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Motherwort (also known as Leonurus japonicus.) Acrid and sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature. Non-toxic. The stem is square with concave sides (pronounced 'ao'), with branches growing opposite each other. The leaves resemble those of Cannabis sativa, and the flowers are purple. (There are two varieties of this herb; the one with white flowers is not used in medicine.) It grows everywhere in rivers and marshes. It should be uprooted and harvested on the Dragon Boat Festival. Dry it in the shade in a ventilated place, avoiding contact with iron vessels. Used alone, it is most effective; prescriptions are recorded in gynecological texts. Alternatively, grind it into fine powder and make pills with refined honey; or crush and decoct to make a thick liquid, then boil down into an extract. It generally regulates various conditions related to pregnancy and childbirth, hence the name "Beneficial to Mothers." It expels dead fetus, stabilizes living fetus, moves blood stasis, and generates new blood. It treats pediatric malnutrition and dysentery, and is applied externally for carbuncles, sores, and mastitis. Dripping the juice into the ear treats otorrhea. Finely chopped and stir-fried with vinegar, it can be applied to horse bites. Furthermore, it counteracts sulfur and especially resolves snake venom. Taken in large amounts, it reduces swelling and promotes urination; taken over a long period, it benefits essence and lightens the body. The seeds have the same taste and also regulate pregnancy and childbirth; they are good at removing nebulae from the eyes and relieving mental restlessness.
(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Zhu Danxi said: Leonurus seed moves blood and regulates qi, possessing the merit of nourishing yin, hence named "Beneficial to Mother." In both antenatal and postnatal periods, what one relies upon is blood and qi. Antenatally, there is no stagnation; postnatally, there is no deficiency, because its action contains tonification.

Dipsacus (Teasel Root)
Bitter and acrid in taste, slightly warm in nature. Non-toxic. Shaanxi and Sichuan produce the best quality. It begins to sprout in March. The leaves resemble those of Boehmeria nivea, and the stem is quadrangular. The root resembles that of Cirsium japonicum, with yellowish-red bark. For medicinal use, the roots are harvested in autumn. There is much variation in quality; one must select the fine ones. Identify the superior grade by its shape resembling a chicken's foot; only those with segmented joints, yellow wrinkled skin, are authentic. Remove the hard central pith, soak in pure wine overnight. Sun-dry thoroughly, slice thinly, and chew. It is incompatible with Polyporus umbellatus (Leiwan), but compatible with processed Rehmanniae Radix (Shudihuang). It reconnects bones and tendons, regulates blood and vessels, specifically treating traumatic injuries and fractures; it reduces swelling and toxicity, promotes tissue regeneration, and excels in managing open wounds and abscesses. It has special efficacy for mastitis and scrofula, and immediate effect for intestinal wind and hemorrhoids. It reduces frequent urination, secures essence against spermatorrhea and nocturnal emission. It also warms the uterus, facilitating conception and pregnancy. Long-term use without aversion increases physical strength beyond normal levels.