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Currently, in the Western Capital region, ridge planting is adopted; those reaching a length of three chi are considered the best. When soaked in wine with Cistanche (Roucongrong) and taken orally, it benefits the Kidney. If bamboo or wooden splinters penetrate the flesh, chewing the Achyranthes root into a paste and applying it externally will cause the splinter to emerge immediately.

When using Asarum (Xixin), the root should be used. Currently, only the variety from Huazhou is of excellent quality: it is flexible and tough, extremely slender and straight, deep purple in color, and has an intensely pungent taste; when chewed, it produces a tingling sensation similar to that of Zanthoxylum (Jiaojiao). It is indispensable for treating wind-pain in the head and face. Its leaves resemble those of Malva (Kuiye), appearing reddish-black; if not this, then it is Aristolochia debilis (Duheng). The leaf shape of Duheng resembles the underside of a horse's hoof, hence the common name "Horse Hoof Fragrance" (Mati Xiang). Its root resembles Peucedanum praecox (Baiqian) and also somewhat resembles Asarum. In the Xiangyang and Han River regions, there is a plant called Asarum that is extremely slender and straight with a yellowish-white color; this is actually Imperata cylindrica var. major (Guidu You), which must not be used.

The *Shennong Bencao Jing* contains no single word indicating that Asarum treats consumptive diseases (Lao). Yet, in contemporary prescriptions for treating Lao, it is rarely omitted. Alas! Such errors mislead the world greatly. I have traced the pathology of Lao; there is a type involving true Zang-Fu deficiency and damage, compounded by pathogenic heat. Pathogens cause Lao due to deficiency, hence "Lao" implies firmness or stubbornness. One must exercise caution in its use. For instance, in the *Experience Formulas*, the Qinghao Jian Wan for treating heat from Lao uses Bupleurum (Chaihu), which is perfectly appropriate; administration yields invariably effective results. Once the heat subsides, one must stop taking it immediately. If there is no heat, and this herb causes the condition to worsen, even leading to death, people would not blame the physician, as such cases are frequently witnessed. *Ri Hua Zi Bencao* further claims it tonifies the five consumptions and seven injuries. *Yaoxing Lun* also states it treats fatigue, emaciation, and weakness due to Lao. In such conditions, if there is no excess-heat, yet physicians persistently employ this herb, how could death not ensue! Annotating materia medica requires attention to every character, for after ten thousand generations, the number of those misled will be infinite. Wise individuals can naturally manage treatment correctly. Those with mediocre learning, unwilling to investigate thoroughly, bring about their own ruin; how can one not be cautious? How can one not be vigilant? For example, Zhang Zhongjing used Chaihu Tang to treat alternating chills and fever resembling malaria, which was precisely appropriate.

This refers to what Li Shangyin said in his *Tai Cang Ming*: "Coix seeds resemble pearls, one must not neglect them." The seed (Coicis Semen) is used. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states: "(It is) slightly cold, primarily treating muscle spasm and contracture." There are two types of contracture. The commentary on the *Suwen* states: "When large tendons are affected by heat, they shrink and shorten; thus, shortening leads to spasm and inability to extend." This is contracture caused by heat, so Coix Seed can be used. However, if the *Suwen* refers to tendon urgency caused by cold, Coix Seed must not be used. Whenever used, the dosage must be double that of other herbs. This is because Coix Seed has a mild and gentle potency; doubling the dose ensures efficacy. Generally, cold causes tendon urgency, while heat causes tendon contraction. If there is only heat without cold, it may cause tendons to become lax. If affected by dampness, it leads to elongation and weakness.