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[Adverse Effects] The five zang organs are all yin. People generally know that Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu, 白术) tonifies the spleen; this refers to the fact that the spleen is an organ of damp-earth, and Baizhu can dry dampness. When dampness is removed, the spleen functions well, hence it is said to tonify. However, if used in cases where there is no pathogenic dampness in the spleen, it will instead dry up the fluids of the spleen, thereby damaging spleen yin. How can this be considered tonification? This is a common error, so it is specifically highlighted for warning. It should be contraindicated in cases of blood deficiency, essence insufficiency, internal heat with bone-steaming sensation, dry mouth and lips, cough with sputum, hematemesis, epistaxis, dental bleeding, throat obstruction, constipation, or dysentery. Those with palpitations or throbbing sensations in the liver and kidney regions should not take it. Baizhu has a drying nature and tends to obstruct qi flow. Liu Juanzi stated in his *Treatise on Carbuncles and Ulcers*: "Baizhu is contraindicated in ulcers because it dries the kidneys and obstructs qi, which may反而 lead to pus formation and pain."

[Therapeutic Actions] Bitter, sweet, and warm in nature. It strengthens the spleen, promotes appetite, aids digestion of grains, tonifies the middle jiao, transforms phlegm-fluids in the stomach, regulates urgency and fullness below the heart, resolves blood stasis in the waist and umbilical region, dispels wind-damp bi-syndromes throughout the body. Combined with Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi, 枳实), it dissipates痞 (fullness); assisted by Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin, 黄芩), it calms the fetus. Poria (Fuling, 茯苓) serves as the guiding herb.

[Processing] Wild Baizhu, Qianyang Baizhu, and Xianju Baizhu are of superior quality. Baizhu produced in Taizhou has weak efficacy and is only suitable for regulating common ailments; it cannot be relied upon in critical life-and-death situations. Baizhu from Jiangxi resembles wild Baizhu from Zhejiang but is bitter and inferior, making it unsuitable for use. It can be stir-fried with aged wall soil, steamed with human milk, or soaked in rice wash water.

[Adverse Effects] When used raw, it can irritate the throat.

[Therapeutic Actions] Sweet and neutral in nature. Enters the spleen meridian. Tonifies the middle and supplements qi, stabilizes the five zang organs, moistens the lungs and heart, fills the essence and marrow, supports sinews and bones, dispels wind-damp, and eliminates the lower three corpse-worms.

It resembles Polygonati Odorati Rhizoma (Yuzhu, 玉竹) but is slightly larger, hence commonly called "Yuzhu Huangjing." Another variety resembles Bletillae Rhizoma (Baiji, 白芨), commonly called "Baiji Huangjing" or mountain ginger, which is likely not genuine Huangjing. It should be washed with stream water and processed by steaming nine times and sun-drying nine times.

Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao, 山药), also known as Shuyu.

[Adverse Effects] Contraindicated when consumed with wheat-based foods.

[Therapeutic Actions] Sweet and neutral in nature. Enters the spleen, lung, large intestine, and small intestine meridians. Supplements qi, strengthens yin, treats deficiency and consumptive diseases affecting the heart and spleen, promotes muscle growth, calms the spirit, clears deficient heat, stops diarrhea, and secures essence to stop spermatorrhea.

[Processing] Wash clean, slice, and sun-dry, or stir-fry until yellow. For spleen and stomach indications, stir-fry with earth; for kidney indications, stir-fry with salt water.