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Baiji (Rhizoma Bletillae)
Clears Metal (Lung) to treat cough. Bitter, pungent, sweet, neutral in nature, cold in temperature. Stops bleeding and generates flesh. Dissipates nodules and astringes sores; texture is greasy and slippery. (Baiji is white in color, with a taste that is sweet, bitter, and pungent. Its qi is neutral and slightly cold, its nature is slippery, and it contains extremely viscous juice. It follows the command of Autumn Metal and primarily governs astringency. It specifically enters the Blood aspect of the Lung organ. Therefore, it is used for stopping bleeding, relieving cough, generating flesh, and treating sores. However, it is suitable only for cases involving deficiency with heat. Although Baiji possesses the astringent nature of Autumn Metal, it still retains the intent of bitter drainage and pungent dispersion, similar to Bailian (Rhizoma Amomi Rotundus). Thus, they are often used together. Nevertheless, it is not an essential herb for treating diseases.)

Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati Sibirici)
Sweetness benefits the Spleen, making the Five Zang organs abundant. Essence is complete, spirit is solid. Moistening nourishes Blood, providing a balanced tonification from the Post-Heaven foundation. It can ward off grain consumption and relieve hunger. (Huangjing grows by obtaining the essence of Earth. With its sweet and neutral nature, it is a superior product for tonifying the Spleen and Stomach. Earth is the mother of all things; when the mother is nourished, Water and Fire interact properly, Metal and Wood are balanced, various pathogens depart naturally, and hundred diseases do not arise. However, cloying and greasy products taken for a long time make one feel no hunger. Those with Spleen deficiency and dampness should not take it, fearing it may obstruct the diaphragm. This herb tastes like maltose, has a neutral nature and moist texture, and is a genuine product for tonifying Spleen Yin. It can be consumed by healthy people. It is rarely seen used in ancient and modern formulas.)

Baiwei (Radix Cynanchi Atrati)
Salty and bitter enter the Yangming channel. Coldness overcomes heat. Aromatic quality travels through the Blood aspect. Coolness removes steaming bone disorder. Promotes urination and benefits Yin. Also treats strangury progressing to retention. Addresses postpartum deficiency vexation and vomiting. Treats wind generated by blood heat. (Baiwei's root is white, fine as silk, hence the name. Taste is bitter and salty, nature is cold and aromatic. Thus, it can clear and resolve heat pathogens in the Blood aspect. It is most suitable for all kinds of seasonal warm diseases where heat transmits to the Ying (Nutrient) aspect and peaks in the afternoon. The reason it benefits Yin and promotes urination is also because when heat recedes, Yin generates; when Yin generates, water metabolism flows. It can enter Yangming because in the formula Zhupi Da Wan from *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, Baiwei is used to treat stomach disease characterized by postpartum deficiency vexation and vomiting. Baiwei flowers in Summer and fruits in Autumn; roots are harvested at the end of Autumn, implying a transition from Yang to Yin. Therefore, treating exterior heat and resolving wind-warmth, which stem from the failure of interior Yin to maintain control, can all be cured with this. This is also the meaning of Yang returning to Yin. The reason it can promote urination is because its root resembles Niuxi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), having the intent of guiding heat downward, which is also a manifestation of Yang returning to Yin.)