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Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix)
The bitter flavor enters the Heart and Spleen meridians. It consolidates the stomach and intestines but has a drying nature. Its cold property travels through the Liver and Lung meridians, with significant efficacy in clearing damp-heat. The variety that is loose and hollow in texture is called Kuqing (Withered Scutellaria), which ascends to treat stagnant fire in the Heart, Lungs, and muscular exterior. The variety that is greenish-black and solid in texture is called Tiaoqing (Striped Scutellaria), which descends to eliminate yang pathogens in the Liver, Gallbladder, and intestines. When combined with Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), it can stabilize the fetus; the principle lies in the fact that when fire recedes, the fetus becomes secure. When combined with Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), it can also stop dysentery, as the elimination of heat provides the opportunity for dysentery to heal. (Huangqin grows in mountains and plains everywhere. Its root center often rots away, so although the exterior is yellow, the interior carries a black hue; these are all referred to as Kuqing Pian or Pianqing. Only Tiaoqing and Ziqing are newly sprouted roots, solid in the center with a core, and possessing a greenish color. Although there are differences between treating the upper and lower body, they are ultimately bitter, cold, and drying substances that damage the Spleen and impair the Stomach. They should not be used indiscriminately unless there is damp-heat and pathogenic fire in the Upper and Middle Jiao. Moreover, there is the theory that prolonged use increases its qi. Huangqin's bitter-cold and drying nature is indeed similar to Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), but Huanglian has a strong taste while Huangqin has a thin taste. Huangqin can enter the Liver and Lung meridians and travel through the muscular exterior, whereas Huanglian cannot. This is precisely because their innate form, color, and temperament differ, leading to different therapeutic indications.)

Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma)
It stabilizes deficiency wind and regulates vertigo, hence the name "immovable in wind." It reaches the Liver meridian, has a pungent and warm flavor. One must understand that this is a substance with a drying quality and a bias toward Yang. (Tianma's root resembles a large taro, with more than ten small offshoots nearby, located several feet away from the main tuber, surrounding and protecting it. Its stem stands alone, with arrow-shaped leaves growing at the tip. It remains still when there is wind but sways when there is none, thus earning the name Dingfengcao (Wind-Stabilizing Grass). It exclusively enters the Liver meridian and can treat all types of vertigo caused by internal deficiency wind. In cases where Kidney Water is deficient, Liver Blood is insufficient, Yang Qi is weak, and Earth (Spleen) function is failing, internal wind easily arises. Tianma can calm internal wind but cannot disperse external wind, and thus cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) or Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix). This herb, when combined with tonifying medicines, treats deficiency wind; when combined with dispersing medicines, it treats external wind. In summary, all kinds of wind disorders can rely on it for stabilization. It neither disperses nor tonifies. However, Tianma's nature is pungent, sweet, and warm, belonging to ascending and Yang properties. It exclusively enters the Qi aspect of the Liver meridian and serves as the chief herb for stabilizing wind. Not only can it be used for wind arising from Yin deficiency, but it can also be used for wind arising from Yang deficiency. Internal wind can be stabilized, and external wind can also be stabilized, each achieving its effect according to the accompanying assistant herbs.)