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Citrus reticulata (Orange/Tangerine): The *Bencao* states: Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats chest obstruction, masses, and hernia-like accumulations (*jia*), heat with rebellious Qi, promotes the digestion of water and grain, directs Qi downward, stops vomiting and coughing, clears residual heat and fluid retention in the Bladder, treats the five types of strangury (*wulin*), and promotes urination. If the Spleen fails to transform food, causing grain Qi to fill the chest, leading to vomiting and cholera-like disorder, it can stop diarrhea and expel *Cestoda* (tapeworms). Long-term consumption removes bad breath, directs Qi downward, calms the spirit, lightens the body, and prolongs life. Tao Hongjing's annotation notes: This describes the efficacy of the peel. The flesh is sweet and sour; consuming it generates phlegm and may not be beneficial. Cui Yu states: Consuming it promotes digestion and directs Qi downward. The peel is pungent and bitter; it can be steamed and eaten. Meng Shen states: The peel treats chest masses, Qi stagnation, and heat rebellion. He adds: Directing Qi downward is less effective than using the peel; although warm, it effectively quenches thirst. *Wu Lu Dizhi* records: Citrus grows in Jian'an Commandery. Trees are covered in winter; by spring and summer, the color turns dark green-black, and the taste is exceptionally fine. The *Shanglin Fu* mentions: Lu citrus ripens in summer and is black. Zhu Simian states: Citrus peel kills parasites and detoxifies fish poison; it must be used as a condiment when eating raw fish. (Japanese name: Tachibana.)

Kumquat/Citrus nobilis: The *Seven-Volume Dietary Classic* states: Sweet and sour in flavor; its peel is slightly cold. It treats Qi disorders more effectively than orange peel and removes accumulated phlegm. Cui Yu states: Consuming it directs Qi downward; sweet and sour, slightly cold, non-toxic. It treats chest heat and fullness; the peel treats upper Qi rebellion and fullness. Meng Shen states: Cold in nature, edible. The peel is unsuitable for medicinal use. Sour before frost, it becomes sweet after frost, hence named "Gan" (Sweet). It harmonizes stomach and intestinal heat toxins and relieves thirst caused by mineral drugs. Excessive consumption causes lung dryness and cold, triggering flowing masses. Ma Wan states: Eating it surpasses oranges in removing accumulated phlegm; also known as Li Heng's "Wood Slave," or Wanyun, also called Jinshi. (Japanese name: Kamumu.)

Pomelo: The *Bencao* states: Pungent, warm, non-toxic. Treats chest masses, heat with rebellious Qi, promotes digestion of water and grain, directs Qi downward, stops vomiting and coughing, clears residual heat and fluid retention in the Bladder, treats the five stranguries, cholera, diarrhea, tapeworms, bad breath, calms the spirit, and prolongs life. Su Jing's annotation notes: Pomelo peel is sweet. Currently, people confuse pomelo with sweet orange; this is not the "You from Yunmeng" mentioned in the *Lüshi Chunqiu*. Cui Yu states: Excessive consumption generates phlegm. Meng Shen states: Sour, inedible directly, but can be used for dishes. According to the *Seven-Volume Classic*: Sour in flavor, only the peel is edible, not used medicinally. (Note: Harmful substance. Japanese name: Yuzu.)

Dried Jujube (Red Date): The *Bencao* states: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Treats evil Qi in the heart and abdomen, calms the middle, nourishes the Spleen, assists the twelve meridians, balances Stomach Qi, opens the nine orifices, supplements deficient Qi and fluids, addresses bodily deficiency, severe fright, heavy limbs, harmonizes hundred herbs, regulates the middle to boost Qi and strength, removes irritability, subdues hanging pain under the heart, and intestinal rumbling. Long-term consumption lightens the body, prolongs life, and is like being an immortal. Additionally, three-year-old stored jujube kernels treat abdominal pain, sudden spasms due to evil Qi, deafness, and nasal congestion. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Consumption lightens the body and harmonizes hundred herbs. Meng Shen states: Nourishes Spleen Qi, strengthens willpower. Cui Yu states: Boosts energy, removes irritability. There is also "Yi Zao," very sweet, egg-sized, improves complexion, originating from Yishi County. Zhu Simian states: Sweet flavor benefits those with heat-induced deficiency-cold. (Japanese name: Fukase no Tsuno.)

