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[Tongcao]
Taste is bland, nature is cold, non-toxic. Enters the Lung (Fei), Large Intestine (Dachang), and Small Intestine (Xiaochang) meridians. Its efficacy is similar to that of Mutong (Akebiae Caulis), but it is particularly superior in clearing heat from the Lungs, brightening the eyes, reducing fever, unblocking meridians, promoting lactation, and resolving stagnation.
Note: Tongcao is white in color, which suits its function of clearing Lung heat. Its bland taste causes it to enter the Small Intestine meridian. Its nature promotes circulation, so it also enters the Large Intestine meridian. This refers to what the Supplement to the Materia Medica calls "Tongduomu" (Vitis amurensis stem), which female artisans currently use to make flowers.

[Dengxincao]
Taste is bland, nature is cold, non-toxic. Enters the Heart (Xin) and Small Intestine (Xiaochang) meridians. It primarily treats evil qi in the chest and abdomen, clears the Heart and calms fright, removes heat and promotes urination. Burned to ash and applied externally, it stops bleeding from traumatic wounds. It treats night crying in infants. Blown into the throat, it rapidly treats acute sore throat (Ji Hou Bi).
Note: Dengxincao has a bland taste and does not specifically belong to any of the five Zang organs; it specializes in entering the Small Intestine meridian to promote diuresis. The aphorism states: "The Small Intestine receives and transforms, corresponding to the Heart," hence it also enters the Heart meridian. When burned to ash, its nature becomes cool, making it suitable for treating the aforementioned conditions.

[Shihu]
Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Stomach (Wei) and Kidney (Shen) meridians. It tonifies deficiency and emaciation, warms the Water Organ (Kidney), fills essence and marrow, strengthens sinews and bones, harmonizes Stomach Qi, expels pathogenic heat from the skin, and treats cold bi syndrome in the feet and knees. Long-term consumption thickens the intestines and stomach, stabilizes the mind, and eliminates fright. Preparation: Remove the roots, soak in wine for one night, sun-dry, then roast with su (animal fat or butter). Lu Ying (Euphorbia lathyris) serves as an assistant herb. It is incompatible with Han Shui Shi Ba Dou and fears Jiang Can (Bombyx Batryticatus) and Lei Wan (Hymenoderma).
Note: Since Shihu enters the Kidney meridian, it primarily treats diseases of the lower body. Its entry into the Stomach meridian is because its sweet taste assists the Kidney without causing heat injury, and it harmonizes the Stomach without causing dryness injury.
Lei Gong said: When using Shihu, first remove the buds at the tip. Soak in wine for one night, drain and sun-dry. Then steam with su from Si hour (09:00-11:00) to You hour (17:00-19:00), and slowly bake dry before use.

[Shiwei]
Taste is bitter and sweet, nature is neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Lung (Fei) and Bladder (Pangguang) meridians. It primarily treats labor-induced heat and evil qi, five types of strangury (Wu Lin), urinary retention (Long Bi), and fullness-heat in the Bladder. It treats carbuncles and back sores, relieves irritability, directs Qi downward, tonifies deficiency, and benefits essence. Preparation: Wipe off the hairs, stir-fry until scorched with sheep fat. Luo Shi (Trachelospermi Caulis) and Xing Ren (Armeniacae Semen Amarum) serve as assistant herbs. It works well when combined with Chang Pu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma).
Note: Shiwei clears heat and promotes diuresis, originally entering the Bladder meridian. Since the Lung meridian connects downwards to the Bladder, it is appropriate for it to also enter the Lung meridian. By clearing heat and promoting diuresis, it prevents complications of Yang hyperactivity and Yin damage.