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Suhexiang (Styrax): Sweet in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Originates from countries such as Tianzhu (India) and Kunlun, and is also produced in Annan (Vietnam) and Samfelchi (Sumatra). Its texture resembling gum is known as Suhexia You (Suhexia Oil). The best quality has a slightly green color like the plumage of a pheasant; those with a slightly yellow color are inferior; those with a purple-red color are even worse. The highest grade is identified by lifting it with a hairpin: if it stretches to a length of one chi without breaking, behaves like silk, and slowly curls up like a hook, it is superior. Authenticity is verified by rubbing a small amount on the palm; if the fragrance penetrates through to the back of the hand, it is genuine. It must not be exposed to fire.

Invention (Theoretical Explanation): Suhexiang gathers the qi of various aromatic substances. It can repel evil influences and kill demonic spirits. It treats warm malaria, gu poison, epilepsy, and spasms; eliminates three types of parasites; removes pathogenic factors; and penetrates all orifices and zang-fu organs, dispelling all abnormal qi. In cases of phlegm accumulation leading to qi rebellion (Jue syndrome), this herb must first be used to open and guide the flow, as treating phlegm fundamentally requires regulating qi. For miasmic dampness from mountainous regions invading the meridians, causing uneven muscle tension or flaccidity, only this herb can eliminate it. However, due to its dry and penetrating nature, it is strictly contraindicated for individuals with yin deficiency and excessive internal heat.

Longnaoxiang (Borneol): Pungent and bitter in taste, warm in nature, toxic. Contraindicated when exposed to fire.

Invention (Theoretical Explanation): Longnaoxiang penetrates deeply into the bone marrow; it is suitable for wind diseases located in the bone marrow. If wind pathogens are in the blood vessels and muscles, using it may instead draw the wind deeper into the bone marrow. Its pungent flavor allows it to move rapidly, thus it can dissipate heat and unblock Guan-Ge (obstruction) and stagnant qi. Formulas such as Zhang Yunqi's Ginseng Powder (Renshen San) and Bi Zi Ren Tang (Bi Zi Ren Decoction) frequently include this herb. It treats eye pain, throat obstruction (Houbi), and chancres (Xiagan) by utilizing its pungent-warm property to disperse fire stagnation. Li Shizhen stated that ancient formulas describe Longnaoxiang as pungent-cool entering the Heart meridian. Therefore, for eye diseases, convulsions, and carbuncles with heart heat or inverted eruption (Dao Ye) due to blood stasis, pig heart blood was used as an guiding agent to scatter toxins outward, thereby promoting eruption. This view is plausible yet incorrect. Eye pain, convulsions, and carbuncles are all fire diseases involving fire stagnation. The treatment method follows the principle of "treating according to the nature" (Cong Zhi), employing pungent-warm dispersing methods. By unblocking congestion and smoothing the meridians, convulsive heat naturally subsides, and carbuncle toxins can be expelled. However, it should not be used in large doses, as excessive use will immediately deplete the True Qi (Zhen Qi). Individuals in desperate situations who wish to commit suicide may die instantly after swallowing two xu (approx. 60g), because its pungent and fierce nature can instantly dissipate the True Qi. People mistakenly believe it is cold; they do not realize its pungent-dispersing nature merely feels cool. In treating fire syndromes, if the tongue protrudes several cun, applying Borneol causes it to retract, which exemplifies guiding fire back to its source (Yin Huo Gui Yuan). It is unsuitable for eye conditions caused by yin deficiency.