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Arisaema (Nanxing): Bitter and acrid in flavor, neutral in nature, toxic. Enters the Spleen and Lung meridians. Primarily treats lockjaw due to wind-stroke, paralysis caused by excessive phlegm, descends Qi, breaks up firm accumulations, dissipates carbuncles and swellings, benefits the chest and diaphragm, disperses Qi and causes abortion. When crushed and applied externally, it treats tinea, sores, ulcers, and snake or insect bites. Soak in boiling water seven times, then collect its foam into ox gallbladder bile; hanging it in a windy place for a long time is better. It is incompatible with Aconite Root (Fuzi), Dried Ginger (Ganjiang), and Fresh Ginger (Shengjiang).

Commentary: The Lungs are affected by Wind pathogenic factors, and the Spleen often generates Phlegm-fluids. Arisaema specifically targets Wind-Phlegm, hence it enters the two meridians. Its acrid flavor governs dispersion, thus it can dissipate carbuncles, cause abortion, and treat diseases such as tinea. Generally, it has similar functions to Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), but while Pinellia is acrid yet stabilizing (retaining), Arisaema is acrid yet not stabilizing (dispersing). Its drying and urgent nature is more severe than that of Pinellia. Therefore, ancient formulas use the bitter-cold nature of Ox Gallstone (Niuhuang) to restrain its dryness and heat, and since Gallstone also benefits the Liver and calms fright, it is particularly important medicine for children. Zhu Danxi said: To make Arisaema descend, use Anemarrhena Rhizome (Zhimu) as a guiding herb.

Gentian Macrophylla (Qinjiao): Bitter and acrid in flavor, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Stomach, Large Intestine, and Small Intestine meridians. Primarily treats bone-steaming fever, intestinal wind with bloody stool, activates sinews and blood, promotes urination and defecation, removes Wind-Dampness, treats jaundice, resolves alcohol toxicity, and eliminates Head-Wind. Acorus Tatarinowii Rhizome (Changpu) serves as an assistant herb; those with rosette patterns are superior.

Commentary: Gentian Macrophylla is bitter, leading to upward and downward discharge, belonging to Yin, thus entering the Large and Small Intestines to treat various dampness conditions; it is acrid, leading to dispersion, belonging to Yang, thus entering the Yangming Meridian to treat various Wind syndromes and bone-steaming fever. These conditions are often caused by excess dampness and rampant Wind, so they should be treated together.

Lei Gong stated: When using Gentian Macrophylla, one must identify the root markings. Those with left-side markings are classified as "Qin" and are used to treat diseases; those with right-side markings are classified as "Jiao," and taking them will trigger gouty arthritis (Honggangjiao). When using Gentian Macrophylla, wipe off all yellow-white hairs with cloth, then soak in Huanyuan Decoction overnight, sun-dry, and use.

Polygala Tenuifolia (Yuanzhi): Bitter in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Heart and Kidney meridians. Tonifies deficiencies, dispels evil Qi, enhances wisdom, clarifies ears and eyes, calms palpitations and anxiety, stabilizes fright and panic, unblocks the nine orifices, treats forgetfulness, strengthens the male organ, benefits Essence and Qi, grows muscle, assists sinews and bones. Also treats women's amenorrhea with aphonia, pediatric convulsions and alienation syndrome, skin heat, yellow complexion of face and eyes. Long-term consumption beautifies the complexion and prolongs life. Soak in decoction, remove the heart/core, and use. It works well when combined with Poria (Fuling), Okra Seed (Dongkuizi), and Dragon Bone (Longgu). It is incompatible with Pearl (Zhenzhu), Veratrum Rhizome (Lilu), Cockroach (Feileng), and Clam shells (Qige). Avoid all meats, raw green onions, and cold water. It can detoxify Aconitum Carmichaelii Lateralis Radix Preparata (Tianxiong) and Aconite Root (Fuzi). The leaves are named Xiao Cao, primarily treating dysentery.

Commentary: Polygala Tenuifolia is bitter and enters the Heart Meridian; its warmth can nourish the Kidney. Since the aforementioned deficiency syndromes originate from these two meridians, it treats them all.

Lei Gong stated: Before using Polygala Tenuifolia, one must first crush it to remove the heart. If the heart is not removed, ingestion causes chest stuffiness. After removing the heart, soak it in cooked Licorice Root (Gancao) decoction overnight, drain, sun-dry, and use.