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Shashen (Glehniae Radix) inherits the clear and harmonious Qi of Heaven and Earth. Its taste is bitter and sweet, its nature is slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. It has the effect of dissipating stagnation and clearing heat, but it falls short in tonifying the Middle Jiao and benefiting Qi.

Shashen has a bland taste and light texture; it specifically tonifies Spleen Qi and benefits both the Spleen and Kidney. It is suitable for chronic cough leading to Lung萎 (Lung atrophy/flaccidity) and cases where Metal (Lung) is overcome by Fire. It should not be taken when cough is caused by Cold invading the Lungs. It primarily treats alternating chills and fever, cough, chest bi (obstruction), headache, calms the Heart and alleviates internal palpitations and irritability, and clears pathogenic Heat from the skin surface. Li Dongyuan used it as a substitute for Renshen (Ginseng Root), likely because its bitter and sweet taste offers a combination of purging and tonifying, which is somewhat similar.

Note: Shashen has light Qi and weak potency; it is not a herb capable of bearing heavy responsibilities. Renshen is sweet, warm, and heavy in texture; it specifically tonifies Lung Qi, nourishes Blood, and generates Yin. Shashen is sweet and cold, light in texture; it specifically clears Lung Heat, tonifies Yin, and restrains Yang. One follows the Qi of Spring (growth), while the other follows the Qi of Autumn (harvest); they are not equivalent. Therefore, those without Excess Heat in the Zang-Fu organs, or those with cough due to Cold invading the Lung Meridian, should not take it.

Hu jiao (Black Pepper Fruit) is born inheriting the pure Yang Qi of Heaven and Earth, hence its taste is pungent, its nature is greatly warm, and it is non-toxic. Both its aroma and taste are dense; it belongs to Yang within Yang. It enters the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. Using its pungent-warm nature to drive out pathogens, it removes filth and eliminates deep-seated cold in medicinal wines and beverages. However, excessive consumption damages the Lungs and injures Yin.

Hu jiao descends Qi, dispels Wind-Phlegm, warms the Middle Jiao to stop Huoluan (cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea), can eliminate Cold Dysentery of the intestines and stomach, and can remove Cold Pain in the Heart and Abdomen. Do not consume in excess, as it damages the Lungs and Spleen. Bichengqie (Amomi Fructus Rotundus) is harvested when Hu jiao is green and tender. Another theory states that those growing facing the sun are called Hu jiao, while those growing in the shade are called Chengqie. It aids digestion of grains and food, regulates rebellious Qi, eliminates Phlegm masses, stops vomiting and hiccups, and is often used to treat cough and belching caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage).

Gaoben (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix) inherits the Yang Qi of Heaven and combines with the pungent flavor of Earth. Hence, its taste is pungent and bitter, its nature is warm, and it is non-toxic. It enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Warmth promotes circulation, bitterness promotes draining, strong pungency facilitates dispersion, and dense Qi ascends; thus, it is Yang.

Gaoben possesses robust and vigorous Qi and is effective for both Wind-Damp conditions. It specifically treats pain at the vertex of the head, disperses Cold pathogens, acts on the Ju Yang Meridian (Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian), and can descend to drain Dampness. Therefore, it treats female genital swelling, abdominal masses, and hernia. Its seed is named Guiqing and primarily treats Wind invading the four limbs. Gaoben inherits the Yang Qi of Heaven and obtains the pungent flavor of Earth, so its nature is warm and its taste is bitter. Since bitterness transforms into Fire, its Qi is vigorous, enabling it to treat vertex headaches. However, it is not suitable for headaches caused by Internal Heat, nor for diseases caused by Warmth and Summerheat in spring and summer.