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(Middle Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
[Flavor and Property] Bitter, slightly warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats internal bleeding in nursing women (Ru Fu Nei Nu), residual conditions after wind-stroke (Zhong Feng Yu Ji), abdominal distension with ascites (Da Fu Shui Qi), edema of the four limbs (Si Zhi Fu Zhong), water retention in bone joints (Gu Jie Zhong Shui), metal wounds (Jin Chuang), carbuncles, sores, and pus.
[Verification] It is found everywhere, mostly growing in water. Seedlings emerge in February; the stem is square-shaped with reddish nodes, and leaves grow in whorls of four opposite each other. The leaves resemble those of the orchid grass (Lan Cao) but are not very fragrant; a slight white fuzz on the branches and leaves is distinctive. Flower bracts form in July, pure purple in color, turning purple-white when blooming. The root is greenish-purple, resembling orchid grass.
Preparation: Cut into fine pieces, place in a silk bag, hang in the southern corner of the house, dry in the shade, and use as needed.
[Analysis] Ze Lan grows in water and is where water qi gathers; it clarifies the water body and promotes the circulation of water metabolism. Therefore, it treats internal bleeding in nursing women, abdominal edema, limb edema, water retention in joints, and metal wounds with carbuncles and pus. These conditions all belong to the loss of bodily clarity and the failure of functional circulation. Its ability to ward off misfortune and treat residual wind-stroke conditions are both manifestations of its structural and functional efficacy.

(Middle Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
To live a long life and die naturally, one must first abstain from raw/fresh animal products (Xian).
[Flavor and Property] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats head wind disease (Tou Feng), jaundice (Huang Dan), cough with rebellious qi (Ke Ni), strangury with dribbling (Lin Li), swelling and pain in the female genitalia (Nv Zi Yin Zhong Teng Zhong), damp-bi causing dead muscle tissue (Shi Bi Si Ji), inability to flex or extend, and difficulty walking.
[Verification] Produced in Hezhong, Jiangning, Chuzhou, and Runzhou, with those from Shu being superior. The seedlings and stems are entirely green, leaves slightly whitish, resembling sophora leaves or cornel leaves. Pale purple flowers bloom in April, resembling small hollyhocks. The root resembles a small turnip, with yellowish-white skin and solid interior. The odor strongly resembles mutton fat (yang shan). Roots harvested in spring are firm and white; those harvested in summer are spongy and inferior. Adverse interactions with Mantis Egg Case (Piao Xiao), Platycodon Root (Jie Geng), Poria (Fu Ling), and Dioscorea Hypoglauca Rhizome (Bi Xie).
My ancestors said: The mutton odor corresponds to the Liver; thus, it enters the Liver channel and serves as a herb for regulating Liver qi, treating wind pathogens according to their nature. It can also enter the Spleen to remove dampness, as the Spleen relies on the Liver for its function.
[Analysis] "White" corresponds to Metal; "Xing" (fishy/muttony) refers to the smell and color of Metal. Those who do not die a natural life often consume such foods; hence, only spring-harvested roots are firm and white, while summer-harvested ones are spongy and poor. Because fresh growth has sharp potency, decay leads to weak qi and unfocused efficacy. The bitter flavor and cold property counteract heat diseases. Wind is the root cause; for example, wind attacking the head manifests as head wind; stagnation in the muscle layer manifests as jaundice; invasion of hair follicles manifests as cough and rebellious qi; lodging in the Bladder manifests as strangury; invasion of the yin region manifests as swelling and pain; combined with dampness, it becomes bi syndrome, manifesting as dead muscle tissue; blocking sinews manifests as inability to flex/extend; and affecting standing/walking posture. If combined with a cold root, the flavors and properties would be incompatible.