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Fang Kui (Radix Saposhnikoviae)
Taste: Sweet, Pungent, Bitter. Nature: Cold. Non-toxic. Another view holds that it has slight toxicity. It does not grow in other commanderies, but is produced only in Xiangyang (belonging to Jingguang). One plant has three stems, and each stem has three leaves. A thick main stalk emerges from the center, with flowers blooming at the apex of the stalk. (The flower color is white like scallions, blooming from the stalk.) The leaves resemble those of Malva verticillata (Kui), and are green. The root has a pungent aroma similar to Fangfeng (Radix Saposhnikoviae), hence its name Fangkui. On the third day of the third lunar month, the roots are harvested and sun-dried. (It is prone to insect damage and must be dried frequently.) When harvested according to the proper season, it floats in water; do not mistake it for Yelangdu (Radix Stellerae Chamaejasme). (The two roots look quite similar, but Fangkui floats in water while Yelangdu sinks, a slight difference. The distinction between good and bad is significant, so caution is required in use.) Regarding the preparation of medicinal formulas, the processing methods must be known. Soak in Licorice Root Decoction (Gancao Tang) overnight until it forms a mass; mix with Polygonatum odoratum juice (Huangjing Zhi), slice, and stir-fry until dry. It primarily treats heat accumulation in the Bladder (Pangguang) resulting in urinary obstruction; treats Gui Malaria (Ghost Malaria), epilepsy, convulsive disorders, and manic wandering. It can manage hernia, abdominal masses, and intestinal diarrhea; dispels fullness and distension in the lower abdomen. It strengthens the will, eliminates Kidney pathogenic factors, tonifies Qi, and strengthens sinews and bones. For blood and qi tumors as large as a bowl, rubbing with vinegar applied topically will dissipate them. Those suffering from Fire excess should not take it, as it may cause trance-like states resembling hallucinations of seeing ghosts.

Shechuangzi (Fructus Cnidii)
Taste: Bitter, Pungent, Sweet. Nature: Neutral. Non-toxic. It is produced in fields everywhere, but the yield from Yangzhou and Xiangzhou is particularly superior. In spring, seedlings and leaves emerge in clusters, green and finely fragmented, resembling the shape of Artemisia argyi (Haocao). It bears small white flowers, densely clustered, with over a hundred per tuft. (Blooms in the fourth and fifth lunar months.) It yields yellow seeds, light and hollow, granular like millet. Harvested near autumn, dried in the shade away from direct sunlight. Its incompatible herbs include three: Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi), Croton Seed (Badou), and Fritillaria Bulb (Beimu). For internal use, take the kernel and stir-fry; for external washing decoctions, use the whole shell boiled raw. It treats swelling and pain of the female vulva, warming the Uterus (Zigong); treats dampness and itching of the male scrotum, promoting erection of the penis. It consolidates Yin sweat, cures epilepsy, clears sores and ulcers, and benefits joint mobility. It primarily treats swelling and pain in the waist and hips, dispelling bi-syndrome (Bi Zheng) and numbness in the hands and feet. For severe pruritus due to Wind-Dampness, washing with a decoction brings relief; for postpartum uterine prolapse, applying a heated silk bag aids retraction. For women unable to conceive, long-term consumption is most suitable.