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Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen (Pi) and Lung (Fei) meridians. Tonifies the middle and supplements Qi, eliminates wind-dampness, calms the five Zang organs, preserves complexion, and with long-term use, prolongs longevity.
Commentary: Huangjing's sweetness suits it to enter the Spleen, and its moistening property suits it to enter the Lung. Its benefits are obtained only through long-term use. The fruit is superior to the root, and the flower is superior to the fruit, but they are difficult to distinguish. It resembles Gougen (Gelsemium elegans), yet Gougen has two hairy hooks; mistaken ingestion can be fatal.
Lei Gong stated: When using this herb, do not use Gougen (Gelsemium elegans). It truly resembles Huangjing, except that its leaves have two hairy hooks; this is the distinguishing feature. Mistaken ingestion harms people. Huangjing leaves resemble bamboo leaves. Upon collection, wash it clean with stream water, then steam it from Si hour (09:00-11:00) to Wu hour (11:00-13:00). Slice it thinly with a knife, dry it in the sun, and use it.

Bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Liver (Gan) meridian. When used raw, its nature is slippery; it primarily promotes blood circulation, unblocks menstruation, induces abortion, resolves stasis, discharges pus, promotes urination, and clears heat from the heart, abdomen, and bladder. When stir-fried, its nature becomes astringent; it primarily stops bleeding, treats metrorrhagia and metrostaxis, dysentery, all types of hematemesis, epistaxis, bloody stool, hematuria, intestinal wind bleeding, stops seminal emission, and alleviates postpartum abdominal pain (Erzhen Tong). Avoid contact with iron vessels. It is advisable to roast it between layers of paper until yellow, steam it, and then roast it again for use.
Commentary: Puhuang governs blood, and the Liver stores blood; therefore, it enters exclusively into the Liver meridian. Immortal texts use it because it contributes significantly to blood-related conditions.
Lei Gong stated: When using this herb, do not use Songhuang (Pine pollen) or Huanghao (Artemisia annua). These two items look entirely similar, differing only in taste. When preparing Puhuang for decoction, it must be roasted between three layers of paper until yellow, steamed for half a day, then roasted again until dry for optimal efficacy.

Bitter and acrid in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney (Shen) and Liver (Gan) meridians. Primarily treats insufficiency due to Cold Damage (Shanghan), fractures, metal wounds, various carbuncles and swellages, treats leakage and bloody urine, supplements Qi and strength, reconnects sinews and bones, disperses blood stasis, warms the uterus, treats lower back pain, reduces urinary frequency, stops nocturnal emission, benefits joints, regulates and harmonizes blood, generates flesh, and relieves pain. Soak in wine overnight, roast until dry for use. Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix Preparata) serves as an assistant herb. It is incompatible with Leiwan (Alumen).
Commentary: The Kidney governs bones and stores Essence (Jing); the Liver governs sinews and stores Blood. Xuduan tonifies Essence and Blood and regulates sinews and bones, making it suitable for entering these two meridians. For pregnancy and childbirth disorders, it is particularly an essential herb.
Lei Gong stated: When using this herb, do not use Caomaoli (likely referring to a look-alike plant such as *Dipsacus asper* or similar local variants, literally "Grass Mao Li"). It truly resembles Xuduan. If mistakenly used, it causes softening of the sinews. After collection, cut it transversely and file it, then remove the hard tendons inside. Soak it in wine for one Fu period (approx. 12 hours), roast until dry, and use it.