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[Po Gu Zhi (Cibotii Rhizoma)]
Bitter and acrid in flavor, greatly warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney meridian. Primarily treats five exhaustions and seven injuries (a general term for various chronic deficiency syndromes), seminal emission due to Yang deficiency, lower back pain with cold knees, dampness of the scrotum, and coldness of the Kidneys. Soak in wine for one night, soak in water for three days, then steam before use. Adverse with Gancao (Licorice Root); avoid mutton, sheep blood, and Youcai (Rapeseed).
Commentary: Po Gu Zhi is bitter, which can firm the Kidneys, and its nature is greatly warm, so its action specifically targets the Shaoyin (Kidney) meridian. However, its qi is drying and it should not be used in large doses; it is contraindicated in cases of Mingmen fire hyperactivity (hyperactive Kidney Yang) and fluid exhaustion.

[Hulu Ba (Trigonellae Semen)]
Bitter in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney and Bladder meridians. When combined with Taoren (Peach Kernel) and Dahui (Fennel Fruit), it treats Bladder hernia; when combined with Liuhuang (Sulfur) and Hei Fuzi (Black Prepared Aconite Root), it regulates Kidney deficiency-cold.
Commentary: Although Hulu Ba enters the Kidney and Bladder meridians, according to the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), without assistant and guide herbs, it cannot achieve success on its own.

[He Shou Wu (Polygoni Multiflori Radix)]
Bitter, sweet, and astringent in flavor; warm in nature, non-toxic. Its medicinal effect is not confined to the twelve meridians. Observing that its vines intertwine at night indicates it is a Yin-nourishing agent. It eliminates Luoli (scrofula/cervical lymph node tuberculosis), dissipates carbuncles and swellings, treats five types of hemorrhoids, stops intestinal wind bleeding (blood in stool), darkens beard and hair, beautifies the complexion, treats consumptive fever and emaciation, boosts spirit, promotes muscle growth, strengthens sinews and bones, replenishes essence and marrow, secures waist and knees, dispels wind-dampness, brightens the eyes, and treats leukorrhea and various bleeding disorders postpartum in women. It is particularly important for the elderly; long-term use promotes fertility and longevity. Remove the coarse skin, soak in wine, mix with black soybean powder, and steam. Add more black soybeans and wine in water, dry in the sun, repeating this process nine times as the standard. Fresh herbs harvested in spring and summer, using both red and white varieties together, additionally tonify Qi and Blood. Fu Ling (Poria) serves as the guiding herb. It is adverse to pig/sheep blood, scaleless fish, and radish; avoid ironware.
Commentary: He Shou Wu has powerful tonic effects, entirely dependent on proper steaming and drying methods. Large specimens, when cut open, reveal shapes resembling birds, beasts, mountains, and hills within, marking them as divine objects. Legends state: A fifty-year-old root, fist-sized, called "Shan Nu," after one year of consumption, turns hair and temples black. A hundred-year-old root, bowl-sized, called "Shan Ge," after one year of consumption, yields a ruddy and joyful complexion. A 150-year-old root, basin-sized, called "Shan Bo," after one year of consumption, causes lost teeth to regrow. A 200-year-old root, bucket-sized, called "Shan Weng," after one year of consumption, yields a complexion like a youth, with agility matching a galloping horse. A 300-year-old root, basket-sized, called "Shan Jing," after one year of consumption, extends life and health, forming a pure Yang body; long-term use leads to immortality. Recently, its usage has increased, but unfortunately, few adhere strictly to the proper processing methods.