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[Epimedium]
Flavor: Acrid, Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Impotence (Yang deficiency impotence), severe injuries, pain in the urethra, promoting urination, benefiting Qi and strength, strengthening willpower.
(Note: Epimedium grows in the valleys of Yangshan in Shangjun, and is also found in Jiangdong, Shaanxi, Taishan, Hanzhong, and Huxiang. The stem is one to two chi high, with three branches per stem, and three leaves per branch. The leaves resemble apricot leaves and have thorns on them; in Guanzhong, it is called "Three-Branch Nine-Leaf Grass." The stems are slender and tough, remaining green through winter. It blooms white flowers in April, though some have purple flowers. Those growing in places where no water sound is heard are considered superior. Tao Hongjing stated: In northern Sichuan, there are 'licentious goats' that mate a hundred times a day, likely due to eating this herb, hence its name. The *Tang Bencao* calls it Xianlingpi (Immortal Spirit Spleen). There is a Xianlingpi wine that benefits men, promotes sexual function, and treats coldness in the waist and knees.)
Goats belong to the Fire animal category. The herb causes goats to be licentious. This is because it inherits the Heavenly Qi from Water and obtains the Yang-Heat Qi transformation of the Taiyang (Greater Yang) meridian. Inheriting the Heavenly Qi from Water results in an Acrid and Cold flavor. Obtaining the Yang-Heat of Taiyang allows it to treat impotence and severe injuries. The Taiyang meridian combines with the Cold-Water Qi of the Bladder, thus treating urethral pain and promoting urination. The Qi of Taiyang connects upward to the Lung and internally to the Kidney, thereby benefiting Qi and strength and strengthening willpower.
Epimedium inherits the Qi of Taiyang but functions in the lower body. This differs slightly from Zi Ping (Duckweed), which also inherits the Qi of Taiyang but floats to the skin surface. Therefore, those growing in places without the sound of water are superior. This ensures that the Qi of Taiyang remains hidden within the Water rather than manifesting externally. The Sages observed the nature of substances with meticulous care. Students who study deeply may understand this principle.

[Campsis grandiflora / Chinese Trumpet Vine]
Flavor: Sour, Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Residual diseases after childbirth in women, metrorrhagia (uterine bleeding), abdominal masses with blood stasis and amenorrhea, alternating chills and fever with emaciation, nourishing the fetus.
(Note: Campsis is found everywhere, mostly growing in mountains, but also cultivated in gardens. Its vines climb trees, reaching several zhang high. Old vines can be as thick as a cup. In early spring, branches emerge with multiple leaves per branch; the leaves are pointed, long, and serrated. From summer to autumn, it produces five-petaled flowers that are ochre-yellow with fine spots, turning redder in late autumn. It is now called Lingxiao Hua (Cloud-Reaching Flower), indicating its flowers grow very high. Both roots and flowers are used.)
The vines of Campsis extend and guide, primarily unblocking meridians. Its Acrid and Cold flavor clears Heat from the Blood. Thus, the *Shennong Ben Cao Jing* lists these indications. In recent times, it has been used as an emmenagogue and abortifacient. Zhang Zhongjing's Biejia Jian Wan (Turtle Shell Decoction for Reducing Masses) also uses Campsis to dissipate abdominal masses; it is certainly not a substance for nourishing the fetus. The phrase "nourishing the fetus" in the *Ben Cao Jing* is likely a textual error for "aborting the fetus."