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Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic, enters the Lung Meridian.
Its aroma is fragrant, its nature is mild and harmonious; it warms the interior and reaches the exterior, disperses wind and resolves stagnation. It releases the exterior through sweating without being overly harsh; its yang nature does not damage yin. It unblocks nasal congestion and moves qi stagnation. For deficient individuals who need to sweat but are too weak to tolerate strong diaphoretic agents, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen, 人参) should be used as an adjunct. When cold-dampness is contracted during summer, if pungent-hot herbs are feared to violate the seasonal climate, they may be combined with Agastache Herba (Huoxiang, 藿香).
The stem (Jiegeng, 桔梗): can direct qi downward and calm the fetus, stabilizing the fetal foundation.
The fruit: can resolve phlegm and calm wheezing, bringing relief to panting.
This herb's warmth can disperse cold, and its fragrance can harmonize qi and blood. Like a person of great virtue, it encounters no obstacles wherever it goes. Its combination with Tangerine Peel (Chenpi, 陈皮) is particularly suitable. Huoxiang Zhengqi San (Agastache Powder for Rectifying Qi) for treating external contraction of wind-cold-dampness, and Jiming San (Crowing Rooster Powder) for treating podagra, both employ such combinations. It can also be used externally: for pregnant women with incessant vomiting, boiling the stems and leaves to inhale the steam can stop retching, direct qi downward, and restore equilibrium. It can also detoxify crab poison.

Sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung, Small Intestine, and Bladder meridians. Incompatible with Dioscorea Hypoglauca Rhizome (Bixie, 萆薢).
Hostile to Dried Ginger (Ganjiang, 干姜) and Genkwa Flower (Yuanhua, 芫花). Can neutralize Aconite Root (Fuzi, 附子) toxicity. Those that are white and moist are superior.
Disperses wind and releases the exterior, alleviates pain and treats sores. Clears the throat and teeth, treats urticaria and pruritus. Stagnant qi in the head and eyes, and retained dampness in the collaterals, can all be treated. Irritating pain in the joints, and spasmodic tightness in the four limbs, can all be relieved.
It can ward off exogenous wind, hence named Fangfeng (Windscreen). It is a moistening agent among wind-dispelling herbs. It is frequently used in dermatology because wind and dampness attack together. Zhang Yuansu stated it is "the fundamental herb for the Foot-Taiyang and Hand-Taiyang meridians." Wang Haogu further stated it "travels through the Foot-Yangming and Foot-Taiyin meridians, acting on the qi level of the Liver meridian." He also said, "In Qian Zhongyang's Xiehuang San (Drain Yellow Powder), Fangfeng is doubled in dosage to drain wood within earth." The Bencao Ri Hua Zhu Jia (Various Families of Materia Medica by Ri Hua) states it "harmonizes qi and vessels," which is based on empirical experience.

Pungent and sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Liver meridian. Antagonistic to donkey meat, scaleless fish, pufferfish, crab, and yellow croaker.
Disperses wind pathogens: clears the vertex. Benefits the throat, expels measles rashes. Resolves blood stasis, eliminates scrofula nodules. Manages sores and ulcers, breaks up accumulations and masses.
It excels at treating wind conditions and simultaneously addresses blood disorders. Why? Because it enters the zang-organ of wind and wood (Liver), which is the Sea of Blood, thus enabling it to treat both. It is suitable for wind pathogens located between the skin and the fascia.