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Lingxiao Flower, also known as Ziw ei.
Acidic in taste, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Classic of Herbal Medicine) states it treats residual diseases after childbirth in women, metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding), zhengjia (abdominal masses), blood obstruction with chills and fever, emaciation, and fetal preservation.

[Invention/Commentary] Lingxiao flower is a herb that enters the blood aspect of the Foot-Shaoyin and Foot-Jueyin meridians; it can clear latent fire from the blood. The *Bencao Jing* indicates its use for metrorrhagia and zhengjia, as well as blood obstruction with chills and fever and emaciation. The claim of "fetal preservation" implies that there are stagnant blood clots internally; once the stasis dissipates, the fetus becomes secure naturally. This is no different from using Taoren (Peach Seed) and Danpi (Moutan Bark) in Guizhi Fuling Wan (Cinnamon Twig and Poria Pill) from the *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) to treat chronic pathological accumulations during pregnancy. It is frequently used for zhengjia, blood obstruction, stabbing pain due to qi and blood stagnation, leprosy, and foul sores, all owing to its efficacy in dispersing evil blood. It is strictly contraindicated for those whose fetal movement is unstable due to causes other than blood stasis.

Xuanhua, also known as Chanzhi Mudan.
Sweet and pungent in taste, non-toxic. Can be processed with Xionghuang (Realgar).
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats dark complexion. Meihao (referring to its beneficial effects) tonifies qi. Its root treats cold and heat pathogenic factors in the abdomen.

[Invention/Commentary] Generally, plants belonging to the vine family resemble human sinews, so they are often used to treat tendon disorders. The root of Xuanhua is thin like a sinew and edible. The *Bencao Jing* states it treats cold and heat pathogenic factors in the abdomen. The *Bielu* (Recorded Appendices by Famous Physicians) states that long-term consumption prevents hunger. When Li Shizhen returned from the capital, he observed cart drivers in the northern regions carrying this plant, stating that decocting it into soup for evening consumption could replenish injuries. Thus, the theory of tonifying qi and reconnecting sinews is further corroborated. If a sinew is severed, juice extracted from crushed Xuanhua roots should be dripped onto the severed end, and the dregs applied topically; changing this twice daily will result in reconnection within half a month.

Qiangwei Zi, named Yingshi.
Acidic in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic.
In the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, Yingshi treats carbuncles, malignant sores, flesh knots and tendon injuries (jierou diejin), heat from deteriorating sores, genital erosion that fails to heal, and promotes joint mobility.

[Invention/Commentary] Qiangwei refers to the wild white-flowered variety. Its nature specializes in detoxification, while its fruits additionally disperse nodules. Conditions such as flesh knots, tendon injuries, deteriorating sores, and genital erosion can all be treated. The indications in the *Bencao Jing* refer specifically to its fruit, whereas its root enters the Yangming Meridian to dispel wind and eliminate parasites, making it commonly used for carbuncles, sores, and tinea. The *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) uses the root decoction to treat xiaoke (wasting-thirst syndrome) with polyuria. It is also considered a miraculous drug for treating mouth ulcers. The *Taiping Shenghui Fang* treats pediatric enuresis by administering it prepared with wine. These applications derive from its ability to warm the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, thereby benefiting the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian through connection.