Fresh Jujube: The *Bencao* states: Pungent, causes heat; those with chills/fever and emaciation should not eat it. Tao Hongjing notes: Large jujubes detoxify Aconite. Cui Yu states: Eating fresh jujubes causes stomach heat and thirst; steaming and drying them makes them beneficial. The *Shanfu Jing* states: Do not eat excessively. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Regularly consuming jujube kernels prevents invasion by hundred evils. Meng Shen states: Excessive fresh jujube consumption causes abdominal distension; steamed/dried ones tonify intestinal and stomach muscles and boost Qi. (Japanese name: Nameshitsuna.)

Plum: The *Bencao* states: Bitter and neutral, non-toxic. Clears persistent heat, regulates the middle. Tao Hongjing notes: Jingkou has wheat plums, ripening when wheat ears emerge, small and sweet. Cui Yu states: Slightly cold; growing near water, eating them risks being swallowed by dragons. Meng Shen states: Neutral, treats sudden bloody dysentery; fresh plums remove joint劳热 (labor heat), but do not eat excessively. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sour, ripe fruit is edible. The *Shennong Classic* states: Slightly warm, non-toxic, do not eat excessively as it causes deficiency. The *Yaolu* states: Plums near water are poisonous and can kill. (Japanese name: Sumomomo.)

Apricot Fruit: The *Bencao* states: Sour, do not eat excessively as it damages sinews and bones. Double-kernel apricots are lethal. Tao Hongjing notes: Kernels treat cough with rebellious Qi, borborygmus, throat obstruction, and direct Qi downward. Cui Yu states: Treats wind-lockjaw and speech difficulties; best when unopened, sour and hot, toxic, do not eat excessively. Causes carbuncles, damages sinews/bones. The *Shennong Classic* states: Those with heat should not eat it, as it causes body heat and shortens life. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Apricot kernels cause heat-type diarrhea if eaten excessively. Meng Shen states: Apricots are hot, treat cough/rebellious Qi, traumatic injuries with convulsions, subcardiac heat, and head wind diseases. The *Yangsheng Yaochao* states: To treat apricot kernel poisoning with diarrhea and distress, use plum juice. Alternatively, use Isatis leaf juice. (Note: Harmful substance. Japanese name: Karashiro.)

Peach Fruit: The *Bencao* states: Sour, excessive consumption gives one vigor. The kernel is bitter, sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Treats blood stasis, closed masses, evil Qi, kills small parasites, cough with rebellious Qi, and dissipates subcardiac hardness. Tao Hongjing notes: Immortal lore says eating peach blossoms from three trees makes the face rosy like a peach, though no one has tried it. The *Shennong Classic* states: Bathing in water after a full meal of peaches causes strangury. Meng Shen states: Warm; peaches trigger mineral drug reactions and should be avoided, especially raw. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Peaches with two kernels are toxic and inedible. Cui Yu states: Causes diarrhea, improves complexion, nourishes Liver Qi. Current taboo against pairing peach kernels with Atractylodes is incorrect; common use is harmless. Chen Zihuang ate Atractylodes in Huoshan, where many peaches grew; continuous consumption extended life to 300 years, maintaining youthful appearance and strength. (Note: Harmful substance. Japanese name: Momo.)

Plum Fruit (Ume): The *Bencao* states: Sour, neutral, non-toxic. Directs Qi downward, removes heat and irritability, calms the body, treats hemiplegia/numbness, dead flesh, removes dark spots/malignant diseases, stops diarrhea with excessive saliva and dry mouth. Tao Hongjing notes: This refers to current Smoked Plum (Wumei). Also, while taking Polygonatum, avoid Ume. Su Jing notes: Benefits sinews and vessels, removes bi-syndrome. Cui Yu states: Sour, very warm, calms Liver/Heart and directs Qi downward. *Yaoxing Lun* mentions obscure verses. Meng Shen states: Removes oppression, calms the spirit. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sour and neutral. Poetry says: Plum fragrance is unique. Can be held in mouth to freshen breath. (Japanese name: Umegi.)

