Library

Sangbaipi (Cortex Mori), sweet in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. It can ascend and descend, belonging to Yin within Yang. Its functions are twofold: tonifying insufficient Yuan Qi (Original Qi) to treat deficiency consumptive diseases; draining excess Lung Qi to stop coughing.

Yejuhua (Wild Chrysanthemum Flower): those with a bitter taste are called Kuyi (Bitter Mugwort-like Herb), which severely damages the Stomach and should not be used; white chrysanthemum flowers also enter medicine. Ganjuhua (Sweet Chrysanthemum Flower), bitter and sweet in taste, neutral in nature, slightly cold, non-toxic. It can ascend and descend, belonging to Yang within Yin. Its functions are twofold: dispersing vertigo caused by the invasion of Eight Winds (pathogenic factors) to the head; stopping tearing from eyes that feel as if they will protrude.

Honghua (Carthamus Flower), pungent in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Belonging to Yang, its functions are fourfold: expelling evil blood in the abdomen; supplementing deficient blood; eliminating postpartum retained blood; and stopping dizziness caused by blood syncope.

Chishizhi (Halloysitum Rubrum), sweet and sour in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Descending, belonging to Yin within Yang. Its functions are twofold: possessing astringent properties to consolidate the intestines and stomach; expelling the placenta without harsh purgative force.

Tongcao (Akebia Stem), sweet in taste, neutral in nature, slightly cold, non-toxic. Descending, belonging to Yin within Yang. Its functions are twofold: treating obstruction and lack of flow in the yin orifices; treating edema with urinary retention. It shows immediate efficacy for both obstruction and retention conditions, hence the name "Tongcao" (Unblocking Grass).

Wumei (Mume Fruit), sour in taste, neutral in nature, warm, non-toxic, can ascend and descend, belonging to Yin. Its functions are twofold: astringing Lung Qi to relieve restlessness and thirst; primarily treating dysentery, harmonizing the Stomach and center.

Chuanjiao (Zanthoxylum Fruit), pungent in taste, extremely hot in nature, toxic. Floating, belonging to Yang within Yang. Its functions are twofold: when used on the upper body, it reduces nebulae (opacities) on the eyes; when used on the lower body, it eliminates deep cold in the Six Fu Organs.

Weirui (Polygonatum Rhizome / Solomon's Seal), sweet in taste, neutral in nature, warm, non-toxic. Descending, belonging to Yin within Yang. Its functions are fourfold: treating paralysis of the four limbs due to wind pathogen; treating tearing and ulceration of both eyes; treating lumbar pain due to dampness in men; treating dark complexion with spots in women; all these conditions can be treated.

Daji (Euphorbia Root) is its guiding herb; it is antagonistic to Wuzhuyu (Evodia Fruit). Qinpi (Ash Bark), bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. Sinking, belonging to Yin. Its functions are fourfold: treating Bi Syndrome (painful obstruction) formed by the combination of wind, cold, and dampness; treating greenish-white nebulae obscuring vision; treating metrorrhagia and leukorrhea in women; treating infantile convulsions due to wind-heat.

Baitouweng (Pulsatilla Root), bitter in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Can ascend and descend, belonging to Yang within Yin. Its functions are fourfold: eliminating hernia and unilateral swelling in men; treating alopecia capitis and fetid odor in the chest area of infants; epistaxis (nosebleed) is ineffective without this herb; dysentery relies entirely on it for successful treatment.