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Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix), its detailed description is found under the entry for Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix).

Shengma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) grows in the river valleys of Yizhou. Currently, it is produced in Shuhan, Shaanxi, and Huainan prefectures, with those from Sichuan being considered superior.
Seedlings emerge in spring, reaching a height of about three chi; the leaves resemble hemp leaves and are greenish-blue; flowers appear in April and May, resembling millet spikes, and are white; fruits mature after June and are black; the root is purplish, similar to Artemisia roots, with many fibrous roots. It is harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. Modern physicians use it to treat sore throat and swelling, mouth and tongue sores, and headache caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage disease); it is also highly effective for various types of swelling and toxicity. One qian of finely chopped herb is boiled in one sheng of water until a concentrated decoction is obtained. Upon ingestion, it induces vomiting of toxic vapors; this method is commonly used by people in Sichuan. In Yang Yan's *Nanxing Fang* (Southern Travel Formulas), the Liaoju Tang (Decoction for Treating Carbuncles) uses Shengma. Additionally, Shengma Gao (Ointment) and Shengma Tang (Decoction) are used to treat various forms of erysipelas (Dan Du). Wang Fangqing, Duke of Shiquan, in his *Lingnan Fang* (Formulas of Lingnan), describes a method for counteracting the clogging effects of taking mineral pills (Rushi): "In the south, no substance surpasses Cinnabar for health preservation and disease treatment." The formula uses three liang of powdered Shengma, refined and ground, mixed with one liang of bright Cinnabar (Guangming Sha). These two ingredients are combined and formed into pills the size of a Chinese quince seed using honey. Three pills are taken after each meal. Another formula, Qi Wu Shengma Wan (Seven-Ingredient Shengma Pill), consists of Shengma, Cornu Rhinocerotis (Xijiao), Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Poxiao (Natrii Sulfas), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), each two liang, along with Ersheng of Chi (Fermented Soybean), slightly roasted, then pounded together into a powder and formed into pills with honey. If one feels intense heat in the four limbs and difficulty in defecation, take thirty pills; slight diarrhea indicates efficacy. If there is only mild heat in the four limbs, take twenty pills with meals. This not only wards off miasma but also greatly improves vision.

Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) grows in the valleys of Hongnong and Yuanju. Currently, it is available near roads in Guan-Shaan and Jiang-Hu regions, with those from Yinzhou being considered superior. Seedlings emerge in February and have a strong fragrance.
The stem is greenish-purple; the leaves resemble bamboo leaves but are narrower; some resemble Xiehao (Artemisia species); others resemble Maidong (Ophiopogonis Radix) but are shorter. Yellow flowers bloom in July. Those from Danzhou bear green seeds and differ from those grown elsewhere; the root is reddish, resembling Qianhu (Peucedani Radix) but stronger; the rhizome head has red hairs resembling a rat's tail. Single-clump specimens that are longer are of better quality. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. Zhang Zhongjing treated Shanghan (Cold Damage disease) with formulas such as Da Chaihu Tang (Major Bupleurum Decoction), Xiao Chaihu Tang (Minor Bupleurum Decoction), Chaihu Jia Longgu Tang (Bupleurum plus Dragon Bone Decoction), and Chaihu Jia Mangxiao Tang (Bupleurum plus Mirabilite Decoction). Therefore, for later generations treating alternating chills and fever, this herb is the most essential medicine.