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Wubeizi (Galla Chinensis): It inherits the Qi of Wood and possesses the nature of Metal and Water. Its taste is bitter and sour, its Qi is neutral, and it is non-toxic. The Qi is thin while the flavor is strong; it has an astringent property and belongs to Yin. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, and can kill parasites. Its nature is drying. It primarily treats Wind-Dampness. Due to its sour taste and neutral Qi, it can astringe floating Heat, making it essential for resolving phlegm, leaching out Dampness, descending Fire, and astringing.

Wubeizi treats receding gums (Chi Xuan) and Gan disease, Gan sores on the face and nose of children, wind-xanthoma with itching in adults, and bleeding from the five types of hemorrhoids in adults. Decoction washed over the eyes reduces redness, swelling, and pain. Ground into powder and applied to beard hair, it turns white hair black. For Wind-Toxin of the Lungs overflowing into the skin, causing damp sores with pus and water, ulceration, and traumatic wounds (Jin Chuang), it is generally applicable. In summary, relying on its sour and bitter nature, Wubeizi serves specifically as an astringent agent. It can astringe the Lung and stop coughing, arrest diarrhea and dysentery while securing intestinal deficiency, resolve Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome) by generating fluids, dispel stubborn phlegm and remove Heat. Applied to mouth ulcers or washed on prolapsed rectum, if processed according to prescription with Gancao (Licorice Root) and Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), it is named Baiyao Jian (Hundred Medicines Decoction). For Lung distension with wheezing and coughing, holding it in the mouth leads to recovery.

Note: Wubeizi has a drying and urgent nature, specializing in astringency. If coughing is caused by Wind-Cold, or diarrhea/dysentery is not due to deficiency and slipping, premature or excessive astringency may instead cause stagnation and fullness. This must be guarded against.

Ganqi (Dried Lacquer): It is born inheriting the Qi of Fire and Metal, hence its taste is pungent and its Qi is warm. Because Fire and Metal contend with each other, it is toxic. It is a herb that circulates through the intestines and stomach and enters the Liver to move Blood. Whenever Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens invade the human body and remain without departing, they cause stagnation in the intestines and stomach leading to parasite generation. Over time, all Zang-Fu organs become diseased, and paralysis and Damp Bi (painful obstruction) arise from this. This herb can kill parasites and dissipate accumulation, driving out all有形 (tangible/solid) stagnation in the intestines and stomach. Once the intestines and stomach are clear, the Five Zang organs are peaceful, and Wei-Bi (flaccidity and obstruction) heals. Furthermore, trauma syndromes are discussed specifically from the perspective of Blood. Since old Blood is tangible, when the physical form is diseased, only Pungent-Warm herbs that dissipate nodules and possess a salty taste can enter the Blood level to dissolve it. When stasis is eliminated, severe injuries (Jue Shang) naturally harmonize, bones and tendons reconnect, and marrow and brain become sufficient. It treats Pi Jie (masses/accumulations) and lower back pain, as well as Shan Jia (hernia masses) in women, which is also evidence of entering the Blood level to eliminate stasis. Those poisoned by Ganqi can be detoxified by eating crabs and Gandou Tang (Sweet Bean Decoction). When using Ganqi, stir-fry until smoke ceases.

Ganqi pursues accumulation, kills three types of parasites, tonifies the Middle Jiao, and calms the Five Zang organs. For men suffering from Wind-Cold-Damp Bi with intermittent itching and pain, and for women with hard Shan Jia and blocked meridians, it reconnects bones and tendons, fills the brain and marrow, eliminates blood stasis, specializes in treating severe injuries, drives away Pi Jie and lower back pain, and stops Qi-Blood heart pain. Zhu Danxi said: "Its nature is urgent but capable of 'Fei Bu' (rapid tonification). Recently it is used as a drug to remove stagnation. If used moderately, after stagnation is removed, its tonifying nature acts internally." Raw lacquer is collected by inserting bamboo tubes into the tree bark, sucked from the mouth, and taken down with warm wine; it immediately expels long worms and treats pain. Lacquer leaves benefit the Five Zang organs, kill parasites, and when squeezed into juice, applied topically to tinea/crusted sores, it is effective.

Note: Blood turns into water upon encountering Ganqi. Its ability to pursue accumulation and kill parasites relies entirely on its Pungent-Warm, toxic, and fierce nature. Deficient individuals should not use it lightly. Relying solely on it for tonification based on the theory of 'Fei Bu' is a mistake.