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Taste: Sweet, neutral, warm; non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats cold pain in the lower back and waist, wind-bi (wind obstruction syndrome), benefits blood and qi, and stops frequent urination. Grows in mountains and wilds. Harvest roots in February and August, dry in the sun.
There are three types, generally similar in both root and stem/leaf characteristics. Baqia (Smilax glabra) stems are purple, short and small with many fine thorns; slightly smaller than Bibie (Dioscorea hypoglauca) but darker in color; people use it for drinking.
[Note] Tao Hongjing claimed the three types are similar, which is incorrect. The type of Bibie that has thorns has coarse leaves that are similar, but the roots are not similar. Bibie roots are long, thin, and white; Baqia roots form knotty masses, yellowish-red in color, distinctly different from Gouji (Cibotium barometz).

Taste: Pungent, sweet, neutral; non-toxic. Indications: Mainly expels harmful parasites, removes cold-heat disorders of the spleen and stomach, unblocks the nine orifices, blood vessels, and joints, and prevents forgetfulness. Treats spleen jaundice, often treats deafness, dissipates abscesses, swellings, and various undissipated nodules, as well as metal wounds, malignant sores, shuolu (scrofula), bone fractures, epistaxis, nasal polyps, induces abortion, and expels the three types of parasites. Also known as Fuzhi, also known as Dingweng. Grows in valleys of Shicheng Mountain and on the sunny slopes of mountains. Harvest branches in January, dry in the shade.
Currently produced near the capital. It grows as a vine winding around trees, with white juice. The stems have fine holes, open at both ends. If one end is held in the mouth and blown into, air exiting the other end indicates good quality. Some say it is the stem of Lv Teng (Humulus scandens).
[Note] This plant's largest specimens have a diameter of three cun. Each node has two or three branches, with five leaves at the branch tips. Its fruit is three to four cun long, with black seeds and white pulp, tasting sweet and delicious. People in the south call it Yanfu or Wu Fu. The term "Lv Teng" mentioned today sounds similar to "Lv Fu."

Taste: Bitter, pungent, cold; non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats guan-ge (obstruction syndrome) and various long-jie (urinary retention syndromes), urinary obstruction, extracts splinters, resolves abscesses and swellings, brightens the eyes and removes nebula, breaks up pregnancy and induces abortion, promotes the discharge of retained blood, nourishes kidney qi, drives out pathogenic counterflow from the bladder, stops cholera-like vomiting and diarrhea, and promotes hair growth. Also known as Juju Mai, also known as Daju, also known as Dalan. Grows in valleys of Tai Mountain. Harvest fruits after the Start of Autumn, dry in the shade.
Caosao (likely referring to a specific herb interaction context, possibly *Paeonia lactiflora* related or generic grass) and Mudan (Mudan Pi / Tree Peony Bark) act as its assistants; it clashes with Sangpiaoxiao (Mantis Egg Case). Stems bear fine leaves; flowers are red, purple, or crimson, lovely to look at; harvest by cutting stems and leaves together. The seeds somewhat resemble wheat. Thus, one variety is slightly larger with forked edges on the flower petals; it is unknown which is correct. Currently, market vendors all use the smaller variety; another variety has very red leaves. According to the classic texts, fruits should be harvested; the seeds inside are extremely fine and fall off completely when dry and ripe. Currently, market vendors only use stems and leaves, while the fruits are merely empty shells without seeds.