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Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix) absorbs the Yang Qi of Heaven and the fragrant, potent energy of Earth in its growth; therefore, it tastes bitter and acrid, is warm in nature, and non-toxic. It is known as "Spring Yang Grass," specifically enters the Kidney Meridian, and also traverses the Heart and Spleen meridians, acting upon these three channels. For preparation, soak and wash with rice water, pound to remove the core, decoct thoroughly in concentrated Licorice Decoction (Gancao Tang), then dry in the sun for use.

Yuanzhi can dispel abnormal dreams, calm the Spirit (Shen), augment Qi, enhance intelligence, and prevent forgetfulness; it also unblocks the nine orifices, tonifies middle-jiao injuries, and expels cough with rebellious Qi, palpitations, and fright. It prevents nocturnal emission and spermatorrhea, consolidates the Heart and secures the Kidney, rendering the ears and eyes acute. It treats pediatric convulsions and epilepsy (Jing Xian), sudden fright disorders (Ke Wu), and women's aphonia due to blood stagnation (Xue Jin); its efficacy specializes in tonifying the Heart and descending to assist the Kidney. For all types of carbuncles and back sores caused by emotional depression (Seven Emotions), decoct alone and take with wine; apply the dregs externally, and they will heal. This relies on the power of bitter flavor to drain and acrid flavor to disperse.

Indications (Reference for Smallpox/Rash Diseases): After smallpox/rash, if there is Heart-evil causing unrest, it is used to calm the Spirit and stabilize memory; it is suitable for those who have been frightened.

Commentary: Yuanzhi enters the Kidney meridian and is not merely a Heart herb; thus, it strengthens will and benefits essence. Since both Will (Zhi) and Essence are stored by the Kidney, when Essence is deficient, Will declines and cannot ascend to communicate with the Heart, leading to forgetfulness. The *Ling Shu* states: "The Kidneys store Essence, and Essence harmonizes with Will." If excessive anger injures the Will, forgetfulness occurs. People prone to forgetfulness suffer from insufficient Upper Qi and excess Lower Qi; their intestines and stomach are full while the Heart is empty. Due to this emptiness, Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi remain below and fail to ascend in time, causing forgetfulness. Its bitter taste combined with acrid properties allows it to descend Qi and enter the Jueyin Meridian. The Classics state: "Use acrid to tonify [Kidney]," illustrating the principle that Water and Wood share the same source.

Shichangpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) develops in early summer, inheriting strong Yang Qi and combining with the acrid nature of Metal. It tastes bitter and acrid, has a strongly warm nature, belongs to fragrant herbs rich in Yang Essence, and is non-toxic. When using it, do not employ Mud Acorus (Ni Chang) or Summer Acorus (Xia Chang), which resemble black bamboo root whips, have foul odors, and fishy tastes. Select those growing on rocks; the rhizomes should be tender yellow, firm, hard, and densely jointed, with nine nodes per inch being optimal. Scrape off the skin and nodes with a copper knife, steam with tender mulberry branches, dry in the sun, and chop for use.

Shichangpu primarily treats damp-bi obstruction in the hands and feet, restoring flexion and extension; applied topically to back carbuncles, it reduces swelling and toxicity; it descends Qi, relieves oppression, kills parasites, and heals scabies. It clears eye nebulae, removes Head Wind, opens the Heart orifice to improve speech, unblocks orifices, enhances intelligence, treats deafness and tinnitus, enuresis, and frequent urination; it is effective for abdominal pain or wandering pain. In cases of fetal movement threatening labor, it calms "Ghost Strike" (sudden syncope); for coma difficult to revive, urgently administer fresh juice. For warm malaria with accumulated heat unresolved, bathe in strong decoction. Decocted alone in wine, it treats Blood Sea deterioration and postpartum hemorrhage. Spread fine powder under bedding to treat systemic toxicity and painful, non-itchy ulcers. Generally, due to its opening Yang properties, it fills the body externally; its acridity spreads in all directions, traverses orifices, and dissipates nodules, making it a key herb for unblocking the Heart and Spleen meridians.

Indications (Reference for Smallpox/Rash Diseases): Suitable for smallpox/rash cases involving convulsions, epilepsy, coma, and delirium. For rashes that fail to form scabs or ulcerate into sores, it is suitable for inclusion in pills. However, since fragrant herbs are largely acrid and dispersing, it is contraindicated for those with Yin-Blood deficiency and unrestrained Heart Qi.

Commentary: Fragrant substances benefit the orifices and can assist herbs like Rehmannia Root (Dihuang) and Asparagus Tuber (Tiandong), aiding their guiding action to achieve supreme harmony. However, excessive or solitary long-term use ultimately becomes a calamity for Qi and Blood.