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[Coix Seed]
Coix seed (Yiyiren) absorbs the dry qi of the earth and the autumn qi of heaven; therefore, its flavor is sweet and bland, its nature is slightly cold, and it is non-toxic. It belongs to yin within yang, and its action is descending. It enters the Spleen and Lung meridians. When entering the Lung gate or treating foot conditions, it should be used raw; when entering the Spleen gate or treating deficiency conditions, it should be stir-fried.

Coix seed dispels wind-dampness and treats damp-bi (painful obstruction syndrome caused by dampness); protects the Metal element (Lung) and treats flaccidity syndromes (Wei syndrome) and carbuncles; relieves tendon spasm and contracture, difficulty in flexion and extension, coughing, rhinorrhea, and expectoration; if pus and blood appear together, it removes pathogenic factors from bones and tendons; it treats pain invading bones and tendons, skin edema with fluid overflow, benefits the intestines and stomach, stops thirst, opens the appetite, strengthens the Spleen and protects the Lung. However, a small dose results in weak efficacy and slow effect, so the dosage must be doubled compared to other herbs.

Indications (referencing Smallpox/Rash patterns): Tonifies Qi and assists the Stomach, dispels wind-dampness, regulates podagra (Hong Kong foot), and promotes the downward discharge of pus. It is used for blisters due to Spleen deficiency, diarrhea due to Spleen weakness, and sores that are difficult to heal due to dampness.

Commentary: Coix seed belongs to Earth and is fundamentally a Spleen herb. According to the principle "tonify the mother when deficient," it is also used for Lung diseases. Diseases of bones and tendons are treated based on the Yangming meridian, hence it is used for tendon diseases. Earth overcomes Water, so it is used for diarrhea and edema. However, its nature is primarily descending, making it unsuitable for cases of deficiency with sinking Qi. It is contraindicated during pregnancy.

[Dioscorea Opposita / Chinese Yam]
Dioscorea opposita (Shanyao), also known as Shuyu, has a sweet and salty flavor, a warm and neutral nature, and is non-toxic. Some sources state it is slightly cold. It specifically enters the Heart, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. In nourishing Yin formulas, it should be used raw; in strengthening Spleen formulas, it should be stir-fried until yellow. If combined with herbs that nourish the Stomach and cultivate Yuan Qi, large whole tubers should be steamed thoroughly in rice, sliced, dried, and then stir-fried until yellow.

Dioscorea opposita treats various deficiencies and hundred damages, five labors, and seven injuries; enhances strength, moistens the skin, promotes muscle growth, strengthens bones and tendons, eliminates cold-heat pathogenic factors and vexatious heat, removes wandering wind from the head and face, cures dizziness due to wind, tonifies emaciation, dissipates hard swellings, opens the heart orifice to improve intelligence, astringes essence to prevent seminal emission and sliding, regulates Spleen injury to stop diarrhea (often added to Shenling Baizhu San), treats lower back pain and strengthens Yin (essential in Liuwei Dihuang Wan). Its white color and sweet, moist nature also benefit the Lung.

Indications (referencing Smallpox/Rash patterns): Tonifies the Middle and boosts Qi, opens the appetite and strengthens the Spleen, nourishes Yin while resolving Dampness, stops diarrhea while promoting food intake. It is essential during the pustule formation stage of rash diseases and for post-rash deficiency recovery. It is particularly important for Qi deficiency conditions.

Commentary: Dioscorea opposita absorbs the harmonious Qi of the earth and the gentle Qi of spring, comparable to a gentleman of gold and jade, suitable for all situations. However, its action is slow; without a large dose, it is ineffective. For critical deficiency conditions, it cannot achieve rapid results because its nature is too mild and gentle. Consuming it with wheat flour products does not provide nutritional benefits.