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Flavor and Nature: Acrid, bitter, warm, slippery. Non-toxic. Indicated for metal weapon wounds (Jinchuang) and ulcerative sores; can lighten the body, suppress hunger, and promote longevity.

(Xiebai grows everywhere. Sprouts in the first lunar month. Leaves resemble those of Allium tuberosum L. (Jiucai), which are solid in the center, flat, and have a sword-like ridge. Xiebai leaves are hollow like Allium fistulosum L. (Cong) but have ridges, and their odor is similar to scallions. In the second lunar month, small purple-white flowers bloom on single stems with single roots. The root resembles a small garlic bulb. The leaves are green, and the root is white. Only the root is used medicinally, hence the name "Xiebai" (White Scallion/Leek). This naming convention is identical to that of Jiu Bai (White Garlic Chive) and Cong Bai (White Scallion). Some roots have a slight reddish hue. Red ones are bitter but not acrid; white ones are acrid but not bitter. White roots are preferred for medicinal use.)

The root of Xiebai, located at the lower part, has an acrid and warm flavor/nature. Its property moves from below upwards, primarily assisting the ascent of Sheng Yang Qi (generating Yang Qi). In *Jin Gui Yao Lue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet), formulas for treating Xiong Bi (Chest Bi Syndrome) such as Gualou Xiebai Baizhi Tang (Trichosanthes Fruit, Rhizoma Allii Macrostemonis, and White Wine Decoction), Gualou Xiebai Banxia Tang (Trichosanthes Fruit, Rhizoma Allii Macrostemonis, and Pinellia Tuber Decoction), and Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang (Immature Bitter Orange, Rhizoma Allii Macrostemonis, and Cinnamon Twig Decoction), all embody the principle of moving from below to above and emerging from Yin into Yang. When metal wounds or ulcerative sores occur, the skin, muscles, and meridians become deficient and cold. Xiebai is acrid and warm, acting from the interior to the exterior, thus capable of treating these conditions. As Sheng Yang Qi ascends, it lightens the body, suppresses hunger, and promotes longevity.

Flavor and Nature: Bitter, astringent, very cold. Non-toxic. Indicated for cold-heat sensations in the bones, fright epilepsy and pathogenic factors, healing severe injuries, stabilizing the Five Zang Organs, and killing gu poison.

(Dragon's Blood Root, Longdan Cao, originally grew in Qiqu Valley and Yuanju. It is now found everywhere, with specimens from Wuxing being superior. Perennial roots sprout shoots; one clump has over ten roots. The stem is over a chi tall, slender like small bamboo branches. Flowers are blue-green. Seeds form after winter, and the seedlings wither. Commonly known as Caolongdan. Another variety, Shanlongdan, has leaves that do not wither after frost and snow. These are related but distinct species.)

The root of Longdan Cao is extremely bitter in flavor and astringent in qi, with a very cold nature. The stem resembles bamboo, and the flowers are blue-green. It inherits the Wood Qi of the East, hence the name "Longdan" (Dragon Gallbladder). Dragons belong to Jia Wood. Bitter flavors enter the bones; therefore, it treats cold-heat sensations in the bones. Astringency is akin to sourness; therefore, it dispels fright epilepsy and pathogenic factors. The Gallbladder governs the bones, and the Liver governs the sinews; therefore, it heals severe injuries. The Six Fu Organs and Five Zang Organs all depend on the Gallbladder; therefore, it stabilizes the Five Zang Organs. Wind beneath the mountain is called "Chong" (worms/poison). When Wind Qi ascends, Gu Poison is naturally destroyed.