Library

[Weilingxian (Clematis Root)]
Pungent and salty in flavor, warm in nature, it excels at coursing through the meridians and collaterals. It is a specific drug for gout and stubborn bi-syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome). Its color is deep black, commonly known as Tieji Weilingxian (Iron-foot Clematis). Decocted with rock sugar in wine, it is quite effective for treating bone fishbone impaction.

[Gouteng (Uncaria Rhynchophylla)]
Sweet and slightly bitter in flavor, cold in nature, it enters the Heart and Liver channels to calm fright and reduce heat. It specifically eliminates dizziness, relaxes sinews, and is a specific drug for regulating Liver Qi and Ministerial Fire. Vines that are thin with many hooks are of better quality. Decoction results in weakened efficacy.

[Shijunzi (Quisqualis Fruit)]
Sweet in flavor and warm in nature, it enters the Spleen and Stomach channels to strengthen and transport Spleen Qi, eliminate accumulation, and kill parasites. It is a specific drug for abdominal pain caused by intestinal parasites.

[Xuduan (Dipsacus Root)]
Also known as Chanzhi Mudan. Sweet and pungent in flavor, its strength can tonify exhaustion and reconnect sinews and bones. Drip the juice onto the injured area and apply the dregs on top, changing three times a day. After half a month, severed sinews will heal.

[Jueshuo (Strobilanthes Crispa / or related herb)*]
Also named Juomeiye. Sour and cold in flavor, it is effective for treating mammary abscess and perianal abscess.

(Water plants, Stone plants, Moss-like herbs)

[Zexie (Alisma Rhizome)]
Sweet and salty in flavor, slightly cold in nature, it enters the Bladder channel and concurrently enters the Kidney channel. It drains damp-heat and promotes urination, making it a specific drug for damp-heat in the Yin aspect. It is contraindicated for those with Kidney deficiency without dampness. Both Zexie and Mutong are diuretic drugs. However, Zexie drains damp-heat from Ministerial Fire, while Mutong drains damp-heat from Heart Fire; they differ in this regard.

[Shichangpu (Acorus Rhizome)]
Pungent and bitter in flavor, warm in nature, aromatic and dispersing. Its strength can unblock the Heart and benefit the orifices, open depression, and resolve phlegm turbidity. It is a specific drug for fright epilepsy due to Qi closure. Use the root. Contraindicated for those with insufficient Blood and Qi.

[Sheng Dihuang / Shu Dihuang context]*
Sweet and neutral in flavor, it enters the Jueyin (Liver) Blood aspect. When used raw, its nature is slippery, promoting menstruation and breaking blood stasis; when stir-fried until charred, its nature becomes astringent, stopping bleeding and stabilizing metrorrhagia. Do not use if there is no blood stasis.

[Mahuang (Ephedra Herb)]
Pungent and cold in flavor, light and floating, entering the Lung channel. Its strength induces sweating to dispel wind and promotes urination to reduce edema. It should not be indiscriminately administered unless there is Wind-Damp-Heat pathogenic factor.

[Kunbu (Kelp Thallus)]
Bitter and salty in flavor, cold in nature, it softens hardness and breaks up accumulations, clears heat, and reduces goiter. It is a specific drug for scrofula (lymphatic tuberculosis).

[Haisao (Sargassum Thallus)]
Slightly neutral in nature, it descends water and reduces goiter, with effects similar to Kunbu.

[Haishajia / Other Algae]*
Effects similar to Kunbu, but slightly more lubricating, with a more vigorous nature. Overconsumption leads to emaciation.

[Shihu (Dendrobium Stem)]
Sweet and bland in flavor, slightly salty and cold in nature. It harmonizes Stomach Qi and removes deficient heat, nourishes Kidney Yin and calms the Spirit. It is a specific drug for Stomach deficiency complicated by Heat damaging Yin. Mountain-grown Shihu has similar functions and additionally opens the appetite. Fresh Shihu is very cold, especially capable of clearing heat and benefiting Yin. Those that are bitter, have square stems, and hard texture are named Muhu and are unsuitable for medicinal use.