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Zou stated: The spiritual clarity (referring to mental consciousness) of the human body is like fire stored within stone; the physical body is like a vessel that can contain fire. If the physical body is obscured by cold water, and the spiritual clarity is congested by phlegm-fluids, then movement will be incomplete, and hearing and vision will not coordinate. The external blockage stems from the internal failure to exhale. Only *Shichangpu* (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), growing between water and stones, possesses a pungent, warm, fragrant, and potent nature, allowing Yang Qi to reach the exterior completely and Yin Qi to spread throughout. Therefore, it governs all conditions where turbid fluids obscure the spirit. This explanation is thorough and precise; only by applying this principle can *Shichangpu* be used appropriately.

*Shichangpu* is highly effective in opening the orifices of the Heart and improving speech, but one must carefully determine if the condition is suitable for pungent-warm herbs. Wang Mengying’s *Changyang Xiexin Tang* (Caltrop Root Decoction to Drain the Heart), which combines *Shichangpu* with *Zhuru* (Bambusae Caulis in Taeniam, Bamboo Shavings) and *Pipayye* (Eriobotryae Folium, Loquat Leaf), is also excellent. Here, the formulaic intent of Zhang Zhongjing’s *Xiexin Tang* (Decoction to Drain the Heart) is borrowed, using three ingredients but substituting *Shengjiang* (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens, Fresh Ginger Root) with *Shichangpu*, as each has its specific appropriateness.

*Shuiping* (Lemnae Herba, Duckweed) floats on the water surface, has a pungent flavor and cold nature, and can induce sweating to disperse damp-heat pathogens from the skin. Thus, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states it treats sudden fever and itching. The *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage Disorders) says: "If slight sweating cannot be achieved, the body will inevitably itch." In that context, the itching is due to wind-cold pathogens, and one should use *Mahuang Tang* (Ephedra Decoction) or *Guizhi Tang* (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) to induce slight sweating. However, here the itching arises from damp-heat preventing sweating, so *Shuiping* is indicated. *Shuiping* is also a diaphoretic herb, but it differs vastly from *Mahuang* and *Guizhi*. Zhu Danxi claimed its diaphoretic power surpasses *Mahuang*, without distinction. Consequently, later practitioners viewed *Shuiping* as a harsh agent and dared not use it.

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* records that *Shuiping* promotes the downward movement of water-Qi and stops thirst, using two *liang* (approx. 30g) of *Shuiping*. This is likely because its shape adheres to the water surface while containing blood vessels internally; since water cannot moisten it, the water-Qi naturally descends.

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* does not mention wind, but later generations interpreted it through the lens of wind herbs. One must understand that it treats wind-heat, not wind-cold. For instance, *Gujin Luyian* uses *Shuiping* combined with *Niubangzi* (Arctii Fructus, Burdock Fruit) and *Bohe* (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba, Mint) to treat wind-heat urticaria, matching the herb to the disease accurately.

*Deshu* (Dendrobii Caulis, Dendrobium Stem) is regarded as a herb for the Kidney, Lung, Spleen, and Stomach/Intestines. Various theories are abundant yet lack precision and have omissions. I will excerpt these views to supplement their deficiencies, relying on the principles of the *Shennong Bencao Jing* and *Mingyi Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians) to clarify and prove them. *Deshu* grows by borrowing water and stone; just as stone draws water to irrigate *Deshu*, *Deshu* relies on stone to absorb water. Stone belongs to Metal, corresponding internally to the Lung; its neutral nature also enters the Lung. Water corresponds internally to the Kidney. It guides Kidney Yin to nourish the Lung, ensuring the Lung can regulate water passages and descend smoothly. *Deshu* does not rely on fine soil for growth, but its sweet and bland flavor obtains the upright Qi of Central Earth; its yellow color signifies the nobility of the five metals, aligning with the Stomach as Wu-Earth belonging to Yangming Dry Metal. Like the Lung, it governs descending functions, so its effects often manifest through the connection of Lung and Stomach. Since it embodies Earth virtue, how could it have no relation to the Spleen? Lung, Stomach, and Large Intestine share a direct downward flow, so how could it have no relation to the Large Intestine? This explains why *Deshu* enters the Kidney, Lung, and Stomach, while also affecting the Spleen and Large Intestine. *Deshu* captures the essence of Metal and Water; the phrase "strengthen Yin" in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* covers its entire efficacy. The term "Yin" here is neither cold nor warm; when applied to heat conditions, it cools the hot; when applied to cold conditions, it warms the cold. The *Mingyi Bielu* states it clears pathogenic heat and feiqi (wind-rash) from the skin, representing the cooling of heat. It treats pain, cold, bi-syndrome, and weakness in the feet and knees, representing the warming of cold. These fall under the two aspects of the *Shennong Bencao Jing*: dispelling bi-syndrome and tonifying deficiency. How is bi-syndrome dispelled? By circulating clear and empty Qi, allowing Kidney Yin to ascend and Lung Yin to descend. How is deficiency tonified? By distributing viscous juices, stabilizing trembling and healing fissures. Thus, the Lung and Stomach benefit by calming Qi; the Spleen benefits by generating flesh; the Intestines benefit by thickening the bowel lining; the Kidney benefits by augmenting Essence. Generally, conditions that precisely match *Deshu* will reap both the benefits of dispelling bi-syndrome and tonifying deficiency. If used solely for dispelling bi-syndrome or solely for tonifying deficiency, one should discard its shortcomings, utilize its strengths, and master formulation methods.

Kou Zongshi said: It is effective in treating deficiency-heat in the Stomach. Lei Xiao said: It secures the Yuan-Qi of men. Reflecting on these two statements, one knows that cases involving excess-heat or those requiring promotion of urination should not use it. Incompetent physicians assume it applies to both internal injury and external contraction, prescribing it casually. They do not realize that misapplying it to internal injuries results only in ineffectiveness; applying it...