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Duzhong (Eucommiae Cortex): The qi is neutral and warm, the taste is pungent and sweet. The qi and flavor are both thin; its action descends, and its nature is yin. It is non-toxic. It tonifies the middle jiao, strengthens the will, benefits the kidneys, and replenishes essence. For those with lower back pain unable to bend, combined with Qianshi (Euryale Seed) and jujube flesh pills, it is a miraculous prescription. For those with foot pain unable to stand, decocted with Huangbo (Phellodendri Cortex) and Cangzhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma), it is a spiritual elixir. It eliminates dampness and itching of the scrotum, stops seminal emission and nocturnal spermatorrhea; therefore, it is used in Dazao Wan (Great Creation Pill) and Buyin Wan (Nourish Yin Pill).

Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix): The qi is neutral, the taste is bitter and sour. It is non-toxic. It regulates and tonifies the entire body's deficiency and emaciation, and can assist the twelve meridians. It governs cold-dampness-induced flaccidity and bi-syndrome (painful obstruction) of the hands and feet, and spasms of the large tendons. It regulates the delayed or difficult qi transformation of the bladder and short urine output. It tonifies the middle, reconnects severed tissues, nourishes yin, and strengthens yang. It fills the marrow, eliminates soreness and pain of the waist and knees, invigorates blood, and darkens beard and hair. If bamboo or wood splinters enter the flesh, chew thoroughly and apply thickly. For chronic malaria that does not heal for a long time, decoct alone and take continuously. For sudden poisoning causing unconsciousness, crush fresh roots and apply as a poultice to recover immediately. For severe urethral涩痛 (astringent pain) nearing critical danger, boil concentrated juice and drink with wine for immediate recovery. It treats women's blood disorders and blood masses (fixed abdominal masses), and delayed menstruation. It cures postpartum blood syncope and blood deficiency, and severe "child pillow" pain (postpartum abdominal pain). Combined with Shexiang (Musk), it induces abortion very quickly and guides other herbs downward like a galloping horse. Therefore, for any disease located between the waist, legs, and ankles, it must be used concurrently and cannot be omitted. For swelling and closure of the throat with phlegm-saliva sealing and knotting, use a small amount of Mingfan (Alumen) crushed with Niuxi to extract juice. Have the patient lie supine and drip into the nostrils; within moments, phlegm-saliva will surge out, with no effect surpassing this. Pregnant women should strictly avoid it. To induce abortion, use 1 liang of Xiong Tu Niuxi (Male Wild Achyranthes Root) and 1 qian of Zhen Shexiang (Real Musk), crush evenly, melt wax, roll into long strips, and insert into the vagina to induce abortion.

Baiguiban (Testudinis Carapax et Plastrum): The qi is neutral, the taste is salty and sweet. It is non-toxic, representing yin within yin. This agent is born from the yin qi of the north, being the most yin substance among yin substances. It greatly tonifies yin and treats insufficiency of yin-blood; thus, it is often used as the sovereign herb in tonifying lower jiao pills. Although said to tonify yin, it also tonifies the heart. For yin-deficiency fever, bone-steaming sensation, and skeletal flaccidity, it should be used. Li Dongyuan believed it strengthens yin and treats metrorrhagia; Chen Shigong's Supplement believed it removes blood stasis. Why? Because when yin is strong, qi and blood harmonize, and blood stasis naturally resolves; ultimately, the intent is consistent. It also regulates unclosed fontanelles in children and treats women's damp-itching and yin sores.