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Affected by the spring cold of the heavenly mandate and combined with the rushing qi of the earth, its taste is bitter and sweet, its nature is cold, and it is non-toxic. The seedlings and leaves are bitter and sweet, with an ascending and cooling nature, thus primarily clearing the guest heat in the upper jiao (Upper Burner) affecting the heart and lungs. The root is named Digupi (Cortex Lycii), with a sweet and bland taste, a sinking and greatly cold nature, thus primarily purging deficiency heat in the lower jiao (Lower Burner) affecting the liver and kidney. It is a herb for the qi aspect of the three jiao; as stated in the *Classic* (Huangdi Neijing): "When heat dominates internally, purge it with sweet and cold herbs." This refers to this principle. The fruit (Gouqizi, Fructus Lycii) has a sweet and neutral taste, a slightly cold nature, is moistening and nourishing, can also reduce fever, and specializes in tonifying the kidney, moistening the lung, generating fluids, and benefiting qi. It is a key tonic herb for insufficiency of true yin in the liver and kidney, fatigue from overwork, and internal heat. As stated in the *Classic*: "When essence is insufficient, tonify it with flavor," this refers to this principle.

Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii) treats evil qi within the five zang organs, heat in the middle jiao leading to Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome), generalized Bi syndrome (painful obstruction) due to wind-dampness, internal injury leading to Ren Lao (consumptive disease), stagnation of qi in the hypochondrium, headache due to guest heat, unblocks the large and small intestines, consolidates essence and marrow, brightens the eyes, strengthens sinews and bones, and promotes yang. It is used in both tonic and wind-dispelling formulas. It is especially suitable for the elderly with yang deficiency, but should not be used by youths with fire syndromes. Its taste is sweet, neutral, and warm; its qi is moistening and rich. Its function specializes in tonifying the kidney, nourishing the liver, benefiting essence, and strengthening yin. It is neither hot nor drying. Long-term use makes the body light and able to endure cold and heat. However, those with weak spleen and diarrhea must combine it with Lingzhi (Poria) and Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome).

The Jin Sui Jian (Golden Marrow Decoction) from *Experience Formulas* uses Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii); daily pick red ripe fruits, any quantity, soak them in wine without ash additives, seal tightly with wax paper to prevent leakage. After two months, take them out, pound them thoroughly in a mortar, filter to obtain the juice, mix with the soaking wine, and slowly simmer in a silver pot while stirring constantly. When it becomes a paste like maltose, store it in a clean bottle with honey. Take two large spoons with warm wine every morning, and another dose before bed. After one hundred days, the body becomes light and qi strong. If persisted in for years, one may achieve transcendence. Another recipe, Gouji Jiu (Lycium Wine), darkens gray hair and beard, delays aging, and lightens the body. Use two sheng of Gouqizi (Fructus Lycii), harvested facing east on Ren-Gui days (Water days) in the tenth lunar month. Soak in two sheng of good wine in a porcelain jar for twenty-seven days. Then add three sheng of fresh Shengdihuang juice (Radix Rehmanniae Preparata), stir well, seal with honey, and open the jar thirty days before Lichun (Start of Spring). Drink one cup warm on an empty stomach. After Lichun, facial hair and head hair will turn black. Avoid eating Turnip greens (Brassica rapa var. nipposinica), green onions, and garlic. Observing these two formulas, their efficacy in tonifying yin is great. Tao Shi said: "Do not eat Gouqizi if traveling a thousand miles from home," merely highlighting its potent effect on strengthening yang.

Main indications (referencing Smallpox and Rashes): Evil qi and guest heat within the five zang organs, strengthening yin and benefiting essence, eye pain caused by smallpox/rash toxins, wind-induced itching and turbid membranes.