持续不止的出血,都应当先作医学评估。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Adzuki bean chì xiǎo dòu · 赤小豆

Vigna umbellata / Vigna angularis

Nature and flavour. Sweet, sour, neutral; Heart and Small Intestine systems.

A food grain used in the materia medica as a Damp-draining ingredient — traditionally described in the categories of promoting urine and reducing swelling, and of clearing toxin from sores.

性味归经。甘、酸,平;归心、小肠经。

既是日常杂粮,也是利水渗湿类药材。传统用途类别为利水消肿、解毒排脓,常入赤豆汤一类的食疗。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A legume with a real diuretic reputation in the traditional literature. Anyone already taking diuretic medicine, or living with kidney disease or a condition that requires fluid restriction, should ask a clinician before eating it in medicinal amounts. Like other beans it can cause bloating, and it is not a substitute for assessment of persistent swelling.

传统文献中确有“利水”之名。正在服用利尿剂、或因肾病等需要限水者,按药材量食用前应先咨询专业人员。与其他豆类一样可能引起腹胀;持续水肿应就医查明原因,不能以食疗代替评估。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Lily bulb bǎi hé · 百合

Lilium brownii / Lilium lancifolium

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly cold; Heart and Lung systems.

Used both as a vegetable and as a Yin-nourishing herb; the traditional categories are moistening the Lung and calming the Heart, and it is a familiar ingredient in Chinese dessert soups.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归心、肺经。

既是蔬菜也是补阴药。传统用途类别为养阴润肺、清心安神,常见于百合莲子一类的甜汤。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Food-grade in ordinary culinary amounts. Only the bulbs sold as food should be eaten — ornamental lilies are not the same product, and lilies are dangerous to cats. A cough that lasts more than a couple of weeks, or that comes with fever, breathlessness or weight loss, needs a clinician's assessment rather than a diet change.

作为日常食材在常规食用量下是安全的。只应食用作为食品出售的百合,观赏用百合不是同一种商品,且百合对猫有毒。咳嗽超过两周,或伴有发热、气短、体重下降,应由医生评估,不要仅以食疗处理。

补阴药 · Yin-nourishing

Black sesame hēi zhī ma · 黑芝麻

Sesamum indicum

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Liver, Kidney and Large Intestine systems.

Classified with the Yin-nourishing herbs; the traditional categories are supplementing the Liver and Kidney systems and moistening the Intestines. Sold widely as a food, and pressed for its oil.

性味归经。甘,平;归肝、肾、大肠经。

归入补阴药。传统用途类别为补肝肾、益精血、润肠燥,同时是常见食品与榨油原料。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Sesame is a recognised major allergen and is a required label declaration in the EU, US and elsewhere — reactions can be severe. It is also a calorie-dense seed, which matters for anyone managing weight or a fat-restricted diet. In traditional terms it is described as moistening, so it is not the choice where stools are already loose.

芝麻是公认的主要过敏原,欧盟、美国等地要求强制标注,反应可以很严重。它同时是高热量油料种子,需要控制体重或限脂饮食者应注意。传统认为其润肠,故大便本已溏薄者不宜。

补虚药(药食两用) · Tonifying (food-grade)

Honey fēng mì · 蜂蜜

Apis cerana / Apis mellifera (honey)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Spleen, Stomach, Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Both a food and a materia medica substance placed with the tonics. The traditional categories are supplementing the middle, moistening dryness, easing pain and countering toxin; it is also used to bind pills and to round out the taste of other herbs.

性味归经。甘,平;归脾、胃、肺、大肠经。

既是食品也是药材,传统与补虚药同列。传统用途类别为补中、润燥、止痛、解毒;同时也是丸剂常用的赋形与矫味之品。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Never give honey to an infant under 12 months — it can contain Clostridium botulinum spores that cause infant botulism. This is a firm rule, not a precaution. Honey is also a concentrated sugar, which matters in diabetes and in any sugar-restricted diet, and it can trigger reactions in people sensitive to pollen or bee products.

一岁以下婴儿绝不能喂食蜂蜜 —— 其中可能含肉毒杆菌芽孢,可致婴儿肉毒中毒。这是硬性禁忌,不是一般性提醒。蜂蜜同时是高浓度糖,糖尿病及需限糖者应注意;对花粉或蜂产品敏感者也可能出现过敏反应。

开窍药 · Aromatic resuscitation

Borneol bīng piàn · 冰片

Dryobalanops aromatica (natural borneol); also produced synthetically

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, slightly cold; Heart, Lung and Spleen systems.

Used in the materia medica as an aromatic that is traditionally described as awakening the senses and clearing heat; it is almost always used externally or in pills rather than as a stand-alone decoction.

性味归经。辛、苦,微寒;归心、肺、脾经。

传统归为芳香开窍药,用于清醒神志、清热止痛;多入丸散或外用,极少单味煎服。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Highly volatile and a frequent contact sensitiser; small amounts only. Not for internal use in pregnancy, and never near the eyes. Commercial products may be synthetic borneol or camphor-type substitutes — do not assume they are identical.

挥发性强,易致接触过敏,只可少量使用。孕妇忌内服,切勿入眼。市售品可能为合成冰片或近似樟脑的代用品,不可等同视之。

开窍药 · Aromatic resuscitation

Styrax sū hé xiāng · 苏合香

Liquidambar orientalis (storax) or Styrax tonkinensis

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Heart and Spleen systems.

A fragrant resin used traditionally in pills for its aromatic, warming, senses-awakening qualities; always in prepared formulas, never as a simple decoction.

性味归经。辛,温;归心、脾经。

芳香树脂,传统入丸剂以开窍、辟秽、温通;只入成方,不作单味煎服。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A resin containing cinnamic-acid derivatives and styrene, and a known sensitiser. Internal use only within prepared traditional formulas, in tiny amounts. Not for pregnancy.

含肉桂酸类与苯乙烯成分,可致过敏。仅可微量入传统成方,孕妇忌用。

开窍药 · Aromatic resuscitation

Acorus shí chāng pú · 石菖蒲

Acorus tatarinowii (or Acorus gramineus)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, warm; Heart and Stomach systems.

An aromatic rhizome used traditionally to awaken the senses, calm the mind and improve clarity; commonly paired with other herbs in formulas for foggy thinking.

性味归经。辛,温;归心、胃经。

芳香根茎,传统用于开窍豁痰、醒神益智、化湿和胃;常与他药相须治痰湿蒙蔽、神志昏蒙。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains beta-asarone; prolonged high intake of related Acorus species has raised safety questions, so it is used in measured amounts within formulas, not as a daily tea.

含 β-细辛醚;长期服用的安全性存疑,故只入方、按量使用,不作日常茶饮。

开窍药(有毒) · Resuscitation (toxic)

Toad venom chán sū · 蟾酥

Secretions of Bufo bufo gargarizans or Bufo melanostictus

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm, toxic; Heart system.

A highly toxic dried toad secretion used traditionally in minute amounts in rescue-type pills for its potent aromatic, stimulant action; never used in home preparation.

性味归经。辛,温,有毒;归心经。

毒性极强的干蟾蜍分泌物,传统以极微量入急救开窍丸散,取其辛温走窜;绝不可自行配制。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. STRONGLY TOXIC. Cardiac-glycoside-like and bufotoxin effects; ingestion can cause arrhythmia, seizure or death. Strictly a practitioner-only, prepared-formula substance in minute amounts. Keep away from children. This is a hard red line, not a caution.

剧毒。含类似强心苷与蟾毒配基成分,误服可致心律失常、抽搐乃至死亡。仅限成方、医师掌握、极微量使用,远离儿童。这是硬性红线,不是一般提醒。

外用·赋形药 · Excipient / topical

Beeswax fēng là · 蜂蜡

Apis cerana / Apis mellifera (beeswax)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

A wax used mainly as an excipient to bind pills and as a base for topical plasters; in the traditional materia medica it is also placed with astringent, wound-soothing uses.

性味归经。甘,平;归肺、胃、大肠经。

主要作丸剂赋形与膏药基质;传统亦归收涩、生肌敛疮之品。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Food-grade when from clean hives; not meant to be eaten in quantity. Topical use is generally low-risk; oral large amounts can cause gut blockage. As with honey, keep any form that could harbour spores away from infants.

洁净蜂巢所出可作食品级,不宜大量吞服。外用风险低;口服过多可致肠阻塞。与蜂蜜同理,任何可能带菌形态均勿给婴儿。

外用·燥湿收敛药 · Topical astringent

Calamine lú gān shí · 炉甘石

Smithsonite-based calamine (zinc carbonate ore), processed

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Liver and Stomach systems.

A mineral powder used almost entirely externally, traditionally described as drying dampness and soothing the skin for rashes and weeping sores.

性味归经。甘,平;归肝、胃经。

几乎全作外用,传统用于收湿敛疮、明目去翳,治湿疮、目赤翳障。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. External use only as a finely milled powder or wash; not for internal use. Wash hands after application and avoid the eyes. Commercial calamine is zinc-based — do not substitute other mineral powders.

只可外用(细粉或洗剂),不可内服。用后洗手,避免接触眼睛。市售炉甘石为含锌制剂,勿以其他矿物粉替代。

驱虫药 · Anti-parasitic

Quisqualis shǐ jūn zǐ · 使君子

Quisqualis indica

Nature and flavour. Sweet, warm; Spleen and Stomach systems.

A traditional antiparasitic fruit used especially for roundworm in children; given as the roasted seeds, not as a decoction.

性味归经。甘,温;归脾、胃经。

传统驱虫果品,尤善驱蛔虫,多用于小儿;以炒熟种子嚼服,非煎剂。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Can cause nausea, vomiting or dizziness if overdosed; never give to a child without professional dosing. Traditional caution advises not taking it with tea.

过量可致恶心、呕吐、头晕;小儿用量须由专业人员确定。传统言不可与茶同服。

驱虫药 · Anti-parasitic

Areca bīng láng · 槟榔

Areca catechu

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, warm; Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

The seed used traditionally as a strong antiparasitic and to move stagnation; also a widely used masticatory in parts of Asia.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归胃、大肠经。

种子传统作驱虫、消积、下气利水之品;亦为亚洲多地常见嚼食物。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Regular chewing is linked to oral submucous fibrosis and oral cancer — a major public-health warning, not a traditional caution. Occasional medicinal use within formula dosing is different from habitual chewing.

经常嚼食与口腔黏膜下纤维化及口腔癌明确相关——这是重大公共卫生警示,非传统小提醒。按方偶用与长期嚼食不可混为一谈。

驱虫药(有毒) · Anti-parasitic (toxic)

Melia bark kǔ liàn pí · 苦楝皮

Melia toosendan (or Melia azedarach bark)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold, toxic; Spleen, Stomach and Liver systems.

A bitter, toxic bark used traditionally as an external and internal antiparasitic wash; potency and safety vary sharply by species and preparation.

性味归经。苦,寒,有毒;归脾、胃、肝经。

苦寒有毒之皮,传统内服外用驱虫、疗癣;品种与炮制不同,药效与毒性差异极大。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. TOXIC. Contains meliatoxins; overdose can damage liver and nervous system. Internal use is practitioner-only and species-specific; external use only on intact skin. Not for pregnancy or children.

有毒。含苦楝素类,过量伤肝损神经。内服须医师掌握且辨明品种;外用只用于完整皮肤。孕妇及儿童忌用。

驱虫药(药食两用) · Anti-parasitic (food)

Pumpkin seed nán guā zǐ · 南瓜子

Cucurbita moschata (or Cucurbita pepo)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

The seed, eaten as food, is traditionally used as a gentle antiparasitic adjunct (notably for tapeworm) alongside other measures; it is the safest of this group.

性味归经。甘,平;归胃、大肠经。

种子作食品,传统作缓和驱虫辅药(尤用于绦虫),常与他法并施;为本组中最安全者。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Food-grade in normal culinary amounts and a calorie-dense seed. Large medicinal amounts can cause mild gut upset. No special restriction beyond ordinary food sense.

常规食用量下为食品级,且热量较高。大量药用可致轻度胃肠不适。除一般饮食常识外无特殊禁忌。

涌吐·截疟药(有毒) · Antimalarial / emetic (toxic)

Dichroa cháng shān · 常山

Dichroa febrifuga

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold, toxic; Lung, Heart and Liver systems.

A traditional antimalarial and emetic herb; its use is limited by strong nausea and vomiting, and modern care for fever is essential.

性味归经。苦、辛,寒,有毒;归肺、心、肝经。

传统截疟、涌吐之品;因致剧吐而用受限,现代发热仍须规范诊治。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. TOXIC and a potent emetic — can cause severe vomiting and, in overdose, real harm. Never self-administer for fever; professional diagnosis and modern antimalarials take priority. Not for pregnancy.

有毒且致剧烈呕吐,过量可伤身。发热切勿自行服此;须先由专业人员诊断并以现代抗疟药为主。孕妇忌用。

涌吐药(有毒) · Emetic (toxic)

Melon pedicel guā dì · 瓜蒂

Cucumis melo (pedicel of muskmelon)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold, toxic; Stomach and Spleen systems.

The pedicel used traditionally to induce vomiting in specific acute situations; its narrow therapeutic window makes it practitioner-only.

性味归经。苦,寒,有毒;归胃、脾经。

瓜蒂传统用于特定急症涌吐;治疗窗窄,只可由专业人员掌握。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. TOXIC emetic with a narrow margin — improper use can cause prolonged vomiting, dehydration or worse. Strictly practitioner-only; never for self-use, and never for pregnancy or the weak.

有毒涌吐药,安全窗窄,误用可致剧烈持久呕吐、脱水等。仅限专业人员;绝不可自用,孕妇及体虚者忌用。

化湿药 · Aromatic damp-resolving

Round Cardamom bái dòu kòu · 白豆蔻

Amomum kravanh (fruit; also cited as Amomum cardamomum)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Lung, Spleen and Stomach systems.

Classically grouped with the aromatics that move stagnation in the middle and warm the stomach, and with the herbs kept for nausea. Its scent is the reason cooks add it late in a braise, the same way a cardamom pod is added near the end.

性味归经。辛,温;归肺、脾、胃经。

传统上列入芳香化湿、行气宽中、温中止呕一类。其香气易于散失,故烹饪中多在将熟时才下,与炖煮将成时后下香料同理。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Low risk in the small amounts used in cooking. As a warm aromatic it belongs to the cold-damp side of the traditional scheme, and it is classically avoided where there is heat or depleted fluid, and in pregnancy. It is a different herb from the green cardamom pods sold for cooking (Elettaria), and a different one again from cao dou kou and hong dou kou: the single English word cardamom hides three separate entries in the Chinese materia medica.

烹饪小量使用一般认为风险低。作为温性芳香药,传统上归于寒湿一边,热证与阴液不足者不宜,孕妇不宜。它与西餐所用的绿豆蔻(Elettaria)并非一物,与草豆蔻、红豆蔻亦各为不同条目——英文同称 cardamom,掩盖了中药里三条各别的药。

化湿药 · Aromatic damp-resolving

Tsao-ko Fruit cǎo guǒ · 草果

Amomum tsao-ko (fruit)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Spleen and Stomach systems.

Classically grouped with the aromatics that dry damp and warm the middle, and it is the warmest and most drying of the amomum fruits in ordinary use. Traditional texts also place it among the herbs used for malarial-type intermittent fevers; that is a statement about what the literature records, not a claim of benefit. In the kitchen it is one of the spices of Sichuan hotpot and of dark braises.

性味归经。辛,温;归脾、胃经。

传统上列入燥湿温中一类,是常用豆蔻属果实中温燥之性较强者。古典文献亦将其归于治疟(往来寒热一类)药之中——此为文献所载,并非疗效承诺。烹饪中为川味火锅与红烧卤味的常用香料之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Low risk in the small amounts used in cooking. Being warmer and more drying than the other amomum fruits, it is classically avoided in pregnancy, and where there is heat, thirst or depleted fluid. Anyone with a stomach or bowel condition should ask a qualified professional before using it as a medicine rather than as a seasoning. The actions recorded in the traditional literature are not established by modern research, and no amount is given here.

烹饪小量使用一般认为风险低。其性较其他豆蔻类更温燥,故孕妇不宜,热证、口渴、阴液不足者不宜。有胃肠疾患者若作药用(而非调味),应先咨询合格专业人员。传统文献所载作用未经现代研究证实;本条不列用量。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Rice-paper Plant Pith tōng cǎo · 通草

Tetrapanax papyrifer (stem pith)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, slightly cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

Classically grouped with the bland herbs that drain damp and promote urination, and traditional texts also list it among the herbs used to promote lactation. That is the category the literature assigns to it; it is not a statement that the effect has been shown.

性味归经。甘、淡,微寒;归肺、胃经。

传统上列入淡渗利水一类,古典文献亦将其归于通乳药之中。此为文献所载的用法归类,不等于其效应已被证明。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The caution that matters here is about the name, not the herb. Tong cao is the pith of Tetrapanax and is not the same drug as mu tong or guan mu tong. Guan mu tong is Aristolochia manshuriensis, which contains aristolochic acid, a substance known to damage the kidneys and to cause cancer of the urinary tract; its use is prohibited in many countries. Because the names look alike in Chinese and in translation, nothing should be taken under either name until a qualified professional has confirmed which plant it actually is. Tong cao itself is classically avoided in pregnancy. Its traditional uses are not established by modern research.

此处最要紧的提醒在名称而非药性:通草为通脱木(Tetrapanax)的茎髓,与木通、关木通并非一物。关木通即马兜铃属 Aristolochia manshuriensis,含马兜铃酸,已知可致肾损害并引起泌尿道癌症,多国已禁用。两者名称相近,凡以「通草」「木通」之名取用者,须先由专业人员确认究竟是哪一种植物。通草本身传统上孕妇不宜;所述传统用法未经现代研究证实。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Talc huá shí · 滑石

Talcum (hydrated magnesium silicate)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, cold; Bladder, Lung and Stomach systems.

Classically grouped with the herbs that drain damp and promote urination, and with those used for hot, difficult urination; applied externally it is used as a drying powder on weeping skin. The mineral is also the talc of ordinary dusting powder, the same substance used for a different purpose.

性味归经。甘、淡,寒;归膀胱、肺、胃经。

传统上列入利水通淋一类,用于热淋、小便不利之属;外用则作收湿敛疮之粉。此矿物即日常爽身粉所用之滑石粉,同物而异用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two cautions outrank the traditional indications. First, talc is a mined mineral and its deposits can occur alongside asbestos-form minerals; cosmetic talc has been the subject of regulatory review and litigation on exactly that point, so any talc taken internally must be pharmaceutical grade and certified free of asbestos. Second, no talc powder should be inhaled: the dust is a lung hazard, and that applies to infants as much as to anyone else. Internally, the substance is classically avoided in pregnancy and where the spleen and stomach are weak and cold. This entry gives no amount and does not recommend internal use.

两点提醒比传统主治更要紧。其一,滑石为天然矿物,矿脉可与石棉类矿物共生;化妆品用滑石正因这一点而屡涉监管审查与诉讼,凡内服者必须为药用级并经检验确认不含石棉。其二,任何滑石粉都不可吸入,其粉尘对肺有害,婴幼儿亦然。内服方面,传统上孕妇不宜,脾胃虚寒者不宜。本条不列用量,亦不主张内服。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Bi Xie (Dioscorea Rhizome) bì xiè · 萆薢

Dioscorea hypoglauca or Dioscorea septemloba (rhizome)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, neutral; Kidney and Stomach systems.

Classically grouped with the herbs that separate the clear from the turbid, that is, with those used for cloudy or difficult urination, and with the herbs used for wind-damp painful obstruction. The texts add a caution of their own: it is not for kidney depletion, and that caution is repeated wherever the herb is discussed.

性味归经。苦,平;归肾、胃经。

传统上列入利湿去浊一类,用于小便混浊不利者,并归入祛风除痹之品。历代文献另有一层告诫:肾虚阴亏者不宜,此戒在诸家论述中反复出现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Several different yam species are sold under this name, most often as fen bi xie and mian bi xie, and the classical descriptions do not treat them as interchangeable; a person should not assume that a packet labelled bi xie is the plant a given text was describing. It is classically avoided in pregnancy and where there is kidney depletion. Its traditional uses are not established by modern research, and prolonged self-directed use of any damp-draining herb without professional review is a poor idea.

同名异物是本品最需注意处:市售多为粉萆薢与绵萆薢两种,古典记述中二者并不等同,不可假定标着「萆薢」的药材就是某书所指的那一种。传统上孕妇不宜,肾虚者不宜。所述传统用法未经现代研究证实;长期自行服用任何利水渗湿药而无专业评估,皆非善策。

利水渗湿药 · Damp-draining

Christina Loosestrife jīn qián cǎo · 金钱草

Lysimachia christinae (whole herb)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, slightly cold; Liver, Gallbladder, Kidney and Bladder systems.

Classically grouped with the herbs that drain damp and clear heat, with those used for jaundice-type patterns, and with those used for urinary gravel; pounding it and applying it to swellings is also recorded. The traditional literature is descriptive, and this entry makes no claim of benefit.

性味归经。甘、淡,微寒;归肝、胆、肾、膀胱经。

传统上列入利湿退黄、利尿通淋一类,用于黄疸与砂淋(尿路结石一类)之属;亦有捣敷外用于肿毒的记载。以上为文献所载的用法归类,本条不作疗效陈述。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The herb sold as guang jin qian cao is a different plant, Desmodium styracifolium, and it is sold under almost the same name, so the label alone does not tell a buyer what they have. Being cold in nature, this herb is classically avoided where the spleen and stomach are weak and cold, and in pregnancy. Liver injury has been reported for herbal products of many kinds, which is one reason internal use belongs under professional supervision rather than self-selection. No amount is given here.

市售「广金钱草」为另一种植物(Desmodium styracifolium),名称几乎相同而实非一物,光看标签无法分辨。本品性寒,传统上脾胃虚寒者不宜,孕妇不宜。各类草药制剂均有肝损伤的公开报告,这也是内服应由专业人员指导而不宜自行选用的理由之一。本条不列用量。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Wuyao (Combined Spicebush Root) wū yào · 乌药

Lindera aggregata (root; also cited as Lindera strychnifolia)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Lung, Spleen, Kidney and Bladder systems.

Classically grouped with the herbs that move Qi and ease pain, and with those that warm the Kidney and Bladder. The traditional texts place it with cold-type pain in the lower abdomen, with hernia-type pain, and with frequent urination in the elderly. What the literature assigns to it is a category of use, not a demonstrated effect, and this entry makes no claim of benefit.

性味归经。辛,温;归肺、脾、肾、膀胱经。

传统上列入行气止痛、温肾散寒一类。古典文献将其用于寒凝气滞所致的少腹疼痛、疝气疼痛,以及老年尿频之属。以上为文献所载的用法归类,并非已被证明的效应,本条不作疗效陈述。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Warm and drying, and classically avoided where there is heat, where Qi is depleted, or where Yin is depleted with heat signs. Safety in pregnancy and during breastfeeding is not established, so it should not be taken then. It is one of several roots sold by similar-sounding names; a packet labelled wu yao is not a guarantee of which plant it contains unless a qualified professional has confirmed it. No amount is given here.

温燥之品,热证、气虚及阴虚有热者传统上不宜。孕期与哺乳期的安全性未确立,故不应服用。市售同名或近名的根类药材不止一种,仅凭「乌药」标签不能确保品种无误,须由专业人员鉴别。本条不列用量。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Chenxiang (Agarwood) chén xiāng · 沉香

Aquilaria sinensis and other Aquilaria species (resin-containing wood)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, slightly warm; Spleen, Stomach and Kidney systems.

Grouped with the aromatics that move Qi and ease pain, that warm the middle and settle vomiting, and that are described as drawing Qi downward to calm laboured breathing. The wood is valued for the resin that forms in it, and grade is judged by resin content. The traditional descriptions are what the literature records; they are not established by modern research.

性味归经。辛、苦,微温;归脾、胃、肾经。

传统上列入行气止痛、温中止呕、纳气平喘一类。本品以木中所结树脂为贵,等级亦以含脂多少论之。以上为文献所载的用法归类,所述作用未经现代研究证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Every Aquilaria species is listed in CITES Appendix II, so cross-border trade in the wood is controlled and a buyer is not in a position to assume a product is lawful to move. The market is also one of the most heavily substituted in the materia medica: oil-injected or unrelated wood is sold under this name, and what a buyer receives is often not resinous wood at all. Warm and aromatic, it is classically avoided where there is heat or depleted Yin, and in pregnancy. No amount is given here.

全部 Aquilaria 属植物均列入 CITES 附录 II,其木材跨境贸易受管制,买家不能假定手上的制品可以合法跨境携带。本品亦是中药里掺伪最严重的品种之一:注油或以他木冒充者常见,买家拿到的往往并非含脂之木。性温芳香,热证与阴虚者传统上不宜,孕妇不宜。本条不列用量。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Xiebai (Chinese Chive Bulb) xiè bái · 薤白

Allium macrostemon (bulb; Allium chinense is also cited)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, warm; Heart, Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

Grouped with the herbs described as unblocking Yang and dispersing binding, the classical phrasing for obstruction in the chest, and with those that move Qi and relieve stagnation in the bowel. It is also a food: the same kinds of bulb are pickled and eaten as jiao tou in Chinese cooking. That it is a vegetable is worth stating plainly, because the classical language around the chest is easily over-read as a claim about the heart.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归心、肺、胃、大肠经。

传统上列入通阳散结、行气导滞一类,前者是古典文献对胸中痹阻的表述。它同时是食物:同类的鳞茎腌制后即日常所食的藠头。这一点值得写清楚,因为关于「胸痹」的古典用语很容易被读成对心脏的疗效承诺。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The safety point that outranks everything else: chest pain is an emergency and is not treated with a herb. Anyone with pain, pressure or tightness in the chest, especially with breathlessness, sweating, or pain spreading to the arm or jaw, needs emergency care, and that comes first. As an Allium it can upset the stomach, it is toxic to dogs and cats, and it is warm, so it is classically avoided where there is heat or depleted Yin. No amount is given here.

最要紧的一条提醒压过其余全部:胸痛属急症,不是用草药处理的情形。凡胸部疼痛、压迫感或紧缩感,尤其伴有气短、出汗、疼痛放射至手臂或下颌者,须立即就医急救,这是第一位的。作为葱属植物,它可能引起胃肠不适,对犬猫有毒;性温,热证与阴虚者传统上不宜。本条不列用量。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Qingpi (Immature Tangerine Peel) qīng pí · 青皮

Citrus reticulata (immature pericarp)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, pungent, warm; Liver, Gallbladder and Stomach systems.

Grouped with the herbs that drain the Liver and break up stagnant Qi, and with those that disperse accumulation and food retention. The texts are consistent on one comparison: this is the immature peel and it is the more forceful, more breaking of the two, while the mature peel, chen pi, is the gentler one used for the Spleen and Stomach. Anyone who assumes they are interchangeable has misread the materia medica.

性味归经。苦、辛,温;归肝、胆、胃经。

传统上列入疏肝破气、消积化滞一类。历代文献在一点上一致:青皮为幼果或未成熟果皮,其性较峻,以「破气」见长;陈皮为成熟果皮,性较缓和,主理脾胃。以为二者可以互换,是读错了本草。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Because it is described as breaking Qi, the classical caution is against its use where Qi is depleted, and against its use in pregnancy. As a citrus peel it is also the part of the fruit that carries surface residues, so peel that was not grown and handled as food is not the right material for a tea. This entry does not claim any drug interaction and does not give an amount; anyone taking regular medicine should ask a pharmacist before adding any herb.

因其「破气」之性,传统上气虚者不宜,孕妇不宜。作为柑橘类果皮,它正是果实上最易残留附着物的部位,非按食用标准种植和处理者不宜用来泡饮。本条不主张任何药物相互作用的说法,也不列用量;正在规律服药者,加用任何草药前应先咨询药师。

理气药 · Qi-regulating

Dafupi (Areca Husk) dà fù pí · 大腹皮

Areca catechu (pericarp)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, slightly warm; Spleen, Stomach, Large Intestine and Small Intestine systems.

Grouped with the herbs that move Qi and ease the middle, and with those that promote urination to reduce swelling. The name describes the material: it is the husk of the areca fruit, not the seed. The traditional uses are categories recorded in the literature and are not established by modern research.

性味归经。辛,微温;归脾、胃、大肠、小肠经。

传统上列入行气宽中、利水消肿一类。其名即指其物:为槟榔果实的外果皮(果壳),并非种子。所述传统用法为文献所载的归类,未经现代研究证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The association a reader should know about: the seed of this same palm is bing lang, and habitual chewing of areca is linked to oral submucous fibrosis and to oral cancer. That is a warning about the seed as a masticatory, not a demonstrated risk of the husk as a herb, and this entry does not claim the two are the same. It does mean that anyone buying by the Chinese name should be clear which part of the fruit they have. Classically avoided where Qi is depleted, and in pregnancy. No amount is given here.

读者须知情的一层关联:同一植株的种子即槟榔,长期嚼食槟榔与口腔黏膜下纤维化及口腔癌明确相关。这是对「嚼食种子」的警示,并非证明「果壳作药材」有同样风险,本条不作等同断言;但按中文名购买者确实应当弄清自己拿到的是果实的哪一部分。传统上气虚者不宜,孕妇不宜。本条不列用量。

消食药 · Digestive

Radish Seed lái fú zǐ · 莱菔子

Raphanus sativus (seed)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, sweet, neutral; Spleen, Stomach and Lung systems.

Grouped with the herbs that relieve food retention and the distension that comes with it, and with those that direct Qi downward and transform phlegm. It is the seed of the ordinary radish, which is why it is one of the mildest entries in this section. The traditional categories are what the literature records; they are not established by modern research.

性味归经。辛、甘,平;归脾、胃、肺经。

传统上列入消食除胀、降气化痰一类。它就是日常萝卜的种子,故为本节中性味最平和的条目之一。以上为文献所载的用法归类,未经现代研究证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Low risk in ordinary amounts, and flatulence or loose stools are the most likely complaint. The classical caution is that it disperses Qi, so it is avoided where Qi is depleted; and the texts record a specific incompatibility, that it is not taken together with ginseng. That incompatibility is a statement about what the literature says rather than a demonstrated interaction, and it is reported here as such. Seeds stored damp will mould, and mouldy seed must be discarded, not dried out. No amount is given here.

常规用量下风险低,最常见的不适是腹胀或大便偏溏。传统告诫其「散气」,故气虚者不宜;文献另载一条配伍禁忌,即不宜与人参同用。该禁忌是文献所载之言,不等于已被证明的相互作用,此处照此如实记录。种子受潮易霉变,霉变者应弃去,不可晒干再用。本条不列用量。

温里药 · Interior-warming

Xiaohuixiang (Fennel Fruit) xiǎo huí xiāng · 小茴香

Foeniculum vulgare (fruit)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Liver, Kidney, Spleen and Stomach systems.

Grouped with the herbs that disperse cold and ease pain, and with those that regulate Qi and settle the stomach. The classical texts place it with cold-type pain in the lower abdomen and with the dragging pain they describe as shan, and with poor appetite and vomiting that comes of cold in the middle. It is also an ordinary kitchen spice, which is the reason most people outside China meet it first as a flavouring rather than as a medicine. The uses above are categories recorded in the literature; they are not established by modern research, and this entry makes no claim of benefit.

性味归经。辛,温;归肝、肾、脾、胃经。

传统上列入散寒止痛、理气和胃一类。古典文献将其用于寒凝所致的少腹疼痛、疝气疼痛,以及中寒所致的纳差呕吐。它同时是日常厨房里的香料,这也是多数中国以外的人先把它当调味品而非药材认识的原因。以上为文献所载的用法归类,并非已被现代研究证实的效应,本条不作疗效陈述。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. As a culinary spice it is uneventful for most people. The cautions that matter: fennel contains estragole, which has caused tumours in high-dose animal studies, and that is a reason not to take concentrated fennel essential oil regularly, and not to give it to young children. Anyone allergic to other members of the carrot family (celery, carrot, parsley, coriander) can react to fennel too. Buyers should also know that similar English names cover different plants: fennel is not anise and not star anise, and the cumin sold as zi ran is a different fruit again. Warm and drying, it is classically avoided where there is heat or depleted Yin with heat signs. Safety in pregnancy is not established at medicinal amounts. No amount is given here.

作调味香料时,对多数人无害。需注意:小茴香含爱草脑(estragole),高剂量动物实验中曾诱发肿瘤,因此不宜经常服用茴香精油,也不宜给幼儿使用。对伞形科其他植物(芹菜、胡萝卜、欧芹、芫荽)过敏者亦可能对茴香过敏。另需辨名:茴香不是洋茴香也不是八角,而中文所称的「孜然」又是另一种果实。性温而燥,热证及阴虚有热者传统上不宜。孕期用药剂量的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

温里药 · Interior-warming

Dingxiang (Clove) dīng xiāng · 丁香

Syzygium aromaticum (flower bud)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, warm; Spleen, Stomach, Lung and Kidney systems.

Grouped with the herbs that warm the middle and direct Qi downward, the classical way of describing the relief of hiccup and of vomiting that comes of cold in the stomach, and with those that warm the Kidney and are described as supporting Yang. The dried buds are also used whole in cooking and mulled drinks, and the distilled oil is a familiar home remedy for toothache. The traditional categories are what the literature records; they are not established by modern research.

性味归经。辛,温;归脾、胃、肺、肾经。

传统上列入温中降逆、温肾助阳一类,前者是古典文献对胃寒所致呃逆与呕吐的表述。干燥花蕾整枚用于烹饪与热饮,蒸馏所得的丁香油则是民间熟悉的牙痛外用药。以上为文献所载的用法归类,并非已被现代研究证实的效应。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The name is the first hazard: the clove of the materia medica is the dried flower bud of Syzygium aromaticum, while the ornamental lilac of northern gardens is also called ding xiang in Chinese and is not the same plant. The oil is the second: eugenol is caustic in concentrated form and undiluted clove oil burns the mouth and gums rather than soothing them, and swallowing it has caused liver injury and seizures in small children. Clove oil also slows blood clotting in laboratory work, so anyone on anticoagulants or awaiting surgery should raise it with a doctor. Warm and drying, it is classically avoided where there is heat or depleted Yin, and safety in pregnancy at medicinal amounts is not established. No amount is given here.

第一个要当心的是名称:本草所用丁香是 Syzygium aromaticum 的干燥花蕾,而北方庭院观赏的木犀科丁香(Syringa)同名而并非一物。第二个要当心的是精油:丁香酚(eugenol)浓缩时具腐蚀性,未稀释的丁香油会灼伤口腔与牙龈而不是缓解疼痛,幼儿误服曾致肝损伤与惊厥。实验室研究显示丁香油可减缓凝血,服用抗凝药或即将手术者应先告知医生。性温而燥,热证与阴虚者传统上不宜;孕期用药剂量的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

温里药 · Interior-warming

Gaoliangjiang (Lesser Galangal) gāo liáng jiāng · 高良姜

Alpinia officinarum (rhizome)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, hot; Spleen and Stomach systems.

Grouped with the herbs that warm the stomach, stop vomiting and disperse cold to ease pain. It is the hotter of the ginger-family rhizomes used in the materia medica — hotter than fresh ginger, and the texts treat it as the one for cold in the stomach rather than for the exterior. The same rhizome is a seasoning in Southeast Asian cooking, under the name galangal. The traditional uses are categories recorded in the literature and are not established by modern research.

性味归经。辛,热;归脾、胃经。

传统上列入温胃止呕、散寒止痛一类。在本草所用的姜科根茎里,它的性最热,较生姜为甚;文献以其主胃中之寒,而不用于解表。同一根茎在东南亚烹饪中即「良姜/南姜」一味。以上为文献所载的用法归类,未经现代研究证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The practical confusion is with the other gingers: this is Alpinia officinarum, not the fresh sheng jiang or dried gan jiang of the kitchen, and not the greater galangal (Alpinia galanga) used in Thai cooking, though the three are cooked with in similar ways. Hot and drying, it is classically avoided where there is heat, where Yin is depleted, or where there is stomach pain of the burning kind rather than the cold kind — a distinction a reader cannot reliably make about themselves, which is the reason to ask rather than to guess. Safety in pregnancy is not established. No amount is given here.

实际使用中最易混淆的是其他「姜」:本品味 Alpinia officinarum,既不是厨房里的生姜或干姜,也不是泰式烹饪所用的大高良姜(Alpinia galanga),尽管三者用法相似。性热而燥,热证、阴虚者传统上不宜;胃痛属灼热一类而非喜温喜按一类者亦不宜——而这正是读者无法可靠自我判断的分别,故应求问而不是猜。孕期的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Mugua (Chinese Quince Fruit) mù guā · 木瓜

Chaenomeles speciosa (fruit)

Nature and flavour. Sour, warm; Liver and Spleen systems.

Grouped with the herbs that relax the sinews and unblock the channels, and with those that harmonise the stomach and transform dampness. The classical indication is the cramping and stiffness of damp-type obstruction, and the cramp in the calf is the image the texts keep returning to. What the literature assigns to it is a category of use, not a demonstrated effect, and this entry makes no claim of benefit.

性味归经。酸,温;归肝、脾经。

传统上列入舒筋活络、和胃化湿一类。古典主治为湿痹所致的拘挛与僵硬,历代文献反复以小腿转筋为喻。以上为文献所载的用法归类,并非已被证明的效应,本条不作疗效陈述。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The name is where readers go wrong, and wrong in a way that matters: in everyday Chinese, mu gua is the papaya, Carica papaya, sold as fruit in every supermarket, while the herb of that name is the unrelated Chinese quince, Chaenomeles. Someone who buys papaya expecting the herb has bought a different plant entirely, and someone who assumes the two are interchangeable has not read the materia medica. Unripe papaya and its latex are in any case warned against in pregnancy, so the confusion is not a harmless one. The fruit is also sour and can aggravate reflux and wear tooth enamel. No amount is given here.

名称正是读者最容易出错之处,而且错得要紧:日常中文里的「木瓜」是超市水果番木瓜(Carica papaya),而本草同名者是毫不相干的皱皮木瓜(Chaenomeles)。为取药材而买番木瓜者,买到的完全是另一种植物;以为二者可以互换,则是没读本草。未熟番木瓜及其乳汁在孕期本就在告诫之列,所以这种混淆并非无害。本品味酸,可加重反流,并可腐蚀牙釉质。本条不列用量。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Qinjiao (Large-leaf Gentian Root) qín jiāo · 秦艽

Gentiana macrophylla (root; G. straminea, G. crassicaulis and G. dahurica are also cited)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, pungent, neutral; Stomach, Liver and Gallbladder systems.

Grouped with the herbs that dispel wind-damp and ease the pain of obstruction, and unusually for this category, with those that clear deficient heat and with those that promote bile flow to settle jaundice. The four gentians named above are the plants the modern pharmacopoeia accepts under this name, which is worth stating because gentians of many other species are sold in Europe under the same genus name. The traditional uses are categories recorded in the literature; they are not established by modern research.

性味归经。苦、辛,平;归胃、肝、胆经。

传统上列入祛风湿、止痹痛一类;在此类药中不寻常的是,它同时归入清虚热与利湿退黄一类。现代药典在本名之下接受上述四种龙胆属植物,这一点值得写明,因为欧洲以同一属名流通的龙胆品种还有很多。以上为文献所载的用法归类,未经现代研究证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. It is a bitter root, and the classical caution follows from that: bitter and cold-leaning herbs injure the stomach, so it is avoided where the digestion is weak, where there is loose stool, or where there is deficiency-cold. The related gentian used as a bitter tonic in Europe, Gentiana lutea, is a different species with a different traditional use, and the two should not be assumed interchangeable. This entry does not claim any drug interaction; anyone taking regular medicine should ask a pharmacist before adding any herb. Safety in pregnancy is not established. No amount is given here.

本品味苦,传统告诫亦由此而来:苦寒之品伤胃,故脾胃虚弱、大便溏薄及虚寒者不宜。欧洲用作苦味健胃药的黄龙胆(Gentiana lutea)是另一个种,传统用途不同,不应假定二者可以互换。本条不主张任何药物相互作用的说法;正在规律服药者,加用任何草药前应先咨询药师。孕期的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Fangji (Stephania Root) fáng jǐ · 防己

Stephania tetrandra (root; known as han fang ji)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Bladder and Lung systems.

Grouped with the herbs that dispel wind and ease pain, and with those that promote urination to reduce swelling. Four characters are worth spending on the name: the material the modern pharmacopoeia means by fang ji is the root of Stephania tetrandra, and the historical record contains several other plants traded under the same two characters. The traditional uses are categories recorded in the literature and are not established by modern research.

性味归经。苦,寒;归膀胱、肺经。

传统上列入祛风止痛、利水消肿一类。名称上值得多说几句:现代药典所称的防己是 Stephania tetrandra 的根(汉防己),而历史上有另外几种植物曾以相同的两个字流通。以上为文献所载的用法归类,并非已被现代研究证实的效应。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is the entry in this section with a substitution history that has killed people, and it should be read before anything else. Guang fang ji, the root of Aristolochia fangchi, was sold in place of han fang ji and caused aristolochic acid nephropathy: irreversible kidney failure, and cancer of the urinary tract in a large share of those affected. Aristolochic acid is classified as a cause of cancer in humans, and Aristolochia species are banned or restricted in many jurisdictions. A packet labelled fang ji is therefore not something to buy on trust: the species has to be identified by a qualified professional, and anyone with kidney disease should not take it at all. Even the correct root is pharmacologically active — its principal alkaloid is tetrandrine — and is not a harmless herb; safety with prolonged use is not established. Bitter and cold, it is classically avoided where the digestion is weak, and safety in pregnancy is not established. No amount is given here.

这是本栏目中有过致死性混淆史的一条,应先读这一条再读其余。广防己(Aristolochia fangchi 的根)曾被当作汉防己出售,造成马兜铃酸肾病:不可逆的肾衰竭,且相当比例的受害者发生尿路恶性肿瘤。马兜铃酸被列为人类致癌物,马兜铃属植物在多个司法辖区被禁用或严格限制。因此标着「防己」的药材不能凭信任购买:品种必须由专业人员鉴定;有肾病者根本不应服用。即便是正品,它的根也有明确药理活性(主要生物碱为粉防己碱),并非无害之品,长期使用的安全性未确立。味苦性寒,脾胃虚弱者传统上不宜;孕期的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Sangzhi (Mulberry Twig) sāng zhī · 桑枝

Morus alba (young branch)

Nature and flavour. Slightly bitter, neutral; Liver system.

Grouped with the herbs that dispel wind-damp and benefit the joints, and the texts are more specific than usual: this one is associated with the joints of the upper limbs, in contrast to herbs aimed at the lower back and legs. It is the pruned twig of the mulberry tree, the tree that feeds the silkworm, and it is among the mildest entries in this section. The traditional uses are categories recorded in the literature; they are not established by modern research.

性味归经。微苦,平;归肝经。

传统上列入祛风湿、利关节一类,且历代文献在此较其他药更为具体:本品偏于上肢关节,与主治腰膝的药物相对。它就是桑树剪下的嫩枝,而桑树即养蚕之树;本节中性味最平和的条目之一。以上为文献所载的用法归类,未经现代研究证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Low risk, and that is worth saying plainly because the rest of this section is not low risk. Two cautions remain. The first is sourcing: a woody twig sold as medicine is not grown to food standards, and mulberry trees are sprayed and grow beside roads, so surface contamination is a real question that no label answers. The second is blood sugar: products from this tree, the leaf more than the twig, have been studied for effects on blood glucose, and anyone on diabetes medicine should treat that as a reason to ask a pharmacist first rather than as a reason to expect an effect. Safety in pregnancy is not established. No amount is given here.

本条风险低;这一点值得明说,因为本节其余诸条并非低风险。仍有两点提醒。一是来源:作为药材出售的木本嫩枝并非按食用标准种植,桑树常经喷洒农药且多植于路边,表面污染是真实存在的问题,而标签不会给出答案。二是血糖:本树的产品(叶片甚于枝条)在研究中显示影响血糖,正在使用降糖药者应据此先咨询药师,而不是据此期待某种效应。孕期的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Wujiapi (Acanthopanax Root Bark) wǔ jiā pí · 五加皮

Acanthopanax gracilistylus (root bark; known as nan wu jia pi)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

Grouped with the herbs that dispel wind-damp, that supplement the Liver and Kidney and strengthen the sinews and bones, and with those that promote urination to reduce swelling. It holds both sides at once in the classical account: it addresses obstruction and it is counted as a tonic, which is why it appears in the wines made for the elderly and the stiff. The traditional uses are categories recorded in the literature; they are not established by modern research.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归肝、肾经。

传统上列入祛风湿、补肝肾、强筋骨、利水消肿一类。在古典叙述中它同时兼顾两端:既治痹阻,又被算作补益,故常见于为年老与僵硬者所备的药酒。以上为文献所载的用法归类,并非已被现代研究证实的效应。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Read this before buying anything under this name. The bark that the modern pharmacopoeia means is Acanthopanax; a different bark, xiang jia pi from Periploca sepium, has been substituted for it, and Periploca contains cardiac glycosides of the same kind as digoxin, so the substitution has caused serious poisoning and deaths. Two further confusions sit close by: ci wu jia, Eleutherococcus senticosus, is a related but distinct herb sold in English as Siberian ginseng; and Acanthopanax bark is collected from the wild, so supply is a conservation question a buyer cannot check. Because a tonic wine is the classic vehicle, the alcohol matters as much as the herb, and anyone who drinks no alcohol should not take it that way. Warm, and avoided classically where there is heat or depleted Yin. Safety in pregnancy is not established. No amount is given here.

