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[Taste and Nature] Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats damage to the middle jiao (middle burner), dispels bi-syndrome (obstruction syndrome characterized by pain or stiffness), directs qi downward, tonifies deficiency-wasting conditions causing emaciation of the five zang organs, strengthens yin, and benefits essence. Long-term consumption thickens the stomach and intestines.

*(Deshu [Dendrobii Caulis] originally grew on rocks beside streams in the valleys of Lu'an. Currently, it is produced in Jingxiang, Hanzhong, Luzhou, Taizhou, Wenzhou, and other places. One variety resembles a gold hairpin, called "Chai Deshu" (Hairpin Dendrobium), which is favored by common people, but it is inferior to that produced in Sichuan. Sichuan Deshu has a slender and clean shape, with stems one to two chi long, possessing a clear and sparse aroma, yellowish-white color, and solid texture, making it the best for medicinal use. There is also Mu Hu (Wood Dendrobium), which is long and hollow inside, unlike the solid interior of Sichuan Deshu. There is also Mai Hu (Wheat Dendrobium), shaped like wheat grains, connected in clusters, with a single leaf at the head, having a slightly cold nature. There is also Zhuye Hu (Bamboo Leaf Dendrobium), shaped like bamboo with leaves growing between the nodes. There is also Que Bi Hu (Sparrow Thigh Dendrobium), with stems as thick as a sparrow's thigh and leaves at the stem tip; these all have bitter and cold natures and are unsuitable for use. Deshu grows in clusters on rocks, with tangled roots, and its stems and leaves are green and lush when growing. When dried, it becomes yellowish-white and soft. After breaking, it is hung under eaves and watered occasionally; it can survive for years without dying, hence commonly known as "Thousand-Year Moistener".)*

*(My commentary: Current Deshu tastes bitter, not sweet. One must understand that the flavors recorded in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* refer to the taste when freshly unearthed; the taste changes slightly after drying. Deshu grows on rocks and survives long-term with water, thereby inheriting the refined essence of water and stone to tonify the Kidney. Its sweet taste and yellow color indicate that it does not rely on Earth's power but rather seizes the transformative qi of the Middle Jiao (Earth) to tonify the Spleen. "Hu" is a unit of measurement, governing both exiting and entering. Treating damage to the middle jiao involves regulating the qi of the Middle Jiao. Dispelling bi-syndrome refers to removing bi-syndromes affecting the exterior correspondences of skin, vessels, flesh, sinews, bones, and the five zang organs. Treating damage to the middle jiao leads to directing qi downward, meaning that when middle qi is harmonized, pathogenic qi naturally descends. Dispelling bi-syndrome tonifies the five zang organs' deficiency-wasting emaciation, meaning that when pathogenic qi is scattered and removed, healthy qi becomes strong. The Spleen is the extreme yin within yin, hence "strengthening yin." The Kidney stores essence, hence "benefiting essence." Long-term consumption ensures the normal operation of Earth qi and the distribution of fluid essence throughout the body, thus thickening the stomach and intestines.

The Superior Class drugs in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* mostly treat the dispersion of bi-syndrome. They do not specify wind-cold-dampness but simply say "bi," referring to bi-syndromes of the exterior correspondences of the five zang organs. Specifically, skin corresponds to the Lung, vessels to the Heart, flesh to the Spleen, sinews to the Liver, and bones to the Kidney. Therefore, dispelling bi-syndrome is a method to treat deficiency-wasting emaciation of the five zang organs; this is the subtle efficacy of tonification within the act of expelling pathogens. Treating damage to the middle jiao is a method of directing qi downward; this is the divine principle of expelling pathogens within the act of tonification.)*