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Liuji Nu Grass (Herba Siegesbeckiae)
Bitter in taste, warm in nature. Non-toxic. Grows by the mountainsides and roadsides, sprouting when spring warmth arrives. For medicinal use, it is harvested at any time. It directs Qi downward, relieves acute pain in the heart and abdomen, expels blood stasis, and resolves residual ailments after childbirth. It reduces swelling and toxic sores, and heals burns and heat-induced ulcers. Grinding the seeds and swallowing them with hot water immediately stops severe diarrhea.

Origin:
Liu Yu's childhood name was Jinu. He used this herb to treat metal weapon injuries with success, hence naming it Liuji Nu Grass.

Hong Lan Hua (Carthamus Tinctorius / Safflower)
Pungent, sweet, and bitter in taste; warm in nature. It belongs to Yang within Yin. Non-toxic. Planted in various villages and towns, harvested in May. Named for its leaves resembling Indigofera leaves. It can be used for dyeing and making rouge. To preserve it, dry it in the sun; for medicinal use, crush it by hand. It enters the Blood level and specializes in treating gynecological conditions. It expels a dead fetus retained in the womb, serving as a sacred medicine before childbirth. It treats trismus (lockjaw) and postpartum syncope due to blood loss, truly being an elixir for postpartum care. In large doses, it breaks blood stasis and unblocks menstruation; decocting with wine enhances this effect. In small doses, it nourishes the Heart and tonifies blood; decocting with water is appropriate. For throat obstruction and choking, crush fresh herbs and swallow the juice immediately. For infectious pox that are difficult to erupt, grind the fine seed powder and swallow with wine. Crushed seedlings applied externally are highly effective for wandering toxic sores; applying rouge into the ear instantly removes cerumen (earwax).

Yan Hu Suo (Rhizoma Corydalis)
(Also known as Xuan Hu Suo) Pungent and bitter in taste; warm in nature. Non-toxic. Originates from Andong (a county in Nanzhili), originally from Xi Country. The character "Xuan" was changed to "Yan" to avoid the naming taboo of the Song Dynasty. Its shape resembles Pinellia ternata (Ban Xia), with yellow color. It must be stir-fried and sliced before use. It specifically enters the Taiyin Spleen and Lung meridians, and some say it also enters the Liver meridian. It regulates menstruation, resolves Qi stagnation and Blood coagulation, and stops dizziness caused by Blood rushing after childbirth. It treats bleeding from falls and trauma, leukorrhea and metrorrhagia, sudden pain in the heart and abdomen, and distending pain in the lower abdomen, providing immediate relief.

Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae Longae)
Bitter in taste, cold in nature. Purely Yin. Associated with Earth and Metal, containing Water. Non-toxic. Reddish-yellow in color; those grown in Shu region are superior. Round and jointed in shape, resembling the belly of a cicada indicates authenticity. If difficult to obtain for medicinal use, Camellia flowers can be substituted. (Burn to ash while retaining efficacy, grind finely, and take with liquid.) Clears the Heart meridian, directs Qi downward, eliminates Yang toxins, and promotes tissue regeneration. It stops hematuria, eliminates bloody strangury, and drives away pain caused by Blood and Qi disorders. It breaks malignant blood stasis, stops hematemesis, and disperses accumulated blood to return it to the vessels. Due to its light and ascending nature, it is also highly effective in treating depression and stagnation. Its name derives from this property, and it was recorded in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*.