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Acrid, warm, non-toxic. Use after soaking in wine and drying; avoid exposure to fire.

Invention: Wuyao (Linderae Radix) has an aromatic and penetrating nature capable of dispersing various types of Qi stagnation; thus, it is used to treat conditions such as wind-stroke and Qi blockage. When using Wuyao Shunqi San (Wuyao Smooth Qi Powder), the primary step is to unblock the Qi; once the Qi flows smoothly, the pathogenic Wind dissipates. Its acrid-warm property regulates emotional depression (Seven Emotions) leading to upper asthma and急促 breathing, for which Simo Tang (Four-Mo Decoction) or Liumo Tang (Six-Mo Decoction) are indicated. For women's blood-Qi pains and men's numbness/paralysis of the waist and knees, Wuchen Tang (Wuyao and Atractylodes Decoction) is used, borrowing the strength of Renshen (Ginseng Root) to embed tonification within purgation. Generally, it treats Qi and Blood stagnation, cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, and retention of phlegm and food. However, as a product dedicated to draining and descending, it is suitable for commoners with weaker constitutions. If taken by those of refined diets who suffer from Blood deficiency and internal heat, they will rarely escape its harm.

Acrid, warm, slightly toxic. Use without seeds. Those that are small and have a faint taste are called "Mu Xie" (Wood Crab) and are not used in medicine.

Invention: Bo Shang Huixiang (Fennel Fruit) is hot in nature and strong in flavor, entering the Liver Meridian to disperse all cold condensations; hence, it is used in Heixi Dan (Black Tin Pill). It is particularly effective for cases where Yin deficiency leads to Liver Fire rushing upward from the left to the head and face. Essentially, Huixiang, Rougui (Cinnamon Bark), and Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit) are all medicines of the Jueyin Meridian; Wuzhuyu travels through the intestines and stomach, Rougui travels through the Liver organ, while Huixiang travels through the meridians. Combined with salt to guide the medicine into the Kidney Meridian and expel pathogenic factors, it is effective in treating hernia. However, it consumes Blood and generates heat, so it is contraindicated in eye diseases and sores/ulcers.

Also known as Baijiao Xiang (White Resin Fragrance).

Bitter, acrid, neutral, non-toxic.

Invention: Fengxiang (Liquidambar Resin) has a penetrating and unblocking nature, which explains why trees are prone to wormholes; it is an essential herb for external surgery to draw out toxins. For traumatic injuries with severed tendons, applying it alone as a powder is sufficient. In *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), it is used to treat coughing up pus and blood, taking advantage of its ability to open and diffuse Lung Qi. For swelling and pain in the teeth and cheeks caused by Blood heat generating Wind, apply as a powder; after burning, rubbing it on the teeth prevents dental diseases forever.

This is Rufang (Frankincense).

Bitter, acrid, slightly warm, non-toxic. Grind with wine until paste-like, process by water levigation and dry, or bake on bamboo leaves to remove oil, then grind with rush pith to make it brittle.

Invention: Rufang has an aromatic and penetrating nature that enters the Heart Meridian, invigorates Blood, and alleviates pain; thus, it is an essential herb for carbuncles, ulcers, and sores, as all pain, itching, and sores belong to Heart Fire. It is widely used in obstetric formulas, primarily for its function of invigorating and regulating Blood. For anyone whose tendons cannot extend, adding Rufang to fumigation, washing, or topical applications is appropriate because its nature can extend the tendons. Do not take internally after carbuncles and ulcers have ulcerated, do not apply externally when there is excessive pus, and do not use in patients with weak Stomach function.