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Tianhuafen (Trichosanthes Root): This is the root of Trichosanthes kirilowii. Those that are white and lustrous are of superior quality. It tastes bitter with a slight sourness, and its nature is cool and moistening. It clears fire and generates fluids, making it an essential herb for relieving thirst (In Xiaochaihu Tang from Shanghan Lun, Banxia is removed and Gualougen [Tianhuafen] is added if the patient is thirsty; ancient formularies also frequently used it to treat Xiaoke [wasting-thirst syndrome]). Because it can generate fluids and stop thirst, it can moisten the lungs, resolve dry phlegm in the lungs, calm lung Qi to stop coughing, and treat pulmonary tuberculosis. Furthermore, it excels at unblocking meridians and collaterals, resolving heat-toxin in all types of sores and ulcers. For early-stage Dingyong (carbuncles and furuncles), when used together with Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus) and Shan Jia (Pangolin Scales), it can dissipate the swelling. For already ulcerated sores, when used together with Sheng Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and Sheng Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), it can further promote tissue regeneration and expel pus. Even in cases of deep ulceration spreading to surrounding areas where external application is impossible, it can regenerate muscle tissue from within and slowly expel pus (see the case study attached under the explanation of Huangqi). Generally, roots of vine plants can unblock meridians and collaterals, and since Tianhuafen has a cool nature and detoxifying properties, it possesses various efficacies.

Ganjiang (Dried Ginger): It tastes pungent and its nature is hot. It is an essential herb for tonifying the Yang aspect of the Upper and Middle Jiao. Due to its intense pungency and dispersing power, when used with Houpo (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), it treats cold-fluid retention obstructing the epigastrium and indigestion; when used with Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus), it treats cold-fluid accumulation in the chest causing shortness of breath; when used with Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), it treats feiwei (lung atrophy) and cough caused by cold-fluid soaking into the lungs; when used with Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), it treats wheezing and urgency due to failure of Lung Qi to descend after catching cold; when used with Zheshi (Magnetitum), it treats hematemesis and epistaxis caused by failure of Stomach Qi to descend due to cold; when used with Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), it treats bleeding from the bowels or urine due to Spleen-cold failing to control blood, or frequent diarrhea due to deficiency-cold of the Spleen and Stomach; when used with Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), it harmonizes its pungent-spicy taste to prevent irritation, allowing its warming and tonifying power to become more enduring. The Shennong Bencao Jing states that it drives out wind-damp bi-obstruction, referring specifically to wind-damp bi-syndromes biased towards cold. However, the Jin Gui Yao Lue also uses Ganjiang to treat heat-induced paralysis and epilepsy, such as in Fengyin Tang where it is used together with Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) and Hanshuishi (Halloysitum Rubrum). This utilizes its intense pungency to open up stagnation of Qi and Blood. Some claim that when charred black, its nature becomes hotter and aids Ministerial Fire; however, one does not realize that processing makes it bitter, reducing its heat, and its aroma becomes light and floating, preventing it from descending to the Lower Jiao.

Xu Lingtai said: "Generally, herbs with strong flavors tend to anchor and retain, while those with strong aromas tend to disperse. Ganjiang has both strong flavor and aroma, so it can disperse yet retain. Since it disperses without fully dispersing and retains without fully retaining, it rotates between meridians and zang-fu organs, inevitably driving out cold and dampness, harmonizing blood and unblocking Qi. Therefore, although its nature is fierce and峻急 (urgent/strong), it is safe for consumption."

[Attached Case]: Mr. Gao from the neighboring village, over forty years old, suffered from hematuria that persisted for a long time without healing. His pulse was faint, fine, and slow; his body was weak and aversive to cold, with reduced appetite. I diagnosed this as deficiency-cold of the Spleen and Stomach with sinking of Middle Qi, as described by Huang Kunzai: bleeding from the bowels or urine occurs because Taiyin [Spleen] fails to ascend. I prescribed a formula: Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) each 4 qian, Sheng Shanyao (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) and Shu Dihu (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) each 6 qian, Wufuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata) and Zhi Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Preparata) each 3 qian. After taking one decoction, the bleeding decreased; after continuously taking more than ten doses, he was completely cured.