买这个名字的东西之前先读这一条。现代药典所指者是 Acanthopanax 的根皮;另一种皮——香加皮(Periploca sepium 的根皮)——曾被冒充,而 Periploca 含与地高辛同类强心苷,故该混淆曾导致严重中毒与死亡。另外两层混淆近在咫尺:刺五加(Eleutherococcus senticosus)是相关而不同的另一味药,英文作 Siberian ginseng;Acanthopanax 皮多采自野生,故供应本身即是一个买家无从核查的保护问题。药酒是它的经典载体,因此酒精与药材同样要紧,不饮酒者不应以这种方式服用。性温,热证与阴虚者传统上不宜。孕期的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

祛风湿药 · Wind-damp

Gouji (Cibotium Rhizome) gǒu jǐ · 狗脊

Cibotium barometz (rhizome)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, warm; Liver and Kidney systems.

Grouped with the herbs that dispel wind-damp, that supplement the Liver and Kidney, and that strengthen the lower back and knees. The classical picture is of someone who cannot stand for long and whose back gives way, and the herb is paired with that picture rather than with acute pain. Its second traditional use is not internal at all: the golden hairs covering the rhizome are used on the skin to stop bleeding. The traditional uses are categories recorded in the literature; they are not established by modern research.

性味归经。苦、甘,温;归肝、肾经。

传统上列入祛风湿、补肝肾、强腰膝一类。古典描述的画面是一个人不能久立、腰部酸软无力,本品与这一画面相配,而不用于急性疼痛。它的第二种传统用途与内服无关:根茎上覆盖的金黄色绒毛外用于止血。以上为文献所载的用法归类,并非已被现代研究证实的效应。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two things a buyer should know before ordering this across a border. First, the source is a tree fern, and Cibotium barometz is listed in CITES Appendix II, so international trade in it is controlled and a buyer is not in a position to assume a shipment is lawful to move. Second, the plant is slow-growing and largely collected from the wild, so the cheapness of a packet is information about its origin, not a bargain. The golden hairs have a further caution attached: as a wound dressing they are a traditional practice, not an established one, and a wound that needs pressing shut needs care rather than a herb. Warm, and classically avoided where there is heat or depleted Yin, and where urination is difficult and dark. Safety in pregnancy is not established. No amount is given here.

跨境购买此品之前有两点须知。其一,它的来源是树蕨,金毛狗(Cibotium barometz)被列入 CITES 附录 II,其国际贸易受管制,买家不能假定手上的货物可以合法携运。其二,该植物生长缓慢且主要采自野生,因此一包的价格反映的是它的来源,而不是便宜可捡。关于金色绒毛另有一条提醒:作敷料止血是传统做法而非已被证实的做法,需要按压止血的伤口应当就医处理而不是敷草药。性温,热证、阴虚及小便短涩而黄者传统上不宜。孕期的安全性未确立。本条不列用量。

平肝息风药(虫类药) · Liver-wind calming; animal drug

Stiff Silkworm jiāng cán · 僵蚕

Bombyx batryticatus (Bombyx mori larva colonised by Beauveria bassiana)

Nature and flavour. Salty, pungent; neutral; Liver and Lung systems.

The dried body of a silkworm larva that died after infection by the fungus Beauveria bassiana. In the classical literature it is grouped with the wind-calming animal drugs and described for convulsion, wind-related headache and for phlegm nodules. It is used processed, most often stir-fried with bran.

性味归经。咸、辛,平;归肝、肺经。

家蚕幼虫感染白僵菌致死后干燥的虫体。传统本草把它归入虫类息风药,记载用于惊痫、风热头痛以及痰核瘰疬一类。使用炮制品,多为麸炒。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An animal product, so allergy to insect or silk proteins is a real concern. Quality depends on how the material was fermented and dried: mouldy or insect-damaged material is not acceptable. Classical sources also note it as contraindicated where there is wind from blood deficiency rather than wind from excess. This is a prescription item, not a kitchen herb.

属动物药,对虫类或蚕丝蛋白过敏是真实风险。品质取决于发酵与干燥工艺,霉变、虫蛀品不可用。传统文献还记载血虚生风者不宜。这是处方用药,不是食材。

平肝息风药(虫类药) · Liver-wind calming; animal drug

Earthworm dì lóng · 地龙

Pheretima spp. (also Lumbricus spp.)

Nature and flavour. Salty; cold; Liver, Spleen and Bladder systems.

The dried body of the earthworm. The classical descriptions cover heat with convulsion, obstructed channels with joint pain and numbness, wheezing, and scanty urine. The material traded as 广地龙 and 沪地龙 comes from different species and different regions.

性味归经。咸,寒;归肝、脾、膀胱经。

蚯蚓的干燥体。传统记载涵盖热极生风之惊痫、经络阻滞之关节疼痛麻木、喘促以及小便不利。市场上「广地龙」与「沪地龙」来源物种与产地不同。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An animal product, so allergy is possible. Earthworms concentrate whatever is in the soil they lived in, so heavy-metal and pesticide residue in untested material is a genuine risk and sourcing matters more than for plant drugs. Classical sources list it as contraindicated in pregnancy and in weakness with cold in the Spleen and Stomach. Not a self-care herb.

属动物药,可能引起过敏。蚯蚓会富集其生活土壤中的物质,未经检测材料的重金属与农药残留是真实风险,来源把控比植物药更关键。传统文献列为孕妇忌用,脾胃虚寒者不宜。不属于可自行使用的药材。

平肝息风药(有毒虫类药) · Liver-wind calming; classically toxic

Centipede wú gōng · 蜈蚣

Scolopendra subspinipes mutilans

Nature and flavour. Pungent; warm; listed as toxic in the classical materia medica; Liver system.

An animal drug reserved for severe wind patterns, tetanus-like spasm, stubborn pain and for sores and swellings. It is used dried and processed, in small amount, and only under supervision.

性味归经。辛,温;传统本草列为有毒;归肝经。

虫类药,用于较重的风证、痉挛、顽固疼痛以及疮疡肿毒。干燥炮制后使用,用量小,且须在专业监督下。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Listed as toxic in the classical sources. Overdose has been reported to produce neurological and cardiovascular symptoms, and a centipede bite from the living animal is itself painful and medically significant. Allergy to arthropod proteins is a real risk. Classically contraindicated in pregnancy. This is never a self-care item.

传统本草列为有毒。过量有引起神经与心血管症状的报道;活体蜈蚣咬伤本身剧痛且需要处理。对节肢动物蛋白过敏是真实风险。传统列为孕妇禁用。绝不是可自行使用的药材。

温化寒痰药(有毒) · Warm phlegm-transforming; classically toxic

Giant Typhonium Rhizome bái fù zǐ · 白附子

Typhonium giganteum

Nature and flavour. Pungent, sweet; warm; listed as toxic in the classical materia medica; Stomach and Liver systems.

Used in the classical literature for wind-phlegm, facial deviation, spasm and for nodules and snake bite. Only the processed form is used internally; the raw tuber is not.

性味归经。辛、甘,温;传统本草列为有毒;归胃、肝经。

传统用于风痰、口眼歪斜、痉挛以及瘰疬、毒蛇咬伤。内服只用炮制品,生品不内服。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two confusions matter here. First, 白附子 is NOT 附子 (Aconitum carmichaeli, the aconite) — the names are one character apart and the drugs are unrelated, and this confusion has caused aconite poisoning. Second, the separate drug 关白附 IS an aconite species and should not be treated as the same thing. Being an arum (Araceae), the raw tuber contains needle-sharp calcium oxalate raphides and causes immediate burning and swelling of the mouth and throat. Classically contraindicated in pregnancy. Never a self-care item.

两处混淆必须说清。其一,白附子不是附子(乌头子根)—— 两者只差一字、来源无关,这一混淆曾造成乌头中毒。其二,「关白附」实为乌头属另一种,不应等同。本品属天南星科,生品含草酸钙针晶,可立刻引起口舌咽喉灼痛肿胀。传统列为孕妇禁用。绝不是可自行使用的药材。

温化寒痰药(有小毒) · Warm phlegm-transforming; classically listed as slightly toxic

Chinese Honeylocust Fruit zào jiá · 皂荚

Gleditsia sinensis

Nature and flavour. Pungent, salty; warm; listed as slightly toxic in the classical materia medica; Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Described classically for stubborn phlegm that will not clear, for sudden loss of consciousness with phlegm, and for sores. The powdered fruit is a strong irritant and is the reason the drug is handled with care rather than treated as a mild herb.

性味归经。辛、咸,温;传统本草列为有小毒;归肺、大肠经。

传统记载用于顽痰不化、痰壅神昏以及疮疡。其粉末刺激性很强,正因如此须谨慎对待,不能当成平和之品。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The saponins in the fruit are strong mucosal irritants: the powder provokes violent sneezing and can cause vomiting, and it must not be inhaled. The thorn of the same tree, 皂角刺, is a different drug with a different traditional use and is not interchangeable. Classically contraindicated in pregnancy and in people with bleeding or weak digestion. Not a self-care item.

果实所含皂苷对黏膜刺激性强:粉末可引发剧烈喷嚏与呕吐,且不可吸入。同树的棘刺为「皂角刺」,是另一味药,传统用途不同,不可互相替代。传统列为孕妇及有出血或脾胃虚弱者禁用。不属于可自行使用的药材。

外用药(大毒) · External-use drug; classically listed as strongly toxic

Blister Beetle bān máo · 斑蝥

Mylabris phalerata / Mylabris cichorii

Nature and flavour. Pungent; hot; listed as strongly toxic in the classical materia medica; Liver, Stomach and Kidney systems.

A blister beetle used in the classical literature almost entirely from the outside, for drawing out sores and for breaking up fixed masses. Its traditional internal use exists in the literature but is exceptional and is not something this entry describes as a practice to follow.

性味归经。辛,热;传统本草列为大毒;归肝、胃、肾经。

芫菁科昆虫,传统文献几乎全作外用,用于蚀疮、破癥散结。文献中也存在内服记载,但属极特殊的例外,本条目不将其描述为可循的做法。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is the most dangerous drug listed on this site. The beetle contains cantharidin, a blistering agent that is toxic in very small amounts: internal exposure has caused burning of the mouth and gut, vomiting of blood, kidney failure, shock and death, and deaths are documented from its misuse as an alleged aphrodisiac ('Spanish fly'). Applied to skin it deliberately raises blisters and can cause deep ulceration. It is a restricted or prohibited substance in many jurisdictions. Do not handle, do not taste, do not take internally, keep away from children and animals — nothing on this page is a basis for any use of it.

这是本站收录的最危险的一味药。虫体含斑蝥素,是发泡剂,极小量即可中毒:内服曾造成口腔与消化道灼伤、呕血、肾功能衰竭、休克与死亡;因误信其「催情」作用(俗称 Spanish fly)而致死的案例有明确记载。外用于皮肤会刻意发泡,并可造成深度溃疡。多地对其实行限制或禁用。不要徒手接触、不要品尝、绝不可内服,远离儿童与动物 —— 本页任何内容都不构成使用该药的依据。

平肝息风药(有小毒) · Liver-wind calming; listed as slightly toxic

Puncture Vine Fruit (Tribulus) bái jí lí · 白蒺藜

Tribulus terrestris L. (fruit)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, bitter, slightly warm; listed as slightly toxic in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia; Liver system.

The fruit is classed as calming the Liver and anchoring yang, as decongesting and course-opening the Liver (疏肝), as dispelling wind and brightening the eyes, and as stopping itch. It appears in the classical literature for headache and dizziness of the rising-Liver-yang type, for constrained Liver qi with chest and flank fullness, for red painful eyes with tearing, and for wind-related skin itch. It is worth noting how it differs from the rest of this batch: it is a plant fruit with a moving, dispersing character, not a heavy mineral or shell that anchors by weight.

性味归经。辛、苦,微温;药典载有小毒;归肝经。

果实入药,归类为平肝潜阳、疏肝解郁、祛风明目、止痒。传统文献用于肝阳上亢之头痛眩晕、肝气郁结之胸胁不舒、目赤多泪以及风邪所致皮肤瘙痒。它与本批其余各味的区别值得点明:它是植物果实,具行散之性,不是靠质重沉降的矿物或贝壳。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The Pharmacopoeia lists it as slightly toxic, and the classical sources advise against it in pregnancy and where qi and blood are vacuous. Two modern points are worth stating plainly. First, Tribulus terrestris is sold worldwide as a sports and testosterone supplement, and the marketing around it goes well beyond what the clinical evidence supports; reports of kidney and liver injury exist in people taking such products, though a causal link has not been established. Second, animal and laboratory data suggest effects on blood pressure, blood glucose and bleeding — which is a reason for caution alongside antihypertensive, antidiabetic and anticoagulant medication, not a reason for confidence. Not a self-care item.

药典载其有小毒,传统文献提示孕妇及气血虚弱者不宜。两点现代情况须直说。其一,蒺藜被大量作为运动补剂与「促睾」产品在全球销售,其宣传远远超出临床证据所支持的范围;服用此类产品者中曾见肾损伤与肝损伤的报告,但因果关系并未确立。其二,动物与实验室研究提示其可能影响血压、血糖与凝血 —— 这构成与降压药、降糖药、抗凝药同用时的谨慎理由,而不是可以放心的理由。不属于可自行使用的药材。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming

Dogbane Leaf (Apocynum) luó bù má yè · 罗布麻叶

Apocynum venetum L. (leaf)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter; cool; Liver system.

The leaf is the drug, not the whole plant. It is classed as calming the Liver and quieting the spirit and as clearing heat and promoting urination, and it appears in the Chinese literature for dizziness and palpitations of the rising-Liver-yang type, for insomnia, and for oedema. It is also sold as a blood-pressure tea, and that is a claim this site does not repeat.

性味归经。甘、苦,凉;归肝经。

入药的是叶,不是全草。归类为平肝安神、清热利水,中文文献用于肝阳上亢之眩晕心悸、失眠以及水肿。它也被当作降压茶饮销售,此类宣称本站不予转述。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two cautions. The pharmacologically important one: the leaf is documented to contain cardiac-glycoside-type constituents and to have digitalis-like activity, so combining it with digoxin or other cardiac glycosides, or with diuretics that lower potassium, is a real concern rather than a theoretical one — low potassium increases glycoside toxicity. The second: it is traditionally described as slightly toxic, and the tradition itself cautions against it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak and in pregnancy. Human safety data in breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use, and never a substitute for prescribed blood-pressure treatment: stopping prescribed medication because an herb tea is being taken is a well-recognised way to come to harm.

两点提示。第一点属药理层面:文献记载其叶含强心苷类成分并具有洋地黄样作用,因此与地高辛等强心苷类药物合用、或与可降低血钾的利尿剂合用,是实际存在的风险而非理论上的顾虑 —— 低钾会加重强心苷毒性。第二点:传统载其有小毒,并提示脾胃虚寒者及孕妇不宜。哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用,更不能替代医嘱的降压治疗:因为喝了草药茶就停掉处方药,是明确已知的致害途径。

平肝息风药 · Liver-wind calming

Cowrie Shell zǐ bèi chǐ · 紫贝齿

Concha Mauritiae (shell of Mauritia arabica and related Cypraeidae)

Nature and flavour. Salty; neutral; Liver system.

A marine shell grouped with the Liver-calming and yang-anchoring drugs: traditionally described as calming the Liver and anchoring yang, as settling fright and quieting the spirit, and as clearing the Liver and brightening the eyes. It is used for the same rising-yang presentations as 石决明 — headache, dizziness, tinnitus — and, like 珍珠母, the traditional sources also record the fright-settling and spirit-calming action for it.

性味归经。咸,平;归肝经。

海产贝壳,归入平肝潜阳一类:传统认为平肝潜阳、镇惊安神、清肝明目。用于与石决明相同的肝阳上亢之证 —— 头痛、眩晕、耳鸣;与珍珠母一样,古典文献另载其镇惊安神之用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. It is a wild-collected marine shell, and two things follow from that: sourcing and legality should be traceable, and shells concentrate heavy metals from the water they live in, so supplier testing matters here exactly as it does for 牡蛎 and 珍珠母. As with the other shell drugs, traditional practice requires it to be broken up and decocted first, and the tradition itself does not use it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold and weak. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use.

它是采自野生的海贝,两点由此成立:来源与合法性须可追溯;贝壳会在其生长水域中富集重金属,因此供货方的检测与牡蛎、珍珠母同样重要。与其它贝壳类药材一样,传统用法要求打碎先煎;脾胃虚寒者传统不用。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

平肝息风药(矿物药) · Liver-wind calming; mineral drug

Hematite (Red Ochre) dài zhě shí · 代赭石

Haematitum (haematite, mainly Fe2O3)

Nature and flavour. Bitter; cold; Liver, Heart (some texts: Liver and Stomach) systems.

An iron ore classed as calming the Liver and anchoring yang, and additionally as directing counterflow downward and as cooling the blood to stop bleeding. It appears in the classical literature for headache and dizziness of the rising-Liver-yang type, for rebellious qi with belching, nausea and vomiting, for breathlessness, and for bleeding attributed to blood heat. The downward-directing action is what separates it from 磁石 and 紫石英 in this batch.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肝、心经(部分文献作肝、胃经)。

铁矿类药材,归类为平肝潜阳,兼能重镇降逆、凉血止血。传统文献用于肝阳上亢之头痛眩晕、胃气上逆之嗳气恶心呕吐、气喘以及血热所致出血。「降逆」这一作用正是它与本批中磁石、紫石英的分野。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Read this first: it is a natural iron ore, and natural ores of this kind are routinely accompanied by arsenic, lead and other heavy metals — which is why mineral drugs require assay and why the Pharmacopoeia sets limits for them. Long or heavy intake is also an iron load, which matters for anyone with haemochromatosis or another iron-overload state. The tradition itself treats it as contraindicated in pregnancy and cautious in cold, weak digestion, on the grounds that it is heavy and cold. Human safety data in breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use. One more thing: 代赭石 is not 磁石 and not 朱砂 — confusing mineral drugs with one another is a documented route to poisoning.

请先读这一段:它是天然铁矿石,而此类天然矿石几乎总伴生砷、铅等重金属 —— 这正是矿物药必须检验、药典对其设限的原因。长期或大量服用也是一笔铁负荷,对血色病或其它铁过载状态的人尤其相关。传统本身以其质重性寒,列为孕妇禁用、脾胃虚寒者慎用。哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。另须注意:代赭石不是磁石,也不是朱砂 —— 把矿物药彼此混淆是中毒的一条已知途径。

安神药(矿物药) · Spirit-calming; mineral drug

Fluorite (Purple Fluor Spar) zǐ shí yīng · 紫石英

Fluoritum (fluorite, mainly CaF2)

Nature and flavour. Sweet; warm; Heart, Lung and Kidney systems.

A mineral classed as calming the spirit by weight, and unusual among the spirit-calming minerals in being warm: traditionally described as settling the spirit, warming the Lung and calming breathlessness, and warming the womb. It appears in the classical literature for palpitations and fright, for breathlessness of the cold type, and for the "cold womb" infertility presentation of the classical texts. Its warmth is the reason it is not interchangeable with the cold, heavy tranquilising minerals.

性味归经。甘,温;归心、肺、肾经。

矿物药,归类为重镇安神;在重镇安神药中是少见的温性者:传统认为镇心安神、温肺平喘、暖宫。古典文献用于心悸惊痫、虚寒喘咳以及「宫冷不孕」之证。其温性正是它不能与同类中寒凉质重之品互相替代的原因。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The decisive point is its composition: 紫石英 is fluorite, calcium fluoride, and fluoride in excess is a well-characterised poison — chronic excessive intake causes dental and skeletal fluorosis. That is a modern toxicological fact rather than a traditional opinion, and it is why this entry does not present the drug as a long-term tonic. Do not confuse it with quartz: 紫石英 is fluorite, 白石英 is quartz (silicon dioxide), and the two are different drugs with different traditional actions. As with all mineral drugs, arsenic and heavy-metal content depends on the source and requires assay. The classical and modern texts disagree about use in pregnancy, and where the sources disagree this site does not recommend a mineral drug in pregnancy. Human safety data in breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use.

关键在其成分:紫石英即萤石,主含氟化钙,而氟过量是明确的毒物 —— 长期摄入过多可致氟斑牙与氟骨症。这是现代毒理学的事实,不是传统看法,也正因如此本条目不把它当作可长期服用的补益品。不要与石英混淆:紫石英是萤石(氟化钙),白石英是石英(二氧化硅),二者是不同药材、传统功用也不同。与所有矿物药一样,砷与重金属含量取决于产地,必须检验。古典与现代文献对孕期使用的说法不一致;文献存在分歧时,本站不主张在孕期使用矿物药。哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

安神药 · Spirit-calming

Amber (Fossil Resin) hǔ pò · 琥珀

Succinum (fossilised tree resin)

Nature and flavour. Sweet; neutral; Heart, Liver and Bladder systems.

A fossilised tree resin classed as calming the spirit and settling fright, and additionally as quickening the blood and dispersing stasis and as promoting urination in the strangury (淋) presentations. It appears in the classical literature for fright, palpitations, disturbed sleep and childhood convulsion, for fixed pain and masses, and for difficult or bloody urine. One practical note belongs here rather than in the safety section: in traditional preparation amber is not decocted — it is ground to a powder and taken with the strained decoction of the other herbs.

性味归经。甘,平;归心、肝、膀胱经。

树脂化石,归类为镇惊安神,兼能活血散瘀、利尿通淋。传统文献用于惊悸、心悸、失眠、小儿惊风,固定不移的疼痛与癥瘕,以及小便不利或血淋。一条属于用法而非安全性的说明放在这里:传统上琥珀不入煎剂,须研成细粉,以其它药物的药汁冲服。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The main practical risk with amber is not the drug but the market: amber is widely imitated with copal (a younger resin), with pressed amber fragments and with plastic, and a buyer usually cannot tell them apart by eye — provenance and testing are what decide the question. Because the tradition ascribes blood-quickening and stasis-dispersing actions to it, it is classically contraindicated in pregnancy and used with care where there is bleeding. As a resin it is combustible and should not be put over an open flame. Human safety data in breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use.

琥珀的主要现实风险不在药物本身而在市场:琥珀常被柯巴树脂(年代较新的树脂)、压制琥珀碎料与塑料仿冒,购买者通常无法凭肉眼分辨 —— 能决定真伪的是来源与检测。传统认为其活血散瘀,故列为孕妇禁用,有出血倾向者慎用。作为树脂它可燃,不应置于明火上加热。哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

安神药 · Spirit-calming

Pearl zhēn zhū · 珍珠

Margarita (pearl; mainly calcium carbonate and conchiolin)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, salty; cold; Heart and Liver systems.

The pearl itself, which the materia medica keeps separate from 珍珠母 — the nacreous shell it grows in. It is classed as calming the spirit and settling fright, as brightening the eyes and dispersing nebula, and as resolving toxin and generating flesh, the last of which is the basis for its external and cosmetic use. Classical texts use it for palpitations, fright and convulsion, for eye opacity, and for sores that will not close and ulcers of the mouth. Traditional preparation requires it to be levigated to an extremely fine powder (水飞), and it is not decocted.

性味归经。甘、咸,寒;归心、肝经。

珍珠本身。本草把珍珠与珍珠母(其所附着的贝壳)分为两味。归类为镇惊安神、明目消翳、解毒生肌 —— 最后一项是它外用与美容用途的根据。古典文献用于心悸、惊风、目生翳障以及疮疡不敛、口疮。传统要求水飞研为极细粉,不入煎剂。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two things. First, it is essentially calcium carbonate: it does not dissolve in water, and the calcium load is relevant for anyone with hypercalcaemia, a history of calcium-containing kidney stones or impaired kidney function, and for anyone already taking calcium or vitamin D supplements. Second, cultured pearls are grown in water and molluscs concentrate heavy metals from it, so the same sourcing and assay point that applies to 珍珠母 and 牡蛎 applies here — pearl powder of unknown origin is not a product this site would vouch for. Cosmetic use on intact skin is the least demanding use; ingestion is a different matter. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed internal use.

两点。其一,它本质是碳酸钙:不溶于水,其钙负荷对高钙血症、含钙肾结石史或肾功能受损的人相关,对已在服用钙剂或维生素 D 的人同样相关。其二,养殖珍珠在水中长成,贝类会富集水中的重金属,因此适用于珍珠母、牡蛎的「来源与检验」问题在此同样成立 —— 来源不明的珍珠粉是本站不会背书的产品。外用于完整皮肤是要求最低的用法,内服则是另一回事。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行内服。

安神药(矿物药) · Spirit-calming; mineral drug

Magnetite (Loadstone) cí shí · 磁石

Magnetitum (magnetite, mainly Fe3O4)

Nature and flavour. Salty; cold; Liver, Heart and Kidney systems.

An iron ore classed as calming the spirit and settling fright, and additionally as calming the Liver and anchoring yang, as brightening the eyes and sharpening hearing, and as grasping the qi to calm breathlessness. It appears in the classical literature for fright, palpitations and disturbed sleep, for dizziness and tinnitus of the rising-Liver-yang type, for failing vision and hearing, and for breathlessness of the kidney-deficiency type. Traditional preparation requires it to be calcined (煅) and decocted first.

性味归经。咸,寒;归肝、心、肾经。

铁矿类药材,归类为镇惊安神,兼能平肝潜阳、聪耳明目、纳气平喘。传统文献用于惊悸、心悸、失眠,肝阳上亢之眩晕耳鸣,视听减退,以及肾虚之喘促。传统用法要求煅后先煎。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. As with 代赭石 and every mineral drug, the source determines the contamination: arsenic, lead and other heavy metals occur in natural ores, so assay is not optional. It is also an iron load, which matters in haemochromatosis and other iron-overload states. The tradition treats it as cautious where digestion is weak and does not use it where the Spleen and Stomach are cold. One modern warning is worth adding because it is specific and it is not in the classical texts: swallowed magnets are a recognised paediatric emergency — two or more magnets attract through loops of bowel and can cause fistula, perforation and death. Mineral specimens and magnetic beads must be kept away from children. Human safety data in pregnancy and breastfeeding are insufficient. Not for self-directed use.

与代赭石及所有矿物药一样,污染取决于产地:天然矿石中伴生砷、铅等重金属,检验不是可选项。它同时也是一笔铁负荷,对血色病与其它铁过载状态相关。传统认为脾胃虚弱者慎用、脾胃虚寒者不用。这里另需补充一条古典文献所无、但很具体的现代警告:吞入磁体是公认的儿科急症 —— 两枚以上磁体隔着肠壁相吸,可造成瘘管、穿孔与死亡。矿物标本与磁珠必须远离儿童。妊娠期与哺乳期的人体安全性数据不足。不得自行使用。

活血止痛药 · Blood-moving

Curcuma Root Tuber yù jīn · 郁金

Curcuma wenyujin / C. longa / C. kwangsiensis (Curcumae Radix)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter and cold; Liver, Heart and Lung systems.

Traditionally described for moving blood to relieve pain, moving qi to ease constraint, cooling the blood and clearing the heart, and in classical texts for the jaundice-and-gallbladder presentations. Recorded for chest and flank oppression, for irritability and clouded awareness attributed to heat at the blood level, and by later writers for the 'stone' and damp-heat pictures of the gallbladder.

性味归经。辛、苦,寒;归肝、心、肺经。

传统记载用于活血止痛、行气解郁、凉血清心、利胆退黄;古籍多用于胸胁胀闷、心烦神昏属血分有热者,后世并用于湿热黄疸与胆石一类证候。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Move-blood drugs are avoided in pregnancy. Classically listed as incompatible with clove (丁香) in the 'nineteen incompatibilities'; whether that reflects a real interaction is not established. Not advisable for people with a bleeding tendency or anyone taking anticoagulants, and it should not be combined with prescription medicine without professional advice — a practitioner who tells you to stop a prescribed medicine is a warning sign. Note also that several different Curcuma species are traded under this name depending on region, so the common name alone does not guarantee identity.

活血药孕期慎用。传统『十九畏』记载丁香与郁金相畏,其是否为真实相互作用未被证实。有出血倾向或正在服用抗凝药物者不宜使用;不应在与处方药同用的问题上自行决定 —— 执业者若让你停用处方药,这是警示信号。另需注意各地所用郁金的来源植物不完全一致,仅凭品名不足以保证品种。

活血止痛药 · Blood-moving

Turmeric Rhizome jiāng huáng · 姜黄

Curcuma longa (Curcumae Longae Rhizoma)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter and warm; Liver and Spleen systems.

The same plant that supplies the everyday kitchen spice, and separately a classical drug for moving blood and qi to ease pain. Classical sources record it for stabbing chest and flank pain, for amenorrhoea attributed to blood stasis, for painful menstruation, and for wind-damp pain of the shoulder and arm; it is also applied externally in classical practice to swellings and sprains.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归肝、脾经。

即日常食用姜黄的同一植物来源,同时又是传统的活血行气止痛药。古籍记载用于胸胁刺痛、血滞经闭、痛经,以及风湿肩臂疼痛;亦有外用于肿痛与扭伤的传统记载。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Avoid in pregnancy. Not advisable with bile-duct obstruction or gallstones without a medical assessment first. Rare but genuine reports exist of liver injury from concentrated curcumin supplements — this page does not claim culinary turmeric carries the same risk, and the two are not interchangeable because the supplement is a concentrated extract, not the spice. Curcumin is known to affect anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicine, and the interaction picture is not fully mapped, so combining them unsupervised is not advisable.

孕妇慎用。胆管阻塞或胆结石者应先经医学评估再决定。浓缩姜黄素补充剂有肝损伤的不良报告(罕见但属实);本页面不断言日常食用姜黄具有相同风险,二者也不可互相替代,因为补充剂是浓缩提取物而非香料本身。姜黄素已知会影响抗凝与抗血小板药物,相互作用尚未被完全厘清,不宜在无人指导下同用。

活血止痛药 · Blood-moving

Flying Squirrel Faeces wǔ líng zhī · 五灵脂

Trogopterus xanthipes (Trogopteri Faeces)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, salty and warm; Liver system.

Classically described for moving blood to relieve pain and for transforming stasis while stopping bleeding. Recorded for cold-type pain in the chest and abdomen, for traumatic injury and swellings, and for bleeding attributed to stasis rather than to heat — the classical reasoning being that stasis itself can be the reason bleeding will not settle.

性味归经。苦、咸,温;归肝经。

传统记载用于活血止痛、化瘀止血;古籍用于心腹冷痛、跌打损伤肿痛,以及属于瘀阻而非血热所致的出血 —— 传统立论是瘀血不去则出血不止。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Read this first: the drug is dried animal faeces. That fact makes source control and hygiene a live concern rather than a footnote, and availability and legality vary between jurisdictions because some regulators restrict animal-derived drugs of this kind — this page makes no recommendation either way, and only records what classical sources say. Avoid in pregnancy. Patterns of blood deficiency without stasis are classically unsuitable. Listed as incompatible with ginseng (人参) in the 'nineteen incompatibilities'; whether that reflects a real interaction is not established.

先说明性质:这是干燥动物粪便。仅此一点就使来源与卫生成为现实问题而非附注;部分地区对此类动物源药材有限制,可获得性与合法性因地而异 —— 本页不作推荐,只记录古籍所载。孕妇慎用。血虚而无瘀滞者传统认为不宜。传统『十九畏』记载人参畏五灵脂,是否为真实相互作用未被证实。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Dalbergia Heartwood jiàng xiāng · 降香

Dalbergia odorifera (Dalbergiae Odoriferae Lignum)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and warm; Liver and Spleen systems.

Traditionally described for transforming stasis and stopping bleeding, and for moving qi to ease pain. Recorded for blood in the vomit, nosebleed and bleeding from traumatic injury, and for oppressive pain in the chest and flank; the powdered wood is also applied directly to wounded surfaces in classical external practice.

性味归经。辛,温;归肝、脾经。

传统记载用于化瘀止血、理气止痛;古籍用于吐血、衄血、外伤出血,以及胸胁疼痛;亦有研末直接撒敷创面的传统外用记载。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bleeding of any kind should be medically assessed first, and using this is not a reason to delay that assessment. Classically avoided where there is yin deficiency with heat, or a full pulse together with constipation. Not advisable in pregnancy without professional guidance. One identification caution: the same name is also used in the timber and incense trades, this entry refers only to the medicinal material, and the two are not interchangeable.

任何出血都应先经医学评估,使用本药不构成延误就诊的理由。传统认为阴虚火旺、或脉实而便秘者不宜。孕期不应在无专业指导下自行使用。一条辨识提醒:同名之物也流通于木材与香料市场,本条所指仅为药用部分,二者不可混同。

止血药 · Hemostatic

Agrimonia Herb xiān hè cǎo · 仙鹤草

Agrimonia pilosa (Agrimoniae Herba)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, astringent and neutral; Heart and Liver systems.

The standard astringent among the classical haemostatics. Traditionally described for blood in the cough, vomit or stool, nosebleed and heavy uterine bleeding; also recorded for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, and for the worn-out state classical texts call 'tuo li lao shang' (脱力劳伤). Older sources additionally name it for malaria-type fevers.

性味归经。苦、涩,平;归心、肝经。

收敛止血的代表性传统药物。古籍记载用于咯血、吐血、便血、衄血、崩漏;亦用于久泻久痢,以及古称『脱力劳伤』的疲乏虚损状态。较早文献并记载用于疟类寒热。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Any bleeding needs medical assessment first, and unexplained or heavy bleeding in particular is not a self-management matter — this page deliberately makes no claim about what it can do for you. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Its interaction with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicine has not been adequately studied, so combining them without supervision is not advisable. The classical antimalarial record is a historical claim found in old texts, not evidence establishing effectiveness.

任何出血都应先经医学评估,不明原因或大量出血尤其不应自行处理 —— 本页刻意不宣称它对你能有什么效果。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。与抗凝、抗血小板药物的相互作用未被充分研究,不宜在无人指导下同用。古籍记载的『截疟』属于文献中的历史主张,不是已确立有效的证据。

补气药(补气养阴) · Qi-tonifying

American Ginseng xī yáng shēn · 西洋参

Panax quinquefolius (Panacis Quinquefolii Radix)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly bitter and cool; Heart, Lung and Kidney systems.

The cooling counterpart to Asian ginseng. Traditionally used where qi is depleted at the same time as fluids are dry or a low-grade heat is present; the classical summary is that it tonifies qi and nourishes yin, clears fire and generates fluid (补气养阴、清火生津). It is the North American species of Panax and entered Chinese practice as an import — its first clear entry in a Chinese materia medica is usually attributed to Ben Cao Cong Xin (本草从新, 1757). It is used as a food-grade ingredient in soups and teas in both North America and China.

性味归经。甘、微苦,凉;归心、肺、肾经。

与人参相对而偏凉的一味补气药。传统用于气虚而兼阴亏、口干或有虚火者,古典概括为『补气养阴、清火生津』。它是人参属的美洲种,以输入的身份进入中国用药体系 —— 其在中文本草中的明确收载通常被认为始于《本草从新》(1757)。在北美与中国均作汤饮、茶饮的食材级材料使用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Not interchangeable with Asian ginseng (Panax ginseng): different species, a different temperature class in traditional terms, and the two are frequently substituted for each other in trade. Ginseng species can lower blood glucose, so anyone using insulin or oral diabetes medicine needs medical supervision; an interaction with warfarin (a fall in INR) has been reported, so combining it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicine without supervision is not advisable. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Insomnia, headache and digestive upset are reported. Wild American ginseng is listed in CITES Appendix II and its export is regulated — buy only from a source that can state its origin. Product testing has repeatedly found goods sold as American ginseng that contained other species, or no Panax at all. This page makes no claim about what it can do for you.

与亚洲人参(Panax ginseng)不可互替:物种不同、传统寒温归类不同,而市场上二者互相冒充极为常见。人参属可降低血糖,使用胰岛素或口服降糖药者须在医生指导下使用;与华法林的相互作用(INR 下降)有文献报告,不宜在无医疗监护下同用抗凝或抗血小板药。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。失眠、头痛与胃肠不适有报告。野生西洋参列入 CITES 附录 II,出口受管制 —— 只从能说明来源的商家购买。已有多次产品检测发现标示西洋参的货物含其他物种、甚至完全不含人参属成分。本页不宣称它对你能有什么效果。

补气药(清补) · Qi-tonifying

Pseudostellaria Root tài zǐ shēn · 太子参

Pseudostellaria heterophylla (Pseudostellariae Radix)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly bitter and neutral; Spleen and Lung systems.

A mild, non-cloying qi tonic. Traditionally used where Spleen and Lung qi is weak but a stronger tonic is not tolerated — after illness, in the elderly, and in children, which is why it also carries the name 孩儿参 (child's shen). Despite the shen in its name it is not a Panax: Pseudostellaria belongs to the family Caryophyllaceae, and it should not be assumed to share ginseng's pharmacology or the interactions documented for ginseng.

性味归经。甘、微苦,平;归脾、肺经。

一味平和、不腻的补气药。传统用于脾肺气虚而不能耐受峻补者 —— 病后、老年与小儿,故又有『孩儿参』之名。虽名中带『参』,它并非人参属:孩儿参属属石竹科,不应假定它具有人参的药理,或人参已被记载的那些相互作用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Documented human data are limited: most of what is written about it comes from traditional literature rather than clinical trials, and no benefit is claimed on this page. Mild digestive discomfort is reported. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. The root is small and unremarkable in appearance, so substitution and admixture with other small roots occurs — reliable identification of the source matters more than how it looks. It is not a substitute for emergency care, and prescribed medicine should not be stopped or replaced with it.

人体研究资料有限:关于它的记述多来自传统文献而非临床试验,本页不宣称任何获益。有轻度胃肠不适的报告。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。该药材个头小、外观不显眼,被其他小根冒充或掺入的情况确有发生 —— 来源与鉴定比外观更重要。它不能替代急救处理,也不应以此停用或替换处方药。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Purple Aster Root zǐ wǎn · 紫菀

Aster tataricus (Asteris Radix et Rhizoma)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter and warm; Lung system.

Traditionally classed as moistening the Lung and directing Qi downward, and as dissolving phlegm and stopping cough. Recorded for cough with copious phlegm, for chronic cough that will not settle, and for congested, wheezy breathing; classical sources also record it for cough with blood. It is classically paired with coltsfoot flower (款冬花), the two being described as mutually reinforcing.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;归肺经。

传统归类为润肺下气、化痰止咳。古籍用于痰多咳嗽、久咳不止、气逆喘促,并记载用于咳嗽带血。传统认为与款冬花相须为用,二者常相配。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A chronic cough needs a diagnosis before it is treated, and cough with blood in particular is a matter for medical assessment rather than self-management. Some Aster species are known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, a class of compounds associated with liver injury in other herbs; whether material traded under this name carries a meaningful risk has not been established, and that uncertainty is a reason not to use it long-term or without professional guidance. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

久咳应先诊明原因再用,咳嗽带血尤须就医评估而非自行处理。紫菀属部分植物已知含吡咯里西啶类生物碱,该类成分在其他药材中与肝损伤相关;本名下流通的药材是否具有实质风险尚未确立,因而不宜长期服用或在无人指导下使用。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Coltsfoot Flower Bud kuǎn dōng huā · 款冬花

Tussilago farfara (Farfarae Flos)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, slightly bitter and warm; Lung system.

Traditionally classed as moistening the Lung and directing Qi downward, and as dissolving phlegm and stopping cough. The drug is the unopened flower bud. Recorded for cough and congested breathing of many causes, for chronic and 'consumptive' cough, and for cough with blood. It is classically paired with aster root (紫菀).

性味归经。辛、微苦,温;归肺经。

传统归类为润肺下气、止咳化痰。药用部分为未开放的花蕾。古籍记载用于多种咳嗽与气逆喘促、久咳劳嗽,以及咳嗽带血,常与紫菀相须为用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Read this first: coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, including senkirkine and tussilagine — a class of compounds known to cause liver injury and to be carcinogenic in animal studies. Whether a given batch has been processed or bred to remove them varies by supplier and jurisdiction, and the label will not tell you. Avoid entirely in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and do not give it to children. Do not use it long-term. Where preparations certified as pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-free are sold, that certification, not the herb name, is the thing to check. Cough with blood needs medical assessment.

先说明:款冬花天然含吡咯里西啶类生物碱(含 senkirkine、tussilagine 等),该类成分在动物实验中显示肝毒性与致癌性。市售批次是否经处理或选育以去除该类成分,因供应方与地区而异,标签不会说明。孕期与哺乳期禁用,不应给儿童使用,不宜长期服用。部分市场有认证「不含吡咯里西啶生物碱」的制品 —— 要看的是该认证,而不是药名。咳嗽带血须先就医评估。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Mulberry Root Bark sāng bái pí · 桑白皮

Morus alba (Mori Cortex)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and cold; Lung system.

Traditionally classed as draining the Lung and calming wheezing, and as promoting urination to reduce swelling. Recorded for hot-type cough and panting with phlegm and heat in the Lung, and for oedema with reduced urine. Classical sources also name it for the thirst of 'wasting' presentations.

性味归经。甘,寒;归肺经。

传统归类为泻肺平喘、利水消肿。古籍用于肺热喘咳、痰热壅肺,以及水肿、小便不利;亦有用于消渴口渴的记载。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold — classically unsuitable for cough of the cold type, or for Lung deficiency without heat. Its diuretic action has not been studied alongside prescription diuretics, so combining the two without supervision is not advisable, particularly for anyone with a heart or kidney condition. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Note the material is the root bark: it is not mulberry leaf (桑叶) or mulberry twig (桑枝), both of which are described differently in traditional sources.

性寒,传统认为寒咳与肺虚无热者不宜。其利水作用与处方利尿剂同用的情况未被研究,不宜在无人指导下合用,心、肾疾患者尤须谨慎。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。注意本品为根皮,与桑叶、桑枝并非同一药材,传统记载各有不同。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Lepidium / Descurainia Seed tíng lì zǐ · 葶苈子

Lepidium apetalum and Descurainia sophia (Lepidii Semen / Descurainiae Semen)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter and greatly cold; Lung and Bladder systems.

Traditionally classed as draining the Lung and calming wheezing, and as moving water to reduce swelling. It is a forceful drug: recorded for the picture of phlegm and fluid flooding the Lung with breathing so obstructed that the person cannot lie flat, and for fluid accumulation in the chest and abdomen with reduced urine.

性味归经。辛、苦,大寒;归肺、膀胱经。

传统归类为泻肺平喘、行水消肿。药力峻烈:古籍用于痰涎壅肺、喘咳不得卧,以及胸腹积水、小便不利。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Forceful, and classically not used in weak or deficient people or continued long-term. Laboratory studies have reported cardiotonic activity; that is a laboratory finding, not an established clinical benefit, and it is a specific reason not to combine it with heart medicine — particularly digoxin-type drugs — without professional supervision. Its diuretic action has not been studied alongside prescription diuretics. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Two different plants supply this name depending on region, so identity is not guaranteed by the label.

药力峻烈,传统认为虚人慎用、不宜久服。实验室研究报道其有强心活性;这属于实验发现而非已确立的临床获益,也正是它与心脏类药物(尤其洋地黄类)不宜在无人指导下同用的具体理由。其利水作用与处方利尿剂同用情况未被研究。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。各地所用来源植物有两种,仅凭品名不足以保证品种。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Loquat Leaf pí pá yè · 枇杷叶

Eriobotrya japonica (Eriobotryae Folium)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and slightly cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

Traditionally classed as clearing the Lung and stopping cough, and as directing rebellious Qi downward to settle nausea. Recorded for hot-type cough with congested breathing, and for nausea and vomiting attributed to stomach heat with thirst and restlessness. Classical preparation requires brushing off the fine down on the underside of the leaf, because leaving it on is said to irritate the throat and provoke cough.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归肺、胃经。

传统归类为清肺止咳、降逆止呕。古籍用于肺热咳嗽、气逆喘急,以及胃热口渴、烦热所致的恶心呕吐。传统炮制要求刷去叶背绒毛,认为不去毛反致咽喉刺激而加重咳嗽。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold — classically unsuitable for wind-cold cough or for cold-type vomiting. The preparation point is practical rather than formal: the down on the leaf underside is mechanically irritating. Loquat seeds are known to contain cyanogenic glycosides; whether leaf material as traditionally prepared carries a comparable risk has not been established, and this page does not claim it is risk-free. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. The leaf should not be confused with loquat syrups sold as food products, which are not the same thing.

微寒,传统认为风寒咳嗽与胃寒呕吐者不宜。「刷毛」是实际要求而非形式:叶背绒毛确有机械刺激性。枇杷**核**已知含氰苷类成分;经传统炮制的叶材是否具有相当风险尚未确立,本页不断言其无风险。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。本品与市售枇杷膏类食品不是同一物。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Ginkgo Seed bái guǒ · 白果

Ginkgo biloba (Ginkgo Semen)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter and astringent, neutral; toxic; Lung and Kidney systems.

Traditionally classed as astringing the Lung and settling wheezing, and as stopping discharge and reducing the frequency of urination. Recorded for wheezing and chronic cough with copious phlegm, for white vaginal discharge and cloudy urine, and for enuresis and frequent urination in the classical picture of deficiency with failure to hold.

性味归经。甘、苦、涩,平;有毒;归肺、肾经。

传统归类为敛肺定喘、止带浊、缩小便。古籍用于哮喘痰嗽、带下白浊,以及遗尿、尿频等属于虚而不固的证候。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Read this first: ginkgo seed is toxic, and the poisoning is documented rather than theoretical. It contains ginkgotoxin (4'-O-methylpyridoxine), which interferes with vitamin B6 and has caused seizures, particularly in children eating raw seeds or large amounts; reported cases include deaths. Raw seed is more toxic than cooked, heating reduces but does not remove the risk, and no amount of traditional preparation turns it into a food. Do not give it to children. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Because the toxicity presents as seizures, anyone with epilepsy or taking medicine that lowers the seizure threshold should not use it; its interaction with anticonvulsant and anticoagulant medicine has not been adequately studied. The seed is not ginkgo leaf extract, and safety findings about one do not transfer to the other.

