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Baishen (Cynanchum stauntonii), not previously recorded in ancient texts regarding its origin provinces. Tao Hongjing stated it grows near roads; currently, it is found in Shu region and various prefectures along the Huai River and Zhejiang. Its seedlings resemble those of Asarum (Xixin) but are larger, white in color, and easily broken; some have leaves resembling willow or those of Daphne genkwa (Yuanhua), with plants growing to about one chi in height. It grows on sandy islets and gravel banks, with white roots longer than those of Asarum, also resembling Achyranthes bidentata (Niuxi) and Cynanchum atratum (Baiwei). The creeping variety currently used has a bitter taste and is not the true Baishen. Roots are harvested in February and August, then sun-dried. The *Shenshi Fang* treats chronic cough with rebellious Qi, bodily edema, shortness of breath, abdominal distension and fullness, inability to lie down day or night leaning against a wall, and frequent sounds resembling that of a waterfowl, using Baishen Tang as the primary prescription. Baishen 2 liang, Ziwan (Asteris Radix), Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma, washed) each 3 liang, Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix) 7 he, chopped. These four ingredients are soaked in one dou of water overnight. On the next morning, decoct to obtain three sheng of liquid, divided into three doses. Mutton and maltose (Xing) are prohibited for consumption, which yields excellent results.

Baibu (Stemonae Radix) root: Ancient texts do not specify its origin provinces. Currently, it is found in Jiang, Hu, Huai, Shaan, Qi, and Lu regions. In spring, seedlings emerge and form vines; leaves are large, pointed, and long, somewhat resembling bamboo leaves, with a green and glossy surface. The lower part of the root forms clusters like taro, with fifteen to sixteen tubers per cluster, yellowish-white in color. Harvested in February, March, and August, then sun-dried for use. Ancient and modern formularies frequently use it to treat coughs. Ge Hong advocated treating sudden cough by juicing Baibu root and fresh ginger separately, mixing them, and decocting slightly, administering two he. Zhang Wenzhong used only Baibu root, soaked in wine for two nights, warmed significantly, administered one sheng, twice daily. The *Qianjin Fang* treats thirty-year chronic cough using twenty jin of Baibu root, crushed and juiced, then decocted until thick like maltose syrup. Administer one fangcun bi per dose, three times daily; this is verified effective.

Wagua (Trichosanthes cucumerina), grows in the plains, swamps, fields of Lu region, and among house walls; it is now ubiquitous. The *Yueling* states: "In the fourth month, Wagua grows," referring to this plant. Leaves resemble those of Trichosanthes kirilowii (Gualou), round without lobes, covered with hair-like prickles. Yellow flowers bloom in May; fruits develop beneath the flowers, shaped like pellets, green when raw and red when ripe. Roots resemble Pueraria (Ge), slender with many fibrous roots, called Tugua Gen (Radix Trichosanthis Cucumerinae). In the northern regions, the fruits hang in clusters, size similar to dates, with yellow skin and white flesh; the seedlings and leaves are similar; only the root morphology differs. Roots are harvested in March and dried in shade. People in Junjian call it Laoya Gua (Old Crow Melon) or Tugua. According to the *Erya*: "(Yangshan qie)" is Tugua. Guo Pu's commentary notes: resembles Tugua Gen. However, Tugua Gen calls itself "(same as Kui) Gu" (same as Gu), also known as Gou Gu; thus Tugua is likely a different species. Furthermore, it states: "Wu Fei" is also called Tugua, but it is a distinct entity. What the *Classic of Poetry* refers to as "gathering Feng and Fei" does not refer to this Tugua. Generally, there are many cases of different species sharing the same name, which must be distinguished carefully. Ge Shi used it to treat facial heat rash and scrofula, resulting in smooth, tight, and lustrous skin. Crush and sieve Tugua Gen, mix evenly with fermented grain wash (Jiangshui). At night, first wash face with Jiangshui, then apply the medicine; rinse again in the morning. After one hundred days, the complexion becomes radiant. For children aged four suffering from jaundice (yellowing), crush fresh roots, extract three he of juice, and administer orally. Recovery occurs within no more than three doses.