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Currently, only the bead-like Kansui (Kansui Radix) is used, although the classics do not explicitly state this. This drug is specifically used for promoting water metabolism and attacking accumulation; its dosage in prescriptions must be carefully considered.

Descurainiae Semen (Tinglizi) should use its seeds. The seeds have two tastes: sweet and bitter, while their shape is identical. Since the classics state it tastes pungent and bitter, the sweet variety is no longer used in medicine. Generally, treating physical conditions relies on promoting water metabolism and draining downward, hence it is said that long-term use causes deficiency. This takes the meaning of bitter drainage, and the principle is very clear. What is stated in *Yaoxing Lun* (Treatise on Drug Properties) is comprehensive, except that it should not say it tastes sour.

It is now very abundant in the capital and Luoyang areas. Zhang Zhongjing used Adenophorae Radix (Raohua) to treat dysentery in *Shanghan Lun* (Treatise on Cold Damage) because it promotes water metabolism. When water is removed, dysentery stops; this is the intent. However, when used today, one must carefully consider the dosage, avoiding excess or insufficiency. It should only be used for patients presenting with the corresponding syndrome.

The leaves resemble large chrysanthemum or mugwort. Flowers appear in August and September, as large as paulownia seeds, pale yellow-green, lush, round and hanging down, which is also a unique feature. Its fragrance exceeds that of chrysanthemum; it promotes phlegm-fluid metabolism and dispels wind from the head and eyes. Its taste is sweet, bitter, and pungent; it is also a dispersing drug. Its flowers bloom in April and May; this is a different species, not this flower, which is detailed in Volume 8.

Veratri Rhizoma (Lilu) ground into powder, finely mixed, treats equine scabies and itching.

All five types are the same substance, named only by size, length, and resemblance. For later generations tonifying deficiency and cold, Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi) must be used, selecting those that are upright, round, and weigh half tael or more. Its potency does not overact. Those treating wind disorders often use Aconiti Kusnezoffii Radix (Tianxiong), also selecting larger ones. Because its pointed tips possess hot nature and do not tend to descend, they are taken for dispersing application. This is the general approach to using Aconiti Radix (Wutou) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Fuzi). The remaining three types are used according to their material quality. Their processing methods are already specified in classical formulas.

This is what Xunzi referred to as "the tree of the West, named Shegan." The commentary cites *Bencao* saying: "It is inappropriate to classify Shegan as a tree." One fails to realize that the Five Elements are discussed only in terms of Water, Fire, Wood, Metal, and Earth; thus Confucians regard grass and trees as Wood, gold and lead as Metal, manure and soil as Earth, ash and fire as Fire, and water and pools as Water. From this perspective, it is neither the beast in the Buddhist parable of the burning house nor the tree mentioned by Ruan Ji near the layered city. Moreover, *Shennong Bencao Jing* states: "Also known as Caojiang," so it is undoubtedly a herb. Currently, it is best for treating Lung Qi issues and throat obstruction. Ri Hua Zi said: "Size similar to Galangal, reddish-yellow." This is accurate.