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Shuqi (Rhizoma Datiscae): Pungent in flavor, neutral or slightly warm in nature, toxic. It primarily treats malaria, as well as cough with rebellious qi, alternating chills and fever, hard masses in the abdomen (zhengjian), palpable lumps, accumulations of pathogenic qi, gu poison, and guizhu (a highly contagious disease). It treats pathogenic qi stagnation in the chest, expelling it through vomiting. It grows in the valleys of Jianglin Mountain and Shu Hanzhong; it is the sprout of Hengshan (Radix Dichroae). Leaves are harvested in the fifth month and dried in the shade. Trichosanthis Fructus (Gualou) acts as its assistant herb; it is incompatible with Ipomoeae Japonicae Radix (Guanzhong).

Banxia (Rhizoma Pinelliae): Although it is also the sprout of Hengshan, the origin differs; Jianglin Mountain refers to the name of Jiangyang Mountain in Yizhou. Hence, they originate from the same place. Locals harvest it and still wind it into pills.

Pungent in flavor, raw material is neutral and slightly cold, processed material is warm, toxic. It primarily treats chills and fever caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage), hardness under the heart, descending rebellious qi, swelling and pain in the throat and pharynx, dizziness, chest distension, cough with rebellious qi, borborygmus, and stops sweating. It eliminates phlegm-heat fullness and stagnation in the chest, diaphragm, heart, and abdomen; treats cough with rising qi, acute pain and hard palpable lumps under the heart, vomiting and rebellion due to seasonal epidemic pathogens, dissipates carbuncles and swellings, induces abortion, treats sallow complexion (weihuang), and enhances facial luster. Raw form induces vomiting; processed form promotes downward movement. When used, wash with hot water until the slippery sensation is completely removed. Also known as Diwen, Shuiyu, Shoutian, and Shigu. Grows in the valleys of Huaili. Roots are harvested in the fifth and eighth months and sun-dried. (Pinelliae Ternatae Rhizoma Preparatum (Shegan) acts as its assistant herb; incompatible with Glaucii Fructus (Zaojia); fears Realgar (Xionghuang), Zingiberis Recens Rhizoma (Shengjiang), Zingiberis Rhizoma Siccum (Ganjiang), Fraxini Cortex (Qinpi), Testudinis et Carapacis et Plastrum (Guijia); contrary to Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata (Wutou).)

Huaili belongs to Fufeng Commandery; currently, the primary production area is Qingzhou, and there are also productions in Wu region. The best quality has white flesh and does not mind being aged. When used, wash with hot water more than ten times until the slippery sensation is completely removed; otherwise, it will pierce the throat like a halberd. In formulas containing Banxia, fresh ginger must be added to control its toxicity. (Dunhuang manuscript of Xinxiu Bencao, Volume 10; Daguan Bencao, Volume 10; Zhenghe Zhenglei Bencao, page 245)

Kuandong (Flos Farfarae): Pungent and sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats cough with rebellious qi, frequent wheezing, bi syndrome of the throat, various types of convulsions and epilepsy, chills and fever, and pathogenic qi. It treats xiaoke (wasting-thirst), wheezing, and rapid breathing. Also known as Tuowu, Kedong, Huxu, Tuxi, and Didong. Grows in the valleys of Changshan and near waters in Shangdang. Flowers are harvested in the eleventh month and dried in the shade. (Pruni Semen Armeniacae Amarum (Xingren) acts as its assistant herb; works well with Asteris Radix (Ziwan); incompatible with Glaucii Fructus (Zaojia), Natrii Sulfas (Xiaoshi), Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen); fears Fritillariae Bulbus (Beimu), Magnoliae Flos (Xinyi), Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang), Astragali Radix (Huangqi), Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Coptidis Rhizoma (Huanglian), Celosiae Semen (Qingxiang).)

The primary production area is in Hebei; the shape resembling unopened flower buds is considered superior, and silk-like filaments inside the belly are present. Secondary production areas are Goryeo and Baekje, where the flowers resemble large chrysanthemums. Next... (Zhenghe Zhenglei Bencao, page 226)