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Ruxiang (Frankincense)
Pungent, bitter, warm in temperature. Yang nature. Non-toxic. Also originates from Persia, formed from the resin of *Pinus massoniana* (Red Pine). Dripping to form pearls, those still attached to the tree and not fallen are named "Zhu Xiang" (Pearl Incense); those dripping like milk and melting onto the ground are named "Ta Xiang" (Mat Incense). Zhu Xiang is round, small, and lustrous; Ta Xiang is large chunks, dry, and dull. Zhu Xiang acts quickly; Ta Xiang acts slowly. Whenever using it, one must not fail to select carefully. Store in bamboo leaves and dry with heat; grind together with rush pith (*Junci Medulla*). If combining into powders or pills, sift finely and mix in. If decocting for liquid medicine, add and blend near completion. Treats various malignant sores and wind-water swelling/toxins; stabilizes sudden pains in all meridians and acute pain in the heart and abdomen. Also used in plasters to stop pain and promote flesh regeneration. Further promotes childbirth and regulates wind pathogens.

Xiong Dingxiang (Male Clove)
Cixingxiang (Female Clove)
Pungent, warm in temperature. Belongs to Fire, contains Metal properties, Pure Yang. Non-toxic. Grows in Jiaozhi and Guangzhou, harvested before spring and after autumn. Shapes vary in size, names distinguished as male and female. Male cloves are long like nails; female cloves are large like jujube pits. For therapeutic purposes, female cloves are used more frequently. Specifically enters the Kidney and Stomach meridians, and also travels to the Lung organ of the Taiyin channel. All aromatic substances can disperse; all Qi is good at driving away [pathogens]. Special efficacy for mouth/tongue qi disorders and Ben Tun Qi (running piglet qi), and stops belching and hiccuping/rebellious Qi; immediate effect for Fan Wei (regurgitation/vomiting) and Huo Luan (cholera-like vomiting), simultaneously removing cold pain in the heart and abdomen. Warms waist and knees, strengthens Yang, eliminates childhood malnutrition (Gan syndrome), and strengthens teeth. Treats cracked nipples, resolves distension/bloating caused by insect toxins. Ground into fine powder, it has two additional uses. For women with a constantly cold vaginal opening, place in a gauze bag and insert into the vagina to rapidly induce warmth; for elderly persons who pluck white beard hairs, mix with ginger juice and apply to the follicle pores, causing regrown hair to be black. Ding Pi (Clove Skin) effectively stops toothache; root pounded and applied externally treats wind-induced swelling.

Hutong Lei (Tamarisk Tears)
(Also known as Mulu) Salty, bitter, very cold in temperature. Non-toxic. Originates west of Gansu Prefecture, growing on alkaline/saline soil. The trees are very tall and robust, bark resembling that of the white poplar. Sap seeps into the ground, adhering to earth and stones. Harvested in winter, resembling yellow alum. Heavy, solid, and hard, often mixed with rotten wood. Similar to saltpeter, dissolves upon contact with water. Store in porcelain jars and seal tightly to prevent melting. A sacred medicine for the mouth and teeth department, an elixir for scrofula/toxins. For toxic heat, abdominal fullness, and vexation, take with water to induce vomiting. For cattle/horses suffering from acute jaundice and black sweat, grind with water and灌 (pour/feed) to cure immediately. Drives out fire toxins and facial toxins; usable for metal welding and silver welding injuries/toxins. Do not take in excess, lest it cause unceasing vomiting.