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Baiwei (Radix Cynanchi Tashiroi)
Taste: bitter, salty. Nature: neutral, very cold. Toxicity: non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats sudden wind-stroke (stroke caused by wind pathogen), fever of the body, fullness and distension of the limbs, mental confusion with loss of consciousness, mania, delirium, and invasion by evil qi; alternating chills and fever, soreness and pain; warm malaria (a type of malaria characterized by periodic chills and fever) with shivering chills at onset, occurring at fixed times; treats internal injury leading to stranguria and leukorrhea, promotes the movement of water qi in the lower jiao, benefits yin qi, and nourishes essence. Also known as Baimu, Weicao, Chuncuo, and Gumei. Long-term use is beneficial to the human body. Habitat: grows in plains and river valleys. Harvest time: roots collected on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month, dried in shade. Contraindications: incompatible with Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma), Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix), Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma), Ganqi (Lacca Resina), Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), and Dazao (Jujubae Fructus).

Tao Hongjing stated: It is found everywhere near roads. The root resembles Niuxi (Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix) but is shorter and smaller. Physicians often use it to treat fright-evil, wind-manic disorders, and zhu-disease (a disease characterized by transmission or mental abnormalities). Ministers Yu Xi et al., according to *Yaoxing Lun*, recorded: Baiwei is a minister herb. It can treat mental confusion, lethargy with loss of consciousness, and various evil spirits and demonic influences.

*Tu Jing Ben Cao* stated: Baiwei grows in plains and river valleys. Currently, it is also produced in various commanderies of Shaanxi, as well as in Chuzhou, Shuzhou, Runzhou, and Liaozhou. The stems and leaves are green, resembling willow leaves. It bears red flowers in the 6th and 7th lunar months and fruits in the 8th lunar month. The root is yellowish-white, resembling Niuxi but shorter and smaller. Roots are collected on the 3rd day of the 3rd lunar month and dried in shade for use. Some sources now state collection in the 8th lunar month.

Lei Gong stated: After harvesting, soak the root in rice washing water overnight. The next morning, take it out, remove the root hairs, finely chop it on a locust wood cutting board, and steam it from Si hour (09:00-11:00) to Shen hour (15:00-17:00), then take it out for use.

Baqia (Smilax Glabra Rhizome)
Taste: sweet. Nature: neutral, warm. Toxicity: non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats cold pain in the waist and back, wind-bi (wind-dampness bi syndrome), nourishes blood and qi, and stops frequent urination. Habitat: grows in mountains and wild areas. Harvest time: roots collected in the 2nd and 8th lunar months, sun-dried.

Tao Hongjing stated: There are three types of this herb, generally similar in both roots and aerial parts. Baqia has purple stems, is short and small, has many fine thorns, is slightly smaller than Bibo (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), and is darker in color; people use it as a drink. *Tang Ben Zhu* noted: Tao's statement that the three types are similar is incorrect. For Bibo with thorns, the leaves are roughly similar, but the roots are not. Bibo is slender and white, whereas Baqia roots form tubers, are yellowish-red, and are completely different from Gouji (Cibotii Rhizoma). Ministers Yu Xi et al., according to *Rihua Zi Bencao*, recorded: Treats epidemic febrile diseases and miasma. Leaves treat wind-swelling, relieve pain, heal traumatic injuries, and treat malignant sores. Applying salt topically is effective. Also known as Jinganggen and Wangguacao.

*Tu Jing Ben Cao* stated: Baqia was not previously recorded with specific origins, only stating it grows in mountains and wild areas. Currently, it is abundant near the capital and in various prefectures of Jiangsu and Zhejiang. The vines grow long, two to three chi, with thorns. The leaves resemble those of Dongqing (Ilex Cornuta) or Wuyao (Linderae Radix), and are slightly larger than those of Lingye (Trapa Natans). It bears yellow flowers in autumn and produces black fruits, about the size of a cherry. The roots form tubers, reddish-yellow in color. Roots are collected in the 2nd and 8th lunar months and sun-dried for use. People in Jiangsu and Zhejiang call it Jinganggen. Soaking it to extract red juice and boiling it with starch for food is said to ward off miasma. Its leaves, crushed with salt and applied topically, are effective for wind-swelling and malignant sores, commonly used by the folk. Poor rural families also use it to brew wine, which is excellent for treating wind-toxin causing leg weakness, bi-syndrome with fullness, and rebellious qi ascending.