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Di Yu (Sanguisorbae Radix)
Acid and bitter in flavor, enters the Ying (Nutrient) level and Yin aspect. It affects both the Liver channel and the Large Intestine channel. Its nature is sinking, cold, and cooling, entering the Blood level; it can eliminate fire combined with damp-heat. Furthermore, it can dissipate swelling and disperse wind, making it a commonly used herb for sores, ulcers, and rashes. It can also treat metrorrhagia (abnormal uterine bleeding) and dysentery, and is suitable for hemorrhoids and fistulas. (The entry into the Liver channel to cool blood is its fundamental function. Although conditions such as hemorrhoids and dysentery are located in the Large Intestine, they originate from damp-heat in the Blood level. Di Yu eliminates heat in the blood; once the heat is removed, the dampness naturally disperses. Di Yu is not primarily a wind-dispersing herb; rather, blood heat generates wind, and when the blood cools, the wind subsides. Regarding its use in treating metrorrhagia, this is due to blood being forced to flow recklessly by heat; therefore, it should be used after being charred black. If the condition arises from Spleen deficiency and Liver Qi stagnation rather than blood heat, it should not be used.)

Ba Ji Tian (Morindae Officinalis Radix)
It can enter the Blood level of the Kidney and Liver channels, treating flaccidity syndrome and strengthening Yang. Its substance is sweet, bitter, acrid, and warm, benefiting Yin and securing the lower Jiao. For hernia, masses (Zhang), and gouty arthritis (Hong Kong foot), it utilizes its warming and unblocking properties. For bi-syndrome caused by wind-cold-dampness, it provides guidance and dissemination. (The root of Ba Ji Tian resembles that of Peony but is finer. The exterior is red and the interior is black; the heart should be removed before use. It specifically treats Kidney and Liver Yang deficiency. It tonifies without causing stagnation and disseminates without causing dryness. Therefore, it can treat all types of wind-cold-dampness bi-syndrome affecting the lower Jiao, waist, and knees. Its aroma and taste are sweet and warm, slightly mixed with bitter and acrid. Its color is purple and its substance is heavy, indicating its efficacy. Observing the use of Ba Ji Tian, it is an herb acting on the Blood level of the lower Jiao Liver and Kidney, capable of tonifying the Yang within Yin. It is unsuitable for those whose True Water within Yin is insufficient and who have hyperactive Ministerial Fire, because its flavor includes bitter and acrid qualities and its nature is warm, making it not a purely tranquil herb.)

Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba)
Strengthens Yang and nourishes the Kidney. Flavor is sweet and salty, with a slight sour note. It tonifies the Ming Men (Gate of Life), opens obstructions, and is moistening and warm, possessing a black color. Suo Yang has similar properties and indications. (Rou Cong Rong belongs to the grass category. Its texture is soft like flesh, and its shape has scales resembling pine branches. One theory suggests it grows from horse essence dropped on the ground, though this is uncertain. Sweet, salty, warm, and moistening, with a black color, it specifically enters the Liver and Kidney channels. It benefits Essence and strengthens Yang, but lacks powerful tonifying strength; however, it has the ability to lubricate the intestines. Therefore, even if there is Liver and Kidney insufficiency, it is not suitable for those with Spleen deficiency and loose stools. Suo Yang is also a herb of the same category but different species. The origin, morphology, substance, flavor, and functions of Suo Yang are identical to Rou Cong Rong. It is a Blood-level herb of the Kidney channel, capable of tonifying the Yin within Yang in the lower Jiao, which differs slightly from Ba Ji Tian's function of tonifying Yang within Yin. Therefore, it is suitable for elderly people whose Yin within Yang is insufficient, leading to dry and constipated stools.)