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(Shancao category) Explores latent wind in the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney meridian, treating headache and damp-bi of both lower limbs.
Duhuo (Radix Angelicae Pubescentis) (Specializes in entering the Kidney meridian). Pungent, bitter, slightly warm. Compared to Qianghuo (Rhizoma et Radix Notopterygii), its nature is slightly milder. Whenever wind pathogen invades the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney meridian, lies latent within without emerging, causing headache (pain located in the brain and teeth), Duhuo can effectively explore and treat it. Therefore, for damp-bi of both lower limbs rendering movement impossible, no other herb can cure it better. (Since wind overcomes dampness, both Qianghuo and Duhuo possess the ability to overcome dampness.) For toothache caused by wind-toxin (The Kidney governs bones; teeth are the surplus of bones), as well as dizziness and vertigo, no other herb can attack it better. (The *Handbook of Prescriptions for Emergencies* uses Duhuo boiled in wine, rinsed hot.) Because it does not move when there is wind, but sways when there is no wind, it is named "Duyao Cao" (Unique Swaying Grass). ("Swaying" implies moving and living, hence named Duhuo/Du Huo). This name is formulated according to its characteristics. Moreover, where there is wind, there must be dampness; thus, Qianghuo treats wandering wind-damp, while Duhuo treats latent wind-damp. The qi of Qianghuo is clear and light, moving qi and dispersing pathogens of Ying and Wei; the qi of Duhuo is heavy and turbid, moving blood and warming/nourishing the Qi of Ying and Wei. Qianghuo has the function of releasing the exterior (exterior of the exterior); Duhuo has the power to assist the exterior (interior of the exterior). Qianghuo travels to the Upper Jiao and regulates the upper aspect (Earth belongs to Qi, hence it is said that Qianghuo enters the Qi level); thus, wandering wind headache and rheumatic joint pain can be treated. Duhuo travels to the Lower Jiao and regulates the lower aspect (Lower belongs to Blood, hence it is said that Duhuo enters the Blood level); thus, latent wind headache and damp-bi of both lower limbs can be treated. Although both herbs belong to wind-dispelling agents, their applications differ, and one must examine them carefully. Use after peeling and roasting. Litse Semen (Fructus Tribuli) serves as an guiding herb.

(Shancao category) Addresses wind-pathogens in the Bladder and Upper Jiao tendons and bones, still serving as a general wind-dispelling agent.
Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae) (Specializes in entering the Bladder meridian, concurrently entering the Spleen and Stomach meridians). Sweet, slightly warm. Although it enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder meridian to treat wind-pathogens in the Upper Jiao, such as headache, dizziness, back pain, neck stiffness, and generalized body pain. (Xu Zhicai stated: When combined with white parts of green onion, it can circulate throughout the body.) However, it can also enter the Spleen and Stomach meridians. (Zhang Yuansu stated: If one wishes to tonify the Stomach, this herb must be used as a guide to facilitate movement.) It is used to dispel wind and remove dampness. (All wind-dispelling herbs can overcome dampness.) Generally, these herbs are like low-ranking soldiers, subject to the master's command, able to follow various meridian-specific herbs as followers. Thus, when combined with detoxifying herbs, they can remove dampness and clear sores; when combined with Qi-tonifying herbs, they can induce sweating and lift Yang. (Or combined with Huangqi [Astragali Radix] and Shaoyao [Paeoniae Radix] to stop sweating, or combined with Huangqi to consolidate the exterior forming Yupingfeng San [Jade Windscreen Powder]). They are truly moistening agents among wind-dispelling herbs. Compared to Qianghuo and Duhuo, their texture is slightly lighter, and their qi is milder. All wind-dispelling herbs can be generally used. However, for cases of tendon spasm due to Blood deficiency, headache not caused by wind-cold, diarrhea not caused by cold-damp, night sweats due to Yin deficiency, spontaneous sweating due to Yang deficiency, and cough due to rising fire, one must know these contraindications. (Most exterior-releasing herbs damage Zang-Fu organs and Qi-Blood.) Those from northern regions that are plump and moist are superior. "Fengche Feng" from Si Prefecture is unsuitable for medicinal use. Use the root body for upper part disorders, and the root tips for lower part disorders. It fears Bibi (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), is adverse to Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Bailian (Lilii Bulbus), and Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos), and can neutralize the toxicity of Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata).