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In the wild lands of the Tatars, there is a substance formed from the essence left on the ground after the mating of wild horses and dragons. In spring, it grows vigorously, emerging from the soil like a bamboo shoot. The larger ones are as big as a cat's head, with a shape that is broad at the top and narrow at the bottom, an unusual form, possessing scales, armor, sinews, and veins; hence its name Suoyang (Cynomorium Songaricum), which is similar to Roucongrong (Cistanche Deserticola). Some say that promiscuous Tatar women also engage in intercourse with it. This substance grows vigorously when it receives Yin Qi (Yin Energy). Locals harvest it, peel off the skin and hair, wash it clean, and dry it in the sun. Its medicinal potency is a hundred times that of Roucongrong, and its price is a hundred times that of ordinary herbs (from Zhou Mi's *Guixin Xuji*).

Suoyang can be used as a substitute for Roucongrong. It has a sweet taste and neutral nature. It can be cooked into porridge for consumption and tonifies Yin Qi. It can be used for those with deficiency-type dryness in the stool. This is likely because authentic Roucongrong is hard to obtain, and many are fake, made from Jilian Gen (Rhizoma Nymphaeae Nelumbinis) pickled in salt. In the north, there is a herbal Cistanche called Lidang (Orobanche coerulescens), which has a salty nature and flavor, and is truly unreliable. This view was obtained from Mr. Luo Dawu (from *Danxi Bencao*).

Mabinglang (Areca Seed) originates from Yuanjiang Military-Civilian Prefecture in Yunnan. Its shape resembles pine nuts. It is also known as Majin Nang or Majin Nan. Its taste is like Bai Doukou (Amomi Fructus Rotundus). Drinking plenty of cold water while chewing it causes no harm, as it is a hot-natured substance. According to *Danxi Bencao*, it treats difficult labor in pregnant women. At the time of delivery, remove the shell of this herb, take two pieces with fresh well-water, and shortly after, the child is born, holding one seed in each hand. I once consulted the *Yunnan Zhi*, which states that Mabinglang expels retained fluids, resolves various toxins, and when chewed finely, can be applied to malignant sores. However, oily ones are unusable; plump and white ones are best.

In the northern fields, people suffering from chest and abdominal distension can crush Malianhua Zi (Seeds of Iris lactea var. chinensis), take them with cold water, and experience several bowel movements, leading to recovery. This method can serve as a help for those who are in a hurry on the road without medicine (from *Shuidong Riji*).

Mirui (Velvet Antler of Elaphurus davidianus) tonifies Yang, while Lurong (Velvet Antler of Cervus nippon) tonifies Yin. According to the *Monthly Ordinances*, deer antlers shed at the Summer Solstice, and elk antlers shed at the Winter Solstice. Deer shed antlers at the Summer Solstice to correspond to Yin, and elk shed antlers at the Winter Solstice to correspond to Yang. Thus, we know that their natures of Yin and Yang are different.

Huang Tingjian (styled Shangu) wrote to Wang Zijun: "I acknowledge your letter stating that your health is often unwell; this is due to improper care when the Blood and Qi were not yet settled. When I was twenty-four or twenty-five years old, I was exactly like this. By taking Tusizi (Semen Cuscutae), my appetite increased greatly, and I could endure fatigue. Taking this prescription for a long time does not cause Qi stagnation. After taking it for two or three months, digestion becomes as rapid as snow melting in hot water; after half a year, the body becomes very robust. If one feels Qi stagnation, take a small amount of Maren Wan (Hemp Seed Pill). I once passed this method to Doctor Li from Jingxi. After taking Tusizi, he did not become fatigued easily by eating and working, remaining vigorous like a young man. The method for taking Tusizi: Take any amount of Tusizi, wash it clean with water, grind it into fine powder, bake it dry, soak it in one sheng of good wine for about three days, dry it in the sun at noon, turn it frequently to drain the wine, spread it out to dry, and store it in a porcelain jar. Every day, take one spoonful on an empty stomach, swallowed with warm wine, and then food intake will greatly increase" (from *Shangu Daobi*).