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The home-cultivated Dianthus superbus (Qumai), bitter, cold, non-toxic.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it primarily treats Guan Ge (a syndrome characterized by urinary retention and vomiting), various Long Jie (syndromes of dribbling or complete obstruction of urination), and urinary obstruction; extracts splinters; resolves carbuncles and swellings; brightens the eyes and removes nebulae; breaks up fetal tissue to induce abortion; and expels obstructed blood.

Invention: Dianthus superbus is used as a sovereign herb for promoting diuresis. Therefore, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* specifically addresses Guan Ge, various Long Jie, and urinary obstruction. In formulas from the *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, for cases of impaired urination with fluid retention where the patient suffers from severe thirst, Gualou Qumai Wan (Trichosanthes and Dianthus Superbus Pill) is used. Ancient formulas consider Dianthus superbus the most crucial herb for unblocking the Heart Meridian and benefiting the Small Intestine. If there is heat in the Heart Meridian but deficiency in the Small Intestine, taking this herb will leave the Heart heat unresolved while causing new ailments in the Small Intestine, due to its excessive draining and descending action. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* also mentions "extracting splinters," referring to applying fresh, mashed Dianthus superbus topically to remove bamboo or wood splinters. Breaking up fetal tissue, inducing abortion, and expelling obstructed blood are all results of its ability to open orifices. Therefore, it is contraindicated during pregnancy and postpartum periods when urination is difficult, as well as in cases of Spleen deficiency edema, because its nature is exclusively draining and qi-depleting.

Also known as Jian Jin Hua, commonly called Jin Zhen Yin Tai (Golden Bowl Silver Stand).
Galega officinalis (Wangbuliuxing), bitter, sweet, neutral, non-toxic.

Invention: Galega officinalis specifically circulates within the Blood aspect; it is an herb belonging to the Yangming, Jueyin, Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel), and Ren Mai (Conception Vessel). It can promote lactation and open orifices; its nature is mobile and does not stay static, thus it is forbidden for pregnant women. One woman suffered from Lin Syndrome (strangury) and was bedridden for a long time; after decocting and taking this herb, she recovered after two doses. Its ability to promote urination and extract splinters shares the same function as Dianthus superbus.

Descurainia sophia (Tingli), pungent, bitter, cold, slightly toxic. Wash with wine and bake before use. Treats fullness and urgency caused by excess water; use raw.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats Zheng Jia (masses with fixed location and pain), Ji Ju (accumulations with movable or painless masses), Qi Jie (qi stagnation), dietary cold-heat discomfort; it breaks hardness, drives out pathogenic factors, and promotes free flow of water passages.

Invention: The bitter-cold nature of Descurainia sophia is no less than that of Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas) and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma); it specifically drains Qi in the Lung. It also enters the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian; therefore, Zhang Zhongjing uses it in Xie Fei Tang (Lung-Draining Decoction). When Lung Qi is congested, the Qi transformation of the Bladder is blocked. This is like water pouring in: if the upper orifice is closed, the lower orifice cannot flow. Water-dampness overflows, leading to panting and chest fullness, swelling, accumulations, and various other diseases. Pungency disperses, bitterness drains; being greatly cold and sinking-descending, it can descend and drive out water, thus treating the various conditions mentioned in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*. It can also promote bowel movements because its texture is light and its nature is sinking-descending, guiding Lung Qi downward into the Large Intestine. Furthermore, it treats Lung Abscess with panting and counterflow, phlegm-Qi knotting, and generalized water dampness. Those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency should avoid it. Dayflower root (Daji) removes water, while Descurainia sophia reduces distension; using them without restraint can cause disease. There are two types of Descurainia sophia: sweet and bitter, differing in their speed of action. Generally, the sweet type has a slow draining nature; although it drains the Lung, it does not injure the Stomach. The bitter type has an urgent draining nature; it drains the Lung and also injures the Stomach, so it is paired with Dazao (Jujube Fruit) to assist. However, for cases of excess water-Qi in the Lung causing fullness and urgency, nothing else can eliminate it. But once the water is gone, stop administration; do not overdose. The *Jin Gui Yao Lue* states: Applying Descurainia sophia to head sores allows the medicinal vapor to enter the brain and kill the patient.