抑又闻芍药苦平，赤者破血通经，而白者可安胎止痛。辛姜大热，生则呕家圣药，而干
者除霍乱肚疼。
芍药，为臣。味苦酸平，微寒有小毒，恶石斛芒硝。畏硝石。反藜芦。芍有赤白二种，
白者补虚止汗，赤者除热明目。姜，为使。有生用，有干用，干者味辛温，大热无毒，温中
止血，逐痹风湿；生者味辛，微温无毒，处处有之。用熟即去皮，用生即留皮。发散伤寒下
气，为呕家圣药。
葛根止渴解酲，发散伤寒消热毒。瞿麦开通关格宣癃、堕子更催生。
葛根，味甘寒无毒。瞿麦，止用实壳，不用茎叶，味苦寒无毒。
栝蒌曰天瓜，实治乳痈，根可止渴。苍耳即 耳。子能明目，叶解风缠。
栝蒌根，名天花粉。味苦寒无毒，实即瓜蒌。苍耳，味甘温有小毒。今处处有之，主挛
痹湿风寒。
玄参攻喉痛。苦参攻肠风，并可消痹破症结。贝母人面疮，知母润心肺，皆能止嗽理伤
寒。
玄参，即山麻，味苦咸微寒无毒。今处处有之，除风热，明眼目。苦参味苦寒无毒，杀
疳虫治疮毒。贝母，味辛苦平微寒无毒，专治腿膝人面疮，及诸痈毒。知母，味苦寒无毒，
除热止渴。
白薇本消淋露，更治风狂，并除温疟。白芷能除血崩，专攻头痛，亦用排脓。
白薇，味苦咸平，大寒无毒，如葱管者佳。白芷，味辛温无毒，专治蛇咬，研末掺咬处，
或捣汁浸伤处，并效。
当归主血补虚劳。止血用头，破血用尾。麻黄发散攻头痛，发汗用茎，止汗用根。
当归酒浸焙，味苦辛温无毒。麻黄，味苦温无毒。
大蓟功同小蓟，治痈肿血崩吐衄。小青不如大青，疗伤寒热毒时行。
大蓟小蓟味甘温，今处处有之。大青、小青味苦大寒无毒，处处有之，古方只用大青
京三棱、蓬莪术，破血消症，宁心脾腹痛。白豆蔻、荜澄茄，温脾健胃，能消食宽膨。
无毒。
郁金胜似姜黄，行经下气。川芎贵乎 本，头痛皆痊。
郁金，须用蜀中如蝉肚者佳，味苦辛寒无毒。姜黄说见下文。川芎，解见草部上芎 下。
本，俗曰土芎，味辛微寒无毒，主风入四肢，畏青葙子。
前胡柴胡，功无优劣，通医热病，主疗伤寒。
前胡，味苦微寒无毒，下气消痰，推陈致新，安胎止嗽。柴胡见草部上。
姜黄烈似郁金功。下气消痈，通经破血。荜茇味如良姜辣，转筋霍乱，心痛连颠（颠即
头顶也。）
姜黄处处有之，味辛苦大寒无毒。郁金解见前。荜茇，味辛大寒无毒，温中下气。高良
姜，味辛温，大热无毒。
剪草入疥疮之气。王瓜导乳汁之泉。
剪草，味苦平无毒。婺州产者最良。根名白药。治金疮。古方以煎草末蜜和，九蒸九晒
成膏。可医一切失血。王瓜一名落鸦瓜，一名土瓜，结子如弹丸，生青熟赤。可啖。闽俗称
之为毛桃。其根止渴，散痈除疽，消症下血。
通草原来即木通，治淋退肿。蠡实一名马蔺子。去湿医崩。
通草，味辛甘平无毒，除寒热，出音声，治耳聋。马蔺子，味甘平无毒，去风寒湿痹，
除喉痹。
百合宁心，可除咳痰有血。秦艽治疽，时行劳热犹能。
百合，味甘平无毒，除热咳，攻发背疮痈，消胀，利大小便。秦艽，味苦平微温无毒，
消浮肿，利小便。
黄芩解热通淋，女子崩因热者。紫菀化痰定喘，咳嗽吐有红涎。
黄芩，味苦平大寒无毒，治黄胆。止痢，女子血崩，本性热者用良。虚寒者不可用。
紫菀，味苦辛温无毒，补虚止渴，安五脏，通结气滞胸中。红涎，痰中有血脓也。
泽兰行损伤之血，紫草制痘疹之偏。
泽兰，味苦甘，微温无毒，消四肢浮肿，攻痈肿排脓。紫草，味苦寒无毒，通九窍，退
肿通淋。
石苇透膀胱小便，防己治风热拘挛。
石苇，味苦甘平无毒，去热除邪，临用刷去毛，不然令人咳嗽不已。防己，味辛苦平温
无毒，治水肿风肿，去湿止嗽。
肉豆蔻补脾止痢，犹调冷泻。款冬花洗肝明目，劳嗽宜遵。
肉豆蔻，用面裹煨熟。味辛温无毒。解酒消食调中，兼治霍乱。款冬花，味辛甘温无毒，
定喘消痰。
淫羊藿即仙灵脾，补肾虚，与阳绝不起。补骨脂名破故纸，扶肾冷，绝梦泄精残。
淫羊藿，味辛寒无毒，主治冷风劳气。补骨脂，味辛大温无毒，主血气劳伤。
