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Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma)
Nature and flavor: Pungent, warm. It can induce sweating from the Shaoyin channel. Its texture is light and ascending, with a pungent and aromatic intensity. It can disperse pathogenic factors in the Lung organ. It dissipates fluid retention under the heart. It eliminates vomiting and coughing. It resolves heat stagnation in the Kidney channel. It treats throat sores using the contrary treatment method. Its nature belongs to pure Yang; its use requires caution. (Xixin's roots are extremely fine, and its taste is extremely pungent, hence its name. Its properties of being aromatic, penetrating, warm, and hot are such that both aroma and flavor are strong. It specifically enters the Lung and Kidney channels. It disperses wind-cold, unblocks floating heat in the orifices of the Upper Jiao, and clears stagnant fluids under the heart. When cold damage pathogens invade the Foot-Shaoyin channel, this herb is used to induce sweating. The relationship between Xixin and Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) is similar to that between Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix) and Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix). Xixin is produced north of Mount Hua; it is yellow in color and hollow inside, resembling Mahuang. However, Mahuang uses the stem and leaves, while Xixin uses the root. Xixin is aromatic whereas Mahuang is not. Therefore, Mahuang enters the Qi level of the Foot-Taiyang channel, while Xixin enters the Blood level of the Foot-Shaoyin channel; their exterior-interior distinctions differ.)

Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix)
It travels through the Taiyang channel and extends to the Lung and Liver channels. It releases the exterior and disperses wind. With its sweet, pungent, and warm power. When combined with Huangqi (Astragali Radix), it embeds dispersion within tonification. Bi syndrome relaxes, and pathogens transform. It is suitable when guided by other herbs. Furthermore, it serves as a guiding herb for the Spleen and Stomach channels. Wind can overcome dampness. It is said to be humble like a low-ranking soldier. Moistening can soften dryness. (Fangfeng can circulate throughout the body and defend against external wind, hence its name. It is a moistening agent among dispersing herbs. The Taiyang channel governs the exterior of the body; wind qi connects with the Liver; the Lung governs skin and hair; thus, it enters these channels. When used as a guiding herb in formulas that tonify the Spleen and Stomach, it is because dispersing wind prevents Liver Wood from stagnating, and removing dampness allows Earth to become healthy naturally; it does not mean Fangfeng itself has tonifying properties. Fangfeng is originally a herb for inducing sweating and dispersing wind in the Foot-Taiyang channel. The statement that it can remove retained dampness in meridians is because dampness exits via sweat. Huangqi consolidates the exterior, while Fangfeng drains the exterior. Huangqi fears Fangfeng, yet with Fangfeng, its efficacy becomes greater.)

Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix)
Pungent, warm, and vigorous. It disperses pathogenic factors of the eight winds in the muscle and exterior. It exclusively travels through the Taiyang channel. It benefits pain in all joints of the body. Dampness remaining in the exterior can be dispersed through sweating. For diseases located at the vertex, only wind herbs can reach them. (Qianghuo is said to originate from the Western Qiang barbarian lands. Its shape is more robust than Duhuo. Its aroma is more intense than Duhuo. Although its indications are similar to Fangfeng, they exceed it. The difference lies in: Fangfeng disperses wind, is sweet and moist; Qianghuo disperses wind, is pungent and dry. Details are provided in the Duhuo entry. Qianghuo enters the Qi level of the Foot-Taiyang channel; it is vigorous and good at dispersing, treating wandering wind. This differs from Duhuo, whose aroma enters the Blood level of the Foot-Shaoyin channel to treat latent wind. Although both share bitter, pungent, warm, and dry properties, their therapeutic focuses differ.)