RESUMO
[Objective]To explore the role of vinegar in ancient prescriptions,inherit and explore the unique value of vinegar in traditional Chinese medicine,and provide reference for modern clinic.[Methods]Based on the records of the efficacy of vinegar in traditional Chinese medicines and medical records from various dynasties,this paper classifies and sorts out the ancient literature on the vinegar in prescriptions.Combining the Qi and taste of vinegar,the theory of reinforcing and reducing about viscera,and the idea of visceral-Qi corresponding to nature rhythms,this paper explores the role of vinegar in prescriptions from five aspects:promoting Qi and blood circulation,promoting blood circulation and stopping bleeding,healing sores and relieving swelling,clearing heat and detoxicating,and calming endogenous wind and blooming the sprit.[Results]The sour taste of vinegar acting on the liver helps to regulate activities of Qi,tonifies the lungs to help regulate water passages,fragrance and warm of vinegar promote Qi,bitter and warm of vinegar eliminate dampness,thus eliminating the concretions and gatherings,and resolving phlegm-dampness.Vinegar fragrance acts on the spleen and sour acts on the liver,vinegar can achieve the effect of promoting blood circulation and stopping bleeding by regulating the liver and spleen.The main reason for its application in skin diseases is that vinegar tonifies the lungs with the sour taste,and lungs govern skin and hair,and vinegar has astringent properties.The sour taste of vinegar acting on the liver can help the liver detoxify,while the bitter taste can clear heat and detoxicate.Therefore,vinegar is often used in prescriptions such as detoxification of drugs,food and insects,etc.Sour acts on the liver to control conveyance and dispersion,while the fragrance of vinegar acts on the spleen to refresh the mind,so it is also used to treat symptoms such as stroke and fainting.[Conclusion]Vinegar tastes sour,bitter,fragrant and warm.It is the main reason why vinegar is used as a necessary medicine in promoting Qi and blood circulation,promoting blood circulation and stopping bleeding,healing sores and relieving swelling,clearing heat and detoxicating,and calming endogenous wind and blooming the spirit.According to the theory of reinforcing and discharging viscera,sour acts on the liver;According to the theory of visceral-Qi corresponding to nature rhythms,sour can regulate the heart,liver and lung.By combing the application of vinegar in ancient prescriptions systematically,it helps to provide literature support and theoretical reference for further improving the clinical application of vinegar in prescription.