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Sweet in taste, warm in nature. It primarily treats headache caused by wind-stroke and cold damage (Shanghan), as well as warm malaria (Wen Nue). It releases the exterior and induces sweating, eliminating pathogenic heat. For any pathogenic cold or wind lingering on the exterior, there is no condition it cannot treat, as it drives out pathogens, causing them to exit through sweat. It stops coughing and rebellious qi rising, for its light and ascending nature can disperse lung pathogens. It eliminates alternating chills and fever, dispersing external pathogens affecting Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) qi. It breaks up masses and accumulations, dissipating internal knotting within the Zang-Fu organs.

Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang, 麻黄) is light, ascending, and penetrating. It has a very faint odor and flavor, being the clearest among substances with aroma and flavor. Therefore, it can penetrate beyond the skin pores and also reach deeply into accumulated phlegm and coagulated blood. In places where the power of other herbs cannot reach, it acts meticulously. Compared to herbs with strong aromas and potent forces, its efficacy is greater. This is because it moves through void spaces, where tangible Qi and Blood cannot obstruct it.

Bitter in taste. It primarily treats abdominal pain caused by pathogens. When Liver Qi invades the Spleen, pain occurs; by astringing Liver Qi, the pain is relieved. It removes blood bi (obstruction), which is a disease of stagnation caused by Liver pathogens. It breaks hard accumulations, treating alternating chills, fever, hernia, and mass formations caused by the aggregation of Liver pathogenic Qi. It stops pain; when Blood harmonizes, pain ceases. It promotes urination; as Liver Qi descends to the Zongjin (tendons/genitals), urination becomes unobstructed. It benefits Qi; when Liver Qi is astringed, benefit is derived.

The flower of Paeoniae Radix Alba (Shaoyao, 芍药) is large and lush, flourishing with Spring Qi, ranking among the foremost of flowers. Thus, it can gather and restrain Liver Qi, causing it to return to its root and origin, preventing it from becoming excessive and violent, thereby invading the Lungs and damaging the Spleen. It is a supreme herb for nourishing the Liver.

Bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature. It primarily treats alternating cold and heat in the abdomen, and accumulations, all of which are diseases caused by the condensation of Fire Qi. It treats residual ailments in women after childbirth and during lactation. After childbirth, Blood deficiency allows Fire in the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel) to move easily. By clearing Fire from the Blood, various ailments are pacified. It tonifies Kidney Qi, making the eyes bright. By removing Fire from the Yin aspect, the head and eyes become clear.

Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen, 玄参) is black, corresponding to the Kidney, and is cold in nature; thus, it can eliminate floating and ascending Fire from the Kidneys. However, Kidney Fire is divided into Yang Fire and Yin Fire. Yang Fire arises in the Qi aspect; when excessive, it damages Qi. This corresponds to what the *Neijing* (Classic of Internal Medicine) calls "vigorous fire consumes Qi" (Zhuang Huo Shi Qi). Yin Fire arises in the Blood aspect; when excessive, it damages Blood. This corresponds to what the *Neijing* states: "For those whose heat persists despite cooling treatments, treat the Yin." After childbirth, blood loss leads to Yin deficiency, leaving Fire unchecked. At this stage, one cannot use cold and bitter herbs to forcibly suppress it; nor can one use harsh tonics while Qi and Blood are unsettled. Only Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen, 玄参) can calm Fire while providing mild tonification, making it the most appropriate choice.