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[Shi Nan]
Also known as Ju Gu (Giant Bone).
Bitter, neutral. Another view holds it to be acrid and cold, non-toxic.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states: It treats heat in the skin, eliminates pathogenic factors, stops enuresis, and promotes urination.

[Commentary]
Soushu (Clematis Root) is similar to Gouqi (Lycium Fruit). Ancient physicians distinguished them by the presence or absence of thorns and the height of the tree. However, Gouqi does have thorns; small trees have more thorns, while large trees have fewer. This is no different from Suan Zao (Ziziphus Seed) and Bai Ji (White Thorn). The entry for Gouqi in *Shennong Bencao Jing* mentions treating pathogenic factors in the five viscera and "heat-in-the-middle with thirst" (Xiao Ke), which corresponds to Soushu's function of eliminating pathogenic factors. The entry for Gouqi also mentions treating generalized bi-syndrome and wind-dampness, which corresponds to Soushu's functions of stopping enuresis and promoting urination. Eliminating pathogenic factors from the five viscera cures heat-in-the-middle and thirst. Promoting the flow of fluids and clearing heat from the water passages cures generalized bi-syndrome and wind-dampness. When urination is smooth and unobstructed, Qi transformation proceeds without stagnation, and the uterus remains harmonious. Observing that *Qianjin Fang* uses it together with Mei He Ren (Prunus Mume Seed), Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower), Cao Ben (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome), Ze Lan Zi (Lygodium Spore), and Ge Shang Ting Chang (Meloe Beetle) to clear thirty-six diseases of the uterus, its nature of clearing and draining wind-heat can be understood. Some claim that Ju Gu is simply the larger part of Di Gu (Lycium Bark). According to botanical records, seeds are collected or roots are dug up and planted in fertile soil; once seedlings emerge, they are cut and eaten as vegetables, which is excellent. Thus, the name Soushu may well refer to this plant.

[Shi Nan]
Acrid, bitter, neutral, non-toxic.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states: It nourishes Kidney Qi, treats internal injury leading to Yin deficiency, and benefits sinews, bones, skin, and hair.

[Commentary]
Shi Nan does not wither in severe winter and turns bright red after enduring frost, indicating its warm nature and ability to benefit the Kidneys. The statements in *Shennong Bencao Jing* regarding nourishing Kidney Qi, treating internal Yin deficiency, and benefiting sinews, bones, skin, and hair all derive from its Kidney-benefiting efficacy. In ancient formulas, it was a key herb for treating wind-bi syndrome and Kidney weakness. Today, people rarely use it, likely due to Zhen Quan's *Yaoxing Lun*, which claims it causes impotence. In fact, taking this herb strengthens the Kidneys. Those indulgent individuals misuse it to gratify their desires, resulting in weakness, yet blame the herb—a matter worthy of sighing.

[Huang Jing]
It is Huang Jing (Vitex Negundo).
The fruit is bitter and warm; the root and rhizome are sweet and bitter, neutral; the stem juice is sweet and neutral, non-toxic.

[Commentary]
Huang Jing is an herb that treats wind, expels dampness, resolves phlegm, and clears heat. The fruit removes cold and heat between the bones, directs Qi downward, and treats heart pain and leukorrhea in women. Cooked and decocted in wine, it treats Xiao Chang Shan Qi (Small Intestine Hernia). Soaked in wine, it treats deafness. The leaves treat Huo Luan (Cholera-like disease) with muscle cramps, and lower-body dampness causing Hong Jiao Zhong Man (Podagra/Swollen Feet); burning the stems in a jar to fumigate the Yongquan (KI 3) acupoint and painful areas induces sweating, leading to recovery. Crushed and applied externally, it treats snakebites. The root treats various winds affecting the head, heart, and limbs, releases the muscle layer, and induces sweating. The stem treats burns and ulcerated sores. Decocted and used as a mouthwash, it treats wind-fire toothache. Huang Jing Li (Vitex Juice) clears wind-heat, opens the meridians, guides out phlegm, moves Blood and Qi, and resolves heat-dysentery. *Qianjin Yi Fang* states: Patients with wind disorders often have heat; it is advisable to take Zhu Li (Bamboo Juice), Jing Li (Vitex Juice), and Jiang Zhi (Ginger Juice) mixed evenly and taken hot until cured. For excessive heat, use more Zhu Li; for excessive cold, use more Jing Li. When using both juices together, adding Ginger Juice prevents stagnation. However, those with Qi deficiency who cannot eat should use Zhu Li, while those with robust Qi who can eat should use Jing Li.