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(Qi Ai, *Artemisia argyi*) is sweet and warm in nature, and toxic. It dispels wind and penetrates the meridians; its properties are similar to those of *Squama Manis* (Pangolin Scales). When used to promote the eruption of smallpox, it severely damages the primordial Qi. The efficacy of *Sangs Chong Shi* (Mulberry Insect Feces) is roughly the same.

(Ting Li Zi, *Descurainiae Semen seu Lepidii Semen*) is pungent, bitter, cold, and slippery. It drains heat, dissipates nodules, diffuses Lung Qi, clears the throat, regulates cough, promotes urination and defecation, circulates through the twelve meridians, and dissipates various swellings and sores. The root is bitter and cold; it treats wind-stroke and is applied externally for fan-hua ulcers (fungating wounds).

(Qing Hao, *Artemisiae Annuae Herba*) is salty and cold. It drains Liver fire, dissipates stagnant fire in the five zang organs, resolves wind-heat accumulated in the middle and lower jiao, and is applied topically for carbuncles and sores.

(Ma Chi Xian, *Portulacae Herba*) is sweet, bitter, cool, and slippery. It benefits the five zang organs, unblocks the chest and diaphragm. Crushed juice treats epidemic high fever and stops dysentery caused by heat-toxin.

(Chun Cai, *Vallisneriae Fruit* or related aquatic vegetable) is sweet, cold, and slippery. It benefits the five zang organs and removes vexatious heat. Its root is called Gu Gen (*Zizania Latiflora Rhizoma*), which is colder and more purgative than Lu Gen (*Phragmitis Rhizoma*).

(Kui Zi / Dong Kui Zi, *Malvae Semen*) is bitter and cold. It benefits the five zang organs, unblocks the meridians, opens stagnation in the chest and diaphragm, resolves heat-toxin, and promotes intestinal lubrication.

(Ren Sheng Cai / Ku Ju, *Lactuca Sativa* or *Sonchus oleraceus*) is bitter and cold. Its function is similar to Bai Ju (*Lactuca Sativa*), and it can also promote lactation, kill parasites, and neutralize snake venom. The seeds promote lactation and promote urination.

(Ou, *Nelumbinis Rhizoma*) is sweet and cold. It cools blood and resolves toxins, dispels wind and transforms phlegm, unblocks the meridians and promotes blood circulation, reduces edema, facilitates the eruption of smallpox, lubricates the intestines, and promotes lactation. The lotus vein (Ou Jin) is used.

(Mu Er, *Auricularia Auricula-Judae*) is sweet and neutral. It benefits the five zang organs, diffuses the stomach and intestines, and treats five types of hemorrhoids and blood disorders. Di Er (*Auricularia auricula* growing on earth) is sweet and cold, brightening the eyes. Shi Er (*Auricularia auricula* growing on stone) is sweet and neutral, brightening the eyes and benefiting essence.

(Da Mai, *Hordei Fructus Germinatus*) is sweet, salty, and slightly cold. It tonifies deficiency, clears heat, benefits Qi, harmonizes the middle jiao, strengthens the five zang organs, and aids digestion of grains. Da Mai Mian (*Hordei Farina*) stabilizes the Stomach, directs rebellious Qi downward, eliminates accumulation, and cools blood.

(Xiao Mai, *Tritici Fructus*) is sweet and cool. It harmonizes the five zang organs and regulates the meridians. Boiled with vinegar, it dissipates carbuncles and furuncles, and treats scalds and burns.

(Lv Dou, *Phaseoli Radiati Semen*) is sweet and cold. It circulates through the twelve meridians, clears heat and resolves toxins, promotes water metabolism, and strengthens the Spleen. Its efficacy lies mainly in the green skin; removing the skin causes Qi stagnation. Decoction taken cold with honey or salt. Powder applied to ulcerated smallpox lesions.

(Fu Zi, *Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata*) is salty, cold, and descending. It treats conditions of excess above and deficiency below, rescues Yin and assists Yang, and has the merit of supporting critical conditions and reversing collapse.

(See entry for Wei Han/Stomach Cold.)

(See entry for Wei Han/Stomach Cold.)

(Ai Ye, *Artemisiae Folium*) is pungent and bitter. Raw it is warm, cooked it is hot. It is purely yang, aromatic, and drying. It can restore nearly exhausted primordial Yang, circulate through the twelve meridians, and traverse the three yin meridians, particularly acting as a herb for the Liver, Spleen, and Kidney. It regulates Qi and Blood, expels cold-dampness, warms the uterus, stops bleeding, warms the middle, opens depression, regulates menstruation, and kills roundworms. When used for moxibustion, it can penetrate all meridians and eliminate hundred diseases.