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[Asari Radix et Rhizoma]
Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. The best quality comes from Huayin and Liaodong. It is incompatible with Veratrum nigrum (Lilü).

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats cough with reverse flow of Qi, headache, spasms and contracture of all joints, bi-syndrome caused by wind-dampness, necrotic muscle tissue, improves vision, and unblocks the nine orifices.

[Invention/Commentary]
Asari Radix is pungent and warm; its action ascends and enters the blood aspect of the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian, Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian, and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It treats diseases of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) characterized by stiffness of the spine and cold extremities. The *Bencao Jing* treats cough with reverse flow of Qi and headache because it can search out and eliminate pathogens hidden within the Jueyin meridian. When used with Angelica pubescens (Duhuo) as a guide, it effectively treats Shaoyin-type headaches and also addresses various Yang-meridian headaches. Added to various wind-dispelling herbs, it treats bi-syndrome due to wind-dampness and joint spasms. Its ability to remove necrotic tissue and improve vision stems from its pungency which disperses stagnation and opens the collaterals and orifices. Being pungent and hot, it warms the Shaoyin meridian; therefore, Zhang Zhongjing uses Ephedrae Herba, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata, and Asari Radix Decoction (Mahuang Fuzi Xixin Tang) for Shaoyin syndrome, utilizing its pungent-warm dispersing property. Thus, it is used for headaches caused by wind-cold or wind-dampness, mouth ulcers, throat obstruction, and dental diseases, taking advantage of its ability to disperse floating heat, consistent with the principle of "releasing fire depression." Pungency can drain the Lung; hence, it is suitable for cough and asthma due to wind-cold. Pungency can tonify the Liver; thus, when Gallbladder Qi is insufficient leading to excess Liver Qi, causing fright, epilepsy, and eye disorders, it is appropriate. Pungency can moisten dryness; therefore, it is suitable for blocking of the Shaoyin meridian, other meridians, and ear orifices. Furthermore, it treats phlegm nodules and damp-fire causing nasal congestion. For mouth and tongue ulcers, a powder of Asari Radix and Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian) can be applied. It is contraindicated for patients with Blood deficiency, internal heat, fire depression causing headache and fever, or cough, because its pungent and acrid nature consumes True Qi. Asari Radix is extremely pungent; dosage should not exceed 2.5 grams (5 fen).

[Duheng / Dictamni Radix]
Commonly known as Matixiang, also named Dukui.
Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic.

[Invention/Commentary]
Dictamni Radix has an aromatic and penetrating scent similar to Asari Radix, so pharmacies often use it to adulterate Asari Radix. It can also dispel wind-cold from the head and eyes, direct Qi downward, resolve phlegm, promote water metabolism, and break blood stasis. However, its qi is turbid and cannot search out and cleanse cold from the Shaoyin meridian, making it slightly inferior to Asari Radix.

[Baiwei / Cynanchi Atrati Radix]
Bitter and salty in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats sudden stroke, body heat and limb fullness, mental confusion/unconsciousness, mania and delirious behavior due to pathogenic factors, alternating chills and fever, soreness and pain, and intermittent fever (Wen Nue) occurring at specific times.

[Invention/Commentary]
Cynanchi Atrati Radix is bitter and salty with a neutral nature, possessing descending and draining properties. It suppresses Yang and supports Yin. It is a primary herb for the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and also acts on the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. The *Bencao Jing* treats sudden stroke with body heat and limb fullness because heat depression generates wind, and phlegm surges with fire, leading to mental confusion, mania, alternating chills and fever, and soreness/pain, all caused by heat pathogens. Wen Nue (Warm Malaria) is latent pathogenic qi from winter that manifests in spring. Miao Xiyong in *Jingshu* suggests it is caused by Summerheat damaging the body, manifesting as Warm Malaria in autumn, which likely contradicts the original intent of the *Jing*. The *Bielu* treats leukorrhea and dripping sensations due to internal injury. In women, damage to the Yin region and Ying-Blood leads to this condition; Baiwei clears heat and benefits Yin, curing these symptoms. By promoting water metabolism and benefiting Yin Qi, it primarily relies on its Yin-nourishing effect; when True Yin is replenished, pathological fluids descend. Its nature favors descending and draining, so long-term use is beneficial. The *Jinkui Yaolue* uses it in Zhupi Wan to treat postpartum deficiency irritability and vomiting, stabilizing the Middle and boosting Qi. The *Qianjin Fang* uses it in Zhenyu Tang to treat Wind-Warm disease after sweating, characterized by burning heat, spontaneous sweating, heaviness of the body, somnolence, snoring breath, and difficulty speaking. It also treats urinary incontinence in women, regardless of pre- or postpartum status, using Baiwei Shaoyao Tang, leveraging its Yin-tonifying power while acting on the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian to clear the upper source of the Bladder (Lung being the upper source of water), which is distinct from deficiency-cold incontinence. Ancient formulas frequently use Baiwei for gynecological conditions because the *Bielu* records its efficacy in treating internal injury-related leukorrhea. It is contraindicated for those with Spleen/Stomach deficiency, poor appetite, diarrhea, wheezing/cough with excessive sweating, or external leakage of Yang Qi.