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According to the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), the book records 360 types of herbs. Among them, the 120 superior-grade herbs serve as sovereign drugs (Jun Yao), the 120 medium-grade herbs serve as minister drugs (Chen Yao), and the 120 inferior-grade herbs serve as envoy drugs (Shi Yao). Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix) are both classified as superior-grade herbs in the *Bencao Jing*. Some claim that while Qianghuo treats whole-body pain as a sovereign who restores order, Fangfeng also treats whole-body pain but serves only as a lowly soldier, reaching the affected area merely by following guidance. Alas! Shennong listed Fangfeng as a sovereign drug of the superior grade, yet later generations reduced it to the status of a lowly soldier. How unfortunate for Fangfeng! Moreover, the orders of the sovereign are transmitted and executed, spreading to all directions guided by postal messengers; if being "guided to arrive" is considered humble, then Qianghuo could also be regarded as a lowly soldier. Although such discussions may not seem highly significant, if future generations follow suit and echo these views, this shallow custom will ultimately become irretrievable.

The shape of heaven and earth is like a bird's egg. Zhang Zhongjing used the white of the chicken egg to tonify Qi and the yolk to treat blood vessel disorders. The flower of Jinyinhua (Lonicerae Japonicae Flos) blooms with yellow and white colors, its vine is named Rendong (Honeysuckle Vine), and it spreads by absorbing the Yin energy of water. Tao Hongjing stated that it can circulate Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) energies and Yin-Yang, primarily treating chills and fever, abdominal distension, detoxification, and swelling reduction. Generally speaking, when Ying and Wei circulate smoothly, chills, fever, and swelling naturally subside; upon receiving Yin energy, heat toxins are naturally resolved. Therefore, it is also used to treat dysentery caused by heat toxins, Feishi Guizhu (a type of acute infectious disease), Houbi (sore throat with obstruction), and Ru'e (tonsillitis). Wangbuliuxing (Vaccariae Semen) also blooms with yellow and white flowers, hence its name Jinzhen Yintai (Golden Cup Silver Terrace). Its nature is good at promoting circulation, implying that even with a king's decree, one cannot stop its movement. Tao Hongjing also utilized its ability to promote Qi and Blood circulation, primarily treating metal wounds (Jinchuang), carbuncles and swellings, painful Bi syndrome (painful obstruction), difficult labor, lactation promotion, diuresis, and the expulsion of bamboo or wood splinters. When Qi and Blood stagnate and block, all diseases arise; when Ying and Wei operate normally, spirit and vitality double. Thus, both herbs belong to the superior grade and can both lighten the body, enhance resistance to aging, prolong life, and extend years. The chicken egg is used for its form, while the two flowers are valued for their color: one for its creeping vines, the other for its excellent circulating properties. Physicians say that medicine lies in mental comprehension. The profound principles of Materia Medica must also be inferred through mental intuition to be understood. It is elucidated thus: People only know that Jinyinhua detoxifies and reduces swelling, unaware of its merit in circulating Ying, Wei, Qi, and Blood, and its acquisition of the cold-water energy of winter.