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Radish Seed (Lai Fu Zi), with a pungent and acrid taste, warm in nature, and non-toxic. It enters the Stomach (Wei) and Spleen (Pi) meridians. It is remarkably effective in relieving asthma and coughing, directing rebellious Qi downward, and resolving stagnation caused by wheat-based foods. It treats Wind-Phlegm (Feng Tan), eliminates malignant sores, effectively stops chronic dysentery, and has miraculous effects in removing distension and fullness; however, it should be used in small doses. When combined with Qi-tonifying herbs, there is no worry of excessive tonification; when added to damp-draining formulas, it ensures complete therapeutic efficacy. Overconsumption damages healthy Qi, and long-term use injures Yin fluids.

Some doubt that Radish Seed can treat asthma and distension, yet ancients used it within Ginseng Decoctions (Renshen Tang), achieving divine results. Ginseng itself is a herb for eliminating asthma and reducing distension. Since Radish Seed is known to counteract Ginseng, why do they work synergistically when used together? The reason Ginseng eliminates asthma and distension is by treating deficiency-type asthma and deficiency-type distension. Deficiency syndromes often present with false excess signs. If Ginseng is administered abruptly, patients may reach a point where they cannot tolerate its potency, leading to situations where increased asthma prompts further dosing. Although this exacerbation is merely a transient false image that naturally subsides shortly after, it is ultimately not an optimal treatment strategy. By adding a small amount of Radish Seed to restrain Ginseng, the asthma and distension are prevented from worsening, thereby gaining the benefit of resolving these symptoms. This exemplifies the principle of mutual restraint leading to mutual achievement.

One might ask: "Since Radish Seed specifically counteracts Ginseng, using it alongside Ginseng would render Ginseng ineffective." This demonstrates a lack of understanding of both Radish Seed and Ginseng. When Ginseng is combined with Radish Seed, its tonifying power is actually enhanced. Ginseng tonifies Qi; if taken suddenly, the influx of Qi can cause discomfort, which is not solely related to asthma or distension. However, with Radish Seed facilitating the movement of Qi during tonification, the Qi becomes balanced and easily assimilated. Thus, Radish Seed moderates the excess of Qi rather than damaging a deficiency of Qi. It truly restrains Ginseng to harmonize its Qi action, not to injure it. The common assertion that Radish Seed neutralizes Ginseng is erroneous.

Melon Peduncle (Gua Di), with a bitter taste and cold nature, possesses slight toxicity. It is indicated for pathogens located in the Upper Jiao (Upper Burner) causing edema of the head, eyes, limbs, and face, as well as accumulation in the chest. It is also suitable for cases where pulses are palpable in the lower body but absent in the upper body, employing emesis to expel the pathogen.

One may ask: "You briefly omit mentioning that Melon Peduncle treats Jaundice (Huang Dan). Why?" Jaundice typically originates from pathogens entering from below. Treating it via emesis from above seems appropriate. However, Jaundice involves damp-heat congestion in the Upper, Middle, and Lower Jiao. Treating only the upper aspect while ignoring the middle Jiao when the pathology stems from below indicates that Melon Peduncle is unsuitable for treating Jaundice. This clarity led me to exclude it from discussion.

Another question arises: "You also do not discuss Melon Peduncle's ability to remove nasal polyps. What is your reasoning?" Nasal polyps arise from heat in the Lung. Using Melon Peduncle to induce vomiting and expel phlegm-saliva clears Lung heat and dissipates nasal fire, which seems appropriate. However, although Lung heat transfers to the nose, inducing emesis to vent nasal fire inevitably damages Lung Qi in the process. Once Lung Qi is injured, Stomach Qi rebels upward, and the Heart and Lung stir up fire. This fire agitates the nose, adding more heat. Consequently, existing polyps fail to resolve, and new ones grow. Therefore, I omitted this application. Furthermore, Melon Peduncle strongly induces vomiting and should not be used lightly. This caution applies beyond just nasal polyps. In cases of various deficiency syndromes where there is no cold in the chest, no food retention in the Stomach, no water-dampness in the skin, and no pathogenic factors in the Heart, it must be used with extreme caution. Misuse will lead to immediate disaster.