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Xinyi (Magnolia Flower)
It inherits the Qi of spring Yang. Its taste is light and pungent. It possesses the ability to penetrate through fragrance and disperse. Its nature is warm and dispersing. It opens orifices and searches out pathogens in the Lung organ, relieving nasal congestion. It raises clear Yang and assists the Stomach in the Upper Jiao, also curing head wind. (Xinyi is also known as Mubi Hua (Wood Pen Flower). Some say it is the stamen of the Magnolia flower. When this plant first sprouts, it resembles a pen with layers of hairs. The hairs must be removed completely before use; otherwise, they may irritate the Lungs, causing coughing. It inherits the generating Qi of early spring, which is light, floating, and ascending. Pungent, warm, aromatic, and dispersing, it enters the Lung and Stomach meridians. Lung Qi connects to the nose, and the Stomach meridian runs over the face. Therefore, it mainly treats head wind and nasal congestion, opening orifices and releasing the muscle layer. It is purely a substance for dispersing wind-cold in the upper part. It should not be used for deficiency patterns without pathogenic factors.)

Dingxiang (Clove)
It promotes the middle and warms the Stomach, hence its pungent and warm taste. It reaches the Kidney and strengthens Yang, due to its aromatic nature with a bitter note. It can treat vomiting and hiccups, and additionally manage accumulations (Pi) and running piglet syndrome (Ben Tun). (There are two types of Dingxiang: Gong Ding (Male Clove) and Mu Ding (Female Clove). Gong Ding refers to the flower, while Mu Ding refers to the fruit. Gong Ding is small, and Mu Ding is large. Some say there are two types of trees, but their properties and tastes are identical. Mu Ding is also known as Jishe Xiang (Chicken Tongue Fragrance), which was frequently used in ancient prescriptions. What people commonly use today is Gong Ding. Pungent, warm, and aromatic, with a purple and moist color, it warms the Spleen and Stomach from above, promoting the middle and dispelling evil. It treats conditions such as vomiting and hiccups. Reaching down to the Kidney and Liver, it guides Qi and dispels cold. It can be used for all kinds of diseases in the Lower Jiao, such as Ben Tun, Pi, Jia masses, and hernias, especially when there is cold due to insufficient Kidney Yang.)

Chenxiang (Agarwood)
It smooths and harmonizes the middle. The Spleen and Stomach favor aromatic flavors. Pungent and warm, it enters the Kidney, establishing the merit of tonifying fire in the Lower Jiao. For Kidney deficiency with rebellious Qi and rising phlegm, one relies on its descending and grasping action. For Spleen distress, cold coagulation, and dampness stagnation, it is used to promote circulation. (Chenxiang originates from places like Nan Yue. Those that are black in color, firm in texture, and sink in water are considered superior. Pungent, warm, and intensely aromatic, it enters the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney organs. It reaches from heaven above to springs below, acting on the Qi level of these three meridians. It mainly treats rebellious Qi of the Spleen and Lung, abdominal pain caused by evil invasion, and all conditions of cold stagnation in the chest and diaphragm leading to vomiting, etc. By promoting the Qi level, phlegm moves and fluids dissipate. Due to its sinking nature, it can strengthen Kidney Yang and assist Mingmen Fire. It is suitable for cases where Lower Jiao deficiency-cold causes Qi to fail to return to its origin, rebelling upward and causing panting and urgency.)