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Distant Will (Polygalae Radix) from Sizhou
Distant Will (Polygalae Radix) from Weisheng Army

Bitter in taste, warm in nature. Non-toxic. The stem resembles *Ephedrae Herba* (Mahuang, 麻黄) but is green. It is found in Yanzhou (a commandery name) and Mount Tai (both located in Shandong Province). The root is named Distant Will (Polygalae Radix), harvested in the fourth lunar month. For medicinal use, the woody core should be removed, retaining only the bark. Soak it in a decoction of *Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma* (Gancao, 甘草) overnight. (Because bitter substances tend to descend, sweet substances are used to moderate this action, directing the therapeutic effect upward.) Drain and sun-dry until dry, then add to decoctions. It is incompatible with *Margarita* (Zhenzhu, 珍珠), *Veratri Radix* (Lilu, 藜芦), and *Scutellariae Larvatae Larva* (Qicao, 蛴螬). It is compatible with *Malvae Semen* (Dongkui, 冬葵 - note: context implies Dongkui Zi or similar mucilaginous herb, often interpreted as Malvae Semen or related), *Poria* (Fuling, 茯苓), and *Os Draconis* (Longgu, 龙骨). *Realgar* (Xionghuang, 雄黄) and *Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata* (Fuzi, 附子), though highly toxic, can also eliminate these incompatibilities. It benefits essence, strengthens yang, enhances willpower, and doubles physical strength.
It expels evil qi, removes dreams caused by evil influences, calms heart qi, and soothes the spirit. It increases wisdom and memory, harmonizes complexion, and delays aging. It also unblocks the nine orifices and repairs middle jiao injuries.
It drives away cough and rebellious qi, and stops palpitations and fright. It treats infantile convulsions and sudden fright (Ke Wu), and cures women's blood obstruction leading to aphonia.
"Small Grass" (the tender shoot of Distant Will)
Prevents deficiency-induced nightmares and seminal emission.

Stone Acorus (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma)

Acrid and sweet in taste, warm in nature. Non-toxic. It is most abundant in Chi Commandery (part of Nanzhili), and also grows elsewhere. Those growing in rocky streams are considered superior; only those with nine nodes per inch are efficacious. Select and remove roots exposed to air. (Those buried in soil are usable; exposed ones should be discarded.) Avoid contact with iron vessels. For medicinal use, crush before administration. It is compatible with *Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix* (Qinjiao, 秦艽). It is adverse to *Radix Bupleuri* (Didan, 地胆 - likely referring to a specific local herb or typo for another herb, kept as Didan per text) and *Ephedrae Herba* (Mahuang, 麻黄). It is contraindicated with *Malt Sugar* (Yitang, 饴糖) and mutton. It primarily treats damp-bi syndrome in the hands and feet, restoring flexibility; applied externally to back carbuncles and sores, it reduces swelling and detoxifies. It directs qi downward, relieves irritability, kills parasites, and cures scabies. It eliminates cornea opacity, removes wind affecting the head. It opens the heart orifice, restores voice, enhances wisdom, and clarifies the senses. It addresses deafness and tinnitus, and prevents frequent urination or enuresis. It is effective for wandering abdominal pain and immediately stabilizes threatened miscarriage. If struck by "ghost attack" leading to coma, urgently administer fresh juice; for warm malaria with unresolved accumulated heat, bathe in a strong decoction. Decocted alone in wine, it treats blood sea deterioration and persistent postpartum bleeding. Ground into fine powder and spread on mats for sleeping, it treats generalized toxicity and painful, non-itchy sores.
Taking it in large amounts improves memory and clarity; long-term use extends life and delays aging.
(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Those growing in rocky streams with fine, tender leaves are called Acorus (Changpu, 菖蒲); their roots have small, dense nodes and a very pungent flavor, making them suitable for medicine to open orifices and benefit the heart. Those planted in ponds with coarse, long leaves are called Changyang (Changyang, 菖阳); their roots have large, sparse nodes and a mild, bland flavor, suitable only for candying, used to accompany wine or tea. Therefore, ancient formulas use this herb specifically adding the character "Shi" (Stone) before its name to indicate its superiority and prevent misuse. This principle applies not only to Acorus but also to other herbs like Gardenia (Zhizi, 栀子) and Arrowhead (Cigou, 茨菇), where the character "Shan" (Mountain) is added for similar reasons. Medicines must be authentic to be effective. The commentary in *Shennong Ben Cao Jing* states: There were cases of individuals taking Stone Acorus for thirteen years, resulting in body hair growth, immunity to cold in winter without clothing, and the ability to recite ten thousand words daily with perfect memory. Today, scholars sometimes combine it with Distant Will to make pills, taken morning and night. This is likely due to witnessing such accounts, seeking its assistance in enhancing intelligence and wisdom.