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*Ascaris* (larva of the scarab beetle) grows in manure and soil; manure and soil are akin to stagnant blood in the human body. When it transforms into a cicada, it feeds on wind and drinks dew, being extremely pure, just as the human eye cannot tolerate even a speck of dust. Therefore, its ability to break up stagnant blood is derived from *Ascaris* emerging from manure and soil. Its indication for conditions such as epicanthus, blue nebula, and white membrane in the eyes corresponds to the transformation of filth and turbidity into purity when *Ascaris* becomes a cicada. Zhang Zhongjing’s *Chong Wan* (Insect Pill), which contains *Ascaris*, is specifically used for cases presenting with darkened eyes. However, it is not suitable for patients with consumptive disease (*Xu Lao*) who do not have blood stasis.

Longgu (Dragon Bone) does have genuine specimens, but they are difficult to obtain. The Longgu sold in herbal shops comes from places where dragons hibernate underground and ascend in spring after waking. The soil at these hibernation sites becomes sticky and hard like stone, resembling the shape of a dragon; thus, its therapeutic action is close to that of genuine dragon bone.

The dragon is the deity of the East, and its bones adhere to the tongue. Its primary actions are in the Heart and Liver channels. It can consolidate floating and hyperactive Zheng Qi (Upright Qi), calm the Hun and Po (Soul and Corporeal Soul), and subdue fright and epilepsy. Xu stated that Longgu consolidates Zheng Qi without retaining pathogenic factors, so it can be used even when pathogenic factors of Shang Han (Cold Damage) have not been fully resolved. Zou stated that Longgu and Muli (Oyster Shell) push and pull the ethereal Yin and Yang, differing from other substances that disperse or consolidate tangible Yin and Yang. Therefore, Guizhi Tang (Cinnamon Twig Decoction) and Chaihu Tang (Bupleurum Decoction) can be combined into a single preparation: Longgu captures Yang to return it to its root, while Muli anchors Yin to summon Yang. Both theories are extremely profound.

Longgu is best when white in color; Longchi (Dragon Teeth) is superior when greenish-black. Raw Longchi is slightly black, but after calcination, it turns an attractive emerald green, possessing more rapid efficacy than white Longchi. Xu Shuwei said: The Hun of the Liver has the capacity for change; therefore, for patients with unsettled wandering Hun (mental instability), Longchi is used. Ancient formulas such as Yuanzhi Wan (Polygala Pill), Longchi Qinghun San (Dragon Teeth Clearing Hun Powder), and Pingbu Zhenxin Wan (Balancing and Tonifying Heart-Calming Pill) are all agents that gather and secure Liver Qi.

Shan Zha (Pangolin Scales) primarily treats frightful crying and sorrow caused by five types of pathogens. These pathogens causing frightful crying, regardless of which Zang organ they affect, are abnormal intrusions that are difficult to withstand immediately, leading to frightful crying; this progresses to sorrow, where pathogens take advantage of Lung deficiency to invade. At this stage, unblocking the obstruction in the Qi pathways and resolving the pathogen first is what Shan Zha is capable of handling. If one needs to regulate bodily imbalance and stabilize the spirit and mind, other herbs should be chosen to follow up with appropriate dosing.

Later practitioners used Shan Zha mostly in the categories of sores and malaria. Malaria necessarily involves Wind-Phlegm-Dampness-Turbidity obstructing the meridians, while sores involve stagnation in the muscle interstices. Without a substance that is sharp and skilled at penetrating, one cannot dredge and expel them. If malaria is deficient in nature, or if sores have ulcerated, Shan Zha is no longer effective.