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Xuan Shen (Scrophulariae Radix)
Taste: Bitter, Saline. Nature: Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. It grows in deep valleys in spring; the stem is square, and the leaves resemble those of sesame (also described as slender like locust or willow). In autumn, the lateral roots are harvested (the main root should not be used); they are initially white but turn purplish-black. They have a slight odor when smelled. When chewing the slices, contact with copper vessels must be avoided. If mistakenly processed with copper and ingested, it causes throat obstruction and blindness. The ancients strictly warned against this, as recorded by Wu Kun in *Han Shi Yi Tong* (Wu's *Medical Compendium*). It is incompatible with Huang Qi (Astragali Radix), Da Zao (Zizyphi Fructus), Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), and Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus), and is contrary to Li Lu (Veratri Radix). It can serve as the sovereign herb, primarily entering the Kidney Meridian. It strengthens Yin, benefits essence, tonifies the Kidney, and improves vision. It treats body heat and chest/hypochondriac fullness due to Shang Han (Cold Damage), characterized by a dazed state resembling unconsciousness. It treats Wen Nue (Warm Malaria) with alternating chills and fever, accompanied by frequent shivering. It eliminates residual ailments after childbirth in women and drives out bone-steaming consumption and infectious tuberculosis in men. It expels blood stasis and hard masses in the intestines, and dissipates phlegm nodules and carbuncles under the neck. This herb acts as an agent regulating the pivot mechanism, managing all Qi movements, ensuring orderly flow above and below without turbidity. It treats ethereal pathogenic qi in the air and dissipates rootless floating fire; nothing is superior to this for such purposes.

Sha Shen (Glehniae Radix or Adenophorae Radix)
Taste: Bitter, Sweet. Nature: Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. It is abundant in the Jianghuai region, particularly in Yuanju (see previous notes). It grows in clusters on cliff sides, with seedlings over two chi tall. The leaves resemble Goji berries but have forks; the root resembles Malva root but has thicker fibers. White flowers bloom near summer, with petals containing white mucilage. *Tu Jing* (Illustrated Classic) states there are slight variations. Roots are harvested after autumn and dried; those that are straight, white, and solid are best. It is contrary to Li Lu (Veratri Radix) and incompatible with Fang Ji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix). It is a primary herb of the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian. It treats various toxins by draining pus and reducing swelling, calms the Five Viscera, benefits the Lungs, and tonifies the Liver. It stops strangury pain and dissipates wind-induced itching. It clears evil heat and removes fright and irritability. Li Dongyuan (Li Gao) used it to replace Ren Shen (Ginseng Radix); although their forms and substances differ, he likely valued its bitter-sweet taste, which drains while simultaneously tonifying, making them slightly similar.

Dan Shen (Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix)
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. It is found in valleys and widely distributed. The stem has square edges and is over one chi long. The green leaves grow opposite each other; they resemble Mint but are hairy. Red-purple flowers bloom alternately; the thick roots are harvested in winter. It fears Han Shui Shi (Plumbum Molybditum) and is contrary to Li Lu (Veratri Radix). It specifically regulates meridians evenly and excels at treating joint pain. It generates new blood and removes bad blood, expels dead fetuses, and secures living fetuses. It breaks up accumulations and hard masses, stops metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, strengthens weak legs affected by bi-syndrome, and reduces redness and swelling of the eyes. It dissipates goiters, warts, and malignant sores, drains pus, and promotes flesh regeneration. It wards off spirits and evil influences, nourishes righteous Qi, and expels pathogens. It further treats intestinal murmurs that sound like rolling water.