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[Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix)]
Bitter in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats stagnation of qi in the heart and abdomen, zheng jia (abdominal masses), ji ju (accumulations), jaundice, and dribbling urine; expels water retention, eliminates carbuncles and swellings, tonifies the middle jiao, brightens the eyes, and stops tearing. Nourishes the qi of the liver and gallbladder, calms the five zang organs, stabilizes the mind, benefits essence, unblocks the nine orifices, clears latent heat, treats chang pi (dysentery or diarrhea), relieves thirst, resolves alcohol intoxication, addresses yellow-red urine, cures malignant sores and ulcers in the lower jiao (genital area), harmonizes stomach qi, increases appetite, and makes the body feel light.

Also known as Shuihuai (Water Locust), Kushi, Dihuai, Tuhuai, Jiaohuai, Baijing, Huma, Cenjing, Lubai, and Linglang. Grows in valleys and fields south of Ru Mountain. The roots are harvested in the third, eighth, and tenth lunar months and dried in the sun.

Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix) serves as its shi herb (guide drug). It is incompatible with Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Loulu (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), and Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen), and opposes Lili (Veratri Radix). Currently, it is found everywhere along nearby roads. Its leaves closely resemble those of the locust tree, hence the name "Huai" (Locust). The flowers are yellow, and the fruits are pods. The root has an extremely bitter and unpleasant taste. Patients who soak it in wine and drink it often recover. Those suffering from scabies can take one liang, which also eliminates the condition, likely due to its ability to kill parasites.

[Note] Kushen treats soreness in the shins and expels harmful insects. Harvest its fruit in the tenth month and consume it like locust seeds; long-term use makes the body light and delays aging, with verified effects on vision.

[Shilongrui (Ranunculi Ternati Herba)]
Bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats wind-cold-damp bi syndrome (obstruction), evil qi in the heart and abdomen, unblocks joints, and relieves irritability and fullness. Balances kidney and stomach qi, tonifies insufficient yin qi, treats spermatorrhea and cold penis. Long-term use makes the body light, brightens the eyes, delays aging, gives luster to the skin, and promotes fertility.

Also known as Luguo Neng, Dizhen, and Shixiong. Grows beside stones in streams and marshes of Tai Mountains. Seeds are harvested on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month; bark is harvested in the second and eighth lunar months and dried in the shade.

Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix) serves as its shi herb (guide drug). It fears She Tui (Ophichus Exuvies) and Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus). Current varieties produced near roads have coarse seeds resembling flattened Shechuangzi (Cnidii Fructus), which people claim are actually Xucail Zi (Sibarae Semen); these are not the true quality. Those growing on rocks in Dongshan have short, delicate leaves and seeds resembling Tingli (Descurainiae Semen Lepidii et Sisymbrii), which are yellow and slightly pungent in taste; these are the authentic ones.

[Note] What is currently used is commonly called Shuijin. The seedling resembles Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), and the fruit resembles mulberry, hence the name Dizhen. It grows in damp places and ripens in May; both leaves and fruits are pungent. Varieties from southern mountains have seeds as large as kuaizi (sunflower seeds). Those from Guanzhong and Hebei are as small as Tingli and have weaker efficacy than those from southern mountains. Tao Hongjing considered the smaller ones to be authentic, which is not a comprehensive view. Additionally, Bie Lu records that Shuijin treats toxic swelling, carbuncles and furuncles, roundworms, and dental caries.