Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) with a softer texture has a slightly neutral flavor and nature. It enters the Liver and Kidney meridians and is specifically used to treat deficiency fatigue accompanied by vexatious heat, bone-steaming tidal fever, and marrow heat. The dried, slender, and slightly white specimens are considered superior.

Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix) is bitter, pungent, and sweet in flavor, and neutral in nature. It enters the Lung meridian to resolve phlegm, direct rebellious Qi downward, relieve heat, and disperse wind. It is a specialized herb for coughs caused by wind pathogens. Specimens with a rich aroma and tender texture are preferred. It should not be used if there is no external pathogenic invasion. Note: Both Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) and Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix) are wind-dispelling herbs; however, their difference lies in that Chai Hu (Bupleuri Radix) has an ascending nature, whereas Qian Hu (Peucedani Radix) has a descending nature.

Tian Ma (Gastrodiae Rhizoma) is pungent and bitter, with a slightly warm nature. Its qi is mild and it excels at searching out latent wind. It enters the Qi aspect of the Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian. It regulates latent wind and overcomes dampness, making it suitable for spasms, epilepsy, and damp-bi syndrome.

Fu Zi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata) is warm in nature and pungent in flavor. It releases exterior cold and dispels floating heat. It serves as a guiding herb for the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart) meridian and is a principal herb for the Foot-Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian. Its flavor is extremely pungent, capable of moving water qi and drying dampness. Its nature is extremely sharp and fierce; it should not be used in large doses or alone.

Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma) is bitter and pungent, with a warm nature. It disperses stagnation and drains heat. It enters the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart) meridian, enabling Kidney Qi to ascend to the Heart, benefiting the nine orifices, and facilitating the interaction between the Heart and Kidney. Soak in Licorice root (Gan Cao / Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) water. Do not use if the condition is purely deficient without stagnation. The leaves are called Xiao Cao (Xiao Cao), which can stop diarrhea and nourish Yin.

Du Zhong (Eucommiae Cortex) is bitter and sweet, with a slightly warm nature. It nourishes the Kidney and Liver, dispels wind-deficiency and damp-bi, strengthens the waist and legs, and benefits the joints. It is an excellent tonic for treating deficiency-bi syndromes.

Yin Yang Huo (Epimedii Folium) is pungent, aromatic, and sweet, with a warm nature. It enters the Liver and Kidney meridians to promote Yang and benefit essence. It should be stir-fried with sheep fat. Those prone to hyperactive ministerial fire should avoid it.

Niu Xi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) is pungent, aromatic, and sweet, with a slightly warm nature. It enters the Blood aspect of the Kidney and Mingmen (Gate of Life). It dispels wind pathogens and Hong Jiao (foot-qi/beriberi), strengthening the waist and knees. Soak in wine and bake before use. Contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency with blazing ministerial fire.

Rou Cong Rong (Cistanches Herba) is sweet and warm in nature. It enters the Kidney and Mingmen (Gate of Life) to promote Yang and moisten dryness. It is contraindicated in cases of loose stools/diarrhea and excessive Yang leading to insecure essence retention.

Suo Yang (Cynomorii Herba) is sweet, sour, and salty, with a warm nature. It enters the Blood aspect of the Kidney and Mingmen (Gate of Life). It moistens dryness, promotes Yang, and vigorously tonifies essence and blood. Its efficacy is similar to Suo Yang (itself). Soak in wine, wash off the scales, and process with suet (animal fat). Its preparation method is also identical to Suo Yang (Cistanches Herba).

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