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Medicinals possess ten fundamental properties: Xuān (dispersing), Tōng (unblocking), Bǔ (tonifying), Xiè (draining), Qīng (light), Zhòng (heavy), Sè (astringent), Huá (slippery), Zào (drying), and Shī (moistening). These ten constitute the general framework of medicinals. However, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) does not mention them, nor have later scholars elaborated on them. This has led to confusion among those preparing decoctions regarding their harmonization.

"Xuān" (Dispersion) is used to remove stagnation; examples include Jiang (Ginger Rhizome) and Ju (Citrus Peel).
"Tōng" (Unblocking) is used to remove obstruction; examples include Tongcao (Tetrapanacis Medulla) and Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix).
"Bǔ" (Tonification) is used to treat weakness; examples include Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Yangrou (Mutton).
"Xiè" (Draining/Purging) is used to relieve constipation or accumulation; examples include Tinglizi (Lepidii Semen) and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma).
"Qīng" (Lightness) is used to resolve exterior excess; examples include Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) and Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix).
"Zhòng" (Heaviness) is used to calm fright or palpitations; examples include Cishi (Magnetitum) and Tiechen (Ferrum).
"Sè" (Astringency) is used to secure leakage or collapse; examples include Muli (Ostreae Concha) and Longgu (Fossilia Ossis Mastodi).
"Huá" (Slipperiness) is used to eliminate adhesion or phlegm-stasis; examples include Dongkuizi (Malvae Semen) and Yupi (Ulmus Cortex).
"Zào" (Drying) is used to dispel dampness; examples include Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex) and Chixiaodou (Vigna Angularis Semen).
"Shī" (Moistening/Nourishing) is used to treat dryness withering; examples include Zi Shiyuan (Quartzum Rubrum) and Bai Shiyuan (Quartzum Album).

Thus, each property has its specific category. Practitioners must examine these carefully when prescribing medicinals to avoid omission or error.

Teng Yuanfa stated: "A skilled physician selects only those medicinals marked in white characters in the *Bencao Jing*, which prove highly effective." Su Zirong remarked: "The medicinals marked in black characters were added by people from the Later Han Dynasty."

The *Bencao Jing* states: All things under heaven and earth possess Yin and Yang, varying in size and color. Investigating their principles reveals correspondences (Fa Xiang). Therefore, creatures with hair and feathers are born from Yang but belong to Yin; creatures with scales and shells are born from Yin but belong to Yang. Consequently, Kongqing (Chrysocolla) corresponds to Wood, hence its green color and affinity for the Liver; Danzha (Cinnabar) corresponds to Fire, hence its red color and affinity for the Heart; Yunmu (Muscovite) corresponds to Metal, hence its white color and affinity for the Lungs; Cihuang (Orpiment) corresponds to Earth, hence its yellow color and affinity for the Spleen; Cishi (Magnetite) corresponds to Water, hence its black color and affinity for the Kidneys. The rest can be inferred by analogy.

Zhang Wenqian had a fondness for eating crabs. In his later years, he suffered from wind-bi (wind-dampness obstruction) but continued to crave crabs. He would meticulously extract the meat, store it in large vessels, and consume it. He wrote a poem stating: "People say crab poison is worse than dietary indiscretion, causing wind-pathogens to become terminal ailments that damage the thighs and arms. Yet I read the *Bencao*, finding no basis for its good or evil effects. If meridians are severed, they cannot be repaired; if bones are atrophied, crab meat may help restore them and prevent collapse. Wind pathogens rise when heat is excessive. Some claim crab provides cooling relief like frost. Folk tales may not be entirely false, though one might suspect bias due to personal preference. The *Bencao* originated in the Eastern Han, authored by sages. Though errors may exist, they are likely minor. Yao and Zhi are fundamentally different. Scholars trust books, while common sayings cause futile debate. Zhang Wenqian’s poem seems to justify his crab obsession or perhaps reflects genuine belief in the *Bencao*?"

Regarding pufferfish (Hetun), its eyes and roe contain blood which is toxic. Eaters typically remove them. The flesh must be washed dozens of times until snow-white before cooking. Mei Shengyu wrote: "If cooking methods are improper, ingestion feels like swallowing a sword (Moye)." However, the *Daguan Bencao* claims pufferfish is warm-natured and non-toxic. Errors in annotating the *Bencao* that lead to death are likely of this nature.