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(Zhongpin, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing)
[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, cold, toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats Shanghan (Cold Damage) and Wen Nue (Warm Malaria), drains water retention from the twelve channels, breaks up accumulations (Ji Ju), large hard masses, Zheng Jia (abdominal masses), sweeps away lingering pathogenic factors and food stagnation in the intestines, dispels cold and heat pathogenic qi, and promotes urination.
[Verification] It is said: Rao Hua grows in the valleys of Xianyang and Zhongmu in Henan, and is found elsewhere; those from Yongzhou are currently considered superior. The plant resembles Coriandrum sativum (Hu Su), stands about two chi high, and has thornless stems. Flowers appear in summer, clustered and fine; fresh flowers are yellow, drying to white. Some claim that Rao Hua no longer exists in the world and use Yuan Hua (Kadsura Flower) as a substitute, which is unreliable.

[Commentary] It is said: The Shan Hai Jing states: Shou Mountain abounds with Rao grass; the sprout emerges first, followed by the calyx; after the petals fall, the leaves emerge. Thus, "Rao" sounds like "Yao". Yao means high, broad, hot/flaming, and above. High and broad bear coldness; flaming upward yields bitterness; this corresponds to the transformational command of Tai Yang (Greater Yang). It is used in opposition to the Tai Yang body. Its power primarily addresses cold damaging layered heat, superficially attaching to the six exterior markers' heat nests in the Ying and Wei levels. Upon encountering the killing autumn wind, or invading chilly water cold, or assaulting water vapor during bathing, it follows the entering and exiting of Wei Qi (Defensive Qi), making deficiency and excess more apparent, shifting Yin and Yang, thereby forming Nue disease (Malaria). As for draining water from the twelve channels, breaking five Zang organ accumulations, six Fu organ gatherings, large hard Zheng, large hard Jia, and lingering pathogenic factors in the intestines and stomach, it sweeps them away completely, emptying all existing pathologies, swift as an echo or shadow. If fragrant or rich foods enter via the mouth, manifesting as cold when arising from Yin, or heat when arising from Yang, or alternating cold and heat with mutual shifting of Yin and Yang, the imbalance can be leveled, return can be restored, perseverance brings auspiciousness, and there will be fortune regarding diet.

(Zhongpin, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing)
[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats abdominal and epigastric accumulations, cold and heat pathogenic qi, opens the nine orifices, and promotes urination and defecation.
[Verification] It is said: Zi Can grows in the valleys of Hexi and Yuanju; today it is found in Hezhong, Huai Jun, and Sanfu regions. Stems are one to two chi high; leaves resemble Sophora japonica (Huai Shu); some resemble Rumex acetosella (Yang Ti), green in color. Flowers in May, white like Allium fistulosum (Cong); some flowers are red-purple like Persicaria hydropiper (Shui Hong). Fruits are black, bean-sized, round.

[Reference] It is said: Purple is obtained by combining red and black; "Can" refers to the interaction of Water and Fire, representing the state of Ji Ji (Already Fording). It still retains the bitterness of Fire flavor and the coldness of Water qi; Metal also interacts, and Wood intermingles. Thus, it enters both Fu and Zang organs; the root, body, and leaves all share this property. Zang organs reside in the chest, Fu organs in the abdomen; Accumulation (Ji) is generated by the five Zang organs; Gathering (Ju) is formed by the six Fu organs. When accumulations dissolve and gatherings scatter, cold and heat level out; clear Yang ascends to the upper orifices bringing benefit, and turbid Yin descends to the lower orifices bringing unobstructed flow.