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Bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic. It treats blood accumulation (blood stasis), fright qi, eliminates alternating chills and fever, tonifies the middle jiao, and benefits lung qi. It treats stomach bi syndrome (obstruction in the stomach), heart and abdominal pain, accumulated heat pathogenic factors, headache, pathogenic heat between the skin, calms the five zang organs, and tonifies the middle. Long-term use benefits the person. Also known as Zhi Mu, Ku Xin, Zhi Qu, Hu Xu, Bai Shen, Shi Mei, Wen Xi. Grows in river valleys of Henei and at Xushan in Banyang, Wanqu. Roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. (It is incompatible with Fangji and opposes Lulu.)

Currently, it is produced in nearby regions, growing in clusters, with leaves resembling those of Goji berry (Lycium chinense). White and solid roots are considered superior. This Shashen, along with Renshen, Xuanshen, Danshen, and Kushen, constitutes the "Five Shens." Their shapes are not entirely similar, but their therapeutic indications are quite alike; hence, they all bear the name "Shen." There is also Zishen, whose correct name is Mumeng, listed in the Middle Grade. (Da Guan Vol. 7, Zhenghe p. 189)

Bitter, cold, non-toxic. It treats knotting qi in the heart and abdomen, zheng zha masses (fixed masses), ji ju accumulations (accumulated masses), jaundice, dribbling urine after voiding, expels water retention, eliminates carbuncles and swelling, tonifies the middle, brightens the eyes, stops tearing. Nourishes liver and gallbladder qi, calms the five zang organs, stabilizes the mind, benefits essence, opens the nine orifices, eliminates latent heat, [treats intestinal conditions], stops thirst, awakens from alcohol intoxication, treats yellow and red urine, treats malignant sores, sores in the lower part, harmonizes stomach qi, promotes appetite, lightens the body. Also known as Shui Huai, Ku [Huai], Di Huai, Tu Huai, Jiao Huai, Bai Jing, Hu Ma, Cen Jing, Lu Bai, Ling Lang. Grows in valleys and fields south of Ru River. Roots are harvested in March, August, and October and dried in the sun. (Xuanshen serves as its guide drug; it is incompatible with Beimu, Loulu, Tusizi, and opposes Lulu.)

Currently, it is found everywhere in nearby regions. The leaves closely resemble those of the Sophora tree (Huai shu), hence the name "Huai." Flowers are yellow, seeds form pods. The root tastes extremely bitter and unpleasant. Patients soak it in wine and drink it.

Bitter, pungent, slightly warm, non-toxic. It treats sha han (cold damage), tonifies deficiencies, treats metal wounds, carbuncle injuries, fractures and dislocations, reconnects bones and tendons, treats difficult labor in women, metrorrhagia and metrorrhagia with leukorrhea, internal bleeding from metal wounds, stops pain, generates flesh, treats [injuries], evil blood, lower back pain, joint stiffness and spasms. Long-term use boosts qi and strength. Also known as Long Dou, Shu Zhe, Jie Gu, Nan Cao, Huai. Grows in valleys of Changshan. Harvested in July and August and dried in shade. (Dihuang serves as its guide drug; it is incompatible with Leiwan.)

According to the Tongjun Yaolu: Xuduan grows creeping, with fine leaves, stems like Perilla, large roots, yellowish-white with juice, roots harvested in July and August. Currently, it grows over a zhang high, leaves resemble Fusu, bark treats metal wounds. Given this bone-connecting name, one suspects ambiguity. Furthermore, in Guangzhou, there is another vine named Xuduan, also called Nuoteng. When its stem is broken, the juice is caught in a vessel and drunk to treat deficiency damage and severed injuries; used for washing the head, it also promotes hair growth. Broken branches inserted into the ground take root immediately; this might be similar. Li Yun states it is Hujì, which differs greatly from this, yet Hujì also treats blood disorders on its own. (Da Guan Vol. 7, Zhenghe p. 181)