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Endowing the Qi of Metal, it possesses more Fire Qi and less [Metal/Water], thus its taste is pungent and fragrant, its temperature is warm, and it has slight toxicity. Relying on the penetrating and moving efficacy of its pungent fragrance and warm temperature, internally it unblocks the Heart and Spleen to reach the Lower Abdomen (Shaofu), eliminating all abnormal pathogenic factors; externally it travels through the Cou Li (interstices) to reach the four limbs, dispersing invasions of Wind-Cold and turbid pathogens. Therefore, fever and headache are relieved, food stagnation is resolved, and Sha Zhen (scarlet fever/rash) and smallpox can erupt. However, due to its pungent and dispersing nature, those with Qi deficiency should not consume it. Long-term or excessive consumption damages the Spirit (Shen), causes forgetfulness, induces axillary odor and Hong Kong Foot (tinea pedis), and must be avoided when taking any tonic medicines containing Atractylodis Rhizoma (Baizhu) or Moutan Cortex (Mudanpi). Its seeds can also induce the eruption of smallpox/rashes and kill fishy toxins.

Hu Su (Coriandrum sativum) excels at promoting Qi flow in the lower abdomen, extracting toxins from the four limbs, opening the orifices of the Heart, stopping headaches from above, dispersing rashes, resolving food stagnation internally, benefiting the five Zang organs, smoothing the intestines, and for unevenly erupting smallpox/rashes, spraying decocted wine suffices. Inserted into the nose, it removes corneal opacity. However, excessive consumption triggers Hong Kong Foot and axillary odor; long-term consumption damages the Spirit and causes amnesia; consuming it together with Xie Hao leads to foul-smelling sweat.

Indications (Comprehensive Analysis of Smallpox and Rashes): For cases where Sha Zhen or smallpox are difficult to erupt, use 1-2 liang of Hu Su, chopped and decocted in wine. Avoid spraying on the head and face; spray thoroughly over the body from the neck downwards. Keep away from wind, and eruption will occur immediately. It can also be sprayed on bed curtains and clothes of smallpox patients to ward off evil and remove turbidity.

Yue Gua (Cucumis melo var. flexuosus), also known as Shao Zhua, has a sweet and cold taste. It resolves alcohol toxicity, clears vexatious heat, stops thirst, and promotes urination. However, it can induce coldness and clear cold accumulations; children should not eat it. Cucumber should not be eaten in large quantities and must not be consumed with vinegar, as it can accumulate stagnant heat leading to sores, trigger alternating chills and fever causing malaria, induce Hong Kong Foot, and generate roundworms (Gong Chong). Luffa (Luffa cylindrica) is cold in nature and detoxifies; it treats smallpox sores and foot abscesses. Applied as ash after burning, it is effective immediately.

Indications (Comprehensive Analysis of Smallpox and Rashes): Luffa resolves heat toxins and promotes urination. Take the three cun section near the stem, burn until carbonized but retaining its nature (Cun Xing), grind into fine powder, add a small amount of Cinnabar (Zhusha), and mix with water decocted from Juncus effusus (Dengxin Cao) for pediatric administration. This greatly relieves smallpox toxins; specimens that have endured frost are superior.

Dong Kui Cai (Malva verticillata) is the leader among vegetables. It is slippery and lubricating and should not be eaten excessively. It can promote the discharge of stagnation and obstruction, primarily treating external heat by promoting urination, and curing malignant sores and leukorrhea. Dong Kui Zi (Seeds of Malva verticillata) treats cold and heat disorders of the Zang-Fu organs, emaciation, and the "Five Strictures" (Wu Long - types of dysuria). It promotes urination, treats difficulty in lactation and internal closure in women, and long-term consumption strengthens bones and builds muscle. Decocted in water (1-2 he) and drunk, it facilitates difficult childbirth. Swallowed whole with water (3-5 grains), it causes unruptured carbuncles and boils to burst immediately.