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Bitter, cold in nature. Primarily treats pathogenic factors in the heart and abdomen, and eliminates heat pathogens from the heart and abdomen. Wujin (Five Jaundices), caused by damp-heat accumulating in the blood level. Tonifies the middle jiao and benefits qi; when the heat in the Ying (Nutritive) level is cleared, the middle jiao becomes harmonious and functional. Benefits the nine orifices, preventing them from being obstructed by pathogenic heat. Promotes the flow of water passages, as Heart Qi connects to the Small Intestine.

Zicao (Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma) has a purple color and enters the Heart channel. The Heart governs blood, and its nature is cold; therefore, it can treat heat conditions in blood disorders.

Acrid, cold in nature. Primarily treats sudden high fever; having obtained the Yin energy of water, it can eliminate heat. Body itching is due to damp-heat stagnating in the skin. It promotes the downward movement of water qi; since Lemna minor (Shuiping, 浮萍) does not become wet upon entering water, it can cleanse water retention. It overcomes alcohol toxicity; when water qi is abundant, alcohol qi dissipates. It promotes the growth of hair and beard, benefiting the Qi and Blood of the skin and hair. It primarily treats Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting syndrome), aided by the energy of water. Long-term consumption lightens the body, similar to the lightness of Lemna minor.

Lemna minor grows in water but can survive out of water, and its leaves do not get wet when submerged, indicating its ability to counteract water-dampness. Therefore, it can treat all diseases caused by water and dampness. Its roots do not attach to the soil but float on the surface, so it can also treat diseases of the skin and hair.

Bitter, slightly warm in nature. Primarily treats internal bleeding in postpartum women, clearing damp-heat pathogens from the Yangming channels. Treats residual symptoms after stroke; its temperature is warm and its nature is light, so it can disperse lingering wind. Treats abdominal edema, including swelling of the whole body, face, and limbs, as well as water accumulation in the joints, comprehensively managing all internal and external water-dampness diseases. Treats Jin Chuang (metal weapon injuries), carbuncles, swellings, and suppurating sores, which are all diseases of damp-toxin.

Zelan (Euphorbiae Latifoliae Herba) grows in water but has an aromatic penetrating quality. Its nodes are solid while the stem is hollow, allowing it to unblock and promote drainage where dampness affects the meridians without obstruction. Its substance is Yin while its Qi is Yang, so it can circulate through the Yin aspects of the human body and manifest in the Yang aspects.

Acrid, cold in nature. Primarily treats alternating chills and fever, stroke, spasms, and fright epilepsy with pathogenic factors, all of which are diseases emanating from Liver Qi dysfunction. Eliminates Zheng Jian (hard masses); stasis blood lodging in the stomach and intestines is treated because its red color enters the blood level, and its aromatic fragrance can dissipate stagnation. Calms the Five Zang Organs, as they are the resting places of Qi and Blood; when Qi and Blood are harmonious, there is no obstruction. Treats carbuncles and sores by clearing toxic fire from the blood level.

Mudanpi (Moutan Cortex) is the king of flowers, possessing the most flourishing and moistening Wood Qi. Therefore, it can soothe and nourish Liver Qi, harmonize and unblock the meridians, with effects quite similar to Shaoyao (Paeoniae Radix). However, Shaoyao primarily focuses on astringency, while Mudanpi primarily focuses on dispersion. This is because Shaoyao's flavor is dominant, whereas Mudanpi's Qi is dominant. Flavor belongs to Yin, while Qi belongs to Yang.