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[Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba)] Bitter and acrid in flavor. Enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung meridian and Foot-Taiyin Bladder meridian. Its function is specifically to disperse pathogenic factors and unblock Yang Qi. When combined with Shegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma), it treats pulmonary fibrosis accompanied by rebellious Qi and wheezing; when combined with Guixin (Cinnamomi Ramulus), it treats wind-bi syndrome characterized by cold pain. It is contraindicated in summer months; excessive consumption leads to collapse of Yang Qi. Honey-fried Mahuang has a slightly milder effect. To stop sweating, the root should be used. Radix Polygalae (Nanmu) and Cortex Anemarrhenae (Baiwei) act as guiding herbs. It is incompatible with Xinyi (Magnoliae Flos) and Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao).

[Jingjie (Schizonepetae Spica)] Acrid in flavor. Enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver meridian. Its function is specifically to treat postpartum blood syncope. When combined with Gypsum Fibrosum (Shigao), it treats headache due to wind-heat; when combined with Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao) and washed until soft, it treats dizziness and vertigo. Three qian of lightly fried Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie Sui), decocted in wine, yields miraculous efficacy. Alternatively, one qian of Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen) washed in wine and one qian of Schizonepetae Spica (Jingjie Sui), steeped in water for regular drinking, is also effective. For treating blood disorders, the herb should be charred before use. It is antagonistic to fish, crab, pufferfish, and donkey meat. For wind pathogens located between the skin and fascia, Jingjie is the primary treatment.

[Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica)] Bitter in flavor and neutral in qi. Enters the Qi aspect of the Hand-Shaoyang, Foot-Shaoyang, Hand-Shaoyin, Foot-Shaoyin, Hand-Jueyin, and Foot-Jueyin meridians, and additionally enters the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine meridian. Its function is specifically to dissipate blood stasis and Qi stagnation, and to drain heat from the Heart and Small Intestine. When combined with Qumai (Dianthi Herba), Rhei Radix et Rhizoma (Dahuang), and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao), it treats scrofula (mader gland) on the side of the neck. When combined with Sesami Fructus (Zhimai), it treats scrofula tubercles. It relieves pain, reduces swelling, and expels pus, making it a sacred medicine for practitioners specializing in sores and ulcers.

[Zisu (Perillae Folium)] Acrid and warm in flavor. Enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung meridian. Its function is specifically to release the exterior and dispel cold. When combined with Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (Guangpi) and Amomi Fructus Rotundus (Sharen), it promotes Qi movement and calms the fetus. When combined with Papae Fructus (Mugua) and Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Nanmu), it treats cold-dampness foot qi. When combined with Pogostemonis Herba (Huoxiang) and Linderæ Cortex (Wuyao), it warms the middle and relieves pain. When combined with Cyperi Rhizoma (Xiangfu), it releases the muscle layer. When combined with Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong) and Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui), it harmonizes and disperses blood. When combined with Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng) and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhike), it benefits the diaphragm and widens the intestines. When combined with Raphani Semen (Buzi) and Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Xingren), it resolves phlegm and stabilizes asthma. Perillae Folium (Zisu Ye) combined with Lilii Bulbus (Baihe) treats insomnia at night. Perillae Causulis (Zisu Geng) combined with Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng) treats plum-pit qi. It also resolves crab toxicity.

[Qianhu (Peucedani Radix)] Bitter in flavor. Enters the Hand-Taiyin, Foot-Taiyin, Hand-Yangming, and Foot-Yangming meridians. Its function is specifically to disperse wind and direct Qi downward. When combined with Platycodonis Radix (Jiegeng), it treats cough and rebellious Qi due to phlegm-heat. It is contraindicated for those without excess heat or external contraction. The variety with a hard interior is called "Xiong Qianhu" and must be sorted out and discarded. Pinelliae Rhizoma Preparatum (Banxia) acts as a guiding herb. It is incompatible with Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina (Zaojiao).

[Boho (Menthae Haplocalycis Herba)] Acrid in flavor. Enters the Hand-Jueyin and Foot-Jueyin meridians. Its function is specifically to treat various conditions of the head, eyes, throat, mouth, and teeth. When combined with Trichosanthis Radix (Huafen), it clears upper burner heat and transforms phlegm. There is another variety known as Jisu Bohe. It should be taken in small doses by those with deficient constitution and during summer months. The variety produced in Suzhou is considered superior.

[Juemingzi (Cassiae Semen)] Bitter in flavor. Enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver meridian. Its function is specifically to remove corneal nebula (eye opacity) and treat intestinal wind (hematochezia). When combined with Yuyuliang (Hematitum), Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), and Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong), it treats metrorrhagia with red and white discharge. When combined with Sophorae Flavescentis Semen (Huai Zi) and Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (Zhishi), it treats bleeding from hemorrhoids.