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[Shangpin (Superior Category) of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Nature] Salty, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats malignant sores and erodes the five types of hemorrhoids.
[Analysis] It is said: Wen Ge (Clam Shell, *Meretrix meretrix*) grows in the East Sea, Dengzhou Laizhou, Cangzhou, etc., in places with sea sand and rapid currents. The large ones are two to three inches in diameter, the small ones are five to seven fen. Their shape resembles Hai Ge (Seashell, *Venerupis philippinarum*) and Zi Bei (Purple Cowrie), but uniquely displays colorful patterns on the surface, intricate and lovely. There is no fixed time for harvesting. Processing method: Use two liang, boil in rice wash water for one fu shi (approx. 2 hours), then boil again with two liang each of Gouqi Genpi (Cortex Lycii Radicis) and Ce Baiye (Folium Platycladi) for one fu shi. Pound and use; the efficacy becomes stronger.
[Commentary] It is said: Wen Ge grows in the turbulent sandy shores of the sea, generated by dampness. Dampness combines with closure, hence the shell closes in two halves; the surface is colorful, hence also named Wen Ge. Two valves enclose and hold spiritual fluid, capable of opening and closing, flowing yet not overflowing. Therefore, it primarily treats sores corroded by excessive fire invading and dripping, and five types of hemorrhoids caused by water stagnation in the intestines. In cases where water essence is exhausted, fire loses its flaming nature, both form and function are depleted, and the transformation of Kan (Kidney/Water) ceases, its power is swift as an echo or shadow.

[Shangpin (Superior Category) of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Nature] Pungent, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats heart and abdominal hernia qi, abdominal pain, tonifies qi, treats abscesses, children unable to walk at age three, and malignant sores with yin erosion.
[Analysis] It is said: Wu Jia (Acanthopanacis Cortex) grows in Hanzhong and Yuanju, and in various prefectures of Jianghuai and Hunan, as well as Bianjing and Beidi. The perennial roots sprout again, with seedlings growing densely in spring. The stems resemble vines, reaching six or seven chi or over a zhang in height. Branches and stems intertwine, occasionally having thorns, hence named Bai Ci (White Thorn). Each leaf cluster has five leaves, or three leaves; those with five or three are best, though three are also usable. If three and five intermingle, generating change through their combination, therefore those with four leaves are unsuitable. Leaves resemble Rosa multiflora, with serrated edges. Flowers are white in April, fruits are green, turning black in June; after frost, they appear red and purple mixed, colorful, hence named Wenzhang Cao (Patterned Grass). Roots are harvested in October; the bark is yellow-black, the flesh white, the inner wood hard and strong, hence named Ben Gu (Root Bone). Those from southern regions have roots resembling Cortex Lycii, broad, dense, light, crisp, and fragrant; best for medicinal use or making wine. Generally, the life of trees lies in the bark; mentioning bark for herbs indicates that the essence of Wu Jia lies in the root bark. Those from northern regions resemble Qin Mu and Bo Mu (Juniper/Cypress); the bark is flat like boards, white in color, odorless; used for treating wind-pain, otherwise useless. Master Wang said: Wu Jia is the spirit essence of the Five Chariots star. Water corresponds to the Five Lakes, humans to the Five Virtues, positions to the Five Directions, and objects to the Five Chariots. Thus, blue essence enters the stem, providing liquid of the East; white qi enters the nodes, providing fluid of the West; red qi enters the flowers, providing light of the South; black essence enters the roots, providing viscosity of the North; yellow smoke enters the bark, providing the spirituality of Wu-Ji (Central Earth). The five spirits guard life, transforming and nurturing each other. Those who ingest it become true immortals; those who take it return to infancy. Hence named Jin Qian (Golden Lead), Jin Ye (Golden Liquid), Shen Dan (Divine Elixir), which are secondary names. Mistaking lead for salt is erroneous.
[Commentary] "Wu" (Five) consists of "Er" (Two) and "Yi" (Cross), symbolizing between Heaven and Earth, amidst the mutual intersection of Yang and Yin; "Yi" represents five. Indeed, the number of Heaven is five, the number of Earth is five; when the five positions interact and combine, this constitutes "Jia" (Add/Plus). It is truly transformed from the spirit essences of the Five Elements' stars, pulling heavy loads and traveling long distances to relieve blockages. How could one worry about not curing abscesses? For children unable to walk at age three, where tendons do not rotate and pulses do not sway, this is named according to the endowed form and function. It indeed enters the Five Viscera, but specifically resides in the Jueyin Liver. The Liver stores the qi of tendons and membranes. Therefore, it assists the substance of the Jueyin Liver, executes the function of the Jueyin Liver, and eliminates diseases of the Jueyin Liver, with particularly remarkable efficacy. Also named Wu Jia; fermented with Cypress, it is excellent when consumed at You hour (5-7 PM). It promotes the movement of wine, travels through blood vessels, opens passageways, reaches the Four Streets, penetrates the Nine Orifices, distributes through 265 joints, opens 84,000 pores. In terms of speed and agility, nothing surpasses it. As for commanding wind-dispelling agents, repelling cold and punishing heat, transforming damp-heat into cool grounds, and driving away dampness to achieve high purity, these are its specialized functions.