禁惊热、杀疳虫，芦荟俗呼为象胆。解风缠、宣痘毒，牛蒡原来号鼠粘。
芦荟，味苦寒无毒，以其味苦故名象胆。主癫痫痔疮。牛蒡，一名恶实，又名鼠粘。明
目消疮毒，手足拘挛。味辛平，处处有之。
海藻海带一般，疝气瘿瘤同有效。水萍虽分三种，热风瘾疹并权衡。
海藻洗去咸水焙干用，味苦咸寒无毒。水萍有三种，止渴治火疮，通小便消水气，味辛
咸寒无毒。
艾叶可生可熟，漏血安胎，呕吐衄红还可止。阿魏有真有假，杀虫破积，传尸也可保天
年。
艾叶，处处有之，味苦温无毒，生者治下痢，止呕血，取汁用之；熟者治漏血，可为丸
灸百病。
阿魏，味辛平无毒，难得真者，气极臭而能止臭气。
败酱妇人产后用，酸酱催产易于生。
败酱，味苦咸平无毒，因作败腐豆浆气，故名败酱。陈良甫作妇人科方，说是苦荠菜。
仲景方治腹痈。酸酱，味酸平寒无毒。处处有之，即酸酱草也。主热除烦，通淋止崩，产难
胎衣不下者。若吞其实即出。
茴香治霍乱转筋，更通肾气。昆布消瘿瘤结硬，水肿为先。
茴香一名 香子。味辛平无毒，开胃调中，得酒良。
昆布，味咸酸，性冷无毒，与海藻同科，治瘿瘤。
百部除肺热久年劳嗽，天麻逐诸风湿痹拘挛。
百部，味苦微寒无毒，治疥癣去风。天麻，味辛平无毒，益气强筋。苗名赤箭。
牡丹可行经下血，地榆止血痢宜然。
牡丹，味辛苦寒无毒，止痛除邪气，疗惊痫中风，续筋骨，破痈脓。地榆，味苦甘酸，
微寒无毒，恶麦门冬，止痛排脓治金疮，女人带下良。
香附缩砂，消食化气，暖胃温脾，皆妇人要药。狗脊萆 ，扶老补虚，腰疼脚弱，与湿
痹牵缠。
香附子，即莎草根。味甘微寒无毒，处处有之。缩砂，去皮取仁用，味辛温无毒，止泻
痢炒过，除妊娠妇腹痛。狗脊，味苦甘平，微温无毒。萆 ，川中者为道地，味苦甘平无毒
红花本能行血，白藓疮疥利便。
红花本草作红蓝花，味辛温无毒，主产后血晕昏迷，可作胭脂，治小儿 耳。
白藓皮，味苦咸寒无毒，除疽通淋，主风瘫手足不仁，调经水，疗阴痛。
风寒湿痹，肾冷与遗精，当知石龙芮。劳热骨蒸，兼儿疳惊痢，须用胡黄连。
石龙芮，味苦平无毒，畏蛇蜕茱萸。平胃气，主关节不通。胡黄连，味苦平无毒，折断
起烟尘者是。
白茅花能止吐衄血，玄胡索可治腹心疼。
白茅根，味甘寒无毒，处处有之，通血除烦渴，治淋利小便；花，止吐衄血；茅针，捣
敷金疮良。玄胡索，味辛温无毒，治女人月水不下，行肾气。
甘松青浴体令香，专辟恶气。使君子乃医虫药，疳泻如仙。
甘松，味甘温无毒，善除恶气，浴体香肌，治心腹痛。使君子，用热灰中和壳煨，去皮
壳取肉用。味甘温无毒，消疳积，治泻痢，除诸虫。因郭使君用此，因名使君子。
斯乃称为中品，是诚药性钩玄。
I have also heard that Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix, 芍药) is bitter and neutral in nature. The red variety breaks blood stasis and unblocks menstruation, while the white variety calms the fetus and relieves pain. Shengjiang (Fresh Zingiberis Rhizoma, 生姜) is acrid and very hot; when used raw, it is the supreme remedy for vomiting, whereas Ganjiang (Dried Zingiberis Rhizoma, 干姜) removes abdominal pain caused by Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome).