先说明:白果有毒,且中毒是有文献记载的事实而非理论推测。其含银杏毒素(4'-O-methylpyridoxine),干扰维生素 B6,可致惊厥,儿童生食或大量食用尤甚,文献中并有死亡病例报告。生品毒性大于熟制品,加热可降低但不能消除风险,任何传统炮制都不使其成为食品。不应给儿童食用。孕期与哺乳期禁用。鉴于其毒性表现为惊厥,癫痫患者及服用降低惊厥阈值药物者不应使用;与抗癫痫药、抗凝药的相互作用未被充分研究。白果与银杏叶提取物不是同一物,一方的安全性结论不能推及另一方。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Perilla Fruit zǐ sū zǐ · 紫苏子

Perilla frutescens (Perillae Fructus)

Nature and flavour. Acrid and warm; Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Traditionally classed as directing Qi downward and dissolving phlegm, as stopping cough and calming wheezing, and as moistening the intestine to ease constipation. Recorded for cough and panting with congested phlegm and rebellious Qi, and for dry-type constipation; classical sources also note it for the oppressive discomforts of the middle burner attributed to stuck Qi.

性味归经。辛,温;归肺、大肠经。

传统归类为降气化痰、止咳平喘、润肠通便。古籍用于痰壅气逆之咳嗽气喘,以及肠燥便秘;亦有用于中焦气滞不适的记载。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Because it moistens and opens the bowel, it is classically unsuitable where the stool is loose or the Spleen digestion is weak, and it is not the right choice for a long-standing weak cough without phlegm congestion. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. One practical identification note: this entry is the fruit, and it is not interchangeable with perilla leaf (紫苏叶) or perilla stem (紫苏梗), which are described differently — nor with perilla seed oil sold as a food oil, which is a pressed oil rather than the crude drug.

因有润肠通便之性,传统认为便溏、脾虚运化弱者不宜,久咳无痰壅者亦非所宜。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。一条辨识提醒:本条为**果实**,与紫苏叶、紫苏梗传统记载不同、不可互替;也不同于作为食用油出售的紫苏子油 —— 后者是压榨油而非药材本身。

补虚药·补阴 · Tonic (yin-nourishing)

Adenophora Root nán shā shēn · 南沙参

Adenophora stricta and Adenophora tetraphylla (Adenophorae Radix)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and slightly cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

In modern Chinese materia medica this is classed among the yin-nourishing tonics, though its classical description also includes dissolving phlegm — which is why it is listed alongside the cough-and-wheezing drugs. Traditionally described as nourishing yin and clearing the Lung, as dissolving phlegm and augmenting Qi, and as generating fluid to benefit the Stomach. Recorded for dry cough of the yin-deficiency type with scanty, sticky phlegm, for chronic 'consumptive' cough, and for dry mouth and thirst attributed to Stomach yin deficiency.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归肺、胃经。

现代中药学将其归入补阴药,但传统记载同时包括化痰之功,故与止咳平喘药并论。传统表述为养阴清肺、化痰益气、益胃生津。古籍用于阴虚燥咳、痰少而黏、劳嗽久咳,以及胃阴不足之口干口渴。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold and moistening — classically unsuitable for cough of the cold-phlegm type. It is listed among the 'various shen' that classical texts say oppose Veratrum (藜芦), so the two are not combined; whether that reflects a real interaction is not established. The name here is the main caution: 南沙参 is Adenophora root, while 北沙参 is a different plant entirely, the root of Glehnia littoralis. The two are described differently in traditional sources and are not interchangeable, so which one a supplier means should be confirmed before buying — and the bare term '沙参' carries exactly the same ambiguity. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

微寒而润,传统认为寒痰咳嗽者不宜。传统「十八反」将其列入「诸参辛芍叛藜芦」,与藜芦相反、不宜配伍;是否为真实相互作用未被证实。此处的要害在名称:南沙参为桔梗科沙参属的根,北沙参则为伞形科珊瑚菜的根,来源植物完全不同,传统记载亦有差异,不可互替,采购前应确认所指为何 —— 单写「沙参」同样存在这一歧义。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Bamboo Sugar tiān zhú huáng · 天竺黄

Bambusa textilis McClure (Bambusae Concretio Silicea)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and cold; Heart and Liver systems.

Traditionally classed as clearing heat, sweeping phlegm, cooling the Heart and settling fright. The drug is a siliceous concretion that forms inside the culm of certain bamboos and is collected after the culm is cut — it is not a plant organ. Recorded for clouding of the mind with hot phlegm in febrile illness, for stroke with phlegm misting the orifices, and for fright and convulsions in children attributed to phlegm-heat. It is grouped with the phlegm-resolving drugs rather than with the spirit-calming drugs because the classical rationale is that the phlegm is the cause and the agitation follows from it.

性味归经。甘,寒;归心、肝经。

传统归类为清热豁痰、凉心定惊。药用部分是某些竹类茎秆内的分泌液干燥凝块,砍竹后采收,并非植物器官。古籍用于热病痰热蒙蔽清窍、中风痰迷,以及小儿痰热所致惊风、抽搐、夜啼。传统归在化痰药而非安神药,理由是痰为其因、惊为其果。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is a drug for acute, severe presentations in the classical sources, not a household remedy; altered consciousness, stroke-like symptoms and convulsions are emergencies for conventional medical assessment, and no outcome for any of them has been established for this substance. Being cold in nature, it is traditionally avoided where the digestion is weak and cold. Note the naming trap: the characters 竹黄 are also used for a fungus (Shiraia bambusicola) that circulates as a separate article, products are not reliably labelled, and the two are not the same thing. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

古籍所载均为急重证候,并非家用常备之品;意识改变、类中风症状与抽搐均须按急症就医评估,本品对上述任何一种的结局均无确立证据。性寒,脾胃虚寒者传统上忌用。注意同名异物:「竹黄」一名亦指竹黄菌(Shiraia bambusicola),市售品未必标明来源,二者并非一物。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Clam Shell hǎi gé qiào · 海蛤壳

Meretrix meretrix Linnaeus; Cyclina sinensis Gmelin (Meretricis Concha; Cyclinae Concha)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, salty and cold; Lung and Stomach systems.

Traditionally classed as clearing Lung heat and transforming phlegm, softening hardness and dissipating masses, promoting urination, and checking acid. The drug is the shell of marine clams, used raw or calcined. Recorded for thick, hot phlegm with cough and congested breathing, for scrofula and goitre attributed to congealed phlegm-fire, and for epigastric pain with acid regurgitation. The acid-checking use is the one that survives in modern practice, and the calcined form is the one traditionally preferred for it.

性味归经。苦、咸,寒;归肺、胃经。

传统归类为清肺化痰、软坚散结、利尿、制酸。药用部分为海产蛤类的贝壳,有生用与煅用之别。古籍用于肺热痰稠、咳喘气逆,痰火郁结之瘰疬、瘿瘤,以及胃痛泛酸。其中制酸一项在现代临床沿用较多,传统上以煅制品为宜。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A persistent lump in the neck or thyroid area needs a diagnosis before anything is taken for it, and acid regurgitation that is frequent, painful, or accompanied by weight loss or difficulty swallowing needs the same. Shellfish allergy is a real concern: this is shellfish by composition, and calcining does not remove the proteins that drive the reaction. Marine shells concentrate whatever is in the water they grew in, and heavy metal content varies with source and is not stated on the label. Being cold, it is traditionally avoided where the digestion is weak and cold. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

颈部或甲状腺区域的持续肿块应先诊明原因再谈用药;泛酸若频繁、伴疼痛、体重下降或吞咽困难,同样须先就医。贝壳类过敏是现实风险:本品成分即为贝类,煅制并不能去除致敏蛋白。海洋贝壳会富集生长水域中的物质,重金属含量随产地而异,标签不会标明。性寒,脾胃虚寒者传统上忌用。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Ark Shell wǎ léng zǐ · 瓦楞子

Arca subcrenata Lischke; Arca granosa Linnaeus; Arca inflata Reeve (Arcae Concha)

Nature and flavour. Salty and neutral; Lung, Stomach and Liver systems.

Traditionally classed as dispersing phlegm, softening hardness and dissipating masses, as breaking blood stasis, and as checking acid and relieving pain. The drug is the shell of ark clams, with the ridged surface that gives it its name. Recorded for stubborn, long-standing phlegm accumulations, for scrofula and goitre, for palpable abdominal masses, and for epigastric pain with acid regurgitation. The calcined form is traditionally preferred for the acid and pain uses, the raw form for the mass-dispersing uses.

性味归经。咸,平;归肺、胃、肝经。

传统归类为消痰软坚、化瘀散结、制酸止痛。药用部分为蚶科动物的贝壳,壳面有放射状纵肋如瓦垄,故名。古籍用于顽痰积结、瘰疬、瘿瘤、癥瘕痞块,以及胃痛泛酸。传统上煅制品偏于制酸止痛,生品偏于散结消痰。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A palpable abdominal or neck mass requires a diagnosis first; taking a shell for it and waiting is the one clearly wrong move. Shellfish allergy applies here as it does to any shellfish-derived drug, and neither calcining nor prolonged boiling removes the responsible proteins. Marine shells concentrate heavy metals from the water they grew in and content varies by source; the label will not tell you. Safety in pregnancy is not established, and the classical sources treat the blood-breaking action as a reason for caution — that caution is recorded, not proven. Safety in breastfeeding is not established.

腹部或颈部的可触及肿块必须先明确诊断;以贝壳类拖延等待是明确不当之举。贝壳类过敏风险与任何贝类来源药相同,煅制与久煎均不能去除致敏蛋白。海洋贝壳富集生长水域中的重金属,含量随产地而异,标签不会标明。孕期安全性未确立,古籍因其化瘀之性而列为慎用 —— 此为文献记载,并非已被证实。哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Pumice hǎi fú shí · 海浮石

Pumex; also Costazia aculeata Canu et Bassler (Costaziae Os)

Nature and flavour. Salty and cold; Lung and Kidney systems.

Traditionally classed as clearing Lung heat and transforming phlegm, softening hardness and dissipating masses, and promoting urination. Recorded for cough and congested breathing with hot, thick phlegm, for old and stubborn phlegm accumulations, for scrofula and goitre, and for painful or difficult urination. Two quite different materials circulate under this name: volcanic pumice, a light porous rock, and the calcareous skeleton of a marine bryozoan. Classical texts describe both, and modern trade is not consistent about which one is being sold.

性味归经。咸,寒;归肺、肾经。

传统归类为清肺化痰、软坚散结、利尿通淋。古籍用于痰热咳喘、老痰积块、瘰疬、瘿瘤,以及淋证小便涩痛。此名下实有两种不同来源:一为火山岩浆冷凝形成的多孔浮石,一为海洋苔藓动物的钙质骨骼。古籍两者均载,现代商品并不一致标明究竟是何者。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The ambiguity is the safety point, not a footnote: a volcanic rock and an animal skeleton have different impurity profiles, and neither the name nor a typical label will tell you which you have. Mineral and marine products concentrate heavy metals and other contaminants depending on source, and content is not routinely stated. Being cold, it is traditionally avoided where the digestion is weak and cold. Urinary symptoms need assessment rather than self-treatment — blood in the urine, fever, or flank pain in particular. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

同名异物本身就是安全要点而非附注:火山岩与动物骨骼的杂质构成不同,药名与通常标签都不会说明所购为何。矿物与海产来源会依产地富集重金属等杂质,含量一般不标注。性寒,脾胃虚寒者传统上忌用。泌尿系统症状应就医评估而非自行处理,尿血、发热或腰痛尤须如此。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Sterculia Seed pàng dà hǎi · 胖大海

Sterculia lychnophora Hance (Sterculiae Lychnophorae Semen)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and cold; Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Traditionally classed as clearing Lung heat and transforming phlegm, easing the throat and restoring the voice, and moistening the intestine to move stool. The seed swells in water into a large gelatinous mass, which is why it is usually taken as an infusion rather than swallowed whole. Recorded for loss of voice and dry, painful throat with Lung heat, for dry cough with scanty phlegm, and for constipation from dryness; classical sources also record it for headache and red, sore eyes attributed to rising heat.

性味归经。甘,寒;归肺、大肠经。

传统归类为清肺化痰、利咽开音、润肠通便。种子入水膨胀成海绵状胶质团,故通常作浸泡饮服而非整粒吞服。古籍用于肺热所致声音嘶哑、咽喉干痛、干咳少痰,以及肠燥便秘;并记载用于热上攻所致头痛、目赤肿痛。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is the one on this page with a documented pattern of harm: published case reports describe allergic reactions to Sterculia seed, including severe and anaphylactic ones, and reactions have followed ordinary amounts. Anyone with a known allergy to Sterculia or to related Malvaceae plants should not take it. Swelling is the whole point of the drug — a dry seed taken without enough water is a choking hazard, and it should never be swallowed dry. It is laxative in effect; persistent constipation needs assessment, not daily self-dosing. Being cold, it is traditionally avoided where the digestion is weak and cold, and long-term daily use is not advised. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

本页诸药中,此味有明确记载的伤害模式:已发表的病例报告记载了服用胖大海后的过敏反应,含严重反应与过敏性休克,且可见于常规用量。已知对胖大海或近缘锦葵科植物过敏者不应服用。膨胀即其药性所在 —— 干种子未经充分吸水即吞服有梗阻风险,绝不可干吞。本品有通便作用;持续便秘应就医评估,不宜长期自行日服。性寒,脾胃虚寒者传统上忌用,不宜长期每日服用。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Monk Fruit luó hàn guǒ · 罗汉果

Siraitia grosvenorii (Swingle) C. Jeffrey (Siraitiae Fructus)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and cool; Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Traditionally classed as clearing heat and moistening the Lung, easing the throat and restoring the voice, and moistening the intestine to move stool. Recorded for dry cough attributed to Lung heat or dryness, for sore throat and loss of voice, and for constipation from dryness. It is unusual among the drugs on this page in having a second life as a food: the mogrosides that make it intensely sweet are used as a non-sugar sweetener, and monk fruit extract is accepted as a food ingredient in several jurisdictions.

性味归经。甘,凉;归肺、大肠经。

传统归类为清热润肺、利咽开音、润肠通便。古籍用于肺热或肺燥所致干咳、咽喉肿痛与声音嘶哑,以及肠燥便秘。本页诸药中此味较为特殊:它同时是食品 —— 其所含罗汉果甜苷甜度极高,用作非糖甜味剂,其提取物在若干法域已被接受为食品配料。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. As a food sweetener it has a long record of ordinary use, and that record is the strongest safety statement available for it. A 'food' status is not the same as a proven medicinal benefit, however: the traditional uses recorded here are recorded, not demonstrated, and using sweetened monk fruit drinks as a way of managing a persistent cough means delaying a diagnosis. Because it moves the stool, large amounts may cause loose stools. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding at medicinal amounts is not established; the food use is the better-evidenced of the two.

作为食品甜味剂,它有长期日常食用的记录,这也是关于它最有力的安全性陈述。但「食品」身份不等于已证实的药用功效:上述传统用途属文献记载而非已被证实;以罗汉果甜味饮品应对持续咳嗽,意味着推迟诊断。因其润肠,大量服用可致大便溏泄。孕期与哺乳期按药用剂量使用的安全性未确立;两者相较,食品用途的证据更充分。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Seaweed (Sargassum) hǎi zǎo · 海藻

Sargassum pallidum (Turn.) C. Ag.; Sargassum fusiforme (Harv.) Setch. (Sargassum)

Nature and flavour. Salty and cold; Liver, Stomach and Kidney systems.

Traditionally classed as dispersing phlegm while softening hardness and dissipating masses, and as promoting urination to reduce swelling. Recorded for scrofula, for goitre and thyroid enlargement, for painful swollen testicle, and for oedema attributed to retained fluid. It is one half of the classical goitre pair — kelp and sargassum — and the pairing reflects a pre-modern observation that these seaweeds do something to neck swellings, made at a time when iodine was unknown. Classical sources also record an incompatibility with liquorice root; that is a recorded incompatibility in the traditional literature, not a demonstrated interaction.

性味归经。咸,寒;归肝、胃、肾经。

传统归类为消痰软坚散结、利水消肿。古籍用于瘰疬、瘿瘤(甲状腺肿大)、睾丸肿痛,以及痰饮水肿。它是「昆布、海藻」这一治瘿药对中的一味,该配对反映的是前现代对海药与颈部肿大关系的观察,其时尚未知碘。古籍并记载与甘草相反;此为传统文献记载的配伍禁忌,并非已被证实的相互作用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The iodine is the thing to know. Seaweed is a concentrated iodine source, and amounts that are trivial for one person can disturb thyroid function in another — relevant in existing thyroid disease, in people on thyroid medication, before thyroid surgery, and in pregnancy. A thyroid swelling needs a diagnosis and thyroid function tests, not a self-selected seaweed; iodine will change the tests and can change the condition. Seaweed also accumulates arsenic and other elements from seawater. One species traded under this name, hijiki (羊栖菜), has been the subject of advisories against eating it because of its inorganic arsenic content — that advisory is about the food, and it applies here. Being cold, it is traditionally avoided where the digestion is weak and cold. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

要知道的关键是碘。海藻是碘的浓缩来源,对某人无足轻重的量亦可能干扰另一人的甲状腺功能 —— 在已有甲状腺疾病、正在服用甲状腺药物、甲状腺术前及孕期尤须留意。甲状腺肿大应先明确诊断并做甲状腺功能检查,而不是自行选用海藻;碘会改变检查结果,也可能改变病情本身。海藻亦会富集海水中的砷等元素。此名下流通的一个品种羊栖菜(hijiki)曾因无机砷含量被发布不建议食用的提示 —— 该提示针对食品,对本品同样适用。性寒,脾胃虚寒者传统上忌用。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Kelp (Laminaria) kūn bù · 昆布

Laminaria japonica Aresch.; Ecklonia kurome Okam. (Laminariae Thallus; Eckloniae Thallus)

Nature and flavour. Salty and cold; Liver, Stomach and Kidney systems.

Traditionally classed as dispersing phlegm while softening hardness and dissipating masses, and as promoting urination to reduce swelling. Recorded for scrofula, for goitre and thyroid enlargement, for painful swollen testicle, and for oedema. It is the other half of the classical goitre pair with sargassum, and the two are used together so often that the classical sources rarely discuss one without the other. Classical sources also record an incompatibility with liquorice root; that is recorded in the traditional literature, not demonstrated as an interaction.

性味归经。咸,寒;归肝、胃、肾经。

传统归类为消痰软坚散结、利水消肿。古籍用于瘰疬、瘿瘤(甲状腺肿大)、睾丸肿痛及水肿。它与海藻构成治瘿药对的另一半,二者常相须为用,古籍论其一鲜有不涉其二者。古籍并记载与甘草相反;此为传统文献记载,并非已被证实的相互作用。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. As with sargassum, the iodine is the operative fact. Kelp is one of the most concentrated dietary iodine sources there is, and an intake that is harmless for one person can trigger or worsen thyroid dysfunction in another — both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism have been described in relation to high seaweed intake. Anyone with thyroid disease, on thyroid medication, or being investigated for a thyroid swelling should not add kelp on their own; it changes thyroid function tests and can change the course of the disease. Kelp also accumulates arsenic, cadmium and other seawater elements, and content varies by harvest area. A thyroid lump needs a diagnosis first. Being cold, it is traditionally avoided where the digestion is weak and cold. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

与海藻相同,关键事实是碘。昆布是膳食碘最浓缩的来源之一,对一人无害的摄入量,在另一人身上可能诱发或加重甲状腺功能异常 —— 文献已记载高海带摄入与甲状腺功能亢进及减退两方面的关联。已有甲状腺疾病、正在服用甲状腺药物、或因甲状腺肿块就诊者,不应自行加服昆布;它会改变甲状腺功能检查结果,也可能改变病程。昆布亦富集砷、镉等海水元素,含量随采收海域而异。甲状腺肿块须先诊断。性寒,脾胃虚寒者传统上忌用。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Bamboo Sap zhú lì · 竹沥

Phyllostachys nigra (Lodd.) Munro var. henonis (Mitf.) Stapf ex Rendle; Bambusa tuldoides Munro (Bambusae Succus)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and cold; Heart, Lung and Stomach systems.

Traditionally classed as clearing heat and sweeping phlegm, settling fright and opening the orifices. The drug is not a plant part but a liquid: the sap that runs from the culm of certain bamboos when the green stem is heated, collected and used as a juice, usually fresh or as a dried soluble preparation. Recorded for hot, thick phlegm with cough and congested breathing, for phlegm-heat misting the orifices with clouded consciousness, and for fright and convulsions in febrile illness attributed to phlegm-heat. It is grouped with the phlegm-resolving drugs and is the cold counterpart to the warm phlegm-transforming drugs on this page.

性味归经。甘,寒;归心、肺、胃经。

传统归类为清热豁痰、定惊开窍。本品并非植物器官,而是竹类鲜茎加热后沥出的汁液,收集后作液体制剂使用,多为鲜用或制成干膏。古籍用于痰热咳喘、痰稠难咯,痰热蒙蔽清窍之神昏,以及热病痰热所致惊风、抽搐。本品归在化痰药中,是本页温化寒痰药的寒凉对应者。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A liquid collected from a heated stem is not a standardised preparation, and what is sold varies in concentration and in how it was made. The classical indications include clouded consciousness and convulsions; those are emergencies for conventional assessment, and no outcome has been established for this substance in either. Being cold in nature, it is traditionally avoided where the digestion is weak and cold, and in the classical literature it is not used for thin, clear phlegm or for cold presentations. Do not confuse it with 竹茹 (bamboo shavings), a different drug from the same plant with different traditional uses, or with 天竺黄. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

由加热竹茎收集的液汁并非标准化制剂,市售品的浓度与制法差异很大。古籍所载主治包含神昏与抽搐,二者均属须立即就医评估的急症,本品对任何一种的结局均无确立证据。性寒,脾胃虚寒者传统上忌用;古籍亦不用于痰液清稀或属寒之证。注意勿与竹茹混淆 —— 同出一物而入药部位不同,传统用途亦不同;亦不同于天竺黄。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

温化寒痰药(有毒) · Warm phlegm-transforming; classically toxic

Arisaema Rhizome tiān nán xīng · 天南星

Arisaema erubescens (Wall.) Schott; Arisaema heterophyllum Bl.; Arisaema amurense Maxim. (Arisaematis Rhizoma)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and pungent, warm; listed as toxic in the classical materia medica; Lung, Liver and Spleen systems.

Traditionally classed as drying dampness and transforming phlegm, dispelling wind and stopping spasm, and dissipating masses. Only the processed tuber is used internally; the raw tuber is not. Recorded for stubborn cold-phlegm with cough, for wind-phlegm with numbness, facial deviation and convulsion, and for scrofula and swellings. Processing — classically with ginger and alum — is treated as essential rather than optional in the classical sources, and the raw drug appears in external use only. A separate article, 虎掌南星 (Pinellia pedatisecta Schott), circulates as a related but distinct drug.

性味归经。苦、辛,温;传统本草列为有毒;归肺、肝、脾经。

传统归类为燥湿化痰、祛风止痉、散结消肿。内服只用炮制品,生品不内服。古籍用于顽痰寒痰咳嗽、风痰所致麻木、口眼歪斜与痉挛,以及瘰疬、痈肿。传统以姜、矾炮制被视为必需而非可选项,生品仅供外用。另有虎掌南星(Pinellia pedatisecta Schott)作为相近而不同的品种流通。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The raw tuber is the hazard and it is not a mild one. As an arum (Araceae) it contains needle-sharp calcium oxalate raphides together with other irritant constituents; chewing raw arisaema causes immediate intense burning and swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat, and swelling in that space can compromise the airway. It has also caused poisoning when taken internally unprocessed, and confusion between the raw and processed drug is the recurring cause. Classically contraindicated in pregnancy. Never a self-care item; the processed drug is a prescription medicine in jurisdictions that recognise it, and the raw drug has no place outside professional preparation. Safety in breastfeeding is not established. Do not confuse it with 白附子, which is a different drug — the names are one character apart.

生品即为危害,且非轻微。本品属天南星科,含草酸钙针晶及其他刺激性成分;嚼食生品可立刻引起口、舌、咽喉剧烈灼痛与肿胀,该部位肿胀可进而危及气道。未经炮制内服亦曾致中毒,生熟混淆是反复出现的原因。传统列为孕妇禁用。绝不是可自行使用的药材;在承认本品的法域内,炮制品属处方药,生品除专业炮制外无使用余地。哺乳期安全性未确立。注意勿与白附子混淆 —— 两者只差一字,并非一物。

温化寒痰药 · Warm phlegm-transforming

White Mustard Seed bái jiè zǐ · 白芥子

Sinapis alba L. (Sinapis Semen)

Nature and flavour. Pungent and warm; Lung and Stomach systems.

Traditionally classed as warming the Lung and transforming cold phlegm, moving qi and dissipating masses, and unblocking the channels to relieve pain. Recorded for cold-phlegm with congested breathing and cough, for fluid accumulation in the chest and in the joints, and for numbness and pain attributed to phlegm obstructing the channels. It is best known outside China as the mustard of the condiment jar, and the drug is the seed of that plant used medicinally. Topically it is the basis of the traditional mustard plaster, in which the point is deliberately to redden and even blister the skin. Its companion article 黄芥子 (Brassica juncea) is a different seed with a different pungency.

性味归经。辛,温;归肺、胃经。

传统归类为温肺化痰、利气散结、通络止痛。古籍用于寒痰壅肺之咳喘气逆、痰饮停聚胸胁及关节,以及痰滞经络所致麻木疼痛。它在国外最广为人知的身份是调味品芥末,入药者即该植物的种子。外用时是传统「白芥子灸」(发泡灸)的基础,其用意本就在于使皮肤发红乃至起泡。其并列的黄芥子(Brassica juncea)为不同种子,辛辣之性亦不同。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The topical use is where the documented harm is. Mustard plasters and 'blistering' applications made from this seed have caused chemical burns, full-thickness skin injury and lasting scars, including in children and in people who left them on for what seemed a short time; the burning is dose- and time-dependent and sensation is not a reliable guide. Do not apply it to broken skin, do not use it on children, and do not use occlusion to make it stronger. The seed's pungency comes from glucosinolates hydrolysed to isothiocyanates, which are contact irritants — contact dermatitis is reported. Taken internally it is a gastrointestinal irritant and is traditionally avoided where there is heat, yin deficiency or a history of peptic ulcer. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

有明确伤害记载的是外用。以本品制成的芥末膏与「发泡」敷贴已造成化学性烧伤、全层皮肤损伤及持久瘢痕,其中也包括儿童,以及仅敷用了看似很短时间的人;灼伤程度随剂量与时间递增,主观感觉并不可靠。不可用于破损皮肤,不可用于儿童,不可加盖密闭以增强效力。其辛辣来自硫代葡萄糖苷水解生成的异硫氰酸酯,属接触性刺激物 —— 已有接触性皮炎报告。内服对胃肠道有刺激性,传统上有热证、阴虚及消化性溃疡病史者忌用。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰药(有毒) · Phlegm-resolving and mass-dissipating; documented toxicity

Air Potato Yam Tuber huáng yào zǐ · 黄药子

Dioscorea bulbifera L. (Dioscoreae Bulbiferae Rhizoma)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and cold; Lung and Liver systems.

Traditionally classed as transforming phlegm, dissipating masses and reducing goitre, as clearing heat and cooling the blood, and as checking bleeding. Recorded for goitre and thyroid enlargement, for scrofula and other phlegm masses, for cough with blood, and for bleeding attributed to heat in the blood. It belongs to the same pre-modern observation about neck swellings that produced the kelp and sargassum pair, and like them it was used long before the physiology of the thyroid was understood. It is also a yam, and several Dioscorea species are eaten as food — 黄药子 is not among the ones generally treated as food.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肺、肝经。

传统归类为化痰散结消瘿、清热凉血、止血。古籍用于瘿瘤(甲状腺肿大)、瘰疬等痰结肿块、咳血,以及血热所致出血。它属于前现代关于颈部肿大的观察所催生的药物之一,与昆布、海藻同源,同样在甲状腺生理被认识之前即已入药。本品亦属薯蓣属,该属若干种作食物食用,但黄药子不在通常被视为食物的品种之列。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is the drug on this page with the clearest record of organ injury. Published case reports and series describe liver injury from 黄药子 — raised transaminases, jaundice, and in some reports severe or fatal hepatitis — occurring at ordinary medicinal amounts, sometimes cumulatively over weeks of use and sometimes after a single course, and recurring on re-exposure. Anyone with existing liver disease, abnormal liver tests, or who drinks alcohol regularly should not take it; anyone who does take it and develops nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes should stop and seek assessment. A thyroid swelling needs a diagnosis and thyroid function tests, not a self-selected herb. Classical sources record it as causing gastrointestinal upset. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established.

本页诸药中,此味的脏器损伤记录最为明确。已发表的病例报告与系列病例记载了黄药子所致肝损伤 —— 转氨酶升高、黄疸,部分报告为重症甚至致死性肝炎,可见于常规药用剂量,有的在连续用药数周后累积出现,有的一个疗程后即发生,再次服用可复发。已有肝病、肝功能异常或经常饮酒者不应服用;服用期间若出现恶心、食欲减退、尿色加深或皮肤眼白发黄,应立即停用并就医评估。甲状腺肿大须先明确诊断并做甲状腺功能检查,不应自行选药。古籍记载其可致胃肠不适。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰药(矿物药) · Phlegm-resolving mineral drug

Chlorite / Mica Schist méng shí · 礞石

Chloriti Lapis (青礞石, chlorite schist); Micae Lapis Aureus (金礞石, mica-dominant schist)

Nature and flavour. Salty and neutral; Lung, Heart and Liver systems.

Traditionally classed as sweeping away stubborn phlegm and driving it downward, as calming the Liver and settling fright, and as checking cough and congested breathing. Recorded for old, stubborn, congealed phlegm; for cough and congested breathing with thick phlegm; and for the agitated, convulsive and what the classical texts call manic presentations attributed to phlegm-heat harassing the upper body. Two materials circulate under this name: 青礞石, a chlorite schist, and 金礞石, a mica-dominant rock; both are rocks, both are calcined before use in the classical method, and neither is a plant.

性味归经。咸,平;归肺、心、肝经。

传统归类为坠痰下气、平肝镇惊、止咳平喘。古籍用于老痰、顽痰胶结,痰稠之咳喘气逆,以及痰热扰于上焦所致烦躁、惊搐与古所称狂证。此名下流通两种矿物:青礞石(绿泥石片岩)与金礞石(以云母为主的变质岩);二者皆为岩石,传统均需煅后入药,皆非植物药。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The presentations it is classically used for — convulsions, agitation, and what the old texts call mania — are exactly the ones that require conventional assessment, and no outcome has been established for this rock in any of them. Two safety facts are not debatable. First, it is a mined rock of variable composition; mineral drugs concentrate arsenic, lead and other heavy metals depending on the source, and the label will not tell you the content. Second, the classical sources record it as a forceful, downward-driving drug, contraindicated in pregnancy and not for weak or debilitated people, and not to be taken long-term. Confusion between the two schists is common in trade. Safety in breastfeeding is not established.

古籍所载其主治 —— 抽搐、烦躁及旧时所称狂证 —— 恰恰是最需要常规医学评估的情形,本品对上述任何一种的结局均无确立证据。两点安全性事实无可争议。其一,本品为成分不定的天然矿石,矿物药会依产地富集砷、铅等重金属,标签不会标明含量。其二,古籍把它记为药力峻猛、主沉降之品,孕妇禁用,体弱者不宜,且不可久服。市售品中两种片岩混淆常见。哺乳期安全性未确立。

化痰止咳平喘药(兼杀虫) · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing; also a classical parasiticidal drug

Stemona Root bǎi bù · 百部

Stemona sessilifolia (Miq.) Miq.; Stemona japonica (Bl.) Miq.; Stemona tuberosa Lour. (Stemonae Radix)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and bitter, slightly warm; Lung system.

Traditionally classed as moistening the Lung and stopping cough, and as killing parasites. The cough use spans new and long-standing cough, whooping cough and the cough recorded in consumptive illness; the drug is one of the few in this category also recorded for parasites, classically used externally against head lice and body lice and against pinworm. Preparations in the classical literature include the honey-processed root, which is the form recorded for chronic cough, and the crude drug in decoction or tincture for external parasiticidal use. Traditionally it is described as moistening rather than drying, which is why it appears on both ends of a lingering cough.

性味归经。甘、苦,微温;归肺经。

传统归类为润肺止咳、杀虫灭虱。止咳方面,新咳、久咳、百日咳以及古籍所载劳瘵咳嗽均在记载之内;本品是本类中少数兼记杀虫的一味,古籍外用治头虱、体虱及蛲虫。传统炮制有蜜炙百部,久咳多用蜜制品;外用杀虫则多用生品煎液或浸液。传统认为本品润而不燥,故久咳新咳两端皆可出现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The alkaloids in stemona are the reason for caution. Poisoning after internal use is recorded in the literature, with nausea and vomiting, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, difficulty breathing and convulsion described, and respiratory depression in severe cases; reports of this kind are the reason the drug is not a self-care item. The external use is not without hazard either: preparations applied to the scalp are irritant, are not for broken skin, and must not be swallowed — accidental drinking of a lice preparation is a recognised route of poisoning in children. Do not use it on an infant or on a child without professional direction. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Confusion between the three official source species and with other local Stemona species is a real labelling problem, and the drug should be bought as a named species rather than as a generic root.

百部所含生物碱是须谨慎的原因。文献记载内服中毒,表现为恶心呕吐、腹部不适、头晕、呼吸困难与惊厥,重症可致呼吸抑制;这类报告是本品不宜自行使用的理由。外用同样有风险:涂于头皮的制剂具刺激性、不用于破损皮肤、绝不可入口 —— 儿童误饮灭虱制剂是明确记载的中毒途径。婴幼儿使用须有专业指导。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。三种法定来源种之间、以及与地方习用百部属品种之间的混淆是实际存在的标签问题,购买时应认明品种,而不是只买「百部根」。

化痰止咳平喘药(有毒) · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing; classically toxic

Datura Flower yáng jīn huā · 洋金花

Datura metel L. (Daturae Flos)

Nature and flavour. Pungent and warm, listed as toxic in the classical materia medica; Lung and Liver systems.

Traditionally classed as calming breathing and stopping cough, and as relieving spasm and pain. It is recorded for wheezing and cough, for cold pain in the stomach and abdomen, for painful obstruction attributed to wind-damp, and for pain from injury. Its most distinctive place in the classical literature is anaesthesia: datura appears in the surgical anaesthetic recipes recorded from the classical period onwards, and the composition of the famous early anaesthetic formula is attributed to it by later writers — an attribution that is inference rather than established fact, and is recorded here as such. The drug is a solanaceous flower; the whole plant, and the seed in particular, contains the same tropane alkaloids as the flower.

性味归经。辛,温;传统本草列为有毒;归肺、肝经。

传统归类为平喘止咳、解痉定痛。古籍用于哮喘咳嗽、脘腹冷痛、风湿痹痛及跌打损伤疼痛。本品在本草中最独特之处是麻醉:古典以降的外科麻醉方中出现的曼陀罗类,后世多推为古代著名麻醉方的组成,但这一归属是推断而非已确证的事实,此处照此记录。本品为茄科植物的花;全株及种子尤然,含与花相同的托烷类生物碱。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is the most dangerous entry in this batch and it is not a household herb in any sense. It contains atropine-type alkaloids, principally hyoscyamine and scopolamine, and anticholinergic poisoning follows a well-described course: dry mouth, intense thirst, dilated pupils and blurred vision, flushed dry skin, fever, rapid heartbeat, difficulty passing urine, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, delirium, seizures, coma and respiratory depression. Deaths are recorded, including deaths in children who ate the flowers or seeds, and the amount that causes harm varies between individuals and between plants. The risk is higher, and the consequences worse, in glaucoma, in prostatic enlargement with difficulty urinating, and in existing heart disease. Effects add to those of any other drug with anticholinergic action. Never use it yourself; it is a prescription and controlled medicine in the jurisdictions that recognise it, it has no place in home or folk preparation, and any suspected exposure is an emergency. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Do not confuse it with the ornamental Brugmansia or with other solanaceous flowers sold under similar names.

这是本批风险最明确的一味,绝非任何意义上的家用药材。本品含阿托品类生物碱,主要为莨菪碱与东莨菪碱,抗胆碱中毒过程文献描述明确:口干、口渴剧烈、瞳孔散大与视物模糊、皮肤潮红干燥、发热、心动过速、排尿困难、烦躁、意识混乱、幻觉、谵妄、抽搐、昏迷与呼吸抑制。文献载有死亡病例,包括儿童食用花或种子致死者;致害量在个体之间与植株之间都有差异。青光眼、前列腺肥大伴排尿困难、以及原有心脏病者风险更高、后果更重。与其他具抗胆碱作用的药物合用会相互叠加。绝不可自行使用;在承认本品的法域内属处方与管制药品,家庭或民间自行配制毫无余地,任何疑似暴露均按急症处理。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立。注意勿与观赏性木本曼陀罗(Brugmansia)及其他以相似名称流通的茄科花混淆。

化痰止咳平喘药(有小毒) · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing; classically toxic

Dahurian Rhododendron Leaf mǎn shān hóng · 满山红

Rhododendron dauricum L. (Rhododendri Daurici Folium)

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter, cold; Lung system.

Traditionally classed as stopping cough and dispelling phlegm, and recorded for cough with copious sputum and for congested breathing. It is a regional drug: the leaf of a rhododendron that grows across the north-east, used in the local and official materia medica rather than in the earliest classical canon, and it entered the modern Chinese pharmacopoeia as a leaf drug with an essential-oil fraction. The traditional picture is of a cold drug used for a hot, congested presentation, and it is classically paired with the warming cough drugs rather than substituted for them.

性味归经。辛、苦,寒;归肺经。

传统归类为止咳祛痰,古籍与地方本草用于痰多咳嗽、气喘。本品是地方性药品:为分布于东北的杜鹃属植物的叶,见于地方本草与现代药典,而非最早的经典本草;现代药典以叶入药,并记载其挥发油成分。传统认为本品性寒,用于属热、属壅滞之证,在配伍中与温性止咳药相须而用,不作简单替代。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The genus is the hazard. Rhododendron leaves contain grayanotoxin-type diterpenoids — andromedotoxin is one of them — and poisoning with this toxin class is well documented outside China as well, most famously as the illness caused by honey made from rhododendron nectar. The described course includes salivation, sweating, nausea and vomiting, dizziness and weakness, low blood pressure and a slow pulse, and in severe cases loss of consciousness; cardiac conduction effects and fits appear in the reports. Because the effect falls on blood pressure and heart rate, people with existing low blood pressure, with a slow pulse, or taking medicines that act on the heart or circulation are at greater risk. Species confusion is the other real problem: other rhododendrons are considerably more toxic — 羊踯躅 is classed as strongly toxic and has caused fatal poisoning — and a leaf gathered from the wrong shrub is not a weaker version of this drug but a different hazard. Forage-gathered or unlabelled leaf should not be used. Not for children. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established; classically it is avoided in pregnancy.

危险来自这个属本身。杜鹃属叶含梫木毒素类二萜(梫木毒素即其中之一),此类毒素的中毒在中国之外亦有明确记载,最著名者为由杜鹃花蜜所致的中毒。文献描述的过程包括流涎、出汗、恶心呕吐、头晕乏力、血压下降与脉搏减慢,重症可致意识丧失;报告中亦有心脏传导影响与惊厥。因其作用落在血压与心率上,原有低血压、心动过缓,或正在服用作用于心脏与循环系统药物者风险更大。品种混淆是另一实际风险:杜鹃属其他种毒性明显更强 —— 羊踯躅被列为大毒并曾致死亡中毒 —— 采错灌木的叶不是本品的弱化版,而是另一种危险。自行采挖或无标签的叶不应使用。不用于儿童。孕期与哺乳期安全性未确立;传统列为孕妇忌用。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Elaeagnus Leaf hú tuí zǐ yè · 胡颓子叶

Elaeagnus pungens Thunb. (Elaeagni Folium)

Nature and flavour. Sour and astringent, neutral; Lung system.

Traditionally classed as stopping cough and calming breathing, and recorded also for stanching bleeding. It is a leaf drug from a shrub grown as much for hedging as for medicine, and it belongs to the regional and folk layer of the materia medica: the entries are short, the indications are few, and it is recorded for cough, for wheezing and for blood in the sputum rather than for any wider pattern. The astringent taste is what the classical sources point to in explaining the bleeding use. This article records what the sources say; it does not establish that the use works.

性味归经。酸、涩,平;归肺经。

传统归类为止咳平喘,兼记止血。本品为灌木的叶,该灌木既作绿篱也作药用,属本草中的地方与民间层次:记载简短、主治不多,所记者为咳嗽、气喘与痰中带血,而非更广泛的证候。传统以味酸涩解释其止血之用。本条记录文献所载,并不据此确立其效用成立。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The evidence base is thin and this entry says so plainly: the traditional uses recorded above have not been established in clinical research, and this article makes no claim of benefit. Because the safety data are as thin as the efficacy data, the honest position is caution rather than reassurance — absence of reported harm is not evidence of safety when a drug has been little studied. Identify the species before using any part of it; several Elaeagnus species circulate under related names, and the fruit, which is eaten, is a different part with a different record from the leaf. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Anyone with a persistent cough, with breathlessness, or with blood in the sputum needs conventional assessment first — blood in the sputum in particular is not a symptom to manage with an unstudied leaf.

证据基础薄弱,本条如实写明:上述传统用途未获临床研究确立,本页不作任何获益宣称。由于安全性资料与有效性资料同样稀少,诚实的立场是谨慎而非宽慰 —— 对研究很少的药品而言,没有伤害报告并不等于有安全证据。使用前须辨明品种;数种胡颓子属植物以相近名称流通,且果实(可食)与叶是不同部位、不同记载。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。持续咳嗽、气促或痰中带血者须先接受常规医学评估 —— 痰中带血尤其不是可以用一味缺乏研究的叶来处理的症状。

化痰止咳平喘药 · Phlegm-resolving, cough and breathing

Globe Amaranth Flower qiān rì hóng · 千日红

Gomphrena globosa L. (Gomphrenae Flos)

Nature and flavour. Sweet and slightly salty, neutral; Lung and Liver systems. Recorded in regional herbals; the properties given vary between sources.

Traditionally classed as stopping cough and calming breathing, clearing the Liver and brightening the eyes, and dissipating masses. The flower head is the drug — it is the same plant sold worldwide as an ornamental and as a everlasting flower, and it keeps its colour when dried, which is why it is as common in a tea blend as in a border. The recorded uses are the folk and regional ones: cough, whooping cough in children, wheezing, red and painful eyes, and headache attributed to rising Liver. The classical sources offer no mechanism, only the association, and the entry is short in every herbal that carries it.

性味归经。甘、微咸,平;归肺、肝经。见于地方本草,各书所载性味略有出入。

传统归类为止咳平喘、清肝明目、散结。入药为花序 —— 与全球作为观赏花卉及干花(不褪色)栽培的是同一种植物,正因干后颜色不褪,它出现在花草茶中的频率不亚于出现在花坛中。所载用途属民间与地方层次:咳嗽、小儿百日咳、气喘、目赤肿痛,以及归于肝阳上扰的头痛。本草只记关联而不言机制,各书所载本条均简短。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Say plainly what this is: a widely grown ornamental flower with a thin medicinal literature, recorded in regional herbals and sold as a tisane. The traditional uses above have not been established by clinical research, and this article claims no benefit from them. The flower is commonly drunk as a herbal tea, which makes the usual assumption — that anything sold as a tea is safe — worth stating as an assumption rather than a fact: the safety literature on this flower is not substantial. Allergic reaction is possible with any asteraceous or amaranthaceous flower pollen and dust, and dried flower heads may carry dust, pesticide residue or adulterant petals depending on where they were packed. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A cough in a child, a whooping cough, or breathlessness is a matter for conventional assessment, not for a flower tea; whooping cough in particular is a serious illness in infants and is not something to self-manage.

如实说明本品的性质:一种广泛栽培的观赏花卉,药用文献基础薄弱,见于地方本草并作为花草茶流通。上述传统用途未获临床研究确立,本页不作获益宣称。本品常作为花草茶饮用,因此值得把通常的假设 —— 凡是当茶卖的就安全 —— 明确写为假设而非事实:有关本花的安全性文献并不充分。菊科与苋科类的花粉与粉尘均可能致敏,而干花序依包装来源不同可能带有粉尘、农药残留或掺入的其他花瓣。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。儿童咳嗽、百日咳或气促须接受常规医学评估,不是花茶可以处理的事;百日咳对婴幼儿是严重疾病,不可自行处置。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Chinese Lobelia bàn biān lián · 半边莲

Lobelia chinensis

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, cold; Heart, Small Intestine and Lung systems.

Traditionally used for heat-toxin patterns with swelling — most often described in the classical literature for snake and insect bite, sores and abscesses, and for promoting urination in oedema. The traditional actions are 'clearing heat and resolving toxin' and 'promoting urination and reducing swelling'.

性味归经。甘、淡,寒;归心、小肠、肺经。

传统用于热毒所致的肿毒,古典文献记载尤多用于蛇虫咬伤、疮痈肿毒,并用于水肿时利水消肿。传统功效概括为“清热解毒、利水消肿”。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Not a home remedy. The plant contains lobelia-type alkaloids; nausea, vomiting, salivation, dizziness and tremor are the reported effects of taking too much, and large amounts have been associated with more serious toxicity. It is not safe for an untrained person to decide how much to take: its active alkaloids act on nicotinic receptors. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in children, and in anyone with kidney or heart disease. Snakebite is a medical emergency — the traditional reputation of this herb is not a reason to delay antivenom or hospital assessment. Clinical evidence for the traditional indications is limited and this page makes no benefit claim.

