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Muqua (Chaenomeles Fruit):
Muqua (Chaenomeles fruit) inherits the Qi of spring growth and possesses the transformational nature of Wood (curving and straightening). Its taste is sour, its temperature is warm, and it is non-toxic. It enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian, and Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. Its nature dislikes dampness and prefers dryness; its warmth can promote circulation, and its sourness can astringe and consolidate. These two properties work in harmony without contradiction. Therefore, it can dispel dampness, harmonize the Stomach, nourish the Spleen, benefit the Lung, strengthen sinews and bones, and regulate Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) Qi. It treats diseases arising from Liver-Spleen dysfunction, such as Huoluan (Cholera-like syndrome with vomiting and diarrhea) caused by Summer-heat and Dampness injuring the Spleen, Zhuanjin (Muscle Spasm/Cramp) caused by Liver Wood overacting on Spleen Earth, and Hongjiaojiao (Beriberi) with Shibi (Damp Bi Syndrome). However, it should not be used for Zubi (Foot Bi/Painful Obstruction) due to deficiency of Essence and Blood, or for vomiting and diarrhea due to excessive eating injuring the Stomach. Furthermore, excessive consumption of Muqua damages teeth and bones because it invades the Liver. Contact with iron vessels should be avoided.

The fruit of Muqua can tonify Qi and secure collapse; when Qi is stagnant, it harmonizes it. It dries dampness, strengthens the Spleen, benefits the Lung, dispels dampness, eliminates Huoluan and Zhuanjin, and treats Hongjiaojiao and Shuili (Watery Dysentery). For Jinji (Tendon Tension/Spasm), it relaxes them; for Jin huan (Tendon Laxity/Weakness), it strengthens them; for Shibi (Damp Bi), it attacks the pathogen; for Shuxie (Summer-heat Diarrhea), it stops it. Thus it is said: "To awaken and relax dampness in sinews and bones, nothing surpasses Muqua; to reconnect separated sinews and bones, nothing surpasses Duzhong (Eucommia Bark)."

Commentary: Muqua inherits the Sour flavor of the East (Wood), so it specifically enters the Liver Meridian to treat tendon disorders. Whenever Zhuanjin occurs, simply calling out its name or writing the characters "Muqua" at the affected site will cure it. This demonstrates its miraculous efficacy in treating tendons. However, excessive consumption damages teeth and bones. The *Classic* states: "The generation of Yin originates from the Five Flavors; the injury of Yin also stems from the Five Flavors." Excess of any of the five flavors leads to the danger of pathological excess.

Shi (Persimmon):
Shi (Persimmon) is born inheriting the Yin Qi of the earth. Therefore, its taste is sweet, its temperature is cold, and it is non-toxic. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian. Thus, it can clear Stomach heat and moisten Lung dryness. Since the Lung and Large Intestine are exterior-interior pairs, it primarily treats phlegm elimination, thirst cessation, and cough calming above, and Changlai Hong (Intestinal Bleeding/Hematochezia) and fluid insufficiency below. Generally, Sweet flavor tonifies Blood, and Cold temperature clears Heat. Gan Shi (Dried Persimmon) has similar effects but with reduced coldness; it further thickens the intestines and stomach, tonifies deficiencies, moistens the Lung, and stops thirst. Shishuang (Persimmon Frost) is white, light, floating, and clearing/purifying. It primarily treats Heat between the Heart and Lung in the Upper Jiao, generates fluids, stops thirst, resolves phlegm, and stops coughing. It is needed for sore throat, tongue, and mouth ulcers. However, its cold nature is a drawback; it is contraindicated for those without Fire in the Lung Meridian, those with Cold-induced coughs, and those with deficiency-cold of the viscera and intestines.

Shi belongs to Metal and Earth. Although varieties differ, their astringent property is the same. It moistens the Heart and Lung, stops coughing, opens the appetite, resolves phlegm, rapidly removes intra-abdominal blood stasis, and easily stops oral hematemesis. It relieves thirst and tonifies deficiency from consumptive disease. It astringes the intestines to prevent frequent recurrent Hot Li (Dysentery). It is contraindicated to eat with crab; accidental ingestion causes painful diarrhea with deep harm. Red persimmons are contraindicated with alcohol, as they cause intoxication and potentially fatal heart pain. Yellow persimmons steamed with rice flour can be eaten by children to treat red stools from intestinal bleeding. Cuxin Shi is slightly larger and mildly cold. Niunai Shi is very small and extremely cold; it should not be eaten in excess, as it causes abdominal pain from Cold invading the Middle. Gan Shi (Dried Persimmon) has neutral Qi; long-term use is beneficial. Its astringency thickens the intestines and stomach, kills parasites, and moistens the throat. Sun-dried white ones are best. Shidi (Persimmon Calyx) treats regurgitation and reverse Qi flow miraculously. Shishuang clears the Heart, reduces fever, generates fluids, moistens the Lung, resolves phlegm, and stops coughing, making it highly effective for Lao Sou (Consumptive Cough). Shi mu pi (Persimmon Bark) ground into fine powder and taken with rice water decoction can treat lower bleeding. Ancients said Persimmon has seven excellences: 1. Longevity, 2. Abundant Yin, 3. No bird nests, 4. No insect erosion, 5. Frost leaves are pleasing to view, 6. Guests (large fallen leaves), 7. Fallen leaves are large and thick.

Commentary: Although Persimmon varieties differ, they all clear and purify scorched Fire pathogens and have the effect of benefiting the Spleen. There was a case where three generations died of Fanwei (Regurgitation/Vomiting undigested food). The grandson of one family obtained a prescription: eating rice cakes together with dry rice, absolutely no water, and mixing with no other medicines. After ten days, he recovered. This demonstrates its ability to clear the Upper Jiao and benefit the Spleen. However, it is prohibited for those with Middle Cold.