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Cold-natured herbs: Xijiao (Rhino Horn) resolves heat in the Heart. Lingyangjiao (Antelope Horn) clears heat in the Lungs and Liver. Zexie (Alisma Rhizome) promotes urination to unblock strangury and tonifies insufficient Yin. Yiyiren (Coix Seed) treats tinea pedis (athlete's foot) and dispels wind-dampness. Cheqianzi (Plantago Seed) brightens the eyes and stops diarrhea, clearing the lower jiao urine. Gualouzi (Trichosanthes Seed) moistens the Lungs and stops cough, descends Qi and broadens the middle. Huangbai (Phellodendron Bark) drains bladder fire and tonifies the Kidney. Bohe (Mint) dissipates various swellings and clears wind-heat, having the effect of broadening the middle and descending Qi. Zhike (Bitter Orange Fruit) acts slowly, while Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange Fruit) acts quickly; both release the muscle layer and vent the exterior. Chaihu (Bupleurum Root) acts secondarily, while Gegen (Kudzu Root) acts first; Chaihu drains Liver fire and stops pain in the hypochondrium; Zhishi eliminates accumulation and removes chronic phlegm. Bubu (Stemona Root) treats Lung heat and stops cough. Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) cools the Heart and Kidney, being most suitable for epistaxis. Shengma (Cimicifuga Rhizome) powerfully dissipates wind-heat and vents sores; the Foot-Shaoyin channel guides Qi upward to raise Yang, guiding drugs through the meridians. Maimen (Ophiopogon Tuber) clears the Heart and relieves thirst, specifically removing Lung heat and latent fire in the Lungs, generating insufficient Lung Metal. Jinpo (Gold Leaf) calms the Heart and stabilizes the spirit. Ychen (Artemisia Capillaris Herb) dampens damp-heat and treats fetal jaundice. Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum) alleviates headache and clears Stomach and Spleen heat. Tiandong (Asparagus Tuber) settles Lung wheezing and moistens the Heart and Liver. Dahuang (Rhubarb Root) unblocks closure and stagnation. Puxiao (Mirabilite) reduces fire and opens passages. Qianhu (Peucedanum Root) removes excess phlegm internally and externally. Huashi (Talcum) benefits the six fu organs by resolving astringent stagnation. Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root) nourishes Kidney water and tonifies true Yin. Shengdihuang (Raw Rehmannia Root) cools Heart fire and clears heat in the Lungs and Spleen. Chishaoyao (Red Peony Root) moves blood and treats abdominal pain, resolving irritability and heat. Baishaoyao (White Peony Root) tonifies deficiency and drains Liver fire, generating new blood. Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) regulates Qi, with the function of eliminating edema and reducing swelling. Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) nourishes Yin, serving to drain Kidney fire and eliminate steaming bone disorder. Beimu (Fritillaria Bulb) clears heat-phlegm and benefits the Lungs and Heart; it is used when cold-phlegm heals but stagnates. Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) opens Lung orifices and transmits other drugs, acting as a guiding herb for the Lung meridian. Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) drains fire in the Large Intestine; do not use if the Lungs are cold. Changshan (Dichroa Root) attacks phlegm nodules, being particularly strong in arresting malaria. Tinglizi (Lepidium Seed) stops Lung wheezing and unblocks water qi. Oujié (Lotus Rhizome Node) eliminates blood stasis and stops bleeding. Dahuang and Puxiao are like poison for those with Spleen deficiency. Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) and Beimu are like axes for destroying life in cases of cold-phlegm.

Xia Yuzhu said: Dahuang is like a fierce general, while Puxiao is a subordinate officer. If the enemy forces are rampant and occupy key positions, using them can capture flags and kill enemies, achieving success in one stroke. However, if the people have suffered hardship and we wish to pacify and settle them, we may still fear falling short; yet if we lightly dispatch them, not only will there be no merit established, but the enemy will comb through the troops like a sieve. The harm of light use is too terrible to speak of. If Lung fire burns like the sky and Large Intestine toxicity is knotted, using them opens passages instantly. But if the zang-fu are all deficient, or there is Qi-deficiency swelling, misusing them will sweep away Yuan Qi, killing without a blade.

