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Epimedium (Yinyanghuo)
Possesses the efficacy of assisting Yang and supplementing the fire of the Mingmen. Its acrid flavor is predominant. It combines sweet and fragrant properties. It treats diseases such as Kidney deficiency and Liver deficiency. It is suitable for conditions caused by excess Cold pathogen, as well as Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) and Wei syndrome (flaccidity).
(Epimedium, also known as Xianlingspi, has leaves resembling those of soybeans; sheep that consume it exhibit increased sexual desire. Its acrid-warm nature vigorously supplements the fire of the Mingmen. Therefore, it can treat all Bi syndromes in the Lower Jiao caused by Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens. However, it is contraindicated for patients with Yin deficiency and Yang hyperactivity. This herb only assists fire and benefits Yang; although it can tonify the Mingmen, being an aromatic and drying substance, it easily damages Yin fluids. Its potential to cause harm exceeds that of Morinda officinalis (Bajitian) and Cistanche deserticola (Rongzhong).)

Cyrtomium fortunei (Guanzhong)
Can ward off epidemic pestilence prevalent in the season. Enters the Blood level to eliminate pathogens. Resolves toxin from smallpox and rashes. Disperses blood stasis and clears heat. There are many effective prescriptions for killing parasites and treating dysphagia (obstruction in the throat/esophagus). It is bitter and cold, entering the Stomach and Liver meridians. (Cyrtomium fortunei mostly grows in shady mountain areas near water. It tastes bitter and is cold in nature, with slight toxicity. Thus, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* records its treatment of evil heat and various toxins in the abdomen, and killing three types of parasites, all based on the principle that cold overcomes heat and poison counters poison. The reason it treats various blood diseases is that blood becomes congealed due to heat, utilizing this herb's cold-dispersing power. Observing its form and nature, it is a drug entering the Liver and Stomach Blood levels. One main root penetrates numerous branches, hence the name. The skin is black and the flesh is red, indicating it enters the Blood level. Its roots grow in clusters; although bitter and cold, it can disperse pathogens; although slightly toxic, it can resolve toxins. Whenever seasonal epidemics prevail or smallpox/rashes initially erupt, it is soaked in water vats to ward off the pathogenic influence.)

Cibotium barometz (Jinmaoji)
Bitter and sweet, possesses the efficacy of strengthening sinews and bones. Simultaneously tonifies the Kidney and Liver. Its warm-drying nature can benefit disorders of the joints. Bi syndrome and Wei syndrome can be cured. (Cibotium barometz, its root resembles the Dog's Back (Gouji) or the shape of a dog, covered with golden-yellow hairs. It is bitter, warm, and drying. It excels at treating Bi syndromes caused by Wind-Cold-Damp, benefiting joints, and strengthening the waist and knees, which is its primary function. Regarding tonifying the Liver and Kidney and strengthening sinews and bones, its tonifying effect seems insufficient. This herb is bitter yet sweet, warm and drying, with a purple color. It is most suitable for cases where Liver and Kidney deficiency is accompanied by Wind-Cold-Damp pathogens obstructing the joints. If there is pure deficiency without pathogenic factors, it is not indicated for treatment.)