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(Shuisu, also known as Longnao Bohe.)
[Stems and Leaves] [Flavor and Properties]
Pungent, slightly warm, non-toxic.
[Indications]
The efficacy of Shuisu (Perilla frutescens) specifically lies in regulating blood, directing rebellious Qi downward, clearing the Lungs, dispelling foulness, and promoting digestion. Therefore, in the *Taiping Huiji Jufang* (Formulas of the Taiping People's Relief Bureau), it is used to treat various conditions such as hematemesis (vomiting blood), epistaxis (nosebleed), hemoptysis (spitting blood), coughing up blood, lower GI bleeding, hematuria with blood, bad breath, bitter taste in the mouth, sweet taste in the mouth, fishy odor in the throat, and pathogenic heat. There is a formula called Longnao Bohe Wan (Dragon Brain Mint Pill). Due to the complexity of its ingredients, the full prescription is not recorded here. It indeed shows remarkable effects in treating blood disorders.

(This is the new root of *Banxia*, which is two to three times larger than dried Banxia. It has no tubers on its periphery. Its old root is the *Banxia* plant itself.)
[Flavor and Properties]
Pungent and bitter, warm, toxic.
[Indications]
Toxic swelling with accumulated heat.

(Xingjizi, also known as Fengxianzi.)
[Seeds] [Flavor and Properties]
Slightly bitter, warm, slightly toxic.
[Indications]
Dystocia (difficult labor), accumulations and masses, dysphagia (difficulty swallowing), and foreign bodies stuck in the throat. It has the effect of penetrating bones and opening orifices. Fengxianzi (Impatiens balsamina) has a rapid and urgent nature, thus it can penetrate bone and soften hardness. When cooks prepare fish or meat, adding a few seeds makes tough meat soft and tender quickly; this is evidence of its efficacy. Because it penetrates bone, it is most likely to damage teeth, similar to Yuzan Gen (Tricyrtis hirta). Those who take it internally must avoid contact with the teeth. Excessive use may also irritate the throat.

[Flavor and Properties]
Bitter, neutral-warm, toxic.
[Indications]
Scabies, tinea, and parasitic infections.

[Flavor and Properties]
Sweet, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications]
Traumatic injuries. Reduces nodules and swelling, treats malignant sores, promotes tissue regeneration, relieves lower back pain, and removes acne. Treats breast abscesses in women, anal swelling and pain. Applied externally with vinegar paste to reduce swelling and toxicity. Treats infantile malnutrition (Gan syndrome), abdominal masses, unblocks the large intestine, and treats diarrhea, dysentery, hemorrhoids, tumors, and scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis).

[Flavor and Properties]
Pungent, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications]
Burning it repels epidemic pathogens and strange energies in dwellings. Wearing it protects children from evil qi. Treats traumatic injuries and metal wounds, stops bleeding, alleviates pain, reduces swelling, and promotes tissue regeneration.

(Zhangnao, explained as Shaonao.)
[Flavor and Properties]
Pungent, hot, non-toxic.
[Indications]
Opens orifices, promotes the flow of stagnant Qi. Treats sudden invasion by evil qi, cholera-like symptoms with heart and abdominal pain, cold-dampness affecting the legs (Hong Kong foot/jiaoqi), scabies, wind-itch, and dental caries. Kills parasites and detoxifies. Placing it in shoes treats jiaoqi. Zhangnao is purely Yang in nature, sharing properties with saltpeter (Yanxiao); it generates fire in water, intensifying the flame. It is widely used by alchemists and pyrotechnicians today. Pungent, hot, aromatic, and penetrating, it embodies the energy of Dragon Fire, dispelling dampness and killing parasites—this is its strength. Thus, smoking clothes, baskets, mats, and boxes with burning Zhangnao repels bedbugs and insect infestations.