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Then, he felt a sensation of fullness and oppression in the chest and diaphragm, having no appetite for food for a whole day and night. Taking Shenqu (Medicated Leaven) and Maidong (Ophiopogon Root) or similar digestive aids proved ineffective. I instructed to take Su (Butter/Ghee) combined with digestive herbs, after which he recovered. Su is the essence of milk; due to the principle of "same qi attracting same qi," it was able to achieve this effect.

The world says that Lychee has a hundred benefits and one drawback, while Pear has a hundred drawbacks and one benefit. Note: The text implies a comparison where the subject previously mentioned (likely referring to a fruit like Quince or specifically addressing the properties attributed to certain fruits in folk belief, though the text explicitly links the critique to Mu Gua/Quince's sour/astringent nature vs. Pear's sweet/cooling nature). Specifically, the text argues that relying on the sour and astringent nature to soothe tendons and subdue Liver Wood (Shu Jin Fa Mu), how can it compare to the Pear? The Pear's sweetness nourishes Stomach Qi, its coolness clears Heart Fire, it moistens dryness and resolves phlegm, removes irritability and heat, and disperses Wind pathogens while eliminating carbuncle toxins.

I once read Chen Hu's *Jiu Xu Wen*, which records that Cui Xiaolian, a Juren (degree holder) from Hunan, passed through Sizhou and heard that Mr. Lu was proficient in Taisu Pulse diagnosis. He asked Lu to diagnose him. Lu said, "You will obtain an official position next year, but in autumn you will suffer from a carbuncle toxin that cannot be cured." Cui requested a prescription in advance. Lu declined, but upon Cui's persistent request, he said, "Visit Da Ma Liu in the capital." The following year, Cui indeed passed the examination and visited Liu. Liu instructed him to eat pears daily until he consumed over two hundred, resulting in small sores all over his body but no other harm. Additionally, the *Lei Pian* records a scholar who appeared ill and listless every day. The physician Yang Jilao diagnosed that his Qi and Blood were scorched by Heat, predicting he would die of a carbuncle three years later. Fearing this, the scholar heard of a Daoist priest on Mount Mao who was skilled but selective in treating patients. He disguised himself as a servant doing chores for a long time before revealing his condition. The Daoist also prescribed eating pears, which cured him. Examining the Ben Cao Shu Zheng, it states that wealthy families consuming rich foods and strong wine without restraint, if not suffering from Phlegm-Fire, will inevitably face Carbuncles or Stroke. Only frequent consumption of good pears can turn severe illness into mild, and danger into safety. Thus, the functions of the pear are certainly not trivial; why are the theories of benefit and detriment so contradictory?

Weakness in the waist and knees indicates insufficiency of Kidney Qi. Since the shape of the Chestnut resembles the Kidney, it can tonify Kidney deficiency. In winter, place raw chestnuts in a bag and hang them in a high place to dry. Eat a few each morning, assisted by Pig Kidney Congee. Over time, this yields miraculous effects. However, they must be chewed thoroughly and swallowed with saliva. Eating too many at once damages the Spleen and stagnates Qi.

Su Zhiyou's poem reads: "As I age, my waist and legs grow weak; / The mountain elder follows the old recipe of chestnuts. / When guests come, he tells me after rising in the morning: / Three slow swallows, gently gathering the white jade nectar." This captures the secret of eating chestnuts.

Cherry has a sweet taste and hot nature. Hence, Wang Wei wrote, "After eating your fill, do not worry about internal heat; / The Grand Official still has cold sugarcane juice." Zhang Zihe stated: In Wushui, a wealthy family had two sons who loved eating purple cherries, consuming one or two sheng daily. Half a month later, the elder son developed Lung萎 (Lung Atrophy/Withering), and the younger developed Lung Abscess; both died successively. Alas! Heaven generates various fruits to nourish humans. If one indulges desires, one only breeds harm. Shao Yaofu said, "Foods that please the palate often eventually cause disease," which is truly a golden maxim.

E Zhu (Curcuma zedoaria) has a pungent and bitter taste, with actions specialized in attacking and breaking up accumulations. Ancients used it accompanied by Ren Shen (Ginseng) and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala), fearing it would consume Qi. Moderns use it to break up stagnation and treat various pains in the chest and hypochondrium, utilizing its ability to disperse blood within Qi. However, Hao Gu (Wang Haogu) also claimed it could tonify Qi. Yet, examining its nature and taste, it is similar to Hou Po (Magnolia Bark) and Bing Lang (Areca Seed); the claim that it tonifies Qi should not be lightly believed. Ben Cao records that Wang Zhizhong suffered from Heart-Spleen pain for a long time; taking Spleen-awakening herbs caused distension. Using E Zhu processed with vinegar decoction cured him immediately. I believe epigastric pain is often due to Liver Wood invading the Stomach. E Zhu is bitter and pungent, draining and descending; combined with the astringent nature of vinegar, it perfectly aligns with the method of treating the Liver, hence its efficacy.

