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Bencao Gangmu (Compendium of Materia Medica) states that Zexie (Rhizoma Alismatis) promotes water metabolism and drains Kidney fire. Zhang Zhongjing uses Fuling (Poria) and Zexie in Liuwei Dihuang Wan (Six-Ingredient Rehmannia Pill) to take advantage of their ability to drain pathogenic factors from the Bladder. Ancient physicians, when using tonic herbs, invariably combined them with herbs that drain pathogens; once the pathogens are eliminated, the tonics can exert their effect effectively. Later physicians did not understand this principle and used tonics exclusively, thus causing harm due to excessive bias from long-term use. Therefore, Zexie is only proficient in promoting diuresis and should not be used alone or in high doses. Bian Que stated that excessive consumption of Zexie causes eye problems in patients. This is because excessive urination leads to Kidney Qi deficiency, resulting in blurred vision. The claim in Bencao texts that long-term use of Zexie is beneficial is exaggerated; practitioners should exercise caution.

Kaibao Bencao first records Zhike (Pericarpium Citri Reticulatae) for treating Wind-Bi (Wind-Dampness Obstruction Syndrome) and Lin-Bi (Damp-Heat Urinary Disorder). It later mentions treating "Da Xie Feng" (Wind affecting the large hypochondrium). All editions of Bencao Gangmu agree with this, whereas Tangye Bencao (Materia Medica of Decoctions) writes "Feng Yang Ma Bi" (Wind-induced Itching and Numbness) and "Da Chang Feng" (Wind affecting the Large Intestine). This is likely based on the view that Zhike overcomes dampness and transforms phlegm, thereby venting the Qi of the Lung and Large Intestine. I provide an explanation for this: I believe the original text should have been "Feng Bi Lin Bi" (Wind-Bi and Lin-Bi) and "Da Xie Tong" (Large Hypochondriac Pain), and two characters were erroneously omitted, making it difficult to interpret. Lin and Bi syndromes often involve stagnant heat, while hypochondriac pain often involves rebellious Qi. In Lin and Bi cases, if Clear Yang fails to ascend, Turbid Yin fails to descend. Zhike governs the upper body and Qi; using it to regulate the Upper Jiao resolves the illness naturally. Rebellious Qi causing stabbing pain also tends to occur in the upper regions. "Da Xie" refers to distinguishing the main hypochondrium from the lower Ji Xie (lateral costal margin). "San Liu Jie" (Scattering Stagnant Accumulations) is a general term, with Phlegm-Stasis in the Chest and Diaphragm being just one aspect. Generally, solid substances treat the Lower Jiao and govern Blood, while Zhike treats the Upper Jiao and governs Qi. Jiegu (Zhang Yuansu) and Dongyuan (Li Gao) held this view; it is not my speculation.

Bamboo species are extremely numerous. Tao Hongjing and Su Song in Bencao state that Dan Zhu (Dendrocalamus oldhamii) is suitable for medicinal use. They also mention that Gan Zhu resembles Huang Zhu and is lush, referring to Dan Zhu. Many places produce bamboo; what is referred to here seems to be the plant commonly called Shui Huanglian (Hydrocotyle javanica). Dozens of bamboo stalks were formerly planted in front of my courtyard, and neighbors frequently harvested them. Modern physicians often discuss Dan Zhu Ye (Leaf of Dendrocalamus oldhamii), but uneducated people mistakenly substitute it with Ya Zhi Cao (Commelina communis). The Grass Section of Bencao separately records Dan Zhu Ye: the seedling is several inches high, resembling growth from fallen bamboo seeds; it is sweet, cold, non-toxic; its leaves remove irritability and heat, promote urination, and clear Heart Fire. Currently, in the Western Hills of Liudi, there is a herb less than one chi tall, with a hollow stem with nodes, leaves resembling bamboo but thinner, growing among thorny bushes, remaining evergreen in winter. Only one smallpox physician recognizes it; he said his teacher, from Jiangxi, identified it as true Dan Zhu Ye, which he has used for decades. He once gave it to me to steep in wine with other herbs; I do not know if it is correct. Tangye Bencao lists both Zhu and Dan Zhu in the Wood Section, citing Ri Huazi regarding the use of roots and stems to treat Phlegm-Heat,惊痫 (Convulsions and Epilepsy), etc. According to the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry), "Green Bamboo," Zheng Xuan's commentary says "Green" is Wang Chu (Plantago asiatica) and "Bamboo" is Pian Zhu. Guo Pu says Pian is also written as Bian, resembling Xiao Li (Chenopodium album). Lu Ji says Green Bamboo is a grass, several chi high, usable for polishing vessels, commonly called Mu Zei (Equisetum ramosissimum). All the above refer to grasses. Only Ban Biao's Zhi states that Qiyuan was the Bamboo Arrow Garden of King Zhou of Yin. Zhu Xi said there were many bamboos upstream of the Qi River, even in Han times. This truly refers to modern bamboo. Since bamboo varieties are numerous and hard to distinguish, and are often confused with herbs, there is no definitive conclusion. I record this to consult learned scholars.