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[Shichangpu / Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii]
Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats bi-syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome) caused by wind-cold-dampness, cough with rebellious qi, opens the orifices of the heart, tonifies the five zang organs, unblocks the nine orifices, clarifies the ears and eyes, and facilitates voice production. It treats deafness, carbuncles and sores, warms the stomach and intestines, stops frequent urination, treats limb bi-syndrome due to dampness characterized by inability to flex and extend, pediatric warm malaria with accumulated heat that does not resolve, and can be used as a medicinal bath decoction. Long-term consumption lightens the body, sharpens hearing and vision, enhances memory, prevents confusion, prolongs life, benefits mental faculties, elevates aspirations, and prevents premature aging. Also known as Changyang. Grows in ponds and marshes of Shangluo Commandery and Yandao County of Shu Commandery. Those with nine nodes per inch are considered superior. Roots exposed to dew should not be used. Harvest roots in May and December, and dry in the shade. (Qinpi [Cortex Fraxini] and Qinjiao [Radix Gentianae Macrophyllae] serve as its assistants; it is incompatible with Didan [Glehniae Radix? Note: Contextual error in original text likely refers to specific incompatibilities] and Mahuang [Ephedrae Herba].)

Shangluo Commandery belongs to Liang Province, and Yandao County is located in Shu Commandery. Currently, it grows everywhere on rocky gravel. Compact nodes are preferred. Large roots growing in low-lying wetlands are named Changyang, which only treat wind-dampness and are unsuitable for internal consumption. This herb is very effective against insects, fleas, and lice, but this function is rarely mentioned in modern texts. True Shichangpu leaves have a central ridge, resembling a sword blade, and produce small flowers in April and May. By streams in the east, there is another plant named Xisun [Iris tectorii], whose root shape, odor, and color closely resemble Shichangpu growing on rocks, but its leaves are exactly like common cattail without a ridge. People often mistakenly call this "rock Shichangpu." This herb only treats cough with rebellious qi and kills fleas and lice; it is not used in internal prescriptions. The *Book of Songs* praises it.

[Yuanzhi / Radix Polygalae]
Bitter in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats cough with rebellious qi damaging the middle jiao, tonifies deficiencies, eliminates pathogenic factors, unblocks the nine orifices, enhances wisdom, clarifies the ears and eyes, strengthens memory, stabilizes willpower, and increases strength. It benefits men, calms the heart qi, stops palpitations and fright, tonifies essence, removes stagnant qi in the epigastrium/diaphragm area, clears heat in the skin, and treats yellowing of the face and eyes. Long-term consumption lightens the body, prevents aging, improves complexion, and prolongs life. The leaf is called Xiaocao [Polygalae Herba], which treats tonifying essence, tonifying yin qi, stopping deficiency damage, and nocturnal emission. Also known as Jiwan, Raoh, and Xicao. Grows in valleys and rivers of Mount Tai and Wanqu County. Harvest roots and leaves in April, and dry in the shade. (It works well when combined with Fuling [Poria], Dongkuizi [Malvae Semen], and Longgu [Os Draconis]; it neutralizes the toxicity of Tianxiong [Aconiti Radix Lateralis Preparata] and Fuzi [Aconiti Radix Preparata]; it is incompatible with Zhenzhu [Margarita], Lilü [Veratrum Nigrum], Feilian [Blatta Orientalis], and Qihe [likely Baihe/Lilii Bulbus]).

According to pharmacopoeia records, there is no herb named "Qihe"; it is likely a typo for Baihe [Lilii Bulbus]. Wanqu County belongs to Jiyin Commandery of Yun Province. Currently, the medicinal material still comes from Lanling north of Pengcheng. When used, the core must be removed, and the bark taken.
(Volume 6, *Zhenghe Bencao*, page 163)