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(Tu Fuling) possesses a permeating nature, dispels damp-heat, and tonifies the Spleen and Stomach.

Its flavor is sweet, bland, and neutral. It is the principal herb for the Yangming (Stomach, Large Intestine) channel; it strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and dispels wind-dampness. When the Spleen and Stomach are strong, Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi) flow smoothly; when wind-dampness is expelled, sinews and bones become flexible. It promotes urination and stops diarrhea.

It treats spasm and contracture of sinews and bones, and yaws (Yaws was not recorded in ancient formulas. It originated in Lingnan during the Zhengde era of the Ming Dynasty. Its manifestations mostly involve the Yangming and Jueyin channels, extending to others. This is because Ministerial Fire resides in the Jueyin channel, while muscles belong to the Yangming channel. Physicians used Qingfen (Calomel), a drastic phlegm-resolving agent, which has a dry and fierce nature. Entering the Yangming channel, it expels phlegm-saliva through the mouth and teeth, causing sores to dry and heal. However, toxic vapors invade the collaterals, sinews, and bones, leading to emaciation of blood, loss of nourishment to sinews, resulting in contractures, carbuncles, and fistulas, ultimately causing disability. Tu Fuling can counteract the toxicity of Qingfen and clear damp-heat from the Yangming channel. Usage: Use 1 liang as the sovereign herb, combined with Yi Yi Ren (Coix Seed), Jin Yin Hua (Honeysuckle Flower), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), Mu Tong (Akebia Stem), Mu Gua (Chaenomeles Fruit), Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus Bark), each 5 fen, and Zao Jiao Zi (Gleditsia Seed) 4 fen. For Qi deficiency, add Ren Shen (Ginseng Root) 7 fen; for Blood deficiency, add Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis Root) 7 fen. This formula is named Sou Feng Jie Du Tang (Wind-Searching and Toxin-Resolving Decoction); scrofula and carbuncles (Dampness stagnates and transforms into heat; disharmony of Ying and Wei leads to sores and swelling. The Classics state: "Dampness harms people, manifesting as swelling of skin, flesh, and sinews." Tu Fuling's blandness penetrates dampness, and its sweetness tonifies. For those suffering from pustular scabies, decocting it as tea is highly effective).

(It resembles) a duck in size, growing in clusters, commonly known as Leng Fan Tuan (Cold Rice Ball). There are red and white varieties; the white one is superior. It is edible and can be eaten raw. Avoid consuming with tea.

(Bai Lian) functions to purge fire and dissipate nodules.

Bitterness drains downward, pungency disperses, sweetness moderates, and coldness eliminates heat. It kills fire-toxins, dissipates stagnant Qi, generates flesh, and relieves pain.

It treats carbuncles, sores, and swellings, facial ulcers, and traumatic injuries from metal weapons or falls (for arrowheads that cannot be extracted, mix with Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) or Ban Xia (Pinellia Tuber) into powder, and take with wine); it is frequently used in formulas for wound contraction (hence its name, often used synergistically with Bai Ji (Bletilla Rhizome)); applied for frostbitten ears (mixed with Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark) powder and oil).

The vine is red; branches have five leaves; roots are ovoid and elongated, with three to five stems sharing the same root system; the skin is black, and the flesh is white. There is also a variety called Chi Lian, which shares similar functions (Zheng Dianyi stated: It can treat warm malaria with bloody dysentery, intestinal wind with hemorrhoids, and leukorrhea with blood).