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Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri): The qi is neutral, the taste is slightly bitter. Both qi and taste are thin, it is non-toxic, ascending in nature, and represents yang within yin. It primarily treats stabbing pain in the hypochondriac regions on both sides, tidal fever occurring at dusk, and alternating chills and fever. Here, its function is to eliminate cold-heat conditions of the Hand-Shaoyang and Foot-Shaoyang meridians. Generally, one should stop using it once the disease is cured; it must not be overused because its qi and taste are thin and easily dispersing. In formulas treating consumption (Lao), it is used because it can lift clear qi to rotate from the left side, thereby dispelling pathogenic heat. Furthermore, it treats migraines and chest-hypochondriac pain, resolves the muscle layer, releases the exterior, disperses pathogens, and clears heat. When paired with Huang Qin (Scutellariae Radix), it serves as a crucial agent in the treatment of Shang Han (Cold Damage). As the principal herb for Chang Shan (Dichroae Radix), it forms the main prescription for Wen Nue (Warm Malaria). Used together with Bai Shao (Paeoniae Radix Alba), it suppresses Liver Qi and dissipates fire. Used together with Huang Lian (Coptidis Rhizoma), it cools the Heart and resolves heat. For irregular menstruation, adding Si Wu Tang (Four Substances Decoction), Qin Jiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix), Xu Duan (Dipsaci Radix), and Mu Dan Pi (Moutan Cortex) yields the most effective results. For postpartum blood stasis, using Si Wu Tang combined with San Leng (Curcumae Zedoariae Rhizoma), E Zhu (Curcumae Rhizoma), and Ma Bian Cao (Callicarpae Herba) to break up stasis is extremely effective. In Xiao Yao San (Free and Easy Wanderer Powder), it is used to scatter stagnant Qi and promote internal smoothness. In Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction), it is used to lift Yuan Qi and rotate it to the left.

Ge Gen (Puerariae Lobatae Radix): The qi is neutral, the taste is sweet. Both qi and taste are thin, it is non-toxic, ascending in nature, and represents yin within yang. It releases exterior pathogens of Shang Han (Cold Damage) and stops polydipsia caused by Stomach deficiency. It resolves severe toxicity from excessive alcohol consumption and treats intermittent Warm Malaria. It can stop headaches and is good at dispersing sores and rashes. When entering formulas with Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) to treat the muscle layer, its merit is paramount. Combined with Sheng Ma (Cimicifugae Rhizoma) to open hair follicles, its efficacy is unparalleled. Its juice is cold and specifically regulates epidemic febrile diseases, and it also stops vomiting and epistaxis due to heat toxins. Its powder is sweet and cold, effectively resolving post-drinking irritability and promoting the unblocking of dry constipation in both bowels and bladder. The flower awakens the spirit and prevents drunkenness; the shell treats dysentery and consolidates the intestines. It is truly the sacred herb of the Yangming channel. For impetigo that fails to erupt, I use it to cause immediate eruption. Why? Because the muscles are solid and the cou li (pores/skin texture) are dense, preventing free flow, thus causing slow eruption. Now, through Ge Gen's ability to resolve the muscle layer and unblock, the muscles become smooth and the cou li opens, allowing the lesions to erupt immediately. Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum): The qi is warm, the taste is sweet and bitter. The qi is thin and the taste is strong; it can ascend and descend, representing yang within yin. It has slight toxicity. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung meridian. It resolves muscle toxins and dissipates stagnation. When added to Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba), it benefits rebellious Qi in the chest and relieves panting. Combined with Wu Mei (Mume Fructus), it moistens the Large Intestine, resolves Qi closure, and alleviates difficulty in defecation. Single kernels open the cou li very quickly; double kernels are extremely effective for treating dog bites. I once used Xing Ren (3 qian), Lou Lu (Aristolochiae Manshuriensis Fructus, 3 qian), Chan Tui (Cicadae Periostracum, 2 qian), Bai Fan (Alumen, 5 qian), and Bai Pi (Arsenite, 0.5 fen), finely ground, formed into pills with red date flesh, sized like paulownia seeds. Taken after meals with cold water, seven doses for males and six for females, it is miraculously effective for asthma. Generally, stop use once the disease is cured; do not take excessively, as overdose damages sinews and bones. Contraindicated in diarrhea and dysentery. Avoid millet; wary of dog meat.