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The Qi is cold and the Flavor is bitter; the Qi is thin and the Flavor is dense. It is non-toxic, sinking in nature, and belongs to Yin. It is a herb entering the Hand-Shaoyin (Heart) Meridian. When stir-fried with ginger juice for use, it stops vomiting and clears heat from the Heart and Stomach. Furthermore, it treats various seasonal epidemics, resolves various types of heat toxins, foul toxins, as well as swelling toxins, sores, ulcers, and sudden-onset eye diseases. This is because when Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome) is processed with ginger juice, its cold nature is harmonized and its property becomes lighter and moderated, slightly altering its character to guide it to areas of heat, thereby taming and transforming it. This corresponds to the classic principle of "treating heat with cold" (Re Yin Han Yong). When used together with Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix), it is an essential medicine for abdominal pain and dysentery. When used together with Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus), it is a miraculous prescription for acid regurgitation and vomiting. Combined with Zhike (Aurantii Fructus), it treats bloody hemorrhoids; combined with Danggui (Angelicae Sinensis Radix), it treats eye diseases. Assisted by Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and honey, it facilitates the interaction between the Heart and Kidney in an instant. Added with Shengjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma Recens) and Xixin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma), it cures Heart and Lung ailments within moments. To clear upper orifices such as the head, eyes, and mouth ulcers, wine-processing is best. To drain Fire from the Liver and Gallbladder, steaming with Zhu Dan (Porci Bile) is exquisite, taking advantage of its entry into the lower part to drain downward. To resolve the toxicity of smallpox, processing with Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix) and Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba) juices is effective, utilizing their ability to reach the exterior and resolve toxins. For Excess Fire, combine with Puxiao (Natrii Sulfas); for Deficiency Fire, use vinegar; for Phlegm-Fire, use ginger juice; for Hidden Fire, use salt water. For diarrhea caused by rice food stagnation, process with Bitu (Fodder Earth). For sudden onset of red eyes, soak in Renru (Humanis Lac). Why does Li Dongyuan consider it capable of thickening the intestines and stomach? It is likely that the intestines and stomach are disturbed by Damp-Heat, leading to dysentery and pain. Upon receiving this bitter-cold agent, the Damp-Heat is removed, pain ceases, and the intestines and stomach naturally become robust. He also stated that using it with Muxiang to treat epigastric fullness and Fuliang (substance accumulation in the heart region) is appropriate. However, if it is due to retained food and cold invasion, or if administered too early in the course of Shanghan (Cold Damage) after purgative treatment, it should not be used. He also said that clearing mixed redness (blood) in the intestines is appropriate. But what about lower bleeding due to Yin Deficiency, or blood failing to return to the Spleen due to Spleen damage; is it suitable to use it indiscriminately? He also mentioned treating the Five Exhaustions and Seven Emotions, calming palpitations, and stopping heart and abdominal pain, without distinguishing between Cold and Heat, speaking generally. Users should exercise discretion.

Huhuanglian (Scutellariae Barbatae Rhizoma) treats bone-steaming fever from consumption, cough from Shanghan, and resolves Wen Nue (Warm Malaria) with excessive heat quickly. It completely eliminates chronic dysentery progressing into Gan disease (childhood malnutrition syndrome). It tonifies the Liver and Gallbladder, alleviating eye pain with particular efficacy. It regulates the waist and Kidneys, stopping night sweats most rapidly. Generally, bitter flavors enter the Heart first; entering the Heart generates dryness and heat. Although this herb is said to drain Heart Fire, it actually drains Spleen Earth, because the Son can make the Mother solid, and when Solid, one drains the Son. Stop taking it once the illness is cured; do not take it for a long time, as prolonged use will transform into Fire, causing increased sensation of heat. Thus it is said: "Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Huanglian, and Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus), taken for a long time cause fever," which refers to this phenomenon. Contraindicated with flowered pork.