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Jinghu (North and South), Zhongzhou, and the Two Rivers regions all have its growth. Seedlings emerge in April. The leaves resemble those of *Artemisia capillaris* (Yinchen). The spike-like inflorescences resemble those of *Nepeta cataria* (Jingjie). The flowers resemble those of *Perilla frutescens* (Shuisu). However, the odor is distinctly different.

One variety has large leaves and square stems; another variety has the finest leaves and grows only a few inches high, yet its fragrance is superior. This is *Elsholtzia splendens* (Shi Xiangru). It is best harvested when it blooms and forms spikes in September.

The taste is pungent (Xin), and the qi is slightly warm. Its action can ascend or descend, belonging to Yang. It enters the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, and Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian. Its main indications are to disperse pathogenic qi from the Lungs, assist the Lungs in clearing and transforming, and restore clear qi. It treats abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea caused by Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome), dissipates edema, promotes urination, stops hematemesis (vomiting blood) and epistaxis (nosebleed), and treats internal heat due to heatstroke. It possesses the efficacy of treating conditions from top to bottom and is very effective in treating water swelling. When the Lungs receive it, the functions of clearing and transforming proceed, and heat naturally subsides. (Danxi) It is also effective for distension diseases. (Also) Xiangru Yin (Elsholtzia Decoction) is a primary medicine for treating summerheat.

If one suffers from summerheat due to irregular diet and overexertion damaging the healthy qi, presenting with high fever, intense thirst, profuse sweating like rain, irritability, panting, and shortness of breath, one should use Xiangru to benefit qi, along with formulas such as Renshen Baihu Tang (Ginseng and White Tiger Decoction) to drain fire and benefit the primal essence. (Binhu/Li Shizhen) The efficacy of Xiangru lies in treating water-dampness disorders. For example, a patient had loose stools and scanty urine. Palpation revealed a deep and large pulse; the deep pulse indicates interior condition. After stabilizing the condition slightly, Weiling Wan (Cangzhu Pill) was administered. Within two days, urination increased, swelling subsided, and after several days of regulation, full recovery was achieved. This shows that ancient prescriptions contain profound principles, and this herb has miraculous effects in treatment. (Also) Regarding Xiangru treating summerheat, the world has not thoroughly investigated its mechanism. Generally, the prevalence of summerheat is called "Summerheat Pathogen" (Shu Yin). When Lung Metal is affected by pathogens, it is called "Summerheat injuring the Lung." The Lung governs the free flow of water passages, transporting fluids downward to the Bladder. If essential qi does not circulate and overflow properly, causing obstruction in upward transport, the power of Xiangru lies in regulating essential qi. The Classic states: "When Metal is constrained, release it." Releasing the exterior and promoting urination are examples of this. If the Yuanfu (acupoints/sweat pores) are closed and the Youmen (lower jiao gate/metabolic portal) is sealed, the Lung Metal becomes constrained. Opening the Yuanfu thereby opens the Youmen. Thus, its efficacy also lies in the Yuanfu. The Classic says: "The Zang True Qi is highest in the Lung, governing the circulation of Ying and Wei and Yin-Yang qi." Xiangru regulates Ying within the vessels and肃 (clears/disciplines) Wei outside the vessels. It addresses the stagnation of the True Qi in the high source organ (Lung), thereby treating vomiting, diarrhea, and dissipating edema. If the Five Waters suddenly gather to form swelling, examining Huoluan where summerheat is the root—whether the root is Wind, Cold, Dampness, Deficiency, Excess, or Disharmony of Ying and Wei—then the efficacy of Xiangru extends beyond just treating diseases caused by rebellious summerheat. Observing Yijian's treatment of abnormal colds in four seasons, Hui's treatment of unceasing epistaxis, Waitai's treatment of hematemesis gushing like a spring, and Yonglei's records confirm this. (Zhiyi) Yujin (Curcuma Rhizome) and Xiangru have similar yet distinct efficacies. Xiangru leans towards Wei and Yang, while Yujin leans towards Ying and Yin. It opens the Form Organs, fills the Yuanfu, and spreads through the Youmen. Treating edema with Xiangru as the Sovereign herb, combined with Renshen (Ginseng), Baizhu (Atractylodes), Mugua (Chaenomeles), Fuling (Poria), Chenpi (Tangerine Peel), Baishao (White Peony Root), and Cheqianzi (Plantago Seed), yields good results. For treating summerheat, Xiangru Yin has versions with ten ingredients (remove Renshen and Baizhu if there is cough); some have six ingredients; some add Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome). Take one jin of Xiangru, one dou of water, boil until extremely soft, remove dregs, and further reduce to an extract. A simple method is to grind into powder, mix with wine, take hot to induce sweating. This is guiding according to the trend, not violating methods.

[Discussion] Xiangru sprouts in April and blooms/forms spikes in September. It is born from the Qi of Fire and Earth and matures in the Qi of Metal and Water. Summerheat is the command of Ministerial Fire, often first invading the Pericardium Meridian due to similarity. The Pericardium corresponds closely to the Stomach opening. When summerheat invades the Pericardium, it inevitably damages the Stomach. When the Pericardium Collateral and Stomach suffer combined disease, it inevitably affects the Lung upwards. This first injures Lung Yin, then affects Lung Yang. This product belongs to Metal and Water. It can eliminate constrained pathogens in the Yin within Yang, assist clearing and transforming, and possess the efficacy of treating from top to bottom. When the Lungs receive it, clearing and transforming proceed; once these proceed, both the Pericardium Collateral and Stomach are treated, and the Lung can resume its function of governing Qi. The Heart, Lungs, and Stomach combine in the Upper Jiao to nourish all Yang. However, the efficacy of Xiangru lies in resolving Metal constraint, allowing Yang Qi to be disseminated, and thus transforming Middle Qi. Its principle lies in the Lung combining with Kan within Li to perform its clearing and transforming functions. Since the Pericardium governs Blood, it also benefits from the operation of Lung Yin, leading to the ascent of Clear and descent of Turbid. The origin of Huoluan and Water Qi descending into the Heart leads to Huoluan. (Heat injuring Qi refers to injury of Yin within Yang.) When Clear and Turbid interfere with each other, and Qi fails to ascend and descend, chest stuffiness and abdominal distension occur. Huoluan arises suddenly. This disease mostly occurs at the transition between Summer and Autumn. Even if it occurs in winter months, it is mostly due to latent summerheat. Binhu considers it highly effective for edema. Moreover, regarding the various prescriptions for blood disorders collected, are they not precisely matching medicines for harmonizing Ying?

[Processing] Harvest in August and September. Remove roots, keep leaves, dry in shade. Do not let it touch fire. In Ju Fang, decoct with wine and water; drink the liquid chilled in cold water. For simplicity, grind into powder, mix with wine, take hot to induce sweat. This is facilitating according to the condition, not contrary to medical laws.