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[Mangcao (Illicium lanceolatum)]
Taste: Acrid, Bitter. Nature: Warm. Toxicity: Toxic. Indications: Primarily treats head wind-induced carbuncles and swellings, mastitis (breast abscess), hernia, and masses (fixed abdominal tumors). It resolves stagnant Qi, scabies, and pruritus; treats fungous sores caused by insects/toxins; and kills parasites in fish. It treats obstruction of the throat due to throat bi (sore throat with difficulty swallowing), difficult lactation, and scalp pruritus caused by head wind. It can be used for washing/bathing but must not come into contact with the eyes. Alternative names: [Character missing], Chuncao (Spring Grass). Habitat: Valleys in Shanggu and Wanqu regions. Harvesting: Leaves are collected in the fifth lunar month and dried in the shade. Note: Shanggu is far from Youzhou; currently, it is found everywhere in the mountains of the eastern regions. Quality: Leaves that are fresh green and have a strong aroma are considered superior. Usage: People crush them and mix them with rice into water; fish that swallow it die and float up, and humans can eat them without harm. The character "Mang" is sometimes written differently; commonly known as [Character missing] grass today.

[Yuhe (Rhamnus davuricus / Sour Plum Kernel)]
Taste: Sour. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Primarily treats massive abdominal edema, edema of the face, eyes, and limbs; promotes urination and unblocks the water passages. Root indications: Treats gingival swelling, dental caries (tooth decay); strengthens teeth; expels white intestinal worms. Alternative names: Jueli, Chexiali, Di. Habitat: High mountain valleys and hills. Harvesting: Roots are collected in the fifth and sixth lunar months. Note: Found everywhere in mountains and wilds; fruits turn red when ripe and are edible.

[Shuli Pi (Bark of Rhamnus)]
Indications: Treats scrofula and sores accompanied by alternating chills and fever. Bark taste: Bitter. Nature: Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Clears heat toxins from the skin. Alternative names: Niuli, Shuzi, Xia. Habitat: Fields and countryside; harvestable at any time. Note: This entry is also appended here and is currently classified under secondary grade materials.

[Commentary (Jin'an)]
This herb is also known as Zhaoli, Zaoli, and Wuchashu. Bark indications: Treats various sores involving cold-heat toxic blockage. Fruit indications: Treats parasites in sores of cattle, horses, and other livestock. Application: Either crushed raw and applied topically or mixed with fat/oil for application; both methods are effective. Fruit taste: Bitter. Preparation: Collected, sun-dried, steamed nine times, and soaked in wine. Dosage: Take 3 he (approx. 50ml) per dose, twice daily. Effects: Promotes expulsion of blood stasis and necrotic tissue; eliminates hernia, masses, and accumulated cold qi; highly effective. Toxicity: Both bark and fruit have slight toxicity.

[Luanhua (Cassia seed / related species)]
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Treats eye pain with tearing, trauma/injuries, and reduces eye swelling. Habitat: River valleys in Hanzhong region. Harvesting: Collected in the fifth lunar month. Compatibility: Cassia Seed (Juemingzi) acts as the guiding herb (shi).

[Commentary (Jin'an)]
This tree has leaves similar to Hibiscus mutabilis (Rose of Sharon) but thinner and finer; flowers are yellow like Sophora japonica (Pagoda Tree) but slightly larger and longer; the pod resembles Physalis alkekengi (Chinese Lantern), containing seeds inside that resemble ripe peas, round, black, hard, and suitable for making prayer beads. Flowers can be harvested in the fifth and sixth lunar months. Southerners combine them with Coptis chinensis (Huanglian) to make a decoction, which is highly effective for treating red, ulcerated eyes. The flowers can also be used to dye fabric yellow, producing a very bright and beautiful color.