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Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix)
It is born with the Qi of spring, possessing a rising and dispersing nature. It rotates the pivot mechanism (referring to the function of regulating the ascending, descending, exiting, and entering of Shaoyang meridian Qi), and mainly treats chills and fever resulting from pathogenic factors in the Shaoyang exterior syndrome. Its taste is bitter and cold, its texture is light and ascending, and it can regulate the Qi mechanism of the upper and lower body. It treats delirium and mania caused by heat accumulation in the Jueyin Liver channel. Following the principle of "releasing Wood stagnation," it soothes Earth congestion, promotes Liver Qi flow, and dissipates stagnant Qi. Yin Chai Hu (Stellariae Radix) has similar properties; it cools blood, resolves stasis, clears deficiency heat, and manages malnutrition fever and consumptive fever. (Chai Hu acquires the sprouting Qi of early spring for its growth. Although its flavor is slightly bitter and cold, its medicinal power is thin, so it lacks descending and purging properties but possesses the ability to generate and rise. It specifically enters the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, can unblock Wood stagnation, smooth Qi and Blood, and resolve exterior pathogens, acting somewhat like a tonic. When used to raise clear Yang, it moves upward from the left side and is suitable for use after honey-frying. Yin Chai Hu is a distinct herb; commentators on Materia Medica have always stated that it treats childhood malnutrition fever and adult consumptive fever. This is largely due to its efficacy in cooling blood by entering the Liver and Gallbladder meridians, and its nature and flavor are similar to Chai Hu, which is why they were not distinguished in ancient times. The use of Chai Hu lies in its rising and dispersing action. If there are conditions such as Yin deficiency with flaming fire, rebellious Qi causing cough or vomiting, it should not be used. It is most suitable for seasonal pathogens and wind-warmth contracted in spring, especially when internally corresponding to the Liver and Gallbladder. Yin Chai Hu originates from Yinzhou; its texture is hard and its color white. It lacks exterior-resolving properties. Although both are roots with similar nature and flavor, and were undistinguished in antiquity, each has its specific indications.)

Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix)
The pungent flavor can disperse wind pathogens, the bitter flavor can drain Lung Qi, the cold nature can clear the Upper Jiao, and the descending action can eliminate phlegm. (Qian Hu is pungent, bitter, and cold, specifically entering the Lung meridian. It can resolve external wind-heat. Once the exterior pathogen is resolved, Lung Qi naturally descends, and phlegm-fire is cleared. Thus, it can also descend Qi and expel phlegm. Qian Hu's ability to resolve exterior pathogens is only applicable when there is Qi knotting in the Lung and Stomach accompanied by heat.)

Du Huo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix)
Its aromatic fragrance disperses, its taste is pungent and bitter, and its nature is warm. It searches out latent wind in the Shaoyin meridian, resolving exterior pathogens; it disseminates cold-dampness in the Kidney meridian, relieving bi-syndrome. It can cure Ben Tun (running piglet qi) and treat various hernias. Because it "does not move when there is wind, but sways when there is no wind," it can disperse and search out wind, using wind to overcome dampness. (Du Huo grows with a single stem straight up and is not shaken by the wind, hence its name. Qiang Huo and Du Huo belong to the same category but different species. Both are pungent, bitter, and warm herbs that disperse wind-cold-dampness from the muscles and exterior. However, Du Huo enters the Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian, while Qiang Huo enters the Foot-Taiyang (Bladder) meridian. Since Taiyang and Shaoyin are interior-exterior pairs with connected meridians, the difference lies in their natures: Du Huo's nature is fine and superior, while Qiang Huo's is coarse and inferior. Thus, one treats latent pathogens and the other wandering pathogens. Du Huo is aromatic and finely textured, belonging to Yang within Yin. It is sinking yet capable of rising, gentle yet good at searching. Therefore, it enters the Blood aspect of the Foot-Shaoyin meridian, moving from inside to outside, treating conditions such as Ben Tun, hernial masses, and cold-damp bi-pain. It is also said that Du Huo originates from Sichuan; from this, the uses of Qiang Huo and Du Huo can be understood.)