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(Baiji, Rhizoma Bletillae) It inherits the qi of late autumn and possesses the natures of Metal and Water; therefore, its taste is bitter and acrid, its nature is neutral and slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. Acrid corresponds to the flavor of Metal, and astringency corresponds to the qi of Metal. Bitterness can drain heat, and acridity can dissipate nodules; thus, it treats necrotic ulcers (Baiju) and dead flesh. It is a key herb for dissipating nodules, expelling putrefaction, and generating new tissue. It can both astringe toxins and discharge pus while promoting muscle growth, and it also treats traumatic fractures. Administered with wine, two qian of Baiji powder, its efficacy is comparable to that of Ziran Tong (Natural Copper) and Gu Zhu Qian (Ancient Cash Coins).

When Baiji is boiled into a paste for external application, its function is specifically astringent. However, within this astringency lies a dispersing quality; it can discharge pus and remove necrotic ulcers, dead flesh, and putrefied tissue from ulcers. Applied to the nasal root, it stops epistaxis; applied topically, it treats scabies and kills parasites. In ancient prescriptions, it was used in pill form to treat ruptured lung lobes with bleeding, functioning similarly to promote granulation and flatten wounds as seen in treating ulcerative sores.

(Bailian, Radix Ampelopsis) It inherits the qi of Metal; therefore, its taste is bitter, acrid, and sweet, its nature is neutral and slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. Bitter drains, acrid disperses, sweet moderates, and cold eliminates heat. Thus, it is a key herb for externally applying to dissipate carbuncles, swellings, sores, and fire toxins, and for dissipating nodules and relieving pain. If a carbuncle or ulcer has already ulcerated, it should not be taken internally due to its cold nature. Bailian is incompatible with Wutou (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata); it dissipates stagnant qi, relieves pain, and treats vulvar swelling in women. It is an essential herb for surgery and a miraculous elixir for treating back carbuncles and ding sores.

(Baitouweng, Radix Pulsatillae) Its taste is bitter and acrid, its nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. Acridity disperses, bitterness drains, and cold eliminates heat. Therefore, externally it treats warm malaria with alternating chills and fever, scrofula (Luoli), and various sores; internally it treats toxic dysentery, toothache, epistaxis, and various types of bleeding, all through its ability to pacify, disperse, and eliminate heat. Baitouweng primarily treats warm malaria causing manic delirium, alternating chills and fever, abdominal masses (Jia), accumulations, and abdominal pain. It drives out blood stasis, heals metallic wounds, dispels wind, warms the waist and knees, eliminates scrofula and goiters, and is miraculously effective for pediatric alopecia with a rancid odor and bilateral epistaxis. For men with hernias and unilateral scrotal swelling, and for severe bone pain in all joints, it shows special merit. It is mandatory for red toxic dysentery, alleviates toothache, and when applied topically to ding sores and carbuncles, it contains and dissipates spreading toxic vapors.

(Shanglu, Radix Mercurialis) Its taste is acrid, its nature is neutral, and it is highly toxic. It enters the Spleen channel to move water, possessing momentum like overturning mountains and rivers. It is contraindicated in those with weak Stomach Qi. The red variety, when pounded and mixed with Moschus, applied to the umbilicus, can promote urination and reduce swelling. If mistakenly used in cases of Spleen deficiency, the edema may subside but recur irreversibly. Shanglu has a descending nature and is particularly effective for fullness and swelling in the Large and Small Intestines and difficulty in defecation. It is also effective for hard, stone-like accumulations. The white root is usable; the red root is fatal. The white variety specializes in promoting diuresis, while the red variety is only used externally to reduce swelling; both achieve remarkable results.