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Taiwuyao (Linderae Radix): The flavor is acrid and warm, with an aromatic and penetrating quality. It enters the Spleen and Lung meridians and descends to the Kidney and Bladder. It excels at dispersing rebellious Qi caused by pathogenic factors, restoring balance, and is a specialized drug for descending Qi and relieving rebellion. It is contraindicated in cases of blood inflammation (excessive heat forcing blood out of vessels).

Xunluxiang (Boswelliae Resina / Frankincense): Also known as Ruxiang. The flavor is bitter and warm, with an acrid aroma. It enters the Heart meridian and circulates through all twelve meridians; it invigorates blood, relaxes sinews, dispels wind, and alleviates pain, making it a specialized drug for treating Bi syndrome (obstruction) and unblocking collaterals. It should be used raw and ground into powder.

Moyao (Myrrhae Resina / Myrrh): The flavor is bitter and neutral. It enters all twelve meridians. It dissipates stasis, breaks up accumulations, reduces swelling, and relieves pain, serving as a specialized drug for treating blood Bi and eliminating stagnation. It should be used after slight roasting.

Qilinjie (Sangui / Dragon's Blood): Also known as Xuexie. The flavor is sweet and salty, with a neutral nature. It enters the Heart, Liver, and blood level. It dissipates stasis, directs turbid Qi downward, stops bleeding, and relieves urgent pain, acting as a specialized emergency drug for blood rebellion and blood pain. It should not be used if there is no stasis.

Bujiaoxiang (Liquidambaris Resina / Sweetgum Resin): Also known as Fengxiangzhi. The flavor is acrid and neutral. It invigorates blood, resolves toxicity, alleviates pain, and generates flesh. Its effects can be confused with Ruxiang, and its functions are similar.

Suhexiang (Styrax / Benzoin): The flavor is acrid, aromatic, and slightly bitter/neutral. It enters the Heart meridian to dispel pathogens and ward off evil influences; it clarifies and regulates blood and Qi, serving as a specialized drug for expelling malevolent spirits and calming the mind. It should be finely ground.

Shexiang (Moschus / Musk): The flavor is sweet and warm, with an acrid and penetrating quality. It opens orifices, relieves depression, wards off all kinds of abnormal Qi, and eliminates parasites/spirits. It is contraindicated for persons with deficiency.

Longnaoxiang (Borneolum Syntheticum / Borneol): Also known as Bingpian. The flavor is acrid and warm; its aromatic and penetrating nature disperses effectively. It enters the Lung meridian and transmits to the Heart and Spleen; it penetrates bones, opens orifices, dissipates fire, and expels pathogens. It is suitable when wind resides in the bone marrow. If the wind is only in the blood vessels and muscles, it may instead draw wind into the bones, so it is contraindicated.

Zhangnao (Camphora / Camphor): The flavor is acrid and hot, with an aromatic and penetrating quality. It can generate fire from water (stimulate Yang), open passages, relieve obstruction, eliminate dampness, and kill parasites. Placing it in shoes can treat tinea pedis (athlete's foot).

Wulingzhi (Trogopterori Faeces / Flying Squirrel Droppings): The flavor is acrid and neutral, with a foul odor. It enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians and excels at digesting meat accumulation, killing various harmful insects, and removing foul odors. It should be finely ground before use.

Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma / Coptis): The flavor is extremely bitter and cold. It enters the Lung and Liver meridians to clear entrenched heat and kill various parasites. It is strictly contraindicated for those with Spleen/Stomach deficiency.

Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum / Gypsum): The flavor is bitter, salty, and extremely cold. It can enter the bones to soften hardness, drain heat, and kill parasites. It is a specialized drug for various oral and dental diseases.

(Trees)

Huangbai (Phellodendri Cortex / Phellodendron Bark): The flavor is bitter and cold, slightly acrid. It enters the Bladder meridian to drain ministerial fire; it eliminates damp-heat and nourishes Kidney water, serving as a specialized drug for strengthening the Kidney and reducing fever. It should be stir-fried with salt water or wine. It is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and no damp-heat.

Huaijiao (Sophorae Fructus Immaturus / Sophora Fruit): Also known as Huaishi. The flavor is bitter and cold. It enters the Large Intestine meridian and also affects the Liver and Gallbladder. It cools blood and relaxes the intestines, serving as a specialized drug for intestinal wind bleeding and hemorrhoids. It should be steamed with human milk before use.

Huairui (Sophorae Flos Bud / Sophora Flower Bud): Also known as Huaimi; its nature is slightly light and ascending. Its efficacy is close to Huaijiao but it also treats upper body conditions.
Huaihua (Sophorae Flos / Sophora Flower): Its nature is uplifting and dispersing. It particularly cools blood and dispels wind, serving as a specialized drug for wind-heat red eyes and bloody dysentery. It should be stir-fried and ground before use.