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[Epimedium / Yin Yang Huo]
Taste: Acrid, Sweet. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. It derives its qi from Metal and Earth, and receives the Yang Qi of Heaven above to generate. Its action can ascend and descend; it is a Yang herb. Used as an guiding herb (Shi) with Dioscorea Rhizome (Shan Yao). Prepared with wine for better efficacy.
[Maintenance/Indications] Primarily treats impotence and severe injuries. Pain in the urethra. Promotes urination. Benefits Qi and strength. Strengthens willpower. (From *Shennong Ben Cao Jing*) Firmsin bones and tendons. Eliminates scrofula (Luo Li). Sores in the lower body. Middle age... [Text appears fragmented].
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Mingmen Meridian. Also enters the Liver Meridian. Penetrates the Stomach, Large Intestine, and Sanjiao meridians. It is a substance that assists Yang and benefits Essence. (Suitable for those with deficiency of True Yang).
[Prior Discourse] Shi Ying said: Pain in the urethra is due to deficiency of the Liver and Kidney. Tonifying these two meridians will stop the pain.
Ao's Commentary: *Ben Cao Bie Lu* states that long-term use leads to infertility. *Da Ming Ben Cao* again says it treats infertility caused by exhaustion of Yin and Yang. Why are these two statements contradictory? One does not realize that Epimedium is sweet and warm, benefiting Yang... [Text cuts off].
[Contraindications] *Ben Cao Jing Shu* states: Those with easy erection of deficient Yang, continuous nocturnal emissions, red urine and dry mouth, or persistent erection without flaccidity should all avoid it.
[Processing] Lei Gong said: When using it, remove the flower branches on the four sides of the leaves. For every jin (500g) of the herb, mix and stir-fry with 4 liang of sheep fat.

[Dong Qu / Angelica Sinensis]
Taste: Sweet, Acrid, Bitter. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. It inherits the sweetness of Earth and the warmth of Heaven to generate. Its action can ascend and descend; it is slightly Yin within Yang. It is incompatible with Ru (a plant) and wheat flour. It fears Acorus Rhizome (Chang Pu), Sargassum Thallus (Hai Zao), and Moutou.
[Maintenance/Indications] Primarily treats cough with rebellious Qi. Warm malaria. Chills and fever feeling like cold water sprinkling on the skin. Women with leukorrhea/menorrhagia leading to infertility. (From *Shennong Ben Cao Jing*) Removes stagnant blood and internal obstruction. Stroke... [Text appears fragmented]. Hematochezia and lumbar pain. As well as abdominal masses (Zheng Jia). Feeling loose as if sitting in water... [Text appears fragmented].
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen meridians. It is a substance that nourishes Blood and moistens dryness. (Also acts as a lubricating agent. A Qi-moving herb within the Blood category. The primary herb for the Heart Meridian. Treats various diseases that worsen at night).
[Prior Discourse] Zhen Quan said: Ancient formulas for treating upward rushing of evil blood after childbirth find no more urgent and effective remedy than this. For those with chaotic Qi and Blood, taking it brings immediate calm. It can tonify deficiency... [Text appears fragmented]. Must use... Sea... Move... [Text appears fragmented].
Ao's Commentary: Han... [Name missing] stated that for phlegm treatment, Ginger processing is used. ...An [Name missing] further stated that Dong Qu is not a herb for treating phlegm, and Ginger processing is also speculative. Indeed, Dong Qu is certainly not a herb for treating phlegm, however... [Text cuts off].
[Contraindications] *Ben Cao Jing Shu* states: This herb is acrid and warm, ultimately possessing a moving nature, thus causing loose stools. Furthermore, its qi is incompatible with Stomach Qi, thus for those with weak intestines and stomach... [Text cuts off].