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[Chi Jian (Rhizoma Polygonati Odorati)]
Pungent in flavor, warm in nature. Primarily used to kill demonic spirits, gu poison, and malignant qi; to resolve carbuncles and swellings; and to treat lower limb fullness, hernia, and bloody stool. Long-term consumption tonifies qi and strength, promotes robust growth, lightens the body, and extends lifespan. Also known as Li Mu or Gui Du You. Grows in Chencang, Chuangu, Yongzhou, and Mount Tai Shaoshi Mountain. The roots are harvested in March, April, and August, and dried in the sun.
Chencang belongs to the Fufeng Commandery of Yongzhou. This herb is also a type of Lingzhi (Ganoderma). It is said that its stem is red like an arrow shaft, with leaves growing at the tip. The root resembles a human foot, or sometimes a taro, accompanied by twelve subsidiary roots acting as guards. It does not move when there is wind, but sways on its own when there is no wind. Such characteristics suggest it is not the plant commonly seen today. Moreover, Xuchangqing (Radix Dipsaci) is also called Gui Du You. There is also Gui Jian (Ramulus Eucommiae), which has feather-like structures on its stems; although their therapeutic effects are similar, their benefits to the human body differ significantly. It is feared that they are not this Chi Jian. (Da Guan Ben Cao Vol. 6, Zheng He Ben Cao Vol. 166)

[Yi Zhi (Fructus Alpiniae Oxyphyllae)]
Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Mainly treats pathogenic qi in the five zang organs, calms the mind, alleviates anorexia, expels parasites, and removes toxins. Long-term consumption strengthens the hun and po spirits, enhances sensory acuity, lightens the body, prevents aging, and facilitates spiritual clarity. Also known as Yi Zhi. The larger ones resemble Areca Nut (Betel Nut). Grows in the valleys of Nanhai.
Guangzhou has another fruit called Long Yan (Longan), which resembles Lychee but is smaller; this is not Yi Zhi, likely a local alias. The current Yi Zhi is distinct. Consuming them both benefits people. (Xin Xiu Ben Cao p. 124, Da Guan Ben Cao Vol. 13, Zheng He Ben Cao p. 330)

[Zhu Shi Ling]
Sweet and bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Mainly treats malaria, detoxifies, wards off gu zhu (pestilential diseases) and inauspicious influences, and promotes urination. Long-term consumption lightens the body and delays aging.
Also known as Zhu Shi. Grows in the valleys of Hengshan, and Ji Yin Yuanqu. Harvested in February and August, and dried in the shade.
Currently, it is unavailable in Xiangzhou and Hengshan due to blocked trade routes; it is all imported from Ningzhou. Old texts state this is Feng Shu Ling (Lingzhi from Maple Tree), whose skin is very black and forms lumps resembling pig feces, hence the name... (Da Guan Ben Cao Vol. 13, Zheng He Ben Cao p. 328)

[Fu Ling (Poria)]
Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Mainly treats rebellious qi in the chest and hypochondrium, sorrow and anger, fright and palpitations, epigastric knotting and pain, alternating chills and fever, irritability and fullness, cough and rebellious qi, stops dry mouth and tongue, and promotes urination. Stops excessive saliva in thirst-quenching conditions, treats abdominal distension with dripping sensation, phlegm-fluid retention in the diaphragm, edema with urinary difficulty, opens the chest and fu organs, regulates zang organ qi, attacks kidney pathogens, promotes genital growth, tonifies qi and strength, preserves spirit, and maintains central balance. Long-term consumption calms the hun and po, nourishes the spirit, suppresses hunger, and extends lifespan. Also known as Fu Tu. Those growing attached to pine roots are named Fu Shen (Poria with Pine Root). Fu Shen is sweet in flavor and neutral in nature. It primarily wards off inauspicious influences, treats wind vertigo and wind deficiency, wu lao (five exhaustion syndromes) and qi shang (seven injuries), dry mouth, stops palpitations, reduces irritability, improves memory, opens the heart and enhances intelligence, calms the hun and po, and nourishes the spirit. Grows in the large pine forests of the valleys of Mount Tai. Harvested in February and August, and dried in the shade. (Ma Jian acts as an assistant. Note: "Ma Jian" does not appear in pharmacopoeias; it might be Ma Jing, due to phonetic similarity. Combined with Gancao (Licorice), Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia), Shaoyao (Peony), Zi Shiyong (Hematite), and Maimendong (Ophiopogon), it treats disorders of the five zang organs. Incompatible with Bailian (Ampelopsis). Averse to Mumeng, Diyu, Xionghuang (Realgar), Qin Jiao, and Gujia (Tortoise Shell).)
Currently produced in Yuzhou. Local people intentionally cut pine trees to cultivate it; the resulting pieces are often small, hollow, and reddish, which is inferior. Naturally formed ones are large, comparable to three or four-sheng containers, with thin, wrinkled black outer skin, firm and white interior, and shapes resembling birds, beasts, turtles, or tortoises—these are superior. If too dry, they lack moisture. For making pills and powders, they must be boiled for two or three boils before slicing and drying. White Poria tonifies; red Poria promotes drainage. It is widely used. In the Immortal Classics, it is considered essential for dietary therapy. It is said to facilitate spiritual connection, harmonize the soul and refine the spirit, open orifices and benefit muscles, thicken intestines and open the heart, regulate ying qi and manage stomach functions. It is a supreme-grade immortal medicine. It effectively enables grain avoidance without muscle wasting. As a medicinal material, it does not rot or get infested by insects. I once excavated a piece buried by predecessors, estimated to be over thirty years old, yet its color and texture remained unchanged, clearly demonstrating its integrity and imperishability. Those attaching to pine roots in specific configurations are Fu Shen, which form after Poria. The Immortal Prescriptions mention only Poria, not Fu Shen; since their therapeutic actions are identical, using either causes no objection. (Xin Xiu Ben Cao p. 87, Da Guan Ben Cao Vol. 12, Zheng He Ben Cao p. 296)