Chestnut: The *Bencao* states: Salty and warm, non-toxic. Boosts Qi, thickens intestines/stomach, tonifies Kidney Qi, increases satiety. Tao Hongjing notes: Someone with weak legs walked after eating several liters under a chestnut tree, demonstrating Kidney tonification. Should be eaten raw. Su Jing states: Powdered form beats water chestnuts; raw paste applied heals fractures, swelling, bruising. Feeding to infants delays tooth eruption. Cui Yu states: Boosts energy. The *Shennong Classic* states: Food therapy for waist/leg discomfort; cooking causes Qi stagnation; Wind-Water patients should avoid it. Meng Shen states: Roast fresh chestnuts in hot ashes until sweating, then eat immediately; this breaks Qi strongly. Do not cook thoroughly, as cooked forms stagnate Qi. Also called Wanyun, Zhuanzi, Yanzi. (Japanese name: Kurumi.)

Persimmon: The *Bencao* states: Sweet, non-toxic, cold. Opens nose/ear Qi, treats intestinal insufficiency. Tao's note: Fire-dried ones are hot and stop diarrhea; sun-dried are cold; fresh persimmons are colder. Su Jing notes: Fire-dried persimmons detoxify poisons/gold-fire sores, raw meat stops pain; soft ripe persimmons resolve alcohol heat/toxins, stop dry mouth, suppress chest heat. *Shiyi* states: Sun-dried ones are warm-tonic; excessive eating removes facial spots but causes heart pain/death when combined with alcohol. Persimmons make one drunk easily. Tao Hongjing notes: Detoxifying alcohol is a mistake. Cui Yu states: Sweet and cold, treats dysentery, abscesses, scorched tongue/mouth ulcers. Meng Shen states: Opens nose/ear Qi, tonifies deficiency. Dried persimmons thicken intestines/stomach, warm middle, digest old blood. *Shanfu Jing* states: Do not eat excessively; causes abdominal pain/diarrhea. Also called Wanyun, Jinye, Miwan, Zhushi. (Japanese name: Kashi.)

Pear: The *Bencao* states: Bitter and cold, causes cold in the center; contraindicated for trauma and women. Tao's note: Many varieties, all cold/purgative. Commoners view them as refreshing fruits, not medicine; they harm the body. Su Jing states: Pear slices on burns/boils stop pain and heal quickly. Treats heat-cough and quenches thirst. *Tongxuan Jing* states: Though "knives and axes of the five zang," pears are excellent for Shanghan. Cui Yu states: Excellent for seasonal fevers, but do not eat excessively. The *Shennong Classic* states: Sweet, non-toxic, do not eat excessively as it causes fatigue. Meng Shen states: For chest blockage/heat accumulation, eat raw pear to promote bowel movement. Removes pathogenic heat, stops heart vexation. For sudden aphonia, drink one cup of fresh pear juice at once. For sudden cough, pierce a frozen pear fifty times, insert a peppercorn in each hole, wrap in dough, roast in hot ashes until very熟, cool, and eat. Or peel, slice, simmer in butter, and eat cold. Zhu Simian states: Triggers latent diseases. Generally, for cough, eat cold pear after breathing stabilizes. Fools eating hot pepper-pear mixtures worsen coughs irreparably. Also called Wanyun, Zishi, Zi KT, Piaodi, Liusu, Hanshu. (Note: Harmful substance. Japanese name: Nashi.)

Apple (Na): The *Bencao* states: Bitter and cold, excessive consumption causes abdominal distension, worse for patients. Cui Yu states: Removes internal heat, non-toxic. Meng Shen states: Benefits Heart Qi. Zhang Xuan states: Tonifies middle Jiao deficiencies. *Guangzhi* states: Na comes in white, green, and yellow varieties. (Note: Harmful substance. Japanese name: Nai.)

