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Bitter and sweet, extremely cold in nature, toxic. Enters the twelve meridians. Primarily treats water distension (Shuizhang) and gu poison (Gudu), symptoms of abdominal masses, abdominal fullness, acute pain; induces sweating, promotes urination and defecation, regulates menstruation, and aborts pregnancy. Red adzuki bean (Chixiaodou) is used as a guide drug. It is incompatible with Chinese yam (Shanyao) and Acorus tatarinowii (Changpu). It is contrary to Licorice root (Gancao), Genkwa flower (Yuanhua), and Sargassum (Haizao).

Commentary: Daji possesses slight yang within yin. It expels water from the twelve meridians but can damage true qi; it should be used cautiously according to the patient's deficiency or excess condition.

Lei Gong stated: When using Daji, do not use wild-grown specimens. If ingested, it may cause uncontrollable leakage of qi; this toxicity can be resolved by administering Shepherd's purse seed (Qizi). Upon harvesting, finely chop on a locust wood cutting board, mix with leaves of Haiyang, steam from Si hour to Shen hour, remove the leaves, dry in the sun, and use.

Sour and pungent, cold in nature, toxic. Enters the spleen, bladder, and small intestine meridians. Primarily treats water distension (Shuizhang), gu poison (Gudu), hernia, mass accumulation (Zhenjia), abscesses, malignant sores, and abortion.

Commentary: Shanglu specializes in expelling water, similar to Daji. Water diseases arise from dysfunction of the bladder and small intestine, which the spleen deeply detests; thus, Shanglu enters these meridians. There are red and white varieties. The white variety is suitable for internal use; the red variety is toxic and only suitable for external application to reduce swelling. Ingestion can be fatal.

Lei Gong stated: When using Shanglu, do not use Chi Ge due to its similarity. Chi Ge wraps around the stem and has the effect of eliminating toxins in muscles and bones; therefore, it should not be ingested. Shanglu flowers are white. Specimens grown for many years were harvested by immortals to make dried meat-like slices, which could be consumed with wine. Before processing, scrape off the rough bark with a Ti knife, slice thinly, soak in east-flowing water for two nights, then drain. Steam in a steamer, alternating layers of bean leaves and Shanglu, steaming from Wu hour to Hai hour. Remove bean leaves, dry, finely chop, and use. If bean leaves are unavailable, beans alone may be used.

Pungent and bitter, cold in nature, slightly toxic. Enters the lung, heart, spleen, and bladder meridians. Primarily treats edema, qi stagnation, residual heat in the bladder, wheezing caused by lung qi deficiency, and phlegm syncope due to fluid retention. Roast with glutinous rice until yellow, discard the rice, and use. Elm bark (Yupi) is used as a guide drug. It is incompatible with Silkworm pupae (Jiangcan), Juncus effusus (Dengcao), and Ranunculus japonicus (Shilongrui).

Commentary: The pungency of Tingli enters the lung, and the bitterness enters the heart. The bladder is governed by the lung, and the spleen earth is generated by the heart fire; thus, it enters these meridians. Tingli severely damages lung qi and drains the lower origin. Improper use can lead to rapid death; it is contraindicated in cases involving any deficiency. There are sweet and bitter varieties. The bitter variety is too harsh and inferior; the sweet variety has a milder action.

Lei Gong stated: When using Tingli, do not use Chixuzi, which resembles true Tingli but has a slightly sweet and bitter taste. True Tingli seeds enter the crown. When processing, combine with glutinous rice...