不适合自行使用。本品含半边莲类生物碱,过量可引起恶心、呕吐、流涎、头晕与震颤,大剂量有更严重毒性记载。对一种活性生物碱作用于烟碱受体的草药,自行定量并不安全。孕期、哺乳期、儿童以及心肾疾病者避免使用。蛇咬伤属医学急症 —— 本品的传统声誉不构成延迟抗蛇毒血清或医院评估的理由。上述传统用途临床证据有限,本页不作获益宣称。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Spreading Hedyotis bái huā shé shé cǎo · 白花蛇舌草

Hedyotis diffusa (syn. Oldenlandia diffusa)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, cold; Stomach, Large Intestine and Small Intestine systems.

A widely used heat-clearing herb, traditionally taken for heat-toxin swellings, for painful urination (lin patterns), and externally for sores and bites. In modern Chinese practice it is very frequently added to oncology support formulas — that modern use is real and widespread, but it is a modern practice rather than a classical indication.

性味归经。苦、甘,寒;归胃、大肠、小肠经。

常用清热药,传统用于热毒疮痈、热淋涩痛,外用于疮肿与虫蛇咬伤。现代中医临床极常将其加入肿瘤辅助方中 —— 这一现代应用确实普遍存在,但属现代实践,而非古典主治。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. State the oncology question plainly: this herb is commonly used alongside conventional cancer treatment in China, and laboratory studies on its extracts exist, but clinical evidence that it changes outcomes in people is not established. It is not an alternative to surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or any prescribed treatment, and it should not be added to an oncology regimen without telling the oncologist — herb–drug interactions and effects on liver enzymes are unresolved. Avoid in pregnancy (it is traditionally contraindicated) and in breastfeeding. Cold and bitter: people with weak digestion or loose stools often tolerate it poorly. As with all wild-collected herbs, identity and contaminants depend on the supplier.

把肿瘤相关的问题说清楚:本品在中国常与常规肿瘤治疗并用,其提取物的实验室研究存在,但“能改变人体临床结局”这一点未获确立。它不能替代手术、化疗、放疗或任何处方治疗;在肿瘤方案中加用前必须告知主管肿瘤科医生 —— 与药物的相互作用及对肝酶的影响尚无定论。孕期避免使用(传统列为禁忌),哺乳期亦然。性寒味苦,脾胃虚弱或便溏者常不耐。与所有野生采集药材一样,品种与污染物取决于供应商。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Tonkin Sophora Root shān dòu gēn · 山豆根

Sophora tonkinensis

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; toxic; Lung and Stomach systems.

A strong heat-clearing herb for the throat: traditionally used for swollen painful throat, gum swelling and mouth sores attributed to fire-toxin. Its traditional actions are 'clearing heat and resolving toxin' and 'benefiting the throat and dispersing swelling'. It is a short-course herb in classical practice, not a daily tonic.

性味归经。苦,寒;有毒;归肺、胃经。

清咽利喉的较强清热药,传统用于火毒所致的咽喉肿痛、牙龈肿痛与口舌生疮。传统功效概括为“清热解毒、利咽消肿”。古典用法中属短期用药,不是日常补益之品。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This entry carries an explicit toxicity warning. The root contains quinolizidine alkaloids (matrine and oxymatrine type), and poisoning has been reported in the literature: nausea and repeated vomiting, abdominal pain, dizziness, sweating, tremor, confusion, and in severe cases seizures and respiratory depression. Reported poisonings are usually linked to taking far too much, to prolonged use, or to confused identity — including substitution with related Sophora species. It should be used only under the direction of a qualified practitioner who is working within the limits set by the official materia medica and who knows the supply. Not for self-medication, not for children, and strictly avoided in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Anyone who has taken it and feels nauseated, dizzy, tremulous or confused should stop and seek medical care.

本条目带有明确的毒性提示。根含喹诺里西啶类生物碱(苦参碱、氧化苦参碱类),文献记载有中毒病例:恶心与反复呕吐、腹痛、头晕、出汗、震颤、意识模糊,严重者出现抽搐与呼吸抑制。报告的中毒多与过量、长期服用或品种混淆有关 —— 包括以同属其他槐属植物混替。应在合格执业者指导下、在既定剂量限度内并明确来源的前提下使用。不可自行服用,不用于儿童,孕期与哺乳期严格禁用。服用者若出现恶心、头晕、震颤或意识模糊,应立即停用并就医。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Puffball mǎ bó · 马勃

Lasiosphaera fenzlii / Calvatia gigantea

Nature and flavour. Acrid, neutral; Lung system.

The dried fruiting body of the puffball fungus. Traditionally used for clearing the Lung and benefiting the throat in sore throat and hoarseness, and — this is its best-known traditional role — as a styptic dusted onto wounds to stop bleeding. It is applied externally rather than taken in quantity.

性味归经。辛,平;归肺经。

马勃为灰包科真菌的干燥子实体。传统用于清肺利咽,治咽喉肿痛、声音嘶哑;最为人所知的传统用途是外用 —— 研末撒敷创口止血。以外用为主,不作大量内服。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two practical cautions. First, identification: a puffball is only edible or medicinal when the flesh is pure white and firm throughout, and immature Amanita mushrooms — some of them deadly — look like a puffball from the outside and show a hidden cap shape when cut. Never use a foraged fungus that has not been cut open and checked by someone competent. Second, inhaling large amounts of mature puffball spores is documented to cause lycoperdonosis, a hypersensitivity reaction with coughing, breathlessness and lung shadowing on imaging. People with asthma, allergies or lung disease should not handle large quantities of dried spores. Applied to a wound it is a traditional first-aid dust, not a substitute for cleaning the wound or for assessment of a deep, dirty or puncture wound — and tetanus prophylaxis is a medical matter, not a herbal one.

两点实际提醒。其一为鉴别:只有内部肉质全白而坚实的马勃才可供食用或药用;未成熟的鹅膏菌(部分种类剧毒)外形酷似马勃,切开后才会露出隐藏的菌盖轮廓。未经切开并由有经验者确认的野生真菌,绝不可使用。其二为孢子:吸入大量成熟马勃孢子在文献中有致“马勃菌病”的记载,属超敏反应,表现为咳嗽、气促,影像学可见肺部阴影。哮喘、过敏或肺部疾病者不应大量接触干燥孢子。敷于创口属于传统急救撒布,不能替代清创,也不能替代对深部、污染或穿刺伤的评估;破伤风预防属医疗处置,非草药之事。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Cremastra Pseudobulb shān cí gū · 山慈菇

Cremastra appendiculata (also Pleione spp.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly acrid, cool; slightly toxic; Liver and Spleen systems.

Traditionally used to clear heat and resolve toxin and to soften and disperse nodules — the classical indications centre on swellings, scrofula-type lumps in the neck, and firm masses. It appears in classical formulas for swollen and painful throat as well. Its traditional actions are 'clearing heat and resolving toxin' and 'transforming phlegm and dispersing accumulation'.

性味归经。甘、微辛,凉;有小毒;归肝、脾经。

传统用于清热解毒、软坚散结,古典主治集中于疮肿、瘰疬一类颈部结块与坚硬肿块,亦见于咽喉肿痛的古典方剂。传统功效概括为“清热解毒、化痰消积散结”。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Treat this as a toxic herb, not a gentle one. Pseudobulbs of Cremastra and Pleione have been reported to contain colchicine-type alkaloids, and colchicine poisoning — severe vomiting and diarrhoea, abdominal pain, burning throat, then multi-organ injury, bone-marrow suppression and, in reported fatal cases, circulatory collapse — has been associated with this herb and with confusion between it and other colchicine-containing plants. With colchicine the margin between an amount that acts and an amount that poisons is narrow, and there is no home management for poisoning. Strictly avoided in pregnancy (colchicine is a teratogenic-risk drug) and breastfeeding, in children, and in anyone with kidney or liver impairment or on any prescription medicine without the prescriber's knowledge. A firm, persistent lump is a matter for conventional diagnosis — this page does not suggest a herb can resolve a mass, and it does not.

应作为有毒药材对待,而非平和之品。文献报道山慈菇(杜鹃兰与独蒜兰属假鳞茎)含秋水仙碱类生物碱;秋水仙碱中毒 —— 剧烈呕吐与腹泻、腹痛、咽喉烧灼感,继而多器官损伤、骨髓抑制,致死病例中可见循环衰竭 —— 已与本品及与其他含秋水仙碱植物的混淆有关。秋水仙碱的治疗量与中毒量之间的余地极窄,且中毒无居家处置办法。孕期严格禁用(秋水仙碱属具有致畸风险的药物),哺乳期、儿童、肝肾功能受损者禁用;服用任何处方药者不得在处方医生不知情的情况下使用。持续存在的坚硬肿块须接受常规医学诊断 —— 本页不暗示、也不认为草药可以消退肿块。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Tinospora Root jīn guǒ lǎn · 金果榄

Tinospora sagittata (also T. capillipes)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Lung and Large Intestine systems.

Traditionally used to clear heat and resolve toxin with an emphasis on the throat: sore and swollen throat, mouth ulcers and painful swallowing. Its traditional actions are 'clearing heat and resolving toxin' and 'benefiting the throat and relieving pain'. It is also used externally in some traditions for swollen sores.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肺、大肠经。

传统用于清热解毒而偏走咽喉:咽喉肿痛、口舌生疮、吞咽作痛。传统功效概括为“清热解毒、利咽止痛”。部分地区亦外用于疮肿。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Honest on the evidence: this is a regional and less-studied herb, and the traditional throat indications are not supported by clinical trials. Bitter and cold — prolonged use can aggravate weak digestion and loose stools. It is worth noting that the genus Tinospora is not one herb: Tinospora cordifolia (心叶青牛胆) is a different plant with a different traditional profile and its own safety record, including reports of liver injury; do not assume products labelled 'Tinospora' are interchangeable. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A sore throat with difficulty breathing, drooling, or a high fever needs conventional assessment, not a herb.

如实说明证据状况:本品属地方性、研究较少的药材,其传统咽喉主治未获临床试验支持。性味苦寒,久服可加重脾胃虚弱与便溏。值得注意的是“青牛胆属”并非一种药:心叶青牛胆(Tinospora cordifolia)为不同植物,传统用途不同,安全性记录也不同,有肝损伤报告;不应假定标注为“Tinospora”的产品可以互相替代。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。伴呼吸困难、流涎或高热的咽喉痛须接受常规医学评估,非草药可代。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Indian Trumpetflower Seed mù hú dié · 木蝴蝶

Oroxylum indicum

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sweet, cool; Lung, Liver and Stomach systems.

The flat, papery winged seed of the Indian trumpetflower tree, whose shape gives it its Chinese name ('wooden butterfly'). Traditionally used to clear the Lung and benefit the throat in hoarseness and chronic cough, to soothe the Stomach, and to course the Liver. It is also a common ingredient of herbal throat teas in southern China and Vietnam.

性味归经。苦、甘,凉;归肺、肝、胃经。

本品为木蝴蝶树的扁平纸质带翅种子,形似蝶翼,故名。传统用于清肺利咽,治声音嘶哑与久咳,并和胃、疏肝;在中国南方与越南,也是草药润喉茶的常见配料。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A comparatively mild herb, but mild is not the same as studied: the traditional indications above rest on practice and texts rather than clinical trials, and this page makes no therapeutic claim. As with any seed material, allergic reaction is possible and quality depends on storage — mouldy seed is a real risk in humid climates. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, as there is not enough safety information. Persistent hoarseness for more than a few weeks is a symptom that warrants examination of the vocal cords rather than repeated throat tea: it is usually benign but it is occasionally the first sign of something that needs treating. Cough with weight loss, blood, or night fever is likewise a matter for a doctor.

相对平和的一味,但平和并不等于经过研究:上述传统用途依据的是实践与文献而非临床试验,本页不作疗效宣称。作为种子类药材,过敏有可能发生,质量取决于储存 —— 潮湿气候下霉变是实际风险。孕期与哺乳期避免使用,安全性资料不足。持续数周以上的声音嘶哑应当接受声带检查,而不是反复饮用润喉茶:多数情况良性,但偶尔是需治疗疾病的首发表现。伴体重下降、咯血或夜间发热的咳嗽同样须就医。

清热药 · Heat-clearing

Chinese Lantern (Physalis calyx/fruit) jǐn dēng lóng · 锦灯笼

Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sour, cold; Lung system.

The papery inflated calyx (and sometimes the fruit) of the Chinese lantern plant. Traditionally used to clear heat and resolve toxin, to benefit the throat and transform phlegm, and to promote urination — classically for sore throat, hoarse voice with phlegm, and difficult or painful urination.

性味归经。苦、酸,寒;归肺经。

本品为茄科酸浆属植物带宿萼(其膨大纸质花萼,有时连果实)入药。传统用于清热解毒、利咽化痰、利尿通淋,古典主治为咽喉肿痛、痰热声哑及小便不利或涩痛。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A member of the nightshade family: unripe fruit and other green parts of Physalis species contain solanine-type glycoalkaloids, and the ripe fruit is the part eaten as food. Do not eat unripe berries or brew the leaves. Traditional texts contraindicate it in pregnancy — treat that seriously, since the plant is pharmacologically active and there are no human safety data. Breastfeeding and childhood use should also be avoided. Bitter and cold, so people with weak digestion or loose stools may not tolerate it. Clinical evidence for the traditional indications is limited and this page makes no benefit claim; painful or difficult urination, in particular, is a symptom that needs a proper diagnosis rather than a diuretic herb.

属茄科植物:酸浆属未成熟果实及其他绿色部分含茄碱类糖苷生物碱,食用部位为成熟果实。不可食用未熟浆果,也不宜以叶泡服。传统本草记载孕期忌服 —— 应予重视,因该植物具药理活性且缺乏人体安全性数据。哺乳期与儿童同样避免使用。苦寒之性,脾胃虚弱或便溏者可能不耐。上述传统用途临床证据有限,本页不作获益宣称;尤其是小便不利或涩痛,属需要正规诊断的症状,不宜以利尿草药应对。

清热药(清虚热) · Heat-clearing; deficiency-heat clearing

Lycium Root Bark dì gǔ pí · 地骨皮

Lycii Cortex (Lycium chinense Mill. / Lycium barbarum L.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, cold; Lung, Liver and Kidney systems.

Classically described as clearing deficiency heat and cooling the blood, and as draining fire from the Lung. It is the root bark, not the fruit: the goji berry sold as food is a different part of the same genus.

性味归经。甘、淡,寒;归肺、肝、肾经。

传统记载为清虚热、凉血、清肺降火。本品为根皮,与作为食品流通的枸杞子同属不同部位,不是同一种药材。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Hypoglycaemic and blood-pressure-lowering activity has been reported, so combining it with diabetes or antihypertensive medication is a documented concern. Classically avoided in cold-type deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Not enough reliable safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding — avoid.

有降血糖与降血压活性的报道,与降糖药、降压药同用属文献记载的关注点。传统列为脾胃虚寒者不宜。孕期与哺乳期安全数据不足,应避免使用。

清热药(清虚热) · Heat-clearing; deficiency-heat clearing

Starwort Root yín chái hú · 银柴胡

Stellariae Radix (Stellaria dichotoma L. var. lanceolata Bge.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly cold; Liver and Stomach systems.

Classically described as clearing deficiency heat and clearing the heat of childhood nutritional impairment (gān). It is a different plant from chái hú (Bupleurum) — the two are not interchangeable despite the similar name.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归肝、胃经。

传统记载为清虚热、除疳热。本品与柴胡来源不同,名称相近但不可互相替代。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Do not substitute Bupleurum for it, or it for Bupleurum. Classically avoided in cases without deficiency heat. Not enough reliable safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding — avoid.

不可与柴胡互相替代。传统列为无虚热者不宜。孕期与哺乳期安全数据不足,应避免使用。

清热药(清虚热) · Heat-clearing; deficiency-heat clearing

Picrorhiza Rhizome hú huáng lián · 胡黄连

Picrorhizae Rhizoma (Picrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennell)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Liver, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

Classically described as clearing deficiency heat, clearing the heat of childhood nutritional impairment, and draining damp-heat. A different plant from huáng lián (Coptis); the shared name element reflects a similar bitterness, not a shared source.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肝、胃、大肠经。

传统记载为清虚热、除疳热、清湿热。与黄连来源不同,名称中的相同字取自苦味相近,不代表同物。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Bitter and cold — classically avoided in cold-type deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach, and not used long term without a practitioner's supervision. Not enough reliable safety data for pregnancy or breastfeeding — avoid.

苦寒,传统列为脾胃虚寒者不宜;无执业者指导不宜长期服用。孕期与哺乳期安全数据不足,应避免使用。

清热药(清热凉血) · Heat-clearing; blood-cooling

Blackend Swallowwort Root bái wēi · 白薇

Cynanchi Atrati Radix et Rhizoma (Cynanchum atratum Bge.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, salty, cold; Stomach, Liver and Kidney systems.

Classically described as clearing heat and cooling the blood, promoting urination in difficult or painful urination, and relieving toxicity. C21 steroidal constituents have been isolated from this genus; their clinical relevance in humans is not established.

性味归经。苦、咸,寒;归胃、肝、肾经。

传统记载为清热凉血、利尿通淋、解毒。本属植物已分离出 C21 甾体类成分,其在人体中的临床意义未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold in nature — classically avoided in cold-type deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Human safety data are thin; effects on heart rhythm have been raised for related Cynanchum species but are not established for this drug. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

性寒,传统列为脾胃虚寒者不宜。人体安全性数据有限;同属近缘种有关于心律影响的讨论,但本品未被证实。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。

清热药(清热凉血) · Heat-clearing; blood-cooling

Arnebia Root zǐ cǎo · 紫草

Arnebiae Radix (Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. / Arnebia guttata Bunge)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, salty, cold; Heart and Liver systems.

Classically described as clearing heat and cooling the blood, moving the blood, relieving toxicity, and venting rashes. In everyday practice it is more often seen in external preparations such as ointments and oils than taken internally.

性味归经。甘、咸,寒;归心、肝经。

传统记载为清热凉血、活血解毒、透疹。实际应用中多见于膏、油等外用制剂,内服相对少见。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids have been reported in plants used as this drug, and liver injury after internal use is a documented regulatory concern in several jurisdictions — internal use should not be prolonged or unsupervised. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. External use is not automatically safe; stop if the skin reacts.

用作本品的植物有吡咯里西啶类生物碱(具肝毒性)的报告,内服后的肝损伤是多地监管机构的关注事项,不宜长期或无指导地内服。孕期与哺乳期避免。外用并非绝对安全,出现皮肤反应应停用。

清热药(清热凉血) · Heat-clearing; blood-cooling

Buffalo Horn shuǐ niú jiǎo · 水牛角

Bubali Cornu (Bubalus bubalis Linnaeus)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Heart and Liver systems.

Classically described as clearing heat and cooling the blood and relieving toxicity. It is the animal drug that replaced rhinoceros horn in modern Chinese practice; rhinoceros horn has been removed from legitimate practice and its trade is prohibited under CITES. Whether buffalo horn produces equivalent effects has not been established.

性味归经。苦,寒;归心、肝经。

传统记载为清热凉血、解毒。本品是现代中医实践中替代犀角的动物药;犀角已退出合法使用,其贸易受 CITES 禁止。水牛角是否具有同等作用未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An animal product: import, export and postal rules differ by country, and sourcing should be legal and documented. Cold in nature — classically avoided in cold-type deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

属动物制品,各国进出口与邮寄规定不同,来源须合法可查。性寒,传统列为脾胃虚寒者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。

清热药(清热燥湿) · Heat-clearing; dampness-drying

Dictamnus Root Bark bái xiān pí · 白鲜皮

Dictamni Cortex (Dictamnus dasycarpus Turcz.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Spleen, Stomach and Bladder systems.

Classically described as clearing heat and drying dampness, dispelling wind and relieving toxicity, and is used both internally and in washes for itchy skin conditions.

性味归经。苦,寒;归脾、胃、膀胱经。

传统记载为清热燥湿、祛风解毒,可内服,也可煎水外洗用于皮肤瘙痒类问题。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cases of drug-induced liver injury have been reported in association with Dictamnus species, and furanoquinoline alkaloids including dictamnine are the suspected constituents — this is a documented safety concern, not a historical footnote. Avoid internal use if liver function is abnormal or liver disease is present. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

有与白鲜属植物相关的药物性肝损伤病例报告,怀疑成分包括白鲜碱等呋喃喹啉类生物碱 —— 这是文献记载的安全性关注点,不是历史说法。肝功能异常或有肝病者不应内服。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。

清热药(清热解毒) · Heat-clearing; toxicity-relieving

Rhaponticum Root lòu lú · 漏芦

Rhapontici Radix (Rhaponticum uniflorum (L.) DC.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Stomach system.

Classically described as clearing heat and relieving toxicity, dissipating swellings and abscesses, and promoting lactation. The lactation use is a traditional indication and is not supported by controlled human evidence.

性味归经。苦,寒;归胃经。

传统记载为清热解毒、消痈散结、通乳。通乳之说属于传统用法,未获人体对照研究支持。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold in nature — classically avoided in cold-type deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Classically avoided in pregnancy and where there is no internal heat or abscess. Insufficient reliable human safety data; do not use in breastfeeding as a way to change milk supply without professional advice.

性寒,传统列为脾胃虚寒者不宜;传统并载孕妇及无热毒痈肿者不宜。人体安全性数据不充分;不要在没有专业指导的情况下为改变乳汁量而在哺乳期使用。

清热药(清热泻火·明目退翳) · Heat-clearing; fire-draining

Pipewort Flower gǔ jīng cǎo · 谷精草

Eriocauli Flos (Eriocaulon buergerianum Koern.)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, sweet, neutral; Liver and Lung systems.

Classically described as dispersing wind-heat, brightening the eyes and removing superficial corneal opacity. It belongs to the small group of herbs used for eye complaints rather than to general heat-clearing, and the classical texts pair it with redness, tearing and a sensation of grit.

性味归经。辛、甘,平;归肝、肺经。

传统记载为疏散风热、明目退翳。多归入眼科用药而非泛用的清热之品,古籍用于目赤肿痛、流泪、目中如有沙涩感。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Neutral and traditionally regarded as mild, but reliable human safety data are lacking. Classically avoided where eye complaints are attributed to blood deficiency rather than wind-heat. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Lasting eye pain, or any change in vision, needs an eye examination — these are not always a matter of wind-heat.

性平,传统视为平和之品,但人体安全性数据不充分。传统列为血虚目疾而非风热所致者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。持续眼痛或视力改变应当就医检查,未必都是风热所致。

清热药(清热泻火·明目退翳) · Heat-clearing; fire-draining

Buddleja Flower mì méng huā · 密蒙花

Buddlejae Flos (Buddleja officinalis Maxim.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly cold; Liver system.

Classically described as clearing heat while nourishing the Liver, brightening the eyes and removing corneal opacity. It is the eye herb chosen where the complaint is described as Liver heat, and also where dim vision is attributed to Liver blood failing to reach the eyes.

性味归经。甘,微寒;归肝经。

传统记载为清热养肝、明目退翳。用于肝热所致目疾,也用于肝血不能上荣于目所致的目昏。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold in nature. Classically avoided where eye complaints come from Liver and Kidney deficiency rather than from heat. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; insufficient reliable human safety data. Eye symptoms that persist or worsen should be assessed by an eye professional.

性微寒。传统列为肝肾不足而非有热所致的目疾不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用;人体安全性数据不充分。目疾持续或加重应就医评估。

清热药(清热泻火·明目退翳) · Heat-clearing; fire-draining

Celosia Seed qīng xiāng zǐ · 青葙子

Celosiae Semen (Celosia argentea L.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; Liver system.

Classically described as draining Liver fire, brightening the eyes and removing corneal opacity; used for eye redness, pain and photophobia attributed to Liver fire flaring upward.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归肝经。

传统记载为清肝泻火、明目退翳,用于肝火上炎所致的目赤肿痛、畏光、翳障。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Chinese materia medica texts describe a pupil-dilating action and classically caution against this seed in glaucoma and raised pressure inside the eye; that caution is worth taking seriously. Cold in nature — classically avoided where there is Liver and Kidney yin deficiency without fire. Confusion between this seed and related Celosia seeds is a real identification problem, so correct botanical identification matters. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

中药文献记载其有扩瞳作用,传统列为青光眼与眼压升高者不宜 —— 这一提示值得认真对待。性寒,传统列为肝肾阴虚而无火者不宜。本品与同属他种种子存在混用问题,植物来源的正确鉴别很重要。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。

清热药(清虚热) · Heat-clearing; deficiency-heat clearing

Sweet Wormwood qīng hāo · 青蒿

Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Artemisia annua L.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, acrid, cold; Liver and Gallbladder systems.

Classically described as clearing deficiency heat, relieving the sensation of heat deep in the bones, cooling summer heat, resolving jaundice and checking the paroxysms of malarial illness. The antimalarial compound artemisinin was isolated from this plant, which is the single most substantial modern finding attached to any Chinese herb.

性味归经。苦、辛,寒;归肝、胆经。

传统记载为清虚热、除骨蒸、解暑、退黄、截疟。现代抗疟成分青蒿素即从本品分离得到,这是中药现代化研究中最有分量的一项发现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The crude herb is not a standard antimalarial remedy: suspected malaria is an emergency that needs proper diagnosis and standard care, and nothing in this entry is advice on that. Bitter and cold — classically avoided in cold-type deficiency of the Stomach and Spleen. Classically avoided in pregnancy, and animal data raise concern; avoid in breastfeeding. Allergy is possible in people sensitive to the daisy family. Nausea and digestive upset have been reported.

原药材本身并非规范的抗疟用药:疑似疟疾属急症,须正规诊断与规范治疗,本条目不构成这方面的建议。苦寒,传统列为脾胃虚寒者不宜。传统载孕妇不宜,动物实验亦提示风险;哺乳期避免使用。菊科过敏者可能发生过敏反应。有恶心与胃肠不适的报告。

清热药(清热解毒) · Heat-clearing; toxicity-relieving

Climbing Groundsel qiān lǐ guāng · 千里光

Senecionis Scandentis Herba (Senecio scandens Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Lung and Liver systems.

Classically described as clearing heat and relieving toxicity, brightening the eyes and draining dampness. It is used for inflamed eyes and for itchy, weeping skin eruptions, taken internally or, more commonly, applied as a wash or compress.

性味归经。苦,寒;归肺、肝经。

传统记载为清热解毒、明目、利湿。用于目赤肿痛与皮肤瘙痒湿疹,可内服,更多用作煎水外洗或湿敷。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This herb carries a documented modern safety concern rather than a historical one: Senecio species commonly contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are toxic to the liver and are a recognised cause of liver injury worldwide. Do not take it internally on the strength of a traditional indication alone. Avoid if liver function is abnormal or liver disease is present, and avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Even external use should not be prolonged or applied over large areas of broken skin.

本品的关注点是有文献记载的现代安全性问题,而非历史说法:千里光属植物普遍含有吡咯里西啶类生物碱,具有肝毒性,是国际上公认的肝损伤原因之一。不要仅凭传统用法就内服。肝功能异常或有肝病者避免使用;孕期与哺乳期避免使用。外用也不宜长期或在破损皮肤上大面积使用。

清热药(清热泻火·明目退翳) · Heat-clearing; fire-draining

Common Scouring Rush mù zéi · 木贼

Equiseti Hiemalis Herba (Equisetum hyemale L.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, neutral; Lung and Liver systems.

Classically described as dispersing wind-heat, brightening the eyes and removing corneal opacity, and as an astringent that stops bleeding. The classical sources also use it for bleeding haemorrhoids and for heavy uterine bleeding.

性味归经。甘、苦,平;归肺、肝经。

传统记载为疏散风热、明目退翳、止血,古籍亦用于痔血与崩漏下血。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Equisetum species have been reported to contain thiaminase, an enzyme that breaks down thiamine, and that is one reason prolonged internal use is not advised. Classically avoided where eye complaints come from deficiency rather than wind-heat. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; insufficient reliable human safety data. Unexplained bleeding should be investigated rather than managed with an astringent herb.

木贼属植物有含硫胺素酶的报告,该酶会分解硫胺素,这是不建议长期内服的原因之一。传统列为虚证而非风热所致的目疾不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用;人体安全性数据不充分。原因不明的出血应先查明原因,不宜自行用收涩之品处理。

清热药(清热泻火) · Heat-clearing; fire-draining

Lophatherum Leaf dàn zhú yè · 淡竹叶

Lophatheri Herba (Lophatherum gracile Brongn.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, cold; Heart, Stomach and Small Intestine systems.

Classically described as draining fire, easing restlessness and thirst, and promoting urination. It is used for heat patterns with irritability, a dry mouth, sores of the mouth and tongue, and scanty dark urine.

性味归经。甘、淡,寒;归心、胃、小肠经。

传统记载为清热泻火、除烦止渴、利尿通淋,用于热病烦渴、口舌生疮、小便短赤涩痛。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold in nature — classically avoided in cold-type deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Because it is traditionally described as promoting urination, people already taking diuretic medicines, or living with kidney or heart failure, should not add it on their own. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A moist, persistent low-grade fever or unexplained weight loss is not a matter for a cooling herb.

性寒,传统列为脾胃虚寒者不宜。传统既载其利尿,正在服用利尿类药物者、或有心肾功能不全者不宜自行加用。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。持续低热、盗汗或不明原因的体重下降不应以清热之品自行处理。

清热药(清热解毒) · Heat-clearing; toxicity-relieving

Ampelopsis Root bái liǎn · 白蔹

Ampelopsis Radix (Ampelopsis japonica (Thunb.) Makino)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; Heart and Stomach systems.

Classically described as clearing heat and relieving toxicity, reducing swelling and pain, and astringing to stop bleeding. It is chiefly applied to sores, boils, burns and scalds, and most of its traditional use is topical.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归心、胃经。

传统记载为清热解毒、消肿止痛、收敛止血。主要用于疮痈肿毒、烧烫伤,传统用法以外用居多。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mostly a topical herb; reliable human safety data for internal use are insufficient, so it should not be taken on one's own. The classical incompatibility lists pair it with Aconitum, and that pairing is a traditional rule rather than a modern toxicology finding — it is recorded here as a matter of the source texts. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Deep, spreading or clearly infected wounds, and any burn more than superficial, need medical care rather than a herbal wash.

以外用为主;内服的人体安全性数据不充分,不应自行服用。传统十八反记载其与乌头相反 —— 这是古典配伍禁忌的说法,不是现代毒理学结论,此处作为文献记载如实记录。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。深部、扩散或已明显感染的创面,以及超过浅表的烧烫伤,应就医处理而不是自行外洗。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Prostrate Knotweed (Knotgrass) biǎn xù · 萹蓄

Polygoni Avicularis Herba (Polygonum aviculare L.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; Bladder system.

Classically described as promoting urination and relieving strangury — the traditional term for difficult, painful or dribbling urination — and as clearing damp-heat from the lower burner. It is also recorded for expelling intestinal parasites and for washing itchy skin, which is why the same herb appears in both urinary and skin contexts in the classical texts.

性味归经。苦,微寒;归膀胱经。

传统记载为利尿通淋、清下焦湿热,用于小便不利、淋沥涩痛。古籍亦载其杀虫止痒,可煎汤外洗,故同一味药在古籍中既见于淋证也见于皮肤瘙痒。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold in nature; classically avoided where there is no damp-heat, and used with care where the digestion is weak and cold. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding — reliable human safety data are lacking. Burning on urination, blood in the urine, or urinary symptoms with fever need medical assessment; they are not always a matter of damp-heat and are not self-managed.

性微寒,传统列为无湿热者不宜,脾胃虚寒者慎用。孕期与哺乳期避免使用 —— 人体安全性数据不充分。排尿灼痛、尿血或伴有发热的泌尿症状应当就医评估,未必都是湿热,也不应自行处理。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Chinese Pink (Fringed Pink) Herb qú mài · 瞿麦

Dianthi Herba (Dianthus superbus L. / Dianthus chinensis L.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Heart, Small Intestine and Bladder systems.

Classically described as promoting urination and relieving strangury, and separately as moving blood and unblocking menstruation. That second action is why the traditional texts treat it as a herb for both urinary difficulty and amenorrhoea, and why it carries a stronger set of cautions than the milder damp-draining herbs.

性味归经。苦,寒;归心、小肠、膀胱经。

传统记载为利尿通淋,兼能活血通经。古籍中既用于小便淋沥涩痛,也用于经闭,其禁忌较一般利水渗湿药更为严格。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Chinese materia medica texts list this herb as contraindicated in pregnancy — that caution reflects its traditional blood-moving action and should be taken seriously. Cold in nature; classically avoided where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and cold, and in the absence of damp-heat. Avoid in breastfeeding; reliable human safety data are lacking. Urinary symptoms with blood, fever or back pain require medical assessment rather than self-treatment.

中药文献列本品孕妇忌服 —— 此禁忌与其传统的活血通经作用相关,值得认真对待。性寒,传统列为脾胃虚寒及无湿热者不宜。哺乳期避免使用;人体安全性数据不充分。伴有尿血、发热或腰痛的泌尿症状须就医评估,不宜自行处理。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Japanese Climbing Fern Spores hǎi jīn shā · 海金沙

Lygodii Spora (Lygodium japonicum (Thunb.) Sw.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, salty, cold; Bladder and Small Intestine systems.

The drug is the spore of a climbing fern, not the leaf. Classically described as promoting urination, relieving strangury and easing pain; the classical texts use it particularly for the pattern they call stone strangury, where gravel or stones are held to obstruct the urinary tract, and for the griping pain said to accompany it.

性味归经。甘、咸,寒;归膀胱、小肠经。

用药部位是攀援蕨类的孢子,不是叶片。传统记载为利尿通淋、止痛,古籍尤多用于「石淋」—— 即认为砂石阻塞尿路所致的淋证,以及伴随的绞痛。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold in nature; classically avoided where there is no damp-heat and in cold deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding — reliable human safety data are lacking. Confirmed urinary stones, blood in the urine, or pain with fever are matters for medical investigation; this entry does not claim the herb dissolves stones, and that claim is not established by reliable human evidence.

性寒,传统列为无湿热及脾胃虚寒者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用 —— 人体安全性数据不充分。已确诊的尿路结石、尿血或伴发热的疼痛应当就医检查;本条目不宣称该药能溶石,此说法未被可靠的人体证据证实。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Pyrrosia Leaf shí wéi · 石韦

Pyrrosiae Folium (Pyrrosia lingua (Thunb.) Farw. and allied species)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, slightly cold; Lung and Bladder systems.

Classically described as promoting urination and relieving strangury, cooling the blood and stopping bleeding, and clearing the Lung to calm cough. It is unusual among damp-draining herbs in reaching both the Lung and the Bladder, which is why the classical texts also record it for cough and for blood in the urine.

性味归经。甘、苦,微寒;归肺、膀胱经。

传统记载为利尿通淋、凉血止血、清肺止咳。在利水渗湿药中少见地同入肺与膀胱,故古籍亦用于咳嗽与尿血。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold in nature; classically avoided where yin deficiency is present without damp-heat. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding — reliable human safety data are lacking. Several Pyrrosia species are used under the same name, so correct botanical identification matters. Blood in the urine always warrants medical assessment; it is not a symptom to interpret with a single herb.

性微寒,传统列为阴虚而无湿热者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用 —— 人体安全性数据不充分。同名入药的石韦属植物有多种,植物来源的正确鉴别很重要。尿血一律应当就医评估,不宜以单味药自行判断。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Cluster Mallow Seed dōng kuí zǐ · 冬葵子

Malvae Verticillatae Semen (Malva verticillata L.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, astringent, cool; Large Intestine, Small Intestine and Bladder systems.

Classically described as promoting urination and relieving strangury, moistening the intestines, and promoting lactation. It is a slippery, moistening seed, which is how the classical texts explain both its laxative use and its traditional use for scanty milk.

性味归经。甘、涩,凉;归大肠、小肠、膀胱经。

传统记载为利尿通淋、润肠通便、下乳。其为质润滑利之种子,古籍正是以此解释其通便与通乳两方面的用途。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The traditional texts treat this seed as slippery and descending and use it with care in pregnancy; that caution is worth respecting. Traditionally avoided where the stools are already loose from Spleen deficiency. Avoid in breastfeeding as a self-choice despite its lactation reputation — reliable human safety data are lacking. A real identification problem exists: the seed of Abutilon theophrasti is widely sold under the same Chinese name, so botanical identity cannot be assumed.

传统视本品滑利下行,孕期慎用,此提示值得尊重。传统列为脾虚便溏者不宜。虽有下乳之名,哺乳期仍不建议自行选用 —— 人体安全性数据不充分。存在实际的品种问题:苘麻子常以「冬葵子」之名流通,植物来源不可想当然。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Rush Pith dēng xīn cǎo · 灯心草

Junci Medulla (Juncus effusus L.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, slightly cold; Heart, Lung and Small Intestine systems.

The drug is the dried pith of a rush. Classically described as promoting urination, relieving strangury, and clearing Heart fire to calm restlessness; the classical texts record it for difficult painful urination together with irritability, insomnia and mouth ulcers, and in older paediatric writing for night crying in infants.

性味归经。甘、淡,微寒;归心、肺、小肠经。

用药部位是灯心草的干燥茎髓。传统记载为利尿通淋、清心除烦,古籍用于小便不利、淋沥涩痛而兼心烦不眠、口舌生疮者,儿科古籍亦用于小儿夜啼。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold in nature; classically avoided where there is cold deficiency or where urination is uncontrolled from qi deficiency, since its action is to drain. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding — reliable human safety data are lacking. Persistent insomnia, or painful urination with fever, should be assessed medically rather than attributed to Heart fire.

性微寒,传统列为虚寒者及气虚小便不禁者不宜 —— 因其以通利为用。孕期与哺乳期避免使用 —— 人体安全性数据不充分。持续失眠或伴发热的排尿疼痛应当就医评估,不宜一概归为心火。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Kochia Fruit (Broom Cypress Fruit) dì fū zǐ · 地肤子

Kochiae Fructus (Kochia scoparia (L.) Schrad.)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter, cold; Kidney and Bladder systems.

Classically described as clearing damp-heat, promoting urination and relieving itching. It is one of the herbs the classical texts reach for in itchy skin eruptions attributed to damp-heat, and it is used both internally and as an external wash — the external use is the better-attested of the two.

性味归经。辛、苦,寒;归肾、膀胱经。

传统记载为清热利湿、利尿通淋、止痒。古籍用于湿热所致的皮肤瘙痒、风疹湿疹,既可内服亦可煎汤外洗,其中外用的记载更为充分。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Cold in nature; classically avoided where there is no damp-heat and in cold deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding — reliable human safety data are lacking. Allergic skin reactions are reported with the plant, and external use can irritate already broken skin; widespread or weeping rashes, or itch with fever, call for medical assessment rather than repeated washing.

性寒,传统列为无湿热及脾胃虚寒者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用 —— 人体安全性数据不充分。有该植物引起过敏反应的报告,外用于已破损的皮肤亦可能刺激。范围广泛或渗液的皮疹、伴发热的瘙痒应当就医评估,不宜反复外洗自行处理。

利水渗湿药(利尿通淋) · Damp-draining; strangury-relieving

Akebia Stem mù tōng · 木通

Akebiae Caulis (Akebia quinata (Thunb.) Decne. / Akebia trifoliata (Thunb.) Koidz.)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; Heart, Small Intestine and Bladder systems.

Classically described as promoting urination and relieving strangury, clearing Heart fire, and unblocking the channels to promote lactation. It is recorded for difficult painful urination, for mouth and tongue ulcers attributed to Heart fire moving down, and for scanty milk. Its modern history is inseparable from a substitution problem, described below.

性味归经。苦,寒;归心、小肠、膀胱经。

传统记载为利尿通淋、清心火、通经下乳。用于小便淋沥涩痛、心火下移所致的口舌生疮,以及乳汁不通。其现代史与下述的品种混用问题无法分开。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Read this before anything else: a different plant, Guan Mu Tong (Aristolochia manshuriensis), was long sold under the same trading name. It contains aristolochic acid, which causes irreversible kidney failure and cancer of the urinary tract, and its use as a medicine is prohibited in China. Only Akebiae Caulis — the Akebia stem described here — belongs in this entry, and Chuan Mu Tong is a third plant again. Botanical identity is a safety issue here, not a fine point. Beyond that: cold in nature, traditionally used with care in pregnancy and avoided in kidney disease, and classically avoided where there is no damp-heat. Anyone with impaired kidney function should not use this herb at all.

请务必先读这一条:另一种植物「关木通」(Aristolochia manshuriensis)曾长期以同一名称流通,含马兜铃酸,可导致不可逆的肾衰竭与尿路癌症,中国已禁止其药用。本条目所指仅为木通(Akebiae Caulis,即木通科木通的藤茎),而「川木通」又是另一植物。此处的品种鉴别是安全问题,不是细节之争。此外:性寒,传统列为孕期慎用、肾病者不宜,无湿热者不宜。肾功能受损者完全不应使用本品。

利水渗湿药(利水消肿) · Damp-draining; oedema-relieving

Sun Euphorbia Herb (Wartweed) zé qī · 泽漆

Euphorbiae Helioscopiae Herba (Euphorbia helioscopia L.)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter, slightly cold; counted as toxic. Large Intestine, Small Intestine and Lung systems.

Classically described as draining water and dispersing swelling, transforming phlegm and dissipating masses, and — in external application — as dispersing swellings and killing parasites. The classical texts place it among the harsher water-draining herbs: the fresh plant yields a milky latex, and it is listed as toxic in the materia medica. In contemporary practice it appears far less often than the milder damp-draining herbs, and the traditional indications here are recorded rather than confirmed.

性味归经。辛、苦,微寒;有毒。归大肠、小肠、肺经。

传统记载为利水消肿、化痰散结,外敷则散结杀虫。古籍将其列入作用较峻的逐水一类:鲜品折断有白色乳汁,本草明确记为有毒。现代使用远少于性味平和的利水渗湿药;本条目只记录传统记载,不代表已经证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Listed as toxic in Chinese materia medica. The milky latex of the fresh plant irritates skin and eyes and can provoke blistering on contact; gloves are indicated when handling the fresh herb. Not for self-use, and not for internal use except under the direction of a qualified practitioner. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and cold. Swelling of the legs or abdomen with breathlessness, or swelling that appears abruptly, is a matter for medical assessment — oedema is not a self-managed condition.

中药文献列本品有毒。鲜品白色乳汁对皮肤与黏膜有刺激性,接触后可致红肿起疱,处理鲜药应戴手套。不作自用;内服须在有资质的执业者指导下进行。孕期与哺乳期禁用;脾胃虚寒者不宜。下肢或腹部水肿伴气促、或突然出现的水肿应当就医评估 —— 水肿不是可以自行处理的症状。

利水渗湿药(利水消肿) · Damp-draining; oedema-relieving

Mole Cricket lóu gū · 蝼蛄

Gryllotalpa (Gryllotalpa africana Beauvois and allied species)

Nature and flavour. Salty, cold; slightly toxic. Bladder, Large Intestine and Small Intestine systems.

The drug is the dried body of the mole cricket, an insect that burrows through wet soil. Traditional texts describe it as draining water and dispersing swelling, and as relieving strangury — the traditional term for difficult or dribbling urination. It is one of the few insect drugs used for urinary difficulty, and it is far less common in contemporary practice than the plant damp-draining herbs. The recorded traditional indications are not established by reliable human evidence.

性味归经。咸,寒;有小毒。归膀胱、大肠、小肠经。

用药部位是蝼蛄的干燥虫体,为穴居湿土的昆虫。传统记载为利水消肿、通淋,用于水肿与小便不利、淋沥涩痛。它是少见的用于淋证的虫类药,现代使用远少于植物类利水渗湿药。所载传统用途未被可靠的人体证据证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An animal drug, counted as slightly toxic. Listed as contraindicated in pregnancy in Chinese materia medica. Avoid in breastfeeding and in children; reliable human safety data are lacking. Insect drugs raise sourcing questions that plant drugs do not — identity, collection site, contaminants and storage moulds all vary, and material obtained outside the regulated supply chain has no routine quality control. Not for self-use. Difficult urination, blood in the urine, or swelling with breathlessness requires medical assessment.

动物药,文献记为有小毒。中药文献列孕妇禁用。哺乳期与儿童避免使用;人体安全性数据不充分。虫类药比植物药多一层来源风险:品种鉴定、采集地、污染物与贮存霉变都难以一致,非正规渠道所获药材没有常规质量控制。不作自用。排尿困难、尿血或伴气促的水肿须就医评估。

利水渗湿药(利水消肿) · Damp-draining; oedema-relieving

Field Cricket xī shuài · 蟋蟀

Gryllidae — dried body of the field cricket (recorded in materia medica under several species names)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, salty, warm; slightly toxic. Bladder and Small Intestine systems.

The dried cricket is recorded in the materia medica as promoting urination and dispersing swelling, mainly for oedema and difficult urination. Unlike the cold plant herbs that dominate this category, it is classified as warm — a reminder that the traditional group of water-draining herbs is neither one temperature nor one mechanism. It is seldom used in contemporary practice, and its traditional indications are not established by reliable human evidence.

性味归经。辛、咸,温;有小毒。归膀胱、小肠经。

蟋蟀干燥虫体在本草中记载为利尿消肿,主要用于水肿与小便不利。与本品类中多性寒的植物药不同,它列为温性 —— 这也说明传统「利水」一类并非单一寒温或单一机理。现代已很少使用,所载传统用途未被可靠的人体证据证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An insect drug, counted as slightly toxic and warm in nature. Listed as contraindicated in pregnancy in Chinese materia medica; avoid in breastfeeding and in children, and avoid where there is deficiency with heat. Reliable human safety data are lacking. As with other insect drugs, identity, collection and storage are not standardised outside the regulated supply chain. Not for self-use. Oedema, reduced urine output or difficult urination are matters for medical assessment.

