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[Bai Zhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix)] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Heart and Small Intestine meridians. Incompatible with Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) and Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus). Averse to Hua Shi (Talcum). Counteractive against Li Lu (Veratri Radix).
Indicated for Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) caused by wind-cold-dampness, headache, nasal congestion. Directs Qi downward, breaks up phlegm, treats wandering wind on the head and face. Relieves spasms and cramps in all joints, toothache, and tearing.

[Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma)] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, possessing the ascending Yang Qi, acting as a wind-dispelling agent. Its pungent aroma opens orifices, thus treating the aforementioned conditions. Taking alone as powder up to one qian (approx. 3-5g) can cause suffocation and unconsciousness; pungent dispersing herbs should not be used in large doses.
Xi Xin releases the exterior and dispels cold, expels wind and alleviates pain. Warms the Lung and transforms fluid retention; when used appropriately, it yields rapid results. However, its nature is dry and fierce. It is strictly contraindicated for those with blood deficiency and internal heat leading to headache and cough.

[Bo He (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba)] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung meridian. Those produced in Suzhou are of superior quality.
Disperses wind-heat, clears the head and eyes. Benefits the throat, cleanses gums and tongue. Dispels bad breath, unblocks nasal congestion. Expels sha-rash (scarlatiniform rash), unblocks joints. Directs stagnant Qi downward, removes foulness.
Because it induces sweating to release the exterior, it dispels wind and clears heat, benefiting the head and face. Because its pungent aroma moves Qi, it also treats distension and food stagnation.
Bo He's pungent aroma depletes Qi; excessive consumption damages the Lung and Heart Qi.

[Dou Chi (Sojae Semen Praeparatum)] Sweet and bitter in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Spleen meridians.
Releases the muscle layer and induces sweating, eliminating headache along with chills and fever. Directs Qi downward and clears irritability; effective for chest and epigastric fullness and heat disorders. Applicable for epidemic qi and miasma. Suitable for dysentery and malaria. Externally applied to treat sores in the mouth and tongue; decoction saved for laryngeal bi (obstruction) with aphonia.
Dou Chi, after steaming and fermenting, has ascending and dispersing properties. Combined with Cong Bai (Allii Macrostemonis Bulbus), it induces sweating; combined with Yan (Sal), it stops vomiting; combined with Jiu (Alcohol), it treats wind; combined with Xie Bai (Allii Macrostematis Bulbus), it treats dysentery. When stir-fried, it can stop sweating. It is an important herb.
Contraindicated in Shang Han (Cold Damage) where pathogens directly invade the Three Yin meridians, or have transmitted into the Yin meridians. Contraindicated in heat accumulation in the chest causing irritability, where purgation is indicated rather than diaphoresis.

[Fu Ping (Spirodelae Herba)] Pungent in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung meridian.
Opens hair follicles, reaches the skin, expels urticaria, relieves itching. Induces sweating by opening the "Ghost Gate" (sweat pores), promotes urination to cleanse the Fu organs (Bladder).
Fu Ping is light and floating; entering the Lung meridian to induce sweating, its Qi transformation affects the Zhou Du (Bladder), thereby promoting urination.
The sweating power of Fu Ping is stronger than Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba); its water-draining efficacy is similar to Tong Cao (Tetrapanacis Medulla). If not a case of excess and extreme heat, how dare one lightly try it?