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[According to Tao Hongjing] When used, break off and remove the nodes and roots. Boil in water for more than ten boils, and skim off the foam on the surface with a bamboo slice. The foam causes irritability because the roots and nodes have the effect of stopping sweating.

[According to Li Shizhen] Juncus effusus (Jungengcao, 灯心草) is difficult to grind. Dye it with rice starch paste, dry it in the sun, then grind it into powder. Add water to clarify it; the material floating on the surface is Juncus effusus. Dry it in the sun for use.

[According to Chen Cangqi] For dried Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang, 地黄), *Shennong Bencao Jing* does not specify whether it is naturally dried or steamed-dried. In medical practice, these two forms are distinct: steamed-dried Rehmannia has warming and tonifying properties, while naturally dried Rehmannia is neutral and dispersing.

[According to Su Song] Method for preparing Prepared Rehmanniae Radix (Shudihuang, 熟地黄): Select thirty to twenty jin of plump Rehmannia, wash it thoroughly. Separately take thirty to twenty jin of lean and short Rehmannia, crush and squeeze out the juice. Pour the juice into a stone vessel, soak and filter until fully permeated. Steam over a steamer three or four times, frequently soaking, filtering, and turning the steam process. Finally, expose to the sun until the juice is exhausted. The resulting Rehmannia should be glossy and black as lacquer, with a sweet taste and mild aroma.

[Anonymous] Generally, when using [Herb Name Missing], remove the rhizome head and aerial stem remnants. Soak overnight in the natural juice of Polygonati Rhizoma (Huangjing, 黄精). Strain out, chop, and bake dry for use.

[According to Li Shizhen] Currently, only wine infusion is used for medicinal purposes. To direct the action downward, use it raw; for nourishing and tonifying, use it after baking dry, or after mixing with wine and steaming.

[Anonymous] Generally, when using [Herb Name Missing], first remove the rootlets. Those that are white like silk gauze are called Yangxucao (Sheep Whisker Grass) and are naturally different. Remove the heads and soil, wash clean with running water from the east, soak in honey overnight, and bake dry over fire the next day. Use two fen of honey per one liang of herb.

[According to Tao Hongjing] Generally, select plump specimens, treat with hot water, and extract the heart/core. Otherwise, it causes irritability. Approximately four to five liang must be removed from every one jin.

[Anonymous] Generally, after harvesting, coarsely pound the herb, mix with leaves of Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gancao, 甘草), and steam together from Si hour to Wei hour (approx. 9 AM to 3 PM). Remove the Gancao leaves, bake dry, and use.

[Anonymous] Generally, upon collection, one must remove the inner wrapping bracts/shells and the solid, chestnut-shell-like structures. Along with branches and leaves, soak in Glycyrrhizae water overnight. Then, mix with leaves of Flos Cynarae (Kuandonghua, 款冬花) for another night. Dry in the sun and remove the leaves before use.

[Anonymous] Generally, use only the floral bracts/shells, not the stems and leaves. If used together, it may cause qi obstruction and urinary incontinence in a fasting state. When using, soak in Bamboo Sap (Zhuli, 竹沥) for one shichen (2 hours), strain, and dry in the sun.