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[Flavor and Nature] Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats sudden heat caused by wind-stroke (stroke induced by wind pathogen), inability to move the body, tendon contractions with muscle knotting, and various deficiencies. Long-term consumption removes facial black spots, improves complexion, moistens the skin, lightens the body, and delays aging.

(The *Shennong Bencao Jing* names it "Nüwei". The *Wu Shi Bencao* names it "Weirui". The *Mingyi Bielu* names it "Yuzhu". The *Bencao Shiyi* names it "Qingnian". It originally grew in the valleys and hills of Mount Tai, but is now found everywhere. "Nüwei" implies its yin-soft nature and moist texture, resembling a woman's gentle compliance. "Weirui" refers to the delicate and soft appearance of a young woman. "Yuzhu" means its root color resembles jade and its stem segments resemble bamboo. "Qingnian" means its stems and leaves are emerald green, and its root juice is thick and sticky. Sprouts emerge in spring; the stem is straight with nodes, leaves resemble bamboo and grow opposite each other in pairs. The root grows horizontally like Polygonatum sibiricum (Huangjing), is white with a slight yellow tint, has a soft and fatty nature, and is difficult to dry.)

(Note: Weirui leaves appear opposite when dense, but are actually not strictly opposite. Some say that plants with opposite leaves are indeed Huangjing. Currently, in Zhejiang, medicinal herbs are selected such that slender roots are called Yuzhu, while round and large roots are called Huangjing. In reality, they are the same species; those with younger age have slender and long roots, while older ones have larger and rounder roots. I sought true Huangjing and cultivated it for decades without success.)

Weirui has a sweet and neutral flavor and a texture rich in body fluids. It inherits the essence of Taiyin Damp Earth to nourish the fluids of the Middle Jiao. "Sudden heat from wind-stroke" refers to wind pathogens invading the human body, causing body heat as if exposed to intense sun. "Inability to move" occurs because excessive heat depletes internal fluids, preventing them from moistening and irrigating the muscles and interstices. "Diejin" (tendon collapse/contraction) means tendons lose their flexibility, leading to厥逆 (jue-ni/cold extremities or loss of consciousness) or stiffness as if fallen. "Jierou" (knotting flesh) means muscles lack lubrication, becoming rough and stagnant as if knotted. "Various deficiencies" clarifies that sudden heat from wind-stroke, inability to move, tendon contraction, and muscle knotting are all manifestations of various deficiency syndromes. Long-term consumption fills the body with fluids, thus removing facial black spots, improving complexion and skin moisture, and making the body light and delaying aging.

I observe: Weirui is moist, slippery, and greasy, possessing a yin-soft nature. Therefore, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats sudden heat from wind-stroke, and ancient formulas use it for burning heat from wind-warmth; both treat wind-heat diseases. Recent physicians claim Weirui has the efficacy of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), administering it indiscriminately regardless of cold, heat, dryness, or dampness as a tonic. They do not realize that for patients with Yin diseases and internal cold, this is a major contraindication. This error likely stems from failing to consult classical texts and being misled by hearsay.