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Dingxiang (Caryophylli Flos) is born from pure Yang Qi, thus its flavor is pungent, its temperature is warm, and it is non-toxic. Its Qi is dense while its flavor is light; it ascends and belongs to Yang. It enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian and the Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. Being pungent, warm, and ascending, it warms the Spleen and Stomach and disperses stagnation in the Middle Jiao. If vomiting is caused by Fire-Heat, it must strictly not be used mistakenly.

Dingxiang treats various symptoms of Wangyang (Collapse of Yang), all types of rebellious Qi, Fanwei (Rebellious Stomach), Ben tun (Rushing Pig syndrome characterized by Qi rushing from the lower abdomen to the heart/chest), Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome with vomiting and diarrhea), cold pain in the heart and abdomen; it also warms the waist and knees, strengthens Yang, treats cracked nipples, and when inserted into the vagina, alleviates coldness to provide warmth. It dispels Cold, opens the stomach, and is excellent for treating E ni (Hiccups). It is effective for Cold invading the Yin meridians and acneiform eruptions appearing grayish-white. The male variety has smaller granules and is called Dingxiang, while the female variety has larger granules and is called Mudingxiang (Mother Clove); both are superior for medicinal use.

Indications (Integrating Acne/Rash and Measles): For Cold invading the Spleen and Stomach, presenting as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal distension, anorexia, and cold extremities; suitable for cases where eruptions are white. The warming property of Dingxiang rescues interior Cold, while the warming property of Guigui (Cinnamon Twig/Cortex Cinnamomi) releases exterior Cold; thus, they are used together to treat conditions of deep-seated Cold in both the interior and exterior.

Note: Dingxiang is a formula to dispel Cold and open the stomach. Combined with Shidi (Diospyri Kaki Calyx), it stops hiccups; combined with Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma) and milk applied to the eyes, it utilizes the subtle interaction of Pungent Dispersal and Bitter Descending. Patients with Fire should avoid taking it.

Helile (Chebulae Fructus) has a bitter-astringent nature and warm temperature, and is non-toxic. Its astringent flavor allows it to consolidate, and its warm nature allows it to unblock. Therefore, it can break up stagnation and eliminate distension, astringe the intestines, and stop coughs. However, if coughing is due to Excess Heat in the Lungs, or if dysentery/diarrhea has not yet progressed to Deficiency-Cold, it is not suitable for use.

Helile primarily treats Cold Qi, digests retained food, removes abdominal fullness, promotes fluid circulation, breaks up stagnant Qi, stops chronic dysentery, expels Intestinal Wind, opens the stomach, and astringes the intestines. It also treats Lung Qi damaged by extreme Fire, leading to oppression, fullness, wheezing, and coughing, because its sour and bitter flavors have the effect of consolidating and descending Fire to address the branch symptoms.

Indications (Integrating Acne/Rash and Measles): Bitter and sour, warm in temperature, with an urgent nature that likes to descend. It primarily opens the stomach, astringes the intestines, and stops dysentery, diarrhea, and coughing. It may be temporarily used for patients with measles/rashes who have Deficiency-Cold in the Spleen and Stomach and continuous diarrhea. Select six black fruits with thick flesh, take the peel and flesh, and remove the seed. However, the astringent property can block the muscle pores; if used in Qi Deficiency conditions, the pathogenic toxin cannot advance outward. Although it can astringe the intestines to stop diarrhea, do not use it lightly.

Note: Helile can astringe the intestines, but its Qi-descending action is too urgent, so it should not be used alone in deficient individuals. Combined with Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), it tonifies the Lungs; combined with Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), it benefits the Spleen; combined with Wuweizi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), it consolidates the Lungs; combined with Jupi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium), it descends Qi. In Persia, when encountering large amounts of slippery fish mucus spanning several miles that prevent boats from moving, they throw in Helile, causing the slipperiness to dissolve into water, demonstrating its ability to resolve phlegm and eliminate saliva. It is contraindicated for those with recent onset of coughing or new-onset dysentery/diarrhea.