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The root of *Jin Deng Hua* (Golden Lantern Flower). It blooms in the ninth lunar month with crimson flowers; since the flowers and leaves do not appear simultaneously, it is also known as *Wu Yi Cao* (Meaningless Grass).

Sweet, slightly pungent, slightly toxic.

Invention: *Shan Ci Gu* (Cremastra appendiculata) has the effect of breaking up hardness and resolving toxicity, treating conditions such as carbuncles, sores, scrofula (Lymphatic Tuberculosis), and tubercles. It is used in *Zi Jin Ding* (Purple Gold Pill) to resolve various toxins. The *Dan Fang* (Prescriptions for Alchemists) records its use for facial scars: mix *Shan Ci Gu* powder with a small amount of *Qing Fen* (Calomel) and *Peng Sha* (Borax) powder. First, apply alkaline water to the affected area with a brush, then sprinkle the medicine on top, cover with *Tai Yi Gao* (Great One Plaster), and change once daily. After the nodules have completely disappeared, protect the area with a mixture of *Ying Shi Bai* (White Eagle Droppings) and *Mi Tuo Seng* (Litharge) powder blended with honey water. Avoid wind exposure for several days; efficacy will be seen daily. However, scars located on the eyelids cannot be treated because the constant blinking prevents the medication from staying in place.

Also known as *Di Jin*.

Sweet, cold, non-toxic. It resembles *Bai Mai Gen* (Medicago sativa root); *Bai Mai Gen* originates from Brazil and is rarely obtained elsewhere.

The *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states it treats weakness and emaciation due to overstrain, tonifies the middle and boosts Qi, removes blood stasis and blood obstruction with cold-heat symptoms, and promotes urination.

Invention: Its sweet and cold nature can subdue and eliminate latent heat, promote urination, and relieve thirst. It treats hiccups, wheezing, and dry retching caused by Shang Han (Cold Damage Syndrome), hematemesis, epistaxis, and bleeding from urine or feces. It treats jaundice, edema, stomach reflux with upward qi rebellion, painful and hot dysuria (Five Lin Syndromes), and dry, purple, non-elevating chickenpox lesions. However, if vomiting or epistaxis is caused by cold, it is contraindicated. The *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing*'s indication for "weakness due to overstrain" exists because its sweet and cold nature nourishes deficiency-heat without endangering Stomach Qi. The phrase "tonifies the middle and boosts Qi" refers to cases where external pathogenic factors invade the Middle Jiao, gradually leading to emaciation; it is not suitable for the primary disease of physical overstrain. Ancients noted that *Bai Mao Gen* resembles *Bai Mai Gen*. Currently, *Suzhou* no longer offers it as annual tribute, making *Bai Mai Gen* unavailable, yet *Bai Mao Gen* is fully sufficient for relieving thirst and clearing heat. Its flower (*Mao Hua*) is sweet and warm, white in color and light/void in texture; its force ascends into the Lung to dissipate heat and stop bleeding. Crushed old thatch from roofs applied to wet, rotting herpes lesions utilizes its ability to absorb dampness.

Bitter, astringent, very cold, slightly toxic. Remove the rhizome node, or stir-fry with wine, or soak in Licorice Decoction overnight. Do not take on an empty stomach, as it may cause urinary incontinence.

The *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing* states it treats cold-heat sensations between bones, evil qi causing fright and epilepsy, reconnects severed injuries, stabilizes the Five Viscera, and kills gu poison.

Invention: *Cao Long Dan* (Gentiana Scabra) is bitter and cold, sinking and descending; it primarily clears evil heat from the Liver Meridian and damp-heat from the Lower Jiao, treating alcohol-induced jaundice with swelling, red and swollen eye diseases, hyperplastic flesh, pediatric Liver Qi disorders, and expelling intestinal parasites. For damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, bitter-cold herbs are taken to drain it. Li Shizhen said: Ministerial Fire resides in the Liver and Gallbladder, requiring draining rather than tonifying. Thus, draining the heat of the Liver and Gallbladder truly benefits their Qi. However, overly bitter and cold substances excessively damage the generating Qi of the Stomach, potentially aiding fire pathogens, similar to the principle that long-term use of Huang Lian (Coptis Rhizome) may transform into fire. The *Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing*'s mention of "cold-heat between bones" refers to heat damaging Kidney Water; extreme heat generates wind, causing convulsions, which may severe become epilepsy. Damp-heat evil qi in the Middle and Lower Jiao cannot be removed without this herb, as it specifically attacks Liver-Gallbladder pathogens. Once these pathogens are removed, the Five Viscera harmonize, and severed meridians are restored. Killing gu poison means eliminating the harm of damp-heat. Individuals with deficient Stomach Qi will vomit after taking it; those with Spleen deficiency will experience diarrhea. Even if damp-heat is present, caution is advised, and it should not be used lightly.