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Cuscutae Semen (Tusi Zi)

The temperature is warm, and it is non-toxic. The flavor is sweet and pungent. It tonifies Kidney Water to allow it to ascend, brightens the eyes, generates fluids, and dispels Wind pathogens. It consolidates True Yang without moving, and can cure conditions such as Cold Essence and dribbling urination. It can strengthen bones and fortify Yin, and support emaciation while reconnecting severed meridians. (Cuscutae Semen grows as vines in fields. Initially, it resembles fine threads spreading across the ground and cannot stand on its own; it grows by entangling other plant roots. Its roots gradually detach from the soil and grow suspended in the air. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* records that its flavor is pungent, sweet, and neutral, and it is non-toxic. It mainly treats discontinuity of injuries, supplements deficiencies, boosts Qi and strength, and promotes robustness. Generally, it benefits the Liver and Kidneys, assists sinews and vessels, and fills essence and marrow, which are its strengths. Since the Liver governs sinews, its vine resembles sinews; the Kidneys store essence, and its seeds have a binding intention. All seeds are moistening and descending, so they enter the Kidney first. Cuscutae Semen can warm-nourish Kidney Water and supplement Liver deficiency. When the Lower Jiao receives the power of warm nourishment, the Spleen also benefits. Therefore, it is a herb that peacefully tonifies the three Yin meridities of the foot.)

Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis (Gouteng)

Enters the Liver Meridian to cool Blood and dispel Wind, reduces fever, and treats convulsions. Long decoction renders it ineffective. Its flavor is sweet and cold, dispelling pathogens, settling tremors, treating dizziness, and stopping vertigo; short-term administration is suitable. (Uncariae Ramulus cum Uncis is sweet, cold, and purple in color. It enters exclusively into the Liver home, clears Liver Heat. When Heat is level, Wind subsides; when Wind subsides, symptoms such as epilepsy, convulsions, dizziness, and vertigo all resolve.)

Rubiae Fructus (Fupenzi)

Enters the Kidney and possesses the efficacy of sour and bitter flavors. Its treatment focuses on consolidation and retention. It has the power of sealing and storing in the Lower Jiao. Its flavor is sweet and warm. (Rubiae Fructus is named so because the fruit resembles an overturned basin. Generally, fruits of vine plants can be included in the Liver and Kidneys. Substances with sweet and sour flavors can both tonify and consolidate. This substance is sweet, sour, and warm, indicating its ability to tonify and secure the Liver and Kidneys. When the Lower Jiao is secured, conditions such as seminal emission and sliding can be cured. Rubiae Fructus enters the Blood aspect of the Kidney Meridian, warms and tonifies the Gate of Vitality (Mingmen), benefits essence, and secures the lower part. It is not suitable for those with insufficient Yin and hyperactive Ministerial Fire.)

Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix (Fangji)

Pungency can disperse, bitterness can promote circulation, and it is a cold-natured substance. Heat can be eliminated, dampness can be guided out, and its nature descends. Han Fangji enters the Lower Jiao and moves the Blood aspect of the Bladder, unblocks collaterals, and disperses Wind-Dampness in the skin. (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix originates from Hanzhong. Stephaniae Sinensis Rhizoma (Mu Fangji) is its sprout. Both have pungent, bitter, and cold flavors. The root is called Han Fangji. It enters the Lower Jiao to drain Damp-Heat from the Blood aspect of the Bladder. Mu Fangji tends to treat upper-level Wind conditions. Therefore, it is used for conditions involving water retention and fluid accumulation. Generally, Fangji is a drug that causes Mingxuan reactions (discomfort or adverse reactions upon taking medicine). Its odor is unpleasant, and swallowing it may cause mental and physical restlessness and reduced appetite. If used skillfully, it can restore order from chaos and defend against pathogens, hence the name "Fangji" (Defending Against Enemies). It is contraindicated for deficient individuals.)