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[Harm] *Vigna umbellata* (Chixiaodou, 赤小豆) is most potent in draining fluids and dampness; prolonged use causes dryness and depletion of body fluids, resulting in emaciated skin yet a sensation of heaviness in the body. All cases of edema and distension are fundamentally due to Spleen deficiency; therefore, it should be used in conjunction with herbs that tonify the Spleen and Stomach. Discontinue use once the disease resolves; do not overdose.

[Benefit] Sweet, sour, and neutral in nature; enters the Heart and Small Intestine meridians. Its action descends and promotes unblocking; it promotes urination to drain water, disperses blood stasis, expels parasites, relieves thirst, circulates body fluids, clears heat from the Qi level, eliminates vexation and steaming sensations, and unblocks lactation. It is particularly important for conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, treats dysentery, stops vomiting, and is most suitable for the Spleen and Stomach. For treating tangible pathologies, such as reducing distension and dissipating swelling: for sores and carbuncles that have ulcerated and are near necrosis, apply the powder externally for immediate effect. When mixed with egg white, it becomes sticky and difficult to remove when dry; adding *Boehmeriae Nippononae Radix et Rhizoma* (Zhugen, 苎根) powder prevents stickiness. For un-ulcerated lesions, it helps gather the edges and raise the center; for ulcerated lesions, application promotes healing. *Abrus precatorius* (Xiangsizi, 相思子) is bitter and neutral; taken as a powder, it treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, wind-phlegm, miasmic malaria, and gu poison.

[Processing] Harvested in late autumn or August. Those that are tight, small, and dark red are suitable for medicinal use; those that are slightly larger and bright red or pale red have no therapeutic effect. The half-black seeds found in modern pharmacies are *Abrus precatorius*, also known as Hongdou (Red Bean), which is toxic.

[Harm] Modern physicians rarely achieve efficacy using *Curcuma aromatica* (Yujin, 郁金) to resolve depression/stagnation. In cases of hematemesis caused by hyperactivity of deficient fire due to Yin deficiency, this is not due to flaming fire but rather reckless bleeding overflowing into the Upper Jiao, unrelated to the Lung and Liver. It is contraindicated for hematemesis caused by rebellious Qi injuring the Liver. Recently, many cases of depression syndromes belong to Blood deficiency; using blood-breaking herbs to resolve stagnation fails to open the stagnation and instead damages Yin first, leading to untreatable conditions frequently. The Yujin currently on the market is mostly *Curcuma longa* (Jianghuang, 姜黄), and some is adulterated with *Curcuma phaeocaulis* (Pengzhu, 蓬术). These possess harsh and fierce properties and are strictly contraindicated for patients with accompanying deficiency.

[Benefit] Bitter, pungent, and slightly sweet; cold in nature; enters the Heart, Pericardium, Lung, and Liver meridians. It opens blood accumulation and Qi obstruction, generates flesh, and alleviates pain. It is essentially a Qi-moving herb entering the Blood level. It treats hematemesis, epistaxis, and retrograde menstruation in women. Since blood is associated with fire, this herb can descend Qi; when Qi descends, fire descends. Because its nature enters the Blood, it guides blood back to the vessels, resolves Liver stagnation, drains fire, cools blood, and breaks up blood stasis.

[Processing] There are varieties produced in Sichuan and Guangdong. The root is sharp and round like a cicada's abdomen, yellow outside and red inside. After peeling and drying over fire, it is bright in color with a slight fragrance. When broken, it shines brightly and clearly; if the taste is bitter with a hint of sweetness, it is authentic. Crush it before decocting, or grind it to make juice for administration.