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[Shi Yao (Minister Drug)] Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) serves as the Shi Yao for Dahuang and Banxia; neither herb has any substances they fear.

Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. Its nature is sinking rather than floating, its action moves rather than stays fixed. It breaks the stagnation of Earth Qi and unblocks obstructions, quelling chaos to bring peace, hence named "General" (Jiangjun).

Xuanmingfen (Mirabilite, refined), pungent, sweet, and sour in taste. Slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. It sinks and belongs to Yin. Its uses are twofold: clearing excess heat in the Stomach; sweeping away accumulated filth in the intestines, its effects cannot be fully described. Generally, it is used to substitute Puxiao (Natrii Sulfas crude).

[Jun Yao (Sovereign Drug)] Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma) should be soaked in rice wash water; Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) should be stir-fried with aged wall soil before use. When using Er Shu (Baizhu and Cangzhu), avoid eating peaches, plums, sparrow meat, and clams.

Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), sweet in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. It can ascend and descend, belonging to Yang. Its functions are fourfold: promoting water passage with dampness-dispelling efficacy; strengthening the Spleen with appetite-stimulating effects; assisting Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix) with fetal-anchoring ability; serving as the Sovereign drug for Zhishi (Aurantii Fructus Immaturus) with remarkable efficacy in dissipating epigastric fullness.

[Jun Yao (Sovereign Drug)] Fuling (Poria) serves as the Shi Yao for Renshen. Renshen is contrary to Libai (Veratrum Nigrum) and dislikes salty brine. When used, clean it thoroughly and remove the rhizome head.

Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), sweet in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. It ascends and belongs to Yang. Its functions are threefold: stopping thirst and generating body fluids; harmonizing the Middle Jiao and benefiting primordial Qi; suitable for consumption when Lung Cold is present, but consuming it when Lung Heat exists will further injure the Lung.

[Chen/Zuo Yao] Dislikes Guijia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum) and Baixianpi (Dictamni Cortex); use after honey-frying.

Huangqi (Astragali Radix), sweet in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. It ascends and belongs to Yang. Its functions are fourfold: warming the muscle layer and consolidating the interstices; benefiting primordial Qi and tonifying the Three Jiao; internally supporting sores and ulcers of Yin syndrome; externally securing spontaneous sweating due to exterior deficiency.

[Jun Yao (Sovereign Drug)] Dislikes Yuanzhi (Polygalae Radix); contrary to Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos), Gansui (Kansui Radix), and Haizao (Sargassum). When used, it is advisable to remove the nodes. Avoid pork and pine vegetables when taking this herb.

Gancao (Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma), sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Raw Gancao is cold; roasted Gancao is warm. Raw Gancao distinguishes between root and tip to clear fire; roasted Gancao strengthens the Spleen and Stomach and harmonizes the Middle Jiao. It resolves hundred toxins effectively and coordinates other herbs without conflict. Because its sweetness can relieve urgency, it is known as "Guolao" (Old Statesman).

[Shi Yao (Minister Drug)] Feared by Zaojia (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina); dislikes Xionghuang (Realgar), Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Qinpi (Fraxini Cortex), Guijia (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum); contrary to Wutou (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata).

Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma), pungent in taste, neutral in nature. Raw Banxia is cold, cooked Banxia is warm, toxic. It descends and belongs to Yang. Its functions are fourfold: dispelling dampness and resolving phlegm-saliva; greatly harmonizing Spleen and Stomach Qi; for Phlegm-Jue and headache, no other herb can treat them as effectively.