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Dingxiang (Caryophylli Flos): The nature is warm, the flavor is pungent, it belongs to pure Yang and is non-toxic. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian, Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It warms the Spleen and Stomach, stops Huoluan (cholera-like symptoms with vomiting and diarrhea). It dissipates accumulations and masses, relieves abdominal distension and Fanwei (regurgitation or diaphragmatic spasm). For cold pain in the abdomen, it strengthens Yang and warms the waist. It dispels Cold from the Stomach, stops acid regurgitation, and neutralizes alcohol toxicity. When used together with Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), it also treats Ben tun Qi (a condition characterized by a sensation of Qi rushing upward from the lower abdomen). It can vent Lung Qi, tonify Stomach Qi, greatly benefit the Kidneys, and effectively stop diarrhea. It is contraindicated for patients with acneiform eruptions (Doujia) who have internal heat. It is incompatible with Yujin (Curcumae Radix).

Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix): The nature is hot, the flavors are bitter and pungent, the Qi and flavor are both dense, and its action is descending. Bitterness enters the Heart, and pungency enters the Lungs; therefore, it enters the Heart to regulate Qi throughout the body. For stagnation in the chest and abdomen, Cold Qi, and Qi stagnation with phlegm accumulation in the meridians, it should be used. Why does the *Bencao Gangmu Shiyi* (Supplement to Compendium of Materia Medica) consider it a herb that moves Liver Qi? Because the Heart is the master of the whole body, and all Qi and Blood obey its command. If the Heart has mastery, it can lead Qi; if Lung Qi is regulated, the Fire stirring in the Liver will naturally subside. Only when a person is angry does Liver Qi become rebellious and contrary to normal flow. Moreover, if the Heart cannot restrain the emotions of the Liver, Liver Qi becomes excessive, manifesting either as depression/stagnation or as attacking/rushing pain. In this context, the bitter, pungent, and warm dispersing properties of Muxiang enter the Heart. Once these properties enter the Heart, Heart Qi becomes smooth and free-flowing, and consequently, Qi also becomes smooth and free-flowing. When Qi flows smoothly, there is no rebellion of Liver Qi. Essentially, it is the Heart that regulates Liver Qi, not Liver Qi acting independently; this point must not be overlooked. Furthermore, when roasted, it enters the Large Intestine Meridian; when used in large doses, it vents Lung Qi. Li Dongyuan used Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) to control it, likely because excessive movement of Qi may lead to leakage of vital energy. Its efficacy in descending Qi and relieving pain is supreme. Patients with acneiform eruptions... [Text cuts off here]

Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix): The nature is warm, the flavors are pungent and sweet, the Qi and flavor are light, and it can ascend and descend; it belongs to Yang. Used in large amounts, it greatly benefits those with blood disorders, and is used for various blood conditions. However, it flows freely without a fixed direction because its pungent and sweet flavors make its Qi smooth. It follows the guiding herbs to reach different parts of the body. It enters the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian because the Heart governs Blood. It enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian because the Spleen contains Blood. It enters the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian because the Liver stores Blood. When used with Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Baishao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), and Shengdi (Rehmanniae Radix), it nourishes Yin and tonifies the Kidneys. When used with Chuanxiong (Ligustici Chuanxiong Rhizoma), it ascends to the head and temples, treating headaches due to Blood deficiency. Adding a small amount of Baishao and Muxiang generates Liver Blood to nourish Heart Blood. Combined with other blood-nourishing herbs and Yiyiren (Coicis Semen), Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix), it descends to the feet and knees, treating conditions where Blood fails to nourish the sinews. Combined with other blood-nourishing herbs and Renshen (Ginseng Radix), Chuanwu (Aconiti Radix), Wuyao (Linderae Radix), and Yiyiren, it nourishes the exterior of the whole body, treating cold-dampness-toxin in the sinews of the entire body. Assisted by Huangqi (Astragali Radix) and Renshen, it tonifies Blood. Assisted by Qianniu (Pharbitidis Semen) and Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), it breaks Blood stasis. Following Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata), it becomes hot; following Xiaoshi (Natrii Sulfas) and Dahuang, it becomes cold. Entering harmonizing blood formulas, the Blood harmonizes; entering astringing blood formulas, the Blood is retained; entering cooling blood formulas, the Blood cools; entering moving blood formulas, the Blood moves; entering resolving stasis formulas, the stasis resolves; entering generating blood formulas, new Blood is generated. Each has its specific destination, hence the name Danggui (Returning to the Source). For patients with acneiform eruptions suffering from constipation, this is caused by Heat-Toxin boiling down True Yin, resulting in insufficient Blood in the Large Intestine Meridian. Adding a heavy dose of Danggui to Xuanmingfen (Mirabilite) generates Blood and naturally moistens the Large Intestine. Some argue that using Danggui when acneiform eruptions are about to crust over might cause pain due to moving Blood; this is an illogical argument. Since the intestines and stomach are dry, blood-tonifying herbs will moisten the interior of the intestines and stomach; what else would act externally on the eruptions? The Classic says: "If there is a disease, the disease receives the treatment, and there is no harm to the healthy Qi." This is exactly what is meant. It is contraindicated for patients with loose stools/diarrhea.