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Shu Kui (Althaea rosea) absorbs the Metal Qi of the earth, and its nature is additionally yin and dark; therefore, it is acrid, warm, toxic, and belongs to the category of Yin herbs. Following the principle of "like attracts like," for diseases caused by Yin pathogens, this special Yin herb is relied upon to eliminate them. It can further remove eye nebulae and throat nodules, which is also a result of its acrid dispersing function. Its sweet-tasting variety resembles Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction), while the bitter-tasting one is slightly inferior.

*Gui Yue* records: Shu Kui treats epidemic evil qi and inauspicious conditions, kills insect toxins, Gui Zhu (ghostly infection), and spirit entities; removes eye redness and skin nebulae; treats throat stiffness and wind pathogens. It should not be decocted in soup but only used as a powder.

Gan Tai (Dry Moss) refers to green moss growing on the ground everywhere. It treats mental and abdominal stuffiness and irritability; when ground and mixed with water for drinking, it treats Huoluan (cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea). Picking and decocting the leaves for consumption induces various sores and boils to expel toxins and kill insects, and eliminates all Dan Shi (mineral pill) toxicity. However, dosage must not be excessive, as it can cause blood deficiency and sallow complexion. Those growing on old roofs are named Wuyou (House Wanderer); they benefit the bladder, regulate sinking Qi, and clear floating heat in the skin. Those growing on the sides of ancient walls are named Yuanyi (Wall Clothing); they primarily treat jaundice and heart irritability, treat sudden high fever, and attack disorders in the hypochondrium and stomach. Those growing on stone surfaces near water are named Zhili; they stop dysentery, strengthen Stomach Qi, aid digestion, and warm the Middle Jiao. Those growing on earthen wall tops are named Tuma Luo (Earth Mule); they cool bone-steaming fever, stop epistaxis, and resolve toxicity to drive out heat. Those growing at the bottom of wells are named Jing Tai (Well Moss); they treat edema, lacquer dermatitis, and heat sores. Those growing at the bottom of boats are named Chuan Tai (Boat Moss); they treat the five types of Lin syndrome (dysuria), epistaxis, and hematemesis. Those growing on mountain rocks are named Xi Xie; they eliminate childhood fever and convulsions. Those growing in roof tile gutters are named Wasong (Tile Pine); they unblock menstrual obstruction in women.

Gui Du You (Aralia chinensis or similar species) primarily treats Gui Zhu, sudden fright, or poisoning by evil Qi, as well as toxins from a hundred spirits; it removes Wen Nue (warm malaria) and seasonal epidemics, and eliminates pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen; it strengthens the legs and knees, enhances Kidney power, and treats various ailments of the legs and waist. All these can be dispelled. Nowadays, people often substitute Xu Chang Qing (Cynanchum paniculatum) for Gui Du You, which causes significant confusion.

Shu Kui must be divided into three types: Hong Kui Hua (Red Hibiscus Flower) treats leukorrhea with blood and bloody dysentery with miraculous effect, and also treats blood dryness. Bai Kui Hua (White Hibiscus Flower) drives away white leukorrhea and white dysentery with rapid effect, and also drives away Qi dryness; its seeds can induce labor and abort fetuses, treat Lin syndrome with涩 (obstruction) and lower limb edema, expel the placenta, promote lactation, and for all kinds of sores, tinea, scabies, and carbuncles, it is ground into powder for application. Huang Shu Kui Hua (Yellow Hibiscus Flower) varieties have particularly effective effects in inducing labor; applying them to metal wounds is even more verified; its seeds, when fried, ground, and mixed with wine, are also a quick prescription for inducing labor.