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Ge Gen (Puerariae Radix): Sweet and neutral in nature, non-toxic. The white-colored variety is superior. It enters the Yangming channel. When used as a superficial-releasing drug, it should be used raw; for stomach heat causing excessive thirst, it should be used after being roasted with bran (wei).
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states that it mainly treats xiao ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), high fever of the body, vomiting, and various bi syndromes (painful obstruction); it raises yang qi and resolves various toxins.
[Invention] Ge Gen has an ascending nature and belongs to Yang; it can stimulate the clear yang qi within the Stomach. Therefore, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats wasting-thirst, fever, and vomiting, allowing Stomach qi to distribute throughout the body, so that various bi syndromes naturally open up. The statements regarding "raising yang qi" and "resolving various toxins" imply that when Stomach qi ascends and develops, various pathogenic factors and toxins cannot remain and are naturally dispersed. Ge Gen is a specific herb for the Yangming channel, treating pain in the forehead and supraorbital ridge, as well as vomiting and counterflow caused by epidemic heat pathogens. It has the effects of releasing the exterior, resolving muscle tension, opening the stomach, stopping thirst, and venting macules and pustules. If a disease begins in the Taiyang channel with headache but no thirst, indicating the pathogen has not yet entered the Yangming channel, Ge Gen should not be used immediately, lest it draw the pathogen inward. Zhang Zhongjing used Gegen Tang (Pueraria Decoction) for combined Taiyang and Yangming diseases presenting with diarrhea without urinary difficulty, or merely vomiting. For Taiyang disease where purgation was mistakenly applied, leading to incessant diarrhea, panting, sweating, and a rapid pulse, Gegen Huangqin Huanglian Tang (Pueraria, Scutellaria, and Coptis Decoction) was used. These prescriptions are formulated according to the severity of cold and heat in the exterior and interior of the two channels. Treating according to the syndrome yields miraculous results instantly. Additionally, Gegen Congbai Tang (Pueraria and Scallion Decoction) is considered a divine remedy for Yangming headaches. Once macules and rashes have appeared as distinct spots, Ge Gen and Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) must not be used, as this may worsen ulceration due to exterior deficiency. Furthermore, Ge Gen is light and floating; when used raw, it raises yang and generates fluids; when cooked/roasted, it stimulates Stomach qi. Thus, it is used in Qiwei Baizhu San (Seven-Ingredient Atractylodes Macrocephala Powder) to treat thirst caused by Stomach deficiency. In Qingshu Yiqi Tang (Clear Summerheat and Boost Qi Decoction), Huangqi (Astragali Radix) is included alongside Ge Gen because summerheat damages the Yangming channel, causing distension in the forehead and skull, which requires this herb to develop and disperse. Ge Hua (Puerariae Flos) can resolve alcohol toxicity and is used in Gehua Jiejiu Tang (Pueraria Flower Decoction); it must be combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma). However, those without alcohol toxicity should not take it, as it damages Yuan qi (primordial qi) by greatly opening the muscle layer and causing fluid loss through sweating.

Tian Dong (Asparagi Radix): Also known as Tianji Gen. Sweet and cold in nature, non-toxic. After baking, remove the heart; select plump and white varieties as superior. Avoid consuming with carp.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states that it mainly treats various sudden wind-dampness hemiplegic bi syndromes, strengthens the bone marrow, kills three types of parasites, removes fu shi (hidden corpses/ghostly afflictions), and with long-term use, lightens the body, boosts qi, prolongs life, and prevents hunger.
[Invention] Tian Dong is a drug for the qi aspect of the Hand-Taiyin Lung channel. It also unites Kidney qi, treating coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, fei wei (lung atrophy), fei yong (lung abscess), hematemesis, epistaxis, dry cough with phlegm stagnation. Its cold and moistening nature nourishes the Lung; it is suitable for cases where Lung qi is hot and dry. The Lung is a pure and hollow organ; coolness calms the qi, while heat agitates it. Tian Dong protects the Lung, preventing the qi from being disturbed by fire. Combined with Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix), it treats hemoptysis and expectoration of pus-blood caused by deficiency-heat in the Heart and Lung, and also treats re lin (hot strangury). Combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma) and Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), it stabilizes deficiency asthma, because when Lung qi descends, qi transformation occurs normally, enabling proper respiration. However, for individuals with Spleen deficiency presenting with diarrhea and aversion to food, even if the aforementioned symptoms exist, this herb should not be administered lightly, as its descending and draining action is too strong. Li Shizhen stated that Tian Dong clears Metal (Lung) and descends fire, benefiting the upper source of Water (Lung), thus it can descend to connect with Kidney qi and is effective when added to tonifying formulas. However, long-term use by individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold will inevitably lead to loose bowels, potentially forming chronic diseases, due to its cold nature promoting bowel movement. The *Shennong Bencao Jing*'s statement on treating sudden wind-dampness hemiplegic bi syndromes implies that heat generates wind, sudden onset belongs to fire, and hemiplegic bi is caused by damp-heat. Therefore, treating wind requires first clearing fire, and clearing fire relies on nourishing yin. The three parasites and fu shi mentioned are all transformed from damp-heat in the Spleen and Kidney; clearing damp-heat from these two channels eliminates the risk of parasites and hidden afflictions. It can also prolong life and prevent hunger, hence it is frequently used in bigu (grain-avoidance) prescriptions.