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[Flavor and Nature]
Bitter, cold, toxic. It is the most essential herb for treating malaria. It should not be taken in large doses. The principle holds that without water retention, there is no phlegm; without phlegm, there is no malaria. If water retention is located in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner), Hengshan can induce vomiting to expel it. If water retention is located under the flanks, Hengshan can break up the accumulation and guide the water downward. Provided that blood-invigorating herbs are used as adjuvants, its efficacy can achieve perfection. Furthermore, for malaria caused by pure heat or conditions characterized by internal excess heat, administering Hengshan may result in scanty stool discharge, resembling diarrhea but incomplete. In such cases, assisting with Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) to promote smooth defecation can lead to a complete cure.

[Flavor and Nature]
Sour, warm/neutral, astringent, non-toxic. Enters the Blood aspect of the Spleen and Lung meridians.
[Indications]
Relieves thirst, harmonizes the middle jiao, eliminates phlegm, treats malaria, astringes the Lung and intestines. Used for dysphagia (Yige), ascariasis-induced cold limbs (Huijue), and cauterizing foul flesh. Zhang Zhongjing uses it in Wumei Wan for treating Huijue and in vermifuge formulas, taking advantage of the principle that "parasites cease activity upon encountering sour flavors."

[Flavor and Nature]
Bitter, cold, slightly toxic. It represents slight Yang within Yin.
[Indications]
Treats gu poison and twelve types of edema, abdominal distension with acute pain, and breaks up mass accumulations. Together with Gansui (Kansui Radix), it serves as a heavy agent for draining water. This is because dampness-water, when subjected to Qi and Fire, condenses into phlegm, saliva, nasal mucus, and fixed masses. Thus, if it enters the Heart and confounds the Orifices, it becomes epilepsy, delirious speech, and hallucinations; if it enters the Lung and blocks the Orifices, it causes coughing with thick sticky sputum, wheezing, and coldness in the back; if it enters the Liver and remains latent/accumulated, it causes hypochondriac pain, dry retching, and alternating chills and fever; if it enters the meridians, it causes numbness and pain; if it enters the sinews and bones, it causes traction and spasms in the neck, chest, back, waist, flanks, hands, and feet. The *San Yin Fang* (*Three Causes Formulas*) primarily uses Kongxian Dan to treat these conditions. Generally, Daji can drain dampness-water from the Zang-Fu organs; skillful use can yield miraculous results. Additionally, Qian Yi stated that the Kidney is True Water, subject only to tonification and not purgation. Yet, he mentioned the condition where smallpox lesions turn black and revert to the Kidney, using Baixiang Ointment to purge and drain the Kidney. This is actually not draining the Kidney organ itself, but draining its paired Fu organ (Bladder), so the Zang organ naturally does not become deficient or excessive. However, since its nature is bitter, cold, and toxic, it severely damages True Qi. One must accurately differentiate and examine the syndrome before considering its use.

[Flavor and Nature]
Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications]
Tonifies the Gallbladder and Liver, brightens the eyes. Treats bone-steaming tidal fever, maternal fetal steaming, pediatric convulsions and epilepsy. Regulates the lower back and Kidneys, eliminates genital sweating, and resolves fruit stagnation. Its properties and functions are identical to Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma).
Incompatibilities: Averse to Ju Hua (Chrysanthemi Flos), Baixianpi (Dictamni Cortex), Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix), Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos), Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus), and cold water. Feared by: Kuidong (Adenophorae Radix), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix).