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Kuan Dong Hua (Adenophora Radix) grows in the streams and ravines of Yongzhou and Huazhou in the Guanzhong region. It grows in dense clusters, with leaves resembling those of Malva but larger. It blooms before spring arrives, undeterred by ice and snow. The flowers emerge one or two cun above the soil from the calyx. The calyx is greenish-purple, straight, and plump; when blooming, the flower color is yellow because the flowers are located below the root level. In common practice, Fructus Eriobotryae (Loquat Fruit) flowers are often used as a counterfeit substitute for Kuan Dong Hua, which results in its therapeutic efficacy being obscured.

It tastes pungent and slightly sweet, has a warm temperature nature. It possesses dispersing and descending properties, does not conflict with the Lung, and enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Xing Ren (Apricot Seed) serves as its guiding herb (shi). It is inhibited by Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb), but pairs well with Zi Wan (Aster Root).

[Discussion] Kuan Dong Hua blooms amidst frost and snow, with flowers situated below the root. Miu's theory states it contains Yang within Yin, while Lu's theory posits that Yang arises from water. Both explanations are precise.

[Processing] Flower buds that have not yet opened are of superior quality. Remove the pedicels and calyx remnants, soak in Licorice Water for one shi (approx. two hours), then sun-dry for use.

Suan Jiang Cao (Physalis alkekengi var. franchetii) is found everywhere. Also known as Lantern Grass. It belongs to the same genus but different species as Long Kui (Solanum nigrum, commonly called Heavenly Eggplant). The distinction lies in the fact that Long Kui has smooth, hairless stems, opens small white flowers in summer and autumn with five lobes and yellow stamens, and bears fruit without a husk but with a calyx tip, usually several fruits growing together on one branch, turning from green to dark purple-black upon ripening. Suan Jiang simultaneously opens small yellow-white flowers with purple centers and white stamens; the flowers are cup-shaped, lacking petals but having five points, and bear a single lantern-like husk per branch. The husk has five ridges. Inside the husk is a single seed resembling that of Long Kui, which is green when raw and red when ripe. These features serve as distinguishing characteristics.

The seedlings, leaves, stems, and roots of Suan Jiang taste bitter and have a cold temperature nature. They clear heat and promote diuresis to resolve dampness. They primarily treat irritability, fullness, phlegm obstruction, hot coughs, sore throat, internal heat accumulation in the abdomen, and difficult urination or defecation. They are also used to treat jaundice.

The seeds of Suan Jiang taste sour and are neutral in temperature, with a cold nature. They primarily treat heat-induced irritability, promote urinary flow, treat jaundice, and address phlegm-stagnation and heat accumulation. Their efficacy is similar to that of the seedlings and stems, but due to their light and ascending nature targeting the Upper Jiao, they specifically govern hot coughs and sore throats. This herb treats hot-phlegm coughs, whereas Fo Er Cao (Pulsatilla Root) treats cold-phlegm coughs. When used in combination with Pian Qin Qing Jin Wan (Scutellaria Clearing Metal Pill), the efficacy is enhanced.

(For cases of red, scanty, painful, and difficult urination, take a handful of fresh young leaves of Suan Jiang Cao, wash them thoroughly, crush and squeeze to obtain one he of juice, mix with one he of wine, heat until warm, and consume on an empty stomach. Relief will be immediate.)