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Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus)
Bitter, neutral and slightly cold in nature. The flavor and qi are both thin, light, clear, and floating; it ascends and belongs to Yang. Non-toxic. The stem is short and slightly reddish; the leaves are narrow and evergreen; the flowers are small with deep yellow petals; the fruit is pod-like, yellow-black.
It is named so because its internal segments are adjacent to each other, resembling the quill of a bird's tail. When harvesting for use, one must select the origin. Those grown in Sichuan and Shu resemble Toona seeds, with small, hard shells (resembling unopened Toona seeds), complete exterior without calyxes; when split, they separate in the middle, possessing a very fragrant aroma, and detach naturally from the stems upon drying without needing to be struck; those grown in Jiangnan resemble lotus buds, with soft shells embraced by calyxes, completely severed veins, less fragrance, and remaining attached to the stems even after long drying, not detaching even when struck. This serves as the distinction, with only those from Shu being superior. Remove the pedicels and grind immediately; it becomes effective only when added to prescriptions. Remaining portions should be stored tightly sealed to prevent loss of aroma and qi. It enters the Shaoyin Heart Meridian and the Hand-Foot Shaoyang and Yangming Meridians. It has remarkable efficacy in draining guest-heat from the Heart Meridian and divine effectiveness in descending damp-heat from the Spleen and Stomach. It drives away malignant carbuncles, toxins, and gu-poison; removes Taenia solium (pork tapeworm) and Ascaris lumbricoides (roundworm). In dermatology, it is often called "Holy Cinnabar"; in blood disorders, it often serves as an envoy. It regulates menstruation and treats five types of strangury, likely owing to its property of dispersing stagnation ("dispersing what is knotted"). Therefore, it can disperse blood coagulation and qi accumulation in various meridians; it is essential and indispensable. It is suitable for excess-pattern patients but should not be administered to deficiency-pattern patients. Lianyao refers to the name of the root. Zhang Zhongjing's formulas state it is used to clear heat.

Shegan (Belamcandae Rhizoma)
Bitter, neutral and slightly warm in nature. It belongs to Metal, yet possesses attributes of Wood, Water, and Fire. It is Yang within Yin. Non-toxic. It grows wherever found in riverbanks, marshes, suburbs, and plains. The leaves resemble wings or feather fans, commonly known as Wu Gen. Another view states: the leaves are similar to daylily but stronger, with roots having many short yellow-black fibrils. Flowers bloom in four colors: purple, white, red, and yellow. Zhu Danxi considered purple-flowered ones to be authentic, solely based on successful clinical verification. On the third day of the third lunar month, harvest the rhizomes and dry them in the sun. For all medicinal decoctions, it is imperative to soak the herb overnight in rice-washing water. It dissipates stagnant qi and rapidly resolves carbuncle toxins; expels blood stasis and unblocks menstruation. It relieves throat obstruction and stabbing pain, and驱除s bad breath caused by oral heat. It eliminates damp-heat triggered by fatigue, with special efficacy in suppurating hard swellings; it promotes the movement of accumulated phlegm in the Taiyin and Jueyin meridians, and quickly消解s protruding nodules. It also treats chest fullness and abdominal distension, and further treats urgent coughing with excessive salivation/phlegm.