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Longdan (Radix Gentianae), grows in the valleys of Qiqu and Yuanju, and is now also found in nearby regions. The perennial root is yellowish-white, sending down more than ten main roots that resemble those of Achyranthes bidentata (Niuxi); the stem grows straight upward, reaching a height of over one chi (approx. 33 cm). Leaves emerge in April, resembling willow leaves but finer; the stem resembles small bamboo twigs. Flowers bloom in July, resembling Ipomoea nil (Convolvulus) flowers, bell-shaped or like a duo (ancient bell), with a cyan-green color. Seeds form after winter, and the herbaceous part withers. Roots are harvested in February, August, November, and December, dried in the shade, and commonly known as Cao Longdan. In central Zhejiang, there is another variety called Shan Longdancao, which has a bitter and astringent taste. Its roots are finely chopped, soaked overnight in fresh ginger juice to mitigate its harsh nature, then baked dry, pounded, and decocted with water using a dose of one qianbi (an ancient measure, approx. one small spoon), taken warm. It treats pain in the four limbs. There is no fixed time for harvesting; its leaves do not wither after frost and snow. This is a different species within the same genus. Ancient prescriptions often use this herb to treat jaundice. In Jiyuan Fang's Gu Dan Wan (Grain Jaundice Pill), Sanse (Radix Sophorae Flavescentis) three liang and Longdan one liang are sifted into fine powder, mixed with ox bile to form pills, taken before meals with wheat drink, five pills the size of wutong seeds per dose, three times daily; if ineffective, the dosage may be slightly increased. In Shanfan Fang: To treat Lao Dan (Consumptive Jaundice), the same Longdan is used, increased to two liang, plus thirty-seven Gaozi Ren (Semen Gardeniae), all three ingredients are sifted together, pounded, and formed into pills with pig bile, taken as previously described, washed down with water. The text explains: Lao Dan is named due to labor/overwork; Gu Dan is caused by dietary indiscretion leading to spleen and stomach dysfunction.

Tusizi (Semen Cuscutae), grows in the rivers, marshes, and fields of Korea, and is now also found near the capital, with those from Yuanju being of superior quality. Vines emerge in summer, spreading like silk threads over grasses and trees; some say it has no roots and survives on qi alone. Fruits appear in June and July, extremely fine like silkworm eggs, earth-yellow in color. Harvested in September and sun-dried. It is effective when processed with wine. There are two types of fruits: those that are yellow and fine are named Chi Wang; those that are pale and larger are named Tu Lei. Their functions are identical. According to Er Ya: Tang, Meng, Nuluo, and Tusisi are four names for the same substance. However, Ben Jing lists Tangmeng as a single name. Furthermore, Shi Jing states: "Niao and Nuluo." Mao Zhuan explains: "Nuluo is Tusisi." Lu Ji states: "The Tusisi used in medicine today is this plant." Yet Ben Jing mentions Tusisi without the name Nuluo. There is another plant, Songluo Tiao, also named Nuluo, which belongs to the woody category, parasitic on pine trees, similar to how Tusisi parasitizes grasses. Could these be two different substances sharing the same name, implying an omission in Ben Jing? Many texts claim: "Where there is Tusisi above, there is Poria (Fuling) below." When Poria develops, Tusisi dies. It is also said: "The initial root of Tusisi resembles a rabbit; excavate it, cut open to extract its 'blood,' and mix with elixirs for consumption." No one today has seen this practice; could they be related? Many immortal prescriptions involve taking it alone: fruits are soaked in wine, dried, soaked again, and dried until the wine is absorbed, then ground into powder and taken with wine. The longer stored, the better, and it benefits vision. Fresh young vines are ground to extract juice, applied to facial spots, yielding miraculous effects.