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Kushen (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis)
Extremely bitter and very cold. It is purely Yin and primarily descending. It reaches the Heart and Spleen meridians and extends to the Kidney, completely eliminating damp-heat in these three meridians. It treats scabies, leprosy, and various sores, dispersing fire-pathogens in the lower part of the body. Nocturnal emission and seminal leakage are all caused by damp-fire acting as a disaster. Bloody dysentery and intestinal bleeding (chang hong) are also faults caused by yang pathogens. If treating jaundice and accumulations, it acts by venting the middle jiao. As for its ability to drain water and kill parasites, it unblocks the Fire Fu organ (Small Intestine).
[Note: Kushen is a bitter, cold, and descending substance, suitable for entering the blood aspect of the Kidney meridian. Excessive consumption causes heaviness in the waist and inability to stand or walk, because its descending nature is too strong, damaging the Kidney and bones. It should not be used unless there is excessive damp-fire and heat in the lower jiao. Its ability to treat wind and kill parasites is also due to the principle that heat generates wind and dampness generates parasites. It is best used in washing formulas or pills. If decocted, it should not be used in large amounts.]

Cangzhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Lanceae)
Pungent, bitter, and warm. It dries dampness, strengthens the Spleen, and can induce sweating. Its aromatic quality is robust; it circulates the middle, resolves stagnation, and expels pathogens. It breaks water condensations and cysts, transforming turbid phlegm completely; it levels the excessive accumulation in the Stomach, entirely eliminating miasma and pestilence.
[Note: Cangzhu was named Chizhu in the Han Dynasty. It grows in valleys everywhere, but those from Maoshan in Jiangsu are superior. Its shape is smaller than Baizhu, with cinnabar-like spots inside when sliced. Its taste is pungent and bitter, its aroma strong and pungent. Its drying and dispersing properties are abundant, but its tonifying power is insufficient. It specifically enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians; it is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and dry blood.]

Baizhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)
Tonifies the Spleen and dries dampness, fulfilling the function of healthy movement. Wild ones harvested in winter follow the operation of Kun Earth (Spleen belongs to Earth). It transforms water-phlegm in the epigastrium and can search out blood stasis at the waist and umbilicus. It promotes food intake, and the Tai Cang (Stomach/Spleen) relies on it to secure the fetal origin in pregnant women. For chronic diarrhea due to Spleen deficiency, its warm and drying nature is highly effective. For various pathogenic obstructions causing bi-syndrome, its bitter and sweet properties are powerful.
[Note: Baizhu is produced in Zhejiang, Anhui, and other places, with wild ones from Yuqian being the best. Locals use planting methods. Those harvested in winter are called Dongshu, because during winter, essence gathers in the root. It is the principal herb for tonifying the Spleen. The Spleen likes warmth and dryness; Baizhu is warm and dry in nature, able to tonify the Spleen and support its healthy transport. When the Spleen is healthy, transportation has authority, and various diseases heal. Although Baizhu is drying, it contains gum/juice; even after sun-drying, it returns to softness, possessing flexibility within rigidity. Therefore, those with Spleen Yin deficiency can use honey-fried Baizhu. When using Baizhu to tonify the Spleen and dry dampness, it should be used together with Chenpi (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) and Fuling (Poria), otherwise, there may be a risk of stagnation, as it contains fluids and can close qi flow. Therefore, it is also suitable for soil-frying processing.]