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**Bai Bu (Stemona Root):** It inherits the Yin-cold Qi of Heaven and Earth; therefore, its taste is sweet and bitter, its nature is slightly warm, and it is non-toxic. Its shape resembles Tian Men Dong (Asparagus Root) and its usage is similar, hence it is named Ye Tian Men Dong (Wild Asparagus Root). However, while Tian Men Dong treats Lung Heat, Bai Bu treats Lung Cold, which is the distinction between them. *Qian Jin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) uses Bai Bu boiled into an ointment/paste, mixed with honey, taken as needed, which can treat chronic cough lasting thirty years. *Yang Shi Jing Yan Fang* (Experienced Formulas by Master Yang): To treat generalized yellow edema, take fresh Bai Bu, pound it into a paste, apply it to the umbilicus, cover it with half a sheng of glutinous rice mixed with half a he of wine, wrap tightly with cloth. After one or two days, if there is a smell of wine in the mouth, the water retention will discharge through urination, and the swelling will subside naturally. Bai Bu treats chronic coughs progressing to Chuan Shi Gu Zheng (a consumptive disease characterized by bone-steaming fever), Lung heat with rebellious Qi, dissipates heat, clears phlegm, moistens the Lung, and directs Qi downward. It is indeed a crucial herb for treating chronic and cold-type coughs. Furthermore, it kills Chuan Shi Lao Chong (tubercle bacilli/parasites causing consumption), Xiao Er Gan Re (pediatric malnutrition with heat), Cun Bai She Chong (tapeworms and other parasites). Mixed with Qin Jiao (Gentian Root) into powder and smoked, it expels Wind and kills parasites, which is a verified efficacy.

**Lan Shi (Isatis Seed):** It inherits the essence of extreme Yin from Heaven and Earth. Its taste is bitter and salty, its nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. Therefore, it can clear heat and eliminate Gan syndrome (malnutrition in children). Another view states it also has a sweet taste and neutral nature, non-toxic. Because it absorbs rich Earth Qi, and various toxins are resolved upon contact with Earth, it is excellent at resolving various poisons.

The seeds of Lan (Isatis) and other parts of the plant are generally not used in medicine; only Liao Lan (Polygonum Tinctorium) is used medicinally. The fruits are harvested in autumn, dried, slightly crushed, and decocted for oral administration. It kills Zhu Yi Gui E Du (pestilential pathogens and evil toxins), drives away heat and vexation from the Five Zang and Six Fu organs, strengthens heart power, fills the marrow, tonifies deficiency, brightens the ears and eyes, benefits the joints, and opens the orifices. However, it is contraindicated for those with deficiency-cold constitution, chronic diarrhea, or a sensation of cold in the abdomen. The stems and leaves can be used to make indigo dye. Freshly pounded and juiced, drinking the juice disperses Wind-Heat causing redness and swelling, heals Ding Zhong (carbuncles/furuncles) and Jin Chuang (metal weapon injuries), resolves Bie Zha (abdominal masses) and distension/pain, resolves all drug poisons, and drives away all malignant sores. *Yan Yi* (Expanded Meaning) states: Lan Shi's water element belongs to Wood. It allows dissipated and stagnant blood to distribute through the meridians, thus making its detoxification effect most potent. It also treats pediatric vigorous fever developing into Gan syndrome, postpartum blood fainting in women, acute red eye outbreaks, stops frequent epistaxis and hematemesis, and is suitable for urgent decoction for Tian Xing Wen Yi Re Kuang (epidemic febrile diseases with mania). In Dan Xi's Pu Ji Xiao Du Yin (Universal Benefit Decoction for Detoxification), Ban Lan Gen (Isatis Root) added refers to this. Its indigo flower is called Qing Dai (Indigo Naturalis), suitable for forming pills and powders. For pediatric Gan heat, it drains Liver and descends toxicity, kills parasites, collects郁 Fire (stagnant fire) of the Five Zang, and eliminates Phlegm-Fire in the upper Jiao, all being excellent. It further drives away epidemic headache and consolidates red macules caused by Shang Han (Cold Damage). For all Gan diseases, presenting with yellow complexion, red nose, dry and brittle hair, cracked lips, mouth and tongue ulcers, withered skin, and high fever, it achieves miraculous results. Although cool in nature, it does not damage the Spleen and Stomach, thus achieving divine efficacy for Gan Li (dysentery due to malnutrition) and Gan Lao (consumption due to malnutrition).