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[Mangcao (Radix Illicii Coriacei / Daphne Genkwa? Note: Text implies a vine/herb with pepper-like odor, likely *Illicium* or similar aromatic herb, but strictly translating based on text context)]
Pungent in flavor, warm in nature. It primarily treats head wind (wind affecting the head), head carbuncles, and swelling/toxins. It treats breast carbuncles, hernia, and mass accumulations (zhong jia). It resolves qi stagnation, treats scabies, and relieves skin itching. It kills parasites in fish. It grows in mountain valleys.

Its nature causes confusion (induces mental bewilderment). Its odor is like that of Sichuan pepper, which is detestable. The plant has hollow stems, produces flowers and fruits. Vines wrap around lianas. It cunningly hides in rat holes; its toxicity spreads widely among insects. It is used to attack and fumigate to eliminate wood-boring pests, punishing those creatures that damage items.

Tao Hongjing stated: The ancient character for Mang was "Mang" (芒). Li Shizhen stated: Eating it causes people to become confused/bewildered, hence the name. Mountain people use it to poison rats, so it is also called "Shu Mang" (Rat Mang). Kou Zongshi stated: Rubbing it releases an odor like Sichuan pepper. Su Song stated: It resembles *Photinia serratifolia* (Shi Nan), but has sparse leaves and no flowers or fruits. Another theory says it is a vine growing, winding between rocks and trees. Since it is called "cao" (grass/herb), the theory that it is a vine-growing plant is correct. The *Rites of Zhou* records: The Jian Shi (official in charge of eliminating pests) manages the removal of wood-boring insects, attacking them with Gong KT, and fumigating them with Mangcao.

[Leiwu (Fomes Officinalis / Polyporus Umbellatus? Context suggests a fungal/parasitic growth on bamboo roots, often identified as *Polyporus umbellatus* or similar in TCM, literally "Thunder Pill") ]
Bitter in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily kills the three types of parasites (roundworms, pinworms, tapeworms). It expels toxic vapors from the body. It treats heat in the stomach. It is beneficial for men but not for women. It can be made into a massage paste. It treats various diseases in children. It grows in mountain valleys.

Lingzhi (or Poria) resides at the pine roots; Leiwu hides within the bamboo roots. Can one hear thunder by striking bamboo? After rain, vitality increases, surpassing pre-rain levels. It promotes smooth flow and benefits males; caution is advised regarding females. Young children share its sweet taste; it hangs in clusters like ointment and milk.

Li Shizhen stated: It is formed from the residual qi of bamboo, just as Poria forms at the roots of pines. When lightning strikes objects, it is transformed from refined essence. This substance grows in the soil, killing parasites and driving away evil pathogens, similar to Thunder Axes or Thunder Wedges. Su Zhe's poem reads: "After the rain, good descendants are added." Ma Zhi stated: It promotes the smooth flow of male Yuan Qi (vital energy), but does not promote the smooth flow of female Zang Qi (visceral energy). Cao Zhi's ode mentions: "The grass is named Yi Nan" (Suitable for Men - referring to *Actaea spicata* or similar, here used metaphorically or erroneously linked). The *Guoyu* states: "This is called distancing men and approaching women." Du Fu's poem reads: "The young children at the root of bamboo shoots are unseen by anyone." Hong Yan's poem reads: "Sharing sweetness must remain." Su Shi's poem reads: "Clusters resembling peaches and plums, all flowing with ointment and milk."

[Tongye (Catalpae Folium / Leaf of Catalpa Tree)]
Bitter in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats malignant erosive ulcers attached to the skin of the genitals. It treats five types of hemorrhoids. It kills the three types of parasites. Tonghua (Catalpa flower) primarily treats applying poultices to pig wounds; feeding pigs with it makes them three times fatter. It grows in mountain valleys.

The soil suits five fertile types; the fine catalpa tree is about arm-span thick. Under the morning sun, they stand with trunks embracing each other; reaching up to the stars Shen and Chen in the high sky. In summer, they provide cool jade-like shade; in winter, they retain warmth like moist down. They possess the demeanor of a gentleman; auspicious signs appear in the eastern wing.

The *Guanzi* states: In the five fertile soils, the catalpa tree is suitable. The *Mencius* states: Catalpa and catalpa trees of arm-span thickness. Xiahou Zhan's fu writes: Planting fine catalpa trees in front of the courtyard. The *Classic of Poetry* states: On that sunny hill. Chen Zhu's poem reads: "An embrace-thick trunk grows from nourishment here." Ji Kang's fu writes: "Reaching the poles of Shen and Chen, soaring high." The *Yi Wei* states: The branches of the catalpa tree are hollow inside. Gao Qi's poem reads: "Cool jade-like summer leaves unfold." Xu Mao's poem reads: "Moist down on catalpa branches blooms differently." The *Guangzhou Gazetteer* states: White catalpa flowers have white down; soaked and processed, they are woven into cloth. The *Classic of Poetry* states: "There is the catalpa, there is the elm, its fruits are abundant." The gentle and happy gentleman possesses every beautiful demeanor. The *Ru Ying Tu* states: When the ruler employs the virtuous and capable, the catalpa tree grows in the eastern wing.