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The morphological characteristics of Ophiopogonis Radix (Maidong), when combined with the indications in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), clearly indicate that it is a principal herb for treating the Stomach. Xu stated that Maidong, being sweet, neutral, and moistening, is a pure tonic for Stomach Yin.
Later practitioners considered it an herb for the Lungs, likely because Earth generates Metal in Five-Phase theory; Lung Qi relies entirely on Stomach Yin for its generation. When Stomach Qi is moistened, Lung Qi naturally benefits. Zou stated that the efficacy of Maidong lies in lifting and drawing up the Yin essence of the Stomach, moistening the Heart and Lungs, unblocking the vessels, descending rebellious Qi, and eliminating vexation and heat. If the condition is not located in the Upper Jiao, then its use is entirely inappropriate. Observing this can correct Li Dongyuan's error of stating that Maidong enters only the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian while neglecting the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian.
Predecessors frequently mentioned that Maidong restores the pulse and unblocks the Heart. This largely stems from their prior concept of "interruption of the Great Luo vessel of the Stomach" as described in the *Bencao Jing*, which they further validated using formulas like Fumai Tang (Pulse-Restoring Decoction) and Shengmai San (Generate Pulse Powder). I posit that the Great Luo vessel of the Stomach internally connects to the blood vessels; what is termed "pulse interruption" is actually the lack of penetration through the Stomach Luo vessels, not a true cessation of the pulse. Maidong tonifies Stomach Yin to unblock the collaterals, thereby allowing the vessels to receive nourishment and resume pulsation, but it does not directly restore a ceased pulse. The only herb capable of directly restoring the pulse is Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen); careful study of both the *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Pathogenic Diseases) and *Jingui Yaolue* (Essential Prescriptions of the Golden Cabinet) will reveal this. Furthermore, regarding chest and abdominal qi stagnation, damage to the Middle Jiao, or injury from overeating, if these are not due to the interruption of the Stomach Luo vessels, how could they be treated by Maidong? The emaciation and shortness of breath mentioned later are signs of the interruption of the Stomach Luo vessels. Not a single word in the *Bencao Jing* is superfluous, and the text corresponds so well with itself above and below; I wish to discuss this with those who study the *Bencao Jing*.
Xu strongly criticized the use of Maidong for treating coughs. However, many prescriptions in the *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) and *Waitai Miyao* (Secret Essentials of the Outer Library) for coughs contain it, originating essentially from Zhang Zhongjing's Maidong Tang (Ophiopogon Decoction).

Dianthus Herba (Qumai) is primarily an herb for treating Lin syndrome (dysuria). However, the urinary difficulty treated by Gualou Qumai Wan (Trichosanthes Root and Dianthus Herb Pill) differs from typical Lin syndrome. Why is Qumai used here? This reveals the subtle purport of the formula, which can be glimpsed. Urinary difficulty accompanied by water retention indicates deficiency of Yang in the Lower Jiao, which is obvious and easy to see. With Yang deficiency in the lower part and floating heat in the upper part, thirst occurs. Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) can warm the Kidney and tonify deficiency, but cannot stop thirst or guide water metabolism. Therefore, Trichosanthis Radix (Gualougen) is added to generate fluids, and Poria (Fuling) to transform Qi. Yet, using Shanyao and Fuzi for urinary difficulty raises concerns about excessive sealing and storing. Although Gualou and Fuling are harmonious and gentle, they lack vigorous strength. Thus, the task of breaking through and draining must fall to Dianthus Herba (Qumai). Using an herb for Lin syndrome to treat urinary difficulty is precisely appropriate; Zhang Zhongjing was truly divine in his transformation and devoid of fixed methods.