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Sweet in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic, enters the Heart and Stomach meridians. Primarily eliminates heat toxins, thickens the intestines and stomach (refers to enhancing gastrointestinal function), disperses wind, reduces swelling, directs Qi downward, tonifies the Zang organs, and nourishes the Spirit. Use with the skin retained.

Commentary: Because of its cold nature, Mung Bean (Lü Dou) enters the Heart meridian to drain fire; because of its sweet taste, it enters the Stomach meridian to harmonize the Middle Jiao. Yu Xi (Chen Cangqi) highly praised its tonic effects, recommending long-term consumption. It can also be used as a pillow material, brightening the eyes and treating headaches.

Sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic, enters the Lung meridian. Tonifies Qi, invigorates Blood, relieves thirst, and generates fluids. Suitable for consumption when there is Lung Cold. If Lung Heat damages the Lung, remove the rhizome (Lu Tou). Use Poria (Fu Ling) as a guiding herb. Adverse interactions occur with halogenated salty substances and Veratrum (Li Lu).

Commentary: The use of Ginseng (Ren Shen) tonifies all Zang and Fu organs; how magnificent its efficacy is. Generally, human life relies on Qi as the pivot, and the Lung governs Qi. The classics refer to it as the "Minister Official," from whom governance and regulation emerge. Ginseng tonifies Qi, thus it is suitable for entering the Lung meridian. When the Lung is tonified, governance and regulation become appropriate, Qi moves, and consequently Blood circulates. In ancient prescriptions, Ginseng was used to dissipate pathogens, reflecting the principle that when Blood moves, Wind extinguishes itself. As for Body Fluids, they are stored in the Bladder but actually connect superiorly to the Lung, hence the function of generating fluids. Those with Lung Cold suffer from Qi deficiency and Blood stasis, so it is stated that they may take it. Those with Lung Heat suffer from flaming fire and rebellious Qi, with agitated blood circulation; since Ginseng tends to ascend and can dissolve blood (promote blood circulation/resolve stasis), it causes injury to the Lung if misused. Its nature is originally unobstructed; many people mistakenly believe it causes fullness/stagnation, not knowing that small doses cause stagnation, while large doses promote free flow.

Lei Gong said: When using, select those that are plump, chunky like a chicken leg, and shaped like a human figure. After harvesting, dry them in the shade, remove the rhizomes on all sides and any blackened parts, chop into pieces for medicinal use. Use sparingly in summer to avoid causing heart vexation.

Sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic, enters the Lung and Spleen meridians. Internally supports ulcerated sores, promotes tissue regeneration and wound closure. Externally treats spontaneous sweating due to Wei (Defensive) deficiency, and enriches the interstices (Cou Li). Contraindicated with Tortoise Shell (Gui Jia) and Phellodendron Bark (Bai Xian Pi).

Commentary: The use of Astragalus (Huang Qi) specializes in tonifying the exterior. The Lung governs the skin and hair, and the Spleen governs the muscles, so it enters both meridians. Ulcerated sores and night sweats are both conditions of exterior deficiency, hence they are treated with it. Those with interior deficiency should avoid it, fearing that lifting Qi to the exterior will exacerbate the deficiency. Those with exterior pathogenic factors should avoid it, fearing that it will augment the pathogen. Only in cases of exterior deficiency with pathogenic accumulation where sweating is not indicated, may it be used judiciously. Raw Huang Qi can also drain fire.

Lei Gong said: When using, do not confuse it with Water Grass (likely referring to Sophora flavescens or similar look-alikes) which resembles it closely; the difference lies in shorter leaves during growth and yellow roots. First, remove the broken skin on the head, steam for half a double-hour period (1 hour), then...