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[Liu Jinu]
Bitter, warm, non-toxic.
Invention: Liu Jinu (Artemisiae Annuae Herba) breaks blood stasis and reduces distension, and can also stop bleeding. Therefore, it is used for various residual conditions after childbirth, as well as bleeding from traumatic injuries (Jin Chuang), and hematochezia or hematuria. *Qianjin Fang* treats blood stasis from fractures and injuries by decocting Liu Jinu, Gusuibu (Drynariae Rhizoma), and Yanhusuo in water, taken with child's urine. *Jijian Fang* treats hematochezia and hematuria by taking Liu Jinu powder mixed with tea infusion on an empty stomach. *Weisheng Yijian Fang* treats Qi and blood distension by decocting Liu Jinu with red wine. Li Shizhen treated pediatric hematuria by administering Liu Jinu powder, which was effective. *Dan Fang* treats hematochezia using half a liang of Liu Jinu, one qian of wax tea, and half a smoked plum, decocted and taken; this is effective. However, its nature is dispersing and moving, so it should not be overused, as it may cause vomiting and diarrhea.

[Xuanfu Hua]
Named Jinfei Cao in *Ben Jing*.
Salty, sweet, warm, slightly toxic.
*Ben Jing* states it governs constrained Qi causing fullness under the hypochondrium and palpitations, promotes urination to remove fluid retention, eliminates cold-heat between the five Zang organs, tonifies the Middle Jiao, and directs Qi downward.
Invention: Xuanfu Hua (Inulae Flos) has an ascending yet descending nature and enters the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. Its function lies in opening constraints and directing Qi downward, promoting fluid metabolism and resolving phlegm, treating palpitations, dispelling stubborn masses, eliminating cold-heat, dispersing wind-dampness, opening stomach Qi, stopping vomiting and reflux, and removing belching. Therefore, it is suitable for cold coughs caused by latent fluid retention in the lungs. Zhang Zhongjing used Xuanfu Daizhe Shi Tang (Inula and Hematite Decoction) to treat post-sweating or purging conditions in Cold Damage where there is stubborn fullness below the heart and persistent belching. *Jin Gui Yao Lue* uses Xuanfu Hua Tang for incomplete abortion with continuous bleeding. Hu Qia used Xuanfu Hua Tang to treat phlegm-fluid retention causing distension and fullness in both hypochondriac regions, all utilizing its ability to direct Qi downward. However, its nature is specifically warm and dispersing; thus, it must not be mistakenly used for Yin-deficiency labor coughs or dry coughs due to wind-heat. If misused, the cough will worsen. When *Ben Jing* says it "tonifies the Middle and directs Qi downward," it means that the sweet flavor moderates the Middle Jiao, and the salty flavor moistens and descends. When phlegm-Qi descends, the Middle Qi becomes peaceful, and the fullness and constraint under the hypochondrium, cold-heat, palpitations, and fluid retention are all eliminated.

[Qingxiangzi]
The seed of Celosia cristata (Cockscomb Flower).
Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic.
*Ben Jing* states it treats pathogenic factors, heat in the skin, wind-induced pruritus, and kills three types of parasites. Its seeds treat bluish discoloration of the lips and mouth.
Invention: Qingxiangzi (Celosiae Semen) treats eye diseases caused by wind-heat, with effects similar to Juemingzi (Cassiae Semen). Although *Ben Jing* does not explicitly mention treating eye diseases, stating it treats bluish lips and mouth indicates it enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. From this, its brightening effect on the eyes can be inferred. It treats wind-induced pruritus and heat in the skin because it can disperse wind-heat within the blood vessels of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian.