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**Wei Xian (Dentaria japonica / Lysimachia clethroides):** Bitter, astringent, warm, non-toxic. *Suwen* calls it Mi Xian; *Tang Bencao* calls it Lu Xian; *Qianjin Fang* calls it Lu Yao Cao, stating that if a deer is ill, chewing this herb will cure it. The true variety has large leaves with green upper surfaces and purple undersides. Su Gong mentions two types: large and small. Bao Sheng states the leaves resemble Chongwei (Leonurus japonicus), grow in clusters, and those with hairs are called Wu Feng Cao.

*Shennong Benjing* indicates it treats wind-damp bi syndrome, Li Jie pain (pain affecting multiple joints), fright-epilepsy, hematemesis, palpitations due to thief-wind, and shu lou (scrofula) and carbuncles.

**Invention:** Lu Xian, according to *Benjing*, specifically treats wind-damp bi syndrome and Li Jie pain. *Suwen* uses Ze Zhu (Atractylodes macrocephala combined with Cyperus rotundus) to treat jiu feng (alcohol-induced wind) characterized by body heat, lethargy, sweating like bathing, aversion to wind, and shortness of qi; this also relies on its ability to remove wind-damp pathogens lingering in the blood vessels. It also treats fright-epilepsy and palpitations, as well as various forms of vomiting or spitting blood, because it enters the stomach and the blood aspect of the Kidney and Liver, specifically regulating pathogenic dampness in the blood without causing stagnation. In recent times, it is used for hematemesis and hemoptysis because it can warm and tonify the essence and blood of the Chong and Du vessels. People in Shaanxi call it Lu Bao Cao, saying that when deer eat it, they become pregnant. Its warm nature indicates it tonifies the lower yuan (lower burner/origin). It is also produced in the mountains of Wuxing. Every early summer, herds of deer lead their young to chew and eat it before leaving, which is indeed authentic beyond doubt. After harvesting and sun-drying, steeping it alone in wine is most beneficial. However, its nature specifically aids yang, and its strength can disperse yin essence. Therefore, Zang Qi stated: "Women who take it will lose fertility and have no children," which is indeed insightful. Its seed is named Yan Shou Guo (Longevity Fruit), with a slightly astringent and sweet taste, found only in the Qin region. It is not only beneficial for the elderly but is especially a superior medicine for infants with congenital deficiency. Unfortunately, it is rarely obtained in the south.

**Xia Ku Cao (Prunella vulgaris):** Bitter, pungent, warm, non-toxic.

*Shennong Benjing* indicates it treats cold and heat luo li (scrofula), shu lou, head sores, breaks masses, dissipates ying (goiter) and stagnant qi, leg swelling with damp-bi, and lightens the body.

**Invention:** Xia Ku Cao, according to *Benjing*, specifically treats cold and heat luo li, possessing the function of nourishing the Jueyin (Liver/Pericardium) blood vessels. Because pungency can dissipate nodules and bitterness can clear heat, the mass and goiter stagnation are dispersed. The statement about "lightening the body" implies that once leg swelling and damp-bi are cured, the sensation of heaviness disappears. Combined with Xiang Fu (Cyperus rotundus) and Gan Cao (Glycyrrhiza uralensis), it treats eye pain that worsens at night, because it embodies pure yang qi and disperses heat stagnated within yin. It can also resolve internal heat, soothe liver fire, and through the method of contrary treatment, it is effective for residual toxins after smallpox/variolae and for liver heat causing red eyes. Long-term use requires caution to prevent stomach damage, as it readily enters the Jueyin channel to assist the qi of liver wood.