Shaoyao serves as a Deputy Minister herb. It tastes bitter and sour, is neutral in nature, slightly cold, and has slight toxicity. It is incompatible with Shihupo (Dendrobii Caulis, 石斛) and Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas, 芒硝). It fears Xiaoshi (Nitrinum, 硝石) and is contrary to Lifulu (Veratrum Nigrum, 藜芦). There are two types of Shaoyao: red and white. The white type tonifies deficiency and stops sweating, while the red type clears heat and brightens the eyes. Shengjiang serves as an Envoy herb. It can be used raw or dried. The dried form is acrid and warm, very hot, non-toxic, warms the middle jiao, stops bleeding, and dispels bi-syndrome wind-dampness. The raw form is acrid, slightly warm, and non-toxic, and is found everywhere. When cooked, remove the skin; when used raw, keep the skin. It disperses Cold damage pathogens, directs rebellious Qi downward, and is the supreme remedy for vomiting.
Gegen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix, 葛根) stops thirst, resolves alcohol intoxication, disperses Cold damage pathogens, and eliminates heat toxins. Qumai (Dianthi Herba, 瞿麦) opens Guan Ge (obstruction of water passage), promotes urination in cases of Long (difficulty in urination), induces abortion, and accelerates childbirth.
Gegen is sweet and cold, non-toxic. Qumai uses only the fruit shell, not the stems and leaves; it is bitter and cold, non-toxic.
Gualou is also called Tiangua. Its fruit treats Ru Yong (breast abscess), and its root stops thirst. Cang'er is Cang'erzi (Xanthii Fructus, 苍耳子). Its seeds brighten the eyes, and its leaves resolve wind entanglement.
The root of Gualou is named Tianhuafen. It is bitter and cold, non-toxic; the fruit is Gualou. Cang'er is sweet and warm, slightly toxic. It is found everywhere and mainly treats spasm, bi-syndrome, wind-cold-dampness.
Xuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix, 玄参) attacks throat pain. Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix, 苦参) attacks Chang Feng (blood in stool due to wind-heat), and both can eliminate bi-syndrome and break up accumulations. Beimu (Fritillariae Cirrhosae Bulbus, 贝母) treats Renmian Chuang (facial ulcer resembling a human face); Zhimu (Anemarrhenae Rhizoma, 知母) moistens the lungs and heart, and both can stop coughing and regulate Cold damage.
Xuanshen is also known as Shanma. It is bitter and salty, slightly cold, non-toxic. It is found everywhere, dispels wind-heat, and brightens the eyes. Kushen is bitter and cold, non-toxic, kills roundworms, and treats sores and toxins. Beimu is bitter and acrid, neutral, slightly cold, non-toxic, specifically treating leg/knee ulcers, facial ulcers, and various carbuncles. Zhimu is bitter and cold, non-toxic, clears heat, and stops thirst.
Baiwei (Cynanchi Atrati Radix, 白薇) originally treats Lin syndrome and leukorrhea, treats wind-manic disorder, and removes Wen Nue (warm malaria). Baizhi (Angelicae Dahuricae Radix, 白芷) removes Bing Xue (uterine bleeding), specifically attacks headache, and is also used to drain pus.
Baiwei is bitter and salty, neutral, very cold, non-toxic; those resembling scallion tubes are best. Baizhi is acrid and warm, non-toxic, specifically treating snake bites; grinding into powder and applying to the bite site, or crushing juice to soak the wound, is effective.
Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix, 当归) primarily nourishes blood and treats deficiency exhaustion. To stop bleeding, use the head; to break blood stasis, use the tail. Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba, 麻黄) disperses pathogens and attacks headache; to induce sweating, use the stem; to stop sweating, use the root.
Danggui soaked in wine and baked is bitter and acrid, warm, non-toxic. Mahuang is bitter and warm, non-toxic.
