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(Niu Xi, Achyranthes Root) Sweet and sour, neutral in nature. Select those that are long, large, soft, and moist; remove the rhizome (Lu Tou). For downward-draining effects, use raw; for tonification, bake dry or steam with wine. Adversely interacts with Ying Huo, Gu Jia (Tortoise Shell), and Lu Ying; opposes Bai Qian. Contraindicated with beef.

(Kuan Dong Hua, Far East Coltsfoot Flower) Bitter and pungent, warm in nature. Remove the head and roots, wash clean, bake dry, or wash with wine. [Text indicates interaction] with Kuan Dong Hua as an guiding herb (Note: Textual anomaly likely referring to Zi Wan/Aster Root properties mixed here). Opposes Tian Xiong, Qu Mai, Gao Ben, and Yuan Zhi; opposes Yin Chen.

[Herb Name Missing - Likely Zhi Mu or similar requiring heart removal] Sweet, neutral. Moisten with boiling water for a moment, then extract the heart; or bake soft in a clay pot and remove the heart while hot. Failure to do so may cause irritability. If removed while soaking in water, it becomes too soft... [Text fragmentary]. Use former as guiding herb? Opposes Kuan Dong and Men Dong (Ophiopogon Root). There are three or four varieties of different sizes with similar functions. Leaves are small like leeks or large like Jian Lan orchids, with many longitudinal veins, tough, and over a foot long.

[Lily Bulb?] Sweet, cool. Remove the heart before use.

[Plantain Seed?] Sweet, cold, slippery. Found in fields everywhere. Sprouts in spring, several inches high, with thin stems and green leaves resembling water bamboo. The root cluster has hairs bearing seeds. Four items share this name; use... [Text fragmentary].

[Ting Li Zi, Lepidium Seed] Sweet, cold, slippery. Wash clean with water before use.

Collect flowers in March. Li Chun Cao (Corn Poppy) flowers have four petals, bright like poppies but smaller; this is Yu Mei Ren Cao (Papaver Rhoeas).

[Fritillaria?] Pungent, warm. Select unopened tender buds, remove the outer wrapping shells, soak in licorice water, sun-dry, and use. Almond acts as a guiding herb. Works well with Zi Wan; opposes Zao Jiao (Gleditsia), Xiao Shi (Niter), and Xuan Shen; opposes Bei Mu... [Text fragmentary]. Due to mutual restraint, such as Ban Xia opposing... [Text fragmentary].

(Kuan Dong Hua, Far East Coltsfoot Flower) Those grown in mountains are superior; garden-grown ones are unsuitable. In pharmacies, "Tang Kuan Dong Hua" is often fake, made from Loquat flowers; careful distinction is required.

[Yuan Hua, Genkwa Flower] Sweet, neutral. Kuan Dong Hua acts as a guiding herb. It is a major error in pharmacies to substitute this flower for Yuan Hua.

[She Shi, Yarrow Fruit] Sweet, neutral. Stir-fry until cooked and grind into fine powder. She Shi acts as a guiding herb; opposes Da Ma Zi (Hemp Seed).

[Mu Dan Pi, Tree Peony Bark] Sweet, cold. Stir-fry before use. Suo Cao and Mu Dan act as guiding herbs; opposes Piao Xiao (Cuttlefish Bone); subdues Dan Sha (Cinnabar). [Note: Textual logic questionable regarding Cinnabar].

[Unspecified Herb] Sweet and bitter, neutral. Bake before use.

[Yu Pi, Elm Bark] Pungent, cold. Stir-fry before use. Yu Pi acts as a guiding herb; enhanced by wine; opposes Bai Jiang Can (Silkworm) and Shi Long Rui; compatible with Da Zao (Jujube).

(Ting Li Zi, Lepidium Seed) Five to six cun high. Leaves, stems, and flowers resemble small Shepherd's Purse. Flowers pale yellow in March. Pods are flat and round, no longer triangular like Shepherd's Purse... [Text fragmentary].