Pomegranate: The *Bencao* states: Sweet and sour, harmful, do not eat excessively. Roots treat roundworms/tapeworms; shells treat dysentery and seminal leakage. Cui Yu states: Do not eat excessively as it depletes Qi. People plant pomegranate flowers for longevity due to their beauty. Meng Shen states: Warm; fruit treats grain-type diarrhea and seminal loss. Damages teeth, turning them black. (Note: Harmful substance. Japanese name: Zakuro.)

Loquat: The *Bencao* states: Leaves are neutral, treat sudden persistent cough, direct Qi downward. Cui Yu states: Seeds direct Qi downward, stop hiccups/vomiting, sweet, raw consumption is beneficial. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sour, calms five zang. *Shanfu Jing* states: Beneficial. Meng Shen states: Warm, benefits five zang. Long-term consumption causes heat and jaundice. (Japanese name: Biwa.)

Kiwi: The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sweet, cold, non-toxic, neutral effect. *Shiyi* states: Sour, warm, non-toxic, treats joint wind, paralysis, whitening hair, flesh diseases, wild chicken disease. Also called Tengli, Yangtao. Cui Yu states: Harmonizes middle, calms Liver. Sweet and cold, treats jaundice and thirst. Resembles dates, dark green-black; clusters grow on stems; beneficial to eat. (Japanese name: Harinaga.)

Verbenaceae Fruit (Yu Zi): The *Bencao* states: Sour, neutral, non-toxic, treats massive abdominal edema, facial/limb swelling, promotes urination. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Promotes water pathways. Cui Yu states: Sour and cold; unripe is toxic, causes madness; ripe is beneficial. (Japanese name: Ubai.)

Tong Cao: The *Bencao* states: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Expels evil insects, removes Spleen/Stomach cold/heat, opens nine orifices/vessels/joints, prevents forgetfulness. Treats Spleen bi with drowsiness, heart vexation, noisy hiccups, deafness, disperses abscesses/unresolved knots, traumatic wounds, malignant sores, rat bites, induces abortion, expels three parasites. Also called Dingweng. *Shiyi* states: Also called Haoshou, seeds like coin purses. Cui Yu states: Removes phlegm-water, stops bloody/white dysentery, sweet and warm. (Japanese name: Anjaibi.)

Mountain Cherry: The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic, neutral effect. Some say it tonifies Heart Qi, regulates middle, improves complexion. Two types: White cherry blooms early, white flowers, bitter taste, causes headache; Black cherry has red-white flowers, sweet taste. Boqi people consider it a fine fruit; mountain fruits' best is the black cherry. (Japanese name: Yamazakura.)

Water Chestnut (Molianzi): Cui Yu states: Calms middle, nourishes Liver Qi, sweet/sour/cold, non-toxic, treats fire-sores and toxic heat. Slippery nature, leaves resemble Verbenaceae, fruits like... eating lightens the body and removes heat. (Japanese name: Ihaba.)

Hazelnut: The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sweet, neutral, neutral effect, excessive consumption causes headache. Cui Yu states: Brightens eyes, expels parasites, sweet/astringent/cold, non-toxic, long-term consumption lightens body and resists aging. Tree resembles apricot, nuts like acorns; steamed/dried, boosts Qi. (Note: Harmful substance. Japanese name: Namako.)

Walnut Kernel: The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sweet, warm, removes accumulated Qi. *Bowuzhi* states: Zhang Qian brought walnuts from Western Regions, hence the name. Cui Yu states: Directs Qi downward, sweet/slightly cold, non-toxic, treats throat obstruction, kills white worms, generates phlegm. Meng Shen states: Do not eat suddenly/excessively as it moves phlegm-fluid; gradual daily consumption unblocks collaterals, darkens hair/beard, cures all hemorrhoids. *Qianjin Fang* states: Do not eat excessively, causes nausea. *Shiyi* states: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic, makes one fat/strong, moistens skin/hair, removes wild chicken disease. (Japanese name: Kurumi.)

Acorn (Chizi): The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sweet, neutral, tonifying, satiating. Shelled and steamed, it surpasses oak acorns for fasting. Cui Yu states: Sweet/slightly warm, non-toxic, tonifies five zang, calms middle. Similar to Oak but larger. (Japanese name: Chichi.)

