Library

(Yuanhua, Genkwa Flos) The qi is neutral, the flavors are pungent and bitter. It has slight toxicity.
Bencao states: It primarily treats cough with rebellious qi, wheezing with rhonchi in the throat, soreness and swelling of the throat, shortness of breath, gu poison, ghost malaria, carbuncles, swellings, hernias, and masses. It kills insects and fish. It resolves phlegm-fluid retention in the chest, promotes frequent expectoration, treats edema, water accumulation in the five zang organs, skin, and lower back pain. It drains downward cold toxins and flesh toxins. Long-term use causes debility. Zhang Zhongjing treats Taiyang wind-stroke syndrome where there is pain under the hypochondrium and vomiting with rebellious qi; attack may be indicated, using Shizao Tang (Ten Date Decoction) as the main formula.
Ye states: Hu Qia treats phlegm-pi and fluid retention by adding Dahuang (Rhubarb Rhizome) and Gancao (Licorice Root), decocting the five substances together. Utilizing the principle of mutual antagonism to treat it aims to induce severe vomiting.
The general principle for treating water retention is: Water metabolism is governed by the Lung, Kidney, and Stomach meridians, involving the distributions of the five zang, six fu, and twelve meridians. It extends from the head above, to the limbs in the middle, to the waist and umbilicus below, to the skin and hair externally, to the muscles in the middle, and to the sinews and bones internally. Pulse diagnoses differ between cun and chi positions, and floating versus sinking depths. One must not lightly employ purgative drugs; one must know which meridian and zang organ are affected. Misuse causes deep harm. However, the general intent is to drain dampness. The "five substances" mentioned refer to Gansui (Kansui Root), Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos), Dahuang (Rhubarb Rhizome), and Gancao (Licorice Root).

(Moyao, Myrrha) The qi is neutral, the flavors are sweet and salty. It possesses sweet, sour, and pungent flavors, with a neutral nature. The sweet flavor predominates over the sour and pungent, representing yin within yang. It is non-toxic.
Bencao states: It primarily breaks blood stasis, treating postpartum abdominal distension and stifling sensation bordering on death. It expels pus, alleviates pain, resolves carbuncles, swellings, and blood stasis, and treats irregular menstruation in women as well as blood syncope with locked jaws.
Xin states: The nature is neutral, with the sweet flavor predominating over the sour and pungent. It dispels wind and can be used together with Fangfeng (Saposhnikoviae Radix).
Zhen states: It breaks dead blood stasis.

(Ku Lian Pi or related, based on context) The qi is cold, the flavors are bitter and neutral. It has slight toxicity.
Bencao states: It treats severe fever and restlessness due to Shanghan (Cold Damage), kills three types of parasites and scabies/ulcers, and promotes urination. It should be pounded into fine powder for use.
Zhen states: It enters the Heart meridian and primarily treats abdominal pain in the upper and lower regions.

(Chuan Lian Zi, Toosendan Fructus) The flavors are sour and bitter, representing yang within yin.
Zhen states: For sudden heart pain, this herb is indispensable for removal. This refers to Chuan Lian Zi.

(Ruxiang or similar resinous drug, based on description) The flavor is bitter and neutral. It is non-toxic.
Bencao states: It primarily breaks blood stasis and alleviates pain, treating traumatic injuries from metal weapons or beating, various malignant sores, sudden bleeding from hemorrhoidal fistulas, ocular nebulae, vertigo and headache, and reddish skin. It originates from Persia, resembles Anxi Xiang (Benzoin Resin), comes in irregular block sizes, and is black in color.