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Shuyu (Dioscorea opposita), an ancient name, was renamed Shanyao (Chinese Yam) to avoid the naming taboos of the emperors in the Tang and Song dynasties. The method of cultivation involves slicing it into thin pieces; it grows along the cavities created by pounding. (Mr. Lu Ziyou treated a case of bloody dysentery that persisted for a long time without healing, stating, "There must be ruptured blood vessels inside the intestines." Shanyao grows to fill these cavities; its medicinal property can seal the vessels. By using Shanyao as the sovereign herb and combining it with blood-regulating herbs, the disease was cured. This is a wonderful application derived from intuitive reasoning.) As for the white-flowered variety of Baihe (Lilium bulbiferum), when broken apart and buried in the soil, one scale can generate a hundred scales, forming a clump resembling a rush. Generally, when any object is chopped up, it becomes putrid and foul. The unique growth of these two herbs lies in their obtaining the essence of their original form and growing through the influence of Qi transformation. Shanyao contains abundant mucus within its flesh. When Zhang Zhongjing used Baihe Tang, he soaked it in water overnight to remove the white foam on the surface. This mucus and foam constitute its essence. Qi is born from Essence; since these two herbs possess abundant Essence and Qi, they primarily tonify the Middle Jiao, benefit Qi, promote muscle growth, and strengthen Yin. Yuan Ru stated: "Any substance rich in juices primarily nourishes Essence and Blood, benefits Qi, and generates tissue."

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* refers generally to Gouqi (Goji Berry), without distinguishing between Digupi (Cortex Lycii) and Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii). It is likely because the character 'Gou' sounds like 'Dog', and 'Qi' sounds like 'Ji'. In the Earthly Branches, Dog corresponds to Xu, which governs the right Kidney; the Kidney governs bones. 'Ji' belongs to Yin Earth. Hence the name 'Digupi' (Bone of the Earth), and long-term consumption can strengthen sinews and bones. Its flavor is bitter and cold, capable of clearing heat and relieving thirst, likely because it assists the Qi of Water and Earth to nourish the Heart and Lungs upwards. Its fruit is red in color and cold in nature, capable of tonifying the Essence and Qi of both Kidneys. The essence of bone manifests as the pupil; thus, it aids the clarity of vision.

Honghua (Carthamus tinctorius) is red in color and juicy, a herb that generates and moves Blood. Tao Hongjing indicated its primary use for postpartum blood dizziness, pain caused by incomplete expulsion of lochia, and fetal death in utero. The formula Honglan Hua Jiu (Safflower Flower Wine) in the *Jin Gui Yao Lue* treats sixty-two types of wind diseases in women and also treats malaria. Mr. Linchuan said: "To treat wind, first treat the Blood; when Blood flows, Wind extinguishes itself." Wind is a Yang pathogen, while Blood is a Yin fluid; this represents a method of balancing opposing forces. The flowers, stems, and leaves are hairy and thorny, possessing the image of hard Metal, thus able to subdue Wood-Wind. The Blood and Qi of men and women are fundamentally similar. Zhang Zhongjing's specific treatment of the sixty-two wind diseases in women is indeed justified. Women tend to have excess Qi but deficient Blood. What is deficient is the Blood of the Chong and Ren meridians, which scatters among the skin and intermuscular spaces, filling the flesh, warming the muscles, and generating hair. Men grow whiskers on the upper lip and mouth, while women menstruate regularly; thus, women are prone to deficiency. Honghua has an ascending nature, and its flowers spread vines; it primarily dissipates blood stasis in the skin, aiding the blood deficiency in women, hence treating wind diseases in women. Blood deficiency leads to loose cuticles of the skin and hair follicles, making one susceptible to Wind. Since this Blood relates to pregnancy, it specifically treats lochia retention after childbirth. The *Ling Shu Jing* states: "For those who drink wine, Wei Qi (Defensive Qi) travels first through the skin"; therefore, decocting with wine helps enhance the medicinal properties. Malaria pathogens also hide in the couli (pores) of the Mu Yuan (Diaphragm); thus, Honghua can guide them out. Blood circulates within the meridians and scatters outside the skin; consequently, the herbs governing them differ. Herbs such as Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Dihuang (Rehmannia glutinosa), and Qiancao (Rubia cordifolia) generate and nourish Blood within the vessels; Honglan Hua primarily generates Blood outside the vessels; Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Shaoyao (Paeonia lactiflora), Danpi (Moutan Cortex), and Hongqu (Red Yeast Rice) are agents that act both internally and externally. If scholars can comprehend the profound intent of the Sages in prescribing herbs, they will have grasped more than half of the subject.