Oak Acorn: The *Bencao* states: Bitter, slightly warm, non-toxic, treats diarrhea, thickens intestines/stomach, makes one fat/strong. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Astringent, non-toxic, most beneficial despite not being medicine/grain, though cannot sustain fasting alone. *Yangxing Yaoji* states: Eating oaks is superior; absorbs Qi/flavor without adding them, digests food, stops diarrhea, strengthens the body. (Japanese name: Ichibi, Tarubami.)

Torreya Seed: The *Bencao* states: Sweet, treats five hemorrhoids, expels three parasites, gu-poison, ghost-infection. Tao's note: Seeds treat tapeworms, no other uses, not in formulas. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Lightens body, removes abdominal worms. Ma Wan states: Regular consumption prevents parasite growth. (Japanese name: Kaikaimi.)

Rubus Chingii (Fupenzi): The *Bencao* states: Non-toxic, boosts Qi, lightens body, prevents graying hair. Tao's note: Penglan is the root; Fupenzi is the fruit. Practitioners don't use it, but Changrong used it to change complexion. Su Jing notes: Fupenzi and Penglan are different names for the same thing, originally referring to the fruit, not root. Cui Yu states: Sour/sweet/aromatic, boosts Qi, calms five zang; Lie Zhen ate it regularly and ascended to immortality. (Japanese name: Achigo.)

Pyracantha: Ma Wan states: Sweet, evergreen, tonifies five zang. *Shanfu Jing* states: Beneficial. (Japanese name: Kubimi.)

Sugarcane: The *Bencao* states: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Directs Qi downward, harmonizes middle, tonifies Spleen Qi, benefits large intestine. Cui Yu states: Directs Qi downward, slightly cold. Guangzhou variety takes 2-3 years to grow, tall like bamboo. Juice made into sugar treats wind-bi, improves complexion. (Japanese name: Sakana.)

Grape: The *Bencao* states: Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Treats sinus/joint damp-bi, boosts Qi, doubles strength, strengthens will, makes one fat/strong, withstands wind/cold, long-term consumption lightens body, prevents aging, prolongs life. Tao's note: Wei envoys brought grapes resembling Schisandra but sweeter; northerners are strong/cold-resistant likely due to eating them. Like citrus changing north of Huai River. Cui Yu states: Boosts Qi, removes wind-cold, sweet/slightly cold, improves complexion. Meng Shen states: Treats intestinal water, regulates middle. Seeds cause sudden vexation if eaten excessively. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Sweet/neutral, can make wine, drives out water, promotes urination. *Guangzhi* states: Grapes come in yellow, white, black varieties. (Japanese name: Budou.)

Mulberry Fruit: The *Bencao* states: Su Jing says: Sweet, cold, non-toxic, single consumption treats diabetes. The *Seven-Volume Classic* cites *Han Wu Zhuan*: West Queen Mother's immortal supreme medicine. Mulberry fruit. Meng Shen states: Slightly cold, tonifies five zang, brightens eyes/ears, benefits joints, harmonizes meridians, circulates blood/Qi, boosts spirit. (Japanese name: Kuwano.)

Dioscorea Opposita (Yam): The *Bencao* states: Sweet, warms meridians, neutral, non-toxic. Treats middle injury, tonifies deficiency, removes cold/heat evil Qi, boosts middle Qi/strength. Grows muscle, treats wandering wind on head/face, dizziness, directs Qi downward, stops lower back pain, fills five zang, strengthens Yin. Long-term consumption brightens eyes/ears, lightens body, reduces hunger, prolongs life. Also called Shanyu, Yuyan (Qin/Chu), Tuyu (Zheng/Yue). Tao's note: Used for sustenance. Su Jing notes: Sun-dried, powdered, delicious. Cui Yu states: Grows muscle, strengthens Yin Qi. The *Seven-Volume Classic* states: Boosts Qi, fills five zang. *Shanfu Jing* states: Tonifies middle, strengthens Yin. Also called Wanyun, KT, Yanc grass. *Zayaojue* states: Also called Wang... (Japanese name: Yamaimo.)