Hot-natured herbs: Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger) disperses and eliminates stomach vomiting, but must absolutely not be used for stomach heat. Wuweizi (Schisandra Berry) stops cough and nourishes Kidney water, but should not be added abruptly at the onset of cough. Chuanxiong (Szechwan Lovage Rhizome) dispels wind-dampness, clears the head and nourishes blood. Zisu (Perilla Leaf) has the power to vent the exterior and can also assist the Spleen. Mahuang (Ephedra Stem) scatters cold pathogens to vent the exterior; Mahuanggen (Ephedra Root) stops night sweats and consolidates deficiency. Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) eliminates damp-phlegm and warms the Stomach, benefiting water pathways to strengthen the Spleen. Dingxiang (Clove) quickens the Stomach and Spleen to stop vomiting and reflux. Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root) treats deficiency-cold and greatly strengthens Yuan Yang. Danggui (Angelica Sinensis Root) tonifies deficiency and nourishes blood. Duhuo (Chinese Angelica Root) dispels wind to treat paralysis. Houpo (Magnolia Bark) warms the Stomach and eliminates vomiting and distension, and is effective in removing phlegm. Rougui (Cinnamon Bark) treats cold diarrhea and stops sweating miraculously. Juhongpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) opens the appetite and removes phlegm, guiding stagnant rebellious Qi downward. Shanzhurou (Cornus Fruit) treats dizziness and stops seminal emission from the lower jiao.

Xia Yuzhu said: The power of Fuzi is fierce; its use requires great care and caution. For those with deficiency-cold, taking it is like dead wood meeting spring. If vigorous Qi is not declining, misusing it will surely cause anger to rush up to the hair (hair standing on end). Thus, knowing that Spleen Qi and Lung Qi are both deficient, Yuan Yang is lost, extreme deficiency generates cold, the body is like ice and snow, and cold air radiates from the mouth, using Fuzi is like throwing a stone into water; not only will it not resist, but it will flow together with dampness and seek dryness. If it is only deficient but not cold, even if there is cold, it has not reached the extreme yin position, and the condition can still stand independently. Using Fuzi then is like throwing water on a stone; not only will it not be accepted, but it will result in water and fire conflicting. Therefore, one knows that when it is appropriate to use, one need not fear morning or evening; when inappropriate, one must fear even a fraction of a millimeter. This can serve as a warning for those who lightly use Fuzi.

Warm-natured herbs: Muxiang (Costus Root) regulates stagnant Qi. Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) governs wind-phlegm. Cangzhu (Atractylodes Lancea Rhizome) dries the Spleen and removes dampness. Shanyao (Dioscorea Rhizome) can treat Spleen dampness. Huoxiangye (Patchouli Leaf) stops vomiting and warms the Stomach, eliminating cold-phlegm causing throat rattling. Kuandonghua (Farfusa Flower) moistens the Lungs and removes phlegm, settling chronic cough and obstruction-wheezing. Caoguoren (Tsaoko Cardamom Seed) warms the Stomach and Spleen to arrest malaria. Weilingxian (Syneilesis Root) circulates wind-qi to remove pain. Huixiang (Fennel Fruit) eliminates pain from bladder hernia. Qinjiao (Gentiana Macrophylla Root) dispels wind causing joint swelling and pain. Binglang (Areca Seed) drops phlegm and guides water, treating tenesmus in dysentery with miraculous effect. Hezi (Chebulic Myrobalan Fruit) generates fluids and moistens the Lungs, treating severe slippery diarrhea with saintly effect. Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) dispels wind. Duzhong (Eucommia Bark) benefits the Kidney. Juhe (Orange Seed) stops acute pain in lower back and hernia. Maren (Hemp Seed) moistens the Lungs and the dryness/stagnation of the six fu organs. Huangqi (Astragalus Root) solidifies cou li (pores) and benefits Yuan Qi, externally securing spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency. Roudoukou (Nutmeg Seed) warms the middle to stop cholera-like vomiting and further assists Spleen deficiency. Shengjiangpi (Ginger Skin) can eliminate edema. Goutenggou (Uncaria Hook) specializes in settling convulsive wind.

