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Bitter, pungent, warm in nature, non-toxic.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) records its indications for treating cold-heat-damp bi syndrome in the muscles and bones, muscle spasms and contractures, improving vision, strengthening teeth, unblocking the nine orifices, and expelling tapeworms (intestinal parasites).

[Invention] Manjingzi (Vitex trifolia L.) enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Its substance is light and floating, thus it treats cold-heat-damp bi syndrome and spasticity in the muscles and bones. Ascending and dispersing, it can improve vision, strengthen teeth, unblock the nine orifices, expel tapeworms, and treat eye pain caused by wind-cold and syndromes of wind-deficiency in the head and face. However, it should not be taken by individuals with weak Stomach Qi, as it may aggravate phlegm-dampness and cause pathology. It is contraindicated for headache and eye pain not caused by wind-pathogens but due to Blood deficiency with Fire; it is especially taboo for those with dilated pupils.

Bitter, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Those that taste like gallbladder bile and have a deep purple color are of superior quality.
[Invention] Zijing (Cercidiphyllum japonicum Bark) is the essence of trees, entering the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian blood levels. It can break up old blood stasis, treat five types of strangury (Lin syndrome), unblock the Small Intestine, and resolve various toxins. It treats Red Chest (chest diaphragm heat stagnation) and Yellow Ear (otorrhea) caused by Cold Damage (Shanghan), promotes blood circulation, reduces swelling, and is an essential herb for treating杖疮 (traumatic wounds from beating). For treating carbuncles, sores, flowing abscesses, and various toxic conditions where the cold-heat nature is unclear, use Zijingpi (Cercidiphyllum japonicum Bark), Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), Chishao (Paeoniae Radix Rubra), Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix), and Bai La (Beeswax), stir-fried and ground into powder, applied externally mixed with Scallion Decoction. If pain is severe and tendons are not relaxed, adding Ruxiang (Olibanum) yields excellent results.

Sweet, bitter, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic.
[Invention] Jin (Hibiscus mutabilis) is a crucial herb for treating tinea (ringworm), moistening dryness, and promoting blood circulation. The variety produced in Sichuan, which has a dense texture and red color, is considered superior but is hard to obtain in the world. Tujinpi (Phellodendri Amurensis Cortex) can also be used, though its efficacy is weaker. It treats intestinal wind with bloody stool by utilizing its heat-clearing and lubricating properties. It treats thirst after dysentery because residual heat remains in the meridians and body fluids are insufficient. Its flowers, specifically the multi-petaled white ones, are dried in the shade and ground into powder. To treat regurgitation and vomiting, take two qian with aged glutinous rice decoction, twice daily. Red flowers treat intestinal wind with bloody dysentery; white flowers treat leukorrhea and white dysentery, both baked before use. Seeds treat migraine and tension-type headaches; smoke the burning seeds to fumigate the affected area, and also take one qianbi (a small spoonful) of the powder with wine for efficacy.

Pungent, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
[Invention] Furongye (Hibisci Sabdariffae Folium) has miraculous effects in dissipating carbuncles and sores. Surgeons secretly name this formula Qingliang Gao (Cooling Paste); Tiegu San (Iron Hoof Powder) is also made from this herb. Adding Sheng Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Chixiaodou (Phaseoli Semen), and Shexiang (Moschus), the therapeutic effect is very rapid.