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Xingren (Apricot Seed) inherits the warming Qi of spring and combines with the transformation of Fire and Earth. Its taste is bitter and sweet, its nature is warm, and it is toxic. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Its nature is moistening, lubricating, and descending. Its bitter-warm taste disperses stagnation; warmth can release the muscle layer, and bitterness can drain heat. Therefore, externally it has the merit of dissipating and expelling pathogens, and internally it has the effect of directing Qi downward and eliminating phlegm. It primarily treats cough with counterflow Qi, Ben Tun (a condition where Qi rushes from the lower abdomen to the chest), epilepsy due to fright, vexilation and heat in the epigastrium, fluctuating wind-pathogens, and symptoms such as releasing the muscle layer, resolving phlegm, and relieving panting. Xingren with two kernels are toxic and should not be used. If the goal is to eliminate phlegm and moisten the lungs, remove the skin and tips; if the goal is to dissipate exterior pathogens, use them with skin and tips intact.

Xingren enters the Lung meridian and belongs to agents that promote downward movement. It dissipates Wind-Cold in the Lung meridian, directs rebellious Qi downward to stop panting and coughing, eliminates urgent fullness in the epigastrium, moistens the Large Intestine to relieve Qi constipation, effectively resolves Tin toxicity, miraculously digests dog meat, drives out Ben Tun, and treats insect ulcers and vaginal erosion in women by insertion. In excess conditions, consuming too much causes visual blurring, damaging sinews, bones, and spirit. The leaves are harvested on the Dragon Boat Festival; decocted in water and washed on the eyes to stop tearing. The root primarily induces abortion; the flower treats Jue Ni (cold extremities/reversal). Some practitioners combine Xingren with Gualou (Trichosanthes Fruit), unaware that Xingren, being pungent, dissipates from the interstices to remove phlegm, thus it is contraindicated in patients with deficient exterior; Gualou is moistening and lubricates the intestines and stomach to remove phlegm, thus it is contraindicated in patients with deficient interior. However, in cases of Phlegm-Heat with both exterior and interior excess, using them together yields efficacy.

Main Indications (Integrated with Smallpox/Rash Theory): Xingren moistens the Heart, Lungs, and Large Intestine, primarily treating panting, coughing, and directing Qi downward; it dissipates Wind-Cold and Phlegm accumulation. It should be used after removing the skin and tips and stir-frying. Although both Xingren and Taoren (Peach Kernel) unblock the bowels, Xingren treats Qi disorders, while Taoren treats Blood disorders.

The flowers bloom in winter, and the fruit matures in summer, possessing the complete Wood Qi, hence its taste is most sour, as described: "Curved and straight produce sourness." The Gallbladder is Jia-Wood, and the Liver is Yi-Wood. There are four orifices under the tongue, two connecting to the Gallbladder fluid; therefore, eating sour substances generates saliva. The Classics state: "Heat damages Qi; when evil lodges in the chest, Qi rebels upward causing vexation and fullness, making the Heart uneasy." Wumei (Dark Plum) is sour and can restrain floating Heat, guiding inhalation back to the Origin, thus it primarily directs Qi downward, eliminates heat-induced vexation and fullness, and calms the Spirit. Dysentery results from the deficiency and collapse of the Large Intestine. Excessive salivation and dry mouth indicate Deficient Fire flaming upward and insufficient Body Fluids. Sourness can restrain Deficient Fire, transform Body Fluids, and secure intestinal collapse, which is why it is indicated for these conditions. Regarding its treatment of limb pain, hemiplegia, and numbness: this is because Dampness invading the meridians causes sinews and vessels to relax or become painful and numb. The Liver governs the sinews; sourness enters the Liver and nourishes the sinews. When the Liver is nourished, bones align, sinews soften, joints move freely, and previous symptoms resolve. Its ability to remove dead flesh, black moles, and malignant growths is actually the function of Baimei (White Plum). Baimei is salty; saltiness softens hardness. It also eliminates phlegm, awakens consciousness, stops cholera, and resolves alcohol toxicity. Hongjing stated: "Raw plum, Wumei, and Baimei have similar functions, but Wumei is superior and more widely used. However, Wood nature likes ascending, while sour taste restricts and gathers, which goes against its preferred nature." The Classics say: "Sour travels to the sinews; in Sinew diseases, do not eat much sour. Also, when the disease requires dissipation, avoid sour." In the *Guiyi Fang*, to erode malignant sores and flesh, Wumei flesh is burned to ash and applied overnight, causing immediate detachment. For bloody dysentery with abdominal pain, use four liang each of Wumei flesh and Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), honey-pilled to the size of wu zi seeds, taken twenty pills at a time with rice drink, three times daily. To treat Labor Malaria, use fourteen Wumei, two he of Douchi (Fermented Soybeans), three cun of Gancao (Licorice Root), one piece of Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger), and two sheng of Tongbian (Child's Urine); decoct until half remains, take warm, and it will stop.

Wumei converges Lung Qi, generates fluids, stops coughing, relieves thirst, eliminates vexation, astringes the intestines to stop diarrhea, treats Typhoid, Warm Malaria, intermittent long-term dysentery, blood in stool, and bloody dysentery, calms Ascaris, treats Jue Ni, stops worm pain, removes black moles, and erodes malignant flesh. Baimei mashed and applied externally treats malignant toxins and is highly effective for treating Breast Abscess in women. For Phlegm-Jue leading to stiff collapse, rubbing the teeth can open a locked jaw. Decoction of leaves taken orally eliminates long-term dysentery.

Main Indications (Integrated with Smallpox/Rash Theory): Meihua (Plum Blossom) has a sweet and slightly sour taste, neutral nature, and is non-toxic. It can erupt rashes and resolve toxicity because it receives the generating Qi of all things first.