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Barley (Damai) is sweet, salty, and slightly cold in nature. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its efficacy is specialized in tonifying deficiency and exhaustion, strengthening blood vessels, improving complexion, solidifying the Five Zang Organs, benefiting Qi, regulating the Middle Jiao, clearing heat, stopping diarrhea, treating Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome), and promoting the digestion of grains. Rock sugar (Shimi) serves as a guiding drug. Its flour can soothe the stomach, broaden the chest, direct Qi downward, and resolve accumulation; it treats Chan Hou Feng (Strangling Throat Wind) and is beneficial when cooked as porridge. When combined with Zhensha (Needle Sand) and Meishizi (Medusa Head Fruit), it can dye hair black. Boiled with soybeans and Water Chestnut, it is highly effective for chest tightness and abdominal distension resembling a drum caused by dampness acquired in spring and summer.

Hemp Seed (Dama Ren) is salty in taste. It enters the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian, and Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. Its efficacy is specialized in digesting food, directing Qi downward, and suppressing lactation postpartum. Combined with Sichuan Pepper (Chuanjiao) and Dried Ginger (Ganjiang), it treats Gu Lao (Grain Fatigue characterized by drowsiness). Combined with honey, it promotes the expulsion of the placenta and relieves breast distension to prevent abscess formation. Used alone (1-2 liang) stir-fried and decocted, it acts immediately. It also resolves accumulation from fruits and meats.

Buckwheat (Qiaomai) is sweet and cool in nature. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. Its efficacy is specialized in harmonizing the Five Zang Organs and regulating meridians. Boiled with vinegar into a paste, it resolves all types of carbuncles and sores, and burns/scalds. Commonly known as "Xiao Fen" (Small Powder). Wheat Gluten (Mianjin) is sweet and cool, sticky in nature, difficult to digest, and should be avoided by patients and children after being stir-fried, boiled, smoked, or roasted as it aids fire and damages Yin.

Coix Seed (Yiyi Ren) is sweet and slightly cold in nature. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. Its efficacy is specialized in tonifying the Middle Jiao and clearing deficiency heat; long-term use strengthens the body.

Red Bean (Chixiaodou) is sweet and cold in nature. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian, Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Its efficacy is specialized in descending Qi, widening the intestines, treating intestinal stagnation, dysentery, leukorrhea, and turbid urine. Topical application is used for ulcerated smallpox lesions and burns/scalds; those with deficiency-cold constitution should avoid eating it. Applying buckwheat powder mixed with water chestnut juice to corns on the feet for three days effectively extracts them. For Head Wind and Wind Eyes, buckwheat powder made into cakes applied to the four corners of the eyes, followed by moxibustion with mugwort cones the size of rice grains, is highly effective.

Sesame (Huma/Heizhima) is sweet and acrid in nature. It enters the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian. Its efficacy is specialized in moistening dryness. Combined with Mulberry Leaf (Sangye), it dispels wind-dampness and strengthens bones and tendons. Combined with Sophora Root (Kushen) and Tribulus Fruit (Jili), it frequently cures Leprosy and scabies. It is particularly good for cases where skin and flesh are black. Those with insecure Essence and Qi should avoid it. Also known as Zhima (Fat Sesame) and Jushengzi. There is also Bishi Huma, i.e., Flaxseed (Yama), which is best for treating Leprosy and scabies.

Hemp Seed (Huoma Ren) is sweet in taste. It enters the Hand Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Its efficacy is specialized in moderating the Spleen and moistening dryness. Only when combined with pungent herbs like Angelica Sinensis (Danggui) and Magnolia Bark (Houpo) can it benefit the Large Intestine. If shot by a poisoned arrow, crushing and boiling it for drinking is effective; applying it topically is also effective for Chi You Dan (Red Roaming Carbuncle). It can induce labor and promote lactation. However, those with slippery intestines should avoid it. It is incompatible with Oyster Shell (Muli), Anemone Root (Baiwei), and Poria (Fuling). Also known as Huoma.