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[Flavor, Nature, and Indications]
Flavor: Bitter. Nature: Cold. Non-toxic. Mainly treats Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), internal Bi obstruction (blockage of Qi and blood within the body), blood stasis, amenorrhea, alternating chills and fever, and bodily soreness/pain. It benefits Qi and cures deafness.

(Tu Gua [Trichosanthes cucumerina root], known as Wang Gua in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* and commonly called wild melon. The *Liji · Yueling* states: "In the fourth month, Wang Gua grows," referring to this melon. It originally grew in the flat marshy fields of Lu and among the walls and fences of households. In the fourth month, it produces vines that spread and climb. Its vines have many tendrils, and its leaves resemble those of Trichosanthes kirilowii but lack lobes or notches, possessing prickles on the surface. In the fifth month, it bears yellow flowers; seeds form beneath the flowers, turning red like small pellets when ripe. The root resembles that of Trichosanthes kirilowii; smaller roots require digging two to three chi deep to find the main root. Roots are harvested in the third month and dried in the shade for use.)

My commentary: Tu Gua is not the Wang Gua eaten by common people, nor is it the sweet melon. Although mentioned in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, it is unrecognized by modern practitioners. It is retained here because Zhang Zhongjing’s *Shanghan Lun* mentions using Tu Gua Gen [root] as a guiding agent (for purgation).

(Note: The Wang Gua mentioned in the *Yueling* grows by spreading; its stems and leaves have fine hairs. The leaves are round with pointed tips, and a tendril appears below each leaf, allowing it to cling to other plants. It flowers in the sixth and seventh months with five-petaled yellow flowers; the long pedicel beneath the flower constitutes the fruit. It is abundant in our region of Hangzhou, found everywhere in wastelands. Common people often mistake it for Trichanthes kirilowii. Gao Shishi’s assertion that it is unrecognized today is likely due to this confusion.)

[Flavor, Nature, and Indications]
Flavor: Bitter. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Mainly treats wind-stroke, Shang Han [cold damage], headache, alternating chills and fever, palpitations/anxiety, Bi obstruction of Qi and blood, necrotic muscle tissue, and expels three types of parasites.

(Nong Po [Magnolia officinalis bark] is named for its solid wood and thick bark. Also known as Lie Po [intense bark] or Chi Po [red bark], indicating its pungent/intense nature and purple-red color. It is found in the valleys of Luoyang, Shaanxi, Jianghuai, Henan, and Sichuan/Shu regions. Those from Jianping, Yidu, Zizhou, and Longzhou are considered superior. The tree reaches three to four zhang in height and one to two chi in diameter. The inner bark is very thick; specimens with a purple-black, oily, and moist appearance are preferred. Leaves emerge in spring resembling Quercus dentata leaves and remain evergreen. Red flowers bloom in the fifth and sixth months, bearing fruits similar to Ilex cornuta berries, which turn from green to red when ripe. The fruit contains a seed and has a sweet taste. The fruit of Nong Po is also called Zhu Zhe. The *Mingyi Bielu* records: treats shu lou [scrofula/lymphatic tuberculosis], brightens the eyes, and benefits Qi.)

Nong Po has a bitter flavor and warm nature, with a red color and intense property. Its flowers and fruits are salty and red; it does not shed leaves in winter. Its thick, purple-hued bark suggests it inherits the essence of Shaoyang Wood and Fire, penetrating the muscle layers (Ji Cou). Its ability to treat wind-stroke, Shang Han, headache, and alternating chills and fever lies in its capacity to release the muscle layer and disperse exterior pathogens. By assisting the essence of Wood and Fire, it stabilizes palpitations arising from the Liver and Heart. Regarding Bi obstruction of Qi and blood: fluids follow the Qi exhalation of the San Jiao to warm the muscles. The Liver governs the Chong and Ren vessels' blood, filling the skin and warming the flesh. Bi obstruction indicates disharmony of Qi and blood in the muscle layers. Nong Po’s warm nature and purple color resolve Qi and blood Bi obstruction and revive necrotic tissue. Regarding the expulsion of parasites: when the fire Qi of the San Jiao is internally deficient, parasites arise. Nong Po, deriving transformation from Shaoyang Fire, causes these parasites to disappear naturally.

My commentary: Nong Po is red in color and intense in nature. When used raw, it releases the muscle layer and reaches the exterior, acting through the influence of Wood and Fire Qi. When stir-fried until fragrant, it transforms Earth Qi and assists the Spleen, reflecting the generative cycle where Wood generates Fire and Fire generates Earth. In the Fang Ji Huang Qi Tang [Note: Text says "Pu Da Huang Tang", likely a specific formulation context or typo for a formula containing Magnolia and Rhubarb, interpreted literally here], using one chi length of Nong Po symbolically corresponds to the Spleen.]