[Caodoukou] Extremely pungent, hot. ○ The Bencao (Materia Medica) records it under the same category as Caodoukou without distinguishing its therapeutic indications. However, although considered the same substance, there are slight differences in treatment applications. It is large and long like Hezi (Terminalia chebula Retz.), with black skin and a pungent fragrance.

[Baidoukou (White Cardamom)] Pungent, extremely warm. Remove the skin, grind into fine powder, do not expose to fire, and take mixed with boiling water while hot.

[Baidoukou] Pungent and astringent, warm. First stir-fry slowly with the skin until cooked, remove the shell, and grind for use.

[Baidoukou] Pungent, warm. Remove the shell, stir-fry with salt water, and grind for use.

[Guo Guo (Tsao-ko Fruit)] Pungent, hot. Use the head end after removing the stalk. Soak in vinegar overnight, dry by baking, scrape off the skin and seed-like structures to ensure cleanliness, to avoid injuring the lungs and causing rebellious Qi (Qi rising upward).

[Gao Liang Jiang (Galangal Rhizome)] Bitter and pungent, warm. Shapes resembling small pellets are preferred if oily and plump. Wrap in glutinous rice flour and roast in fire until cooked, remove the flour for use. Do not come into contact with [incomplete text].

[Gao Liang Jiang] Bitter and pungent, extremely warm. Stir-fry slightly for use. Another method: soak in salt wine overnight, steam, sun-dry, then stir-fry slightly. It is incompatible with Gancao (Licorice Root) and should be avoided with Youcai (Napa Cabbage), but works well with Hetao (Walnut) and Humazhi (Sesame).

[Jianghuang (Turmeric Rhizome)] Bitter and pungent, warm. Its color is yellower than Yujin (Curcuma aromatica Salisb.), and its shape is slightly larger than Yujin; these two medicines are actually of different species. Li Zhongliang stated: Recently, those that are flat and shaped like Ganjiang (Dried Ginger Rhizome) are called Pianzi Jianghuang, which can be soaked in water to dye colors.

[Shegan (Belamcanda Rhizome)*] Pungent and bitter, cold in nature. The exterior is yellow and the interior red. The body is round with transverse striations, resembling the abdomen of a cicada, round at both ends, bright, crisp, and transparent. The authentic product has a bitter taste with a hint of sweetness.

[Ezhu (Curcuma Zedoaria Rhizome)*] Bitter and pungent, warm. It is extremely hard and difficult to crush. It must be roasted thoroughly in hot ashes, then crushed while hot until it becomes powder-like. It works well with wine and vinegar.

[Sanleng (Sparganium Rhizome)*] Bitter, warm. Those that are yellowish-white and heavy are preferred. Wrap in bread and roast over fire, soak in vinegar, then stir-fry again. Alternatively, boil until cooked, bake dry, which is also effective.

[Zaoren (Ziziphus Seed)*] Sweet, bitter, pungent, and astringent, slightly cold. Shape resembles a jujube pit, covered with hairs all around. Sun-dry, then remove hairs by fire. Avoid contact with iron vessels. Can be used raw or stir-fried after soaking in vinegar, salt water, ginger juice, or children's urine. All methods follow the original prescription principles. It works well with Tongbian (Children's Urine), Cu (Vinegar), Xiongqiong (Ligusticum Chuanxiong Hort.), and Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome).

[Huoxiang (Patchouli Herb)] Sweet and pungent, slightly warm. Pick out branches and stems, wash with water before use. Market vendors often adulterate it with cotton leaves or eggplant leaves; careful identification is necessary. "Paihuoxiang" sold in markets is not authentic; "Qingye" (Green Leaf) variety is usable. Leaves harvested from self-planted plants during their peak growth in May and June, dried in shade, possess a rich fragrance and are the best quality. Decoct for drinking.

*Note: The source text describes properties of various herbs without explicitly naming them in every paragraph except the first and last. The English translations infer the likely herb based on traditional descriptions (e.g., Shegan, Ezhu, Sanleng, Zaoren) for clarity, but strictly adhere to the described properties. WHO terminology is applied where applicable.*

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