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Huangqin (Radix Scutellariae): Bitter in taste, cool in nature. Its texture is hollow in the center, making it particularly effective at clearing heat from the Qi level of the Lung Meridian. Its action descends from the Spleen to penetrate the Sanjiao (Triple Burner) and reach the Bladder to promote urination. It is also effective at entering the Stomach and Spleen to clear heat, descending from the Stomach to the Intestines to treat dysentery with pus and blood. Furthermore, it enters the Liver and Gallbladder to clear heat, treating the alternating chills and fever characteristic of Shaoyang disease (used in both Xiaochaihu Tang [Minor Bupleurum Decoction] and Dachaihu Tang [Major Bupleurum Decoction]). It can also regulate Qi; for any Zang-Fu organ where Qi stagnation leads to heat, Huangqin can disperse and unblock it. It is also effective at clearing heat from the exterior shell of the body, eliminating heat that is latent in the meridians or scattered in the Couli (interstices).

For treating Lung diseases, Liver and Gallbladder diseases, and exterior diseases, Kuqin (hollow Huangqin) should be used; for treating Stomach and Intestine diseases, Tiaoqin (tender, non-hollow Huangqin, also known as Ziqin) should be used. Ultimately, both are Huangqin, and their fundamental functions have little difference.

Li Binhu stated: "There was a person who indulged excessively in alcohol and sexual desires, suffering from unbearable colic pain in the lower abdomen and urinary symptoms resembling strangury. Various medicines were ineffective. Accidentally using a decoction of Huangqin, Mutong [Akebiae Caulis], and Gancao [Licorice Root], the pain stopped after ingestion." Commentary: The treatment of lower abdominal colic by Huangqin is clearly recorded in the Mingyi Bielu [Secret Records of Famous Physicians]. This demonstrates that the ancient physicians' precision in evaluating medicinal properties was beyond the reach of later generations. However, it can only be used when the lower abdominal colic is caused by heat forcing the Qi; it cannot be generally applied to all abdominal pains. One must also understand that Taiyin abdominal pain does not present with heat syndromes, whereas Shaoyang abdominal pain does present with heat. The Mingyi Bielu explicitly labels this as "lower abdominal colic," which highlights its precise terminology.

Li Binhu further stated: "When I was in my twenties, due to prolonged cold-induced coughing and violating dietary/sexual restrictions, I developed bone-steaming fever, with skin feeling like burning embers. I expectorated about a bowl of phlegm daily, felt irritable and thirsty during summer months, and lost my appetite and sleep. My six pulses were floating and surging. After taking Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix], Maidong [Ophiopogonis Radix], Jingli [Phyllostachys Nigra Juice], and other medicines for over a month, my condition worsened, and everyone believed I would certainly die. My father occasionally recalled Li Dongyuan's treatment for lung heat resembling fire blazing, with irritability, excessive thirst, and worsening during the day, identifying it as heat in the Qi level. He recommended Yiwu Huangqin Tang [Single-Huangqin Decoction] to purge the fire from the Qi level of the Lung Meridian. Following this prescription, I took one liang of Pianqin [sliced Huangqin], boiled in two cups of water until reduced to one cup, and drank it in one dose. The next day, the fever completely subsided, and the cough with phlegm healed. The medicine hit the mark precisely, responding as quickly as a drumbeat. Such is the wonder of medicine." Observing these two passages by Li Binhu, his proficiency in clearing heat from the Qi level demonstrates the unique capability of Huangqin.