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Sweet, neutral in nature. Clears heat and removes irritability, nourishes essence and preserves blood. Treats acute jaundice (Ji Huang), promotes urination and defecation, indicated for leukorrhea (red and white discharge) in women, and hematuria with stranguria pain in men.

Celery comes in two varieties: red and white. Red celery is harmful to humans and should not be consumed.

Snakes favor eating celery. During the transition between spring and summer, snakes deposit sperm here; there is a fear of poisoning if mistakenly ingested by humans.

(Regarded locally as Star Anise / Illicium verum)
Pungent, sweet, warm. Enters the Qi level of the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart) and Hand-Taiyang (Small Intestine) meridians. Tonifies the Gate of Vitality (Mingmen), warms the Dantian, opens the stomach to promote appetite, regulates the middle jiao and stops vomiting. Treats cold qi in the bladder, hernia with scrotal pain, cold pain in the chest and abdomen, cholera-like distension and oppression, and both dry and damp types of beriberi (Hong Kong foot). When combined with Aurantium Fructus (Zhike), stir-bran fried and ground into powder, taken with salt and wine, it treats stabbing pain under the ribs. When combined with Apricot Seed (Xingren) and White Part of Scallion (Congbai), it treats hernia. Paired with Lychee Seed (Lizhihe), it treats sinking of Small Intestine Qi. Paired with Toosendan Fruit (Chuanlianzi), equal parts ground into powder and taken with wine, it treats Kidney Xiao (Diabetes insipidus/thirst). Salt-fried or wine-fried preparations. Excessive consumption damages the eyes and induces sores.

Pungent, neutral. Enters the Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian. Promotes spleen function and opens the stomach, regulates qi and aids digestion. Treats vomiting and regurgitation due to cholera, abdominal coldness with distension, and lower back pain due to sprain/trauma. Stir-fry and grind before use. Contraindicated in cases of lung and stomach heat or excessive heat toxins.

(Category 13: Soft and Slippery Herbs)

Refers to Spinach (Bo Cai).
Neutralizes the toxicity of Arsenic Trioxide (Pi) and Mercury (Gong). Subdues the properties of Realgar (Cihuang) and Sulfur (Liuhuang).
Sweet, cold, slippery. Enters the Hand-Taiyang (Small Intestine) and Hand-Yangming (Large Intestine) meridians. Unblocks the intestines and stomach, benefits the five zang organs. Moves blood vessels, resolves alcohol toxicity, directs qi downward and regulates the middle, stops thirst and moistens dryness. When combined with Chicken Gizzard Lining (Jineijin), it treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome). Excessive consumption causes weakness in the legs. Contraindicated for those with cold abdomen.

Also known as Shepherd's Purse (Qicai).
Sweet, bitter, very cold, slippery. Unblocks the heart and diaphragm, benefits the five zang organs. Resolves dysentery caused by seasonal heat toxins.
Shepherd's Purse (Qicai)
Sweet, cool. Enters the Foot-Jueyin (Liver) meridian. Benefits the liver and nourishes the stomach, harmonizes the middle and brightens the eyes.
For treating dysentery, burn to charcoal before use.
Root
Paired with Lepidium Seed (Tinglizi), equal parts ground into honey pills, taken with Tangerina Pericarpium Decoction (Chenpi Tang), treats edema and abdominal distension/enlargement.

Also known as Goose Intestine Vegetable (Echangcai).
Sweet, slightly salty. Breaks blood stasis, promotes lactation. Treats chronic sores and hemorrhoids.
Charcoalize, crush and mix with earthworm feces, apply externally to ulcerated sores on the yin region that are unbearably painful. (Contraindicate alcohol, wheat products, five pungent spices, and hot foods during treatment.)
Dry in the shade before use.