虫类药,文献记为有小毒,性温。中药文献列孕妇禁用;哺乳期与儿童避免使用,虚热者不宜。人体安全性数据不充分。与其他虫类药一样,非正规渠道所获药材的品种、采集与贮存均无标准。不作自用。水肿、尿量减少或排尿困难须就医评估。

利水渗湿药(利水消肿) · Damp-draining; oedema-relieving

Corn Silk yù mǐ xū · 玉米须

Stigma Maydis (Zea mays L.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, neutral. Bladder, Liver and Gallbladder systems.

The drug is the long thread-like style stripped from an ear of maize. It is by far the mildest item in this group and the one most often met as a household infusion rather than as a dispensary herb. Traditional texts describe it as draining water, dispersing swelling, and draining dampness to relieve jaundice; it is the standard classical herb for the pattern called damp-heat jaundice. Because the material is a by-product of a food crop, it is also the item here most examined in human studies — even so, the traditional indications remain only partly tested.

性味归经。甘、淡,平。归膀胱、肝、胆经。

用药部位是玉米雌穗的细长花柱。它是本组药中性味最平和的一味,民间多作代茶饮而非药房调配。传统记载为利水消肿、利湿退黄,为古籍中湿热黄疸的常用药。由于它来自粮食作物的副产品,也是本组中人体研究相对最多的一味;即便如此,其传统用途仍只得到部分检验。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Mild, but not inert. Because it promotes fluid loss, it is classically avoided where there is already frequent urination from deficiency cold, and used with care alongside medicines that increase urine output or lower blood sugar or blood pressure — a theoretical interaction, not a documented harm. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; human safety data at medicinal intakes are limited. Oedema and jaundice both call for a medical diagnosis: jaundice in particular can point to liver or bile-duct disease and should not be self-managed.

性平,但并非全无顾忌。因其促进水液排出,传统列为虚寒性尿频者不宜;与利尿药或降糖、降压药同用须谨慎 —— 这是理论上的相互作用,并非已记录的伤害。孕期与哺乳期避免使用;药材用量下的人体安全性数据有限。水肿与黄疸都须先有医学诊断:黄疸尤其可能指向肝脏或胆管疾病,不应自行处理。

利水渗湿药(利水消肿) · Damp-draining; oedema-relieving

Shepherd's Purse jì cài · 荠菜

Capsellae Herba (Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, cool. Liver, Spleen and Bladder systems.

A wild edible that doubles as a drug: the young plant is eaten as a vegetable across much of China, while the dried herb is recorded in the materia medica for draining water and dispersing swelling, cooling the blood to stop bleeding, and brightening the eyes. The traditional bleeding indications include blood in the urine and heavy uterine bleeding. That overlap of food and drug is why it is regarded as gentle — and also why the line between a plateful and a medicinal amount is easy to blur.

性味归经。甘、淡,凉。归肝、脾、膀胱经。

既是野菜也是药:嫩株在中国大部分地区作蔬菜食用,干燥全草则入本草,记载为利水消肿、凉血止血、明目。传统止血用途包括尿血与月经过多。这种药食两用是它被视为平和的原因,也正是「一盘菜」与「一份药」之间界限容易被模糊的原因。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Generally regarded as gentle and widely eaten as food; the traditional caution is for cold deficiency of the Spleen and Stomach. Avoid medicinal amounts in pregnancy — the materia medica records it as cooling the blood and stopping bleeding while also draining water, and herbs with that combination are handled with care in pregnancy — and avoid medicinal amounts in breastfeeding for want of data. Eating it as a vegetable is not the same as taking it as a medicine, and the two should not be confused. Heavy or prolonged bleeding, blood in the urine, or swelling that is worsening all require medical assessment rather than self-treatment.

一般视为平和,且普遍作蔬菜食用;传统禁忌为脾胃虚寒者。孕期避免药用剂量 —— 本草记载其凉血止血兼能利水,此类组合在孕期一向慎用;哺乳期因数据不足亦避免药用剂量。作菜食用不等同于药用,二者不应混淆。月经过多或经期延长、尿血、以及持续加重的水肿都须就医评估,不宜自行处理。

利水渗湿药(利水消肿) · Damp-draining; oedema-relieving

Bottle Gourd Peel hú lu · 葫芦

Lagenariae Pericarpium (Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bland, neutral. Lung, Spleen and Kidney systems.

The drug is the dried peel of the mature bottle gourd — the same species cultivated as a vegetable and dried as a container. Traditional texts describe it as draining water and dispersing swelling, mainly for oedema and abdominal fluid accumulation, and it sits at the mild end of the water-draining group. Its most important practical point is not pharmacological but botanical, and it is set out in the safety note.

性味归经。甘、淡,平。归肺、脾、肾经。

用药部位是成熟葫芦的干燥果皮 —— 与作蔬菜栽培、干后作容器的葫芦为同一物种。传统记载为利水消肿,主要用于水肿与腹水,属利水药中作用较缓的一类。本品最要紧的一点不在药理而在植物学本身,已写在安全提示中。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The critical point: a bitter-tasting bottle gourd contains cucurbitacins, the compounds responsible for violent bitterness in some gourds, and eating bitter gourd flesh or drinking bitter gourd juice has caused severe gastrointestinal poisoning, with reported cases of bleeding and shock. Discard any gourd or gourd juice that tastes bitter — this applies to the vegetable as much as to the drug. Beyond that, the herb is neutral and mild, classically avoided where there is cold deficiency with frequent urination. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; human safety data for the dried peel at medicinal intakes are limited. Oedema and abdominal swelling require a diagnosis before anything is taken for them.

最要紧的一点:味苦的葫芦含葫芦素,这正是某些瓜类极苦的来源;食用苦味葫芦肉或饮用苦味葫芦汁曾引起严重的胃肠道中毒,并有出血与休克的病例报告。凡入口发苦的葫芦或葫芦汁一律弃去 —— 这一点对蔬菜与药材同样适用。此外本品味甘性平缓和,传统列为虚寒尿频者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用;干燥果皮在药用剂量下的人体安全性数据有限。水肿与腹水在服药之前须先明确诊断。

利水渗湿药(利水消肿,兼清热解毒) · Damp-draining; oedema-relieving

Perfoliate Knotweed gàng bǎn guī · 杠板归

Polygoni Perfoliati Herba (Polygonum perfoliatum L.)

Nature and flavour. Sour, bitter, slightly cold. Lung and Small Intestine systems.

A creeping knotweed with triangular leaves and a stem armed with recurved prickles — the prickles are why it is called 刺犁头 in some local naming. Traditional texts describe it as clearing heat and resolving toxin, draining water and dispersing swelling, and relieving cough. It is used both internally and, more often in the classical sources, pounded fresh for external application on swellings, insect bites and the skin eruptions grouped under damp-heat. These are recorded traditional indications, not established ones.

性味归经。酸、苦,微寒。归肺、小肠经。

攀援状蓼科草本,叶三角形,茎具倒生钩刺 —— 部分地区因此称之为「刺犁头」。传统记载为清热解毒、利水消肿、止咳;既可内服,古籍中更多见鲜品捣烂外敷,用于肿毒、虫咬及归入湿热一类的皮肤疹症。所载用途属于传统记载,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Slightly cold and sour; classically avoided where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and cold, and in the absence of damp-heat. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; reliable human safety data are lacking. The fresh plant carries recurved prickles that tear the skin on handling — gloves are worth wearing when gathering or pounding it. Applying it to broken skin, to a redness that is spreading, or to a bite with fever is not self-management; those need medical assessment. A persistent cough likewise requires diagnosis.

性微寒而酸,传统列为脾胃虚寒及无湿热者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用;人体安全性数据不充分。鲜植株具倒生钩刺,处理时会划伤皮肤 —— 采集或捣敷时应戴手套。破损皮肤、范围扩大的红肿、或伴发热的虫咬不宜自行外敷,须就医评估。持续咳嗽同样需要先明确诊断。

驱虫药 · Anthelmintic (expelling intestinal parasites)

Agrimonia Winter Bud hè cǎo yá · 鹤草芽

Agrimoniae Gemma (Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. — the winter bud)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, astringent, cool; counted as slightly toxic. Liver, Small Intestine and Large Intestine systems.

The drug is the underground winter bud of Agrimonia pilosa — the same plant whose aerial parts are used as 仙鹤草 for stopping bleeding, which is why the two share a source but not a use. Classical and modern Chinese sources describe the bud as expelling parasites, and it is best known for tapeworm; the constituent usually named as responsible is agrimophol. It is a comparatively late entry to the materia medica rather than a classical drug, and its recorded use rests on traditional and clinical-descriptive sources rather than on controlled human trials.

性味归经。苦、涩,凉;有小毒。归肝、小肠、大肠经。

用药部位是龙牙草(仙鹤草)的地下冬芽 —— 与止血所用的仙鹤草同出一株,来源相同而用途不同。中药文献(含近现代)记载其杀虫,尤以驱绦虫见称,通常认为主要成分为鹤草酚。它入本草的时间较晚,不属于古典常用药;所载用途来自传统记载与临床描述,而非对照人体试验。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Counted as slightly toxic. Nausea, vomiting, dizziness and abdominal discomfort have been reported after it is taken, and it is not a herb for self-use or for unsupervised use in children. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A tapeworm infection is a diagnosed condition, not a self-managed one: it needs stool examination to confirm and to confirm clearance afterwards, and the same applies to any household member with the same exposure. Persistent abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss or blood in the stool all require medical assessment before any anthelmintic is considered.

文献记为有小毒。服用后曾有恶心、呕吐、头晕与腹部不适的报告;不作自用,儿童更不应在无专业人员指导下使用。孕期与哺乳期禁用。绦虫病是需要诊断的疾病,不能自行处理:用药前后都要靠粪便检查确认感染与清除,同住家庭成员若有相同暴露史同样需要检查。持续腹痛、不明原因体重下降或便血在考虑驱虫之前都须就医评估。

驱虫药 · Anthelmintic (expelling intestinal parasites)

Omphalia Sclerotium léi wán · 雷丸

Omphalia (Omphalia lapidescens Schroet. — the dried sclerotium of a fungus)

Nature and flavour. Slightly bitter, cold. Stomach and Large Intestine systems. Sources differ on whether it is counted as slightly toxic; the contemporary pharmacopoeia does not list it as toxic.

One of the very few fungal drugs in the Chinese materia medica: the drug is the sclerotium of a wood-decaying fungus rather than any part of a plant. Traditional texts describe it as killing parasites and reducing accumulation, and it is recorded for roundworm, hookworm and tapeworm. Its best-documented property is a negative one — the parasitical action is attributed to a protease that is destroyed by heat, which is why the classical sources insist it is taken as a powder and never decocted. The traditional indications are recorded rather than established by controlled human evidence.

性味归经。微苦,寒。归胃、大肠经。各书是否列「有小毒」记载不一,现行药典未记其有毒。

中药里极少数以真菌入药的一味:用药部位是木生真菌的菌核,并非植物的任何部分。传统记载为杀虫消积,用于蛔虫、钩虫、绦虫。它最确切的一条性质反而是「不耐热」—— 驱虫作用被认为来自一种蛋白酶,受热即被破坏,故古籍强调作散剂而不入汤剂。所载用途属传统记载,未被对照人体证据证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Not a self-use herb. Because the active principle is heat-sensitive, the classical form is a powder rather than a decoction — a traditional point of substance, since a boiled preparation would be expected to lose the activity. Reliable human safety data are limited; sources differ on whether it counts as slightly toxic. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and avoid where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and cold, since the herb is cold in nature. Fungal drugs also carry the sourcing questions of any wild-collected material: identity, substrate and storage moulds vary outside the regulated supply chain. Suspected worm infection needs stool examination, not self-treatment.

不作自用。因有效成分不耐热,传统剂型为散剂而非汤剂 —— 这一点确有实质意义,煎煮的制剂按理会失去作用。人体安全性数据有限;各书是否列有小毒记载不一。孕期与哺乳期避免使用;本品味寒,脾胃虚寒者不宜。真菌类药与任何野生采集品一样存在来源问题:非正规渠道所获者,其品种、基质与贮存霉变均无一致标准。可疑的肠道寄生虫感染须靠粪便检查确诊,不应自行用药。

驱虫药 · Anthelmintic (expelling intestinal parasites)

Carpesium Fruit hè shī · 鹤虱

Carpesii Fructus (Carpesium abrotanoides L. — the dried ripe fruit)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, acrid, neutral; counted as slightly toxic. Spleen and Stomach systems.

The drug is the small ripe fruit of Carpesium abrotanoides, a plant whose aerial part is used separately as 天名精. Traditional texts describe it as killing parasites and reducing accumulation, and it is recorded for roundworm, pinworm and tapeworm, and for the abdominal pain attributed in traditional terms to worm accumulation. It is one of the older items in this category and appears in the Tang and Song materia medica. The recorded indications are traditional and are not established by controlled human trials.

性味归经。苦、辛,平;有小毒。归脾、胃经。

用药部位是天名精的干燥成熟小瘦果 —— 同株的地上部分另作「天名精」入药。传统记载为杀虫消积,用于蛔虫、蛲虫、绦虫,以及传统所谓虫积腹痛。它是本类药中较早的一味,唐、宋本草已有记载。所载用途属于传统记载,未被对照人体试验所证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Counted as slightly toxic in Chinese materia medica; nausea and abdominal discomfort have been reported. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and avoid in young children except under the direction of a qualified practitioner. Avoid where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and cold. Not for self-use. The abdomen is not a place for trial and error: persistent or severe abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in the stool or an unexplained loss of weight all require medical assessment, and suspected worm infection should be confirmed by stool examination rather than assumed.

中药文献列为有小毒;曾有恶心与腹部不适的报告。孕期与哺乳期禁用;幼儿除在有资质执业者指导下外避免使用;脾胃虚寒者不宜。不作自用。腹部不适不宜靠试药来判断:持续或剧烈腹痛、呕吐、便血、不明原因消瘦都须就医评估;可疑的寄生虫感染应以粪便检查确认,而不应假定。

驱虫药 · Anthelmintic (expelling intestinal parasites)

Torreya Seed fěi zǐ · 榧子

Torreyae Semen (Torreya grandis Fort. ex Lindl. — the dried ripe seed)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral. Lung, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

The roasted seed of the Chinese torreya, a tree in the yew family, eaten as a nut across southern China and used in the materia medica as an anthelmintic. Traditional texts describe it as killing parasites and reducing accumulation, moistening the Lung to relieve cough, and moistening dryness to ease the bowels — the last two being why it also appears among the nut-like seeds rather than only among the harsher parasite herbs. It is recorded for roundworm, hookworm, pinworm and tapeworm. Its traditional indications are recorded rather than established.

性味归经。甘,平。归肺、胃、大肠经。

用药部位是红豆杉科榧树的干燥成熟种子,炒熟后在中国南方作坚果食用,同时作驱虫药入本草。传统记载为杀虫消积,兼能润肺止咳、润燥通便 —— 后两项也正是它不像峻烈的驱虫药而更像坚果类种子的原因。所载用途为蛔虫、钩虫、蛲虫、绦虫。所载传统用途属记载,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Eaten as food in small amounts and generally regarded as gentle, but a medicinal amount is not the same as a handful of nuts. It is rich in fatty oil and classically avoided where the stools are loose or where there is diarrhoea. Avoid medicinal amounts in pregnancy and breastfeeding for want of data. Some classical sources record an incompatibility with mung bean; this is a recorded traditional claim and is not established by evidence. A persistent cough and any bowel change that lasts both call for a diagnosis rather than self-treatment, and suspected worm infection needs stool examination.

少量作食品食用,一般视为平和,但药用的份量不等于一把坚果。本品味甘多脂,传统列为大便溏薄或泄泻者不宜。孕期与哺乳期因数据不足,避免药用份量。部分本草记载其与绿豆相反 —— 这是传统记载的说法,未被证据证实。持续咳嗽与长期大便改变都须先明确诊断,不宜自行处理;可疑的寄生虫感染须以粪便检查确认。

驱虫药 · Anthelmintic (expelling intestinal parasites)

Elm Fruit Paste wú yí · 芜荑

Ulmi Macrocarpae Fructus praeparata (Ulmus macrocarpa Hance — the processed fruit)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter, warm. Spleen and Stomach systems.

A processed elm fruit: the samara of the large-fruited elm, gathered and prepared into a paste or cake. Traditional texts describe it as killing parasites and reducing accumulation, and it is best known for the traditional childhood pattern called 疳积 — the wasting and abdominal distension that classical medicine attributed to worm accumulation and faulty feeding. It is an old item, recorded in the earliest extant materia medica, and it has largely fallen out of contemporary practice. Its traditional indications are recorded rather than established.

性味归经。辛、苦,温。归脾、胃经。

一味加工品:取大果榆的果实(榆钱一类翅果)加工制成糊状或饼状。传统记载为杀虫消积,最著名者是用于传统的「小儿疳积」—— 即古籍归之为虫积与喂养失宜的消瘦腹胀。它入药很早,现存最早的本草即有记载,现代临床已很少使用。所载用途属于传统记载,未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Warm and drying; classically avoided where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and where there is heat from yin deficiency. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; reliable human safety data are lacking, and it is seldom used in contemporary practice, which means there is little modern experience to draw on. Not for self-use, and not for children outside professional direction — the traditional indication of 疳积 covers wasting that in modern terms may have any number of causes, none of them diagnosable at home. Failure to thrive, persistent diarrhoea or abdominal distension in a child requires paediatric assessment.

性温而燥,传统列为脾胃虚弱及阴虚有热者不宜。孕期与哺乳期避免使用;人体安全性数据不充分,且现代已很少使用,缺乏可供参照的近世经验。不作自用,儿童更不应在无专业人员指导下使用 —— 传统所称的「疳积」涵盖的消瘦,在现代语境下可能对应多种病因,都不是在家能自行判断的。儿童的发育迟缓、持续腹泻或腹胀须由儿科评估。

驱虫药(兼清热解毒、止血) · Anthelmintic (expelling intestinal parasites)

Male Fern Rhizome (Dryopteris Rhizome) guàn zhòng · 贯众

Dryopteridis Crassirhizomatis Rhizoma (Dryopteris crassirhizoma Nakai — dried rhizome with the leaf-base remains)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; counted as slightly toxic. Liver and Stomach systems.

The dried rhizome of the thick-stemmed wood fern, still bearing the brown leaf bases. It does two different jobs in the materia medica: it is grouped with the anthelmintics for killing parasites — roundworm, tapeworm and hookworm — and separately it is used to clear heat and resolve toxin, and charred to stop bleeding. That split is why it appears in more than one classical category. It is one of the most thoroughly documented of the toxic herbs here: the phloroglucinol compounds it contains are the same group found in the European male fern, and poisoning has been reported. The traditional indications are recorded rather than established.

性味归经。苦,微寒;有小毒。归肝、胃经。

用药部位是粗茎鳞毛蕨的干燥根茎,连同残留的棕色叶柄基部。它在本草中承担两类不同工作:一是归入驱虫药杀虫(蛔虫、绦虫、钩虫),二是单独用于清热解毒,炒炭后用于止血 —— 正因如此,它在古籍中见于不止一个分类。它是本批中中毒记载最明确的一味:所含间苯三酚类成分与欧洲鳞毛蕨同属一类,曾有中毒报告。所载用途属传统记载,未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Counted as slightly toxic, and this one earns the label: the phloroglucinol constituents are the same group found in the European male fern, and poisoning affecting the gut and the nervous system — including visual disturbance — has been reported. It is not a herb for self-use under any reading. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding; avoid in children; avoid where the Spleen and Stomach are weak and cold, and where there is liver or kidney disease. Several species have been traded under this name at different times, and identity matters — material obtained outside the regulated supply chain has no routine quality control. The traditional bleeding indication covers uterine bleeding, which requires a diagnosis before anything is taken for it.

文献列为有小毒,且这一味确实当得起这个标注:所含间苯三酚类成分与欧洲鳞毛蕨同类,曾有累及胃肠道与神经系统的中毒报告,其中包括视觉异常。本品在任何理解下都不作自用。孕期与哺乳期禁用,儿童避免使用;脾胃虚寒者及肝、肾疾病患者不宜。历来有多个物种曾以此名流通,品种鉴定关系重大 —— 非正规渠道所获药材没有常规质量控制。传统的止血用途涵盖子宫出血,而出血在用药之前必须先明确诊断。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用) · External use: counteracting toxin, killing parasites and relieving itch

Realgar xióng huáng · 雄黄

Realgar (an arsenic sulfide mineral, principally tetra-arsenic tetrasulfide, As4S4)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, warm; classed as strongly toxic. Liver and Large Intestine systems.

A mineral arsenical rather than a plant drug, and the most dangerous item in this batch. Classical texts describe it as counteracting toxin and killing parasites, and record it externally for boils, sores and swellings, for snake and insect bites, and for scabies. It is also the substance behind the realgar wine of the Dragon Boat Festival — a recorded folk custom, and one that food-safety bodies have warned about repeatedly, since that wine is an alcoholic extract of an arsenical mineral. Classical sources also record it taken internally in very small amounts, for worm accumulation and for convulsive disorders. That internal use belongs to the historical record, not to present practice, and contemporary toxicology gives no reading under which it is a household remedy. Heating or burning realgar carries it toward arsenic trioxide, the substance known in Chinese as 砒霜, which is why the older texts already warned against fire and why this drug is never to be heated.

性味归经。辛,温;有大毒。归肝、大肠经。

一味矿物砷药而非植物药,也是本批中最危险的一味。古籍记载攻毒杀虫,外用治痈疽疔疮、肿毒、蛇虫咬伤与疥癣。它也是端午雄黄酒习俗所用的物质 —— 这是有记载的民俗,而食品安全机构已多次警示其风险:该酒本质上是砷矿物的酒精浸出液。古籍亦记载其微量内服,用于虫积与惊痫。内服属于历史记载,不是当代实践;现代毒理学不支持它在任何意义上作为家用药物。雄黄受热或燃烧会向三氧化二砷转化,即中医所称的砒霜,故旧本草早有忌火之说,本品绝不可加热。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classed as strongly toxic: it is an arsenic compound, and arsenic accumulates in the body. Not for self-use in any form, and not to be taken by mouth outside professional direction — this page deliberately gives no amount taken internally, because there is no safe self-selected amount. Never heat, burn or roast it: heating generates arsenic trioxide, and breathing the fumes is a recognised route of poisoning. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, avoid in children, and avoid where there is liver or kidney disease. Do not apply it to large areas, to broken skin, or repeatedly over time, since absorption through the skin is documented. Keep it away from food, from drinking water and from anything a child might handle. Realgar is also traded alongside orpiment (雌黄, As2S3), and material obtained outside the regulated supply chain may be neither the right mineral nor free of other contaminants. Numbness or tingling, abdominal pain, vomiting, a rash, or darkening and thickening of the skin after any exposure call for medical assessment; suspected arsenic exposure is a matter for a poison service, not for waiting to see.

文献列为有大毒:本品为砷化物,而砷在体内有蓄积性。任何形式都不作自用,除有资质执业者指导外绝不内服 —— 本页故意不写任何内服份量,因为不存在可以自行掌握的安全量。绝不可加热、燃烧或火煅:加热生成三氧化二砷,吸入其烟气是明确的中毒途径。孕期与哺乳期禁用,儿童忌用,肝、肾疾病患者不宜。不宜大面积、用于破损皮肤或长期反复使用 —— 经皮吸收已有记载。须远离食物、饮水与儿童可触及之处;市场上雄黄与雌黄(As2S3)曾混用,非正规渠道所获者既不能保证品种正确,也不能保证不含其他杂质。任何接触后出现麻木、刺痛、腹痛、呕吐、皮疹或皮肤色素沉着与增厚,都须就医评估;可疑的砷中毒应联系中毒救治机构,而不应等待观察。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用) · External use: counteracting toxin, killing parasites and relieving itch

Sulfur liú huáng · 硫黄

Sulfur (the mineral, purified)

Nature and flavour. Sour, warm; classed as toxic. Kidney and Large Intestine systems.

Elemental sulfur — one of the few substances in the materia medica that is neither a plant nor a mineral salt. It does two different jobs. Externally, classical texts describe it as counteracting toxin, killing parasites and relieving itch, and it is the traditional external application for scabies, ringworm, obstinate sores and chronically weeping skin complaints; sulfur also remains a recognised topical agent in modern dermatology, which is unusual among these entries. Internally, the classical texts describe it as supplementing the fire of the gate of life and warming the Kidney, and record it for cold-type constipation and for the impotence and cold weak back that traditional medicine attributes to decline of that fire. That internal use rests entirely on the traditional record, and in practice it depends on the processed form. The gap between the two jobs is the point: a substance that is mild on the skin is not mild taken by mouth.

性味归经。酸,温;有毒。归肾、大肠经。

一味单质硫,是本草中少见的既非植物也非矿物盐类的药。它承担两类不同工作。外用方面,古籍记载解毒杀虫止痒,为疥疮、癣疮、顽疮与慢性渗液性皮肤病的外用常药;硫在现代皮肤病学中至今仍是公认的外用成分,这一点在本类药中并不常见。内服方面,古籍称其补火助阳、温肾,用于虚寒便秘以及传统归为命门火衰的阳痿与腰膝冷弱。内服用途完全属于传统记载,且实际使用依赖炮制品。两类工作之间的落差正是要点:外用温和的物质,内服并不温和。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classed as toxic. The element itself is of low acute toxicity on intact skin, but sulfur is not harmless: repeated or widespread application dries and irritates the skin and can cause contact dermatitis, especially under a dressing or in strong sun. Never bring it near a flame and never heat it — burning sulfur gives off sulfur dioxide, an irritant gas that is dangerous in a closed room. The internal use recorded in the classical texts is not a self-use practice, and the strongest reason is not sulfur itself but what comes with it: naturally occurring mineral sulfur has repeatedly been found contaminated with arsenic, and the traditional answer to that is the processed form — a manufacturing step, not something a household can carry out. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children, for the same reason. Any skin complaint that is spreading, weeping or failing to settle needs a diagnosis first. Scabies in particular is contagious and is a diagnosed condition: the whole household has to be considered, not one person applying sulfur to themselves.

文献列为有毒。单质硫对完整皮肤的急性毒性不高,但硫并非无害:反复或大面积使用会使皮肤干燥受刺激,可致接触性皮炎,包扎覆盖或强烈日晒后更明显。绝不可近火或加热 —— 硫燃烧产生二氧化硫,是密闭空间内有危险的刺激性气体。古籍所载内服不属于自用实践,最大的理由不在硫本身而在于伴生杂质:天然矿物硫多次被检出砷污染,传统的应对办法是炮制,而炮制是生产环节,不是家庭能完成的。孕期与哺乳期及儿童同样因此避免使用。任何正在扩散、渗液或久不愈合的皮肤问题都须先明确诊断。疥疮尤其具有传染性且属于需要诊断的疾病:要考虑全屋接触者,而不是一个人自行抹硫。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用) · External use: counteracting toxin, killing parasites, drying dampness and relieving itch

Alum bái fán · 白矾

Alumen (potassium aluminium sulfate, KAl(SO4)2·12H2O; the dehydrated form is known as 枯矾)

Nature and flavour. Sour, astringent, cold. Lung, Spleen, Liver and Large Intestine systems.

Alum — a double salt of aluminium, and one of the widest-travelled substances in the materia medica, since it has also served as a dye mordant, a water clarifier and, historically, a food additive. The classical texts describe it as drying dampness and relieving itch, counteracting toxin and killing parasites, and record it externally for eczema, weeping skin complaints, ringworm and sores, used as a wash or a powder. The dehydrated form, 枯矾, is the more strongly drying and astringent of the two and is the one preferred on a discharging sore. Internally it is recorded for checking bleeding and diarrhoea, and in some classical sources for phlegm and for seizure disorders. Those internal uses belong to the traditional record: they are not supported by controlled human evidence, and the aluminium question below is why they have largely been dropped in contemporary practice.

性味归经。酸、涩,寒。归肺、脾、肝、大肠经。

明矾,一种铝的复盐,也是本草中流传最广的物质之一 —— 它同时充当染料媒染剂、净水剂,历史上还作过食品添加剂。古籍记载燥湿止痒、解毒杀虫,外用治湿疹、渗液性皮肤病、癣与疮疡,多作洗剂或散剂。煅后失水所得的枯矾燥涩之性更强,用于渗液外溢的疮面更宜。内服记载为止血、止泻,部分本草还用于化痰与癫痫。内服诸用途属于传统记载,未被对照人体证据支持;下面的铝暴露问题正是现代临床已基本弃用内服的原因。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An aluminium salt, and that is the whole of the safety story. Aluminium is not a nutrient and the body handles it poorly: international food-safety bodies have set a provisional tolerable weekly intake for dietary aluminium and have revised it downward over the years, and aluminium-containing additives have been progressively restricted in foods in China and elsewhere. Medicinal amounts taken by mouth are not a self-use practice and are best avoided altogether — the burden falls mainly on people with reduced kidney function, who clear aluminium poorly, and on children. On the skin it is astringent and, over time, irritating: avoid large areas, avoid broken skin, avoid repeated or long-continued use, and avoid the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, eyes and genitals. Alum is acidic, and swallowing a large quantity has caused corrosive injury to the mouth and gut. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. A persistently weeping rash, a sore that will not heal, or bleeding from anywhere — the bowel included, since that is one of the classical internal uses — needs a diagnosis rather than an astringent.

铝盐,这一点就是安全问题的全部。铝不是营养素,机体处理铝的能力很差:国际食品安全机构为膳食铝设定过暂定每周耐受摄入量并逐年下调,中国与其他国家也已陆续限制含铝食品添加剂。药用的内服份量不是自用范畴,以完全避免为宜 —— 铝负荷主要落在肾功能减退者(排铝能力差)与儿童身上。外用时收涩,久用则刺激皮肤:不宜大面积、用于破损皮肤或长期反复使用;口腔、鼻腔、眼与外生殖器黏膜皆不宜。白矾呈酸性,误服大量曾有口腔与消化道腐蚀性损伤的报告。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。持续渗液的皮疹、久不愈合的疮面、以及任何部位的出血(包括肠道出血 —— 那正是古籍内服用途之一)都须先明确诊断,而不是靠一味收涩药。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用)· 兼温肾壮阳 · External use: counteracting toxin, killing parasites and relieving itch (also classified as warming the Kidney and supporting yang)

Cnidium Fruit shé chuáng zǐ · 蛇床子

Cnidii Fructus (Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cuss. — the dried ripe fruit)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter, warm; classed as slightly toxic. Kidney system.

The small ripe fruit of a plant in the carrot family, and the one member of this batch that is equally a warming internal drug. Externally, classical texts describe it as drying dampness, dispelling wind, killing parasites and relieving itch, and it is the traditional wash for genital itch, eczema and scabies. Internally it is recorded as warming the Kidney and supporting yang, and appears in classical sources for impotence and for the cold uterus of the traditional account of infertility. Coumarins — osthole above all — are the constituents usually named as its markers, and a good deal of laboratory and animal work has been published on them. That published work is preclinical: it is not the same as established benefit in people, and the traditional indications on this page are recorded as traditional rather than presented as established.

性味归经。辛、苦,温;有小毒。归肾经。

伞形科植物的干燥成熟小果实,也是本批中唯一同时属于温里内服药的一味。外用方面,古籍记载燥湿祛风、杀虫止痒,为阴痒、湿疹、疥癣的传统洗剂。内服记载为温肾壮阳,古典文献用于阳痿以及传统所称胞宫寒冷的不孕。通常以其香豆素类成分(尤以蛇床子素)作为指标成分,实验室与动物研究发表不少。但这类研究属临床前工作,不等于在人体上已证实有效;本页所载传统用途一律写作传统记载,不作为已证实者呈现。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classed as slightly toxic. The external wash is the form most often written about, but even there it belongs on intact skin only: stop if it stings or the rash spreads, and do not use it on broken or weeping skin without professional direction — contact dermatitis has been reported. The internal warming use is not a self-use practice. The classical texts already excluded it where there is yin deficiency with heat and where there is damp-heat in the lower burner, and those are precisely the presentations people misread at home. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children. Genital itch and any persistent rash need a diagnosis, not a wash: the causes are many, some of them are infections passed between partners, and quietening the itch while the cause goes on is how a short problem becomes a long one. Buy from a regulated supplier — fruits of related carrot-family plants have been reported as substitutes in the trade, and the wrong fruit is not simply a milder version of this one.

文献列为有小毒。外用洗剂是记载最多的形式,但即便外用也只宜用于完整皮肤:有刺痛或皮疹扩散即停用,破损与渗液皮肤未经专业指导不宜使用 —— 曾有接触性皮炎报告。温肾的内服用途不作自用:古籍本已列为阴虚火旺与下焦湿热者忌用,而这恰是最容易在家误判的两类表现。孕期与哺乳期避免使用,儿童忌用。阴部瘙痒与任何持续皮疹都须先明确诊断,而不是先洗 —— 病因很多,其中一部分是可在伴侣间传播的感染;只止痒而放任病因,正是小问题拖成老问题的路径。应向正规渠道购买:伞形科近缘植物的果实曾在流通中作混充品出现,错品种并不意味着只是药力弱一点。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用) · External use: killing parasites and relieving itch

Golden Larch Bark tǔ jīng pí · 土荆皮

Pseudolaricis Cortex (Pseudolarix amabilis (Nelson) Rehd. — the root bark or trunk bark of the golden larch; also written 土槿皮)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, warm; classed as toxic. Lung and Spleen systems.

The bark of the golden larch, a deciduous conifer of the mountains of eastern China and one of the few gymnosperms to enter the Chinese materia medica. It entered the record comparatively late and it has essentially one job: killing parasites and relieving itch, applied externally. It is the traditional application for ringworm of the body, athlete's foot, scabies and chronic itchy rashes, and it is best known today as the basis of the compound larch-bark tinctures sold for fungal skin infection. The diterpene acids known as pseudolaric acids are the constituents usually credited with the antifungal activity, and the published work on them is laboratory and animal work — suggestive, not established in controlled human trials. The classical sources record it as for external use only, and that restriction is the most important sentence on this page.

性味归经。辛,温;有毒。归肺、脾经。

金钱松的树皮(或根皮)。金钱松是中国东部山地的落叶针叶树,也是中药里少见的裸子植物来源之一。它入本草较晚,用途基本只有一个:外用杀虫止痒。它是体癣、手足癣、疥疮与慢性瘙痒性皮疹的传统外用药,今天最为人知的身份是复方土荆皮酊一类治疗真菌性皮肤病成药的主药。通常认为起抗真菌作用的是二萜酸类成分(土荆皮酸),相关研究多为实验室与动物工作 —— 有提示性,但尚未被对照人体试验所证实。古籍明确记载只供外用,这条限制是本页最重要的一句。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classed as toxic and recorded as external use only — it is not to be taken by mouth, and this page deliberately gives no internal preparation of any kind. The tincture is alcohol-based, so it is flammable and it stings on broken skin; it is not a preparation for the face, the genitals, large areas of the body, or an infant's skin. Repeated or widespread use has produced contact dermatitis, and absorption through broken skin is not something to experiment with. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and keep it out of the reach of children: a bottle of dark tincture left within reach is an ingestion waiting to happen. The golden larch is a relict species found only in China and is listed among the nationally protected wild plants, so bark of unknown origin is a plant-conservation question as well as a quality one. A ring-shaped rash that is spreading, or one that has been treated for weeks without settling, needs to be looked at rather than re-treated — not every ring-shaped rash is a fungus, and the ones that are often need more than something painted on.

文献列为有毒,并记载只供外用 —— 不可内服,本页故意不写任何内服的制剂形式。酊剂以酒精为基质,故易燃,涂于破损皮肤会有刺痛;不适用于面部、外生殖器、大面积皮肤与婴幼儿皮肤。反复或大面积使用可致接触性皮炎;经破损皮肤吸收更不应以身试药。孕期与哺乳期避免使用,并须远离儿童:一瓶深色酊剂放在孩子够得到的地方,就是一次误服的伏笔。金钱松是中国特有的孑遗树种,已列入国家重点保护野生植物名录,因此来源不明的树皮既是质量问题,也是植物保护问题。正在扩散的环状皮疹、或已自行用药数周仍不见好的皮疹,须先让人看一眼,而不是继续换药再抹 —— 环状皮疹并不都是真菌感染,即便是,也常不是单靠外用药能解决的。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用) · External use: counteracting toxin, killing parasites and dispelling wind to relieve pain

Wasp Nest fēng fáng · 蜂房

Vespae Nidus (the nest of Polistes olivaceus (DeGeer), Polistes jokahamae Radoszkowski or related species)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; some sources class it as slightly toxic. Stomach system.

The paper nest of a social wasp — an insect-built structure, and therefore one of the handful of animal-architecture drugs in the materia medica. Classical texts describe it as counteracting toxin, killing parasites, and dispelling wind to relieve pain. Externally it is recorded for sores, swellings and abscesses, for scrofula, and for ringworm and itchy skin; internally it is recorded for the painful obstruction attributed to wind-damp and for toothache. The material is usually charred or calcined before use. Very little of what is claimed for it has been examined in controlled human studies. The traditional indications here are recorded as traditional, and the honest summary is that this is an old drug with a long recorded use and almost no modern clinical evidence in either direction.

性味归经。甘,平;部分文献记有小毒。归胃经。

一种社会性胡蜂的纸质蜂巢 —— 由昆虫筑造的结构,因此是本草中少数以「虫类建筑」入药者之一。古籍记载攻毒杀虫、祛风止痛。外用治疮疡肿毒、瘰疬、癣疮与皮肤瘙痒;内服记载用于风湿痹痛与牙痛。药材多经炒炭或煅制后使用。所载用途中很少有经过对照人体研究检验者;本页所载传统用途一律作为传统记载处理。诚实的小结是:这是一味年代久远、记载悠久的药,而现代临床证据无论正反都几乎空白。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An animal product, and the first risk has nothing to do with traditional medicine: wasp and hornet material is allergenic. Anyone with a known allergy to wasp or bee venom, or who has ever had a systemic reaction to a sting, should not handle it at all — for that person the exposure is a route to anaphylaxis, and that is not a risk worth taking for a traditional remedy with no clinical evidence behind it. Beyond allergy, sourcing is the weak point: a wild-collected nest may contain larval remains, parasites, moulds, pesticide residue from wherever it was gathered, and material of an unidentified species, and none of that has routine quality control. Some sources class it as slightly toxic. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, avoid in children, and do not take it internally outside professional direction. A lump that is growing, an abscess, a swollen gland that will not settle, or a breast infection during breastfeeding each needs a diagnosis before anything is applied to it — these are the classical indications, and every one of them is a condition where waiting is the wrong move.

动物来源药材,第一重风险其实与传统医学无关:胡蜂类物质具有致敏性。已知对胡蜂或蜜蜂毒液过敏、或既往螫刺后出现过全身反应者,连接触都不应当 —— 对这类人而言,接触就是通向严重过敏反应的一条路径;为一味没有临床证据支持的传统药承担这种风险并不值得。过敏之外,来源是最大的薄弱点:野生采集的蜂巢可能含残留幼虫、寄生虫、霉菌、采集环境中的农药残留,且物种不明,这些均无常规质量控制可言。部分文献列为有小毒。孕期与哺乳期避免使用,儿童忌用,非专业指导不得内服。正在增大的肿物、脓肿、久不消退的肿核、以及哺乳期乳腺炎,在用药之前都须先诊断 —— 这些恰恰是古籍所载的适应症,而这些情形一律不宜拖延。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用) · External use: clearing heat, resolving toxin, reducing swelling

Borax péng shā · 硼砂

Borax (sodium tetraborate decahydrate, Na2B4O7·10H2O; the calcined form is known as 煅硼砂)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, salty, cool. Lung and Stomach systems.

Borax — a boron salt, and one of the clearest cases in the materia medica of a substance that has moved out of the medicine chest and into the industrial and household cupboard. Classical texts describe it as clearing heat and resolving toxin, and externally as reducing swelling and preserving against putrefaction. It is the traditional ingredient in powders and washes for sore throat, for ulcers of the mouth and tongue, and for red and painful eyes, and it is a familiar component of the 冰硼散 type of mouth powder. Internally it was recorded for clearing hot phlegm and for cough. That internal use is now historical: borax is officially listed in China among the non-food substances that are illegally added to food, it is not permitted as a food additive, and contemporary Chinese medical practice treats it as an external and topical substance. The traditional external indications on this page are recorded as traditional, and are not claims of established benefit.

性味归经。甘、咸,凉。归肺、胃经。

硼砂,一种硼酸盐,也是本草中「从药箱搬进工业与家务柜」最清楚的一例。古籍记载清热解毒,外用消肿防腐。它是咽喉肿痛、口舌生疮、目赤肿痛的散剂与洗剂的传统成分,也是冰硼散一类口腔散剂的常见组成。内服记载用于清热化痰、止咳。内服现已成为历史:硼砂在中国被正式列入食品中可能违法添加的非食用物质名单,不得作为食品添加剂;当代中医实践将其作为外用与局部用药对待。本页所载外用传统用途属于传统记载,并非已证实有效的声明。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The safest summary is short: borax is not a food, not a drink and not something to swallow, and there is no traditional reading under which a household should be preparing it. Boron compounds are well documented toxicologically — they are absorbed through broken skin and across mucous membranes, they accumulate rather than passing straight through, and reproductive and developmental effects have been shown in animal studies. Infants and children are the vulnerable group: borax-containing preparations applied to a baby's mouth or gums have caused poisoning, and homemade slime and play dough recipes that call for borax are a recognised route of childhood exposure — worth knowing independently of anything on this page. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Do not apply it to large areas, to broken skin, or to the mouth and mucosa of a young child. Do not use it in the eye, where the traditional indication is recorded but the risk is real. Store it as a household chemical rather than as a herb: labelled, dry and out of reach. A mouth ulcer or sore throat that has not settled, and any eye complaint, needs to be looked at rather than repeatedly powdered.

最简要的总结是:硼砂不是食品、不是饮品,也不可内服;不存在任何传统依据可以让家庭自行配制。硼化合物的毒理学记载是清楚的 —— 可经破损皮肤与黏膜吸收,进入体内后并非一过即出而是有蓄积;动物实验中已观察到生殖与发育毒性。婴幼儿与儿童是最脆弱的人群:含硼砂制剂用于婴儿口腔或牙龈曾有中毒报告;自制史莱姆与橡皮泥一类配方中用到硼砂,是公认的儿童暴露途径 —— 这一点即使撇开本页内容也值得知道。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。不宜大面积、用于破损皮肤,或用于幼儿的口腔与黏膜。眼部的传统用途虽有记载,但风险实在,不作自用。贮存按家用化学品对待而非按药材:贴标、干燥、置于儿童不可及处。久不愈合的口腔溃疡或咽痛、以及任何眼部不适,应就医诊视,而不是反复敷散。

攻毒杀虫止痒药(外用)· 兼为日常食物 · External use: counteracting toxin and killing parasites (also an everyday food)

Garlic dà suàn · 大蒜

Allii Sativi Bulbus (Allium sativum L. — the bulb)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, warm. Spleen, Stomach and Lung systems.

The one item in this batch that everybody already owns. Garlic is a food first and a drug second, and the classical texts treat it that way: they describe it as counteracting toxin, killing parasites, reducing swelling and checking dysentery, and record it externally for boils, sores and ringworm, and internally for intestinal parasites and for diarrhoea. It is also among the most-studied plants in the world, and the honest summary of that research is narrower than the reputation. Allicin and the related sulfur compounds are well characterised and the laboratory activity is real and broad; the human evidence is mixed and generally modest — small effects, inconsistent between studies, and rarely of a size that would change what a person ought to do. The classical sources excluded it where there is yin deficiency with heat and in complaints of the eye, and they were already warning that it irritates. It is safe as a food and much less predictable as a medicine.

性味归经。辛,温。归脾、胃、肺经。

本批中唯一人人家中都有的一味。蒜首先是食物,其次才是药,古籍也是这样处理的:记载解毒杀虫、消肿、止痢,外用治痈肿疮疡与癣,内服用于肠道寄生虫与泄泻。它也是世界上被研究得最多的植物之一,而对这类研究的诚实小结比名声要窄得多:大蒜素等含硫化合物结构清楚,实验室活性确实且广谱;人体证据则参差不齐且普遍偏弱 —— 效应量小、各研究间不一致,很少大到足以改变一个人应当怎么做。古籍已列为阴虚火旺者及目疾患者忌用,并早已提示其刺激性。作为食物它是安全的,作为药物则远没有那么可预期。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. As a food, garlic is safe for most people. As a skin application it is not: raw garlic held against the skin is a documented cause of chemical burns, sometimes full-thickness, and the cases in the literature are usually people who applied it as a home remedy and left it on — often under a dressing, which makes it worse, and often on a child. Do not strap raw garlic to the skin, and do not leave it on for hours. As a medicine taken by mouth, three cautions matter. It thins the blood in a way that interacts with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines, and it should be stopped well before planned surgery — tell the surgeon rather than deciding alone. It can lower blood sugar, which matters alongside diabetes medicines. And it reduces the blood levels of certain antiretroviral medicines, an interaction that is documented rather than theoretical. Medicinal amounts also disturb the stomach, and the classical cautions about yin deficiency with heat and about complaints of the eye belong here too. Culinary amounts in pregnancy and breastfeeding are food; concentrated preparations are a different matter. A boil that is spreading, a sore that will not heal, or either of them with a fever needs care rather than a poultice.

作为食物,大蒜对多数人是安全的。作为皮肤敷贴则不然:生蒜长时间贴敷皮肤是已见记载的化学性灼伤原因,有时达全层;文献中的病例多为自行敷贴后久留不去者 —— 常常还加包扎覆盖(这会加重),且常常发生在儿童身上。不要把生蒜绑在皮肤上,更不要敷几个小时。作为内服药,有三条须注意:其一,它有抗凝与抗血小板作用,与抗凝药、抗血小板药存在相互作用,计划手术前须提前停用 —— 应告知外科医生,不宜自行判断。其二,它可降低血糖,与降糖药同用时有影响。其三,它会降低某些抗逆转录病毒药物的血药浓度,这是有记载的相互作用而非理论推测。药用份量还会刺激胃肠;古籍阴虚火旺者忌用、目疾忌用的提示也属此类。孕期与哺乳期中的烹调份量算食物,浓缩制剂则另当别论。正在扩散的疖肿、久不愈合的疮面、或伴有发热者,需要的是就医处理,而不是一味敷贴。

活血化瘀药(活血疗伤)· 部分本草归入外用攻毒类 · Blood-invigorating, trauma-healing drug (some sources classify it among the external toxic drugs)

Nux Vomica Seed mǎ qián zǐ · 马钱子

Strychni Semen (Strychnos nux-vomica L. — the dried ripe seed)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold; classed as strongly toxic. Liver and Spleen systems.

