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(Song Kaibao Era Record)
[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats foul qi (malodorous pathogenic factors), sudden epigastric and abdominal pain with fullness, and has the effect of directing Qi downward.
[Analysis] It is stated that: Gan Song Xiang (Nardostachys Root), referred to as "Ku Mi Duo" in the *Sutra of Golden Light*, grows in the mountains of Guzang, Liangzhou, etc. Currently, it is also found in various prefectures of Guizhou and Sichuan, as well as Liaozhou. The leaves are slender like those of thatch grass, growing in clusters via trailing vines, with extremely dense roots. The roots are harvested in the eighth lunar month; decocted for bathing, they impart a fragrance to the body. It is used to compound various aromatic substances and to scent clothing.
[Elucidation] It is stated that: Its odor resembles pine, classifying it as an aromatic herb. It is suitable for entering the Spleen meridian, as the Spleen corresponds to the sweet flavor and the fragrant odor. This is a medication targeting the Yang aspect of the Spleen. Its function is to overcome Spleen Earth stagnation. As the *Yellow Emperor’s Inner Canon* states, "When Earth is stagnant, it must be relieved," thereby executing the functions of Earth. Consequently, Heaven Qi becomes clear, Earth Qi becomes pure, Earth resides in the center, and flows smoothly to the four limbs, representing the utmost beauty. (If Earth Qi rises to obscure clarity, one need only descend turbidity; once turbidity descends, the clear essence naturally manifests. Attempting to ascend clarity directly may instead cause turbidity to rise.)

(Song Kaibao Era Record)
[Flavor and Properties] Pungent, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats blood accumulation in women, amenorrhea, blood stasis, zheng jia (abdominal masses), pi ji (flank masses), removes gu poison (parasitic toxins) and gui zhu (chronic wasting diseases or pestilence), epigastric and abdominal pain, and cold qi. It promotes urination and defecation by unblocking the Large and Small Intestines, and expels foul stagnant matter.
[Analysis] It is stated that: Xu Sui Zi (Euphorbia lathyris), also known as Qian Jin Zi, Ju Dong, Lian Bu, and Pu Sa Dou, is available everywhere but particularly abundant in the South. For medicinal use, specimens from the South are superior. The plant resembles Euphorbiae Herba (Spurge); initially, it produces a single stem with leaves at the apex. New stems emerge from leaf axils, which in turn bear leaves, stacking upon each other like a cross. The flowers also resemble Spurge, but the floral stalks emerge from among the leaves to bear fruit. Processing: Remove the husk, select the white-colored seeds, wrap them in cotton paper, and press to remove the oil. My ancestors said: I have seen leaves growing on the leaves of Ban Zhi Lian (Lysimachia clethroides), resembling a cross. At the Spring Equinox, stems emerge from the leaves; the stems invariably branch into three, with leaves like lotus petals wrapping upward around the stem. In early summer, flowers bloom and bear fruit; the fruits invariably have three angles; the seeds are invariably three in number. The outer flesh is green and soft, the seed coat is hard, blackish-brown on the upper half, and yellowish-white on the lower half. The inner kernel is like jade, moist and greasy like fat. Locals call it Ban Zhi Lian. It is used to treat venom from snake bites and scorpion stings, yielding miraculous results immediately. Upon reading the *Song Kaibao Bencao*, I realized this is indeed Xu Sui Zi.
[Elucidation] It is stated that: Xu Sui Zi, with stems emerging from leaves, combines one stem with two leaves. Odd numbers connect while even numbers break, resulting in the number three. At mid-spring, stems emerge from leaves; at mid-summer, fruits form three angles, containing three seeds. Stems branch thrice, leaves pair twice. In successive layers, life generates continuously, following sequentially. Three aspects verify each other, five elements cooperate. The way of life is endless, relying solely on numerical principles, which cannot be violated. Just as Ying Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) circulates throughout the body, their movement follows specific laws. Circulating endlessly like a ring without beginning or end, vital energy is regulated. Naturally, there will be no blood accumulation, closed eyes, blood stasis, or zheng jia; the nutritive Qi will not suffer from failing to follow its sequence. Nor will there be pi ji, gu poisoning, or cold qi with fullness; the defensive Qi will not suffer from failing to follow its sequence in its circulation. Xu Sui Zi, pungent to promote flow and warm to disperse, relies on numerical order. Its continuous circulation does not violate the laws of constant numbers. (Combining one stem with two leaves symbolizes the arrival of Yang descending to soften Yin, movement accompanied by joy, representing the image of following and compliance.)