Library

Sour in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Use after removing the pit and lightly roasting; the pit can cause leakage of essence.

[Invention] Slippery conditions lead to Qi depletion; astringents are used to consolidate and retain. Cornus officinalis (Shanzhuyu) stops frequent urination and secures essence and spirit, utilizing its sour and astringent properties to restrain slipperiness. Zhen Quan stated it treats pain in the brain and bones, cures tinnitus, tonifies Kidney Qi, stimulates sexual function, firm the penis, replenishes essence and marrow, stops involuntary urination in the elderly, treats facial sores, can induce sweating, and regulates irregular menstruation. Upon detailed examination, "can induce sweating" is likely an error for "can stop sweating." Its sour and consolidating nature lacks the principle of dispersing and ascending. Zhang Zhongjing uses it in Bawei Wan (Eight-Ingredient Pill). This is because when Kidney Qi benefits, the Liver's storage function remains regulated; when Liver Yin is nourished, the dispersing and draining functions proceed without worry, as the Liver and Kidney share the same source (Yi-Gui Tong Yuan). It is contraindicated for those with hyperactive Fire of the Mingmen (Gate of Life), presenting with red turbid urine, strangury pain, and difficulty in urination. The indications for Edible Dogwood (Shiyuzhu) recorded in *Ben Jing* have been inherited from ancient texts but were erroneously listed under the Cornus officinalis entry. They are now moved to the Edible Dogwood section to preserve the original intent of the sages; discerning readers will distinguish them.

Sweet, sour, and astringent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Use after cutting open, removing the pit and hairs.

[Invention] Rosa laevigata (Jinyingzi) stops urinary enuresis and seminal emission, securing essence and spirit, utilizing its sweet, warm, and astringent properties. The meridians and collaterals achieve harmony through unobstructed flow; it is inadvisable for ignorant individuals to take it excessively to satisfy lustful desires. However, for those with insecure essence and spirit, what fault is there in taking it? One must be cautious, as individuals with Yin deficiency and excessive fire who mistakenly take it often experience dysuria and penile pain.

Prunus japonica (Yuliren), also known as Tangdi or Que Li.
Pungent and bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Soak in decoction, peel off the skin, remove double-kernel seeds, grind into a paste, do not remove the oil. Avoid consuming beef, horse meat, and various dairy products.

*Ben Jing* states it treats abdominal water retention, edema of the face and limbs, and promotes the flow of urine.

[Invention] Prunus japonica kernel has moistening and descending properties and is a specific remedy for wind-type constipation. *Ben Jing* treats abdominal water retention and edema of the face and limbs, leveraging its moistening and descending action. Promoting the flow of urine occurs because water-dampness drains downward; it is used in Soushun Fengqi Wan (Search Wind and Smooth Qi Pill). Although it has the merit of moistening dryness, purgation depletes body fluids, exacerbating dryness and constipation. It is contraindicated for the elderly with insufficient body fluids and dryness-induced constipation. The root treats wind-worm toothache; decoct strongly for gargling. Spit out when cool and repeat; do not swallow the juice, as it has a descending and draining effect.