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Hu sui, also known as Yuan sui.
Pungent, warm, slightly toxic. Contraindicated for those taking Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu) and Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi).

[Invention] Hu sui is pungent and warm; its aromatic nature penetrates inward to connect with the Heart and Spleen, and outwardly reaches the four limbs. It can repel all kinds of evil qi (pathogenic factors). Decocting it in water to rinse the mouth or wash after drinking alcohol completely removes the smell of alcohol. When acneiform eruptions (smallpox/chickenpox) fail to erupt smoothly, crushing it and applying it to clothes or bedding helps promote eruption. However, if used during spring and summer when yang qi is ascending and expanding, it may instead assist heat toxicity, potentially causing the lesions to turn black and sink inward; thus, caution is essential. Hua Tuo stated that individuals suffering from bromhidrosis (fox odor) should avoid eating it. For those with halitosis, consuming it will exacerbate the condition. Those taking Biotite (Yunmu) or Helictites (Zhongru) should avoid it, as its pungent-warm nature can counteract the efficacy of other medicines.

Xiang cai, nature neutral, non-toxic.

[Invention] Xiang cai enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian, Hand-Shaoyin Pericardium Meridian, and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It can stimulate appetite and aid digestion. It is specifically indicated for treating bladder hernia and kidney qi rushing up to the hypochondrium causing stabbing pain like a knife, accompanied by panting and difficulty breathing. Crushed raw and mixed with hot wine, then squeezed for juice intake, because its pungent aroma does not scatter excessively and is good at descending turbid yin qi. Individuals with excessive fire in the lower jiao or prone to spontaneous erections should avoid eating it.

Commonly known as Shui qin.
Sweet, slightly pungent, slightly toxic.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states: It treats leukorrhea and vaginal bleeding in women, nourishes essence, preserves blood vessels, tonifies qi, makes the body robust and strong, and induces craving for consumption.

[Invention] According to records: There are two types. One grows in flat fields, called Han qin (dry celery), born from the azure-yang qi, with a pungent and penetrating flavor. It can clear turbid dampness from the stomach. Therefore, the *Bencao Jing* indicates it for treating leukorrhea in women; once turbid dampness is removed, the stomach qi becomes pure, allowing essence and blood to be sustained, making one robust and inducing craving for food. The other type grows in marshes, called Shui qin (water celery), born from excessive dampness qi, with a pungent and muddy flavor. Insects hide among the leaves, invisible to the naked eye; consuming it causes illness, manifesting as bluish complexion, blue hands, abdominal distension resembling pregnancy, unbearable pain, termed "Jiaolong disease" (Dragon Monster Disease). Taking two to three sheng of hard malt sugar causes vomiting, after which recovery occurs. This is largely due to snake venom toxicity. Its root is white; those reaching a chi in length are called Ma qin (horse celery). Consuming it causes skin sores and scabies due to its intense damp-heat qi. Eating it with vinegar damages teeth. Individuals with bie jia (abdominal masses caused by turtle/bile stagnation) must not consume it.