The leaves resemble those of *Glechoma longituba* (L.) Kupr. [Guanshen, 管茎], and the flowers resemble those of *Corchorus capsularis* L. [Jute mallow, 黄麻], but with fine spots; people in the North call it "Milk Child" (Naiyuizi). The flowers and stems have minute short white hairs. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) only mentions two types: fresh and dried, without mentioning prepared (cooked) ones. In cases such as deficiency-blood labor-heat, postpartum deficiency-heat, or dryness-heat due to middle-jiao deficiency in the elderly, where Rehmanniae Radix Preparata (Prepared Root of Rehmannia) is required, one often worries that fresh and dried Rehmanniae Radix are too cold. Therefore, later generations switched to using the prepared form. The method of steaming and sun-drying: Wash the finely crushed roots, grind them to extract the juice. Steam the coarse roots until cooked, then sun-dry them. Immerse these in the extracted juice for two to three *shi* (4–6 hours), sun-dry again, steam again. Repeating this process multiple times yields the best result, though excessive repetition is unnecessary. These differ significantly in efficacy and therapeutic application from the fresh and dried forms. Tao Hongjing merely stated that crushing for juice and mixing with steaming requires more effort, his meaning was unclear, and he did not specify treatments; thus, I must explain thoroughly.

It is also known as Lansun, growing near water; it withers if deprived of water. Those with dense nodes possess stronger aroma and flavor. A person suffered from heat-toxin sores all over the body, painful but not itchy, especially severe on the hands and feet, yet stopping at the neck. The sores adhered to clothes and bedding, preventing sleep day and night, with unbearable pain. A rustic person advised using three *dou* (approx. 30 liters) of Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Tatarian Calamus Rhizome), chopped, sun-dried, pounded, sifted into powder, spread on a mat, and instructed the patient to lie freely upon it, covering them with blankets. This prevented adherence to bedding and allowed sleep. Within five to seven days, the sores disappeared as if they had never existed. Later, when I suffered from similar sores, I used this method with immediate and miraculous efficacy. Among these, the rhizomes of Shi Changpu (Stone Calamus) that grow entangled with *Trachelospermum jasminoides* (Lindl.) Lem. (Star Jasmine) have particularly dense nodes; such specimens must be used for medicinal purposes.

Alismatis Rhizoma (Water Plantain Rhizome) excels particularly in promoting urination and draining dampness. Zhang Zhongjing stated: "When water retention causes thirst and irritability, dysuria, or vomiting and diarrhea, Wuling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria) should be used." Since Alismatis Rhizoma is included in this formula, its strength in promoting urination is evident. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* cites Bian Que saying, "Long-term use causes eye problems in patients," which is indeed due to its water-draining action. When Zhang Zhongjing used it in Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill, also known as Shen Qi Wan), it was merely to guide Cinnamomi Ramulus (Cinnamon Twig) and Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata (Prepared Lateral Root of Aconite) into the Kidney Meridian, with no other intention. Anyone taking Zexie San (Alisma Powder) invariably experiences increased urination. If urination increases frequently, how can Kidney Qi become replete? Nowadays, people primarily use it to stop seminal emission and rarely dare to use it.