Xia Yuzhu said: The nature of Huangqi is to warm the interior, solidify cou li, benefit Yuan Qi, externally secure nocturnal sweating due to exterior deficiency, and internally support yin-type sores. It is the primary herb for consolidating deficiency in the Spleen Qi level. Thus, Zhang Zhongjing said: "Huangqi and Gancao benefit Yuan Qi internally; Renshen and Rougui harmonize Ying and Wei." People often say "lifting Qi," knowing only the word "Qi," but do they know there are two types of Qi in the human body? That which is governed by the Spleen is the source of Qi; that which is governed by the Lungs is the expression of Qi. The Spleen's Yuan Qi is like the annual processes of birth, growth, harvest, and storage; it is internal-moving Qi. The Lung's expressive Qi is like mountain mist, village smoke, valley clouds, and sea mirages; it is external-expressing Qi. One cannot distinguish these two types of Qi and their respective functions, and rashly speak of "lifting Qi." Alas! How has Huangqi ever entered the Lung home? How has it ever regulated Lung Qi? It has ruined this holy herb for supporting righteous Qi, causing physicians to dare not use it for Spleen-deficiency syndromes, which is deeply lamentable. I deduce the reason: mostly because the Lungs have pathogenic factors, causing wheezing and rapid breathing. The physician does not clear Lung pathogens but hastily supports Spleen Qi. They coincide, making wheezing and breathing more rapid, and then blame Huangqi. Otherwise, what does Huangqi have to do with the Lungs, and why discuss lifting Qi randomly? If you think my words are wrong, go to a skilled physician and ask carefully about Huangqi's properties: warming the interior, solidifying cou li, benefiting Yuan Qi, and securing nocturnal sweating. You will then understand clearly.

Neutral-natured herbs: Qingpi (Green Tangerine Peel) benefits the Stomach and Spleen, quickens the diaphragm, and eliminates accumulation. Tianma (Gastrodia Rhizome) settles convulsions and epilepsy, dries dampness and dispels wind. Gancao (Licorice Root) balances yin and yang, and resolves hundred drug toxins. Raw use drains Heart fire. Renshen (Ginseng Root) calms the Heart, moistens the Lungs, assists the Stomach, opens the Spleen, generates fluids, and supports Qi, preventing Lung heat from injuring the Lungs. Nanting (Arisaema Rhizome) removes the bitterness of convulsive wind-phlegm vomiting. Zaoren (Ziziphus Seed) tonifies the Heart and removes palpitations. Dafupi (Areca Pericarp) eliminates edema and descends Qi, and can harmonize the Stomach. Yuanzhi (Polygala Root) stops seminal emission and calms the Heart. Mutong (Akebia Stem) and Zhuling (Polyporus) are both used for promoting urination. Lianrou (Lotus Seed) awakens the Spleen and has the wonder of clearing the Heart. Baifuling (Poria with Wood) tonifies deficiency fatigue, reaching both Heart and Spleen. Baifushen (Poria with Pine Root) calms the Heart, settling palpitations. Maiya (Barley Sprout) has the power to enter the Spleen and transform food; do not use for Spleen deficiency. Xiaomai (Wheat Grain) stops sweating and nourishes the Heart; floating wheat is best. Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) transforms food but may injure Spleen Qi. Baihe (Lily Bulb) stops cough and astringes Lung deficiency. Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit) drains fire in the six channels and expels pus from sores. Dazao (Jujube Fruit) has the power to tonify the Spleen; do not consume if there is fullness in the middle. Wumei (Mume Fruit) treats bloody stool and is used for malaria and dysentery. Zhuli (Bamboo Sap) treats phlegm obstruction; beware of cold stagnation.

Xia Yuzhu said: Renshen is a spiritual elixir in the world. If there is Spleen-deficiency diarrhea, Stomach-deficiency vomiting, Heart-deficiency palpitations, Lung-deficiency cough, fluid-loss thirst, Qi-deficiency bleeding, or chronic illness from long duration, it can be used in all such categories. It is like entering a room of orchids, because good associates with good. If there is Lung heat, vigorous Qi, wind pathogen, heat pathogen, dryness pathogen, or fire pathogen, and Renshen is used, it is like entering a shop of salted fish, because evil and righteous cannot coexist. Nowadays, people, because previous mediocre doctors misused it and harmed others, have followed the custom of regarding it as poison. Is this not deeply hateful? When viscera have excessive pathogens, it must not be used abruptly. When pathogens are gone and righteousness is weak, it must not be omitted. Using it abruptly harms people; omitting it also kills people.