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**[Flavor and Nature]** Bitter, acrid. Raw form is cold in nature; cooked form is warm. Non-toxic. It grows by absorbing the generating qi of Shaoyang (Lesser Yang). Its action can ascend or descend; it belongs to Yin.

**[Indications]** Primarily treats heat-induced irritability, chest fullness, and inability to eat. Crush fresh roots/flowers to extract juice and take 3–4 he (approx. 60–80 ml); excessive dosage may induce vomiting. (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats phlegm caused by chronic malaria. Administer its juice to induce vomiting for expectoration. (Commentary by Cheng Wuji)

**[Meridian Tropism]** Enters the Liver Meridian. Also enters the Kidney Meridian. It is a herb that dispels wind and removes dampness. (It is a blood-level herb of the Liver Meridian, moving without retaining; its fragrance can open the Spleen.)

**[Preceding Discussions]** Zhongchun stated: Herbs born in spring naturally accord with Wind Qi. Wind overcomes dampness; bitter-cold clears heat. Thus, *Shennong Bencao Jing* uses it to treat heat, irritability, chest fullness, and anorexia.

**[Contraindications]** Jingshu stated: Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) caused by deficiency of Spleen and Kidney and insufficiency of Yin-blood, rather than by Wind-Dampness, should avoid this herb. Since this is a Wind-dispelling herb, all Wind herbs...

**[Processing]** Beiyao stated: When used, remove the coarse skin, retaining branches, leaves, flowers, and fruits. Mix with wine, steam, and sun-dry nine times. Form into honey pills; this greatly benefits Yuan Qi (Primal Qi). If not processed nine times...

**[Flavor and Nature]** Acrid, sweet. Warm in nature. Non-toxic. It obtains the Yin-cold qi of Heaven and Earth and inherits the properties of Metal and Water. Its action descends. It is Yang within Yin. When used in combination, it pairs well with Ziwan (Asteris Radix et Rhizoma). It is adverse to Zaojia (Gleditsiae Spina), Xiaoshi (Natrii Nitras), and Yuanshen (Scrophulariae Radix). It fears Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus), Xinyi (Magnoliae Flos), Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba), Huang [missing character, likely Huangqi or Huanglian], Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Lianqiao (Forsythiae Fructus), and Qingxiangzi (Celosiae Semen). Some say although it fears Beimu, combining them yields good results. It flowers in the 11th and 12th lunar months, resembling yellow chrysanthemums; those slightly unopened are considered superior.

**[Indications]** Primarily treats cough with rebellious Qi, frequent wheezing, throat obstruction (Houbi), various types of convulsions and epilepsy, and pathogenic Cold-Heat. (*Shennong Bencao Jing*). Treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst) and wheezing/respiratory distress. (*Bencao Jing Jiu Yi / Bie Lu*). Eliminates phlegm, cleanses...

**[Meridian Tropism]** Enters the Lung Meridian. It is a herb that moistens the Lungs, drains Heat, and stops cough. (It is an essential herb for treating cough; applicable to Cold, Heat, Deficiency, and Excess patterns.)

**[Preceding Discussions]** Su Song stated: *Shennong Bencao Jing* indicates it treats cough with rebellious Qi; ancient formulas use it as the premier herb for warming the Lungs and stopping cough. Guo Peilan stated: It stands out uniquely in deep winter, blooming before spring. It is not merely for the Lung...

**Editor's Note:** Cough with rebellious Qi, Wasting-Thirst, and acute wheezing are all diseases characterized by Fire flaming upward and Qi rebelling. Kuandonghua is acrid, dispersing, and moistening; sweet, relaxing, and harmonizing. It excels at descending Qi. When Qi descends, Fire also calms down.

**[Processing]** Leigong stated: When used, remove the stamen and calyx/shell, taking only the pure flower. Soak in Licorice water overnight, sun-dry. For pill formulations, lightly roast before use.