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Tian Dong (Radix Asparagi)
Clears the Lung Metal and descends fire. Bitter, cold, with a lingering sweet taste. Strengthens Kidney Water and fortifies True Yin. Its moistening nature tends to be cloying. It treats hemoptysis, cures sores and atrophy syndromes, dissolves parasitic worms, and eliminates dry phlegm. Do not administer in cases of intestinal sliding (loose stools); it is contraindicated for those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency. (Tian Dong is sweet, bitter, and cold. Its color is white, its texture moist, and its action descending; it clears Lung Metal and strengthens Kidney Water, which constitutes its fundamental function. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states that it kills three types of parasites and removes "Fu Shi" (latent corpse-like pathogens) and "Gui Zhu" (ghostly infestations), largely because these conditions are transformed by blood stasis and heat; when the heat recedes, the disease resolves. Compared to Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis), Tian Dong is more bitter and possesses a stronger cold nature, with a greater descending property, thus also entering the Kidney meridian to treat various diseases. Generally, it is suitable for conditions characterized by Yin insufficiency with Fire pathogenic factors. However, it is strictly prohibited for individuals with Spleen-Stomach deficiency-cold and loose stools.)

Wu Wei Zi (Fructus Schisandrae Chinensis)
Possesses all five flavors, predominantly sour and warm. It astringes the dispersing Qi of the Lung Metal, benefiting upper symptoms such as wheezing, cough, and hemoptysis. It nourishes the insufficient Water of the Kidney Meridian, supporting lower symptoms such as seminal emission and slippery diarrhea. It can astringe the loss of sweat fluids, stabilizing the Heart (the Sovereign). It also treats dilation of the pupils and protects Yuan Yin (Primordial Yin). If there is Wind-Cold on the exterior, it must be known to be contraindicated. If there is much pathogenic stagnation internally, it is strictly forbidden to try it lightly. (Although Wu Wei Zi has all five flavors, the sour flavor is predominant, so its therapeutic effect lies primarily in its astringent property. Its nature is warm, allowing it to guide into all five Zang organs, not limited to the Lung and Kidney. For any condition involving depletion and exhaustion of Qi and Blood, provided there are no pathogenic factors on the interior or exterior, it can be used together with tonifying herbs. For cough and seminal emission/slippery discharge belonging to Lung-Kidney deficiency-cold, it is particularly appropriate.)

Tian Hua Fen (Radix Trichosanthis)
Clears vexatious heat in the Chest and Stomach, eliminating phlegm and grime. Resolves steaming inflammation of the Heart and Lungs, balancing bitter and sweet properties. Generates fluids and stops thirst, suitable for seeking relief from Lung Metal dryness. Promotes water metabolism and dissipates blood stasis, treating jaundice. Reduces swelling and expels pus, disperses nodules, moisturizes withered tissues; its nature is slightly cold. (Tian Hua Fen is white, sweet, bitter, and cold; it is the root of Gua Lou (Trichosanthes kirilowii). It enters the Blood aspect of the Lung and Stomach, specifically clearing exogenous heat in the Upper Jiao. It descends and treats all forms of jaundice and toxic swellings, which arise from the mutual binding of stagnant heat, water, and blood. Because it promotes urination and dissipates blood stasis, its indications are as described above. Yu Lu Shuang refers to fresh Tian Hua Fen, clarified with water, dried into powder, and used; its nature, flavor, and indications are identical, differing only slightly in the clarification of turbidity.)