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(Dahuang [Rhei Radix et Rhizoma]: Cut it finely. Select pieces with clear internal textures resembling water swirls and a tight, heavy consistency; crush them. Steam from Si hour (09:00-11:00) to Wei hour (13:00-15:00), then sun-dry. Steam again using "La" water (water collected in the twelfth lunar month) from Wei hour (13:00-15:00) to Hai hour (21:00-23:00). Repeat this steaming and drying process seven times. Subsequently, steam once more with wine, thin honey water for one full day and night cycle. The Dahuang should resemble a black paste; sun-dry it for optimal use. When used as a purgative, soak in wine for one Shichen (2 hours), boil for two or three boils, and take immediately. Huangqin [Scutellariae Radix] serves as its guiding/shi herb. It is incompatible with Ganqi [Glycyrrhizae Radix Preparata]. Avoid cold water.)

(Huangqin [Scutellariae Radix]: Bitter in taste, those with a central pith are of superior quality. In processing, remove the hard, pointed tip at the head (about 2-3 fen) and the side attachments resembling Zhizi [Gardeniae Fructus]. Finely chop on a Huai wood anvil. Soak in Baihe [Lilii Bulbus] water for one full day and night cycle. Drain and slow-cook until dry. For every 4 liang of Huangqin processed, use 5 fen of fresh Baihe [Lilii Bulbus], pounded into a paste, added to the soaking water. Alternatively, soak in Mi Jiang Shui (rice washing water) overnight and lightly roast. Jiepi [Cortex Phellodendri] serves as its shi herb. It is incompatible with Baiji [Bletillae Rhizoma], Longdan [Gentianae Radix], and Longyanrou [Longan Arillus]. Avoid pork and Fu Pi [Arsenic Trioxide].)

(Qinghao [Artemisiae Annuae Herba]: Refers to the leaves of Qinghao, which are fine and fragrant; self-harvested and shade-dried is best. For use, only the middle part is suitable. Stems bend upward at the knee level and downward at the waist level. Use the seeds but not the leaves; use the roots but not the stems. If all four parts are mixed, it may lead to chronic diseases. Take harvested leaves in any quantity, soak in Tong Ni (urine of a young boy) for seven days and nights, drain, and sun-dry. Fu Liu Huang [Sulfur].)

(He Shou Wu [Polygoni Multiflori Radix]: Remove the surrounding flower stamens, husk skin, and pedicel. Steam from Si hour (09:00-11:00) to Wu hour (11:00-13:00), then sun-dry for use.)

(Chaihu [Bupleuri Radix]: Those that are not pungent/spicy are of good quality. Soak in Mi Jiang Shui (rice washing water) overnight. Drain, then decoct with Zhu Ye [Phyllostachys Nigra Folium] from Wu hour (11:00-13:00) to Hai hour (21:00-23:00). Drain and sun-dry for use.)

(Ren Shen [Ginseng Radix]: Those resembling chicken bones are of good quality. In spring, use stems and leaves; in summer, autumn, and winter, use roots. Soak in wine overnight until dawn, drain, sun-dry, cook until dry, and pound. Use in small amounts. Strictly avoid use by the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Yu Zha [Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma] is its inhibiting herb. Avoid Cong [Allii Fistulosi Bulbus] and Song Cai [Brassica pekinensis]. Fu Pi Shi [Arsenic Trioxide].)

(Yuanzhi [Polygalae Radix]: Stir and soak in Sheng Gancao Tang (decoction of raw Glycyrrhiza) and Xiao Ji Zi Ran Zhi (natural juice of Carpesia abrotanoides) for three days, until the liquid turns ink-black. Drain. Rinse six or seven times with flowing water from the east until the water runs clear. Cook in earthenware vessels until crisp. Another method: wrap in dough, bake until hot, remove the dough. Gua Di [Cucumeris Fructus] serves as its shi herb. It is incompatible with Yuanzhi [Polygalae Radix] (Note: Text says 'E Yuanzhi', likely referring to incompatibility with other substances or a specific preparation context, literally 'Dislikes Yuanzhi').)

(Dai Zhe Shi [Hematitum]: Freshly take the root, pound into a paste, and apply externally to treat carbuncles and swellings. Dai Zhe Shi [Hematitum] serves as its shi herb.)

(Zi Shi Ying [Hematitum]: Wash clean, slice. Zi Shi Ying [Hematitum] serves as its shi herb. It is incompatible with Li Shi [Calcitum]. It is inhibited by Xing Ren [Prunus Armeniaca Semen] and Li He Ren [Prunus Salicina Semen].)

(Chi Xiao Dou [Adzuki Bean]: Wash clean, slice, and stir-fry. Jun [Mushrooms/Fungi] and Chi Xiao Dou [Adzuki Bean] serve as their respective shi herbs. Fu Shi Zhong Ru [Stalactitum].)

(Fu Ling [Poria]: Harvested after Winter Solstice is best; after entering spring, sprouts appear and the interior becomes hollow. People in the north sometimes use substitutes to deceive buyers, but the fragrance cannot be confused. Do not peel before use. Slice with a bitter bamboo knife. Soak in Mi Jiang Shui (rice washing water) overnight. Steamed nine times and sun-dried nine times with beans. Pound in a wooden mortar and pestle. Avoid contact with iron vessels. Fu Ling [Poria] serves as its shi herb. Avoid Cong [Allii Fistulosi Bulbus], Suan [Allii Sativi Bulbus], Luo Bo [Raphani Longi Radix], and all blood-type fish without scales.)