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[Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhimu)]
Bitter in taste. Cold in nature. Non-toxic. Born from the supreme Yin Qi of Heaven and Earth. Descending. Yin in nature. Harmonizes well with Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai) and wine. Averse to salt and borax. Avoid iron vessels.

[Indications] Primarily treats Xiao Ke Re Zhong (internal heat diabetes). Eliminates pathogenic factors. Limb edema. Promotes urination. Tonifies deficiencies. Benefits Qi. (From *Shennong Bencao Jing*) Treats lingering malaria with irritability and fever after prolonged Shang Han (cold damage). Postpartum consumptive disease. Clears Heart. Clears Lung Metal.

[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Lung and Kidney meridians. It is a substance that clears fire and nourishes water (nourishes yin and descends fire). (Also serves as a tonic and lubricant. It is a drug for the Qi level of the Lung and Kidney. Specifically clears excess fire in the Kidney.)

[Preliminary Discussion] Li Dongyuan said: Whenever heat resides in the Qi level of the Upper Jiao, accompanied by constipation and thirst, it indicates latent heat in the Lung that fails to generate Kidney Water, causing the Bladder to lose its source of transformation. It is appropriate to use bland and permeating substances to clear fire, purify metal, and nourish the source of water transformation. When heat depletes the Lower Jiao, without Yin, Yang cannot transform. Anemarrhena Rhizome enters the Qi level of the Lung and Kidney.

[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong said: Impotence. Conditions where erection occurs easily but impotence follows easily. Diarrhea. Spleen deficiency leading to indigestion. Stomach deficiency leading to anorexia. Kidney deficiency leading to loose stools. All are contraindicated.

[Processing] Li Shizhen said: When using it, if one wishes to guide the medicinal action upward, soak it in wine and bake it. If one wishes the action to descend, moisten it with salt water and bake it.

[Scrophulariae Radix (Xuanshen)]
Bitter and salty in taste. Slightly cold in nature. Non-toxic. Correctly inherits the Qi of Water from the North, combined with the harmonious Qi of Spring Yang to be born. Capable of ascending and descending. Yin in nature. Averse to Scutellariae Radix (Huangqin), Dried Ginger (Ganjiang), Fennel (Huixiang), and Cornus Officinalis Fruit (Shanyuzi). Incompatible with Veratrum Root (Lilu). Do not come into contact with copper or iron.

[Indications] Primarily treats abdominal accumulations of cold and heat. Residual diseases in women after childbirth. Tonifies Kidney Qi. Enhances vision. (From *Shennong Bencao Jing*) Sudden stroke or Shang Han. Body heat. Chest and hypochondriac distension and fullness. Carbuncles. Heart pain.

[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Kidney meridian. It is a substance that strengthens water to control fire (nourishes yin to subdue hyperactive fire). (Also serves as a tonic. It is the sovereign drug for the Kidney. It dissipates rootless floating fire.)

[Preliminary Discussion] Liu Wansu said: This is a pivot agent. It manages all Qi, keeping the upper and lower parts clear and pure without turbidity. It is frequently used in wind-dispelling drugs. Therefore, *The Book That Keeps People Alive* discusses its application in treating [conditions involving]. When Yang lacks [root/control], [it floats]. Tubercles [scrofula].

[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong said: Blood deficiency with blurred vision. Fluid retention causing chest and hypochondriac fullness. Blood deficiency with abdominal pain. Spleen deficiency with diarrhea. All are contraindicated.

[Processing] *Bencao Beiyao* said: When using it, steam it, dry it, and then bake it for use.