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For all herbs, insects, and fish, there are specific regions where they grow best; their aroma and medicinal potency naturally differ from the ordinary. However, some people, deterred by the hardships of long journeys, use locally produced substitutes, unaware that while a slight difference in potency can be compensated for by increasing the dosage, a significant disparity in purity of aroma and nature, if ingested recklessly, will inevitably harm the human body. For instance, Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome) from Qizhou, Xixin (Asarum Root) from Huayin, Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) from Yinxi, Gouqi (Lycium Fruit) from Gansu, Yansuhuo (Corydalis Rhizome) and Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome) from Maoshan, Shanyao (Dioscorea Rhizome) and Dihuang (Rehmannia Root) from Huaqing, Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) from She, Huangqi (Astragalus Root) from Mian, Renshen (Codonopsis Root) from Shangdang, and Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) from Jiaozhi, each gains its fame from its superior origin, where good earth yields potent medicine. Those suitable for home cultivation should not be confused with wild-harvested ones, such as Ziju (Chrysanthemum Flower) and Sangbaipi (Morus Root Bark). Conversely, those suited for mountain valleys cannot be mixed with garden-grown varieties, such as Shaoyao (Peony Root) and Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex). Gathering from marshes aims to obtain moisture, not just Zelan Ye (Isatis Leaf); gathering from rocks aims for cleanliness, not just Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizome). Dongbi Tu (Soil from East-facing Walls) and other soils, though minute, are collected according to principle; Qianli Shui (Water from distant sources) and various waters are extensive, but must be used appropriately in decoction, strictly adhering to the *Bencao Tujing* (Illustrated Materia Medica), to benefit the prescription.

The harvesting of roots and tips of herbs is most suitable in late autumn or early spring. In early spring, fluids are moist and beginning to sprout, not yet filling the branches and leaves; in late autumn, qi and juices descend, returning entirely to the roots. However, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits each have their optimal harvesting times: picking young stems ensures full juice content; plucking buds about to bloom retains the enclosed aroma; fruits should be harvested when ripe for pure flavor; fresh leaves possess doubled efficacy, making them truly excellent for medicinal use and effective in treating diseases. As for minerals, birds, beasts, insects, and fish, some are available at any time, others are seasonal, each carrying profound meaning, which should be carefully followed.

Regarding the storage of medicines, constant vigilance is required. After prolonged rain, frequent heating is necessary; on sunny days, rotate them for sun-drying. Coarse materials should be hung on racks, while fine materials should be placed in deep containers. Ginseng whiskers and Asarum should be stored together with Borneol and Juncus effusus; Musk is best wrapped in snake skin; Borax should be stored with Mung beans; Ginger should be buried in wet sand; Dioscorea should be dried and stored in ash kilns; Agarwood and Sandalwood have strong aromas and require thick paper wrapping; Cocoon water and snow from the twelfth lunar month are highly efficacious and should be buried in wells for long-term preservation. There are many such methods, which can be understood by analogy.