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Commonly known as *Manihot esculenta* (note: text says 荸荠 which is water chestnut, but also 黑三棱 which is Sparganium; the text seems to conflate or describe specific varieties/aliases, strictly translating terms: Water Chestnut), also known as Hei San Leng.
Sweet in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic.

[Invention] Wuyu (Water Chestnut) has the property of destroying copper and eliminating hardness and accumulation; it is suitable for those taking Dan Shi (cinnabar and realgar pills). When smallpox lesions are dry and purple and fail to erupt, crush them together with Dilong (Earthworm, *Pheretima aspergillum*), add Baijiu Niang (white wine lees), squeeze out the juice, and take it orally to promote eruption. It also treats lung and stomach damp-heat in habitual drinkers causing unclear voice, as well as heat accumulation in the abdomen and Gu Du (parasitic poison). The *Dan Fang* records its use for treating Pi Ji (masses and accumulations): during the three Fu days, soak it in Huojiu (fire wine) and sun-dry it; chew seven pieces slowly on an empty stomach daily, and the masses will gradually dissipate, hence the name "Hei San Leng". Those with cold qi in the body should not eat it. Excessive consumption leads to Hong Kong Jiao (foot swelling/palsy, often referring to beriberi or gouty arthritis), consumptive fatigue, and coughing; this must be strictly prohibited. Because it severely cuts down Lung Qi and depletes Ying Blood, pregnant women with blood exhaustion should avoid it.

Bitter and sweet in taste, slightly cold in nature, non-toxic.

[Invention] It mainly treats various toxins, postpartum blood stagnation attacking the heart causing a death-like state, difficult labor, and retained placenta. Crush fresh roots/tubers to extract juice and take orally. Those suffering from Hong Kong Jiao with paralysis and sluggishness due to wind should not eat it, as cooked food causes Qi stagnation. Its leaves treat Xiao'er You Feng (pediatric wandering wind/rash) and Dan Du (erysipelas); crush and apply externally to resolve immediately.

Acrid in taste, warm in nature, slightly toxic. Remove the eyes and whiskers, and stir-fry before use. Shu Chan (Sichuan produced) Shujiao (Sichuan Pepper) is slightly acrid and not spicy; those with yellow color have a slightly acrid aroma and are most effective at dispersing Fire in the Pericardium. Those with red color are pungent and spicy and strongest in strengthening Fire at the Mingmen (Gate of Life). Those shaped like pigeon bells are authentic, grown from seeds; those with thirteen leaflets are Shujiao. Closed-mouth peppers are toxic and harmful to humans; if accidentally poisoned and vomiting saliva occurs, Di Jiang Shui (earth slurry water) can detoxify it.

The *Ben Jing* states that it treats evil Qi causing cough and reverse flow of Qi, warms the Middle Jiao, expels dead flesh in bones and joints and skin, treats Bi pain with cold and heat, descends Qi, and long-term use prevents whitening of hair.

[Invention] Jiao (Pepper) is a herb for the Qi aspect of the Hand and Foot Taiyin, Shaoyin, and Jueyin meridians. Born from the Qi of the Five Elements, its leaves are green, skin red, flower yellow, membrane white, and seed black. Its fragrant aroma allows Fire Qi to descend to the Mingmen. Thus, the *Ben Jing* calls it "descending Qi." Its treatment of evil Qi cough and reverse flow indicates disease in the Spleen and Lung meridians. When Lung is deficient, it cannot secure the Cou Li (pores/skin texture), allowing external evil to invade, causing cough and reverse flow. When Spleen is deficient, it cannot warm the muscles, leading to painful Bi syndromes. For treating vomiting where medicine is rejected, there must be Ascaris (roundworms) between the diaphragm. Adding dozens of grains of Chuan Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) to the anti-emetic works because roundworms move upon smelling medicine but subside upon encountering pepper. Therefore, Zhang Zhongjing used it in Wu Mei Wan (Mume Pill) to treat Hui Jue (Ascaris syncope). It can also open Bi dampness, warm Middle Qi, and assist the Fire of the Pericardium and Mingmen. The *Ben Jing*'s statement that long-term use prevents hair whitening reveals its power to ascend and connect to Kidney Qi through its acrid-warm nature. It is now used in formulas for darkening hair. A patient suffered from lower back pain, phlegm and wheezing, and feet cold as ice. The six pulses were surging but soft upon deep pressure. Ba Wei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill) was ineffective. Using Jiao Hong (pepper pericarp) and Fu Ling (Poria) made into honey pills, taken with salt water, he recovered in just twenty days. However, due to its acrid-warm and penetrating nature, it is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and hyperactive Fire.