天麻 천마 (천마)

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

1. 性平一云寒, 味辛一云甘, 無毒.

   Its nature is neutral, though some say cold. The taste is pungent, with some saying sweet, and it is non-toxic.

2. 主諸風濕痺, 四肢拘攣, 小兒風癎驚氣.

   It treats various wind-damp numbness, contraction of the four limbs, and wind epilepsy or fright qi in children.

3. 治眩暈風癎, 語言蹇澁, 多驚失志.

   It cures dizziness and wind epilepsy, as well as slurred speech and frequent fright with loss of mind.

4. 强筋骨, 利腰膝.

   It strengthens sinews and bones, and benefits the lower back and knees.

5. 卽赤箭根也.

   This is the root of red arrow (jeokjeon), named for its upright stem resembling a red arrow.

6. 形如黃瓜, 連生一二十枚.

   Its shape resembles a cucumber, and ten to twenty pieces grow connected together.

7. 二月三月五月八月採根, 暴乾.

   The roots are dug in the second, third, fifth, and eighth months, then sun-dried.

8. 苗名定風草, 採得乘潤刮去皮, 沸湯略煮過, 暴乾收之.

   The sprout is called jeongpungcho. After harvesting, while still moist, scrape off the skin, briefly parboil in boiling water, sun-dry, and then store.

9. 堅實者佳. 《本草》

   Those that are firm and solid are best. From Bencao.

10. 諸虛眩暈, 非此不能除也. 《丹心》

    For all dizziness caused by deficiency, nothing but this can resolve it. From Danxin.