Library

Rutae Semen (Yuli Ren), having acquired the Qi of Wood and undergoing the transformation of Metal, possesses a pungent and bitter taste. Its nature is moistening and it excels in descending, belonging to Yin. It should be crushed and the kernels selected for use. It enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian, Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian, and Hand-Taiyin Small Intestine Meridian. It is a herb that disseminates stagnation, reduces swelling, breaks blood stasis, promotes urination, and moistens dryness; it serves as a formula for treating symptoms and addressing emergencies. However, it should not be taken if constipation is due to insufficiency of body fluids.

Rutae Semen (Yuli Ren) eliminates edema on the muscle surface, effectively promotes urination, disseminates stagnant Qi in the intestines, and centrally regulates obstruction (Guan Ge). It breaks blood stasis and moistens dryness, achieving success easily. It moistens and unblocks the pylorus and Guan Ge, possessing the subtle efficacy of transporting and transforming fluids. It dissebrates swelling in the water reservoirs without causing obstruction or suppression.

Euryales Semen (Jitou Shi), also known as Qianshi, is born from the Qi of Earth and Water. Its taste is sweet, its Qi is neutral, and it is non-toxic. It enters the Foot-Taiyin Spleen Meridian and Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It is a herb that tonifies the Spleen and Stomach and secures Essence and Qi. The Spleen governs the four limbs; since the feet are located inferiorly, invasion by Dampness leads to pain in the lower back, spine, knees, resulting in Bi Syndrome. When Spleen Qi is tonified, Dampness cannot reside, thereby eliminating the aforementioned Bi Syndrome. The Spleen resides in the Central Region (Zhongzhou) and benefits the Spleen, thus it can tonify the Middle Jiao. The Kidney stores Essence and Zhi (Willpower); entering the Kidney meridian, it primarily benefits Essence and strengthens Willpower. Acute diseases often belong to Fire; herbs with the Yin nature of Earth and Water can suppress Fire, thus it is used to eliminate acute diseases. When Essence and Qi are sufficient and the Spleen and Stomach are strong, long-term consumption makes the ears and eyes clear, the body light, and delays aging. Using Dioscoreae Rhizoma (Shanyao), Poria (Fuling), Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma (Baizhu), Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma (Renshen), Nelumbinis Semen (Lianrou), Coicis Semen (Yiren), and Dolichoris Semen (Biandou) as sovereign herbs constitutes an important formula for tonifying the Spleen and Stomach. Euryales Semen (Jitou Shi) alone, pounded into powder and mixed with decoction of Rosa Laevigata Fructus (Jinyingzi) pills, tonifies the Lower Yuan and benefits people, called "Shuilu Dan". The method for making Jitou Congee: take three he of Euryales Semen (Jitou Shi), cook until soft, remove shells, and boil together with one he of Oryza Sativa (Jingmi) into congee. Consumed daily on an empty stomach, it benefits Essence and Qi, strengthens willpower, and clarifies the ears and eyes. Si Jing Wan (Four Essence Pills): treats excessive mental thought and sexual desire, damaging Essence and Qi, leading to frequent urination, seminal emission, and spermatorrhea. Use Qiushi (Autumn Stone), Euryales Semen (Qianshi), Poria (Fuling), and Nelumbinis Semen (Lianrou), each four liang, pounded into powder, mixed with jujube paste into pills the size of Sophorae Japonicae Flos (Wuzi). Take thirty pills per dose, delivered with salt water on an empty stomach.

Euryales Semen (Jitou Shi) expels Damp-Bi, strengthens the Spleen, stops diarrhea and turbid discharge, benefits Qi and tonifies the Middle, secures Essence, and nourishes the Kidney.