Daji (Taraxaci Herba, 大蓟) has similar effects to Xiaoji (Taraxaci Herba, 小蓟), treating carbuncles, uterine bleeding, hematemesis, and epistaxis. Xiaoqing is inferior to Daqing (Isatidis Folium, 大青); Daqing treats Cold damage heat toxins and epidemic diseases.
Daji and Xiaoji are sweet and warm, found everywhere. Daqing and Xiaoqing are bitter and very cold, non-toxic, found everywhere; ancient formulas only used Daqing. Sanleng (Sparganii Rhizoma, 三棱) and Ezhu (Curcumae Rhizoma, 莪术) break blood stasis, eliminate masses, calm the heart and spleen, and treat abdominal pain. Baixiandoukou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus, 白豆蔻) and Bichengqie (Fructus Piperis Kadsurae, 荜澄茄) warm the spleen and strengthen the stomach, promote digestion, and relieve distension. Non-toxic.
Yujin (Curcumae Radix, 郁金) surpasses Jianghuang (Curcumae Longae Rhizoma, 姜黄) in moving meridians and directing Qi downward. Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma, 川芎) is valued for its Guben (Ligustici Wallichii Rhizoma, 藁本); headaches are all cured.
Yujin should be from Shu region, resembling cicada bellies, which is best. It is bitter and acrid, cold, non-toxic. Jianghuang's explanation is below. Chuanxiong's explanation is in the Upper Grass Section under "Xiong". Guben, commonly called Tukong, is acrid, slightly cold, non-toxic, treats wind entering the four limbs, and fears Qingxiangzi (Celosiae Semen, 青葙子).
Qianhu (Peucedani Radix, 前胡) and Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix, 柴胡) have no superiority or inferiority in efficacy; they treat heat diseases and main Cold damage.
Qianhu is bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic, directs Qi downward, transforms phlegm, pushes out the old and brings in the new, calms the fetus, and stops coughing. Chaihu is seen in the Upper Grass Section.
Jianghuang is potent like Yujin. It directs Qi downward, eliminates carbuncles, unblocks meridians, and breaks blood stasis. Bibo (Long Pepper Fruit, 荜茇) tastes spicy like Gaoliangjiang (Alpiniae Officinarum Rhizoma, 高良姜); it treats convulsions, Huoluan, and heart pain extending to the top of the head (Dian refers to the vertex).
Jianghuang is found everywhere, bitter and acrid, very cold, non-toxic. Yujin's explanation is above. Bibo is acrid, very cold, non-toxic, warms the middle and directs Qi downward. Gaoliangjiang is acrid and warm, very hot, non-toxic.
Jiancao (Sphenocleae Herba, 剪草) enters to treat qi of Jie Chuang (scabies/ulcers). Wanggua (Trichosanthes Cucumerina, 王瓜) guides the source of milk.
Jiancao is bitter and neutral, non-toxic. Those from Wuzhou are best. The root is named Baiyao. It treats Jin Chuang (metal wounds). Ancient formulas decoct the herb powder, mix with honey, steam nine times, sun-dry nine times to make a paste. It can treat all types of blood loss. Wanggua is also called Luoya Gua or Tugua. Its fruits are like pellets, green when raw, red when ripe. Edible. In Fujian, it is俗称 Mao Tao. Its root stops thirst, dissipates carbuncles, removes gangrene, eliminates masses, and stops bleeding.
Tongcao (Akebiae Caulis, 通草) was originally Mutong (Akebiae Caulis, 木通). It treats Lin syndrome and reduces edema. Lishi (also known as Malinzi, 马蔺子) removes dampness and treats Bing Lou (uterine bleeding).
Tongcao is acrid and sweet, neutral, non-toxic, removes cold and heat, restores voice, treats deafness. Malinzi is sweet and neutral, non-toxic, removes wind-cold-damp-bi, removes throat obstruction.
Baihe (Lilii Bulbus, 百合) calms the heart, can remove cough with bloody sputum. Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix, 秦艽) treats Ju (gangrenous sores) and can also treat epidemic labor-fever.
Baihe is sweet and neutral, non-toxic, removes heat-cough, attacks back carbuncles, reduces distension, benefits urination and defecation. Qinjiao is bitter and neutral, slightly warm, non-toxic, reduces edema, benefits urination.
Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix, 黄芩) clears heat and unblocks Lin syndrome; for women with Bing due to heat. Ziwan (Asternis Radix, 紫菀) transforms phlegm and stabilizes wheezing; for cough with red saliva.
