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[Qianghuo]
Bitter, sweet, neutral in nature, slightly warm, non-toxic. Enters the Small Intestine and Bladder meridians. Disperses wind pathogens invading the exterior, relieves pain throughout the body, expels abscesses formed by rotting flesh in the Taiyang (Greater Yang) channel, and eliminates rheumatic conditions of both new and old onset. Those that are purple in color with dense nodes are Qianghuo (Notopterygii Rhizoma et Radix).

Commentary: Qianghuo has a clear aroma and belongs to Yang. It excels at moving Qi, is expansive rather than constrictive, ascending yet capable of descending, vigorous and good at dispersing. It can release exterior pathogens; therefore, it enters the Foot-Taiyang Small Intestine and Foot-Taiyang Bladder meridians to treat wandering wind. Although its functions appear different from Duhuo (Angelicae Pubescentis Radix), they are actually interior-exterior counterparts; users should examine this carefully.

Leigong states: After harvesting, finely chop it, mix with Xinyangyexiao (Epimedii Folium), steam for two days, sun-dry, remove Xinyangyexiao, and use. This prevents causing mental restlessness.

[Chaihu]
Bitter, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Liver, Gallbladder, Pericardium, Sanjiao (Triple Burner), Stomach, and Large Intestine meridians. Primarily treats vexation and heat in the heart caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage), phlegm-solidities in the intestines and stomach, knotted Qi and accumulations, pathogenic factors of alternating chills and fever, unblocks Liver Wood Qi, pushes out the stale and brings forth the new. Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) serves as an assistant herb. It is incompatible with Zaojia (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina), fears Nüwan (Adenophorae Radix) and Lilu (Veratri Rhizoma), and becomes ineffective when exposed to fire processing.

Commentary: Chaihu (Bupleuri Radix) has an ascending and Yang-lifting aroma. It can raise the clear Qi from the lower origin upwards to drain Fire from the Sanjiao. In Buzhong Yiqi Tang (Tonify the Middle and Augment the Qi Decoction), it is used because it can lift the sinking Qi of the Liver, raising it from the left side. For any pathological causes in the chest, abdomen, intestines, and stomach resulting from Heat, Chaihu guides the Clear upward and the Turbid downward, allowing the disease to resolve; thus, it enters the Liver, Gallbladder, and other meridians. *Yanyi* states: The *Benjing* (Shennong Bencao Jing) contains not a single word regarding the treatment of Lao (Consumption/Deficiency Fatigue). Today, Chaihu is widely used to treat Lao, which misleads people significantly. There is a type of Lao characterized by true Zang-Fu deficiency damage, complicated by exogenous Heat. In cases where Lao arises due to deficiency, Chaihu is suitable. Later generations, having read these few words, dare not use Chaihu for any Lao syndrome, which is like "a dwarf watching a play, shouting along with the crowd." However, if a patient with Lao does not have excess Heat, using Chaihu can also be fatal; caution is indeed necessary. It is contraindicated for cough, rapid breathing, phlegm-wheezing, vomiting, and regurgitation, due to its ascending nature. It is taboo in the initial stage of Shanghan, lest it draw pathogens into the Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) meridian.

Leigong states: When using Chaihu, select those with long, soft stems, reddish skin, and yellow rootlets, produced in Pingchuan County, which is present-day Yin County in Yinzhou. In areas growing on the western side, white cranes and green cranes often soar there, because the fragrance of Chaihu rises straight into the clouds. Passersby who smell it feel refreshed. After harvesting, remove the rootlets and head, use a silver knife to shave off a small amount of the red thin skin, wipe clean with coarse cloth, finely chop, and use. Do not allow contact with fire, or it will immediately become ineffective. Annotation states: Chaihu is a medicine of the Shaoyang meridian; long-term consumption harmonizes the Liver and Gallbladder.