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Bai Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
Calms the Liver and astringes Ying (Nutritive Qi). It can treat rebellious Qi and excessive sweating. It nourishes the Spleen and guards against Wood overacting on Earth. It is suitable for treating hernia pain and abdominal pain. It clears heat from the Ying level to remove irritability, possessing Sour, Bitter, Sweet, and Cold properties. It tonifies Spleen Yin and clears the Lungs, relying on its aromatic and moistening efficacy. It unblocks and tonifies the Extraordinary Vessels; it is needed during postpartum and pregnancy. It harmonizes various types of dysentery; it is relied upon for tenesmus due to interior deficiency. As for Chi Shaoyao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), its function is specifically to promote circulation and disperse. If various processing methods such as stir-frying are desired, they should be chosen according to the disease. (Bai Shaoyao tastes Bitter, slightly Sweet, slightly Sour, and is slightly Cold. Although white, it has a slight red tint and an aromatic odor, thus entering the Blood levels of the Liver and Spleen, ascending to the Lungs. It can calm the Liver, benefit the Spleen, astringe deficient heat, and protect Ying Yin. Ancients used it extensively, achieving effects according to accompanying herbs. Chi Shaoyao's nature and flavor are only Bitter without Sour, transforming via Fire. Its color is red and form withered, unlike Bai Shaoyao's moist and firm texture. Its function is specifically to promote circulation and disperse, lacking tonifying properties. It can be used for all conditions involving Heat in Blood and Blood stasis such as carbuncles, sores, and ulcers. The two types, Chi and Bai, differ according to their flowers, not being distinct species. What is currently known as old [roots] is unknown.)

Jingjie (Herba Schizonepetae)
When pathogenic Wind invades the Blood level, it can be dispersed and smoothed. When floating Heat lodges in the upper part, it can clear and benefit. Its aromatic quality, especially when using the flower spike, facilitates upward movement. It is needed for menstruation and childbirth; when charred, it is suitable for the Ying level. Its force reaches the Liver and extends to the Lungs. Its taste is Pungent and Bitter, slightly Warm. (Jingjie is Pungent, Warm, and aromatic, entering the Liver and Lung meridians. It disperses Wind pathogens and clears the head and eyes. It can be used to dissipate Cold-Wind initially lodging at the exterior. Charred, it enters the Blood level, thus also disseminating Wind within the Blood. It is most suitable for conditions such as postpartum states, ulceration, and Wind invasion due to Blood deficiency. However, Pungent-Aromatic dispersing agents are contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency without Exterior pathogens.)

Zisu Ye (Folium Perillae)
Pungent and aromatic, it relieves chest fullness. It diffuses the Spleen and Lungs to warm the Middle Jiao. Purple and Red, it harmonizes Ying, moves through the collaterals, and releases the exterior. The seeds can eliminate phlegm and calm wheezing. The stems can regulate Qi and calm the fetus. (Zisu Ye is Pungent and Warm, entering the Spleen and Lung. It warms the Middle and relieves chest fullness, releases the exterior and dispels Cold. Its red color and aromatic scent enter the Blood level, diffusing stagnant Qi. It is most compatible when combined with Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae). The stem specifically regulates Qi; when Qi flows smoothly, the whole body feels comfortable, just as the stem connects everything. The seed specifically moistens and descends, thus treating coughs and resolving phlegm. It is most suitable for coughs with phlegm due to Wind-Cold at the exterior.)