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Bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, toxic. Primarily treats leukorrhea (vaginal discharge) in women. Also known as Yuanzi (Aizi). Grows on the sunny side of mountains. In the first lunar month, leaves emerge resembling those of Veratrum nigrum (Lilu), with stems covered by a sheath-like skin.

Primarily improves vision, benefits essence and qi, prevents hunger and thirst, lightens the body, and prolongs life. Also known as Shijie (Stone Mustard).

Sweet in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily treats eye pain, strangury with leakage, alternating chills and fever, and hemorrhage. Also known as Zaolie, also known as Yihui. Harvest stems and leaves in the third and fifth lunar months, and dry them in the shade.

Sweet in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily treats middle-jiao xiaoke (wasting-thirst syndrome).

Sweet and sour in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily treats heart and abdominal disorders, stops sweating, promotes tissue regeneration, treats alcoholic crusts, tonifies qi, enhances cold resistance, and solidifies bone marrow. Also known as Lingshi. Grows on grassy rocks; it remains dry during rain but becomes moist when the sun rises. Flowers are yellow, stems are reddish-black. Bears fruit once every three years; fruits are red and resemble hemp seeds. Harvest stems and leaves in the fifth and tenth lunar months, and dry them in the shade.

Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily tonifies qi and nourishes the spirit, clears heat, and stops thirst. Grows in Jiangnan, resembling Shi Cao (Stone Grass).

Bitter in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily treats thirst and bi syndrome (painful obstruction).

Sweet in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily treats blindness, relieves pain in the yin region, and clears heat-related strangury. Suspected to be the current Xi Li Shi (Fine Whetstone Stone), produced in Linping.

Bitter and neutral in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily treats metal wounds (trauma from sharp instruments) and internal bleeding. Also known as Ye Jin Cao (Leaf Gold Grass). Grows in high places within marshes.

Sweet in flavor. Primarily treats myriad diseases and rescues depleted qi. This herb is so miraculous, yet its use is no longer recognized, which is regrettable.

Bitter in flavor. Primarily treats lower abdominal pain, promotes urination via the small intestine, breaks up accumulations, and promotes muscle growth. Long-term consumption lightens the body and prolongs life. Grows in Wanqu; harvested in the second and seventh lunar months.

Sour and neutral in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily improves vision. Also known as Laigan. Fruits are red and resemble Wuweizi (Schisandra chinensis); harvested in the tenth lunar month. Common people now call Baicao Zi (White Grass Seed) Guimu (Ghost Eye), which is similar.

Sweet and neutral in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily treats pediatric epilepsy with alternating chills and fever. Also known as Digai. Grows beneath walls and ruins, growing in clusters, red in color, emerging in the morning and dying by evening. Also known as Chaosheng; suspected to be the current Guisan (Ghost Parasol Mushroom).

Sweet in flavor, toxic. Treats edema; should not be consumed in large quantities.

Sweet in flavor, cold in nature. Primarily harmonizes the middle jiao and clarifies the ears and eyes. Also known as Yangma, also known as Yangsu. Grows in damp, low-lying areas; stems have nodes, and roots grow from the nodes. Harvested in the fifth lunar month.