Huangqin is bitter and neutral, very cold, non-toxic, treats jaundice. Stops dysentery; for women's uterine bleeding, if the constitution is hot, it is good. Not for deficiency-cold. Ziwan is bitter and acrid, warm, non-toxic, tonifies deficiency, stops thirst, calms the five zang organs, unblocks stagnant Qi in the chest. Red saliva means phlegm containing blood and pus.
Zelan (Lycopus Herba, 泽兰) moves blood from trauma; Zicao (Arnebiae Radix, 紫草) controls the bias of痘疹 (smallpox/rash).
Zelan is bitter and sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic, reduces limb edema, attacks carbuncles, drains pus. Zicao is bitter and cold, non-toxic, unblocks the nine orifices, reduces swelling, unblocks Lin syndrome.
Shiwei (Pyrrosiae Folium, 石苇) penetrates bladder urine; Fangji (Stephaniae Tetrandrae Radix, 防己) treats wind-heat spasms.
Shiwei is bitter and sweet, neutral, non-toxic, removes heat and evil pathogens. Brush off hairs before use, otherwise it causes persistent coughing. Fangji is acrid and bitter, neutral, warm, non-toxic, treats edema and wind-swelling, removes dampness, stops coughing.
Rudoukou (Myristicae Semen, 肉豆蔻) tonifies the spleen and stops dysentery, also regulates cold diarrhea. Kuandonghua (Farfarae Flos, 款冬花) cleanses the liver and brightens the eyes; suitable for labor-cough.
Rudoukou is wrapped in flour and roasted. Acrid and warm, non-toxic. Resolves alcohol, promotes digestion, regulates the middle, treats Huoluan. Kuandonghua is acrid and sweet, warm, non-toxic, stabilizes wheezing, transforms phlegm.
Yinyanghuo (Epimedii Folium, 淫羊藿) is also known as Xianlingspi. Tonifies kidney deficiency, treats Yang failure with impotence. Buguzhi (Psoraleae Fructus, 补骨脂) is named Poguzhi. Supports cold kidneys, treats nocturnal emission and spermatorrhea.
Yinyanghuo is acrid and cold, non-toxic, mainly treats cold wind lao-qi. Buguzhi is acrid, very warm, non-toxic, treats blood and qi lao-shang.
Luohui (Aloe, 芦荟) prevents fright-heat, kills roundworms, commonly called Xiangdan (Elephant Gallbladder). Niubang (Arctii Fructus, 牛蒡) resolves wind-entanglement, vents toxin of smallpox, originally called Shunian.
Luohui is bitter and cold, non-toxic, named Xiangdan because of its bitter taste. Treats epilepsy and hemorrhoids. Niubang is also known as Eshi or Shunian. Brightens eyes, eliminates sore toxins, treats hand-foot spasms. Acrid and neutral, found everywhere.
Haizao (Sargassum, 海藻) and Hidai (Kelp, 海带) are generally similar; effective for Hernia and Ying Liu (goiter). Shuiping (Wolffia, 水萍) is divided into three types; balances Wind-Heat and Yin Zhen (urticaria).
Haizao is washed to remove salt water, baked, bitter and salty, cold, non-toxic. Shuiping has three types, stops thirst, treats fire burns, benefits urination, removes water qi, acrid and salty, cold, non-toxic.
Aiye (Artemisiae Argyi Folium, 艾叶) can be used raw or cooked. For Lou Xue (leukorrhea with bleeding) and calming the fetus, it also stops vomiting and epistaxis. Awei (Ferulae Resina, 阿魏) has genuine and fake versions; kills parasites, breaks accumulation, protects longevity against Chuan Shi (consumptive disease).
Aiye is found everywhere, bitter and warm, non-toxic. Raw treats dysentery, stops vomiting blood, use juice; cooked treats Lou Xue, can be made into pills or moxa for hundred diseases.
Awei is acrid and neutral, non-toxic. Genuine ones are rare; extremely smelly but can stop bad odors.
Baijiang (Patriniae Herba, 败酱) is used postpartum by women. Suanjiang (Polygoni Avicularis Herba, 酸酱) induces labor, making birth easy.
Baijiang is bitter and salty, neutral, non-toxic, named so due to its smell of spoiled bean curd. Chen Liangfu used it in gynecological formulas, calling it Kuji Cai. Zhang Zhongjing's formula treats abdominal abscess. Suanjiang is sour, neutral, cold, non-toxic. Found everywhere, it is Suanjiang Cao. Clears heat, removes vexation, unblocks Lin, stops Bing, difficult labor with retained placenta. Swallowing the fruit expels it.
