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Acrid in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats masses and accumulations (zheng zha ji ju), stagnant qi, dietary cold-heat disorders, and breaking down hard accumulations. Also known as Da Shi, or Da Shi. It grows in marshes and fields.

Among the soft herbs of its kind, why worry about pavilions? The grains of millet are yellow and fine; the pods of shepherd's purse are green and coarse. Their roots differ in origin, their pods branch out; when planted, long roots must be distinguished. Seeds are divided into sweet and bitter types; the sour flavor should not alter [its true nature].

The commentary on *Li Ji* states: Mi Cao belongs to the category of shepherd's purse and Lepidium seeds. Su Song says: In spring, seedlings and leaves emerge, growing six or seven cun high, resembling shepherd's purse. The branches and stems are all green, producing flat, small pods like millet grains, slightly elongated and yellow. There is another type called Dog Mustard Grass, whose leaves grow dichotomously near the root base, with slender pods; they must be carefully distinguished during harvest. The commentary on *Zhou Li* states: Pod-bearing plants belong to the category of shepherd's purse pods. Lei Xiao in *Lei Gong Pao Zhi Lun* states: When using Lepidium seeds, do not use Chi Xu Zi, as true Lepidium seeds closely resemble Chi Xu Zi. Kou Zongshi states: There are two varieties, sweet and bitter. The classic states that those with an acrid and sweet flavor should not be used medicinally. The therapeutic action of Lepidium seeds lies in promoting water metabolism and purging downward. *Yao Xing Lun* states that it should not be described as having a sour flavor.

Acrid in flavor, slightly warm in nature. It primarily treats stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium, abdominal fullness, rumbling intestines, and fright-induced palpitations and qi disturbance. It grows in mountain valleys.

Seeking in damp marshes, is there any unintentional gathering? The roots of hibiscus in Guanzhong, the apricot leaves in Songshan. The stem is straight and unobstructed, harmonized with honey for sweetness. Its function of bearing weight is akin to boats and oars crossing a great river.

*Zhan Guo Ce* records: Seeking Platycodon in marshes means one may go generations without obtaining a single specimen. Su Gong states: The leaves of Platycodon, resembling shepherd's purse, either interlace or appear in pairs of three or four, all rising on a single straight stem; the distinction lies solely in whether the root has a "heart." Su Song states: Those from Guanzhong have yellow skin similar to Malva roots, and leaves resembling chrysanthemum. *Qun Fang Pu* states: It grows in the valleys of Mount Song and Yuanju; the root is finger-thick, and the leaves resemble apricot leaves. Li Shizhen states: This herb's root is solid and the stem is straight, hence the name. Famous physicians state: Licorice Root is also called Mi Gan. Zhang Yuansu states: Platycodon is a guiding herb for the Lung channel. When traveling together with Licorice Root, it is like iron or stone entering a river; without a boat, it cannot be carried. With this single herb among other medicines, they cannot sink.

Bitter in flavor, cold in nature. It primarily treats toothache with worms, flesh bi with stiffness and spasms, causes vigorous walking and hallucinations of seeing ghosts. Excessive consumption leads to manic running; long-term use lightens the body, enabling speed equal to galloping horses, strengthening willpower, increasing strength, and connecting with the divine. Also known as Heng Tang. It grows in rivers and valleys.

Expelling evil and storing toxins, indulgent and unrestrained habits are heard. Buds contained like urns, scattered like millet chambers. Galloping and prancing, nursing and drinking with the State Elder, resolving confusion and clearing turbidity.

Chen Cangqi states: Sun-dry the seeds and take them with water on an empty stomach; it can expel evil and drive away wind. Do not let the seeds break, as this causes madness. Li Shizhen states: Taking it causes manic and unrestrained behavior, hence the name. Su Song states: The shell resembles a small pomegranate urn; the seeds inside are very fine, greenish-white, like millet grains. *Pian Hai* states: Die Xie describes the gait of a horse. *Liu Shu Gu* states: A manner of eager, continuous stepping. *I Ching* states: Heaven and Earth... *Shi Ji* states: Lady Wang was pregnant but failed to lactate for a long time. Chunyu Yi gave her a pinch of Datura medicine, after which she immediately lactated. Zhang Zhongjing states: Ingesting Water Datura accidentally causes mania and confusion; it is detoxified with Licorice Root juice. *Zhuangzi* states: Drinking to harmonize. Famous physicians state: Licorice Root is also called Guo Lao.