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[Qinghao (Artemisiae Annuae Herba)]
[Harm] Bitter-cold herbs are generally detrimental to the Stomach. They should not be used in cases of diarrhea caused by Qi deficiency and internal cold after childbirth, nor in cases of diarrhea due to food stagnation. After childbirth, when the Spleen and Stomach are weak, it is contraindicated to use it together with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix) and Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix). Leigong stated: Use the seed, not the leaf; use the root, not the stem. If the seed, leaf, root, and stem are all used together, it may instead lead to chronic, intractable diseases.
[Benefit] The bitter-cold nature enters the Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidney meridians, treats Sanjiao (Triple Burner) disorders, clears summerheat, treats bone-steaming emaciation (emaciation due to yin-deficiency heat), eliminates latent heat within the bones, and kills guizhu chuanshi (contagious chronic wasting diseases). Bitter-cold herbs generally do not harmonize well with the Stomach. However, Qinghao has a fragrant aroma that awakens the Spleen, making it suitable for individuals with blood deficiency and internal heat, as it does not damage the neutral qi of the Middle Jiao.
[Preparation] Harvest the stems and leaves in the fourth and fifth months, and harvest the seeds in the eighth and ninth months. The stalks have the same efficacy as the herb; they are dried for medicinal use, or processed into paste, or distilled into dew.

[Juhua (Chrysanthemi Flos)]
[Harm] Bitter-cold materials are not suitable for those with weak Stomach Qi. "Mushu Xiantan" states: True Chrysanthemum extends life, while wild Chrysanthemum causes diarrhea. Thus, Danxi said that taking wild Chrysanthemum severely damages Stomach Qi, which refers to this point.
[Benefit] Sweet and bitter, slightly cold, it tonifies Metal (Lung) and Water (Kidney), effectively controls Wind-Wood (Liver), removes heat from the chest, dispels wind from the head and eyes. It is often used with Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Gouqi (Lycii Fructus), Digupi (Lycii Cortex), and Sangbaipi (Mori Cortex).
[Preparation] Chuzhou Chrysanthemum, specifically single-petaled, white-flowered, and sweet-tasting varieties, are considered superior. Hangzhou yellow-white tea Chrysanthemum, which is slightly bitter, is of secondary quality. Other bitter Chrysanthemums are generally not used in prescriptions, or are charred black, calcined into charcoal, or used raw. Harvested in the ninth month and sun-dried. Wild Chrysanthemum is bitter and acrid, with a harsh odor and slight toxicity; it regulates the middle jiao, breaks blood stasis, and treats carbuncles and sores. Crushed whole including stems and leaves, it is effective both externally applied and internally ingested.

[Qingdai (Indigo Naturalis)]
[Harm] Cool in nature, it should not be used by those with Cold in the Middle Jiao. Even for those with Yin deficiency and internal heat, it is not advisable to use. While detoxification and clearing fire are its strengths, ancient formulas often employed it for various blood disorders. If the disease is not due to excess heat in the Blood level, but rather due to Yin deficiency causing internal heat, where Yang has no anchor and Fire flares upward, resulting in symptoms such as hematemesis, epistaxis, hemoptysis, or spitting blood, using Qingdai is inappropriate and will exacerbate the condition. Careful differentiation is required.
[Benefit] Salty and cold, it clears Liver Fire, resolves stagnation, treats accumulated Wind-Heat in the Middle and Lower Jiao, treats hematemesis, regulates pediatric convulsive malnutrition (Jinggan), and external application treats toxic heat and malignant swellings. Indigo dye used for coloring has the same efficacy.
[Preparation] Authentic Qingdai comes from Persia and is now unobtainable. Currently, dried Indigo flowers are used; selecting those with a vibrant blue color, extracting one tael per jin is also excellent. Since it contains much lime, it must be thoroughly washed clean.