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[Shennong Bencao Jing, Middle Category]
Seaweed growing in shallow water has small leaves because it absorbs a shallow amount of aquatic essence; seaweed growing in deep water has large leaves because it absorbs a deep amount of aquatic essence.

[Aroma and Flavor] Bitter, salty, cold nature, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats Yingliu (goiter and neck masses) and Jieqi (Qi stagnation), dissipates hard knots and pain under the neck, abscesses and swellings, Jianqi (hard accumulation) of Zhengjia (abdominal masses), and borborygmus (rumbling sounds) throughout the abdomen. It reduces edema in the twelve meridians.

[Verification] Says: Produced in the islands of the East Sea. There are two types: large and small. The small one is named Maweizao (Sargassum fusiforme), growing in shallow water, resembling a horse's tail. The large one is named Dayezao, growing in deep water, with large leaves like algae. Fishermen tie ropes around their waists and dive to collect it. After the fifth month, it should not be collected, for fear of injury from large fish. Processing: Boil with raw soybeans (Suandoudou) and Zibeitiankui (Ophiopogon japonicus var. brevicaulis) for one shichen (approx. 12 hours), then dry in the sun for use. Incompatible with Gancao (Licorice Root).

[Commentary] Says: Seaweed grows in the sea, lying horizontally on the water, appearing as if washed. It is also named "Yi", referring to aquatic algae in the sea. It is also named "Luo", referring to water plants with patterns. It is also named "Lun", referring to those growing in shallow water with fine leaves. It is also named "Zu", referring to those growing in deep water with large leaves. The Erya states: "Lun resembles Lun, Zu resembles Zu, found in the East Sea," which precisely refers to these two types of algae. Essentially, "Hai" (Sea) is homophonous with "Hui" (Dark/Obscure). It primarily receives turbid impurities, making the water dark as if in obscurity. Algae are good at flowing smoothly and freely, not hindered by darkness or turbidity, thus they can treat Qi condensation forming Yingliu (goiter) due to loss of order in meridians and muscle textures, hard knots under the neck, or Qi hardening into Zhengjia (masses) and abscesses, as well as borborygmus in the abdomen. This is because the salty flavor can soften hardness, allowing hard accumulations to dissolve naturally. The fluids of the twelve meridians tend to stagnate and fill up, whereas the ocean accepts hundreds of rivers, remaining stagnant yet not overflowing, which is achieved through the drainage at Weilu (BL32).

[Shennong Bencao Jing, Middle Category]
Reading this makes one truly believe that humans turn into sheep after death, and sheep turn into humans after death; otherwise, how could karmic affinities be so similar?

[Aroma and Flavor] Pungent, cold nature, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats Yinwei (impotence) and Jueyang (extinction of Yang), pain in the penis, promotes urination, tonifies Qi and strength, and strengthens willpower.

[Verification] Says: Produced in the valleys of Yangshan, Shangjun. Also found in Jiangdong, Shaanxi, Taishan, Hanzhong, and Huxiang regions. One root produces several stems, thin but quite firm, two to three chi high. Each stem branches into three, each branch has three leaves, two to three cun long, resembling bean leaves (Huoxiao). Leaves resemble apricot leaves, smooth on the front, pale on the back, with fine teeth on the edges, thin and slightly prickly. Flowers bloom white in the fourth month, some purple. Small solitary heads, remain green through winter. Roots resemble Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), purple with many fibers, which is Xianlingspi (Epimedium). Jingyue said: In northern Sichuan, there is a beast called Yinyang, indistinguishable from goats, mating over a hundred times a day, likely due to eating these bean leaves. Goats become lustful after eating it, hence the name Yinyang (Lustful Goat). Saying there are lustful goats in northern Sichuan seems like a forced explanation. It is also named Xianlingspi (Immortal Spirit Spleen), likely named for its ability to tonify Qi/strength and strengthen willpower. Processing: Select those grown in places where no water sound is heard, as these are superior. Use clippers to remove flower branches from the four sides of the leaves. For every jin (500g) of herb, stir-fry with 4 liang (approx. 125g) of sheep fat until the fat is fully absorbed. Shuyu (Dioscorea Rhizome) and Zizhi (Ganoderma) serve as guiding herbs. Enhanced by wine.

[Commentary] Says: Sheep nature is gregarious; Yinyang's efficacy is similar. "Huoxiao" is named based on its shape. Stems are two to three chi high, thin, tight, strong, straight, and evergreen through winter, suggesting its functional properties. One stem branches into three, each branch has three leaves, embodying the generative numbers of Xun Wood, assisting the function of Jueyin Liver, and solidifying sexual activity. However, it should not be taken for a long time, as it has excess in function but deficiency in nourishing the body, leading to infertility.