The seed of a tree native to South and Southeast Asia, and the plant source of strychnine. Classical texts describe it as dispersing swelling, dissipating nodulation and relieving pain, and record it for traumatic injury and bruising, for sores and swellings, for the wind-damp type of painful obstruction, and for the numbness and weakness left after stroke in the traditional account. Those recorded uses sit alongside a fact that cannot be set aside: the seed carries strychnine and brucine, strychnine is a convulsant, and the gap between an amount that does anything at all and an amount that convulses is narrow — narrow enough that the classical sources themselves already required processing before use. The traditional processing is a manufacturing step carried out to a specification, and what it does is lower the alkaloid content; it does not turn the seed into something safe. Nux vomica is also a familiar name in homeopathy, where preparations are diluted far past the point at which any strychnine can be measured. That is a different article from the crude seed, and the two should not be confused.

性味归经。苦,寒;有大毒。归肝、脾经。

一味原产南亚与东南亚的树籽,也是士的宁(番木鳖碱)的植物来源。古籍记载散结消肿、通络止痛,用于跌打损伤、瘀肿疼痛、痈肿疮毒、风湿顽痹,以及传统所论中风后的麻木偏废。这些记载用途旁边摆着一个无法回避的事实:种子含士的宁与马钱子碱,士的宁是致惊厥物质,而「起作用的分量」与「致抽搐的分量」之间的余量很窄 —— 窄到古籍本身就已经要求炮制后用。传统炮制是按规范执行的生产环节,其作用是降低生物碱含量,并不能把种子变成安全的东西。马钱子在顺势疗法中也是一个常见药名,其制剂稀释到检测不出士的宁的程度。那是与生药完全不同的另一件物品,两者不应混淆。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classed as strongly toxic, and this page deliberately states no amount for taking by mouth, because there is no amount that a person can select for themselves safely. Strychnine poisoning begins with a bitter taste, restlessness, heightened startle and muscle twitching, and goes on to tetanic convulsions in which consciousness is retained and the spasms are triggered by light, sound or touch; death comes from respiratory failure or exhaustion. There is no home antidote — suspected exposure is an emergency, and a poison service or emergency department is the correct destination, not a wait-and-see. The processed form is what the classical tradition actually used, and processing is not something a household can carry out: heating the seed in a pan or a wok is not the same operation and leaves the alkaloids in place. Avoid entirely in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in children, in anyone with a seizure disorder, and in liver or kidney disease. Never bring it near food, drink or anything a child could pick up, and do not handle the raw seed repeatedly.

文献列为有大毒;本页故意不写任何内服份量,因为不存在可以自行掌握的安全量。士的宁中毒始于口苦、烦躁、易惊与肌肉抽动,进而发展为他觉清醒状态下的强直性惊厥 —— 抽搐可被光线、声响或触碰诱发;死因是呼吸衰竭或衰竭。没有家用解毒办法 —— 可疑接触属于急症,应联系中毒救治机构或急诊,而不是等待观察。传统实际所用的是炮制品,而炮制不是家庭能完成的:锅里炒或油炸不是同一个操作,生物碱仍然留在里面。孕期与哺乳期、儿童、癫痫患者、肝肾病患者一律不得使用。绝不可靠近食物、饮水或儿童能拿到的地方,也不要反复徒手接触生药。

活血疗伤 / 拔毒生肌(各家归类不一) · Wound-healing and toxin-expelling drug; some textbooks place it among the blood-invigorating trauma-healing drugs — the classification is not settled

Catechu ér chá · 儿茶

Catechu (a dried aqueous extract; in Chinese practice chiefly Acacia catechu (L. f.) Willd., with the related gambir from Uncaria gambir treated as a distinct article)

Nature and flavour. Bitter and astringent, slightly cold or cool depending on the source. Lung and Heart systems in the common account.

Not a plant part but an extract: the heartwood is boiled down and the decoction dried into a dark, brittle mass — in effect a concentrated tannin. Classical texts describe it as clearing the Lung and transforming phlegm, and externally as drying dampness, astringing and engendering flesh, and it is recorded for weeping sores and slow-healing ulcers, for eczema, for mouth and throat ulcers as a powder or rinse, and for bleeding from the gums. Internally it is recorded for phlegm-heat cough and for diarrhoea and dysentery. The same material has had a much wider career outside medicine: catechu has long been a tanning and dyeing agent, and it is one of the traditional ingredients of betel quid (paan) across South and Southeast Asia. That last point matters and is worth stating plainly — the quid as chewed, areca nut with slaked lime, is classified as carcinogenic to humans, and chewing it is associated with oral and oesophageal cancer and with oral submucous fibrosis. Those associations belong to the chewing practice and to areca nut; it is not established that catechu on its own accounts for them.

性味归经。苦、涩,微寒(部分本草作凉)。归肺、心经(通行说法)。

它不是植物的一部分而是提取物:心材水煎、浓缩、干燥成深色脆块,实质上是一份浓缩鞣质。古籍记载清肺化痰,外用燥湿、收涩、生肌,用于渗液不收的疮疡与久不敛口的溃疡、湿疹、口舌生疮与咽喉溃烂(作散剂或含漱),以及齿龈出血。内服记载用于痰热咳嗽与泄泻痢疾。同一物质在医药之外还有更广的履历:儿茶历来是鞣革与染色的材料,也是南亚与东南亚蒌叶咀嚼块(paan)的传统配料之一。最后这一点重要,须直说 —— 咀嚼块的实际形态(槟榔加熟石灰)被列为对人类致癌,咀嚼它与口腔癌、食管癌以及口腔黏膜下纤维化相关。这些关联属于咀嚼行为本身与槟榔;儿茶单独是否构成该风险,并未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A very high-tannin material, and that is the whole of the safety concern. Tannins astringe and, taken by mouth, irritate the stomach: nausea, constipation and abdominal discomfort are the ordinary results, and the older clinical experience with tannic acid — it was once used on burns and abandoned because of liver injury — is the reason internal use has narrowed rather than widened. Taking it by mouth is not a self-use practice, and the internal uses listed here belong to the traditional record rather than to established evidence. Externally it is drying and astringent: avoid large areas, avoid broken skin, avoid repeated or long-continued use, and keep it away from the eyes. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children. Two practical cautions: the material traded under this name may come from more than one plant, so a purchase outside the regulated supply chain may not be the article the text describes; and a sore that is spreading, weeping or refusing to close needs a diagnosis rather than an astringent.

一味高鞣质材料,这一点就是安全问题的全部。鞣质收涩,内服则刺激胃:恶心、便秘与腹部不适是常见结果;早年鞣酸曾用于烧伤治疗,后因肝损伤而被放弃 —— 这段临床经历正是内服用途逐渐收窄而非扩大的原因。内服不属于自用范畴,此处所列内服用途属于传统记载而非已确立的证据。外用燥涩:不宜大面积、用于破损皮肤或长期反复使用,并须避开眼部。孕期与哺乳期及儿童避免使用。两点实际提醒:以此名流通的货可能来自不止一种植物,非正规渠道所买未必是文本所写的那一味;正在扩散、渗液或久不收口的疮面需要的是明确诊断,而不是一味收涩药。

活血化瘀药(活血疗伤) · Blood-invigorating, trauma-healing drug

Dragon's Blood xuè jié · 血竭

Draconis Sanguis (traditionally the red resin of Daemonorops draco Bl., a rattan palm; the same commercial name is also applied to unrelated resins from Dracaena and Croton species)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, salty, neutral. Heart and Liver systems.

A red resin, and one of the few items in the materia medica whose name is pure theatre: 血竭 is dragon's blood, and the resin is exuded by the fruit of a rattan palm after it is bruised or heated. Classical texts describe it as invigorating blood and settling pain, transforming stasis and checking bleeding, and engendering flesh and closing sores; it is recorded externally for wounds, for sores and ulcers that will not close, and for bleeding from a wound, and internally for the pain of blood stasis. Resins of this kind have also been used outside medicine as colouring matter and as a varnish. The identification is the awkward part, and honest entries should say so: several botanically unrelated resins have been traded as dragon's blood — from Daemonorops, from Dracaena species, and from Croton lechleri in South America — and they are different articles with different constituents. What a given sample actually is depends on the supply chain it came through.

性味归经。甘、咸,平。归心、肝经。

一份红色树脂,也是本草中少数名字本身就是一场戏的药材:血竭即龙血,树脂由棕榈科藤本植物果实受创或受热后渗出。古籍记载活血定痛、化瘀止血、生肌敛疮,外用治跌打损伤、久不敛口的疮疡溃疡与创伤出血,内服用于瘀血疼痛。这类树脂在医药之外也作着色料与清漆使用。麻烦出在品种认定上,诚实的条目应当说明:有若干植物学上毫不相干的树脂都曾以龙血之名流通 —— 来自黄藤属、来自龙血树属、以及南美的 Croton lechleri —— 它们是不同物品,成分也不同。手头那一份究竟是什么,取决于它经过哪条供应链。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The mildest item in this batch, and still not one to use on yourself without advice. It is a blood-moving drug, and the classical contraindications put it off limits in pregnancy and in the absence of blood stasis — the texts are explicit that it is not a general tonic for bleeding. Taking it by mouth is not a self-use practice; the internal uses here are recorded as traditional. Externally, resins are recognised contact sensitisers, so a rash where it was applied means stopping, not continuing. The strongest caution is one that applies to any substance put on a wound: a wound that is not closing is information. A non-healing ulcer on the leg or the foot can be vascular, neuropathic or something that needs assessment, and covering it with a resin delays the diagnosis. Material bought outside the regulated supply chain may be a different resin from the one described here, or may have been coloured; buy for identification, not for appearance. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding.

本批中性质最温和的一味,但仍然不宜在无专业意见的情况下自用。它是活血药,古籍禁忌明确:孕期及无瘀血者不宜 —— 文本写得很清楚,它不是出血的通用补药。内服不属于自用范畴,此处内服用途按传统记载记录。外用方面,树脂类是公认的接触性致敏物,涂抹处出现皮疹即应停用而非继续。最要紧的提醒适用于任何敷在伤口上的东西:久不愈合的伤口本身就是信息。小腿或足部长期不愈的溃疡可能是血管性、神经性或其他需要评估的问题,用树脂敷上只会推迟诊断。非正规渠道所购可能并非此处所述的树脂,或经染色处理;应按可追溯的品种买,而不是看外观。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。

涌吐药 · 兼解毒收湿、蚀疮去腐 · Emetic drug; also recorded for counteracting toxin, astringing and cauterising (external)

Chalcanthite dǎn fán · 胆矾

Chalcanthitum (natural hydrated copper sulfate, CuSO4·5H2O; the refined article is blue vitriol)

Nature and flavour. Sour, astringent, acrid, cold; classed as toxic. Liver and Gallbladder systems.

A copper sulfate mineral, and the reason a vitriol appears in a herbal at all: it was one of the things that would make a person vomit. Classical texts place it among the emetics and describe it as drawing up wind-phlegm and expelling a swallowed poison, and record it for phlegm blocking the throat, for poisoning, and for the wind-phlegm type of convulsive disorder; externally it is recorded as a wash for eye complaints and for sores, and as a caustic to eat away proud flesh and warts. All of those are recorded uses, and nearly all of them belong to a period before safer options existed — induced vomiting is no longer how poisoning is managed, and copper sulfate on the eye is not a household practice. Outside medicine the same salt has been used far more widely: as a fungicide in agriculture, in electroplating, and as a mordant in dyeing. Its bright blue crystals are attractive, which is precisely why accidental drinking has been reported in children.

性味归经。酸、涩、辛,寒;有毒。归肝、胆经。

一味硫酸铜矿物,也是一份本草里为什么会出现「矾」类矿物的原因:它曾是能让人呕吐的东西之一。古籍把它列在涌吐药中,记载涌吐风痰与毒物,用于痰涎壅塞咽喉、误食毒物以及风痰所致的痫证;外用记载作洗剂治目疾与疮疡,并以腐蚀性蚀去胬肉与疣赘。这些都属于记载用途,而且几乎都属于还没有更安全办法的年代 —— 催吐早已不是处理中毒的方法,硫酸铜入眼更不是家庭能做的事。在医药之外,同一种盐的用途要广得多:农业杀菌剂、电镀、染色媒染剂。它明亮的蓝色晶体很好看,而儿童误服的报告正因此而来。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A caustic and irritant salt, and this page gives no amount for any use, internal or topical. Swallowed, copper sulfate burns the mouth and gullet and causes violent vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea that may be bloody; beyond the gut it can destroy red cells, cause methaemoglobinaemia, and injure the kidneys and the liver, and deaths have been reported. People with Wilson disease, who cannot handle copper normally, and people with G6PD deficiency are at particular risk, as are children. The traditional use of this drug — making someone vomit after a poison — is not first aid: modern poisoning management does not induce vomiting, and it especially does not after a corrosive or a petroleum product, where vomiting makes the injury worse. Eye contact is corrosive and is an emergency. Keep it away from food and out of reach; do not keep it in a container that looks as if it held something to eat or drink. Any suspected swallowing means calling a poison service or going to an emergency department.

一味腐蚀性与刺激性盐类;本页对内服与外用都不写任何份量。误服会灼伤口腔与食道,引起剧烈呕吐、腹痛与可能带血的腹泻;除消化道外,还可破坏红细胞、引起高铁血红蛋白血症,并损伤肾与肝,已有死亡报告。Wilson 病(肝豆状核变性)患者处理铜的能力异常、G6PD 缺乏者风险尤其高,儿童亦然。这味药的传统用途 —— 中毒后催吐 —— 不是急救:现代中毒处理不催吐,腐蚀性物质或石油类产品摄入后更不催吐,因为呕吐会加重损伤。入眼属腐蚀性损伤,是急症。须远离食物、置于儿童拿不到之处;不要用看似装过食物或饮料的容器盛放。任何可疑误服都应联系中毒救治机构或前往急诊。

拔毒化腐生肌药(专供外用) · Toxin-expelling, putrefaction-resolving and flesh-engendering drug (external use only)

Sublimed Mercuric Oxide shēng yào · 升药

Hydrargyrum oxydatum crudum — a sublimed mercuric oxide (HgO) preparation; the red form is 红升丹 and the yellow form 黄升丹

Nature and flavour. Acrid, hot; classed as strongly toxic. Lung and Spleen systems in the common account.

Not a mineral as dug but a mineral as made: mercury is heated together with saltpetre and alum in a sealed vessel and the product sublimed, which is why it is called 升药, the sublimed drug, and why the older name 三仙丹 names its three ingredients. It is one of the places where Chinese pharmacy and alchemy are plainly the same craft. Classical texts describe it as drawing out toxin, dissolving putrefaction, discharging pus and engendering flesh, and it is recorded for boils and carbuncles, for chronic ulcers and fistulae, and for promoting the separation of dead tissue from a sore. It is characteristically used as a small component of a compound powder rather than on its own. That is also how the traditional literature controls it: the drug is powerful, the amount used is minute, and the person measuring it was trained. None of those conditions exists in a household, which is why this page gives no amount and no instruction.

性味归经。辛,热;有大毒。归肺、脾经(通行说法)。

不是挖出来的矿物而是做出来的矿物:水银与硝石、白矾共置密封器皿中加热升华而得,因此名为升药,旧称三仙丹也正是点明这三味原料。这是中药与炼丹术显然为同一门手艺的地方之一。古籍记载拔毒、化腐、排脓、生肌,用于痈疽疔疮、慢性溃疡与瘘管,并促使疮面腐肉脱落。它的典型用法是作为复方散剂中的小比例成分,而不是单用。传统文献也正是以此管控它:药力峻烈、用量极微、称量者是受过训练的人。这三个条件在家庭中一个都不成立,因此本页不给任何份量,也不给任何操作说明。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A mercury compound, and mercury is the entire safety story. It is absorbed through the skin, and the vapour and dust from heating it are absorbed through the lungs; it accumulates, and the effects are not immediate, which is what makes it dangerous. Chronic mercury exposure produces tremor, inflammation and bleeding of the gums with excessive salivation, irritability and personality change, peripheral neuropathy, and kidney damage; the classical picture of the hatter and the mirror-maker is the same poisoning. Published case reports from several countries describe mercury poisoning following the use of mercury-containing traditional preparations, including topical ones, sometimes with substantial exposure before anyone connected the symptoms to the ointment. Not for taking by mouth under any circumstances. Not for self-application either: avoid large areas, avoid broken skin, avoid repeated or long-continued use, and never heat it. Avoid entirely in pregnancy and breastfeeding, in children, and in anyone with kidney disease. Any suspicion of exposure calls for medical assessment and, where indicated, measurement of mercury in blood or urine.

一种汞化合物,而汞就是安全问题的全部。它可经皮吸收,加热产生的蒸气与粉尘则经肺吸收;汞在体内蓄积,损害并不立刻出现,这正是它的危险之处。慢性汞中毒表现为震颤、牙龈红肿出血与流涎增多、易怒与性情改变、周围神经病变以及肾损害;旧时制帽匠与制镜匠的病态是同一种中毒。若干国家已发表病例报告,记载使用含汞传统制剂(包括外用制剂)后发生汞中毒,其中有些在症状与药膏被联系起来之前已暴露相当长时间。任何情况下都不得内服。也不作自用:不宜大面积、用于破损皮肤或长期反复使用,绝不可加热。孕期与哺乳期、儿童、肾病患者一律不得使用。任何可疑接触都须就医评估,并按指征检测血汞或尿汞。

拔毒化腐生肌药(外用)· 古籍亦载内服 · Toxin-expelling, putrefaction-resolving drug (external); the classical texts also record it taken internally

Calomel qīng fěn · 轻粉

Calomelas (mercurous chloride, Hg2Cl2), also named 汞粉 or 水银粉

Nature and flavour. Acrid, cold; classed as toxic. Lung and Large Intestine systems.

A white crystalline sublimate of mercurous chloride — mercury that has been made into a salt and condensed. Classical texts describe it as attacking toxin, killing parasites and astringing sores, and it is recorded externally for scabies, ringworm, weeping and itching skin complaints, and the sores of the traditional account of syphilis; internally it is recorded for oedema with constipation and for expelling worms. The internal use belongs to the historical record and to a period that did not know what mercury does. Calomel is also worth recognising as a genuinely global drug: it was a mainstay of nineteenth-century Western medicine as a purgative and as a treatment for syphilis, taken in quantities that would now be unthinkable, and mercurialism from it — tremor, ulcerated mouth, loss of teeth — was described at the time. Calomel also appeared in teething powders, and the resulting illness in children, acrodynia or pink disease, is one of the clearer instances of a paediatric poisoning identified from its pattern rather than from a label.

性味归经。辛,寒;有毒。归肺、大肠经。

氯化亚汞的白色结晶升华物 —— 就是把汞变成盐再冷凝下来。古籍记载攻毒杀虫、收湿敛疮,外用治疥疮、癣、渗液瘙痒的皮肤病,以及传统所论梅毒的疮疡;内服记载用于水肿兼便秘与驱虫。内服用途属于历史记载,也属于那个还不知道汞能做什么的年代。轻粉也确实值得作为一味世界性药物来认识:它在十九世纪西方医学里是通便剂与梅毒治疗的主力,服用量之大今天难以想象;当时已经描写过由它引起的汞中毒 —— 震颤、口腔溃烂、牙齿脱落。轻粉也曾出现在婴幼儿出牙粉中,由此在儿童身上造成的疾病(肢端疼痛症,又称红皮病)是儿科中毒史上从症状模式而非从标签识别出病因的较清晰例子之一。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A mercury compound, and the same cautions as for any mercurial apply with nothing softened. It is absorbed through the skin and through the lungs as dust or vapour, it accumulates in the body, and the nervous system and the kidneys are what it settles on. Children are more susceptible than adults — acrodynia, with painful pink hands and feet, irritability and a failure to thrive, was the historical signature of calomel exposure in childhood, and it is the reason this drug and anything like it has no place in a household with children. Not for taking by mouth; not for self-application. Avoid large areas, open skin and repeated use, and do not apply it under a dressing that keeps it in contact. Never bring it near a flame or heat it. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in anyone with kidney disease. It darkens on exposure to light, a change that reflects decomposition toward metallic mercury and the more soluble mercuric salt — old, discoloured material is not the same article as fresh, which is another reason not to use material of unknown history.

一种汞化合物,凡汞制剂适用的注意事项此处一条不减。它经皮吸收,粉尘或蒸气则经肺吸收,在体内蓄积,最终落在神经系统与肾上。儿童比成人更敏感 —— 肢端疼痛症(手足疼痛发红、烦躁、发育停滞)正是历史上儿童接触轻粉的特征表现,这也是此药及同类药物在有儿童的家庭中毫无位置的原因。不得内服,也不作自用。不宜大面积、用于破损皮肤或反复使用,不要在密闭敷料下长时间接触。绝不可近火或加热。孕期与哺乳期及肾病患者避免使用。它在光照下会变暗,该变化反映的是向金属汞与溶解度更高的汞盐分解 —— 陈旧变色者已非新品的同一物品,这也是不要使用来源不明药材的又一个理由。

拔毒化腐生肌药(外用)· 膏药原料 · Toxin-expelling, putrefaction-resolving and flesh-engendering drug (external); also a traditional base for medicated plasters

Minium qiān dān · 铅丹

Minium (lead tetroxide, Pb3O4), also named 黄丹 or 朱丹

Nature and flavour. Acrid, slightly cold; classed as toxic. Heart and Liver systems in the classical account, with some sources adding the Spleen.

Lead oxide made by heating lead in air — a bright red-orange powder that has had at least three careers: pigment, plaster base, and medicine. In the materia medica it is described as drawing out toxin and engendering flesh, and it is recorded externally for sores, ulcers and weeping skin complaints; internally it is recorded for settling convulsions and driving phlegm down. The internal use belongs entirely to the historical record. Its largest traditional role is probably as a plaster: lead oxide boiled with oil makes the lead soap that sets into a firm, self-adhesive plaster, the 铅硬膏 of the traditional repertoire, which is the same chemistry as the diachylon plaster of Western pharmacy. As a pigment it is red lead, used in paints and primers and, for centuries, in cosmetics. Every one of those uses has the same problem, and it is not a subtle one: lead is not safe at any level that has been measured, and the uses that put it on skin or near the mouth are the uses that expose people.

性味归经。辛,微寒;有毒。归心、肝经(通行说法,部分本草加脾经)。

铅在空气中加热所得的氧化物 —— 一种明亮的橙红色粉末,它至少有过三种履历:颜料、膏药基质、药物。本草记载拔毒生肌,外用治疮疡、溃疡与渗液性皮肤病;内服记载坠痰镇惊。内服用途完全属于历史记载。它最大的传统角色大概还是膏药:铅的氧化物与油共煮生成铅皂,凝固成有黏性的硬膏,即传统膏药中的铅硬膏,其化学与西方药学的 diachylon 硬膏相同。作为颜料它是红丹,用于油漆与防锈底漆,数百年来也用于化妆品。这些用途有一个共同问题,而且毫不隐晦:在已测定的任何水平上铅都不安全,而把它敷在皮肤上或送近口边的用法,正是使人暴露的用法。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Lead, and there is no safe level of lead exposure that has been established — that is the current position of public health bodies, and it is stated here without qualification. Lead accumulates in bone and is released from it over years; it crosses the placenta and passes into breast milk. In children it harms neurodevelopment, and the effects are not reversed by removing the exposure; in adults it causes anaemia, abdominal colic, peripheral neuropathy with wrist drop, kidney disease, high blood pressure and reproductive harm. Lead poisoning from traditional preparations, including from medicated plasters applied to the skin and from powders, is documented in published case reports from many countries, and it is a recurring rather than a rare finding. Not for taking by mouth under any circumstances. Not for self-application: avoid broken skin, large areas and repeated use, and keep it away from children entirely. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Where exposure is possible, a blood lead measurement is the test, and it is worth asking for specifically.

铅;在已测定的任何暴露水平上,铅都没有被确认的安全值 —— 这是公共卫生机构当前的一致立场,此处不加任何限定地写明。铅蓄积于骨,并在数年间不断释放;它可穿过胎盘、进入母乳。对儿童损害神经发育,且停止暴露后损害并不逆转;对成人引起贫血、腹绞痛、腕下垂等周围神经病变、肾病、高血压与生殖损害。因传统制剂(包括敷于皮肤的膏药与散剂)导致的铅中毒,已在许多国家的病例报告中记录,属于反复出现而并非罕见的发现。任何情况下都不得内服。也不作自用:不宜用于破损皮肤、大面积或反复使用,且须完全远离儿童。孕期与哺乳期避免使用。存在暴露可能时,血铅检测是对应的检查,值得明确提出来做。

拔毒化腐生肌药(极毒,外用) · Toxin-expelling, putrefaction-resolving drug (external) — one of the most toxic substances recorded in the materia medica

Arsenic Ore pī shí · 砒石

Arsenicum sublimatum (an arsenical ore consisting principally of arsenic trioxide, As2O3; the sublimed and purified form is 砒霜, and the red sulfide-bearing form is 红砒)

Nature and flavour. Acrid, very hot; classed as extremely toxic. Lung and Liver systems.

The most dangerous article in this library, and an honest entry has to begin by saying so. It is an arsenical ore whose active principle is arsenic trioxide. Classical texts describe it as eating away putrefaction and killing parasites, and it is recorded externally for scabies and lice, for warts, and for destroying dead tissue in obstinate sores and in the tooth decay of the traditional account of 牙疳; internally, in very small quantities, it is recorded for the asthma and the recurrent fever of the traditional account. Those internal uses are historical. Two facts deserve to be set beside them. Arsenic trioxide was the poison of choice for centuries, and the Marsh test for detecting it, developed in 1836, is part of the prehistory of forensic toxicology. And arsenic trioxide is also a modern pharmaceutical: a manufactured injectable preparation of it is used under hospital supervision for one specific blood cancer, acute promyelocytic leukaemia. That is a hospital drug given to a diagnosed patient, not this mineral, and it is mentioned here only so the two are not confused.

性味归经。辛,大热;有剧毒。归肺、肝经。

本知识库中最危险的一件物品,诚实的条目必须开宗明义。它是砷矿,有效成分是三氧化二砷。古籍记载蚀疮去腐、杀虫,外用治疥疮、虱、疣赘,以及顽固疮疡与传统所论牙疳中的腐肉;内服以极小量记载,用于传统所论的哮喘与往来寒热。这些内服用途属于历史。有两个事实值得并列在旁。砒霜是数百年间最常用的毒物,1836 年建立的马什氏检砷法是法医毒理学的史前篇章之一。同时,三氧化二砷也是一味现代药物:其注射制剂在医院监护下用于一种特定的血液癌症 —— 急性早幼粒细胞白血病。那是用于已确诊患者的医院用药,不是这块矿石;此处提及只是为避免两者混淆。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Extremely toxic, and cumulative. This page gives no amount for any purpose, because there is no amount of this substance that a person can decide on for themselves. Acute poisoning brings burning in the mouth and throat, severe vomiting, abdominal pain and profuse watery diarrhoea, followed by collapse, disordered heart rhythm with prolongation of the QT interval, and kidney failure; chronic exposure produces darkening of the skin with pale patches, thickening of the palms and soles, numbness and weakness in the limbs, anaemia, liver injury, and — this is established rather than suspected — cancers of the skin, lung, bladder and liver, which is why arsenic compounds are classified as carcinogenic to humans. Treatment is chelation in hospital, and it exists, which is another reason to go early rather than wait. Not for any form of self-use whatsoever, and not to be taken by mouth. Never heat it: heating an arsenical gives off vapour, and arsenic trioxide volatilises. Keep it out of any building where food is prepared and away from children, animals and water sources. Any suspected exposure is an emergency — a poison service or an emergency department, immediately.

极毒,且有蓄积性。本页对任何用途都不写份量,因为这种物质不存在可以由个人自行决定的量。急性中毒表现为口腔与咽喉烧灼、剧烈呕吐、腹痛与大量水样腹泻,继而虚脱、心律紊乱伴 QT 间期延长与肾衰竭;慢性暴露导致皮肤色素沉着夹杂白斑、掌跖角化增厚、肢体麻木无力、贫血、肝损害,以及 —— 这是已确立而非可疑的 —— 皮肤、肺、膀胱与肝的癌症,砷化物因此被列为对人类致癌。治疗是在医院进行的螯合疗法,而治疗确实存在,这也是及早就医而非等待的又一个理由。任何形式都绝不作自用,绝不内服。绝不可加热:砷矿受热散发蒸气,三氧化二砷会挥发。须远离任何备餐场所,远离儿童、动物与水源。任何可疑接触都是急症 —— 立刻联系中毒救治机构或前往急诊。

活血化瘀药(破血逐瘀);传统列为有小毒 · Blood-invigorating (stasis-breaking); classically listed as slightly toxic

Ground Beetle (Eupolyphaga) tǔ biē chóng · 土鳖虫

Eupolyphaga sinensis

Nature and flavour. Salty, cold; listed as slightly toxic in the classical materia medica; Liver system.

An insect drug classed as breaking up blood stasis and as knitting sinew and bone back together. Classical sources describe it for fixed, stabbing pain and for injury to the sinews and bones, and it is a standard presence in trauma and bone-setting formulae; it is also described for amenorrhoea and for abdominal masses attributed to blood stasis. Modern clinical evidence for these uses is limited and is not established.

性味归经。咸,寒;传统本草列为有小毒;归肝经。

虫类药,归类为破血逐瘀、续筋接骨。传统文献用于瘀血所致的固定刺痛,以及跌打损伤、筋骨断裂,为伤科与接骨方的常用药;亦用于瘀血所致的经闭与癥瘕。上述用途的现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classically listed as slightly toxic. The tradition is explicit that it is avoided in pregnancy — the classical reason given is that it breaks blood. Not for anyone with a bleeding tendency, and a documented interaction concern exists with warfarin and other anticoagulants. Allergy to insect proteins is a real concern. This is not a self-care herb; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

传统列为有小毒。传统明确记载孕期禁用——古典理由是其破血。有出血倾向者不宜;与华法林及其它抗凝药同用存在已记载的相互作用顾虑。虫类蛋白过敏是真实风险。不属于可自行使用的药材,须在合格执业者监督下使用。

活血化瘀药(破血逐瘀);传统列为有小毒 · Blood-invigorating drug (breaking blood stasis); classically listed as slightly toxic

Leech shuǐ zhì · 水蛭

Hirudo — Whitmania pigra Whitman, Hirudo nipponica Whitman (the dried whole body; an annelid worm)

Nature and flavour. Salty and bitter, neutral; listed as slightly toxic in the classical materia medica; Liver system.

The strongest of the stasis-breaking drugs, and the one where the classical account and modern medicine actually meet. Classical sources describe the dried leech as breaking blood and chasing out stasis, and record it for amenorrhoea, for abdominal masses attributed to blood stasis, for stabbing fixed pain, and for the bruising and swelling of traumatic injury. Separately from that tradition, the living leech is a real instrument in modern surgery: leech saliva contains hirudin, a direct thrombin inhibitor, and medicinal leeches are used in reconstructive and replantation surgery to relieve venous congestion in tissue whose venous drainage is not yet working. That clinical use is a supervised hospital procedure with a defined protocol — it is not the same activity as taking the dried drug, and it does not validate the traditional internal uses. For those traditional internal uses, the modern clinical evidence is limited and is not established.

性味归经。咸、苦,平;传统本草列为有小毒;归肝经。

破血逐瘀药中最峻烈的一味,也是古典记载与现代医学真正碰面的一味。古籍记载干品水蛭破血、逐瘀,用于经闭、瘀血所致的癥瘕、固定刺痛,以及跌打损伤的瘀肿。与这条传统并行的另一件事实是:活体水蛭是现代外科中真实使用的器械 —— 水蛭唾液含蛭素(直接凝血酶抑制剂),在重建与再植手术中用于缓解静脉回流尚未建立时的组织淤血。那是医院内有规范、有人监督的操作,与服用干品不是同一件事,也不能反过来证明传统内服用途成立。就上述传统内服用途而言,现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classically listed as slightly toxic, and a drug with a real bleeding hazard rather than a theoretical one. Avoided in pregnancy — the classical reason given is that it breaks blood. Not for anyone with a bleeding tendency, with an active ulcer, with very low platelets, or before surgery; the interaction concern with warfarin, other anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs is documented and is not a minor point, because the animal is itself a source of an anticoagulant. Living medicinal leeches carry Aeromonas bacteria in their gut as a normal symbiont, which is why leech therapy in hospital is given prophylactic antibiotic cover: infection at the bite site is a recognised complication. Anaemia from prolonged bleeding after leech bites is also described. Medicinal leeches must come from a licensed medical supplier, never from a pond, a bait shop or a market. This is not a self-care herb in any form; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and the question of how much to take is one this page deliberately does not answer.

传统列为有小毒,且其出血风险是实在的、而非理论上的。孕期禁用 —— 古典理由是其破血。有出血倾向者、活动性溃疡患者、血小板极低者、术前患者不宜;与华法林及其它抗凝药、抗血小板药同用的相互作用顾虑已有文献记载,且不是小事,因为该动物本身就是抗凝物质的来源。活体医用水蛭肠道内正常共生气单胞菌,这正是医院水蛭疗法需预防性使用抗生素的原因:叮咬处感染是已知并发症。水蛭叮咬后长时间出血导致贫血亦有记载。医用水蛭必须来自持证医疗供应商,绝不可取自池塘、钓具店或市场。本品任何形态都不属于可自行使用之物,须在合格执业者监督下使用;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」这个问题。

活血化瘀药(破血逐瘀);传统列为有小毒 · Blood-invigorating drug (breaking blood stasis); classically listed as slightly toxic

Gadfly (Tabanus) méng chóng · 虻虫

Tabanus bivittatus Matsumura, Tabanus mandarinus Schiner (the dried female body; family Tabanidae)

Nature and flavour. Bitter, slightly cold; listed as slightly toxic in the classical materia medica; Liver system.

A biting fly, dried, and one of the least comfortable items in the materia medica for a modern reader to accept. Classical texts class it with the drugs that break blood and drive out stasis, and record it for amenorrhoea with a hard abdominal mass, for postpartum stasis, for fixed stabbing pain, and for the swelling and pain of traumatic injury. It is characteristically paired in the classical literature with 水蛭 and 土鳖虫, and the grouping itself tells the reader something: these are the drugs the tradition reaches for when it believes stasis is severe, and it does not reach for them casually. Modern clinical evidence for these uses is limited and is not established, and the traditional indications describe a pattern-based way of deciding, not a diagnosis a reader can apply to themselves.

性味归经。苦,微寒;传统本草列为有小毒;归肝经。

一味晒干的吸血虻虫,对本草的现代读者来说是最不容易接受的一类药材。古籍将其归入破血逐瘀之品,用于经闭伴腹部硬块、产后瘀阻、固定刺痛,以及跌打损伤的肿痛。在古典文献中它常与水蛭、土鳖虫同用,这个组合本身就说明了问题:传统认为瘀血重证时才动用这几味,且并非随意使用。上述用途的现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实;传统所载的指征属于按证判断的方法,而不是读者可以往自己身上套的诊断。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Classically listed as slightly toxic, and grouped by the tradition itself with the violently breaking drugs rather than with the gentle blood movers. Avoided in pregnancy — the classical reason given is that it breaks blood and it is described as moving downward. Not for anyone with a bleeding tendency, with an active ulcer, with very low platelets, or before surgery; the interaction concern with warfarin and other anticoagulants is documented. Insect protein allergy is a real concern with any insect drug, and a reaction is a reason to stop, not to continue. Identification is the second problem after safety: insect drugs are traded dried and often damaged, and what arrives may not be the species named on the label. This is not a self-care herb; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

传统列为有小毒,且在传统分类里被归入峻烈破血之品,而不是温和的活血药。孕期禁用 —— 古典理由是其破血、下行。有出血倾向者、活动性溃疡患者、血小板极低者、术前患者不宜;与华法林及其它抗凝药同用的相互作用顾虑已有文献记载。虫类药都涉及虫类蛋白过敏的真实风险,出现反应应当停用而非继续。安全之后第二个问题是品种认定:虫类药材以干品流通且常破损,到手的未必是标签所写的种。不属于可自行使用的药材,须在合格执业者监督下使用。

活血化瘀药(破血行气)· 传统亦归入消积止痛类 · Blood-invigorating drug (breaking blood and moving qi); traditionally also classed among the qi-moving, accumulation-dispersing drugs

Bur-Reed Rhizome sān léng · 三棱

Rhizoma Sparganii — Sparganium stoloniferum (Buch.-Ham. ex Graebn.) Buch.-Ham. ex Juz., the dried rhizome

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter, neutral. Liver and Spleen systems.

The rhizome of a marsh plant, and one half of the most famous pairing in this category: 三棱 and 莪术 are quoted together so consistently that the classical literature treats them almost as one phrase, 三棱 breaks the blood and 莪术 moves the qi, and the argument is that stasis is rarely only one of the two. Classical sources describe it as breaking blood, moving qi, dispersing accumulation and settling pain, and record it for amenorrhoea and painful periods held to be blood stasis, for postpartum stasis, for hard abdominal masses, and for the distension and pain of food accumulation with qi stagnation. Its traditional role in food accumulation is why some materia medica classify it as a digestive drug as much as a blood drug. Modern clinical evidence for these uses is limited and is not established.

性味归经。辛、苦,平。归肝、脾经。

沼泽植物的根茎,也是本类中被引用得最频繁的一对中的一半:三棱与莪术在古籍中并称,几乎成了一个固定词组 —— 三棱破血、莪术行气,理由是瘀与气滞很少只占一头。古籍记载其破血行气、消积止痛,用于经闭痛经(属瘀血者)、产后瘀阻、腹部硬块,以及食积气滞所致的胀痛。它在食积方面的传统角色,是部分本草把它同时归入消导药的原因。上述用途的现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A breaking drug, not a tonic, and the tradition is blunt about it: it is avoided in pregnancy, and the classical texts also say it is not to be used where there is no stasis — the reasoning is that a drug which breaks stasis will consume what is sound when there is nothing to break. Not for anyone with a bleeding tendency, with an active ulcer, with very low platelets, or before surgery; the interaction concern with warfarin and other anticoagulants is documented, and it is not a drug to take alongside antiplatelet medicines on one's own judgement. It is also not a drug to take long-term on one's own initiative: the classical category of breaking drugs assumes a course, a supervisor and an endpoint, and none of those three can be supplied by a reader. Not a self-care herb; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

属破削之品而非补药,传统讲得很直白:孕期禁用;且古籍明确指出无瘀血者不宜 —— 理由是既破瘀,无瘀可破时反伤正气。有出血倾向者、活动性溃疡患者、血小板极低者、术前患者不宜;与华法林及其它抗凝药的相互作用顾虑已有文献记载,也不应自行判断与抗血小板药同用。同样不应自行长期服用:破血药这一类药物在传统里预设了疗程、监督者与停下的时机,这三样读者自己提供不了。不属于可自行使用的药材,须在合格执业者监督下使用。

活血化瘀药(破血行气)· 传统亦归入消积止痛类 · Blood-invigorating drug (breaking blood and moving qi); traditionally also classed among the qi-moving, accumulation-dispersing drugs

Zedoary Rhizome é zhú · 莪术

Rhizoma Curcumae — Curcuma phaeocaulis Val., C. kwangsiensis S. G. Lee et C. F. Liang, C. wenyujin Y. H. Chen et C. Ling, the dried rhizome

Nature and flavour. Pungent and bitter, warm. Liver and Spleen systems.

A Curcuma rhizome, and a good illustration of why the materia medica cannot be read as a list of interchangeable names: 莪术, 郁金 and 姜黄 all come from the same genus and are not the same article — 莪术 is the rhizome of these Curcuma species, 郁金 is the tuberous root, and 姜黄 is the rhizome of Curcuma longa and is the turmeric of the kitchen. Classical sources describe 莪术 as moving qi, breaking blood, dispersing accumulation and settling pain, and record it for abdominal masses, for amenorrhoea and stasis pain, for pain in the chest and abdomen attributed to stasis and qi, and for the distension of food accumulation. The volatile oil and the curcuminoid content have both been studied in the laboratory, and a great deal of that work is on cells and animals; this page does not convert it into a clinical claim, because the modern clinical evidence for the traditional uses is limited and is not established. Preparations made from the volatile oil, including injectable forms, have been the subject of adverse-reaction reports, and are mentioned here as a safety matter rather than as a use.

性味归经。辛、苦,温。归肝、脾经。

一味姜黄属的根茎,也是本草不能被当成一份「名字可以互换」的清单的现成例子:莪术、郁金、姜黄同属而不同物 —— 莪术是这几种姜黄的根茎,郁金是块根,姜黄则是 Curcuma longa 的根茎,即厨房里的姜黄粉。古籍记载莪术行气破血、消积止痛,用于癥瘕积聚、经闭瘀痛、瘀血与气滞所致的心腹疼痛,以及食积胀痛。其挥发油与姜黄素类成分在实验室中被大量研究,其中很大一部分是细胞与动物实验;本页不把它换算成临床结论,因为传统用途的现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。以挥发油制成的制剂(含注射剂型)出现过不良反应报告,此处是作为安全问题提及,而不是作为用途。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The partner of 三棱 and, in the classical framing, the qi-moving half of the pair — which does not make it gentler. Avoided in pregnancy, and the classical texts extend the same caution to the absence of stasis. Not for anyone with a bleeding tendency, with an active ulcer, with very low platelets, or before surgery; the interaction concern with warfarin, other anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs is documented, and the curcuminoid fraction has itself been studied for antiplatelet activity, which is a reason for caution rather than reassurance. Injectable preparations of the volatile oil have been associated with reported adverse reactions, and this page does not describe them as a form of care a reader should seek out. Identification is a real issue in the trade: several Curcuma species supply the market, and turmeric powder from the kitchen shelf is not this drug. Not a self-care herb; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

三棱的固定搭档,在古典框架里承担「行气」那一半 —— 但这并不使它更温和。孕期禁用,古籍对无瘀者的禁忌同样适用。有出血倾向者、活动性溃疡患者、血小板极低者、术前患者不宜;与华法林及其它抗凝药、抗血小板药同用的相互作用顾虑已有文献记载,而且姜黄素类成分本身就被研究过抗血小板活性,这是谨慎的理由而不是放心的理由。挥发油注射制剂有过不良反应报告,本页不把它写成读者应当去寻求的一种照护方式。品种认定在流通中是真问题:市场上有数种姜黄属植物供货,厨房里的姜黄粉不是这味药。不属于可自行使用的药材,须在合格执业者监督下使用。

活血化瘀药(活血通经)· 传统亦外用止血消肿 · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and opening the menses); traditionally also used externally to check bleeding and reduce swelling

Artemisia anomala (Wormwood Herb) liú jì nú · 刘寄奴

Herba Artemisiae Anomalae — Artemisia anomala S. Moore, the dried aerial parts

Nature and flavour. Bitter, warm. Heart, Liver and Spleen systems.

A name that has to be read with care, because it is not one plant. 刘寄奴 in the southern tradition is Artemisia anomala, an asteraceous herb; in the northern tradition the same name is applied to Siphonostegia chinensis, a plant of a different family entirely, and other regional substitutes have been recorded as well. That is not a footnote — it means two batches under the same label can be different drugs, and any sourcing decision has to be made on the botanical name rather than on the Chinese one. Classical sources describe the southern herb as quickening the blood and opening the menses, dispersing stasis and settling pain, and as checking bleeding and reducing swelling when applied to an injury; it is recorded for amenorrhoea and painful periods, for postpartum stasis, for the pain and swelling of traumatic injury, for bleeding from a wound, and for sores and swellings. Modern clinical evidence for these uses is limited and is not established.

性味归经。苦,温。归心、肝、脾经。

一个必须小心读的药名,因为它不是一种植物。南方所用的刘寄奴是菊科的奇蒿(Artemisia anomala);北方同名之物则是完全不同科的阴行草(Siphonostegia chinensis),此外还记载有其它地区性代用品。这不是脚注 —— 它意味着同一标签下的两批货可能是两味不同的药,任何采购决定都只能依据植物学名,而不是这个中文名。古籍记载南方所用的这一味活血通经、散瘀止痛,外用于创伤可止血消肿;用于经闭痛经、产后瘀阻、跌打损伤瘀肿疼痛、外伤出血,以及疮痈肿毒。上述用途的现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two cautions before anything else. The first is the name: because the same Chinese name covers at least two botanically unrelated plants, a reader cannot know from the label which article they have, and this page deliberately does not resolve the question — that is what a botanical name and a supplier's certificate are for. The second is that it is a blood-moving drug, and so it is avoided in pregnancy; the classical texts are explicit, and the same caution covers the absence of stasis. Not for anyone with a bleeding tendency, with an active ulcer, with very low platelets, or before surgery; the interaction concern with warfarin and other anticoagulants is documented. Allergy to Asteraceae plants — ragweed, chrysanthemum, chamomile and their relatives — is a real consideration for the southern herb. Putting a powdered herb on an open wound is also not the neutral act it looks like: wound care is a clinical matter, and a wound that will not close needs assessment rather than a dressing. Not a self-care herb; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

有两件事要先说清楚。第一是药名:同一个中文名下至少有两类植物学上毫不相干的植物,读者无法从标签判断手上是哪一种,本页刻意不去猜这个答案 —— 那是植物学名与供应商检验证书该管的事。第二,它是活血药,因此孕期禁用;古籍写得很明确,无瘀者的禁忌同样适用。有出血倾向者、活动性溃疡患者、血小板极低者、术前患者不宜;与华法林及其它抗凝药同用的相互作用顾虑已有文献记载。菊科植物过敏(豚草、菊花、洋甘菊及其近缘)对南方所用的这一味是真实需要注意的一点。此外,把草药粉敷在开放伤口上,也不像看起来那样中性:伤口处理是临床问题,久不愈合的伤口需要评估而不是一味外敷。不属于可自行使用的药材,须在合格执业者监督下使用。

活血化瘀药(散瘀止痛、接骨疗伤) · Blood-invigorating, trauma-healing drug (dispersing stasis and settling pain, knitting bone)

Pyrite (as a mineral drug) zì rán tóng · 自然铜

Pyrite — iron disulfide, FeS₂; used as a mineral drug in the calcined and quenched form (煅自然铜)

Nature and flavour. Pungent, neutral. Liver system.