Li Dongyuan (Ziyuan) said: Bai Shao (White Peony Root) and Chuan Xiong (Sichuan Lovage Rhizome) ascend to the head and eyes, descend to the Blood Sea, and can disperse Wind in the Liver Meridian. They are holy medicines for Headache due to Blood Deficiency in the Shaoyang and Jueyin meridians. I note: Chuan Xiong is pungent and warm. Used to assist Di Huang (Rehmannia) and Bai Shao, it prevents the formula from being too cold or stagnant. Thus, in Si Wu Tang, it serves as a guiding herb, just as Ze Xie (Alisma) is in Liu Wei Di Huang Wan. It is clear it is not the primary sovereign herb. Moderns often use it as the sovereign herb to treat Shaoyang/Jueyin syndromes. They fail to realize that Yin-deficient individuals often have Empty Heat, carrying Liver-Gallbladder Fire upward, causing vomiting, phlegm-cough, headache, and asthma. In such cases, one should use sweet and緩 (relaxing) methods to nourish Yin, allowing Fire and Wind to extinguish naturally. How can ascending and dispersing herbs be used to aid this pathogenic trend? Yu Tun stated that those with bone-steaming fever, night sweats, and Qi deficiency should not take it for long, as Chuan Xiong causes True Qi to leak, further depleting Yin. Li Shizhen said: Chuan Xiong is a Liver Meridian herb. If taken alone for a long time, its pungency tends toward the Lungs, causing Lung Qi to prevail. Metal attacks Wood, harming the Liver. Long-term use leads to imbalance and premature death. Therefore, physicians must investigate the nature of things.

Ancients said Fresh Ginger harmonizes the Middle and benefits the Stomach, eliminates various Lung diseases, and is the sage medicine for vomiting. Note: Ginger is pungent and warm. It is used to diffuse Lung Qi, open Cold-Phlegm, and calm vomiting. To say it is essential for the Lung and Stomach is incorrect. The Stomach is Yang Earth, preferring sweet and soft qualities. The Lung corresponds to Autumn Metal, requiring clarity and purity. Pungent and dispersing herbs are likely unsuitable. I believe Ginger is only useful for awakening the Stomach, not for benefiting it. Someone asked: Ben Cao says do not eat Ginger at night, as it causes Qi blockage. Why? Answer: The Lung prefers smooth Qi. During sleep, Qi and Blood are tranquil. Using pungent-warm herbs to force them causes Phlegm-Qi to obstruct the airway. The proverb says, "Eat radish in the morning, ginger at night," reflecting this idea.

Mu Li (Oyster Shell), also known as Hao Shan, grows attached to rocks, forming clusters like houses, hence also called Li Fang. Transformed by sea energy, its substance and function are Yin. Ben Cao states it treats deficiency damage and vexatious heat. I have used it to anchor Yang, finding it superior to Bao Yu Ke (Abalone Shell). Tao Hongjing's *Ben Tong Dian* says: Old eagles entering the sea transform into Oysters. It claims these are century-old eagles transformed. Note: Oysters are mollusks, but unlike snails/clams, they are solid and immobile on rocks. This theory is likely incorrect. Modern prescriptions often write "Left Mu Li," assuming left-facing is Male (Mu). Chen Cangqi criticized this, asking how Yin-Yang arises from static salt crystals. Examining *Nan Zhou Zhi*, the praise for Oyster Shells mentions "Male and Female have different spots," suggesting sex might be distinguished by patterns. However, I have verified that "left/right" refers to their attachment to rocks and rotation with currents creating water marks, not actual sexual difference.

Crab is a delicacy in river regions, especially favored in Wu customs during late autumn. Ancients said crabs resolve knots and dissipate blood, hence the character contains "jie" (resolve). Its nature is salty and cold, capable of stirring Wind and consuming Blood. Though delicious, excessive consumption harms. *Pi Ya* states un-frosted crabs should not be eaten. Once, workers digging trenches for house repair caught a large crab weighing over a jin. After cooking and eating it, I suffered severe abdominal pain at midnight and died from profuse diarrhea. *Xie Pu* records a fisherman in Zhenze catching a crab as big as a head, which cut the net with its claws. Angry, he wanted to cook it. An old fisherman companion said, "Turtles and crabs are special beings, messengers of rivers and lakes. Cooking them brings disaster." So he released it. Indeed, anything unusual, if eaten excessively, can kill. Is it only turtles and crabs?

