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[Arctii Fructus] (i.e., Niu Bang Zi) Taste: pungent, bitter. Nature: neutral. Non-toxic. Originally produced in Dengzhou (belonging to Henan), now grown everywhere. Leaves resemble those of *Aconitum coreanum* (Yin Yu), large and long; fruits resemble grapes, with brownish-yellow seeds. The husk resembles millet and barnyard grass seeds, small and thorny. When rats pass by, they get stuck and cannot shake it off, hence also called Shu Nian Zi (Mouse-stick Seed). Harvested after autumn, suitable for steaming with wine. Stops tooth decay pain, disperses facial and ocular edema. Resolves wind-heat causing throat obstruction, and wind stagnation in waist and knees; expels wind-dampness causing urticaria covering the skin, and severe toxicity in sores and ulcers. Swallowing one raw fruit can induce the discharge of pus from a sore. Brightens eyes, tonifies the middle, moistens the lungs, and dissipates qi.

[Patriniae Radix] Taste: bitter, salty. Nature: neutral, slightly cold. Non-toxic. Commonly known as Ku Cai (Bitter Vegetable), mostly growing in deep valleys. Collected in early summer for medicinal use. Named Patrinia because its odor resembles spoiled bean paste. Enters the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and Hand Jueyin Pericardium Meridian. Eliminates swelling and carbuncles, drains pus, disperses blood, breaks abscess nodules, induces labor, and causes abortion. Removes carbuncles, hemorrhoids, scabies, and pruritus; repels toxic wind, flaccidity, and bi-syndrome. Stops epistaxis and hematemesis; dispels abdominal pain suspected to be caused by blood stasis.

[Cynanchi Atrati Radix] Taste: bitter, salty. Nature: neutral, very cold. Non-toxic. Grows everywhere near roads. Roots resemble those of Achyranthes bidentata (Niu Xi) but are shorter and smaller. Collected on the third day of the third lunar month, dried in shade. Adverse interactions with Astragali Radix (Huang Qi), Rheismi Radix et Rhizoma (Da Huang), Zingiberis Radix Preparata (Gan Jiang), Dried Lacca (Gan Qi), Corni Fructus (Shan Zhu), and Jujubae Fructus (Da Zao). Mainly treats wind-stroke with body heat, distension and fullness, sudden loss of consciousness. Treats warm malaria with alternating chills and fever, body aches, occurring intermittently. Repels madness, delirium, and evil spirits; removes internal injury with dripping discharge. Promotes qi circulation, benefits essence, promotes urination, and leaches out dampness.

[Bai Qian from Chengzhou] [Bai Qian from Shuzhou] Taste: sweet, pungent. Nature: slightly warm. Non-toxic. Produced in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Sichuan, and Chuan regions, growing on sandbars and gravel banks. Leaves resemble willow leaves, shoots resemble those of Genkwa Flos (Yuan Hua). Roots are thick and long, somewhat similar to Achyranthes bidentata (Niu Xi), but hard and brittle (pronounced 'cui') and rarely soft. For medicinal use, roots are harvested after autumn. Soaked in Licorice Decoction overnight, side whiskers broken off, then baked for use. Reduces cough with rebellious qi, drives away rebellious qi in chest and hypochondrium. Excellent for qi congestion in the diaphragm preventing lying flat; immediate effect for qi rushing to the throat causing breathing difficulty. Also treats qi obstruction in the pharynx producing sounds like a water frog. Therefore, ancient formulas for qi-type coughs often include it without omission, due to its ability to govern all types of qi disorders. It can also stabilize lung qi, especially when used as an assistant with warming herbs.
(Mo) Commentary: Cynanchi Atrati Radix (Bai Wei) and Veronicae Radix (Bai Qian) are both available locally. Their shoots, stems, roots, and leaves look very similar in color and shape. If mistakenly collected, death can occur instantly. One must accurately identify them before using them to save lives. Bai Qian resembles Niu Xi, being thick, long, hard, brittle, and easily broken. Bai Wei resembles Niu Xi, being short, small, soft, and bendable. Comparing their juice tastes helps avoid errors. This is a critical point for physicians, not just for this single herb. All similar-looking herbs must be carefully examined.