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Trichosanthis Semen (Gualou Ren), with a moistening nature that descends and directs Qi downward, has a sweet flavor that tonifies the Lung. It cleanses turbidity and resolves stagnation; it is essential for treating Jie Xiong syndrome (chest binding syndrome) in Shang Han (Cold Damage). By subduing fire and descending phlegm, it is sought after for treating Lao Sou (consumptive cough) due to deficiency and weakness. It calms asthma, moistens the lungs, benefits the diaphragm, moistens the intestines, relieves thirst, generates fluids, promotes lactation, and stops bleeding. The whole Trichosanthis fruit (Gualou Shi) is generally used; it may be processed with Ming Fan (Alum) or mixed with Ge Fen (Clam Shell Powder), and both are indicated for cough, asthma, excessive phlegm, and wheezing.

Main indications (referencing combined analysis of smallpox and rashes): Opens Lung Qi, directs Qi downward, broadens the chest and diaphragm, stops cough, and calms asthma. It is only suitable for use after the eruption of smallpox/rashes and is contraindicated in cases accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea.

It absorbs the Qi of late spring and early summer, possessing the flavors of Fire and Metal. Since Metal overcomes Fire, the pungent flavor predominates over the bitter, and it is non-toxic. Its pungent and cool nature is light, floating, and ascending, thus aiding Yang Qi. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and the Hand Shaoyin Heart Meridian. Its form, texture, and aroma are all light and floating, moving swiftly and ascending; therefore, it is effective in treating wind-heat, slight cold, and stagnant fire. However, if there is internal injury leading to exterior deficiency or Yin deficiency, its use must be strictly prohibited.

Bohe (Mint) directs Qi downward, causing distension and fullness to dissipate; induces sweating thereby making joints smooth and free; clears the meeting point of the six Yang meridians at the head; and drives out various heat-induced wind conditions. Pungency disperses, coolness clears; it searches out Liver Qi to suppress excessive Lung Qi, eliminates wind-heat to clear the head and eyes. Its nature favors ascending. For children suffering from wind-phlegm, convulsive madness, and high fever, it is a particularly important herb. It is contraindicated for those who have recently recovered from illness, as it may cause deficient sweating and loss of Yang Qi. Due to its light, floating, and penetrating nature, it can leak and deplete true Qi, damaging the Heart and Spleen.

Main indications (referencing combined analysis of smallpox and rashes): Eliminates wind-heat, clears swelling of the head and face, guides other herbs into the Ying and Wei levels to induce sweating, unblocks and benefits the joints. It treats high fever and wind-epilepsy caused by rashes. It may be used temporarily for convulsions and tremors; however, long-term or heavy use will scatter Heart Qi, consume Yin, and damage Yang.

Absorbing the damp Qi of the earth, its bitter and sweet flavor enters the Blood level. Combined with the Spring Qi, it is slightly moist and non-toxic. It is a key herb for treating various postpartum diseases in women, blood stasis with lower back pain, decline and coldness of Qi and Blood, consumptive emaciation, facial edema, and clearing heat. It harmonizes Blood circulation while possessing tonifying properties.

Zelan (Dense-flowered Gerardia Herb) regulates various lingering diseases related to pregnancy and childbirth; eliminates damp swelling of the body, face, and limbs; breaks old blood stasis, removes Zha masses (abdominal lumps), and moves blood stasis; treats traumatic injuries; disperses head wind causing eye and head pain; draws out pus from carbuncles and sores; promotes flesh growth and tissue regeneration. Overall, it possesses the merit of moving and harmonizing Blood, with a tonifying effect within its blood-moving action.

Main indications (referencing combined analysis of smallpox and rashes): For postpartum women where E Lu (lochia) has not yet cleared, it is also used in rash conditions. Absorbing the damp Qi of the earth, it enters the Blood Sea to eliminate stasis. It moves blood with a tonifying quality, and its aroma and flavor are mild and peaceful.