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[Samyuan Jili (Astragali Complanati Semen)] The nature is bitter and warm, slightly astringent. It secures essence and conserves qi, tonifies the kidneys, and strengthens the lower back. It is the specific herb for deficiency of the kidney with slipping orifices that cannot tolerate purely astringent herbs. Prepared by stir-frying with salt water.

[Chongwei (Leonuri Herba)] Also known as Chongwei. The nature is pungent, bitter, and slightly cold. It enters the Jueyin meridians of the foot and hand. It promotes blood circulation and removes blood stasis. It is the specific herb for menstrual and postpartum disorders. Do not use if there is no blood stasis. Chongwei Zi (Leonuri Fructus): The nature and flavor are slightly similar, but it can further regulate menstruation and promote blood circulation, aiding conception. Slightly stir-fried. Do not use if there is no blood stagnation.

[Unspecified Herb (likely Kelp/Kombu type based on description)] Pungent, bitter, and slightly cold. It enters the Jueyin meridian to soothe the liver, clear heat, dissipate nodules, and reduce goiter. Long-term use may damage the stomach.

[Unspecified Herb (likely Qinghao type based on description)] Bitter, cold, and aromatic. It receives the Qi of spring generation earliest. It enters the Shaoyang and Jueyin meridians. It relieves irritability, clears summerheat, reduces fever, and eliminates steaming bone disorder. It is the specific herb for consumptive fever and summerheat fever. The stem: additionally harmonizes the stomach.

[Unspecified Herb (likely Danshen type based on description)] Bitter and slightly cold. Its nature is light and floating; its shape resembles the heart. It enters the Shaoyin and Jueyin meridians of the hand; additionally enters the Shaoyang meridians of the hand and foot, and the Yangming meridian of the hand. [It treats] nodules, detoxifies, and reduces carbuncles. Excessive consumption may reduce appetite.

[Unspecified Herb (likely Jinyinhua type based on description)] Pungent, bitter, and cold. It purges heat and detoxifies. It is the specific herb for external application in surgery.

[Unspecified Herb (likely Mangxiao type based on description)] Bitter and salty. It softens hardness, dissipates nodules, reduces goiter, purges heat, and detoxifies. It is the specific herb for surgery.

[Niubangzi (Arctii Fructus)] Also known as Eshi, Niubangzi, or Shuniuzi. The nature is pungent, bitter, and slightly cold. It enters the Lung meridian to disperse wind, dissipate nodules, purge heat, clear the throat, and facilitate urination and defecation. Contraindicated in cases of loose bowels. Some are stir-fried with soil.

[Xiaoji (Cirsii Herba)] Sweet, bitter, and cool. Both [Xiaoji and Daji] can cool blood and dissipate blood stasis. However, Xiaoji has weak efficacy and cannot eliminate carbuncle toxins like Daji does.

[Unspecified Herb (likely Zelan type based on description)] Bitter and slightly cold. It breaks blood stasis, unblocks menstruation, kills parasites, and reduces distension. Use the seedlings and leaves. Contraindicated in deficient persons.

[Unspecified Herb (likely Qiancao type based on description)] Bitter and warm. It breaks blood stasis, unblocks menstruation, reduces distension, and stops bleeding. The stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds are all usable. Excessive consumption causes vomiting and diarrhea.

[Honghua (Carthami Flos)] Ancient name Honglanhua. Pungent, bitter, sweet, and warm. Enters the Liver meridian to treat blood. In small doses, it invigorates and harmonizes blood; in large doses, it breaks blood stasis and promotes blood movement. Seeds: Dissipate blood nodules. Leaves: Apply topically for carbuncles and swellings.

[Wangbuliuxing (Vaccariae Semen)] Sweet, bitter, and neutral. It moves rapidly and readily enters the Blood level. It unblocks menstruation and promotes lactation. It is an herb for the Yangming, Chong, and Ren meridians. Use the seedlings and seeds, steamed with malt water. Contraindicated in pregnant women and those with Qi and Blood deficiency.