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*Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica) records Ci Jili (Tribulus terrestris), whose seeds are triangular in shape and found everywhere. It treats wind disorders and brightens the eyes. Bai Jili (Tribulus terrestris, white variety) grows in Shayuan, Tongzhou. Its seeds are smooth, fine, and green, nourishing the Kidney and treating lower back pain. Nowadays, people call the thorny one "Bai Jili," while those produced in Guanzhong are simply called Shayuan Jili. The commentary clarifies that Bai Jili is indeed the Ci Jili mentioned in *Gangmu*. In my hometown, an old scholar once suffered from an eye disease; after taking this herb, he experienced incessant diarrhea and was ultimately rendered completely blind. Users must exercise caution.

This refers to Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), which has two varieties under one name. *Shennong Bencao Jing* did not distinguish them, but later practitioners used them separately. It is believed that Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix) has a clear and light aroma, belongs to Yang, excels at moving Qi, and enters the Foot-Taiyang Bladder Meridian. Duhuo has a heavy and turbid aroma, belongs to Yin, excels at moving Blood, and enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. Regarding dispelling wind and overcoming dampness, penetrating joints and orifices, their functions are exactly the same. Qianghuo treats wandering wind, while Duhuo treats latent wind. However, it is contraindicated for those with insufficient True Qi, out of fear of exacerbating deficiency (making the deficient more deficient). Qianghuo is purple in color, while Duhuo is yellow. Su Song often used old Puhuo (Peucedani Radix) and Tu Danggui (Ligusticum sinense) to pass off as Duhuo; this should be distinguished.

Formulas state that when used together with Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), it treats cold pathogens (Qing, pronounced with the departing tone, meaning cold) from fog and dew attacking the Upper Jiao. This theory originates from Zhang Jiegou. When combined with Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix) to make facial cream, its purpose is to dispel wind-dampness, not merely for fragrance and moisture.

The roots, rhizomes, flowers, and leaves are all used medicinally. *Jiyin Fanhun Dan* and Yimu Gao use the whole plant. *Bencao Gangmu* states it is excellent for various pregnancy and childbirth diseases. It further notes that the roots, rhizomes, flowers, and leaves are specifically for dispersing, whereas the seeds have both dispersing and tonifying properties. This may be why the commentary particularly values the flowers and seeds.

Also known as "Cheng" (pronounced like "Meng"). In the *Classic of Poetry*, picking Cheng implies its ability to dissipate depression and stagnation in the chest and heart. Materia Medica claims it treats breast difficulties (lactation issues or breast diseases), likely because breast ailments often stem from stagnation, making it suitable. Additionally, in the Tang Dynasty, a patient with facial sores was cured using Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), similar to Dongfang Manqie pouring wine on the monster Zaijie, aiming to dissipate stagnation and remove resentment. Su Zirong claimed it resembles medicines for traumatic injuries, hence suitable for Beimu. Is this really the case?

*Shennong Bencao Jing* states it kills ghostly essences, treats gu poison and evil qi, and long-term use boosts energy, strengthens yin, and promotes physical robustness. The main points in this commentary are actually derived from *Kaibao Bencao*.

Formulas state that taken as powder, it treats acute diarrhea. Formerly, Ouyang Xiu suffered from acute watery diarrhea, which imperial physicians could not cure. His wife bought a packet of medicine from a street vendor, which cured him upon administration. It was Cheqianzi (Plantaginis Semen) ground into powder, taken with rice water. Essentially, Cheqianzi promotes urination without damaging Qi. When the water passages are unobstructed, clear and turbid substances separate, and the intestines naturally stop diarrhea. The reasoning is very profound.