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Xiangru (Moslae Herba)
Resolves exterior pathogens in summer. Enters the Lung meridian to disperse cold and can reach the exterior. Flavor is pungent and warm, non-toxic; harmonizes the Spleen, promotes urination, and can regulate the meridians. (Xiangru is pungent, warm, and aromatic. Its nature is light and floating, entering the Lung meridian. It releases the exterior and promotes urination, repels foul odors, and harmonizes the Middle Jiao. It is a herb for releasing the exterior in summer. Since dampness steams and rises during the late summer, this aromatic herb is used to diffuse upward and penetrate downward, opening the "Ghost Gate" (sweat pores) and cleansing the "Clean House" (bladder), achieving both effects appropriately. Those with Yin deficiency who contract summer-heat should not take it. Its shape resembles Yinchern (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), and its functions are similar, but their natures and flavors differ. Xiangru excels at releasing the exterior, with promoting urination as secondary; Yinchern is the opposite. Xiangru is warm, whereas Yinchern is cold.)

Huoxiang (Agastaches Herba)
Pungency can release the exterior and disperse pathogens. Enters the Spleen and reaches the Lung. Aromaticity can diffuse the Middle Jiao, relieve chest fullness, awaken the Stomach, and clear the spirit. Nature is slightly warm; it can repel epidemics and stop vomiting. Its efficacy is good at dispersing, but care must be taken to prevent assisting fire from injuring Yin. (Huoxiang is pungent and warm, entering the Lung meridian; aromatic, entering the Spleen meridian. It relieves chest fullness, diffuses the Middle Jiao, stops vomiting, and calms Huoluan (cholera-like disorder). Because aromatic flavors are favored by the Spleen and Stomach, it can open the appetite and assist the Spleen. However, it is ultimately a pungent, aromatic, and dispersing substance. Those with Yin deficiency and internal heat should not use it even if they have exterior signs. As for treating mouth ulcers or repelling foul odors, these are applications of modified treatment methods. Huoxiang and Zisu (Perillae Folium) are largely similar in nature, flavor, and function. But Zisu is purple and can move the blood level; Huoxiang's aroma exceeds that of Zisu, and its Qi-regulating power surpasses it, though its ability to move blood is inferior. Regarding diffusing the Middle Jiao and resolving depression, the principle is the same.)

Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma)
Enters the Liver and Spleen to open depression; it is a formula for blood stasis caused by Qi stagnation. Regulates pregnancy and childbirth to regulate menstruation, based on the principle that when Qi flows smoothly, Blood moves. Its flavor is pungent, sweet, and slightly bitter; thus, raw form has the effect of releasing the exterior. Its texture is aromatic, dry, and warm; after processing, it achieves the subtlety of pure harmony. It is the sacred medicine of Gynecology and specializes in treating Qi disorders. (Xiangfu, also known as Suocaogen, is a grass whose fibers can be used to make mourning clothes; Xiangfu is the tuber beneath its roots. It is aromatic, pungent, and bitter, with a warm temperature, entering the Liver and Spleen meridians, and additionally affecting the Hand-Taiyin Lung and Foot-Taiyang Bladder meridians. It dissipates all Qi stagnation and resolves all depressions. Aromaticity can enter the Blood level, so it can also regulate Qi within the Blood, making it the sacred medicine for women. All conditions such as cold pain in the lower abdomen and bladder, hernia masses, and stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium due to Qi flashing can be treated with it. Combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), it tonifies Qi; combined with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix), it tonifies Blood; combined with Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Aiye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium), it warms Cold in Qi and Blood; combined with Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) and Lianhua (Loti Flos) or Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), it clears Heat in Qi and Blood. It may be used according to guiding vehicles, processed with wine, vinegar, salt water, or child's urine. However, it is ultimately an aromatic and drying substance; those with Yin deficiency without Qi stagnation should avoid it.)