Mushrooms vary greatly. In Fujian and Guangdong, Nanmu wood irrigated with rice water produces Fragrant Mushrooms, which are edible. Those growing in filthy, damp village areas are formed by stagnant Qi, are toxic, and can kill. In my county's Xinqiao Town, a farmer once found fresh, fat, white mushrooms in a bamboo grove, boiled and ate them, dying from diarrhea. Recall the spring of Jiyou in the Daoguang era, continuous rain for a month caused mushrooms everywhere. My friend Xie Yueping's courtyard corner produced a mushroom as big as a basin, pale red, with patterns resembling birds and beasts. Xie thought it a auspicious fungus and invited me. I said, "This is a toxic mushroom; it will wither soon." The next night it shrank and rotted. Xie asked how I knew. I said, "In *Zhen Zhu Chuan*, Li Lianggong, guarding Shuofang, saw a mushroom under a tree with figures playing chess, forming the characters 'Zhao Rong Guan'. Digging revealed a python's hole exuding foam that formed the mushroom. Your mushroom has straw-like patterns on the back, indicating it is not a Lingzhi, but a gas-formed entity that wilts quickly."

Longan (Gui Yuan) from Fujian is sweet and fleshy, pleasing the Stomach and nourishing Ying (Nutritive) Qi. Suitable for those with Heart-Spleen deficiency and Blood depletion. Named for its resemblance to a dragon's eye. Daoists chew the flesh slowly until saliva forms, then swallow, calling it "Drinking Jade Spring." I tried it and found it beneficial. Lu Pingquan Zongbo from Huating lived to 100, eating thousands of longans daily, retaining his youthful complexion. However, its excessive sweetness causes middle-jiao fullness. Those with Phlegm-Heat should avoid it.

Fresh Lotus Seeds have clear Qi and beautiful taste, harmonizing the Middle and nourishing Heart Qi. Cooked in porridge, they benefit the Spleen and Stomach. Ancients said raw seeds must have the plumule removed, lest one suffer Cholera-Ru. Note: The green plumule clears Heart Heat. The Cholera-Ru claim lacks basis. However, Shi Lian (Stone Lotus) sold in markets, grown on trees in Guangdong, is very bitter. I have seen people vomit after eating it. Moderns use it to treat Dysentery, which is a mistake.

Cedar Cypress leaves brewed as tea have a unique fragrance. Harvest young leaves in late spring/early summer to dispel Wind-Damp. Its nature is bitter and dry, not a Yin-nourishing agent. Zhu Danxi considered it a key Yin-tonifying herb, which I doubt. In Guiyu year of Xianfeng, Lu Qiugu from Dongting was robbed in Shaanxi, lost in a valley, and heard voices. Seeing only a tall Cypress, he ate its leaves when hungry, forgetting thirst and hunger. Now over 60, his hair remains black, and he moves/eats like a youth, crediting the Cypress. Reading *Han Hai Xu Bian*, Guangchengzi used "Yun Yang Liquid" to cure the dying. *Baopuzi* explains that trees speaking human language emit "Yun Yang," the spirit of the tree. Lu likely ingested this essence.

Wang Yutai said, those sick from alcohol should take Zhi Ju (Hovenia Dulcis). Also called Mi Mi or Jin Gou, resembling Poplar, with finger-like pods sweet as honey after frost. Anciently, houses built with Zhi Ju wood near wine cellars resulted in bland wine. I once took Zhi Ju juice for alcohol-induced fever and felt middle-jiao fullness, likely due to its sweetness.

Zhen is a poisonous bird found in Yongzhou and deep mountains. Two types: one crow-sized, black with red eyes; one eagle-sized, purple-green with a long neck. Males are Yun Ri, females Yin Xie, sounding like drums. They attack snakes. In winter, they hibernate. Smoking them out causes dizziness and death. Their gall, stored in silver, dissolves fingers on contact. Used on arrows, it kills instantly. Zhen feather in wine is antidoted by Xi Jiao (Rhinoceros Horn). Zhen nests are near Rhinos, showing Heaven's balance of killing forces.

Mr. Su, a herbalist expert in identification, was highly respected. During Tongzhi reign, a traveler sold a box of Rhinoceros Horn in Shanghai. Su identified it as "Tian Ma Jiao" (Heavenly Horse Horn), a fake. Selling it in Chu/Hubei would yield tenfold profit but kill people. He bought it for 100 taels and burned it publicly to prevent further harm. The traveler was ashamed.

Dried Gall of Large Mackerel mixed with Chuan Bei Mo is hung on walls, dried, powdered, and used for throat diseases. Kuang Zhanruo's *Chi Ya* adds it treats eye diseases better than Kong Qing. Quality depends on fish size vs. gall size. In Guangdong, officials taxed mackerel galls; private trade was punished. Current market products are often fake, made with Yellow Vine Paste and Mackerel Gall. Poor identification leads to confusion with inferior substitutes.

Du Fu's poem asks: "Is there not Black Essence Rice, to improve my complexion?" Qing Jing, also named Nan Tian Zhu or Mo Fan Cao, turns rice pure black when cooked. Immortal texts say consuming its essence grants immortality.