https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/A4PeQB2Vq1CW8xtc-5KQOA
Welcome everyone to share your experiences with these herbs in the replies, which will help other students to search and learn.
396. Psoralea (Bu Gu Zhi)
The taste is not unpleasant. Although it is bitter with a slight astringent edge, it vaguely has a flavor similar to spices, which lifts the overall taste.
After drinking it, the first thing you can confirm is its astringent effect: the qi below the waist is tightly secured and astringed along the posterior midline, almost reaching the lumbosacral vertebra region. The qi from the diaphragm upwards to the head gathers in the diaphragm area. Lung energy is strengthened, with a slight warmth felt in the lower back and lower abdomen (the downside being that some qi from the head and legs is drawn away, which might cause side effects such as temporal hollow pain or soreness in the knees and thighs).
Effects: Astringes qi and essence, warms the kidney and consolidates qi, warms the lower back and lower abdomen.
397. Alpinia Oxyphylla (Yi Zhi Ren)
The taste shares similarities with Amomum (Sha Ren), though the coolness and penetrating sensation are milder than Sha Ren.
After ingestion, the qi immediately surges towards the back and occiput, with a distinct tingling sensation; the qi is directed into the brain, which certainly benefits intelligence. However, the drawback is that its qi mainly concentrates in the occiput, primarily nourishing the autonomic nervous system’s “Po” (corporeal soul), offering limited nourishment to the frontal, parietal, and temporal lobes. After taking it, massage techniques are still needed to achieve the herb’s named effect.
As for the Dantian (elixir field), not only is it not supplemented, but energy is drawn away from it, representing a “empty abdomen, full heart” state. However, since the overall qi is drawn upwards, it invisibly exerts the effect of consolidating the kidney and astringing essence.
Effects: Guides qi to the brain, consolidates essence, and controls urination.
398. Cuscuta (Tu Si Zi)
The decoction tastes like 70% corn water mixed with 30% reeds root water. Chewing it directly gives a bit of corn germ flavor. Not particularly delicious, but very sticky, as the saying goes “where the wind reaches, it is sticky, sticking to the traveler’s longing”. In the origins of Traditional Chinese Medicine, stickiness symbolized nourishment and was a mark of essence-replenishing herbs.
After intake, there is a slight fullness in the lower abdomen. The tonic effect is mild but gentle and lasting. Its sticky medicinal nature can consolidate the kidney and astringe essence. However, if you want to “have it all,” it is better made into pills to improve bioavailability.
Due to its high stickiness, there are also side effects. If the body itself is not sufficiently smooth, especially if the reproductive system’s microstructures are not clear, taking a large amount of Cuscuta without exercise could potentially cause more blockages.
Effects: Fills essence, consolidates the kidney and astringes essence, nourishes the uterus and stabilizes pregnancy.