Huixiang (Foeniculi Fructus, 茴香) treats Huoluan convulsions, further unblocks Kidney Qi. Kunbu (Laminariae Thallus, 昆布) eliminates Ying Liu hardness, first for edema.
Huixiang is also called Hui Xiangzi. Acrid and neutral, non-toxic, opens appetite, regulates the middle, good with wine.
Kunbu is salty and sour, cold, non-toxic, same family as Haizao, treats Ying Liu.
Baibu (Stemonae Radix, 百部) removes lung heat and chronic labor-cough. Tianma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma, 天麻) drives out wind-damp-bi spasms.
Baibu is bitter, slightly cold, non-toxic, treats scabies/tinea, removes wind. Tianma is acrid and neutral, non-toxic, boosts Qi, strengthens sinews. The seedling is named Chijian.
Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex, 牡丹皮) moves menstruation and breaks blood; Diyü (Sanguisorbae Radix, 地榆) stops blood dysentery appropriately.
Mudanpi is bitter and acrid, cold, non-toxic, stops pain, removes evil pathogens, treats fright-epilepsy/stroke, reconnects sinews/bones, breaks carbuncle pus. Diyü is bitter, sweet, and sour, slightly cold, non-toxic, incompatible with Maidong, stops pain, drains pus, treats metal wounds, good for women's leukorrhea.
Xiangfu (Cyperi Rhizoma, 香附) and Suosha (Amomi Fructus, 缩砂) digest food, transform Qi, warm the stomach and spleen; all are essential herbs for women. Gouji (Cibotii Rhizoma, 狗脊) and Bixie (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma, 萆薢) support the elderly, tonify deficiency, treat lower back pain and weak legs, and entangle with damp-bi.
Xiangfu is Shacao Gen. Sweet and slightly cold, non-toxic, found everywhere. Suosha, remove skin, use kernel. Acrid and warm, non-toxic. Stir-fry to stop dysentery, remove abdominal pain in pregnant women. Gouji is bitter and sweet, neutral, slightly warm, non-toxic. Bixie from Sichuan is authentic. Bitter and sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
Honghua (Carthami Flos, 红花) naturally moves blood; Baixianpi (Dictamni Cortex, 白藓皮) treats sores/scabies and benefits urination.
Honghua is written as Honglan Hua in Bencao. Acrid and warm, non-toxic, treats postpartum blood fainting/coma, can be used as rouge, treats children's ear diseases.
Baixianpi is bitter and salty, cold, non-toxic, removes gangrene, unblocks Lin, treats wind-paralysis with numb hands/feet, regulates menstruation, treats genital pain.
For Wind-Cold-Damp-Bi, Kidney cold, and spermatorrhea, one should know Shirongru (Batrachii Semen, 石龙芮). For Labor-heat bone-steaming, combined with children's roundworm/fright/dysentery, one must use Huhuanglian (Coptidis Teetae Rhizoma, 胡黄连).
Shirongru is bitter and neutral, non-toxic, fears Shedui and Zhuyu. Regulates Stomach Qi, treats joint blockage. Huhuanglian is bitter and neutral, non-toxic; the genuine one produces smoke/dust when broken.
Baimao Hua (White Reed Flower, 白茅花) can stop vomiting and epistaxis. Xianshusuo (Corydalis Rhizoma, 玄胡索) can treat abdominal heart pain.
Baimaogen (Imperatae Rhizoma, 白茅根) is sweet and cold, non-toxic, found everywhere, unblocks blood, removes vexation/thirst, treats Lin, benefits urination. Hua stops vomiting/epistaxis. Maozhen crushed applied is good for metal wounds. Xianshusuo is acrid and warm, non-toxic, treats amenorrhea in women, moves Kidney Qi.
Gansong (Nardostachyos Radix, 甘松) bathes the body to make it fragrant, specifically repels evil qi. Shijunzi (Quisqualis Fructus, 使君子) is a vermifuge; effective for roundworm-dysentery like a fairy.
Gansong is sweet and warm, non-toxic, good at eliminating evil qi, bathing makes skin fragrant, treats heart/abdominal pain. Shijunzi, roast in hot ashes with shell, remove shell, use meat. Sweet and warm, non-toxic, eliminates roundworm accumulation, treats dysentery, removes all worms. Named after Envoy Guo who used it.
This is called the Middle Category, truly the essence of drug properties.