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Chi Jian (The aerial part of Gastrodia elata)

Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome)

Flavor: Acrid, Bitter. Nature: Neutral. Non-toxic. In early spring, the seedlings and leaves first emerge, resembling clusters of Paeonia lactiflora (White Peony Root). A stalk rises from the center, two or three chi high, hence named Chi Jian; the root growing downward is as large as Trichosanthes kirilowii (Snakegourd Root), this is called Tian Ma. It grows in the valleys of Yunzhou and Lizhou (both belonging to Shandong province). Harvested in autumn and winter, the skin is scraped off while moist. Briefly boiled in water, then sun-dried for medicinal use. It treats childhood wind-phlegm epilepsy and palpitations due to fright; cures adult dizziness and vertigo caused by wind-heat. It expels damp-bi with limb spasms and contractures, and governs paralysis and motor impairment. It unifies blood vessels, opens orifices, benefits the waist and knees, and strengthens sinews and bones. Various toxic sores and abscesses can be regulated and healed by it.

Further research on Chi Jian reveals its original name "Ding Feng" (Stabilizing Wind). It tonifies Qi and strongly nourishes Yin, eliminates fullness below the diaphragm, and treats hernia. It kills demonic essences, insect toxins, dissipates malignant qi, swelling, and carbuncles. Long-term consumption increases lifespan, lightens the body, and promotes robust health.

(Mo) Commentary: *Bie Shuo* states that Tian Ma refers to the root, using it follows the principle of moving from the interior to the exterior; Chi Jian refers to the sprout, using it follows the merit of moving from the exterior to the interior. For the root draws up the sprout straight upward, is this not moving from interior to exterior? The sprout bears seeds, which fall when mature, reversing direction downwards from the stem, reaching the soil to take root, is this not moving from exterior to interior? Observing this, one can roughly understand the principles of its internal and external therapeutic indications.

You Lan (Orchid)

Hui Cao (Cymbidium Orchid)

Flavor: Acrid, Sweet. Nature: Neutral, Cold. Non-toxic. These are the leaves of orchids that bloom in spring and autumn, possessing a fragrant aroma. Found everywhere in deep valleys and dense forests. The leaves are long and do not wither; the flowers are small but very fragrant. When used in medicine, the leaves are harvested and decocted for oral administration. It promotes urination, attacks phlegm-stagnation, tonifies Qi, generates fluids; kills gu-poison, wards off misfortune, moisturizes the skin, and expels bi-syndrome. It is essential for Dan Dan (bile disorder) and necessary for Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome). Dong Yuan said: "It can disperse accumulated, stale, and depressed Qi"; *Nei Jing* also states: "Treat it with Lan to remove stale Qi." Long-term consumption prevents aging, lightens the body, and enhances spiritual clarity.

(Mo) Commentary: Lan grass grows in deep forests, akin to the concept of "Shen Du" (being cautious when alone), thus it is called You Lan. Its leaves remain evergreen, and its stems are deep purple. Similar to Hui, it sprouts in spring. One stem bearing one flower with abundant fragrance is named Lan; one stem bearing five or six flowers with insufficient fragrance is named Hui. Both bloom in spring, but Lan blooms first, followed by Hui. However, orchids in Jiangnan are only fragrant in spring, whereas those in Jingchu, Min, and Guang regions are fragrant again in autumn, hence the distinction between Spring Orchid and Autumn Orchid. Dan Xi stated: "You Lan leaves inherit the clear Qi of Metal and Water, yet seem to possess Fire." People know the value of orchid flowers, but do not know the specific methods for using leaves. As Dong Yuan mentioned. Moreover, few drugs are recorded in *Nei Jing*, yet Lan alone enjoys fame; if it did not have profound efficacy, how could it achieve this?