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Chrysanthemum Indicum (Ganju)
Sweet in taste, cold in nature. Calms the Liver and disperses Lung Qi. Clears pathogenic heat from the Upper Jiao. Treats eye disorders and expels Wind. It inherits the essence of Metal (Lung) and Water (Kidney), nourishes Yin and moistens the Kidney. (Chrysanthemum flowers are born with the Qi of Autumn Metal, thus entering the Lung Meridian. All flowers have a dispersing property, hence they primarily disperse Wind. Wind Qi communicates with the Liver, thus it also enters the Liver Meridian to treat all kinds of eye diseases. The use of Chrysanthemum can be summarized in one word: dispersing Wind. Although it is a wind-dispersing herb, its nature is sweet and cold, differing from acrid-warm and drying herbs like Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) and Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba). Therefore, it can be used in conjunction with herbs that tonify the Liver and Kidney. Examining the properties of Chrysanthemum, its action on the Liver is most prominent. Its sweet-cold nature clears Metal and strengthens Water. When Water is strong, Wood is nurtured; when Metal is clear, Wood is restrained. Thus, Liver Wind can be extinguished, and Liver Fire pacified. Various Liver disorders can be treated, depending on the accompanying harmonizing and guiding herbs.)

Leonurus Japonicus (Yimucao)
Enters the Liver Meridian and promotes Blood circulation. Acrid and bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature. Eliminates water retention and drives out Wind. Applied externally to dissipate swelling. The flower disperses outwardly and acts on the Exterior; the seed promotes circulation while supplementing Yin. (The strength of Leonurus lies in eliminating blood stasis and transforming water dampness. Since postpartum women often retain turbid stasis, this herb eliminates and transforms it; once the pathogen is removed, the mother benefits, hence the name "Benefiting Mother." All flowers have dispersing properties, so it can act on the Exterior. All seeds are moistening and sweet, so they can have a tonifying effect. However, for the same plant, the actions revolve around promoting water elimination and blood circulation. It is not suitable for those without blood stasis. Its seed is called Chongweizi. The *Shennong Ben Cao Jing* first states it brightens the eyes. Although it is said to promote while tonifying, it is only applicable to cases of Liver Blood stasis and blood flooding the pupil. If there is no stasis and one seeks tonification, it may not be effective. The term "expelling Wind" implies that when Blood circulates, Wind is extinguished naturally.)

Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang)
Travels through the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian and the Cold-Water Meridian. Its efficacy first enters the Lung Meridian. It is a mild and dispersing agent for inducing sweating. Its nature is slightly warm. For retained cold-fluid, it relies on its acrid flavor to diffuse and scatter. For chronic phlegm-wheezing and stubborn asthma, it relies on its bitter power to search and eliminate. (The stem of Ephedra is hollow inside, tastes acrid and bitter, and has light and thin aroma and flavor. It ascends and belongs to Yang. It specifically enters the Wei (Defensive) level of the Lung organ to disperse Cold and Wind and reach the Exterior through sweat. Ephedra is originally an herb for the Lung's Defensive level. Zhang Zhongjing used Mahuang Tang for Cold injuring the Ying (Nutritive) level because Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) leads it into the Ying level. To diffuse Lung Qi and release the Exterior, the functions of Ephedra are sufficient. Therefore, for all coughs and chronic asthma where there is Cold-Phlegm or Fluid-Retention in the Lung, it can be used, without being confined to the notion that Ephedra only induces sweating. The Foot-Taiyang governs the Exterior of the whole body, so Ephedra enters it. Generally, mild Cold pathogens entering via mouth and nose damage the Lung; severe Cold pathogens entering via the Exterior damage the Meridians. Thus, although the sites of injury differ, the treatment principles are the same. The primary function of Ephedra is entering the Lung. If there is a disease of Cold-Phlegm or retained fluid in the Lung, when Ephedra reaches the Lung, it can only search and eliminate the Phlegm-Fluid within the Lung, but cannot induce sweating to expel pathogens from the Exterior. This is like using troops: it has the merit of one battle, but lacks the strength for a second engagement.)