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Longdancao (Radix Gentianae) is born by inheriting the pure Yin Qi of Heaven and Earth; therefore, its taste is bitter and astringent, its nature is greatly cold, and it is non-toxic. It is a herb entering the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Cut off the rhizome with a copper knife, wash with wine, and dry in the sun; or soak in Licorice Juice for one night, then dry in the sun for use.

Longdancao stops dysentery and diarrhea, removes small parasites from the intestines; expels fright and epilepsy, benefits the Qi of the Liver and Gallbladder, clears latent heat in the Stomach, and treats epidemic warm diseases. It can eliminate dampness and swelling in the Lower Jiao, and resolve jaundice and edema caused by alcohol consumption; treat Guest Wu (external pathogenic invasion affecting Liver Qi); treat carbuncles, sores, and mouth ulcers; resist fright and epilepsy, and kill Gu poison. When soaked in wine and used as an assistant to Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), it ascends to treat redness and pain in the eyes, and is commonly used for nebula (corneal opacity). Taking it on an empty stomach may cause urinary incontinence.

Indications (Combined Reference on Smallpox and Rashes): Specifically treats smallpox and rashes characterized by red, swollen, and painful eyes, and excess heat in the Liver, Gallbladder, and Stomach. It should be prepared by washing with wine and drying in the sun. It is contraindicated for patients with deficiency constitutions suffering from diarrhea.

Commentary: Longdancao is extremely bitter and cold, resembling the dark and solemn atmosphere of severe winter when all flowers wither. Ancient sages stated that bitter-cold herbs attack the branch (symptoms) and are suitable for temporary use rather than long-term administration. Just as laws and punishments are not abolished even in prosperous times to assist righteousness indefinitely, so too must bitter-cold herbs be used judiciously. Unless the patient has strong Qi and excess heat, rashly administering this herb will inevitably damage the body.

Yinchenhao (Herba Artemisiae Scopariae) is born by sensing the bitter-cold flavor of Heaven and Earth, combined with the ascending Qi of Spring. Its taste is bitter and neutral, its nature is slightly cold, and it is non-toxic.

Yinchenhao specifically treats Jaundice (Huangdan). One must distinguish between Yin Jaundice and Yang Jaundice. In Yang Jaundice, heat is predominant, involving both dampness and dryness; if dampness prevails, assist with Zhizi (Fructus Gardeniae) and Dahuang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei); if dryness prevails, assist with Zhizi and Juapi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae). Yin Jaundice belongs solely to excessive cold, requiring the addition of Fuzi (Radix Aconiti Lateralis Preparata) to the formula. It is a key herb for circulating stagnant Qi, relieving vexation and heat, transforming phlegm, and promoting urination to remove dampness. Entering the Yangming and Taiyin meridians, it is a miraculous agent for removing dampness, clearing heat, dissipating nodules, and promoting diuresis. Overuse damages Yuan Qi (Primary Qi).

Indications (Combined Reference on Smallpox and Rashes): Choose aged material for best results. Its main functions are removing dampness, clearing heat, dissipating nodules, promoting diuresis, transforming phlegm, and moving stagnation. It is suitable for summer cases where rashes are accompanied by intense heat and difficult urination. If pustules itch, it can be used as a fumigant, owing to its ability to clear damp-heat.