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Jujube (Da Zao): Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. For medicinal use, large red jujubes are selected, split open, and the pits removed. Excessive consumption causes dental caries (cavities). *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen, calms the middle jiao, nourishes spleen qi, harmonizes stomach qi, opens the nine orifices, assists the twelve meridians, supplements deficiency of vital qi and body fluids, addresses bodily insufficiency, treats fright from sudden shock, alleviates heaviness in the four limbs, and harmonizes various herbs.

[Invention] Jujube belongs to Earth with Fire attributes, serving as a blood-level herb for the Spleen meridian. The sweet flavor enters the Spleen first; thus, the pungent-sweet combination of Ginger and Jujube is used to harmonize Ying (Nutritive) and Wei (Defensive) qi. Zhang Zhongjing used jujube in treating Running Piglet syndrome (Ben Tun) to moisten Spleen Earth and pacify Kidney Qi. In Shizao Tang (Ten Jujube Decoction), it is used to benefit Earth to overcome pathogenic Water, but should be avoided by those with abdominal fullness. Therefore, in Jianzhong Tang (Establish the Middle Decoction), if there is epigastric stuffiness, Yi Tang (Maltose) is reduced; the principle for using Jujube parallels that of Licorice Root (Gancao), illustrating the method of employing Jujube. In *Jingui Yaolue*, Ganmai Dazao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction) is used to treat Zang Zao (Visceral Agitation) in women, characterized by sorrow, grief, and urge to cry, leveraging its ability to assist the body fluids of the Liver, Spleen, and Lung meridians to moisten dryness.

The statement in *Shennong Bencao Jing* that Jujube treats evil qi in the heart and abdomen also implies harmonizing Ying and Wei pathogenic factors. "Pacifying Stomach Qi" refers to its sweet-warm nature promoting transformation and transportation, effectively smoothing stagnant and excessive dampness in the Stomach. *Suwen* describes Jujube as the fruit of the Spleen house. Thus, *Shennong Bencao Jing* further states it treats bodily insufficiency, sudden fright, and limb heaviness; by supplementing Spleen body fluids, spirit and qi naturally settle, and limbs become agile. Ancient prescriptions use red jujubes, utilizing their raw state to disperse exterior pathogens. For tonifying Spleen formulas, Southern Jujubes are preferred for their sweetness to generate body fluids. Black jujubes promote damp-heat in the middle jiao, damage teeth, and cause worms, making them unsuitable for medicinal use. Raw jujubes consumed excessively cause heat, thirst, and qi distension; they are particularly contraindicated for thin individuals with deficient fire.

Pear: Sweet and slightly sour in flavor, cold in nature, non-toxic.

[Invention] *Bielu* records Pears only regarding their harms, omitting their benefits. This is likely because ancient discussions on disease focused mainly on Cold Damage external pathogens. Regarding eliminating phlegm, descending fire, clearing exogenous heat, and relieving irritability, Pears offer considerable benefits. Recently, a patient suffered from Xiao Zhong (Middle Jiao Consumption/Diabetes-like polyphagia) unresponsive to various treatments. Due to persistent irritability and thirst, he ate pears incessantly and recovered without medication. A woman developed consumptive disease due to depression, suffering from coughing and hemoptysis, unable to lie on her right side for half a year. She was advised to drink a cup of heated pear juice at once, immediately expectorating half a bowl of thick, clotted phlegm. That night, she could sleep on her right side. The next day, after drinking another half cup, she expectorated more phlegm similarly, and her appetite gradually increased. Although an ordinary food, it can directly break severe chronic conditions. However, among the many varieties of pears, only Ru Li (Milky Pear), E Li (Goose Pear), and Xiao Li (Resolving Pear) are therapeutic. One must verify that the stool is solid and excess-type before administration. If individuals with deficient Yuan Qi mistakenly consume them, they often suffer from Middle Jiao Cold disorders. How can one generally claim that eating pears is beneficial?