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Sweet, slightly bitter, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

[Invention] Fanbai Cao (Potentilla discolor) originates from *Jiu Huang Ben Cao* (Compendium of Plants for Famine Relief). People in Chu call it "Hu Ji Tui" (Lake Chicken Leg), and people in Huai call it "Tian Ou" (Heavenly Lotus Root). Li Shizhen said: "Hu Ji Tui grows near marshy fields, is less than one chi high, has three leaves per stem, with pointed, long, and dense leaves featuring wrinkles and serrated edges; the upper surface is green and the underside is white. It blooms small yellow flowers in April, producing seeds resembling Coriandrum sativum seeds (Husu Zi), containing fine seeds inside. The root resembles Atractylodes lancea (Taizhu), pointed at both ends. After peeling off the red skin, the interior is white like chicken meat and feels starchy when eaten; children can eat it raw. In years of famine, it is dug up and mixed with rice for food. It is used in pediatric formulas for extracting toxins from smallpox sores, owing to its cooling, moistening, and detoxifying properties."

Commonly known as Naizhi Cao (Milk Juice Grass); those with seedlings over one chi in height are of good quality.
Sweet, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

[Invention] Pugongying (Taraxacum officinale) belongs to Earth, blooms yellow flowers, and tastes sweet. It resolves food toxicity and disperses stagnant Qi. However, fresh plants must be crushed to extract juice and taken mixed with wine; it acts rapidly in treating Rup Yong (Acute Mastitis). Sleepiness after ingestion is a sign of its efficacy, and recovery occurs with slight sweating.

Also named Teng Kui, alternatively Yan Zhi Cai, commonly known as Ran Lü Zi.
Sour, cold, slippery, non-toxic.

[Invention] Luokai (Malva verticillata) grows by creeping vines, with round, dense leaves resembling apricot leaves. Its fruit resembles Schisandra chinensis (Wu Wei Zi), turning purple when ripe from green; it is found everywhere. Rubbing it yields a red juice like rouge, which women use to decorate their faces and lips, and to dye fabrics. It is called Hu Yan Zhi (Barbarian Rouge) or Ran Lü Zi, but the color fades easily over time. *Bie Lu* states it lubricates the intestines and dissipates heat. Li Shizhen said it promotes urination and defecation. The seed kernels can be made into facial cream; when mixed with white honey and applied, the complexion becomes radiant immediately.

Also named Yuxing Cao (Houttuynia cordata).
Pungent, slightly warm, slightly toxic.

[Invention] Yuxing Cao is rarely used in prescriptions. In recent times, it is only decocted for fumigation and washing of hemorrhoids, and applied externally to malignant sores and tinea capitis (Bai Tu). It is also used to treat sore throat and tonsillitis (Ru E); crushing it to obtain natural juice and inducing vomiting to expel stubborn phlegm shows remarkable efficacy. *Bie Lu* treats wounds caused by earwig urine, and notes that excessive consumption causes asthma; those suffering from Hong Xiang Jiao (Podagra/Foot Qi) should avoid eating it. *Qian Jin Fang* states that individuals with pre-existing Hong Xiang Jiao will never recover if they consume it. Li Shizhen said it dissipates heat and toxin, treats carbuncles and swelling, rectal prolapse, and dysentery, and resolves halogen toxicity. Summarizing these treatments, they all revolve around repelling insect toxins and sores. Even treating hemorrhoids addresses issues caused by dampness generating parasites; specifically utilizing its foul odor to treat foul diseases demonstrates the power of sympathetic resonance between similar energies.