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Lan Cao (Eupatorium fortunei, 兰草): The flavor is acrid, and the nature is neutral. It primarily facilitates the water passages, kills gu poison (parasitic or toxic pathogens), and wards off inausicious influences. Long-term administration benefits Qi (vital energy), lightens the body, prevents aging, and enhances spiritual clarity. It is also known as Shui Xiang (Water Fragrance). It grows in ponds and marshes.
The Mingyi Bielu (Supplementary Records of Famous Physicians) states: It grows in the Dawu region and is harvested in the fourth and fifth months.
Commentary: The Shuowen Jiezi states: Lan is an aromatic herb. The Guangya states: Jian is Lan. The I Ching states: Its scent is like Lan. Zheng Xuan states: Lan is an aromatic herb. The Xia Xiao Zheng states: Lan is stored in the fifth month. The Mao Shi states: Holding Jian in hand. The Zhuan commentary states: Jian is Lan. Lu Ji states: Jian is Lan, an aromatic herb; its stems and leaves resemble the medicinal herb Ze Lan (Lycopus lucidus). The Fan Zi Ji Ran states: Da Lan originates from the Hanzhong Sanfu region; Lan originates from Hedong and Hongnong, with the white variety being superior. Yang Qixian of the Yuan Dynasty, annotating Li Bai's poetry, cites the Bencao stating: Lan Cao and Ze Lan are two distinct substances sharing the same name. Lan Cao, also known as Shui Xiang, refers to what is called Duliang. The Shui Jing states: In Lingling Commandery, on the small mountain west of Duliang County, there is the Mi River, where Lan Cao grows abundantly, featuring green leaves and purple stems. Ze Lan resembles Bo He (Mentha haplocalyx, 薄荷), has a slight fragrance, and is widely cultivated by households in Jing, Xiang, and Lingnan regions; it is generally similar to Lan. Yan Shigu's identification of Lan Cao as Ze Lan is incorrect.

She Chuang Zi (Cnidii Fructus, 蛇床子): The flavor is bitter, and the nature is neutral. It primarily treats swelling and pain in the female genitalia, impotence and damp itching in males, eliminates Bi Qi (obstructive Qi causing pain/numbness), benefits the joints, and treats epilepsy and malignant sores. Long-term administration lightens the body. It is also known as She Mi. It grows in river valleys and fields.
The Wu Pu Bencao states: She Chuang is also known as She Zhu (see Taiping Yulan).
The Mingyi Bielu states: It is also known as She Su, Hui Chuang, Si Yan, Sheng Du, Zao Ji, and Qiang Mi. It grows in Linzi. The fruits are harvested in the fifth month and dried in the shade.
Commentary: The Guangya states: She Su and Ma Chuang refer to She Chuang. The Erya states: Xu Hui Chuang. The Huainanzi · Fan Lun Xun states: Things that confuse people are like She Chuang and Mi Wu (which are easily confused).

Di Fu Zi (Kochiae Fructus, 地肤子): The flavor is bitter, and the nature is cold. It primarily treats Bladder heat, promotes urination, tonifies the Middle Jiao (middle burner), and benefits Jing Qi (essence and Qi). Long-term administration improves hearing and vision, lightens the body, and increases resistance to aging. It is also known as Di Kui (Taiping Yulan cites: also known as Di Hua and Di Mai. The Daguan Bencao edition lacks the four characters "Yi Ming Di Hua"; "Mai" is written as "Wheat," all in bold text). It grows in flat marshes and fields.
The Mingyi Bielu states: It is also known as Di Mai. It grows in Jingzhou. The fruits are harvested in the eighth and tenth months and dried in the shade.
Commentary: The Guangya states: Di Kui is Di Fu. The Lie Xian Zhuan states: Wen Bin consumed Di Fu. Zheng Qiao states: Di Fu is called Luo Zhou, also known as Di Sao. The Erya states: Ping, Ma Zhou, is this plant; people today also use it to make brooms.