Exploring the application of cassia twig in Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases based on the "image thinking".

Cassia twig, a Chinese herbal drug, is widely prescribed in Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases, and it is found in more than 60 clauses and more than 40 prescriptions. It treats covers all of the diseases of the six meridians, namely, three yin and three yang. Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica described cassia twig as: (i) mainly used to relieve cough with dyspnea due to counterflow of qi, stagnation of qi, throat impediment, and breathing with the mouth due to severe impediment of the throat, to promote movement of joints, tonify the middle energizer, and replenish qi; and (ii) useful for ushering other traditional Chinese drugs to treat all the disease, and able to invigorate the spirit and mind, relax the body, and prevent aging. This article begins from the thought of "image," referred to in the text of Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica, by analyzing the natural attributes of cassia twigs, such as shape, position, color, taste, smell, texture, habits, and growth environment. This is combined with the Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases and the experience of physicians in previous dynasties, and it summarizes and analyzes the "image" mechanism of its efficacy to broaden its application in modern clinical treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]