瞿麥 석죽화 (구맥)

Original, read line by line 東醫寶鑑 · Tangaek — Decoctions vol. 3

1. 性寒, 味苦辛一云甘, 無毒.

   Cold in nature, bitter and pungent in flavor (some say sweet), and nontoxic.

2. 主關格諸癃結, 小便不通, 出刺, 決癰腫, 明目去瞖, 破胎墮子.

   It treats urinary blockages and retention, draws out embedded splinters, lances abscesses, brightens the eyes and clears corneal films — but it can induce miscarriage, so pregnant women must avoid it.

3. 通心經, 利小腸爲最要.

   Opening the heart channel and freeing the small intestine — this is what it does best.

4. 一名石竹, 處處有之.

   Also called seokjuk (stone bamboo); it grows commonly in field and roadside everywhere.

5. 立秋後, 合子葉收採, 陰乾.

   After the onset of autumn, gather the seeds and leaves together and dry them slowly in the shade.

6. 子頗似麥, 故名瞿麥. 《本草》

   The seeds noticeably resemble barley grains, which is the origin of the name Gumaek. (From Bencao)

7. 不用莖葉, 只用實殼. 《入門》

   Stems and leaves are not used in this preparation — only the seed husks. (From Yixue Rumen)

8. 主關格諸癃, 利小便不通, 逐膀胱邪熱, 爲君主之劑. 《湯液》

   It addresses obstructive disorders and urinary retention and drives pathogenic heat from the bladder, serving as the sovereign ingredient of such formulas. (From Tangye)

9. 子

   The seeds.

10. 治月經不通, 破血塊, 排膿. 《本草》

    They open blocked menstruation, break up clots of stagnant blood, and discharge pus. (From Bencao)

11. 葉

    The leaves.

12. 治蛔蟲痔疾, 眼目腫痛, 及浸淫瘡, 婦人陰瘡. 《本草》

    They treat roundworms and hemorrhoids, swollen and painful eyes, weeping spreading sores, and genital sores in women. (From Bencao)