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Linderae Radix (Wuyao, 乌药): Bitter and acrid in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Spleen meridians. It primarily treats all types of Qi stagnation syndromes, as well as sudden onset of nausea and abdominal pain due to Evil Qi invasion (Zhong'e), Gu poison and Gui Zhu (chronic wasting diseases caused by insect toxins or epidemic qi), epidemic miasma (Tianxing Yizhang), vomiting and counterflow, abdominal distension and fullness, cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, carbuncles, furuncles, scabies, and leprosy-like skin conditions.
Commentary: Lindera is acrid, which suits the Lung; it is warm, which suits the Spleen. Therefore, it treats syndromes such as Zhong'e. Carbuncles, furuncles, scabies, and leprosy originate from Blood counterflow, which begins with Qi counterflow. Lindera excels at...

Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex (Houpo, 厚朴): Bitter and acrid in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It removes excess accumulation to treat abdominal distension, resolves dampness obstruction to harmonize Stomach Qi, stops vomiting and clears phlegm, warms the Middle Jiao to promote digestion. When used with Zingiberis Rhizoma (Ganjiang, 干姜), it enhances efficacy. It is incompatible with Alumen Crudum (Zexie, 泽泻 - *Note: Text says Ze Xie but implies incompatibility, usually Houpo is incompatible with certain minerals, here strictly translating text*), Halloysitum Rubrum (Hanshuishi, 寒水石), and Natrii Sulfas (Xiaoshi, 硝石). Avoid consuming beans after administration.
Commentary: Magnolia bark is acrid, thus capable of dispersing; it is warm, thus capable of moving Qi. These are properties favored by the Spleen and Stomach, hence it is used to regulate various syndromes. Zhu Danxi stated: Magnolia belongs to Earth and possesses Fire characteristics. In Pingwei San, it is used to assist Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Cangzhu, 苍术), precisely to drain dampness from the Upper Jiao, ensuring the Earth of the Stomach does not become excessive, thereby achieving harmony. If used indiscriminately as a warming tonic, this is incorrect. Its weight is heavy and turbid, possessing a slight descending action, and it easily consumes Zheng Qi (Upright Qi). It is suitable for use in Spring, Summer, and Autumn, but should be avoided in Winter. Persons with Qi deficiency and pregnant women should not take it.
Lei Gong said: When using this herb, purple ones with an acrid taste are preferred. For pills or powders, remove the rough bark first, then stir-fry with vinegar. For every one jin (approx. 500g) of the herb, use four liang (approx. 200g) of animal fat (Su, 酥) for frying...

Phellodendri Cortex (Huangbai, 黄柏): Bitter in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney and Bladder meridians. It primarily drains latent fire in the Lower Jiao, calms epigastric regurgitation and parasites in the Upper Jiao caused by deficiency, eliminates pain below the umbilicus, supplements declining Kidney Water, stops bloody dysentery, treats carbuncles and sores, clarifies the eyes, promotes urination, resolves damp-heat, and treats female leukorrhea or metrorrhagia caused by heat. Stir-fry extensively with salt water and wine to prevent the cold nature from entering the Kidney directly. It is incompatible with Drynariae Rhizoma (Ganqi, 干漆). Those with thick flesh and bright yellow color are superior.
Commentary: Phellodendron bark is sinking and Yin in nature, thus treating various syndromes of the Kidney and Bladder. Its bitter-cold nature can drain hyperactive Yang, thereby firming the Kidney region. Since Kidney Water becomes dominant, Sunlight (Ministerial Fire) is naturally restrained, and Yin Blood is free from the hazard of being scorched by fire. Does this truly constitute a nourishing effect? If there is no fire in the Kidney, if both Chi (cun-kuan-chi) pulses are weak, or if only the left Chi pulse is vigorous, it is unsuitable for use.