秦艽是一种常用中药,为龙胆科植物秦艽Gentiana macrophylla Pall、粗茎秦艽G.crassicaulis Duthie ex Burk.、麻花秦艽O.stramiea Waxim.、或小秦艽G.dahuica Fisch.的干燥根,根据商品性状不同,分为“秦艽”、“麻花秦艽”和“小秦艽”三个品种,味苦、辛,性微寒,具有祛风除湿,退虚热,舒筋止痛之功效。但近年在四川一些地区常将同科植物滇黄芩Veratrilla baillonii Franch的根(药材习称“黄秦艽”)充作秦艽使用或收购,目前成都市场上这种情况还时有所见。黄秦艽与秦艽在名称上相混,性状上也比较相似,但黄秦艽苦,寒,具清热解毒之功,用于痢痰,肺热咳嗽,烧伤,驱虫等,与秦艽大不相同,不能混作秦艽,所以在 Gentiana is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the dry roots of Gentiana macrophylla Pall, G.crassicaulis Duthie ex Burk., G.cramiaceae Waxim., or G.dahuica Fisch. Different traits are divided into three varieties: “Gentiana”, “Gingeria Gentiana,” and “Little Gentiana”. It is bitter, pungent, slightly cold, and has the effects of dehumidification by wind, retreat heat, and pain relief. However, in recent years, the roots of the same plant, Veratrilla baillonii Franch (commonly known as “Yellow Gentiana”), have been used as or acquired by Qin Geng in some areas of Sichuan Province. This situation is still somewhat unknown in the Chengdu market. Huang Qinshao and Qinshao are mixed in terms of name and their traits are similar, but Huang Qinshao is bitter, cold, and has the power of clearing away heat and detoxification. It is used for phlegm, lung hyperactivity, cough, burn, and insect repellent, which is different from that of Qinshao. It can’t be mixed with the Qin Dynasty, so