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Flavor pungent, nature warm, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian. Yam (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) serves as a guiding herb. It is effective when used with wine. Stir-fry mixed with mutton fat.

Strengthens sinews and bones, restores erectile dysfunction, promotes urination, eliminates pain in the glans penis. Tonifies the True Fire of the Mingmen (Gate of Vitality), cures numbness and loss of sensation in the four limbs.

Tao Hongjing said: "Taking it helps to harmonize Yin and Yang. Its alternative names are Xianlingpi (Immortal Spirit Spleen), Qianliangjin (Thousand Taels of Gold), and Qizhangcao (Cane-Abandoning Grass), all extolling its powerful efficacy."

Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium, Horny Goat Weed) tonifies Fire; those whose Ministerial Fire (Xianghuo) is prone to hyperactivity should avoid it.

Flavor pungent, nature warm, slightly toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian. Avoid ironware. Contraindicated with cow's milk. Soak in rice washing water overnight; discard the red juice to eliminate toxicity.

Assists Yang, fills marrow, treats cold pain in the heart and abdomen. Opens the stomach, digests retained food, strengthens memory, and clarifies the spirit.

It is tonifying yet dispersing. A monk from the Western Regions presented it to Emperor Xuanzong of Tang; due to its great efficacy, it was named Boluomen Shen (Brahman Ginseng). Guangxi Yingzhou produces much Xianmao (Curculiginis Rhizoma); sheep eating it transform their entire bodies into tendons, and humans eating it provide great tonification. Its ability to digest food aids the Minor Fire (Shaohuo) to generate Earth (Spleen/Stomach function), allowing Earth to obtain dry and vigorous transportation. Its ability to strengthen memory is because Kidney Qi frequently ascends to communicate with the South Li (Heart).

Xianmao specializes in tonifying Fire; it is suitable only for those with Essence Cold. There is a warning against sudden collapse for those with blazing Fire.

Flavor sweet, nature warm, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian. Fupenzi (Rubiae Fructus, Raspberry) serves as a guiding herb. It fears Danshen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma). Soak in wine, then bake.

Calms the Five Zang Organs to benefit Essence, strengthens sinews and bones, and arouses sexual function.

Supplements Primordial Yang, causing Kidney Qi to grow abundant, so that various diseases subside naturally.

Those with Yin Deficiency and blazing Ministerial Fire should not use it.

Flavor sweet, nature warm, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian. Stir-fry with wine.

Tonifies the Kidney, stops seminal emission, strengthens Yin, and benefits Essence. Treats blurred vision, lower back pain, leukorrhea, and frequent urination.

Shayuan Jili (Astragali Complanati Semen, Flat-leaved Milkvetch Seed) on the market is often adulterated. The genuine product resembles small kidneys, has a greenish hue, and emits the smell of raw beans when chewed.

Flavor pungent and sweet, nature neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian. Yam (Dioscoreae Rhizoma) serves as a guiding herb. Boil in wine until threads appear, pound into cakes, dry thoroughly, and grind into fine powder.

Heals fractures and injuries, supplements Qi and strength, strengthens the penis, and solidifies sinews and bones. Treats dribbling after urination, spontaneous emission of cold semen, bitter taste in the mouth, dryness and thirst, and accumulation of cold blood.

Lei Gong said: "It possesses a balanced nature and condenses Pure Yang Qi. When the Kidneys gain strength, all symptoms of fractures and injuries heal. Regarding its treatment of bitter taste and dryness/thirst: Water Deficiency leads to internal heat and dried-up fluids; the pungent flavor moistens them, bringing peace to both conditions."

Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen, Dodder Seed) assists Fire; those with strong Yang and no erectile dysfunction should avoid it.