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[Shu Hulu] Pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats cold qi, abdominal distension and fullness in the heart and abdomen; tonifies the Kidney; eliminates blood and qi disorders in women; treats dysentery; kills dental worms. Grows in Annan, resembling Xiangzi (Aucklandia root).

[Another variety] Bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats chronic red and white dysentery progressing to infantile malnutrition (Gan syndrome). Grows by the water's edge. Red stems with opposite leaves, resembling the seedlings of Lilium bulbiferum.

[Another variety] Sour in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats wind-bi caused by cold qi; opens the stomach and promotes food intake; removes abdominal distension; long-term consumption brightens the eyes. Grows in the Hu state of Baxi, resembling Cuscutae Semen (Dodder seed), slightly longer.

[Another variety] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats cholera-like disease (Huoluan); cold abdominal distension and fullness; attacking cold qi; internal abdominal disharmony; postpartum blood attack; stabbing pain in the chest and hypochondrium. Decocted for oral administration; its young shoots can also be eaten like scallions and leeks. Can also be crushed and applied externally to treat snake bites. Grows on plateaus, resembling Allium macrostemon but longer. Making soup from it for postpartum consumption is beneficial.

[Another variety] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats wind-cold qi, as well as sores, scabies, and pruritus; treats bleeding from Yeji Lou (a gynecological condition involving uterine bleeding). Decoction taken orally. Grows on mountain rocks, bearing purple flowers and fine leaves, one to two chi high; used by mountain dwellers.

[Another variety] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats upper jiao cold cough; decocted for oral administration. Grows in the Kingdom of Silla, roots resembling Asari Radix et Rhizoma (Xixin).

[Another variety] Primarily treats wounds from beating (Zhang chuang); crushed leaves and branches applied externally. Grows at the foot of mountains, with pointed, slender leaves.

[Another variety] Bitter in flavor, very cold in nature, slightly toxic. Primarily resolves toxicity of various medicines; functions similar to Chen Family White Medicine. When a person vomits toxic substances and doubts whether evacuation is complete, grind with water and administer. It will induce vomiting; if toxins remain, administer again. These two substances are cold in nature, contrary to the treatment principles for cholera-like disease and dysentery. Produced south of Gongzhou. Gan Jia was also named after a person. Leaves resemble Plantaginis Seed (Cheqiancao), growing in shady places; roots resemble Pinelliae Rhizoma (Banxia). Lingnan has many toxic substances, but also many detoxifying substances; is this not natural endowment?

[Another variety] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats cold qi invading the middle jiao; indigestion of retained food; abdominal distension and dysentery; backache; Pi Qi masses (accumulations); accumulation of evil blood. Grows in the Kingdom of Brahman, resembling Zingiberis Rhizoma (Jiang) but smaller and yellower. Also known as Hu Ganjiang (Hu Dried Ginger).

[Another variety] Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily breaks up cold qi; aids digestion. Grows in the Western Regions. It is a grass root, used by Hu people.

Added during the Jiyou year based on Yan Yi.