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Tao Ren (Persicae Semen), with a bitter and sweet taste, is neutral in nature, cold in temperature, and non-toxic. It descends and belongs to Yin. Its functions are twofold: it moistens the large intestine to relieve constipation caused by blood obstruction; and it breaks up long-standing blood stasis in the large intestine.

Sheng Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens), used as an Envoy herb, has a pungent taste and warm temperature, and is non-toxic. It ascends and belongs to Yang. Its functions are fourfold: it detoxifies Ban Xia (Pinelliae Rhizoma); when combined with Da Zao (Jujubae Fructus), it benefits the intestines; it warms the meridians and disperses wind pathogens from the exterior; and it tonifies Qi and stops hiccups due to rebellious Stomach Qi.

Shi Gao (Gypsum Fibrosum), with a pungent and sweet taste, is extremely cold in temperature and non-toxic. It sinks and belongs to Yin. Its functions are twofold: it controls fire pathogens and clears Lung Qi, as seen in Zhang Zhongjing's Bai Hu Tang (White Tiger Decoction); it eliminates Stomach heat and counteracts the heat generated by sweet foods, as exemplified by Yi Lao's Da Han Tang (Great Cold Decoction).

Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex/Ramulus), used as a Sovereign herb, should not be used with raw Cong Bai (Allii Fistulosi Bulbus). The outer bark should be scraped off before use. Gui has a pungent taste and hot temperature, and is toxic. It floats and belongs to Yang within Yang. When the Qi is thin, it is Gui Zhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus); when the Qi is dense, it is Rou Gui (Cinnamomi Cortex). Thin Qi promotes dispersion; Gui Zhi moves upward to release the exterior. Dense Qi generates heat; Rou Gui moves downward to tonify the Kidney. This follows the principle of Heaven and Earth favoring what is above and below them.

Xi Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), used as a Minister herb, is incompatible with Ye Lang Du (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), Shan Zhu Yu (Corni Fructus), Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix) [Note: 'Huang' implies Huang Qin or similar], fears Xiao Shi (Nitratum) and Hua Shi (Talcum), and is inversely reactive with Li Lu (Veratri Radix). Xi Xin has a pungent taste and warm temperature, and is non-toxic. It ascends and belongs to Yang. Its functions are twofold: it stops headaches associated with Shaoyin disease combined with Taiyang disease; and it disperses wind pathogens that frequently change in the three Yang meridians.

Zhi Zi (Gardeniae Fructus), with a bitter taste, is extremely cold in temperature and non-toxic. It sinks and belongs to Yin. Its functions are twofold: it treats restlessness and insomnia characterized by inner vexation and inability to sleep; and it treats difficulty in urination due to blood stasis below the umbilicus. Yi Lao stated: "It is light and floating like the Lung, red in color like Fire, and can also drain Fire from the Lung."

Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix), used as a Minister herb, can control Ye Ge (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata - wild type), Ba Dou (Crotonis Fructus), and Bai Yao. Ge Gen has a sweet and neutral taste and is cold in temperature, and is non-toxic. It can ascend and descend, and belongs to Yin within Yang. Its functions are fourfold: it releases exterior pathogens of Shanghan (Cold Damage); it stops thirst caused by Stomach deficiency; it resolves the strange toxicity of alcohol; and it treats Wen Nue (Warm Malaria) with alternating chills and fever.

Gou Qi Zi (Lycii Fructus) serves as an Envoy herb. It is incompatible with Gan Jiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), fears Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), and is inversely reactive with Wu Tou (Aconiti Radix). Gua Lou Gen (Trichosanthis Radix), also known as Tian Hua Fen, has a bitter taste and is cold in temperature, and is non-toxic. It sinks and belongs to Yin. Its functions are twofold: it stops thirst and reduces irritability and heat; and it tonifies deficiency and unblocks menstruation.