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Sargassum (Haizao) is generated entirely by imbuing the yin qi of the sea; therefore, its flavor is bitter and salty, its nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. Its aroma and flavor are both dense, belonging purely to yin and descending. Bitterness can purge stagnation, coldness can eliminate blood heat, and saltiness can soften hardness and guide downward; thus, it is a key herb for treating goiter (thyroid enlargement), tubercles, scrofula (cervical lymph node tuberculosis), breaking firm accumulations, dissipating nodules, and is an essential medicine for the twelve types of edema. It should be selected as pale white Sargassum, first washed clean, then steamed together with raw Aconitum carmichaelii root (Fuzi, 附子) [Note: Text says Wutou/乌头, usually processed, but here specifies raw] and Zi Bei Tian Kui (Glehniae Radix or similar local herb, 紫背天葵) for one fu period (approx. 12 hours), then dried in the sun for use.

Kelp (Haidai) has a drying nature, which is contrary to Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Licorice Root, Gancao, 甘草). It treats scrofula in the neck, goiter sacs under the chin, zheng jia (abdominal masses) and carbuncles, phlegm-fluids, damp-heat, promotes urination to treat stranguria caused by urinary retention, drains water to remove distension and swelling, wards off various evil spirits and demons, and stops hernial pain due to testicular descent. Kelp is often used to facilitate childbirth and also treats wind pathogens, while simultaneously draining damp-water. Its efficacy is similar to Sargassum.

Ecklonia cava (Kunbu, 昆布) resolves stubborn phlegm and stagnant qi, accumulations, goiters, and tumors. Its efficacy is similar to Sargassum but with slightly less slippery nature and more vigorous action; thus, it has miraculous effects in resolving hernias, relieving dysphagia, dissipating nodules, and softening hardness. However, long-term and heavy consumption may cause emaciation.

Kansui (Gansui) root bark is red, flesh is white, and the cross-section resembles linked beads; those that are heavy in weight are superior. It is generated by imbuing the yin-cold qi of heaven and earth. Its flavor is bitter, its nature is cold, and it is toxic, belonging to the category of yin herbs. The bitter nature has a purgative effect, and coldness overcomes heat. Since water belongs to yin, Gansui follows its own kind, reaching directly to where water qi is knotted and draining it out. Zhang Zhongjing used it in Da Xianxiong Tang (Major Intractable Chest Decoction) to treat water-knotting in the chest syndrome. For patients with robust yuan qi who suffer from damp-heat, accumulated fluids, edema, gu distension, hernias, and abdominal pain, reliance is placed on it to dispel these excesses; it is truly the holy medicine for draining water. If used mistakenly to purge patients with spleen deficiency and weak qi, it will exacerbate their deficiency. Although the water may temporarily leave, subsequent recurrence of edema will lead to death; caution is required. To treat severe edema of the body and face using the following prescription: take two qian of Gansui powder, insert it into one male pig kidney, slice the kidney into ten pieces, wrap each piece with the powder, wrap in wet paper, and bake until cooked. Take one piece daily. After four or five doses, bowel sounds should be heard. Free urination indicates efficacy. Another prescription for edema involves applying Gansui powder around the navel on the abdomen while internally administering Glycyrrhiza decoction; the edema will subside. These two herbs are contrary yet their interaction is miraculous.

Gansui is incompatible with Glycyrrhiza. It breaks up knots and accumulations with divine efficacy, immediately reduces facial and ocular edema, and drives out phlegm-fluids, epigastric fullness, and water knotting in the chest. Its qi penetrates directly to the site of knotting, specifically promoting water movement and drainage, causing water to exit via the intestinal tract (bowels). It can be used temporarily for severe excess and massive water retention. However, dosage must be carefully considered; do not administer recklessly. While its attack and drainage are extremely effective, damage to the true yuan qi is also extremely rapid.