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(Mu Zei Cao / Equiseti Herba) It absorbs the ascending Qi of spring, hence its taste is sweet and slightly bitter, with no toxicity. It enters the blood aspect of the Foot Jueyin (Liver) and Foot Shaoyang (Gallbladder) meridians; therefore, it primarily treats eye diseases and eliminates corneal opacities (pterygium/leukoma), benefiting the Liver and Gallbladder to brighten vision. Furthermore, for conditions such as rashes, intestinal wind with bloody stool, dysentery, hemorrhoidal bleeding, and women's continuous menstruation or metrorrhagia with red and white discharge, these are all due to the herb entering the Liver meridian and acting on the blood aspect, possessing both dispelling and astringent properties within its action. Its ability to induce sweating and disperse pathogens follows the nature of the ascending Yang energy of spring.

Mu Zei Cao (Equiseti Herba) enters the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, eliminating sudden-onset corneal opacities, resolving accumulations, and assisting in inducing sweating to disperse pathogens. However, it is not suitable for cases of sudden redness, swelling, and pain of the eyes caused by anger or summer-heat; long-term use damages the Liver.

Main Indications (Integrated with Smallpox/Rash Diseases): Specifically benefits the Liver and Gallbladder, removes opacities to brighten vision, and treats eye diseases following smallpox/rashes. It should be used after removing the nodes, moistened with wine, and roasted over fire.

Commentary: Gu Jing Cao (Valerianae Flos / Valerian Flower) removes astigmatic obstructions, while Mu Zei Cao removes corneal opacities; their efficacy surpasses that of Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos). This is because Ju Hua, when combined with blood-nourishing herbs, can only nourish and regulate the eyes, but is inferior in removing astigmatic obstructions and opacities. However, for chronic eye diseases resulting in deficiency of Essence and Blood, even if opacities exist, one must combine Mu Zei Cao and Gu Jing Cao with herbs that tonify the Liver and Kidney, such as Shu Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix Praeparata) and Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), for efficacy. Is this not considering the principle that "the eyes see when they receive Blood"? Even though Dang Gui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) can nourish Blood, its pungent and dispersing nature makes it unsuitable for this specific purpose alone.

(Jue Ming Zi / Cassiae Semen) It obtains the Yin Essence Qi of water and earth, and simultaneously inherits Clear Yang Qi; hence its taste is salty and bitter, with a sweet, neutral, slightly cold nature, and no toxicity. The salty flavor derives from Water Qi, the sweet flavor from Earth Qi, the bitter flavor drains heat, it harmonizes Stomach Qi, and the cold nature benefits Yin and drains heat. It is a principal herb for the Foot Jueyin Liver organ. It enters the Gallbladder and Kidney meridians and can also be used as a pillow material to treat Head Wind (cephalgia/dizziness) and brighten vision.

Jue Ming Zi (Cassiae Semen) clears Liver Heat, particularly harmonizes Liver Qi, arrests lacrimation, relieves ocular pain, and is a divine elixir for brightening vision, also driving out Head Wind. When combined with Sha Yuan Ji Li (Astragali Complanati Semen), Gan Ju (Chrysanthemi Flos), Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus), Sheng Di Huang (Rehmanniae Radix), Nu Zhen Zi (Ligustri Lucidi Fructus), Huai Shi (Sophorae Tonkinensis Fructus), and Gu Jing Cao (Valerianae Flos), it becomes an essential prescription for tonifying the Liver, brightening vision, and benefiting Essence, with superior efficacy.

Main Indications (Integrated with Smallpox/Rash Diseases): Treats Qing Mang (amblyopia/blindness), excessive ocular discharge, skin redness and white membranes, swelling, pain, and tearing, clearing Heat from the Liver organ.