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Although Xiangfu (Cyperus Rhizome) is the supreme medicine for promoting Qi circulation and dispersing stagnation, and is essential for women, its taste is bitter and its nature is acrid. Bitterness primarily drains downward, while acridity primarily disperses outward. Therefore, it is contraindicated in all cases of deficiency of Yin-Yang, Qi, and Blood. If epigastric fullness (Pi-syndrome) arises from Spleen Qi deficiency, or abdominal distension results from deficiency-cold, Si Jun Zi Tang (Four Gentlemen Decoction) or Liu Jun Zi Tang (Six Gentlemen Decoction), possibly augmented with Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger) and Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark), should be used. Once the Middle Jiao Qi becomes robust, the fullness and distension will naturally subside. This constitutes treating the root cause. Conversely, if Xiangfu is mistakenly used, it will deplete True Qi and exacerbate distension. In severe cases, patients with Yin deficiency and central collapse, presenting with ascending fire and wheezing, are also wrongly prescribed this herb, which only hastens death. Zhu Danxi also stated that this herb has a dry nature.

Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) is a herb entering the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. Various materia medica texts have historically praised its efficacy in tonifying the Liver and Kidneys, strengthening sinews and bones, and augmenting Qi and strength. However, its nature is bitter and moistening; it specializes in draining and descending rather than astringing and retaining. Its strength lies in breaking up blood stasis, expelling retained fetus, eliminating toxic heat, promoting diuresis, and unblocking painful urinary dysfunction (Lin-syndrome). These actions are suitable for excess syndromes. To claim it has a "tonifying" effect, I believe, is incorrect. The so-called "strengthening sinews and bones, augmenting Qi and strength" attributed to it generally applies when wind-toxins invade the lower limbs or damp-heat injures the lower body, causing weakness and flaccidity due to external pathogens. By using Niu Xi to extract toxins and guide out dampness, the sinews and bones can return to normal. However, if flaccidity of sinews and bones results from internal injury due to Liver Blood deficiency and Kidney Essence exhaustion, even frequent use of potent tonics may still be insufficient. How can one use the draining nature of Niu Xi to further damage an already deficient state? Although Li Shizhen (Binhu) claimed that "generally, processed Niu Xi tonifies the Liver and Kidneys, while raw Niu Xi breaks stagnant blood," this statement is not entirely appropriate. Only Zhu Danxi’s warning against using Niu Xi postpartum reveals its true nature.

Wei Ling Xian (Clematis Root) has a dispersing and purgative nature. Formulary physicians highly praise its ability to treat various wind-pathogens, dispel flaccidity syndromes, and disseminate toxins, claiming its functions cannot be fully elaborated. I consider this view to be a significant error. If the disease is not an excess syndrome acquired from external pathogens, it should not be taken lightly. Thus, *Bencao Gangmu* states: "This substance can disperse the body's True Qi; those with any degree of deficiency should avoid it." The implication is clear. Generally, a herb possessing both tonifying and draining properties is suitable only for excess conditions, not deficiency conditions; it is suitable for temporary use, not long-term administration. People recognize its merit in draining but fail to realize its inability to tonify. This ignorance violates the principle of supporting the emaciated and highlights the dangers of indiscriminate treatment methods.