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[Scallion / Allium fistulosum]
Taste is pungent, nature is warm. The taste is light but the qi is dense; it ascends and belongs to Yang. Non-toxic. Available in all seasons, cultivated everywhere. Often used in food to harmonize the five flavors. Consuming it with honey and Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa var. pekinensis) may easily cause death. If taking Hengshan (Dichroa febrifuga Radix), it must also be avoided. For therapeutic purposes, only the white root should be selected. It enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Hand-Taiyin Lung Organ. It induces sweating to unblock joints, returns to the eyes to expel Liver pathogenic factors. It regulates severe muscle cramps due to Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome with vomiting and diarrhea), and treats headache as if breaking due to Shanghan (Cold Damage). It kills toxins from fish and meat, unblocks the Large and Small Intestines. It dissipates swelling and edema of the face and eyes, stops acute pain in the heart and abdomen. It removes Houbi (Sore throat with obstruction), heals Jinchuang (Metal weapon injuries), calms pregnancy, and stops Nosebleed (Nuxue). For Hongzhangjiao (Gouty arthritis/Edema of feet) and Bentun Qi (Qi rebellion manifesting as a sensation of gas rushing up), decocting with roots can eliminate them; for Snake bites and Earthworm injuries, mixing with salt resolves toxicity. Its function specializes in dispersing and diffusing; excessive consumption leads to mental confusion. In cases of Qi deficiency, it should especially not be taken. Decocting the leaves and combining them with Ganjiang (Dried Ginger) and Huangqin (Scutellaria Root) forms a preparation; washing sores and scabies with it removes Fengshui (Wind-Water) swelling and pain with miraculous effect. Decocting flowers with Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit) in water also treats severe pain between the Heart and Spleen. The fruit tonifies insufficiency, warms the Middle and benefits Jing (Essence). Scallion juice is neutral-warm, and primarily treats Niaoxue (Hematuria).

[Chinese Chive / Allium tuberosum]
Taste is pungent and slightly sour, nature is warm. Its action is rapid. It belongs to Metal, containing Water and Earth elements. Non-toxic. Cultivated in gardens in villages everywhere. It does not run out even after repeated harvesting, hence named "Jiu" (Chive). The character dictionary associates it with the number nine. Although used as a vegetable, it is most beneficial for patients. Eating it in spring makes it fragrant; eating it in summer makes it foul-smelling. It warms the Middle, directs Qi downward, returns to the Heart, and benefits Yang. It warms the knees and harmonizes the Zang-Fu organs. It eliminates Pi Gu Leng (Stubborn cold masses in chest and abdomen), stops Baizhuo (White turbidity in urethra) and Jingyi (Spermatorrhea). When pounded into paste and mixed with a little salt, it immediately brings relief when applied frequently as a thick bandage for Snake or Dog bite poison. Beating blood stasis with a wooden stick and applying thinly while patting continuously disperses it. Boiling with Crucian Carp (Carassius auratus) stops sudden Dysentery. Boiling with Beef generates Cunchong (Tapeworms). Eating it with honey is indeed fatal. Eating it after illness induces drowsiness; eating it after drinking alcohol causes mental confusion. Long-term excessive consumption easily dims both eyes. Root juice is detrimental to abdominal distension. There is also Jiuhuang (Yellow Chives), grown in manure soil extremely tenderly; made into pickles pleasing to the palate, often cherished as sacrificial offerings. Consumption does not benefit humans and can severely stagnate Qi. The seeds stop Jingzhuo (Turbid urine) and Yilou (Leakage), being more effective than its roots and leaves.