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[Harm] Xiangru (Moslae Herba) is pungent and dispersing, serving as a herb for resolving the exterior in summer. If there is no external pathogen affecting the exterior, but rather internal heat causing illness, why resort to this herb? Misuse damages the defensive qi of the body; therefore, it is contraindicated for those without exterior pathogens. Its nature is warm and hot, suitable for summer-cold conditions. For summer-heat conditions, cooling herbs should be used; misusing Xiangru will instead cause great harm. Some people reside in tall, cool halls, over-cool themselves, and consume excessive cold food and drink, causing yang qi to be constrained by yin-cold pathogens. The cold then penetrates inward, leading to symptoms such as headache, aversion to cold, restlessness, thirst, vomiting, diarrhea, or cholera-like syndrome. In such cases, Xiangru is appropriate. It promotes the emergence of yang qi, disperses pathogens, and harmonizes the spleen and stomach, leading to recovery. However, for individuals with irregular diet or those weakened by overwork who suffer from summer-heat injury with profuse sweating like rain, restlessness, panting, and shortness of breath, or vomiting and diarrhea, these are signs of internal injury. One should follow Li Dongyuan's Qing Shu Yi Qi Tang (Clear Summer-Heat and Boost Qi Decoction). If there is no vomiting or diarrhea, Ren Shen Bai Hu Tang (Ginseng White Tiger Decoction) or Gui Ling Gan Lu Yin (Cinnamon Twig, Poria, and Sweet Dew Drink) are suitable to drain fire and replenish primordial qi. Using Xiangru in these cases would further weaken the exterior and increase internal heat.

[Efficacy] Xiangru is pungent and slightly warm, entering the Lung and Stomach meridians. It regulates summer-heat, cholera, and abdominal pain. If the condition arises from over-cooling and consuming cold items, where yang qi is constrained by yin-cold pathogens, it leads to recovery. However, using it for summer-heat contracted due to overwork is a major error.

[Processing] Harvest when flowers bloom and spikes form in August and September. Remove roots, keep leaves, chop, and dry in the sun. Avoid exposure to fire; aged material is preferred. It is advisable to take it when cool; taking it hot may cause diarrhea. This aligns with the principle stated in the classics: "Treat warmth with cooling methods."

[Harm] Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis) excels at clearing the stomach and eliminating heat. It is suitable only for those with deficient heat in the Stomach and Kidney. Those with deficiency but without fire must not use it indiscriminately. Dendrobium that is long, loose, and extremely bitter is called Mujie (Wood Shihu); consuming it damages the stomach.

[Efficacy] Shihu is sweet, bland, and slightly cold. It clears the stomach and eliminates deficient heat, tonifies the Kidney, secures primordial qi, and treats weakness of the legs and knees. Chuan Shihu (Sichuan Dendrobium) is slightly inferior to fresh Shihu in efficacy but has a colder nature, making it particularly effective for reducing deficient heat. Dry form is suitable for deficiency syndromes, while fresh form is suitable for excess syndromes.

[Processing] Material from Sichuan is superior. Harvest stems in July and August, dry in the shade, and irrigate with mulberry bark juice. Material that is golden in color and shaped like the thigh of a grasshopper is considered excellent. Jinshihie (Mineral Shihu): When used, remove the root head. Soak in wine overnight, then dry in the sun. Mix with butter (su), steam for five shichen (10 hours), slowly bake until dry, and then use. It is effective when included in tonic prescriptions. Alternatively, it can be processed into a paste.