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Yinchen (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba) is the tender shoot of Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba). In autumn, Qinghao produces seeds; when these fall to the ground and sprout, they grow close to the soil with leaves as large as a coin. Even when winter frost and snow cover the ground, the buds remain unharmed. Shortly after the Beginning of Spring (Lichun), they grow vigorously. It is appropriate to harvest it in mid-February. Its odor is slightly fragrant, and its taste is slightly acrid and bitter. It embodies the initial Qi of the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) channel, which makes it cool yet dispersing. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states that it is excellent for treating jaundice. Zhang Zhongjing also frequently used it when treating Danzheng (jaundice syndromes). Because it possesses the nascent Qi of Shaoyang, it is effective at clearing heat from the Liver and Gallbladder and simultaneously resolving stagnation in these organs. Once the heat dissipates and stagnation resolves, the pathway for bile to enter the Small Intestine becomes unobstructed. The *Mingyi Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians) mentions its ability to promote urination and clear heat from the head, which are also manifestations of its efficacy in clearing and draining the Liver and Gallbladder. Its nature is quite similar to Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), but its action is actually milder than that of Chaihu. Whenever one wishes to lift pathogens out of the Shaoyang channel, but the patient is physically weak and Yin-deficient, unable to tolerate the ascending and dispersing properties of Chaihu, Yinchen can be used as a substitute.

[Attached Case] A certain individual, due to frequent frustrations in life, often experienced Liver Qi stagnation and Liver Fire, leading to cerebral congestion and pain. He was treated with herbs that suppress the Liver and cool the Liver. After taking the medicine, he suffered severe systemic fever and profuse sweating. He suddenly realized that the Liver is the "General" organ, within which Ministerial Fire resides. Using medication to forcibly suppress it only agitated the resident Ministerial Fire, triggering a counter-reaction. Consequently, Yinchen (two qian) was added to the original prescription. After ingestion, his condition stabilized and improved.

Another youth frequently suffered from headaches. His pulse indicated excessive Fire in the Liver and Gallbladder. He was treated with Yinchen, Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), and Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos), each two qian. The pain ceased after one dose. Subsequently, Longdancao (Gentianae Radix) two qian was added to the original formula. After two doses, he felt an unusual lightness and clarity in his head. Chuanxiong was then removed, and after four more doses, the disease was eradicated.

(Attachment: Hu Lai Fu Ying can detoxify arsenic)
Laifuzi (Raphani Semen): When used raw, it is slightly acrid and neutral in nature; when stir-fried, it is fragrant and warm in nature. Its action can ascend and descend. When used raw, ascending actions predominate over descending ones; when stir-fried, descending actions predominate over ascending ones. To utilize its ascending property for transforming phlegm, raw seeds should be used; to utilize its descending property for promoting digestion, fried seeds should be used. Fundamentally, whether raw or fried, it can regulate Qi, resolve stagnation, and eliminate distension. It is a substance that transforms Qi, not one that breaks Qi. However, many physicians believe it breaks Qi and advise against frequent or long-term use, which is not an accurate assessment. Generally, any Qi-regulating herb, if taken alone for a long time, will inevitably damage Qi. However, when Laifuzi is stir-fried, powdered, and taken about an hour after meals (approximately one qian per dose) to aid digestion and regulate Qi, it does not damage Qi because it promotes food intake, thereby nourishing the Qi. If used to relieve distension and resolve stagnation, assisted by herbs such as Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), even frequent and long-term use will not harm the Qi.

[Attached Case] A man in his fifties, following extreme anger, experienced sudden abdominal distension extending to the hypochondrium. Various Qi-regulating and opening agents were ineffective. He was prescribed Sheng Laifuzi (raw Raphani Semen) one liang, along with Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), and Sheng Maiya (Hordei Fructus Germinatus), each three qian. These were decocted in two zhong of water, divided into three doses, and taken warm. The illness was cured after completing one full course.

Another man, aged twenty-five or twenty-six, who typically had abundant phlegm-fluids, contracted an external pathogen. Within three to four days, he felt phlegm-saliva congealing in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), obstructing food and drink from descending, causing immediate regurgitation. He was instructed to take Laifuzi one liang (half raw, half stir-fried), crushed and decocted in one large zhong of water. This decoction was used to administer San Zhe Shi (Hematitum) fine powder, three qian. Half an hour later, the dregs were re-decocted into another large zhong of water, again administered with three qian of raw Hematitum powder. At this point, the Upper Jiao instantly opened, allowing him to eat and drink. Subsequently, a formula with acrid-cooling and resolving properties was prescribed. After two doses, he made a complete recovery.