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Angelicae Sinensis Radix (Danggui, 当归), acrid and sweet in taste, with a musky fragrance, is greatly warm. It enters the Liver channel, promotes the circulation of Qi and Blood, resolves stagnation and disperses constraint, strengthens the Yang Qi of the Liver and Gallbladder, and transforms cold-bi in the blood vessels. For conditions where cold-dampness coagulates and obstructs, causing pain and spasmodic tightness in the sinews and bones, or inability to sweat, this herb is used to warm and unblock the meridians. Although its nature can moisten, it is contraindicated for those with deficiency-dryness in the Blood level, flaming-up of Liver-Stomach Fire, dizziness, vomiting, or excessive sweating, due to its warming, ascending, and dispersing properties. Angelica produced in Qin (Shaanxi) is sweet and moistening; that from Chuan (Sichuan) is acrid and inferior. It can also penetrate the Du vessel (Governing Vessel) and reach the vertex, raising Yang Qi to dispel Yin pathogens and malevolent influences.

Artemisiae Annuae Herba (Qinghao, 青蒿), bitter and slightly acrid, slightly cold, is clear and dispersing. It enters the Liver and Gallbladder channels, clears damp-heat, opens constrained Qi, and circulates Qi stagnation within the Blood level. Generally, herbs that are aromatic and cold can disperse turbid heat caused by abundant dampness and Qi obstruction, as well as constrained heat due to Blood stasis and Qi deficiency; however, they are not suitable for dry-heat arising from Blood deficiency and hyperactive Qi. Examples include Yinchen Hao (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), Xiakucao (Prunellae Spica), Jiegeng (Platycodonis Radix), Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix), and Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix).

Radix Platycodonis (Jiegeng, 桔梗), greatly bitter, sweet, and acrid, cool in nature, can descend and open up. It enters the Lung channel, clears heat, and disperses wind, addressing wind-fire stagnating and hyperactive in the Upper Jiao. Thus, *Shennong Bencao Jing* indicates it treats distending pain in both hypochondria; other texts note it treats sore throat, resolves macules and rashes, stops cough, relieves warm-toxicity, and drains pus from carbuncles and sores. These are all diseases caused by fire-pathogen stagnation, suitable for treatment with bitter herbs. Sweet Jiegeng generates fluids and benefits Qi, acting similarly to Huangqi (Astragali Radix), but with weaker efficacy.

Bupleuri Radix (Chaihu, 柴胡), a bitter and cold herb that clears and descends, enters the Liver and Gallbladder channels. It clears constrained heat, directs rebellious Qi downward, regulates damp-heat in the intestines and stomach, stops dizziness and vomiting, removes hypochondriac distension, and relaxes stiffness in flaccidity syndromes. It lacks the property of venting and ascending. Its Qi is clear; it can dry but not moisten. Drying tends toward ascending and dispersing, so it is suitable for stagnant heat, but contraindicated for Yin deficiency with hyperactive fire. Its indication for alternating chills and fever stems from its function of regulating damp-heat and constrained Qi, clearing constrained heat in the Ying (Nutritive) level, rather than releasing exterior pathogens from the Wei (Defensive) level. Using it to treat cold-damp malaria is therefore erroneous.

Alismatis Rhizoma (Zexie, 泽泻), acrid, numbing, and bitter, cold in nature, enters the San Jiao (Triple Burner) and Bladder channels, rapidly driving out water pathogens. Its acrid and numbing properties open the fine collaterals of the San Jiao and Bladder, allowing water to flow down smoothly, thus possessing potent diuretic power. In the absence of water pathogens, it damages body fluids and especially drains the True Fire of the Mingmen (Gate of Life) and Yuan Qi (Original Qi) of the Lower Jiao. For water retention due to Yang deficiency, it is combined with Guizhi (Cinnamomi Ramulus) and Fuzi (Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata); for Yin deficiency with blazing fire, it is combined with Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix). However, the powers of Guizhi, Fuzi, and Dihuang cannot withstand Zexie's draining force. When using one qian (approx. 3-5g) of Zexie, it must be combined with sour-astringent herbs like Shanzhuyu (Corni Fructus), Wuweizi (Schisandrae Fructus), and Mugua (Chaenomelis Fructus). After three to four doses, Middle Qi may fail to sustain itself, and the Lower Jiao becomes like an open gate (loss of consolidation). Ancient texts state that excessive use damages vision, precisely because it exhausts Kidney fluids and causes Liver Qi to sink. Used temporarily in small amounts, it serves as a guiding agent to lead out water and fire.

Os Draconis (Longgu, 龙骨), belongs to Earth, but its form and color resemble Wood. Its taste is sweet and astringent. It can constrain Wood Qi and clear/benefit Earth Qi. Therefore, it treats syndromes where Liver Qi invades the Stomach, with mutual agitation between Wood and Earth, leading to rebellious Qi and disharmony. Its ability to anchor water pathogens and calm the Heart Spirit is a result of pacifying Liver rebellion. Strengthening the Spleen and astringing the Large Intestine are results of benefiting Earth to control Water. Being drying and astringent without moisture, it is generally suitable for conditions where water-dampness floats upward.