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Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma)
Its efficacy is comparable to Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction). It can remove blood stasis to generate new blood. Its color corresponds to the South Li Fire (red). It is good at treating wind pathogens and dissipating nodules. Its nature is mild and it acts on the blood level. It must be known that it simultaneously reaches the Heart and Liver meridians. Its sweet and bitter taste regulates menstruation. However, it specifically circulates through the Ying (Nutritive) level. (Although Danshen bears the name "Shen" (Ginseng), its power to tonify blood is insufficient, while its merit in invigorating blood is abundant. It is the premier herb for regulating the blood level. The reason it treats wind-bi [wind-dampness obstruction] and removes accumulations is also based on the principle that when blood flows, wind extinguishes itself; when blood flows, accumulations move naturally.)

Shashen (Adenophorae Radix or Glehniae Radix)
Tonifies the insufficiency of Lung Yin. Sweet, bitter, slightly cold. Restrains the excess of Metal (Lung Qi). Clears upper heat. Disperses phlegm and benefits cough. Nan Shen (Southern Shashen) has weak efficacy and loose texture. Its body is moist and its substance is firm. Bei Shen (Northern Shashen) has superior efficacy and a slippery nature. (Shashen grows in mountains, plains, and sandy soils everywhere. In ancient times, there was no distinction between North and South. However, observing various Bencao [Materia Medica] texts, descriptions such as "its color is white, its root is juicy" seem to refer to Bei Shen. If referring to Nan Shen, then its texture is coarse and large, yet loose, with faint qi and bland taste. Generally speaking, Nan Shen is sweet and cold, entering the Lung meridian; its function of clearing and nourishing is inferior to Bei Shen; its property of moistening and descending is also inferior to Bei Shen. The distinction between North and South arises from their respective origins in different soils, hence differences in size and firmness versus looseness.)

Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix)
Enters the Kidney to nourish Yin. All rely on its salty and cold nature to descend to the lower part. Clears the throat and benefits the diaphragm. This is all due to its moistening and descending nature guiding floating Yang back down. Thus, it also reaches the Lung meridian. It eliminates irritability and heat in the Upper Jiao. Furthermore, it can subdue toxins and retreat the warm pathogens of seasonal epidemics. Its nature is slippery, its color is dark/black. It may obstruct Spleen Qi and hinder Stomach function. (Xuanshen is also named Hei Shen (Black Shen). Its color is black. Its texture is moist. It is sweet, salty, and cold. Its efficacy specializes in entering the Kidney. Its various therapeutic methods are none other than strengthening Water to subdue Yang, preventing the Lung from being constrained by Fire. Regarding warm epidemics and rashes, there is fear that heat damages Kidney Water, so it can be used. The ancients had the name "Five Shens," matching five colors to five Zang organs; this is one of them. In recent times, it grows everywhere in valleys and mountains.)