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Coicis Semen (Yiyiren)

Damp-heat strangury (Turbid Strangury) is cured. The distinction between raw and stir-fried use is significant; treatment should be administered according to the etiology and prescription. Therefore, the *Classic of Difficult Issues* states that for treating flaccidity syndromes (Wei Syndrome), one should "solely seek the Yangming." Physicians often find it suitable for dietary therapy when relaxing sinews. (Coicis Semen is sweet, bland, and cold in nature, entering the Lung, Stomach, and Spleen meridians. Its efficacy also includes strengthening the Spleen and benefiting the Stomach, though not as strongly as Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao). Clearing heat and promoting diuresis to drain dampness are its strengths. Thus, lung abscess and lung flaccidity in the upper jiao, and swelling, fullness, and jaundice in the middle jiao can all be treated. As for conditions such as spasms, beriberi, and flaccidity syndromes, they all arise from either lung heat or stomach dampness, causing disease in the sinews and vessels.)

Lilii Bulbus (Baihe)

Promotes urination and defecation to nourish yin, ensuring no obstruction in the source of transformation. (Lilii Bulbus is sweet, neutral, slightly cold, and slightly bitter, entering the Heart and Lung meridians. Its function specializes in tonifying deficiency and clearing heat. Its bulb is composed of many scales, symbolizing wrapping and binding; its texture and flavor are rich, so it can calm the spirit and stabilize the soul. When lung heat is cleared, coughing stops and swelling subsides, leading to clear and free urination and defecation. In the *Jin Gui Yao Lue*, it is used to treat Baihe Disease because this condition is caused by residual heat remaining in the lungs after an illness. Therefore, in formulas, Lilii Bulbus serves as the sovereign herb.)

Sesami Fructus (Huma)

Also known as Jushengzi, or said to be Sesamum indicum (Zhimazhi). There are black and white varieties. However, the Huma prepared in modern pharmacies is a different kind, and it is unclear which is correct. It is sweet and neutral, entering the Liver and Kidney meridians, moistening dryness and lubricating the intestines. For medicinal use, the black variety is superior. Ancients referred to sesame as a "grain of trees," so it can enter the Liver to treat wind. However, it can only treat wind arising from Liver and Kidney yin deficiency and blood dryness, or skin diseases like tinea and leprosy caused by wind pathogenic factors affecting the limbs. Using it to penetrate into sinews and bones to moisten dryness is acceptable. If it is true wind-stroke caused by external pathogens, using this herb to release the exterior is inappropriate.)

Cannabis Fructus (Maren)

Can be woven into cloth; Ramie (Zhuma) is of this type. The nature of Cannabis Fructus and Sesami Fructus are both sweet and neutral, and both are considered "grains of trees." Therefore, their power to dispel wind and moisten dryness is largely similar. However, practitioners use Cannabis Fructus for conditions involving fluid deficiency, spleen constraint, wind-dryness, and constipation; they use Sesami Fructus for conditions like leprosy and tinea. This is merely a habit passed down by custom.)