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Huangjing (Polygonati Rhizoma):
It obtains the balanced Qi of the earth and inherits the mandate of late spring (the third lunar month); therefore, its flavor is sweet and neutral, its Qi is harmonious, and it is non-toxic. Its color is purely yellow, with a rich flavor but light aroma. After washing with stream water, steam it from Si hour to Zi hour (approximately 12 hours), slice thinly with a bamboo knife, and dry in the sun for use.
Huangjing stabilizes the five Zang organs and six Fu organs, tonifies the five labors and seven injuries, dispels wind-dampness, strengthens primordial Yang, fortifies the spleen and stomach, and moistens the lungs and heart. Continuous administration over many years yields miraculous effects. It promotes longevity without hunger, lightens the body, and extends life span; it is particularly beneficial for children who are emaciated and weak. The Yellow Emperor said: "The herb of Taiyang is called Huangjing; consuming it can lead to immortality. Its flavor is sweet and rich, its Qi is light and neutral, and it can benefit Spleen Yin and fill the essence and marrow."

Roucongrong (Cistanches Herba):
It is generated by obtaining the Yin Qi of the earth and the Yang Qi of heaven; therefore, its flavors are sweet, sour, and salty, it is slightly warm, and non-toxic. It enters the Kidney meridian, the Pericardium meridian, and the Mingmen (Gate of Life). It is a crucial herb for nourishing the Kidney and tonifying essence and blood. Its Qi is inherently slightly warm; the tradition that considers it hot is erroneous. Select those that are soft, plump, and as large as an arm for best quality. Wash with wine to remove scales and the central membrane, then bake dry for use.
Roucongrong treats impotence due to exhaustion of Yang in men, seminal emission, hematuria, and dribbling urine; it treats infertility due to exhaustion of Yin in women, metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, and genital pain. It assists Ministerial Fire, tonifies consumptive injuries, warms the waist and knees, and strengthens bones and tendons. Although it can vigorously tonify essence and blood, sudden or heavy use may cause loose stools. Danxi stated: "Roucongrong belongs to Earth, possessing both Water and Fire qualities. Entering the Kidney meridian to tonify essence and blood, it benefits the Fire within Water. It is the premier herb for nourishing the Kidney and tonifying essence. One should select pieces weighing up to a jin (approx. 500g) that do not rot. It is warm but not hot, tonifying but not abrupt, hence the name 'Congrong' (meaning unhurried/calm). However, it is contraindicated in cases of intestinal sliding with diarrhea, heat in the Kidney, easy erection but insecure essence retention, due to its lubricating nature."

Suoyang (Cynomorii Herba):
Flavor is sweet and salty, nature is warm, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney meridian.
Suoyang strengthens Yin and tonifies essence, boosts Yang and moistens the intestines, nourishes sinews and strengthens bones. *Zhuo Geng Lu* records: "The semen of the Wenglong (a mythical creature) falls into the ground and, after a long time, sprouts like Xun grass. It is broad at the top and narrow at the bottom, resembling the male organ. Its efficacy is similar to Roucongrong, and its contraindications are also the same."

Wujiapi (Acanthopanacis Cortex):
In heaven, it obtains the Qi of Shaoyang and is the essence of the Five Chariot stars; on earth, it obtains the flavors of Fire and Metal. Therefore, its flavor is pungent and slightly bitter, it is slightly warm, and non-toxic. It enters the Foot Shaoyin (Kidney) and Foot Jueyin (Liver) meridians. It primarily treats wind-cold-damp pathogens and diseases affecting these two meridians. If the five Zang organs are cold internally, the sinews and bones become naturally firm, and essence and Qi increase daily through self-tonification. Lightening the body and promoting longevity are results of tonifying the Liver and Kidney. Ancients said: "Better to have a handful of Wujiapi than a cart full of gold and silver; better to have a jin of Diyu than bright moon pearls." Previously, the mother of Duke Ding of Lu lived long by taking only Wujiapi wine. Also, in the method of boiling stones by Donghua Zhenren, ingredients included Yuchi, Jinyan, Wuchi, and Diyu (Wujiapi). Jinyan is Yujia (Wujiapi). These are required in immortal scriptures, and their ability to lighten the body and promote longevity is evident.
Wujiapi expels old blood stasis in the skin and sinews; drives away chronic gout and bi-syndrome entangling the Spleen meridian, wind-weakness in the knees, the five types of flaccidity syndromes, deficiency-congealed pain in the lower back and spine, abdominal hernia pain, wind-cold-damp pathogens; it also treats pediatric rickets and delayed walking, malignant sores and pus/leprosy in the lower body. It strengthens bones and sinews, improves gait, strengthens willpower, benefits essence, relieves unbearable vaginal itching in women, supports impotence in men, stops urinary dribbling, eliminates genital ulcers and carbuncles, lightens the body, extends life, and promotes immortality; it is truly a medicine of immortal scriptures. Picking the leaves and consuming them vegetarianly disperses wind-rashes over the body; decocting the roots and stems in wine often dispels wind-bi in the four extremities. It is a key herb for tonifying the Liver, Kidney, sinews, and bones. Pungency regulates Qi and transforms phlegm; bitterness strengthens the Kidney and benefits essence; warmth dispels wind and overcomes dampness; it expels blood stasis in the skin and treats contracture of sinews and bones. The stem is green, nodes white, flowers red, bark yellow, root black, corresponding to the essence of the Five Chariot stars above. Hence it is said: "Better to have a handful of Wujiapi than a cart full of gold and jade." However, for those with deficiency of true Yin in the Liver and Kidney, it must be used in combination with herbs having tonifying flavors.