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Bai Zi Ren (Biota Seed): Sweet and pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. Its main functions are to calm the five Zang organs, stabilize palpitations and fright, tonify middle Qi, dispel wind-dampness, stimulate sexual function, warm the waist and knees, eliminate cephalic wind, ward off various evils, moisten the skin, and clarify the ears and eyes. Ce Bai Ye (Biota Twig): Bitter and astringent in flavor, slightly cold in nature. Used to stop hematemesis, epistaxis, metrorrhagia, and dysentery; dispel wind-cold-damp bi syndrome; blacken beard and hair; treat frostbite by moxibustion; and prolong life with long-term use. Mu Li (Oyster Shell), Gui (Cinnamon Bark), and Gua Zi (Melon Seed) serve as Shi Yao (Guiding Herbs). Contraindicated with Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum Flower), Yang Ti Cao (Rumex Patientiae Herb), various minerals, and Mian Qu (Medicated Leaven).

Commentary: Bai Zi Ren's pungency enters the Lung, its sweetness enters the Spleen, and its turbid yin nature enters the Kidney; thus, it enters all three meridians. The bitterness and astringency of Biota leaves belong to Metal and are good at consolidating; they excel at clearing the Blood level and are essential herbs for nourishing Yin. Tender leaves should be used, harvested from the East in Spring, South in Summer, West in Autumn, and North in Winter, to obtain the vital energy of the seasonal phases.

Lei Gong stated: When preparing, first soak in wine overnight. By dawn, drain and sun-dry. Then decoct with the natural juice of Huang Jing (Polygonatum Rhizome) under the midday sun, stirring constantly without stopping. If the weather is cloudy, place fire in the center. Place Bai Zi Ren in a bottle or vessel, apply fire, and simmer slowly until it becomes a paste. For every 3 liang of Bai Zi Ren, use 5 liang of wine for soaking. Dry to the desired consistency.

Rou Gui (Cinnamon Bark): Pungent and sweet in flavor, very hot in nature, toxic. The thickest part located at the base of the trunk is called Rou Gui. After removing the rough bark, it is called Gui Xin (Cinnamon Heart), entering the Heart, Spleen, Lung, and Kidney meridians. It treats nine types of heart pain, tonifies labor injuries, opens the nine orifices, warms the Water Organ (Kidney), reconnects sinews and bones, kills three types of parasites, dissipates accumulated Qi, breaks blood stasis, expels the placenta, relieves cough and reverse flow, treats abdominal pain, stops diarrhea and dysentery, and induces sweating. The part of medium thickness is called Guan Gui (Official Cinnamon), entering the Liver and Spleen meridians. It treats cold in the Upper Jiao, moving through the shoulders and arms to the extremities. The tender branches with four sprouts are called Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig), specifically entering the Lung meridian. It releases the muscle layer and expels the exterior, regulating Taiyang Shang Han (Cold Damage Syndrome with sweating). All four types kill plant and tree toxins and are fearless against other drugs, but their nature is incompatible with raw Cong (Scallion).

Commentary: Gui located lower down has the principle of entering the Kidney, belonging to Fire, carrying the meaning of entering the Heart. Its pungent and dispersing nature harmonizes with the Lung. Its sweet and warm nature pleases the Spleen; thus, it enters these organs. Guan Gui is located in the middle, where the Liver and Spleen reside. As the Classics state: "The Liver desires dispersion; urgently eat pungent substances to disperse them, using pungency to tonify." Also: "The Spleen desires relaxation; urgently eat sweet substances to relax them, using sweetness to tonify." Since Gui is pungent and sweet, this explains its entry into these two meridians. Bo Gui (Thin Cinnamon) is located upper, where the Lung and Stomach reside, so it is suitable for entry. Gui Zhi with four sprouts implies dispersion, and since its aroma and flavor are light, it suits the Taiyin meridian and governs the exterior. Danxi said: Zhongjing used Gui Zhi to rescue the exterior not because the exterior was deficient and needed tonification, but because Wei Qi had Wind-Cold, causing spontaneous sweating. By using it to disperse the pathogen, the Wei Qi harmonizes and the exterior tightens, stopping sweat naturally. Yan Yi claimed Zhongjing treated exterior deficiency, which is an error! Materia Medica states Gui induces sweating, which aligns with the Su Wen's principle of pungent and sweet substances dispersing outward. Later practitioners used Gui to stop sweating, deviating from the classic intent. Generally, Gui is Yang within Yang; those in their prime with vigorous Fire should avoid it. It is suitable only for those with declining Mingmen Fire unable to generate Earth, leading to indigestion, and for postpartum weakness. Careful examination shows several types of Gui, discussed by dozens of authors, citing different planting methods or origins, none substantiated. Inquiring with merchants from Jiaozhou and Guangzhou, only Chen Cangqi's view that despite grades, they are the same substance is most accurate. Bie Chan also endorsed this. Now adopting this view for detailed distinction as above.

Lei Gong stated: When preparing, discard thin pieces; select thick, purple ones. Remove the outer rough bark and take the pungent center for use. From every jin of thick, deep-purple Gui, only 5 liang can be obtained. Use the flavorful, thick parts raw. If not used immediately, wrap tightly in cooked silk and paper to prevent exposure to wind. In certain regions, only Gui Cao (Cinnamon Grass) exists, without Gui Xin. Gui Cao is boiled with Dan Yang Mu Pi (Dan Yang Tree Bark) to form Gui Xin. When used, it is simply pounded alone.