Not a metal in the sense most readers will expect, and not copper despite the name: 自然铜 is pyrite, iron disulfide, the pale brassy mineral that is familiar as fool's gold, and the Chinese name refers to its colour and its being found native rather than smelted. It is one of the mineral drugs, and it is used almost entirely within the trauma and bone-setting tradition: classical sources describe it as dispersing stasis, settling pain and knitting bone, and record it for fractures, for falls and blows, and for the swelling and pain of injury. In that literature it is a formula ingredient rather than a standalone remedy. Modern clinical evidence for these uses is limited and is not established, and the fact that a fracture is being discussed is itself a reason to say plainly that a fracture is an emergency-department matter, not a materia medica matter.

性味归经。辛,平。归肝经。

它既不是多数读者以为的那种金属,也不是铜:自然铜是黄铁矿(二硫化亚铁),即俗称「愚人金」的浅黄铜色矿物;中文名取自其色泽与天然产出而非冶炼所得。它属矿物药,用途几乎完全集中在伤科与接骨传统之内:古籍记载散瘀止痛、接骨疗伤,用于骨折、跌扑损伤与伤处肿痛。在那些文献里它是方中的一味,而不是单用的疗法。上述用途的现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实;而且既然谈的是骨折,就有必要直说:骨折是急诊该管的事,不是本草该管的事。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A mineral drug, and the safety note has to begin with what that means: a mineral is not a plant, it is not standardised by growing conditions, and its composition depends on the ore body it came out of. Pyrite commonly occurs alongside arsenopyrite and other sulfide minerals, and arsenic and heavy-metal content in unregulated mineral material is a documented problem, not a hypothetical one — the historical objection to mineral drugs, inside the Chinese tradition as well as outside it, is precisely this. The classical processing is calcining followed by quenching, traditionally in vinegar; that is a manufacturing step carried out to a specification, and a household cannot perform it, and performing something like it in a pan does not make the material safe. Avoided in pregnancy and in children, and not for anyone with liver or kidney disease. A fracture needs reduction and immobilisation by a clinician, and no mineral changes that. Not a self-care substance in any form; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

既是矿物药,安全提示就必须从这一点讲起:矿物不是植物,不因产地条件而标准化,其成分取决于它出自哪个矿体。黄铁矿常与毒砂及其它硫化物矿物共生,未经监管的矿物药材中砷与重金属含量偏高是已有记载的问题,而非假设 —— 中国医学传统内部对矿物药的反对理由,恰恰也是这一条。传统炮制是煅后醋淬;那是按规范执行的生产环节,家庭无法完成,在锅里做点类似的事也不会让材料变得安全。孕期与儿童避免使用;肝肾病患者不宜。骨折需要由临床医师复位与固定,任何矿物都改变不了这一点。本品任何形态都不属于可自行使用之物,须在合格执业者监督下使用。

活血化瘀药(活血通经、散瘀止痛) · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and opening the menses, dispersing stasis and settling pain)

Sappan Wood sū mù · 苏木

Lignum Sappan — Caesalpinia sappan L. (accepted name Biancaea sappan (L.) Tod.), the dried heartwood

Nature and flavour. Sweet and salty, neutral. Heart, Liver and Spleen systems.

A red heartwood, and a reminder that a great deal of the materia medica did double duty as trade goods: sappan wood was a major export of Southeast Asia for centuries, used as a red dye for textiles and as a colourant, and the same wood entered medicine. Its red principle is brazilin, which oxidises to the red brazilein; a close relative, logwood (Haematoxylum campechianum), yields haematoxylin, which is still used as a histological stain — a useful illustration that a dye and a drug are not separate categories in this material. Classical sources describe it as quickening the blood and opening the menses, dispersing stasis and settling pain, and record it for amenorrhoea and painful periods held to be stasis, for postpartum stasis and abdominal pain, for stabbing pain in the chest and abdomen, and for the swelling and pain of traumatic injury. It is a blood mover of moderate strength rather than a breaker, and the classical texts put it a clear step below 三棱 and 莪术. Modern clinical evidence for these uses is limited and is not established.

性味归经。甘、咸,平。归心、肝、脾经。

一味红色心材,也提醒人本草里有相当一部分同时是商品:苏木数百年来是东南亚的重要出口品,既作纺织红色染料与着色料,也入药。其红色成分是巴西苏木素,氧化后成为红色的巴西苏木红素;近缘的洋苏木(Haematoxylum campechianum)所含的苏木精至今仍用作组织学染色剂 —— 这一点很好地说明:在这批材料里,染料与药物并不是两个分开的类别。古籍记载其活血通经、散瘀止痛,用于经闭痛经(属瘀血者)、产后瘀阻腹痛、胸腹刺痛,以及跌打损伤的肿痛。它的活血之力属中等而非破削,古籍明确把它放在三棱、莪术之下一个台阶。上述用途的现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A blood-moving drug, and so avoided in pregnancy, with the classical texts also cautioning against use where there is no stasis. Not for anyone with a bleeding tendency, with an active ulcer, with very low platelets, or before surgery; the interaction concern with warfarin and other anticoagulants is documented. Wood of this kind is a recognised cause of contact dermatitis and of respiratory irritation from the dust, so a rash or wheezing around the material means stopping and getting it looked at rather than pushing on. Because it has a long life as a dye, sappan wood is also sold as a colourant and as a craft material, and material bought through those channels carries no assurance about identity or cleanliness. Other red woods are traded under similar names in different markets. Not a self-care herb; any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

属活血药,故孕期禁用,古籍对无瘀者亦有禁忌。有出血倾向者、活动性溃疡患者、血小板极低者、术前患者不宜;与华法林及其它抗凝药同用的相互作用顾虑已有文献记载。此类木材是已知的接触性皮炎成因,其粉尘也会引起呼吸道刺激,接触后出现皮疹或气喘应当停用并就诊,而不是继续。由于它长期作为染料使用,苏木也以着色料与手工材料的身份流通,从这些渠道买到的材料在品种与洁净度上没有任何保证。不同市场还有其它红色木材以相似名称流通。不属于可自行使用的药材,须在合格执业者监督下使用。

活血化瘀药(活血止痛)· 传统亦归补肾强骨类 · Blood-invigorating, trauma-healing drug; traditionally also classed as supplementing the Kidney and strengthening bone

Drynaria Rhizome gǔ suì bǔ · 骨碎补

Rhizoma Drynariae — Drynaria fortunei (Kunze) J. Sm., the dried rhizome of a fern (family Polypodiaceae); traditionally sand-scorched before use

Nature and flavour. Bitter, warm. Liver and Kidney systems.

The mildest item in this batch, and the one whose name is the most literal: 骨碎补 means mender of broken bone, and the classical description follows the name — quickening the blood and settling pain, supplementing the Kidney and strengthening bone. It is recorded for falls, blows and sprains, for injury to the sinews and bones, for lower back and knee weakness attributed to Kidney depletion in the traditional sense, and for tinnitus and loose teeth described the same way. The外用 record is the one that travels furthest: the herb is applied to the scalp in the traditional literature for patchy hair loss, and it is still a common ingredient in hair tonics sold today. That use is worth stating plainly and then setting down: the modern clinical evidence for it is limited and is not established, and hair loss has causes — thyroid disease, iron deficiency, alopecia areata, and others — that a topical application cannot address and that should be assessed rather than covered up.

性味归经。苦,温。归肝、肾经。

本批中性质最温和的一味,也是名字最直白的一味:骨碎补即「补碎骨」,古籍描述也照着这个名字走 —— 活血止痛、补肾强骨。记载用于跌扑闪挫、筋骨损伤、传统所论肾虚所致的腰膝痿软,以及同样归因于肾虚的耳鸣、齿松。传得最远的是外用记载:古籍以本品涂擦头皮治斑秃,至今仍是市售生发制品中的常见成分。这个用途值得照实写下,然后放下:其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实;而脱发是有原因的 —— 甲状腺疾病、缺铁、斑秃等等 —— 外涂解决不了,应当去查明而不是遮掩。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The gentlest of the eight, and still not a self-care herb. It is a blood mover, so the classical texts avoid it in pregnancy, and the same caution applies in breastfeeding because the evidence simply is not there. Traditionally it is processed by sand-scorching to remove the scales and hairs, which is a workshop step with a specification, not something to improvise in a kitchen. Fern material stored damp can mould, and mould is a reason to discard a batch rather than dry it out. Because it is a popular commercial ingredient, substitution and mislabelling are documented in the trade, and several Drynaria species and unrelated fern rhizomes have appeared under the name. Anyone with patchy hair loss, a non-healing injury, or persistent back pain should have the cause looked into rather than treating it as a deficiency to be topped up. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner.

八味中最温和的一味,仍然不是可自行使用的药材。它是活血药,故古籍孕期禁用;哺乳期同样慎用,因为这方面的证据根本不存在。传统以砂烫去鳞片毛须,那是作坊里按规范执行的一步,不该在厨房里临场发挥。蕨类材料受潮会发霉,发霉的一批应当弃掉而不是晒干了继续用。由于它是热门商品成分,流通中的掺伪与错标已有记载,已有数种槲蕨属植物及不相干的蕨类根茎以此名出现。斑秃、久不愈合的损伤或持续腰痛者,都应先查明原因,而不是当作某种虚损去补。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行。

活血化瘀药(活血补血)· 传统亦归舒筋活络类 · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and supplementing the blood); traditionally also classed as freeing the channels and relaxing the sinews

Spatholobus Vine jī xuè téng · 鸡血藤

Caulis Spatholobi — Spatholobus suberectus Dunn (family Fabaceae), the dried vine stem. The common name refers to the red sap that oozes from a cut stem.

Nature and flavour. Bitter and sweet, warm. Liver and Kidney systems.

The one blood mover whose classical reputation includes blood deficiency and not only stasis. The sources describe it as quickening the blood and supplementing the blood at the same time, regulating the menses, freeing the channels and relaxing the sinews, and it is recorded for irregular or scanty menstruation, for amenorrhoea described as blood deficiency with stasis, for a sallow complexion and the vague aching that the texts attribute to blood failing to nourish the sinews, and for numbness, stiff joints and the limb weakness that follows wind-stroke in the traditional account. It is also a common ingredient in contemporary Chinese hospital practice, where it appears in compounds given alongside conventional treatment; that is a clinical decision for the treating team, and the evidence supporting it is limited and is not established.

性味归经。苦、甘,温。归肝、肾经。

活血药中唯一一味古典声誉里带着「血虚」而不只是「瘀」的。古籍既言其活血、又言其补血,兼调经、舒筋活络;记载用于月经不调、经少、血虚夹瘀所致的经闭,面色萎黄与古籍所论血不养筋的酸痛,以及传统所称中风之后的麻木、关节不利与肢体痿弱。它也是当代中医院里的常用药,常出现在与常规治疗并行的复方之中;那是治疗团队决定的事,其支持证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A blood mover with a mild reputation, and that reputation is exactly why it gets used casually; it is still a drug. Avoided in pregnancy in the classical sources, and the same caution applies in breastfeeding because the evidence simply is not there. Anyone with heavy or prolonged periods, with a bleeding tendency, or taking warfarin or another anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug should not add a blood-moving herb on their own. The trade name is the practical hazard: several genera — Spatholobus, Millettia, Mucuna and others — are sold as 鸡血藤 in different regions, and only Spatholobus suberectus is the standard item; a package labelled with the Chinese name alone is not a reliable identification. Injectable preparations exist in Chinese hospital practice and are not the same product as the dried vine: injectable herbal preparations have their own adverse-reaction record and belong nowhere outside a hospital. The traditional uses above are recorded; the modern clinical evidence for them is limited and is not established. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and this page deliberately does not say how much to take.

性味温和的活血药 —— 正因为温和才常被随手用起来,但它仍然是药。古籍孕期禁用;哺乳期同样慎用,因为这方面的证据根本不存在。月经过多或经期延长者、有出血倾向者、正在服用华法林或其它抗凝药、抗血小板药者,都不该自行加用活血药。真正的风险在名称:不同地域以 Spatholobus、Millettia、Mucuna 等数属的植物作鸡血藤出售,标准品只有密花豆一源;只标中文名的包装不足以作为鉴定依据。注射液是中医院内的剂型,与干藤并非同一物:中药注射剂有其自身的不良反应记录,绝不可出现在医院之外。上述传统用途有文献记载,其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」。

活血化瘀药(活血通经)· 传统亦归下乳、消肿类 · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and freeing the menses); traditionally also classed as promoting lactation and dispersing swelling

Vaccaria Seed wáng bù liú xíng · 王不留行

Semen Vaccariae — Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert (family Caryophyllaceae), the dried ripe seed

Nature and flavour. Bitter, neutral. Liver and Stomach systems.

The name is a joke that the classical sources repeat with obvious relish: 王不留行 means the king does not let it linger, and the seed is described as one that moves and does not stay. It quickens the blood and frees the menses, promotes lactation, disperses swellings and settles pain, and it is recorded for amenorrhoea and difficult menstruation, for scanty or absent milk after childbirth, for breast abscess and painful swellings, and in the older literature for painful urinary difficulty. There is a second life for this seed that involves no swallowing at all: it is the object most commonly taped to ear points in auricular acupressure, chosen because it is small, round, hard and cheap — a physical pellet pressed against a point, not a medicine taken into the body. The traditional internal uses are recorded; the modern clinical evidence for them is limited and is not established.

性味归经。苦,平。归肝、胃经。

这味药的名字是个双关,古籍引述时显然乐在其中:王不留行即「王命亦不能留其行」,说的是它走而不守。功能活血通经、下乳、消肿止痛;记载用于经闭、经行不畅,产后乳少或乳汁不下,乳痈与肿痛,古文献亦载其治小便淋痛。这粒种子还有第二种完全不涉及内服的用途:它是耳穴贴压最常用的压丸 —— 只因它小而圆、硬且便宜 —— 那是压在穴位上的一粒实物,不是吃进身体的药。上述传统内服用途有文献记载,其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is one of the clearest pregnancy contraindications in the materia medica: the seed moves blood and the texts associate it with labour, so it is not to be used by anyone who is pregnant. It is also not for anyone with heavy menstrual bleeding or a bleeding tendency, and combining it with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs is a decision for a prescriber, not a self-care choice. The lactation use is the reason most people meet this herb, and it is also the use that most needs an honest sentence: the traditional record is long, the modern clinical evidence is limited and is not established, and a milk supply has ordinary, checkable causes — latch, frequency, thyroid function, retained products of conception — that a seed will not fix and that should be looked at before anything else. Safety in breastfeeding has not been established by modern study; the mother takes it and the infant is the one exposed. Because the seed is small and hard it is a choking hazard for small children, which matters in a house where ear-pellet supplies are kept. Buy it by the Latin name: 王不留行 and 麦蓝菜 are used loosely in the trade and other seeds have been sold under the name. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and this page deliberately does not say how much to take.

这是本草中孕期禁忌写得最明确的一味:它走血,古籍并将它与临产联系起来,故孕妇绝不可用。月经过多或有出血倾向者同样不宜;与抗凝药、抗血小板药同用须由执业医生判断,不是可以自行决定的事。下乳是多数人认识这味药的缘由,也正是最需要一句实话的用途:传统记载虽长,现代临床证据有限且尚未被证实;而乳汁不足有可以查证的常见原因 —— 含接、频次、甲状腺功能、胎盘残留 —— 不是一味种子能解决的,应当先查这些。哺乳期安全性未经现代研究确立:服药的是母亲,暴露的是婴儿。种子小而硬,对幼儿是呛噎隐患,家中存有耳穴压丸的尤其要注意。购买须认拉丁名:王不留行与麦蓝菜在流通中混用,已有其它种子冒充本品。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」。

活血化瘀药(破血祛瘀、凉血祛风) · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and breaking stasis, cooling the blood, dispelling wind)

Campsis Flower líng xiāo huā · 凌霄花

Flos Campsis — Campsis grandiflora (Thunb.) Loisel. (family Bignoniaceae), the dried flower. The related American species Campsis radicans is traded and naturalised elsewhere.

Nature and flavour. Sweet and sour, cold. Liver and Pericardium systems.

A blood mover that is also classed as cooling, which makes it the one reached for when the stasis is described as having heat in it. The sources credit it with quickening the blood and breaking stasis, cooling the blood and dispelling wind, and record it for amenorrhoea with abdominal masses, for fixed stabbing pain, for itchy wind rashes, and — the use that gets quoted most — for the red nose and papules of what the texts call 酒齄鼻, applied as a wash as well as taken. That external application is the milder half of the record, and it is the half a modern reader is more likely to encounter. The traditional internal uses are recorded; the modern clinical evidence for them is limited and is not established.

性味归经。甘、酸,寒。归肝、心包经。

活血药中又归寒凉的一味,故在瘀而兼有热象的描述里最常被提到。古籍谓其破血祛瘀、凉血祛风;记载用于经闭癥瘕、固定刺痛、风疹瘙痒,以及被引用最多的一项 —— 古籍所称酒齄鼻的鼻赤与丘疹,既可内服亦可外洗。外用是这份记载中较温和的一半,也是现代读者更可能遇到的一半。上述传统内服用途有文献记载,其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The strongest caution here is the classical one: this flower breaks blood, and the sources contraindicate it in pregnancy outright. It should not be used by anyone who is pregnant or trying to become pregnant, or who has heavy periods or a bleeding tendency, and adding it to warfarin or another anticoagulant or antiplatelet drug is not a self-care decision. There is a second, physical caution. Most people meet the fresh flower by handling it rather than eating it: the related American trumpet vine is documented as a cause of contact dermatitis, and the pollen and nectar of trumpet flowers irritate the eyes and the mucous membranes of anyone who brushes against or cuts them. Gloves and eye protection are the ordinary precautions for a gardener, and they have nothing to do with the traditional uses of the dried drug. Two species and more than one plant part circulate under the Chinese name, and only the dried flower of the named species is the standard item. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and this page deliberately does not say how much to take.

这里最重的提示是古典的那一条:此花破血,古籍孕期直禁。孕妇或备孕者绝不可用;月经过多或有出血倾向者不宜;把它加到华法林或其它抗凝、抗血小板药上去,不是可以自行决定的事。另有一条属于物理性的提醒:多数人接触凌霄是从摆弄新鲜花开始,而非服用 —— 其近缘的美洲凌霄(Campsis radicans)有致接触性皮炎的文献记载,而凌霄属花朵的花粉与花蜜对眼睛和黏膜有刺激性,碰触或修剪时尤然。对园艺者而言戴手套、护眼是常规防护,这与干花入药的传统用途是两回事。同一中文名下流通着两个物种及不止一个药用部位,标准品为规定物种的干燥花。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」。

活血化瘀药(活血调经)· 传统亦归疏肝解郁类 · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and regulating the menses); traditionally also classed as soothing the Liver and dispersing depression

Chinese Rose Flower yuè jì huā · 月季花

Flos Rosae Chinensis — Rosa chinensis Jacq. (family Rosaceae), the dried flower or flower bud

Nature and flavour. Sweet, warm. Liver system.

The gentlest flower in this group, and the one whose classical indication is stated in emotional terms as well as gynaecological ones. It quickens the blood and regulates the menses, soothes the Liver and disperses depression, and is recorded for irregular or suppressed menstruation, for the distending chest and rib-side pain that the texts attribute to constrained Liver qi, and for the low spirits described in the same terms. It is also listed for swellings from knocks and falls, and it is a common ingredient in the compound formulas used for menstrual complaints in contemporary practice. The uses are recorded; the modern clinical evidence for them is limited and is not established.

性味归经。甘,温。归肝经。

本批中最温和的一味花类药,也是古典主治里既写妇科、又写情志的一味。功能活血调经、疏肝解郁;记载用于月经不调、经闭,古籍归因于肝气郁结的胸胁胀痛,以及同一描述下的情志不舒。亦载其治跌扑肿痛,并是当代调经复方中的常见成分。上述用途有文献记载,其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A mild blood mover, and still one to keep out of pregnancy — the classical sources avoid blood-quickening flowers in pregnancy as a class. Caution applies with heavy or prolonged periods, with a bleeding tendency, and with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. The practical hazard is not pharmacological. Florist and garden roses are not the drug: plants grown for their flowers are routinely sprayed with pesticides and fungicides that are not permitted on a medicinal crop, and cut roses may have been treated after cutting as well. The drug is a specified plant part bought through a medicinal supply chain, not a flower taken from a garden. Anyone who is pregnant, who has unexplained pelvic or menstrual bleeding, or whose low mood is persistent should be assessed rather than self-treated — heavy bleeding and low mood both have causes that need looking at, and a flower is not an answer to either. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and this page deliberately does not say how much to take.

性味温和的活血药,孕期仍然要避开 —— 古籍对活血类花药在孕期是整类回避的。月经过多或经期延长者、有出血倾向者、以及合用抗凝或抗血小板药者均须谨慎。真正的风险不在药理而在来源:花店与庭院里的玫瑰不是这味药 —— 为观花而栽培的植株通常按观赏作物用药,所用杀虫剂与杀菌剂不允许出现在药用作物上,切花在切后亦可能另有处理。药材是通过药用供应链购买的规定部位,不是从花园里摘的一朵花。孕妇、不明原因的盆腔或经期出血者、以及情绪低落持续不退者,都应先去查明而不是自行处理 —— 出血与情绪低落各有需要查明的原因,一朵花对哪一样都不是答案。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」。

活血化瘀药(活血调经)· 传统亦归利水消肿类 · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and regulating the menses); traditionally also classed as promoting urination and reducing swelling

Lycopus Herb zé lán · 泽兰

Herba Lycopi — Lycopus lucidus Turcz. var. hirtus Regel (family Lamiaceae), the dried aerial parts

Nature and flavour. Bitter and acrid, slightly warm. Liver and Spleen systems.

A marsh plant used as a blood mover, and one of the few in this group that the texts also credit with moving water. It quickens the blood, regulates the menses and dispels stasis, promotes urination and reduces swelling, and it is recorded for irregular or suppressed menstruation, for abdominal pain after childbirth attributed to retained stasis, and for oedema and difficult urination. The combination is the point: where the classical description is of stasis and water together, this is the herb that gets named. Its reputation in Western herbal literature is a separate matter and is addressed in the caution below. The traditional uses are recorded; the modern clinical evidence for them is limited and is not established.

性味归经。苦、辛,微温。归肝、脾经。

一味生于湿地的活血药,也是本批中少数被古籍同时认为能行水的一味。功能活血调经、祛瘀、利水消肿;记载用于月经不调、经闭,产后瘀滞所致的腹痛,以及水肿与小便不利。妙处正在这个组合:凡古典描述为瘀与水并见者,古籍点名的往往就是它。它在西方草药文献中的声誉是另一回事,写在下面提示里。上述传统用途有文献记载,其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Two plants carry similar names and they are not interchangeable: TCM 泽兰 is Lycopus, while 佩兰 is Eupatorium fortunei, and the two have different traditional uses and different safety profiles. Buy it by the Latin name. As a blood mover it is avoided in pregnancy, and the same caution applies with heavy bleeding and with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. The separate concern comes from Western herbal literature, where the related Lycopus species — bugleweed — has a traditional reputation for acting on the thyroid and is listed by modern Western sources as one to avoid in hypothyroidism, in pregnancy and in breastfeeding. That is a different tradition from the Chinese one, but the genus is the same, and a person with a thyroid condition or on thyroid medication should not use this herb without their prescriber knowing. Oedema has causes — heart, kidney, liver, venous — that a diuretic herb does not address and that need a diagnosis. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and this page deliberately does not say how much to take.

两个名字相近的品种不能互替:中医的泽兰是 Lycopus(地笋属),而佩兰是 Eupatorium fortunei,二者传统用途不同、安全性也不同。购买须认拉丁名。作为活血药,孕期禁用;月经过多及合用抗凝、抗血小板药时同样谨慎。另有一条来自西方草药文献的顾虑:其近缘的 Lycopus 属植物(欧美所称 bugleweed)在传统上被认为作用于甲状腺,现代西方资料将其列为甲状腺功能减退、孕期与哺乳期应回避的品种。那是从中国本草不同的另一套传统,但属是同一个;有甲状腺疾病或正在服用甲状腺药物者,未经其主治医生知情不得使用。水肿是有原因的 —— 心、肾、肝、静脉 —— 一味利尿草药解决不了,这些需要诊断。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」。

活血化瘀药(活血止痛)· 传统亦归祛风除湿类 · Blood-invigorating drug (quickening the blood and relieving pain); traditionally also classed as dispelling wind and damp

Corydalis Decumbens Tuber xià tiān wú · 夏天无

Rhizoma Corydalis Decumbentis — Corydalis decumbens (Thunb.) Pers. (family Papaveraceae), the dried tuber

Nature and flavour. Bitter and slightly acrid, warm. Liver system.

An early-spring plant with a name that describes its harvest window: 夏天无 means nothing by summer, because the aerial parts die back early and the tuber has to be lifted in spring. It quickens the blood, relieves pain, dispels wind and damp, and is recorded for headache, for the aching and numbness of wind-damp obstruction, for pain and swelling after knocks and falls, and in the modern Chinese literature for the limb pain and impaired movement that follow wind-stroke. Its best-studied constituent is not the whole herb but one molecule: the tuber yields tetrahydropalmatine, an isoquinoline alkaloid that also occurs in the related Corydalis yanhusuo and that has been studied on its own as a sedative and analgesic compound. That research is not evidence for the traditional uses of the tuber — the traditional uses are recorded, and the modern clinical evidence for them is limited and is not established.

性味归经。苦、微辛,温。归肝经。

一味早春植物,名字说的就是采收窗口:夏天无,即入夏则地上部分已无,须在春季采挖块茎。功能活血止痛、祛风除湿;记载用于头痛,风湿痹阻所致的酸痛麻木,跌扑损伤的肿痛,现代中文文献亦载其用于中风之后的肢体疼痛与活动不利。研究得最充分的不是全草,而是一个分子:本品味含延胡索乙素(四氢帕马丁),属异喹啉类生物碱,同亦见于近缘的延胡索,曾作为镇静与镇痛成分被单独研究。那份研究不能作为本品传统用途成立的证据 —— 传统用途有文献记载,其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is the item in the batch with the clearest pharmacological reason for caution. Tetrahydropalmatine is sedating: drowsiness, dizziness and slowed reaction time are documented effects, and driving, machinery and alcohol do not mix with it. Liver injury has been reported in association with products containing tetrahydropalmatine, so anyone with liver disease, or with a liver enzyme result that has been raised and never explained, should not take it — and jaundice, dark urine or unusual fatigue while taking it is a reason to stop and be seen. It is avoided in pregnancy and in breastfeeding, and as a blood mover it calls for the same caution with heavy bleeding and with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. Corydalis tubers are small, are gathered from the wild, and substitution and mislabelling are recorded in the trade; a package without a Latin name is not a reliable identification. Stroke after-effects, persistent headache and chronic joint pain all deserve a diagnosis rather than a herb bought on the strength of a name. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and this page deliberately does not say how much to take.

这是本批中药理上最需要谨慎的一味。延胡索乙素有镇静作用:嗜睡、头晕、反应变慢均为有记载的效应,驾车、操作机械与饮酒都不该与它同时。已有与含延胡索乙素制品相关的肝损伤报告,故有肝病者、或肝酶升高而从未查明原因者不应服用;服用期间出现黄疸、尿色深或不明原因的乏力,应停用并就诊。孕期与哺乳期禁用;作为活血药,月经过多及合用抗凝、抗血小板药时同样谨慎。紫堇属块茎细小且多采自野生,流通中的掺伪与错标已有记载;没有拉丁名的包装不足以作为鉴定依据。中风后遗症、持续头痛与慢性关节痛,都该先去查明诊断,而不是凭一个名字买味药来吃。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」。

活血化瘀药,以外用为主(活血止痛、止血、解毒生肌) · Blood-invigorating drug used mainly externally (quickening the blood and relieving pain, staunching bleeding, resolving toxin and generating flesh)

Liquidambar Resin fēng xiāng zhī · 枫香脂

Resina Liquidambaris — Liquidambar formosana Hance (family Altingiaceae), the resin exuded from the trunk; also known in the trade by the older name 白胶香

Nature and flavour. Acrid and slightly bitter, neutral. Liver and Lung systems.

A tree resin rather than a plant part, and the only item in this batch whose classical record is mostly external. The sources credit it with quickening the blood and relieving pain, staunching bleeding, resolving toxin and helping flesh to generate, and it is recorded for knocks, falls and painful swellings, for sores, abscesses and insect bites, and less commonly for bleeding from the nose or mouth in the traditional description. It is applied to the skin on its own or in plasters and salves, and it is a standard ingredient of the compound plasters and trauma liniments of Chinese pharmacy. The internal record exists in the classical sources but is small next to the external one. The traditional uses are recorded; the modern clinical evidence for them is limited and is not established.

性味归经。辛、微苦,平。归肝、肺经。

这是树脂而非植体部位,也是本批中古典记载以外用为主的一味。古籍谓其活血止痛、止血、解毒生肌;记载用于跌扑损伤与肿痛,疮疡、痈肿与虫咬,较少见地亦载其治传统所称的鼻衄、咯血。多单用或入膏药、软膏外敷,是中药房复方膏药与跌打搽剂中的常备成分。内服记载在古籍中存在,但与外用相比分量很小。上述传统用途有文献记载,其现代临床证据有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Treat this one as an external article first. Applied to the skin it is a resin of the storax and balsam type, and resins in that group are recognised contact allergens in dermatology — storax appears in standard patch-test series — so redness, itching or a spreading rash under a plaster is a reason to take it off and stop rather than to persist. It should not be put on broken skin, on an infected wound or on a burn without professional direction. Internally it is not a kitchen substance: the classical contraindications for blood-moving resins apply, it is avoided in pregnancy and in breastfeeding, and there is no established modern evidence for swallowing it. Resins of this kind are traded under several overlapping names and are liable to adulteration and to confusion with other aromatic resins; identity comes from the Latin name and the supplier, not from a Chinese name on a bag. Because it is sticky and aromatic it should be kept away from children and from the eyes. Any use belongs under the supervision of a qualified practitioner, and this page deliberately does not say how much to take.

这一味应当先当作外用品看待。外敷时它是苏合香、香脂类的树脂,而这一类树脂在皮肤科是公认的接触性致敏原 —— 苏合香本身即列入标准斑贴试验系列 —— 因此贴敷处出现发红、瘙痒或皮疹扩散,是揭掉停用、而不是继续贴的理由。破损皮肤、已感染的创面与烧伤,未经专业指导不得使用。内服方面它绝不属于厨房之物:活血类树脂的古典禁忌一律适用,孕期与哺乳期禁用,且吞服本品并无已确立的现代证据支持。此类树脂在流通中名称重叠,既易掺伪、也易与其它芳香树脂混淆;鉴定依据是拉丁名与供应商,而不是袋上的一个中文名。因其黏而芳香,应远离儿童与眼睛。任何使用都须在合格执业者监督下进行;本页刻意不回答「该用多少」。

收涩药(传统归固表止汗类)· 谷物类 · Astringent drug (classically securing the exterior and arresting sweating); a grain-derived drug

Light Wheat Grain fú xiǎo mài · 浮小麦

Fructus Tritici Levis — the light, shrivelled, unripe caryopsis of Triticum aestivum L. (family Poaceae), separated by flotation because it floats while sound grain sinks.

Nature and flavour. Sweet, cool. Heart system.

The mildest entry in the entire astringent class, because it is a food. The sources record it for spontaneous sweating and for night sweating, for the low fever and vague heat that the texts describe as deficiency heat, and for the exhaustion that follows prolonged illness. It is a staple of the classical sweat-arresting combinations and it is also simply what a household had to hand. Its traditional reputation for arresting sweating rests on classical authority rather than on controlled evidence; the clinical claims are not established, and the honest reading of the sources is that this is a gentle traditional remedy whose strongest support is long use and an unusually good safety record, not trial data.

性味归经。甘,凉。归心经。

收涩药里最平和的一味,因为它本来就是粮食。文献记载其用于自汗、盗汗,以及古籍所称虚热所致的低热、烦热,还有久病之后的气短乏力。它是古典止汗组合里的常客,也是寻常人家手边就有的东西。其「止汗」的传统声誉来自古典文献权威而非对照研究;临床说法尚未被证实。对文献诚实的读法是:这是一味温和的传统用药,最有力的支持是长期使用史与相当好的安全记录,而不是试验数据。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Contains gluten. That is the hard boundary: coeliac disease and wheat allergy rule it out entirely, and it is not a substitute for a gluten-free diet in anyone who needs one. Its traditional reputation for arresting sweating is not established by controlled evidence. More practically important: sweating and night sweating are not a diagnosis. They can accompany hyperthyroidism, tuberculosis, lymphoma and other cancers, hypoglycaemia in people taking insulin or sulfonylureas, the menopause, certain antidepressants, and acute infection — and night sweating with weight loss or fever is a reason to be examined, not to drink a wheat infusion. In infants and young children, and in pregnancy and breastfeeding, the evidence is simply absent. A wheat product stored damp may carry mould; this is a food-grade material and it should be handled like one.

含麸质。这是硬边界:乳糜泻与小麦过敏者完全不宜,它也不能替代需要无麸质饮食者的饮食管理。「止汗」的传统声誉没有对照证据支持。更要紧的是:出汗与盗汗本身不是诊断。它们可见于甲状腺功能亢进、结核、淋巴瘤等肿瘤、使用胰岛素或磺脲类者的低血糖、绝经期、某些抗抑郁药以及急性感染;盗汗伴体重下降或发热应当去检查,而不是喝小麦浸液。婴幼儿、孕期与哺乳期,证据根本不存在。受潮储存的麦粒可能霉变;这是食品级材料,应按食品对待。

收涩药(止汗)· 麻黄属植物根部 · Astringent drug (arresting sweating); the root of an Ephedra species

Ephedra Root má huáng gēn · 麻黄根

Radix Ephedrae — the dried root and rhizome of Ephedra sinica Stapf, E. intermedia Schrenk et C.A.Mey. or E. equisetina Bunge (family Ephedraceae). Not the stem: the stem is a different drug (麻黄) with the opposite traditional direction.

Nature and flavour. Sweet and astringent, neutral. Heart and Lung systems.

A teaching example of how much the part of the plant matters. The stem of Ephedra is the classical diaphoretic that drives sweating outward; the root is the classical drug for arresting it. The sources record the root for spontaneous sweating, for night sweating, and for the sweating of deficiency states, and this opposition — one plant, two directions — is repeated across the classical texts. Modern phytochemistry supports the direction of the distinction in a general way: the root carries a different alkaloid profile and a lower total alkaloid content than the aerial stem. That is a relative statement about chemistry, not a statement that the root is inert, and it should not be read as a safety guarantee.

性味归经。甘、涩,平。归心、肺经。

说明「药用部位差多少」的教科书式例子。麻黄的茎是古典发汗药,把汗往外推;麻黄的根是古典止汗药。文献记载其根用于自汗、盗汗与虚证之汗,这种「同一株植物、两个方向」的对举在古典文本里反复出现。现代植物化学大体支持这种区分的方向:根部所含生物碱谱与地上茎不同,总生物碱含量也较低。这是关于化学组成的相对陈述,不等于说根是惰性的,更不能当作安全保证来读。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The genus Ephedra is legally controlled in many jurisdictions and that is the first thing to say. Ephedrine and the other Ephedra alkaloids are regulated: in the United States the FDA ended the sale of ephedrine-alkaloid dietary supplements in 2004, Ephedra raw material remains a DEA-regulated and FDA-restricted commodity, and in China Ephedra plant material and ephedrine-type preparations fall under precursor-control rules. Cross-border movement of Ephedra material is therefore not a casual matter. Anyone with hypertension, heart disease or arrhythmia, hyperthyroidism, glaucoma, prostatic enlargement with hesitancy, or insomnia should not take Ephedra material in any form, root included; the interaction risks with MAOIs, stimulants, decongestants, caffeine and antihypertensive medicines are real. It must never be written up or sold as a stimulant or as a weight-loss aid — that use is what produced the case reports of stroke, myocardial infarction and sudden death, and it is not a traditional use. In pregnancy and breastfeeding, and in children, it is not advisable.

麻黄属在全球多地受法律管制,这是首先要写的话。麻黄碱与其它麻黄属生物碱属于受管制物质:美国 FDA 于 2004 年终止麻黄碱类膳食补充剂的销售,麻黄属原材料仍属 DEA 管制与 FDA 限制的商品;在中国,麻黄属植物材料与麻黄碱类制剂同样纳入易制毒化学品管理。因此跨境携带麻黄属材料不是小事。高血压、心脏病或心律失常、甲状腺功能亢进、青光眼、前列腺肥大伴排尿犹豫、失眠者,不应服用任何形式的麻黄属材料,根也包括在内;与单胺氧化酶抑制剂、兴奋剂、减充血剂、咖啡因及降压药的相互作用风险是真实的。绝不可把它写成或当作兴奋剂、减重用品来卖——那正是导致脑卒中、心肌梗死与猝死个案报告的用途,且并非传统用法。孕期、哺乳期与儿童不宜。

收涩药(涩肠敛肺)· 传统亦归利咽开音 · Astringent drug (binding the intestines and astringing the lung); also traditionally benefiting the throat and the voice

Chebulic Myrobalan hē zǐ · 诃子

Fructus Chebulae — the dried ripe fruit of Terminalia chebula Retz. (family Combretaceae). Known across South Asia as haritaki, one of the three fruits of the classical Ayurvedic combination triphala.

Nature and flavour. Bitter, sour and astringent, neutral. Lung and Large Intestine systems.

One of the few astringents with a genuinely international footprint: it is used in Chinese, Tibetan, Ayurvedic and Unani practice, and in Tibetan medicine it carries a status close to that of a general remedy. The Chinese sources record it for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery-like patterns, for chronic cough and for loss of voice, and it is the drug classically paired with the throat and with the voice — the well-known throat lozenge combination carries this fruit in its name. Western laboratory work on Terminalia chebula is substantial, but it is overwhelmingly in vitro and in animals; the human evidence for any specific use remains limited and is not established.

性味归经。苦、酸、涩,平。归肺、大肠经。

少数几味真正具有国际足迹的收涩药:中医、藏医、阿育吠陀与尤那尼医学都用,在藏医里它的地位近乎通用药。中医文献记载其用于久泻久痢、久咳与失音,它是古典上与咽喉、声音绑在一起的那味药——知名的润喉含片方名里就带着这味果实。西方对 Terminalia chebula 的实验室研究不少,但绝大多数是体外与动物实验;任何具体用途的人体证据仍然有限,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. High in tannins, and that drives most of the cautions. Tannins can cause nausea, gastric irritation and constipation; taken in quantity or over a long period they can worsen rather than relieve a bowel problem. They also bind to alkaloids, to metal ions and to some medicines in the gut, so absorption of other oral drugs may be reduced — anyone taking a narrow-window medicine such as digoxin, or any medicine where absorption matters, should ask a pharmacist before combining. Case reports exist of liver injury in people taking multi-herb preparations containing this fruit, mostly Ayurvedic or Tibetan compounds; a causal link has not been established, but the reports are the reason not to combine it casually. In children, diarrhoea is primarily a rehydration problem and an astringent should never be used to mask it. In pregnancy and breastfeeding the evidence is absent; the classical sources state a caution in pregnancy. Trade names are a real hazard: 藏青果 and several regional names refer to the same or to related material, and a package labelled only in Chinese is not a reliable identification.

鞣质含量高,多数注意事项由此而来。鞣质可引起恶心、胃刺激与便秘;量大或久服时,它可能让肠道问题加重而不是缓解。鞣质还会在肠道内与生物碱、金属离子以及某些药物结合,因此可能降低其它口服药的吸收——正在服用地高辛这类窄治疗窗药物、或任何吸收很关键的药物者,合用前应先问药师。有用含此果的多味复方(多为阿育吠陀或藏药复方)出现肝损伤的个案报告,因果关系尚未确立,但这些报告正是不要随意合用的理由。儿童腹泻首要问题是补液,绝不该用涩肠药去掩盖它。孕期与哺乳期证据缺如;古典文献载孕期慎用的提示。名称是实在的风险:藏青果以及若干地方名指向同一物或近缘物,只标中文名的包装不能作为可靠的鉴定依据。

收涩药(固精缩尿、涩肠止泻)· 蔷薇科果实 · Astringent drug (securing the essence and reducing urination; binding the intestines)

Cherokee Rose Fruit jīn yīng zǐ · 金樱子

Fructus Rosae Laevigatae — the dried ripe fruit of Rosa laevigata Michx. (family Rosaceae), collected when red and processed to remove the interior hairs and seeds.

Nature and flavour. Sour, sweet and astringent, neutral. Kidney, Bladder and Large Intestine systems.

A hedgerow rose whose fruit is used as an astringent, and one of the classical drugs for what the texts call insecurity of the kidney: frequent urination, enuresis, and the various traditional patterns grouped under involuntary loss of semen. It is also recorded for chronic diarrhoea and for prolapse-type complaints described as sinking of qi. It is well known outside the clinic as the base of a traditional fermented or sugared preparation, and that domestic use is probably why it is underestimated — its reputation for securing and retaining is a classical claim, and its clinical claims are not established by controlled evidence. Its vitamin C content is often quoted and is real, but it does not make the drug a nutritional supplement.

性味归经。酸、甘、涩,平。归肾、膀胱、大肠经。

一味篱墙蔷薇的果实被用做收涩药,也是古典上针对古籍所称「肾气不固」的药之一:尿频、遗尿,以及传统归在失精名下的各种证。文献亦载其用于久泻久痢与古籍所称中气下陷一类的下坠感。它在临床之外以传统发酵或糖渍制品的原料而广为人知,这种家常用法大概正是它被低估的原因——「固涩」的声誉是古典说法,其临床主张没有对照证据支持。其维生素 C 含量常被引用且属实,但这并不使它成为营养补充品。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. An astringent, and astringents are the wrong direction whenever something needs to come out. Constipation, a dry stool, and any pattern the texts would call heat or excess are situations where binding the bowel is the wrong move. More concretely: difficult or hesitant urination, a weak stream, or urinary retention must be assessed before anything that reduces urination is taken — in an older man these are commonly prostatic obstruction, and an astringent can make a mechanical problem worse. Diabetes matters twice here, both because frequent urination may be undiagnosed hyperglycaemia that must not be papered over, and because the traditional sugared and honeyed preparations are sugar. The fruit must be split and have its interior hairs removed; unprocessed material is a mechanical irritant to the throat and gut. In pregnancy and breastfeeding the evidence is absent.

它是收涩药,而在任何「需要排出去」的情形里,收涩都是错的方向。便秘、大便干结,以及古籍所称热证、实证一类的情形,涩肠就是走错路。更具体地说:排尿困难、尿线细弱或尿潴留,在服用任何减少排尿的东西之前必须先评估——在年长男性身上这通常是前列腺梗阻,收涩药会让机械性问题加重。糖尿病在这里要提两次:一是尿频可能是未被发现的高血糖,不能被盖住;二是传统的糖渍、蜜制制品含糖。果实必须剖开去除内壁绒毛;未经处理的材料对咽喉与消化道有机械性刺激。孕期与哺乳期证据缺如。

收涩药(益肾固精缩尿)· 传统亦归养肝明目 · Astringent drug (supplementing the kidney, securing the essence and reducing urination); traditionally also benefiting the liver and the eyes

Raspberry Fruit (Rubus chingii) fù pén zǐ · 覆盆子

Fructus Rubi — the dried, unripe, greenish-yellow fruit of Rubus chingii Hu (family Rosaceae). This is the standard Chinese item and it is a different species from the European red raspberry Rubus idaeus.

Nature and flavour. Sweet and sour, slightly warm. Liver, Kidney and Bladder systems.

The name is a genuine trap and it needs to be stated plainly at the head of any entry. The European raspberry is Rubus idaeus; the Chinese drug 覆盆子 is the unripe fruit of Rubus chingii, gathered green and dried. They are related plants, they are not the same drug, and the English word raspberry on a label tells you nothing about which one is in the packet. In Chinese practice the drug is used for what the texts call kidney insecurity — frequent urination, enuresis, involuntary loss of semen — and for the traditional pairing of diminishing vision with liver-kidney depletion, which is why it appears alongside the classic eye-supporting drugs. The clinical claims are not established.

性味归经。甘、酸,微温。归肝、肾、膀胱经。

这个名字本身是个实在的陷阱,任何条目开头都该先说清楚。欧洲树莓是 Rubus idaeus;中药覆盆子是掌叶覆盆子 Rubus chingii 的未成熟果实,采时色青黄,干燥入药。两者是近缘植物,却不是同一味药,标签上的英文 raspberry 完全不能告诉你袋子里是哪一种。中医用它针对古籍所称的肾气不固——尿频、遗尿、失精;也用于视力减退与肝肾亏虚的传统配伍,这是它常与古典明目药同用的原因。其临床主张尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Do not read the English name and assume the kitchen fruit. The most cited folk use in the English-language world is raspberry leaf tea to prepare for labour, which is a European tradition referring to the leaf of a different species, is not supported by good evidence, and should not be self-administered in pregnancy; the Chinese drug and that practice are unrelated. In pregnancy and breastfeeding the evidence for the Chinese drug is absent. Frequent urination and night urination must not be attributed to kidney deficiency before diabetes, urinary tract infection, prostate disease, sleep apnoea and diuretic medicines have been excluded. Anyone with rosaceae allergy should be careful. As with every astringent, constipation and any heat-type pattern point the other way.

