Lotus seed (Lianzi) is listed as a superior grade herb in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica). Its flavor is sweet and neutral. It primarily tonifies the middle jiao, nourishes the spirit, strengthens qi and physical strength, eliminates various diseases, and with long-term use, makes the body light, delays aging, reduces hunger, and prolongs life. The lotus stem is green and astringent in taste, hollow inside and straight outside, embodying the image of Wind-Wood. The flower is red, the receptacle white, the stamens yellow, and the seed turns black when mature, reflecting the principle of mutual generation among the Five Elements; thus, it can tonify deficiencies of the five zang organs. The five zang organs are responsible for storing essence. The Kidney is the Water organ, receiving and storing the essence of the five zang organs. Stone lotus seed (Shi Lianzi) is black and astringent, so it is used to consolidate essence and qi. Currently, there is an item in the market that resembles earth and stone in appearance and has an extremely bitter and astringent taste, but its identity is unknown. Mr. Lu Ziyu stated: "Consuming it causes intestinal constriction." One should select those from Jianlian (lotus seeds from Fujian) that still have their shells and are black in color. (It is said that fake stone lotus seeds grow on trees, similar to bitter pearl seeds.)

Taxillus chinensis (Sangjisheng) grows in wild areas near coastal prefectures and overseas regions. In these places, the soil is warm, silkworms are not raised, and mulberry trees suffer no pain from pruning or harvesting. Its qi is dense and its intent profound. Furthermore, birds consume fig fruits, and their feces fall onto mulberry trees, allowing Taxillus to grow by riding this qi. Fig trees are fast-growing; their branches hang down and take root where they touch the ground, becoming trunks themselves. Thus, these trees become very large and often grow in mountains near the sea. Therefore, when the parasite attaches to the mulberry tree, it is called Mulberry Parasite (Sangshang Jisheng). It is believed to be influenced by the essence and qi of the mulberry, so its medicinal power originates from the mulberry. If it parasitizes other trees, not only will its nature differ, but it may also cause harm. What is currently sold in markets consists merely of woody twigs. There is a variety that is yellow, soft, brittle, and resembles Dendrobium nobile (Jinchai Shihu), which is presumably usable. Kou Zongshi stated: "While accompanying officials traveling north and south, I searched everywhere but could not find it. Therefore, unless one collects it personally, it is difficult to distinguish genuine from fake. Essentially, know that what is sold in markets is all counterfeit." Thus, I rely on the vines attached to the mulberry tree, whose leaves resemble those of the triangular maple. Using these is highly effective for calming the fetus, as they too obtain the essence and qi of the mulberry.

According to the section on "Elucidation" for Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma (Zicao) in Li Shizhen's *Bencao Gangmu* (Compendium of Materia Medica), Li Shizhen stated: "Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma (Zicao) has a bitter and cold flavor. It is suitable for cases where smallpox/rash is about to erupt but has not yet done so, particularly when there is blood heat, abundant toxins, and constipation. If the rash has already erupted and appears purple-black with constipation, it can also be used. However, if the rash has erupted and appears bright red, or presents as pale depressions with loose stools, it must strictly be avoided." The *Zhizhi Fang* states: "Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma (Zicao) treats smallpox/rash by promoting bowel movements, making the eruption milder." The *Huoyou Xinshu* states: "Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma (Zicao) is cold in nature. It can be used for children with robust spleen qi, but for those with deficient spleen qi, it may instead induce diarrhea." Therefore, ancient prescriptions only used the tufted root tips of Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma (Zicao rong), taking advantage of its initial acquisition of yang qi, using similarity to stimulate similarity, thus facilitating the eruption of smallpox/rash. Modern people do not understand this principle and use it indiscriminately, which is incorrect. The term "rong" refers to the tufted state of the newly sprouted roots, not a separate substance distinct from Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma (Zicao). Some items resembling Dragon's Blood (Qilinjie) are called Arnebiae Radix et Rhizoma (Zicao rong), which is wrong; they are actually Murex Lac (Zimao). The *Youyang Zazu* states: "The Murex Lac tree originates from the countries of Chenla and Persia. The tree exceeds one zhang in height, with lush foliage that does not shed in winter. When exposed to fog, dew, rain, or moisture, the branches secrete lac, resembling sugar frost, hanging in clusters of purple-red. When broken, it reveals fresh red color, and it can expel smallpox/rash toxins. This item comes from foreign lands and is extremely difficult to obtain. Recently, profit-seeking merchants have passed off counterfeits at high prices. This brings no benefit and causes harm; it is better to use the herb itself."