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Ge Gen (Kudzu Root): Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. It releases exterior pathogens of Shanghan (Cold Damage), treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst syndrome) caused by Stomach deficiency, resolves the peculiar toxicity of excessive alcohol consumption, treats Wen Nue (Warm Malaria with alternating chills and fever), and detoxifies Ye Ge (wild kudzu/other toxic plants), Ba Dou (Croton Seed), Dan Shi (mineral drugs), and poisons from various medicines.
Note: Ge Gen treats heat and releases the exterior, thus entering the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine and Foot-Yangming Stomach meridians. If a Taiyang disease (disease of the Taiyang channel) begins with headache before the pathogen enters the Yangming stage, it should not be taken immediately to induce sweating, as this may "invite the thief into the house" (draw the pathogen deeper). Furthermore, it is contraindicated for those with exterior deficiency and profuse sweating.

Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber): Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, slightly cold, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Heart meridians. It clears latent fire in the Lung and generates insufficient Metal (Lung Yin) in the Lung. It stops Wasting-Thirst, allowing Yin to receive nourishment; it tonifies deficiency and exhaustion, preventing heat from invading. The heart must be removed. It acts as an assistant with Di Huang (Rehmannia Root) and Che Qian Zi (Plantago Seed). It is incompatible with Kuan Dong Hua (Coltsfoot Flower) and Ku Hu (Bitter Gourd variety), fears Ku Shen (Sophora Root) and Qing Suo, and avoids eating Qing Yu (a type of fish). Those that are plump and large are superior.
Note: Mai Men Dong is Yang with slight Yin. Yang is the nature of Lung medicine; slight Yin removes latent fire from the Lung. Once latent fire is removed, Lung Metal is peaceful and can generate Water (Kidney Yin). Abundant Water can clear the Heart and calm the Spirit. Thus, it treats blood running wild (hemorrhage), regulates menstruation, and harmonizes the pulse.

Tian Men Dong (Asparagus Tuber): Bitter and sweet in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Kidney meridians. It protects Lung Qi from disturbance by heat, calms panting and shortness of breath, thereby ensuring health and peace. It stops Wasting-Thirst, promotes urination, strengthens bone marrow, beautifies complexion, kills three types of parasites, and eliminates Fu Shi (latent corpses/parasites). The heart must be removed. It acts as an assistant with Di Huang, Bei Mu (Fritillaria Bulb), and Yuan Yi (Wall Moss/Mud). It fears Zeng Qing (Azurite) and avoids eating Li Yu (Carp).
Note: Tian Men Dong has a light scent and ascending property, thus entering the Lung; its strong taste is Yin, thus entering the Kidney. It is suitable for deficiency-heat conditions but contraindicated for deficiency-cold conditions.
Lei Gong said: After harvesting, remove one layer of the outer skin, split open, and remove the heart. Steam for one Fu period (approx. 12 hours) using a willow wood steamer and willow fire. Sprinkle with wine evenly, add more fire to steam again, take out and dry in the sun. Place on a small rack covered with Tian Men Dong leaves, at least two chi above the ground, and spread the steamed tubers to dry.

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra Berry): The peel and flesh are sweet and sour, the seed is bitter and pungent, and all parts have a salty taste. Possessing all five flavors, hence the name. Warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Kidney meridians. Nourishes the insufficient Water (Yin) of the Kidney meridian, consolidates the dissipating Metal (Qi) of the Lung meridian, removes vexation and heat, generates fluids and stops thirst, tonifies deficiency and exhaustion, benefits Qi and strengthens Yin. Cong Rong (Cistanche) acts as an assistant. It is incompatible with Wei Rui (Polygonatum Rhizome), overcomes Wu Tou (Aconite Root), and those produced in the North are superior.
Note: Wu Wei Zi belongs to Water but contains Wood, Fire, Earth, and Metal. Although it enters the Lung and Kidney meridians, it tonifies all five Zang organs. It is a crucial herb for generating fluids and a wonderful agent for astringency. However, excessive consumption may lead to deficiency-heat due to sudden and intense astringent tonification. For coughs due to fire, cold-natured herbs are usually used, but this might cause agitation; therefore, this sour-astringent herb should be used to descend the rebellious Qi. It should be used in small doses. It is contraindicated for Lung fire stagnation and early-stage exterior cold pathogens, especially in children, because the sour flavor can trap phlegm and induce coughing.
Lei Gong said: Those that are small, wrinkled, and bubbly, with a layer of white salt-like frost on the surface, possessing complete sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and sweet flavors, are authentic. When used, split into two halves with a copper knife, soak in honey, steam from Si hour to Shen hour (approx. 6 hours), then soak in grain water overnight, and bake dry for use.