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[Mosla Chinesis (Jasmine Herb)]
Pungent and hot in nature, non-toxic. The root is hot and highly toxic.
Invention: Mosla chinesis was rarely used in ancient prescriptions. In recent times, it has been used in remedies for white dysentery, taking advantage of its aromatic property to dissipate stale pathogenic qi. Its root is extremely hot and highly toxic; grinding one cun of the root with wine and ingesting it causes immediate coma, with recovery after one day; ingesting two or three cun requires two to three days for recovery. It is only used externally for setting bones and treating dislocations to induce analgesia.

[Elsholtzia splendens (Lanxiang / Patchouli-like Herb)]
Pungent and warm in nature, non-toxic.
Invention: Aromatic substances can all repel foul odors. To expel evil qi, demonic influences, and epidemic seasonal pathogens (Tianxing Shiqi), burning this herb is appropriate. Boiling it in water and washing with the decoction reduces edema and floating qi; bathing with a decoction prepared with fresh ginger (Shengjiang) and mustard seed (Jiezi) is effective for wind-malaria (Feng Nue).

Pungent and slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. Those produced in Guangdong are superior, but the leaves are scarce. Locals often counterfeit it with leaves of *Houttuynia cordata* (Paicao), making it difficult to distinguish. Only those selected from the stem, green in color and free from mildew, are effective.
Invention: Elsholtzia enters the Hand and Foot Taiyin meridians. Its aromatic aroma assists the spleen and awakens the stomach, thus stopping vomiting and regurgitation, opening the appetite, and promoting food intake. It warms the middle jiao, promotes the smooth flow of qi, eliminates miasma, treats cholera-like syndrome (Huoluan), and relieves heart and abdominal pain. For seasonal epidemics and mountain malarial fevers, using this herb to awaken the spleen and strengthen the stomach ensures that pathogenic qi has no place to reside and the disease resolves. However, it should not be used in cases of yin deficiency with hyperactive fire, stomach deficiency causing vomiting, or when there is no internal stagnation, as it may damage healthy qi and draw pathogens inward. Local varieties in Jiangsu and Zhejiang damage the stomach and impair digestion; its stems consume vital qi, so users must exercise caution.

Also known as Lingling Fragrance (Lingling Xiang)
Sweet and neutral in nature, non-toxic. Those produced in Guangdong are superior. Those from Yang are said to have turbid qi and are unsuitable for medicinal use.
Invention: The pungent and dispersing nature of incense herbs ascends and reaches upward, so they are used for heart pain, foul qi, toothache, and nasal congestion. Used alone, it treats nasal polyps and rhinorrhea (Bi Yuan), nourishing the nose with its fragrance. Overconsumption leads to asthma because it dissipates true qi.

Pungent and warm in nature, non-toxic. Transferred from the Vegetable Section. Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* lists Lancao in the Fragrant Grass Section and Lanxiang in the Vegetable Section, named Luo Le, noting they are different species, which has been corrected here. According to records: There are three types of "Lan": One is called Lancao, with a strong and turbid odor, which is the current You Tou Cao. One is called Lanxiang, planted in courtyards where its fragrance is detectable within twenty paces; commonly known as Xiangcao, it is also named Yizi Cao because its seeds can remove corneal opacities. One is named Luo Le, with stems and leaves slightly thicker and larger than Lanxiang; although similar in shape, its odor is pungent and turbid. It is edible when tender and listed only in the Vegetable Section, unsuitable for medicinal use.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* states: Promotes urination, kills parasites and toxins, wards off misfortune. Long-term use tonifies qi, lightens the body, prevents aging, and clarifies the spirit.
Invention: The aromatic scent of Lan can ward off epidemic toxins and evil qi. People in Chu wore it as an amulet. It also repels dampness from sweat, hence the name Bi Han Xiang. It enters the Hand and Foot Taiyin and Yangming meridians, effectively harmonizing the middle jiao, aiding digestion, removing foul qi, and treating vomiting. For Pi Dan syndrome (spleen heat syndrome) characterized by the constant overflow of sweet fluid in the mouth, only this herb can clear it.
Note: Lan is aromatic, pungent, and warm, specifically acting on the qi mechanism; thus, it promotes urination, regulates the liver, and harmonizes the spleen, with effects double that of Huoxiang. It excels at regulating vomiting and regurgitation, and dissipating long-standing stagnant qi. *Suwen* states: "The five flavors enter the mouth and store in the stomach to circulate their fluids and qi. Fluids in the spleen cause sweetness in the mouth, originating from rich and fatty foods. When this qi overflows upward, it transforms into Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome); treatment involves using Lan to remove stale qi." Li Dongyuan’s treatment of Xiao Ke to generate fluids involved drinking Lan leaf decoction, based on this principle. It is also used for toothache and bad breath; Shen Gong Wan includes Lanxiang. The text notes: "If unavailable, Huoxiang may substitute." Modern people mistakenly identify Youlan (Orchid) as Lanxiang, which is absurd. Given the *Bencao Jing*'s description of benefits like promoting urination, killing toxins, and warding off misfortune, could Orchid achieve these? Ancient formulas for Leprosy (Lifeng) used Lanxiang San to dissipate damp-heat and parasites in the lung and stomach. *Puji Fang* treats retrograde vomiting by administering Lanxiang mixed with sugarcane juice. Qian Yi treated pediatric nasal gan (ulceration) and redness/rot with Lan leaf ash (2 qian), cuprum sulfatum (0.5 qian), and mercury chloride (2 qian), powdered and applied three times daily for cure. My son treated corneal opacity and foreign bodies in the eye by placing 3-5 seeds in the eye; shortly after, the seeds swelled with moisture and expelled the object along with them. It also treats acute red eyes followed by membrane formation; inserting one Lanxiang seed into the eye and closing it briefly expels the membrane. This is because the seed expands upon contact with moisture, attracting discharge and membranes. Although no dust should enter the eye, placing 3-5 seeds here is harmless. Additionally, for children whose consumption of rich/fatty foods causes bad breath and blackened teeth (Bengsha), progressing to gum rot (Kui Cao) or bleeding (Xi Lu), and severe cases of tooth loss (Fu Gen), a mixture of Lanxiang seed powder and mercury chloride (1 qian each), calcined lead monoxide (Miduoseng) roasted red and quenched in vinegar, powdered and mixed with half liang of the above, applied sparingly to teeth and gums, combined with oral administration of Ganlu Yin, yields immediate results. Li Shizhen stated: Lanxiang must be sown in March when jujube leaves emerge to germinate; otherwise, it will not grow. Watering frequently with fishy-smelling water, ditch water, or cold mud water makes it fragrant and lush; manure water should be avoided as it causes wilting. Its seeds are flea-sized, brown, and dull, harvested in July. Ants must be guarded against during planting; when wet, the seeds exude oily substances and swell, requiring covering with charcoal powder.