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(Fuzi, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) Pungent and sweet, extremely hot, purely yang. Its nature is more floating than sinking; its action moves without staying put, circulating through the Twelve Meridians without exception. It can guide Qi-tonifying herbs to restore scattered Yuan Yang (Primordial Yang), guide Blood-nourishing herbs to nourish deficient Zhen Yin (True Yin), guide dispersing herbs to open the Cou Li (interstitial spaces and skin pores) to expel wind-cold in the exterior, guide warming herbs to reach the Lower Jiao (Lower Burner) to dispel cold-dampness in the interior, treating diseases of the Du Mai (Governing Vessel) and all conditions of deep-seated cold and stubborn cold. Raw Fuzi is used for dispersion, cooked Fuzi is used for vigorous tonification. If taken by mistake causing poisoning, disaster follows immediately; it can be detoxified with a decoction of Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Xijiao (Rhinocerotis Cornu - *note: now prohibited/replaced by water buffalo horn*), and Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), or clarified yellow earth water may also be used. Wufujian (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Cum Radicula, tip of lateral root) induces vomiting of wind-phlegm, treating epilepsy; its sharp energy reaches the disease site directly. Cezǐ (Aconiti Lateralis Radix lateralis, side root) is extremely drying, disperses the four limbs, fills the skin and hair, treating wind-dampness of the hands and feet.

(Ganjiang, Zingiberis Rhizoma) Pungent and bitter, warm. Disperses cold and dries dampness, warms the Middle Jiao and directs Qi downward, benefits the Five Zang organs, removes old blood, and kills parasites.

(Shengjiang, Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) Pungent, hot. Dries Spleen dampness, opens the Five Zang and Six Fu organs, unblocks the four limbs and joints, disseminates the collateral vessels, expels cold and releases the exterior, warms the meridians and stops vomiting, eliminates phlegm and stagnation. Used when stir-fried until yellow. If taken together with Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), it can also benefit Lung Qi and treat cold cough.

(Rougui, Cinnamomi Cortex) Pungent and bitter, extremely hot. Removes Stomach cold and secures the Middle, simultaneously supplementing Heart Qi; dispels deep-seated cold and stubborn cold in the Zang-Fu organs; removes evil and generates new; can restore pulselessness and return Yang; furthermore, it guides Blood-invigorating herbs into the Liver to generate Blood and reduce fever; if used with Hei Fuzi (Prepared Black Aconite Root), it enters the Kidney to dispel cold-dampness.

(Caoguo/Renchen type, likely Amomi Fructus Rotundus or similar aromatic herb based on description) Pungent, hot. Unblocks the Five Zang organs and reaches all orifices, aids digestion and repels foulness, removes cold stagnation and resolves summerheat, kills snake and insect venom. The aroma and flavor are heavy and turbid; excessive consumption causes blurred vision and damages Shen (Spirit). Crushed and applied externally, it treats persistent epistaxis (nosebleed) and Guan Ge (obstruction syndrome); it can also promote diuresis and relieve constipation. If sliced and moxa-burned for abscesses and sores, it is effective; single-headed bulbs are preferred. The vulgar claim that it is a "hundred-tonic" herb is not credible.

(Ginseng/Astragalus type, see general tonification above) See general tonification.

(Astragalus/Atractylodes type, see general tonification above) See general tonification.

(Anemarrhena/Scutellaria type, see heat-clearing above) Bitter, cold, slightly sweet. Tonifies Qi and descends Lung Fire; suitable for those with Lung heat and fire.

(Ophiopogon/Asparagus type, see yin-nourishing above) Sweet, slightly cold, with a bitter descending nature. Tonifies Lung Qi and enables clear descent; suitable for conditions characterized by ascending without descending.

(Trichosanthes/Armeniaca type, see phlegm-resolving above) Bitter, cold, slightly sweet. Tonifies the Lung and descends fire; suitable for deficiency with fire.