Yuanzhi can be taken in water alone, or with other herbs at the same time under the guidance of a doctor. However, the effect of taking it in water is slightly less than that of decoction. Yuan Zhi has the effects of tranquilizing the mind and promoting intellectual development, transporting the heart and kidneys (the fire of the heart goes down and the water of the kidneys goes up, which are in mutual control), expelling phlegm and reducing swelling. Yuanzhi is bitter, pungent and warm in nature. It belongs to the heart, kidney and lung meridians. Clinically, it is often used for insomnia and dreaming, forgetfulness and palpitations, trance, cough and phlegm, sores and swelling, breast swelling and pain caused by heart-kidney disharmony (heart fire, kidney yin deficiency, and physiological dysfunction of the heart and kidneys). It should be noted that it is contraindicated for people with fire in the heart and kidney, and yin deficiency and hyperactivity (deficiency of yin fluid and hyperactivity of yang energy). It is recommended to take this medicine under the guidance of a doctor according to one’s physique and condition.