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[Da Ji (Knoxia Root)] Bitter, pungent, cold. Specifically purges water-dampness from the Zang-Fu organs, expels blood stasis, induces sweating, resolves carbuncles, unblocks constipation and urinary retention, clears fire, and expels phlegm. Its juice is greenish-yellow and can also purge the Liver. Being Yin-cold and agile in movement, it severely depletes True Qi. Those with a purple hue are superior; those with a white hue are harmful to injure. The bony parts must be removed. If poisoned, only Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma) can detoxify it.

[Jing San Leng / E Zhu type (Name omitted in text, inferred as similar water-draining herb)] Bitter, cold. Purges water-dampness from the Kidney meridian and the collaterals/tunnels, reaching directly where water-Qi accumulates. It functions by attacking and resolving blockages, treating massive abdominal distension, fixed masses, and phlegm-misting the mind. Its ability to remove water is miraculous, but its damage to True Qi is equally rapid. It should be used after being baked with flour.

[Gan Sui (Kansui Root)] Bitter, cold. Sinking and Yin, moving downward, it shares the same efficacy as Da Ji and Gan Sui itself. It treats edema, distension and fullness, Gu poison, and malignant sores.

[Yuan Hua (Genkwa Flower)] Bitter, warm. Treats water-fluid retention in the Five Zang organs, phlegm-stagnation, and malarial fevers caused by miasma. Its toxicity is extremely potent; deficiency-patterns contraindicate its use. It should be used after boiling in vinegar. Its root treats scabies.

[Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix or Kadsurae Longipedunculatae Radix)] Greatly bitter, pungent, cold. Enters the Bladder meridian, eliminates Fire-pathogens, and circulates through the Twelve Meridians. It opens the interstices (Cou Li), benefits the Nine Orifices, drains damp-heat from the Blood aspect of the Lower Jiao, treats wind-water edema, descends Qi, and transforms phlegm. Its nature is perilous yet vigorous. It is indicated only for cases of damp-heat obstruction and Hong Kong foot (podagra/gout) where damp-heat in the Lower Jiao causes obstruction of the two yin openings (urethra and anus). There are two types: Han Fang Ji is used for treating water-retention; Mu Fang Ji is used for treating wind.

[Lei Wan / Vermifuge type] Sweet, salty, neutral. Enters the Three Yin Blood aspects, promotes blood circulation and removes stasis, while simultaneously venting wind from both the interior and exterior.

[Bing Lang (Areca Seed)] Bitter, sour, slightly cold. Breaks Qi stagnation and moves phlegm, resolves palpitations and stops asthma, benefits the chest and diaphragm, and expands the stomach and intestines.

[Zhi Shi / Zhi Ke type] Its nature, flavor, and functions are identical to Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), except that when the fruit is mature (Zhi Ke), the action is milder and targets the upper body; it can damage the supreme Qi in the chest. When immature (Zhi Shi), the action is fierce and targets the lower body; its ability to drain phlegm is like tearing down walls. This distinction lies in their differing strengths and targets.

[Xi Xin / Xin Yi type] Pungent, warm. Searches out wind and kills parasites, opens orifices and suppurates carbuncles. Its sharp potency reaches the disease site directly.

[Dahuang / Qian Niu type] Bitter, pungent, warm. Causes other herbs to descend, breaks hardness and resolves distension, aids digestion, moves phlegm, drains water, disperses pathogens, kills parasites, and revives from intoxication. It drains the supreme Qi of the chest down to the lowest extremity. It should be used with caution in cases of Qi deficiency with sinking.