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Gui Du You (Cynanchum paniculatum)

Taste: Acrid, Bitter. Nature: Neutral. Non-toxic. It grows in valleys and mountains, often in dense clusters. The stem is singular, resembling a small arrow shaft. Leaves emerge from the apex of the stem in an umbellate arrangement. The root grows horizontally without producing fibrous roots. Flowers bloom at the center of the leaves, yellowish-white in color. Harvested in the second and eighth lunar months, only the roots are used. Boiled in Licorice Root Decoction (Gancao Shuizhi) for one full day and night (Fu Shi), then drained and sun-dried for use in pills or decoctions. It treats Gui Zhu (ghostly infestation/chronic wasting disease), sudden invasion by evil pathogens, and various poisons. It dispels Wen Nue (warm malaria), epidemic febrile diseases, and pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen. It strengthens the legs and enhances physical strength. Various ailments of the waist and legs can be dispelled. Current physicians fail to distinguish its true identity, often substituting it with Xu Chang Qing (Cynanchum atratum), which is a significant error. Although Xu Chang Qing, Chi Jian (Atractylodes lancea/Sky Arrow), and Gui Jian (Euonymus alatus/Ghost Arrow) all share aliases with Gui Du You, their therapeutic effects differ greatly. One must carefully verify the authenticity and avoid confusion.

Shu Kui Hua (Hibiscus mutabilis Flower)

Hong Kui Hua (Red Hibiscus Flower)

Huang Kui Hua (Yellow Hibiscus Flower)

Taste: Sweet. Nature: Cold. Yin within Yang. Non-toxic. These are the red and white hibiscus flowers grown in gardens; those produced in Sichuan and Shu regions are considered superior. Although there are two colors, their therapeutic actions are identical. Red Kui Hua treats bloody leukorrhea and bloody dysentery with miraculous effect, and also addresses blood dryness. White Kui Hua treats clear leukorrhea and white dysentery rapidly, and also dispels qi dryness. The seeds can induce labor and abort fetuses, and further treat strangury with difficulty in urination and edema. For all types of sores, scabies, and carbuncles, powdered application is effective. Leaves, when pounded into a paste, are applied to metal wounds (Jin Chuang) and burns. Consuming them boiled removes heat. The stems treat foul ulcers and dissipate blood stasis; the roots treat exogenous heat and promote bowel movements. Decoction of roots and stems taken orally resolves heat accumulation caused by Dan Shi (mineral pills). Various varieties of Huang Shu Kui Hua have narrow leaves, which are more effective when applied to metal wounds. Seeds, when stir-fried and ground, mixed with wine, are also a quick formula for inducing labor.

Da Qing (Indigo Naturalis)

Taste: Bitter. Nature: Very Cold. Non-toxic. It grows abundantly in Shu, Haozhou, and Zizhou, and is also produced in Jiangdong prefectures. Leaves are green, resembling Dianthus stems; stems are purple; flowers are red; roots are yellow. Medicinal parts include leaves and stems, harvested in late spring and early summer. In Zhang Zhongjing's medical texts, it is frequently mentioned. For Shang Han (cold damage) heat toxicity causing macules, Da Qing Si Wu Tang (Indigo Four Substance Decoction) is effective when drunk. For Shang Han with body stiffness and spinal pain, Da Qing Ge Gen Tang (Indigo Pueraria Decoction) is efficacious when taken. Additionally, a single-ingredient decoction of Da Qing treats Shang Han with yellow sweat and jaundice, and is widely used for epidemic febrile diseases. It also treats swelling and carbuncles, and relieves irritability and thirst. Xiao Qing is a different species, produced only in Fuzhou (Fujian Province). Locals use it to treat carbuncles and sores by applying freshly pounded leaves directly to the affected area.