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Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou, 瓜蒌)
The flavor and nature are the same as Trichosanthis Radix (Huafen, 天花粉). However, their therapeutic applications have different emphases. It moistens the lungs and cleanses the intestines; allowing phlegm-fire to descend is in accordance with its action. It eliminates blood stasis and purges filth, proving quite effective for treating Jie Xiong syndrome (a condition where pathogenic heat and phlegm-fluid bind in the chest/epigastrium) characterized by upper excess. Using the seed lubricates the intestines, while using the peel clears the lungs. (The nature and flavor of Gualou are identical to Huafen, but its moistening and descending efficacy surpasses that of Huafen. Therefore, it can be used for any conditions involving stagnant heat in the Upper Jiao, such as coughs caused by greasy phlegm-fire. It is particularly suitable for all types of Lung Abscess (Fei Yong), Intestinal Abscess (Chang Yong), and Breast Abscess (Ru Yong) attributable to fire. However, due to its cold and slippery nature affecting the large intestine, it should not be used in patients with Spleen deficiency without fire or those with loose stools.)

Akebiae Caulis (Mutong, 木通)
Enters the Heart channel and extends to the Small Intestine channel. It promotes urination to treat strangury, opens orifices, and guides dampness downward through the water pathways. Its flavor is bitter, and its nature is cold. It purges heat and moves blood stasis, ensuring unobstructed source and flow. It induces labor and promotes lactation, and unblocks joint obstructions. (Mutong is a bitter-cold substance capable of entering the Heart and Small Intestine channels to clear damp-heat and benefit the nine orifices. It can disseminate and unblock Qi and Blood throughout the upper and lower body. The reason it treats strangury and breast issues lies in its ability to clear the Heart and open orifices. When the Lungs are not forced by heat, the source of Qi transformation remains clear, resolving turbid urine; since the Stomach is the sea of Qi and Blood, unblocking Qi and Blood resolves breast ailments. However, its nature is extremely bitter and cold, so it must not be administered recklessly. Mutong belongs to the vine family, growing by winding around trees; when blown upon, air passes through from top to bottom. Although bitter, it effectively disseminates and unblocks joints, treating conditions such as pain or swelling, not merely possessing descending and purgative functions.)

Tetrapanacis Medulla (Tongcao, 通草)
Its color is white, and its nature is cold. Its texture is light, and its flavor is bland. It clears and descends Lung Metal (Qi), unblocks the Lungs and Stomach, and guides the Heat Evil of the Heart Master downward. It separates and dissipates dampness, reaches the Bladder, and prevents obstruction from Bi Long syndrome (urinary retention/inability to urinate). (Tongcao belongs to the herb category, also known as Tongtuo. The plant grows over ten feet high, featuring a white pith in its center. Because it resembles a "heart," it enters the Heart channel. Being white, it enters the Lung channel. Its bland flavor and cold nature make its function similar to Jiaogulan (Dengxin Cao, 灯心草); it clears Heat from the Heart, Lungs, and Upper Jiao. Through bland diuresis, it descends and unblocks the water pathways. Its unblocking nature also extends to the Yangming channel to promote lactation.)