不要看到英文名就当成厨房里的那种果子。英语世界被引用最多的民间用法是「覆盆子叶茶助产」,那是欧洲传统,指的是另一物种的叶子,缺乏良好证据支持,孕期不应自行使用;它与中药覆盆子并无关系。孕期与哺乳期中药品的证据缺如。尿频与夜尿在未排除糖尿病、尿路感染、前列腺疾病、睡眠呼吸暂停与利尿药之前,不应先归为肾虚。蔷薇科过敏者须留意。与所有收涩药一样,便秘与热证型情形方向相反,不宜。

收涩药(固精缩尿)· 虫类药 · Astringent drug (securing the essence and reducing urination); insect-derived

Mantis Egg Case sāng piāo shāo · 桑螵蛸

Ootheca Mantidis — the dried egg case (ootheca) of a praying mantis, recorded from Tenodera sinensis Saussure, Statilia maculata Thunberg or Hierodula patellifera Serville (family Mantidae). An insect-derived drug.

Nature and flavour. Sweet and salty, neutral. Liver and Kidney systems.

An insect product used as an astringent, and one of the small number of animal drugs in the Chinese materia medica that are still traded in volume. The sources record it for the same cluster as the other kidney-securing drugs: frequent urination, enuresis in children, and involuntary loss of semen. It is the classical core of a formula whose name is still used in Chinese practice for enuresis, and it is normally processed by steaming before use. Because it is an animal material of variable origin, the literature is more consistent about the processing requirement than about the drug itself, and the clinical claims are not established.

性味归经。甘、咸,平。归肝、肾经。

一味以虫类产物作收涩用的药,也是中药里仍有大批量交易的少数动物药之一。文献记载它用于与其它固肾药相同的那一类:尿频、小儿遗尿、失精。它是一首方名的核心药,该方名在当代中医实践中仍用于遗尿,入药前通常须蒸制。由于它是来源不定的动物材料,文献对炮制要求的一致程度高于对该药本身,其临床主张尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Processing is the safety issue and it is not optional: the raw ootheca contains viable eggs and is a plausible vehicle for parasites and for fungal contamination, which is exactly why the classical method steams or dry-fries it until the eggs are killed. Unprocessed material should not be taken. It is an insect protein and a potential allergen, and people with allergy to insects, to shellfish or to dust mites are the reasonable group to be cautious about. The species recorded in the pharmacopoeia is not the species you necessarily get: mantids vary by region and wild-collected material may be misidentified or substituted. Insect material is also a quarantine question — moving animal-derived medicinals across borders can require permits and may be refused. In pregnancy and lactation, and in children, it is not advisable without a practitioner.

炮制在这里就是安全问题,而且不是可选项:生卵鞘含有活卵,是寄生虫与真菌污染的可能载体,这正是古典方法要蒸制或炒制至虫卵被杀死的原因。未经处理的材料不应服用。它是昆虫蛋白,属潜在过敏原,对昆虫、甲壳类或尘螨过敏者是合理的谨慎人群。药典记载的物种并不必然是你能买到的物种:螳螂种类随地域不同,野外采集的材料可能被误认或替代。昆虫材料还涉及检疫问题——跨境携带动物源药材可能需要许可,也可能被拒。孕期、哺乳期与儿童,未经执业者评估不宜使用。

收涩药(涩肠止血、生肌敛疮)· 矿物类 · Astringent drug (binding the intestines, stanching bleeding, and promoting granulation); a mineral drug

Red Halloysite chì shí zhī · 赤石脂

Halloysitum Rubrum — a clay mineral drug, predominantly the hydrated aluminium silicate halloysite with iron oxides giving the red colour; a processed red kaolin-type earth from natural deposits.

Nature and flavour. Sweet, sour and astringent, warm. Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

A clay used as a medicine, which is a category that surprises people and that deserves a plain description. The sources record it for chronic diarrhoea and for the traditional picture of laxity with bleeding from the lower digestive tract, and externally for sores that will not close and for weeping, non-healing lesions. Modern kaolin has a long history of exactly the same internal use in Western domestic practice, and the mechanism assumed for both is physical — adsorptive, protective, bulking — rather than pharmacological. The human evidence for the traditional indications is limited and is not established, and the external use is better supported by tradition than by trials.

性味归经。甘、酸、涩,温。归胃、大肠经。

以黏土入药——这一类常让人意外,值得如实说明。文献记载其用于久泻,以及古籍所称滑脱不禁伴下消化道出血的情形;外用于久不收口的疮疡与渗液不愈的创面。现代高岭土在西方家常用药里有着几乎相同的内服使用史,两者被假定的机制都是物理性的——吸附、保护、增加体积——而非药理作用。传统用途的人体证据有限,尚未被证实;外用的支持更多来自传统而非试验。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A mineral, and the risks of minerals are the risks of what came out of the ground with them. Natural clay deposits can carry lead, arsenic, cadmium and other heavy metals, and crystalline silica; internal use over a long period is a cumulative exposure and the drug should not be taken long-term. Only material that has been tested should be used, and loose untested mineral powder from an informal source is the main hazard here. Clay is an adsorbent, so it reduces the absorption of other oral medicines — it must be separated from any other drug by several hours, and people on narrow-window medicines such as digoxin, or on any essential medicine, should ask a pharmacist first. Binding the bowel is wrong in constipation, in a dry stool, and where obstruction is a possibility; in pregnancy and in children it is not advisable. External use is comparatively safer but the material still has to be clean.

它是矿物,而矿物的风险就是一起从地里带出来的东西。天然黏土矿层可伴生铅、砷、镉等重金属以及结晶硅;长期内服属累积性暴露,不应长期服用。只能使用经检验的材料,来源不明的散装矿物粉是这里的主要风险。黏土是吸附剂,会降低其它口服药的吸收——必须与任何其它药物间隔数小时;正在使用地高辛这类窄治疗窗药物或任何必需药物者,应先问药师。便秘、大便干结以及存在梗阻可能时,涩肠是错的方向;孕期与儿童不宜。外用相对安全,但材料仍须洁净。

收涩药(涩肠止泻、收敛止血)· 矿物类 · Astringent drug (binding the intestines and stanching bleeding); a mineral drug

Limonite yǔ yú liáng · 禹余粮

Limonitum — a mineral drug, an iron-bearing clay and hydrated iron oxide material traditionally identified as limonite, largely goethite mixed with clay and other oxides.

Nature and flavour. Sweet and astringent, neutral. Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

The second of the two mineral astringents, and usually discussed in the same breath as 赤石脂 — the two are the paired drugs of a well-known classical combination whose name is still current in Chinese practice. The sources record it for chronic diarrhoea, for the traditional picture of laxity with bleeding, and in the classical account also for the disorders grouped under vaginal discharge. Its traditional reputation is essentially that of a physical binding and covering agent, and like the other mineral drug its human evidence is limited and is not established. The famous classical pairing is a fact about the literature, not a usage recommendation.

性味归经。甘、涩,平。归胃、大肠经。

两味矿物类收涩药中的第二味,通常与赤石脂并提——两者是一首知名古典方名的成对用药,该方名在当代中医实践中仍在使用。文献记载其用于久泻、古籍所称滑脱不禁伴出血,古典中亦用于带下一类。它的传统声誉本质上是一种物理性的涩固、覆盖作用;与另一味矿物药一样,其人体证据有限,尚未被证实。那个著名的古典配伍是文献事实,不是使用建议。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. It is iron. Anyone with haemochromatosis or iron overload must not take it, and anyone with a condition where iron loading matters should ask before using it. Beyond that it carries the ordinary risks of a mined mineral: associated heavy metals such as arsenic and lead, and other impurities, with cumulative exposure if it is taken long-term — it should not be taken long-term, and only tested material should be used. As an adsorbent it reduces the absorption of other oral medicines and must be separated from them by several hours; people on essential or narrow-window medicines should check with a pharmacist. Binding the bowel is wrong in constipation, in a dry stool, and where obstruction is possible. In pregnancy, in breastfeeding and in children it is not advisable. Where the two mineral drugs are combined in the classical formula, the mineral-exposure cautions apply to both together, not to either one alone.

它是含铁的。血色病或铁过载者不应服用;任何铁负荷相关的疾病者使用前应先咨询。除此之外它带有开采矿物的常规风险:砷、铅等伴生重金属与其它杂质,长期服用即累积性暴露——不应长期服用,且只能使用经检验的材料。作为吸附剂,它会降低其它口服药的吸收,必须与其它药物间隔数小时;正在使用必需药物或窄治疗窗药物者应与药师核对。便秘、大便干结及存在梗阻可能时,涩肠是错的方向。孕期、哺乳期与儿童不宜。古典方剂中两味矿物药同用的场合,矿物暴露的注意事项对两者叠加成立,而不是只对其中一味成立。

泻下药(攻下类·咸寒软坚)· 矿物类 · Purgative drug (攻下药 — the cold, saline cathartic branch); a mineral drug

Sodium Sulfate (Mirabilite) máng xiāo · 芒硝

Natrii Sulfas — the refined crystalline form of the mineral mirabilite (hydrated sodium sulfate), purified and recrystallised before it becomes the drug. It is a mineral salt, not a plant; the same crystal, dehydrated, is the related material 玄明粉 (Natrii Sulfas Exsiccatus).

Nature and flavour. Salty, bitter, very cold. Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

The coldest and saltiest member of the purge category, and the only one that is a mineral. The sources classify it by two verbs: it softens what is hard, and it drains what has accumulated downward. It is recorded for the pattern the texts call heat accumulation with dry stool and abdominal fullness, and externally for hardness, swelling, sore breast and painful haemorrhoids — where the traditional application is the salt's drawing, cooling action rather than any internal effect. It is the standing partner of rhubarb in the classical purgation combinations: the bitter purge and the saline purge are understood as acting together. Its action is osmotic — the salt holds water in the bowel. That much is physiology and it is well described. The classical indications attached to it are not established by controlled evidence.

性味归经。咸、苦,大寒。归胃、大肠经。

泻下药里最寒、最咸的一味,也是唯一一味矿物。文献以两个动词归它:软坚,与泻下。记载用于古籍所称热结便秘、腹满硬痛,以及外用治硬结、肿痛、乳痈、痔疮肿痛——外用的原理是盐的吸水与清凉,而不是内服的效力。它是古典泻下组合里大黄的固定搭档:苦寒攻下与咸寒软坚被视为相辅相成。其作用机制是渗透压——盐把水留在肠腔。这一部分是生理学,描述得清楚;而附于其上的古典主治,并没有对照证据的支持。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. This is a saline cathartic, and its whole risk profile follows from that. A purgative amount of the salt is a substantial sodium load: people with hypertension, heart failure, kidney disease, cirrhosis with ascites, oedema, or a sodium-restricted diet are exactly the group for whom that matters. Watery evacuation can produce dehydration and electrolyte disturbance, and repeated use can produce a bowel that will not open without a laxative. It is not a daily tonic, not a weight-loss aid, and not something to take over the long term. It must not be used in abdominal pain of unknown cause, suspected intestinal obstruction, appendicitis or inflammatory bowel disease — nor in pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, frailty, or anyone already dehydrated. Two confusions are worth naming because both are dangerous: 硝石 (saltpetre, potassium nitrate) and 芒硝 are different minerals with different properties and are not interchangeable, and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) is a different salt again. Only pharmacopoeial-grade material belongs in a medicine; industrial-grade sodium sulfate is neither a food nor a drug. Keep it out of reach of children.

这是一味盐类泻药,风险全由此而来。一次泻下所需的用盐量,对高血压、心衰、肾病、肝硬化腹水、水肿以及限盐饮食者,恰好是最要紧的一群人。水泻可致脱水与电解质紊乱,反复使用会造成不用泻药就排不出的肠道。它不是日常补品,不是减重手段,也不宜长期服。腹痛原因未明、疑似肠梗阻、阑尾炎、炎症性肠病者禁用;孕期、哺乳期、儿童、体弱或已脱水者同样禁用。两个混淆值得点名,因为两者都危险:硝石(硝酸钾)与芒硝是不同矿物、不同性质,不可互换;硫酸镁(泻盐)又是另一种盐。只有药典级材料才可用作药物,工业级硫酸钠既不是食品也不是药品。请放在儿童拿不到的地方。

泻下药(攻下类·刺激性)· 叶类 · Purgative drug (攻下药 — the anthraquinone stimulant branch); leaf

Senna Leaf fān xiè yè · 番泻叶

Folium Sennae — the dried leaflet of Cassia angustifolia Vahl (Indian senna; also treated as Senna alexandrina Mill.), family Fabaceae. A leaf that is a standard laxative in the Chinese, Indian, European and United States pharmacopoeias alike.

Nature and flavour. Sweet, bitter, cold. Large Intestine system.

A foreign drug absorbed into Chinese practice through trade rather than through the classical canon — the character 番 in its name marks it as coming from outside. The sources record it for constipation of the heat-accumulation type, and in the modern period it is the leaf most often used to empty the bowel before an X-ray, an endoscopy or an operation: an application that has nothing to do with pattern differentiation and everything to do with the fact that the drug reliably works. It is one of the few entries in this library where the mechanism is not in dispute. The sennoside glycosides are inactive until the bacteria of the colon break them down, which is why the effect comes many hours after the leaf is taken and why it acts on the large bowel rather than the small. Short-term relief of occasional constipation is established. The rest — the traditional framing of it as clearing heat, and any wider use — rests on classical authority rather than on trials.

性味归经。甘、苦,寒。归大肠经。

一味外来药——名字里的「番」字就标明它来自域外——是通过贸易而不是古典经典进入中医的。文献记载其用于热结便秘;到了现代,它是 X 光、内镜或手术前清空肠道最常用的叶子,这个用途与辨证无关,纯粹因为它确实有效。全库之中,机制最没有争议的大概就是它:番泻苷本身无活性,须经结肠菌分解才起作用,所以服后要过许多小时才见效,而且作用在大肠不在小肠。短期缓解偶发便秘这一点是成立的。其余——把它归入清热的说法,以及任何更广的用途——依据的是古典权威,而非试验。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A stimulant laxative, and the most important thing to say about a stimulant laxative is that it is for occasional use. Continuous use produces cramping, watery evacuation, loss of potassium, and — the part people are rarely told — a bowel that stops responding on its own. The older literature calls this the cathartic colon; the modern picture is less dramatic, but laxative dependence is real and slow to reverse. Prolonged use also produces melanosis coli, a harmless brown-black pigmentation of the bowel lining that is noticed at colonoscopy and that frightens people who were not warned about it. It must not be used where the abdomen is acutely painful or obstructed, in appendicitis, in inflammatory bowel disease, or in anyone who is dehydrated. Low potassium is the mechanism behind the interactions: it sensitises the heart to digoxin, it compounds the effect of diuretics and of corticosteroid medicines, and a laxative that hurries the gut along also shortens the time other medicines have to be absorbed. It discolours urine yellow-brown or red, which is harmless and which alarms people. It is not a weight-loss aid: laxatives act below the point where calories are absorbed, so what they remove is water and electrolytes, not fat. In pregnancy and breastfeeding the traditional texts treat it as forbidden or as something to be used only on advice, and the same caution applies to children. One thing it is worth adding, because it is often muddled: unlike aloe latex and cascara, senna was retained as an accepted over-the-counter laxative ingredient when the United States Food and Drug Administration finalised its laxative monograph in 2002 — a regulatory judgement about short-term use, not a licence to take it every day.

刺激性泻药,而刺激性泻药最要紧的一句话是:只在偶尔便秘时用。连续使用会导致绞痛、水泻、丢钾,以及——很少有人告诉使用者的那一点——肠道自己不再工作。旧文献称之为「泻剂结肠」;现代的说法没有那么戏剧化,但泻剂依赖是真的,而且恢复很慢。长期使用还会造成结肠黑变病,即肠黏膜出现无害的黑褐色色素沉着,常在内镜检查时被发现,未被告知者会因此受惊。急性腹痛或肠梗阻、阑尾炎、炎症性肠病以及脱水者禁用。低钾是相互作用的机制:它使心脏对地高辛敏感,并加强利尿剂与糖皮质激素类药物的作用;而加快肠道通过也会缩短其他药物被吸收的时间。它会使尿液呈黄褐或红色,无害,但会吓到人。它不是减重手段:泻药作用在热量吸收之后,排掉的是水与电解质,不是脂肪。孕期与哺乳期,古典文献列为禁忌或须遵医嘱;儿童同样慎用。还有一点常被混淆,值得说明:与芦荟汁和波希鼠李皮不同,美国食品药品管理局在 2002 年定稿的泻药专论中仍保留番泻叶为可接受的OTC泻药成分——那是针对短期使用的监管判断,不是每天服用的许可。

泻下药(攻下类·刺激性)· 兼清肝 · 汁液类 · Purgative drug (攻下药 — the anthraquinone stimulant branch), also classed in the traditional frame as clearing liver heat; a processed leaf exudate

Aloe (Dried Leaf Latex) lú huì · 芦荟

Aloe — the dried, concentrated juice of the leaf of Aloe vera (L.) Burm. f. or of Aloe ferox Mill. (family Asphodelaceae). The drug is the bitter yellow latex that lies just under the leaf skin; it is not the clear inner gel sold in cosmetics.

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold. Liver, Stomach and Large Intestine systems.

Like senna, a drug that reached Chinese materia medica from the west rather than from the classical canon, and which the sources record for two apparently unrelated things: constipation of the heat type, and the traditional pattern of liver fire with irritability, red eyes and constipation together. It is also used externally for burns, sores and cracked skin. The double life of this plant is why people confuse it: the gel inside the leaf is a cosmetic and a soothing dressing, while the drug is the bitter latex between the gel and the skin. The two are not the same material and do not have the same effects. The laxative action is the anthraquinones — aloin and its relatives — and it works in the way senna works. The clearing-liver indications belong to classical theory and are not established.

性味归经。苦,寒。归肝、胃、大肠经。

与番泻叶一样,是从西方进入本草而非出自古典经典的一味药。文献记载它用于两件似乎不相干的事:热结便秘,以及古籍所称肝火所致的烦躁、目赤与便秘并见。外用则治烧烫伤、疮疡与皮肤皲裂。这株植物的「双重身份」正是人们混淆的原因:叶内的凝胶是化妆品与舒缓敷料,而药是凝胶与表皮之间那层苦味的汁液。两者不是同一种材料,作用也不同。泻下作用来自蒽醌类(芦荟苷等),其效力机制与番泻叶同类。清肝一类主治属于古典理论,尚未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Read this before reading any claim made about aloe. Two regulatory judgements are on record. The United States Food and Drug Administration, in its 2002 final rule on over-the-counter laxative drug products, removed aloe latex and cascara sagrada from the monograph: the agency required safety data that the manufacturers did not supply, so the stimulant-laxative use of aloe is not an accepted over-the-counter use in the United States. The International Agency for Research on Cancer, in 2016, classified non-decolorized whole-leaf extract of Aloe vera as possibly carcinogenic to humans (Group 2B), on limited evidence; the animal studies behind it used extract of the whole leaf, not the gel. That finding is a reason for caution rather than a proof of harm in people. Beyond that: the latex is a stimulant laxative, with the familiar consequences — cramping, watery evacuation, loss of potassium, and a bowel that comes to depend on it. It is not for daily or long-term use. It must not be used in abdominal pain of unknown cause, suspected obstruction, appendicitis or inflammatory bowel disease. It is classed as contraindicated in pregnancy, in breastfeeding and in children: it is a traditional uterine stimulant, and the anthraquinones pass into breast milk. Topical aloe gel can cause contact dermatitis, and putting gel on a deep or seriously infected wound is the wrong decision. New constipation, or constipation with weight loss or blood, is a reason to be examined rather than to reach for a leaf.

在看芦荟的任何功效说法之前,先读这一段。有两项监管判决定案在册。美国食品药品管理局在 2002 年定稿的 OTC(柜台成药)泻药专论中,把芦荟汁与波希鼠李皮从专论中剔除:该局要求的安全性数据厂商未提供,因此在美国,芦荟的刺激性泻下用途不属于被认可的柜台成药用途。国际癌症研究机构在 2016 年将未脱色的芦荟全叶提取物列为「可能对人类致癌」(2B 类),依据为有限证据;其背后的动物实验用的是全叶提取物,不是凝胶。这个结论是需要谨慎的理由,而不是对人有害的证明。此外:汁液是刺激性泻药,后果与同类药物一样——绞痛、水泻、丢钾,以及肠道最终依赖它。不宜每日或长期服用。腹痛原因未明、疑似肠梗阻、阑尾炎或炎症性肠病者禁用。孕期、哺乳期与儿童列为禁忌:它是传统的子宫兴奋药,且蒽醌类会进入乳汁。外用芦荟凝胶可引起接触性皮炎,把它用在较深或已严重感染的伤口上是错误的决定。新近出现的便秘,或伴体重下降、便血的便秘,应当去检查,而不是去找一片叶子。

泻下药(润下类)· 种子类 · Purgative drug (润下药 — the moist, lubricating laxative branch); seed

Bush Cherry Seed yù lǐ rén · 郁李仁

Semen Pruni — the dried ripe kernel of Prunus japonica Thunb. or Prunus humilis Bunge (family Rosaceae); a stone-fruit seed, from the same family as the apricot, the peach and the plum.

Nature and flavour. Acrid, bitter, sweet, neutral. Spleen, Large Intestine and Small Intestine systems.

The gentle branch of the purge category, and the one the sources reach for when the harsh cathartics are unsuitable: constipation in the elderly, after illness, after childbirth, and in anyone the texts describe as depleted. The kernel is oily, and the traditional reading is that the oil moistens a dry bowel rather than forcing it — the difference between 润下 and 攻下 is a real distinction in the literature, not a polite way of saying the same thing. The sources also record it for oedema and abdominal fullness, on the classical reasoning that it moves qi and promotes urination as well as opening the bowel; that reasoning is pre-modern and the claim is not established. The laxative action is usually attributed to the fixed oil in the seed. The kernel also contains amygdalin, and that is the safety problem rather than the mechanism.

性味归经。辛、苦、甘,平。归脾、大肠、小肠经。

泻下药里温和的一支,也是文献在峻下药不宜时转向的那一支:老人、病后、产后,以及古籍所谓虚损之人的便秘。种仁含油,传统的读法是油润燥肠,而不是强行攻下——「润下」与「攻下」在文献里是真实的区分,不是同一件事的客气说法。文献也记载其用于水肿与腹满,理由是它能行气、利水兼通便;这一推理属前现代,该说法未被证实。泻下作用通常归因于种子里的脂肪油。种仁另含苦杏仁苷,那是安全问题,不是作用机制。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Say the cyanide part first, because it is the part nobody expects from a mild laxative. This kernel, like the kernels of apricot, peach, cherry and plum, contains amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside: when the seed is crushed or chewed and the glycoside meets the enzymes in the same seed, hydrogen cyanide is liberated. The classic poisoning reports come from bitter apricot kernels eaten as a health food, and 苦杏仁 — the bitter apricot kernel — is a separate drug in this tradition with a stricter traditional handling. The lesson carries over. The seed is not a snack, it is not for children, and crushing it at home to eat by the spoonful is exactly the wrong thing to do; heating reduces the cyanogenic fraction but does not reliably remove it. Cyanide poisoning begins with headache, nausea, dizziness and rapid breathing, and it is an emergency, not something to sleep off. Then the ordinary laxative cautions: not in abdominal pain of unknown cause or suspected obstruction, not as a daily remedy, and chronic use brings the same dependence and electrolyte problems as any other laxative. The classical indications are not established.

先把氰化物那一段说在前面,因为从一味温和润下药里,人们不会想到它。这枚种仁与杏、桃、樱、李的仁一样含苦杏仁苷:碾碎或咀嚼时,苷与同种仁里的酶相遇,就会释放氰化氢。经典的中毒报告来自当作保健食品食用的苦杏仁,而苦杏仁在本传统里是另一味药,传统处理更严格。教训同样适用:种仁不是零食,不宜给儿童,在家里碾碎后一勺一勺吃正是最不该做的事;加热可降低但不能可靠去除氰苷成分。氰化物中毒起于头痛、恶心、头晕与呼吸急促,那是急症,不是睡一觉能过去的事。然后才是普通泻药的告诫:腹痛原因未明或疑似梗阻不用,不作日常用药,久服同样会像其他泻药那样造成依赖与电解质问题。古典主治未被证实。

泻下药(润下类)· 种子类(兼食品) · Purgative drug (润下药 — the moist laxative branch); seed, and at the same time simply a food

Pine Nut Kernel sōng zǐ rén · 松子仁

Semen Pini — the edible kernel of Pinus koraiensis Siebold & Zucc. (Korean pine) and of related Pinus species (family Pinaceae).

Nature and flavour. Sweet, warm. Lung, Liver and Large Intestine systems.

The most harmless-looking entry in the purge category, because it is a nut. The sources record it for dryness-type constipation in the elderly and after illness, for dry cough, and as a nourishing food where the body fluids are described as depleted — the same situations that 郁李仁 and 火麻仁 are recorded for, and for the same reason: oil. It is the one entry in this section where the traditional reading and the nutritional reading genuinely agree, and the honest conclusion is unglamorous. There is no distinctive pharmacology here and no controlled evidence for any of the classical indications; what there is, is a fat- and calorie-dense seed that has been eaten for a very long time, and whose traditional reputation for moistening a dry bowel is consistent with what fat and fibre do.

性味归经。甘,温。归肺、肝、大肠经。

泻下药里看起来最无害的一味,因为它就是一颗坚果。文献记载其用于老人与病后的燥结便秘、干咳,以及古籍所谓津液亏耗时的滋补食物——与郁李仁、火麻仁所记的情形相同,理由也相同:油。它是这一节里传统读法与营养学读法真正一致的一味,而诚实的结论并不动人:这里没有特殊药理,也没有任何对照证据支持其古典主治;有的是一枚高脂高热的种子,被人吃了很久,而它「润燥滑肠」的传统声誉与脂肪、膳食纤维的作用是一致的。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. A nut, with a nut's problems. Pine nut allergy is uncommon but it exists and it can be severe. There is one reaction specific to pine nuts that is worth knowing so that it is not mistaken for something worse: pine nut syndrome, sometimes called pine mouth — a metallic, bitter, sometimes rancid taste that appears a day to three days after eating certain pine nuts and lingers for days to a couple of weeks. It is self-limiting, it is not an allergy, its mechanism is not established, and the species most often implicated are the ones traded from China under a generic name. It has alarmed a great many people who had no way of knowing what it was. Beyond that: the kernel is mostly fat, it turns rancid, and rancid nuts should be thrown away rather than eaten. Choking is a real hazard for small children. And the caution that applies to every laxative in this section applies here too — constipation that is new, or that comes with weight loss, blood or a lasting change in habit, is a reason to be examined. Nuts are not a diagnosis.

它是坚果,也就有坚果的问题。松子过敏不常见但存在,且可能严重。另有一种松子特有的反应值得知道,以免被误当成更严重的事:松子综合征,俗称「松子口」——食用某些松子后一到三天出现金属味、苦味,有时像哈喇味,可持续数天至两三周。它有自限性,不是过敏,机制尚未明确;最常涉及的种类是那些以通用名从中国售出的松子。许多不知情的人曾被它吓到。此外:种仁几乎全是脂肪,会酸败,酸败的松子应当丢弃而非食用。对幼儿,噎呛是真实风险。还有一条适用于本节所有泻药的告诫同样适用于此:新出现的便秘,或伴体重下降、便血、排便习惯持续改变的便秘,应当去检查。坚果不是诊断。

泻下药(润下类)· 种子类(兼油料与食品) · Purgative drug (润下药 — the moist laxative branch); seed, and at the same time an oilseed and a food

Linseed (Flaxseed) yà má zǐ · 亚麻子

Semen Lini — the dried ripe seed of Linum usitatissimum L. (family Linaceae); the same plant that gives linen fibre and linseed oil.

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral. Lung, Liver and Large Intestine systems.

An oily seed living in two traditions at once. In Chinese sources it is a moist laxative for dryness-type constipation, and it is also recorded for the patterns the texts describe as wind-damp with numbness and stiffness, and for dry, scaling skin. In the West the same seed is a food ingredient, a source of alpha-linolenic acid and of lignans, and a bulk laxative in its own right. The mucilage in the husk swells with water and the fibre adds bulk — that is the ordinary explanation of the laxative reputation, and it is a better explanation than the classical one. None of the traditional Chinese indications beyond the bowel are established by evidence. Note that this is not 火麻仁: hemp seed is a different plant and a different drug, and the two oily seeds are regularly confused by name.

性味归经。甘,平。归肺、肝、大肠经。

一味同时活在两个传统里的油料种子。中文文献里它是治燥结便秘的润下药,也记载用于古籍所称风湿麻木、筋脉拘挛与皮肤干燥脱屑。在西方,同一种子是食品原料、α-亚麻酸与木酚素的来源,本身也是容积性泻剂。种皮的黏质吸水膨胀,纤维增加粪便体积——这是对「通便」声誉的通常解释,也比古典解释更站得住。除通便之外的中医主治,都没有证据支持。请注意它不是火麻仁:大麻仁是另一味药,两种油料种子常被名字混淆。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The bulk-forming rule is the important one: this seed swells, and if it is swallowed dry or with too little water it can obstruct. There are published reports of oesophageal and intestinal obstruction from exactly that, and the people at risk are those with a narrowed oesophagus or gut, a stricture, difficulty swallowing, or established severe constipation with impaction — for them this is the wrong remedy. Otherwise the seed is a food and is widely eaten, and the caveats are the ordinary ones. It contains cyanogenic glycosides, linamarin among them, which is why large quantities of raw, crushed seed are a different proposition from a spoonful on bread; heating reduces them, and ordinary culinary use is not the setting in which this becomes a problem. It slows the absorption of whatever else is in the stomach, so it should be taken at a different time from any other medicine a person has been given rather than together with it. It may lower blood glucose, and people taking medicines for diabetes need to know that. The seed carries oestrogenic lignans, and whether that matters in hormone-sensitive conditions or in pregnancy is not established — which is reason enough to avoid it there rather than to test it. Whole seed often passes through undigested; ground seed and whole seed do not behave the same, and the oil is a different product from either.

最重要的一条是容积性泻剂的规则:这枚种子会膨胀。若干吞或饮水不足,可能造成梗阻。文献中确有食道与肠道梗阻的报告,风险人群是食道或肠道狭窄、有吞咽困难,或已有严重便秘粪嵌塞者——对他们,这是选错的药。除此以外,这枚种子是食物,被广泛食用,告诫都是通常的那些。它含氰苷(其中有亚麻苦苷),所以大量生食碾碎的种子与面包上撒一勺是两回事;加热可降低,日常烹饪用量不会成为问题。它会延缓胃内其他东西的吸收,因此应与正在服用的其他药物错开时间,而非同服。它可能降低血糖,使用降糖药的人需要知道这一点。种子含有具雌激素样作用的木酚素,这在激素相关疾病或孕期是否有影响尚未明确——理由已经足够:那种情况下应当避免,而不是去试。整粒种子常常原样排出;研碎的种子与整粒表现不同,而亚麻油又是另一回事。

泻下药(峻下逐水类)· 有毒种子类 · Purgative drug (峻下逐水药 — the drastic, water-expelling branch); a toxic seed

Caper Spurge Seed (Mole Plant Seed) qiān jīn zǐ · 千金子

Semen Euphorbiae Lathyridis — the ripe seed of Euphorbia lathyris L. (caper spurge, mole plant, 续随子; family Euphorbiaceae). Its de-fatted seed cake is the related material 千金子霜.

Nature and flavour. Acrid, warm, toxic. Liver, Kidney and Large Intestine systems.

This belongs on the drastic shelf of the purge category, alongside 甘遂, 大戟 and 芫花 — the drugs the classical literature treats as weapons rather than as remedies. The sources record it for severe oedema and ascites and for abdominal fluid accumulation, and externally for warts and stubborn sores. Two things should be said plainly. First, the traditional handling already treats it as a poison with a narrow window: the standard material is the de-fatted cake, because the seed oil carries both the purgative and the irritant fraction, and the classical texts are explicit that this is a drug used once and then stopped. Second, and more important for a modern reader: expelling water by purging is a pre-modern description of what is physiologically a violent loss of fluid. It does not address heart failure, kidney failure, cirrhosis or nephrotic syndrome, which are the things that actually cause oedema, and treating them by purgation delays the care that works. This page exists because the drug is in the classical record, not because anyone should reach for it.

性味归经。辛,温,有毒。归肝、肾、大肠经。

它属于泻下药里峻烈的一格,与甘遂、大戟、芫花同列——古典文献把这些药当兵器而不是当补药。文献记载其用于重症水肿、腹水与腹中水饮停聚,外用治疣赘与顽癣恶疮。有两件事应当说清楚。其一,传统处理本就把它当作窗口极窄的毒药:标准用药是去油的霜,因为种子油同时带着泻下与刺激两部分,而古籍明确说这是一用即止的药。其二,对现代读者更要紧:以泻下「逐水」是对剧烈失水的前现代描述。它不处理心衰、肾衰、肝硬化或肾病综合征——那才是水肿的真正成因;用泻法去治,只会耽误真正有效的治疗。这一页之所以存在,是因为这味药在古典记录里,而不是因为谁该去用它。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Toxic, and the mechanism is not exotic: the seed and above all the seed oil contain irritant diterpene esters of the ingenol and lathyrol type, the same chemical family that makes Euphorbia latex a well-known cause of dermatitis and of chemical injury to the eye. Swallowed, it produces burning of the mouth, violent vomiting, colic and profuse watery diarrhoea, with the dehydration and electrolyte loss that follow; severe and occasionally fatal poisoning is reported. Diterpene esters of this class have tumour-promoting activity in experimental systems, which is one reason the folk use of this plant on warts and skin lesions is a folk practice and not a home remedy. It is contraindicated in pregnancy without qualification — it is a traditional abortifacient, and pregnancy is the setting in which the risk is least acceptable — and in breastfeeding, in children, in the frail, and in anyone with heart, kidney or liver disease or who is already dehydrated. Do not crush the seed and do not handle the fresh plant with bare hands, and keep both away from the eyes; the plant is sold in some countries as a mole deterrent and is invasive in others, which is how most people meet it. Any suspected ingestion is a poison-centre or emergency-department matter, and the packaging of the raw seed should travel with the patient. A drug of this class belongs in modern practice to a trained practitioner and to a pharmacopoeia — if it is used at all.

有毒,机制并不玄:种子尤其是种子油含巨大戟二萜醇与千金二萜醇一类的刺激性二萜酯,正是这类成分使大戟属乳汁成为众所周知的可致皮炎与眼部化学性损伤的物质。吞服后表现为口腔灼痛、剧烈呕吐、绞痛与大量水泻,随之而来的是脱水与电解质丢失;已有严重乃至致死性中毒的报告。此类二萜酯在实验体系中显示促肿瘤活性,这也是把该植物民间用于疣与皮肤病灶只算民间做法、不算家庭疗法的原因之一。孕期一律禁用——它是传统的堕胎药,而孕期正是风险最不可接受的场景;哺乳期、儿童、体弱者,以及心、肾、肝病或已脱水者同样禁用。不要碾碎种子,也不要徒手处置新鲜植株,并远离眼睛;该植物在一些国家被当作驱鼹植物出售,在另一些国家属入侵种,多数人就是这样遇到它的。任何疑似摄入都属中毒急救或急诊范畴,就医时应把原包装一并带上。这类药在现代实践中只属于受过训练的专业者与药典——如果还用的话。

泻下药(峻下逐水类)· 有毒根类 · Purgative drug (峻下逐水药 — the drastic, water-expelling branch); a toxic root

Pokeweed Root shāng lù · 商陆

Radix Phytolaccae — the root of Phytolacca acinosa Roxb. (商陆) or of Phytolacca americana L. (美洲商陆, American pokeweed; family Phytolaccaceae).

Nature and flavour. Bitter, cold, toxic. Lung, Spleen, Kidney and Large Intestine systems.

Another drug from the drastic shelf, recorded in the sources for oedema and ascites with abdominal fullness, and used externally for swellings and sores. The classical material is vinegar-processed, and that single fact is a comment on the drug: processing is the tradition's way of saying this root is not safe as it comes out of the ground. The physiological reality behind the classical phrase expelling water is a violent purge that loses fluid, and it does nothing for the heart, kidney or liver disease that produced the fluid in the first place. There is one thing about this plant that is genuinely important in modern medicine, and it is worth stating because it says more than any safety warning could: pokeweed mitogen, extracted from Phytolacca americana, is a standard laboratory reagent used to make lymphocytes divide in immunology research. A plant whose root proteins force immune cells into division is not a plant to eat.

性味归经。苦,寒,有毒。归肺、脾、肾、大肠经。

峻烈一格里的又一味,文献记载其用于水肿、腹水兼腹满,外用治痈肿疮毒。古典用药须经醋制,单是这一点就是对这味药的评注:炮制是传统在说「这根出土时并不安全」。「逐水」这个古典说法背后的生理现实,是一次剧烈的失水;它对于最初造成积水的心、肾、肝病毫无作用。这株植物在现代医学里有一件事确实重要,值得写在这里,因为它比任何安全警告都更能说明问题:美洲商陆中提取的商陆有丝分裂原(pokeweed mitogen),是免疫学研究里促使淋巴细胞分裂的标准实验室试剂。一株根中的蛋白能迫使免疫细胞分裂的植物,不是可以吃的植物。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Poisonous in every part, and most poisonous in the root and in the fresh plant. The toxins are saponins of the phytolaccatoxin group together with the mitogenic glycoprotein. Poisoning begins with burning of the mouth and throat, salivation, nausea and vomiting, moves on to abdominal cramps with watery and sometimes bloody diarrhoea, and in serious cases continues to dizziness, disturbed vision, sweating, low blood pressure, confusion, convulsions and respiratory failure. Fatal poisoning is reported from the fresh root, from root tea, and from the berries. Children are at particular risk, and the single most dangerous thing about this plant is that its root has been mistaken for edible roots — 欧防风, horseradish, 牛蒡, 人参 and others — with fatal results recorded; a root that cannot be identified with certainty should not be eaten. The berries are not food and should not be used to make ink or jam, however traditional that may be in places. The processed drug of the pharmacopoeia is a different thing from the plant in a garden, and a poison that a tradition learned to tame by processing is still a poison. Contraindicated in pregnancy without qualification — it is a traditional abortifacient — and in breastfeeding, in children, and in anyone with heart, kidney or liver disease. Suspected ingestion is a poison-centre or emergency-department matter; take the plant with you.

全株有毒,以根与新鲜植株最毒。毒性成分为商陆毒素类的皂苷,加上有丝分裂原糖蛋白。中毒起于口腔与咽喉灼痛、流涎、恶心呕吐,继而腹部绞痛伴水样有时带血的腹泻,严重者继续出现头晕、视觉异常、出汗、低血压、意识模糊、惊厥与呼吸衰竭。已有致死报告,来自鲜根、根茶与果实。儿童风险尤高,而这株植物最危险的一点是它的根被误认作可食的根——欧防风、辣根、牛蒡、人参等等——并有致死的记录;一根认不准的根,就不该吃。果实不是食物,无论某些地方的传统如何,都不该用来做墨水或果酱。药典里经过炮制的药与园子里的植株不是一回事;传统学会用炮制驯服的毒,仍然是毒。孕期一律禁用(它是传统的堕胎药),哺乳期、儿童,以及心、肾、肝病患者禁用。疑似摄入属中毒急救或急诊范畴,就医时应带上该植物。

补气药(健脾化湿) · Qi-tonifying

Lablab Bean bái biǎn dòu · 白扁豆

Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet

Nature and flavour. Sweet, slightly warm; Spleen and Stomach systems.

Recorded as supplementing the Spleen and resolving dampness, and at the same time simply as a food for hot, humid seasons. Traditionally described for loose stools and poor appetite attributed to Spleen deficiency, and for summer dampness with fatigue, heaviness and reduced appetite. Its action is described in the traditional frame as supplementing Spleen qi and transforming dampness — an everyday pulse rather than a dramatic drug.

性味归经。甘,微温;归脾、胃经。

记载为健脾化湿之品,同时也只是暑湿季节的一种食物。传统用于脾虚所致的便溏、食少,以及暑湿困阻所致的乏力、身重、纳差。传统表述为补脾气、化湿浊 —— 属于日常谷豆一类,而非峻烈之品。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The raw seed contains lectins (including phytohaemagglutinin) and trypsin inhibitors; raw or insufficiently cooked beans have caused nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea. Cook it thoroughly before eating. The seed on the market is sometimes confused with other legume seeds, so the name alone does not identify what you have. Persistent diarrhoea, blood in the stool or unintended weight loss is not a self-treatment matter — see a licensed clinician. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established.

生种子含植物凝集素(含植物血细胞凝集素)与胰蛋白酶抑制剂;生食或未煮透可引起恶心、呕吐、腹泻。食用前须充分煮熟。市售品存在与其他豆类种子混淆的情况,仅凭名称不足以确定所获何物。持续腹泻、便血或不明原因体重下降不建议自行处理 —— 请咨询执业医生。孕期与哺乳期的安全性未确立。

安神药(补气安神) · Spirit-calming; also classed as a tonic

Lingzhi líng zhī · 灵芝

Ganoderma lingzhi (widely traded under the name Ganoderma lucidum)

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Heart, Lung, Liver and Kidney systems.

Recorded as supplementing qi and calming the spirit, and as settling cough and laboured breathing. Traditionally described for an unsettled spirit with poor sleep and palpitations, for fatigue in debilitated states, and for long-standing cough. Its modern reputation as an immune-boosting or anti-cancer agent is not established by clinical evidence — the traditional record is about tonifying and calming, and the modern claims are a separate, unconfirmed matter.

性味归经。甘,平;归心、肺、肝、肾经。

记载为补气安神、止咳平喘。传统用于心神不宁、失眠惊悸、虚损乏力,以及久咳。现代把它当作增强免疫或抗肿瘤之物的说法缺乏临床证据支持 —— 传统记载讲的是补与安,现代宣称属于另一回事,且未被证实。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. Documented concerns: anticoagulant and antiplatelet medicines (additive bleeding risk), antihypertensive and diabetes medicines (additive lowering), and immunosuppressants (theoretical antagonism). Stop well before scheduled surgery. Cases of liver injury have been reported with lingzhi preparations including spore powders; a causal relation is not established. The species actually sold is often not the species named — Ganoderma lingzhi, G. lucidum and other Ganoderma are traded under one common name, so two products are rarely comparable. Long-term safety data are limited. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Persistent insomnia, chronic cough or unintended weight loss is not a self-treatment matter — see a licensed clinician.

文献记录的关注点:与抗凝、抗血小板药同用可能增加出血风险;与降压药、降糖药同用可能叠加其降低作用;与免疫抑制剂同用存在理论上的相互拮抗。择期手术前应提前停用。灵芝制剂(含孢子粉)已有肝损伤个案报告,因果关系尚未确立。实际售出的物种常与标称不符 —— 灵芝 G. lingzhi、赤芝 G. lucidum 及其他近缘种常以同一俗名流通,两个产品之间很难直接比较。长期安全性数据有限;孕期与哺乳期的安全性未确立。持续失眠、久咳或不明原因体重下降不建议自行处理 —— 请咨询执业医生。

安神药(养心安神、祛风通络) · Spirit-calming

Fo-ti Vine shǒu wū téng · 首乌藤

Fallopia multiflora (Thunb.) Haraldson (syn. Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.) — the vine, not the root

Nature and flavour. Sweet, neutral; Heart and Liver systems.

The vine of the same plant whose tuberous root is he shou wu; it is also known as ye jiao teng. Recorded as nourishing the Heart and calming the spirit, and as freeing the channels in wind-damp patterns. Traditionally described for difficulty sleeping with many dreams and an unsettled spirit, and for wind-damp heaviness, numbness and itchy skin — the last often as an external wash rather than taken internally.

性味归经。甘,平;归心、肝经。

与何首乌同株的藤茎(又名夜交藤)。记载为养心安神、祛风通络。传统用于失眠多梦、心神不宁,以及风湿痹阻所致的身重、麻木与皮肤瘙痒 —— 后者多作外洗,而非内服。

Classical category · no formulas, no dosages, no herb-drug combinations are given.
Safety. The main caution is shared with its own root. The tuberous root of this plant (he shou wu) is one of the best-documented causes of herb-induced liver injury; the vine comes from the same species. Reports specifically on the vine are fewer, which is not the same as evidence of safety. Avoid it if you have liver disease or a history of abnormal liver tests. Stop immediately and seek assessment if nausea, loss of appetite, jaundice, dark urine or unusual fatigue appears, since these are the signs by which this kind of injury is usually first noticed. Do not apply an external wash to broken or frankly inflamed skin. Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Persistent insomnia or a persistent rash is not a self-treatment matter — see a licensed clinician.

最主要的警示与它的块根共通:本品的块根(何首乌)是药物性肝损伤记录最充分的品种之一,而首乌藤与之同种。专门针对藤茎的报告较少,但这并不等于已有安全性证据。有肝病或肝功异常史者不宜使用。出现恶心、食欲下降、黄疸、尿色加深或异常乏力应立即停用并就医评估 —— 这类损伤通常首先由这些信号显现。外洗不宜用于破损或明显炎症的皮肤。孕期与哺乳期的安全性未确立。持续失眠或持续皮疹不建议自行处理 —— 请咨询执业医生。