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(Dang Gui, Radix Angelicae Sinensis) Those with white color and sweet taste are of good quality. Remove dust and shave off the hard part at the head tip for about one fen (approx. 3mm). Wash clean and soak in wine overnight. If the purpose is to break blood stasis, use the hard solid part of the first joint at the head; if the purpose is to stop pain and bleeding, use the tail. If used indiscriminately, it is better not to use it at all, as ingestion will be ineffective; using it separately yields excellent results.

[Bei Mu, Fritillariae Bulbus] Aged herbs are of good quality. Remove the nodes and foam; if not completely removed, ingestion causes chest stuffiness. Use a double-edged knife on a locust wood cutting board, finely chop with a copper knife, boil for thirty to forty boils, skim off the foam on top with a bamboo stick, strain completely, and simmer until dry. Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) and Bai Wei (Cynanchum Root) act as guides. Adverse reactions with Xin Yi (Magnolia Flower) and Shi Wei (Pyrrosiae Folium).

[Zhi Mu, Anemarrhenae Rhizoma] Scrape off the rough skin and soil at the head with a bamboo knife, chop, mix with honey water, steam from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Wei hour (1-3 PM), then sun-dry. Nowadays, many people soak in wine, steam, and slice, or use [Fan?], which is also good. Xu Wan (Stamen of Magnolia?) and Wu Yao (Lindera Root) powder act as guides. Adverse reactions with Shi Hu (Dendrobium) and Mang Xiao (Natrii Sulfas).

[Bai Shao, Paeoniae Radix Alba] The processing methods and contraindications are the same as those for Bai Shao.

[Mu Dan Pi, Moutan Cortex] Use only the pistil and shell, not the stems and leaves. If mistakenly used when empty-stomached, it causes qi stagnation in the throat and urinary incontinence. Before use, soak in bamboo sap for one full day, drain, and sun-dry. Mu Dan (Peony) and Suo Cao (Hemp Vine?) act as guides. Adverse reactions with Piao Xiao (Cuttlefish Bone) and Fu Dan Sha (Cinnabaris).

[Huang Jing, Polygonati Rhizoma] Those that are ink-black are of good quality. Layer with cattail grass, steam in a steamer for two full days, then take out and dry. Avoid contact with copper and iron, otherwise ingestion may cause choking and loss of vision. Pick out all cattail grass before use. Another method: wash with wine to remove dust, slice, and sun-dry. Adverse reactions with Huang Qi (Astragalus), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Da Zao (Jujube), and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit).

[Qin Jiao, Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix] When using Qin Jiao, identify it by the root texture. Left-side arranged textures indicate medicinal grade; chaotic textures cause Hong Kong Foot (gout/rheumatism). Before use, wipe off yellow hairy fuzz with cloth, soak in child's urine overnight, take out at dawn, and sun-dry. Chang Pu (Acorus) acts as a guide. Adverse reactions with Niu Nai (Cow Milk).

[Kuan Dong Hua, Farfarae Flos] White flowers are of good quality. Mix with wine and steam.

[Bai Qian, Cynanchi Stauntonii Rhizoma et Radix] Those with yellow skin and white flesh are of good quality. Finely chop on a locust wood board, bake dry, and pound in a wooden mortar. Another method: remove hairs, process with honey, avoid iron vessels. Synergistic effects with Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark) and wine. Inhibited by Peng Sha (Borax) and Yan (Salt).

[Huang Jing, Polygonati Rhizoma] Those that are yellow-white and light/fluffy are of good quality. First, roast in willow wood ash until yellow, split open, and remove the heart-like core inside, about the size of a rice grain. Then mix with glutinous rice, stir-fry together in a clay pot until the rice is yellow and cooked, remove the rice, and extract the herb. Those that are single round pieces without wrinkles or splitting are called "Dan Long Jing" (Dragon Essence) and are not used medicinally. If mistakenly ingested, causing flaccid paralysis, immediate cure can be achieved by combining Huang Jing with Xiao Lan Zhi (Indigo juice). Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) and Bai Wei (Cynanchum Root) act as guides. Adverse reactions with Tao Hua (Peach Blossom), Mang Cao (Aconitum Lateralis Preparatum?), and Shi (Stone?).