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Astringent, neutral, non-toxic. Consuming persimmons and crabs together causes vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; *Xiangmu* (Costus Root) can resolve this toxicity.

Invention: Persimmons are green when raw and red when ripe. Raw ones are astringent, while ripe ones are sweet. This is entirely a manifestation of Yin within and Yang outside. Only the calyx of the persimmon retains its astringency throughout, hence it is used to treat diseases characterized by Yin within and Yang outside. *Jisheng Fang* (Prescriptions for Saving Lives) treats hiccup (eructation/inverted stomach qi) specifically utilizing the astringency of the persimmon calyx to consolidate internal accumulated heat. Combined with the acrid dispersing nature of *Dingxiang* (Clove) and *Shengjiang* (Fresh Ginger) to disperse external stagnant cold, it deeply embodies the subtle utility of harmonizing cold and heat. I have examined ancient formulas that use only the persimmon calyx to direct rebellious Qi downward; this relies on Danxi’s principle of treating heat with cold, neglecting the method of contrary treatment, which is an overcorrection. Later, *Sanyin Fang* added *Liangjiang* (Galangal Rhizome) to *Jisheng Fang*, which truly aids heat when intending to treat cold. The white frost on dried persimmons specifically clears heat from the Lung and Stomach; for those whose Yuan Qi has not yet depleted and who can tolerate cold-moistening agents, its use is appropriate. However, for patients with consumptive fever, vexation, cough, asthma, and fatigue, using this will trap deficient Yang, solidifying the root of the disease day by day—what difference is there between this and firewood buried in ashes?

The fruit is sweet and sour; the peel is astringent and warm, non-toxic.

Invention: Pomegranate is sweet and sour, possessing the image of Wood and Fire; thus, excessive consumption damages the Lung and teeth, and generates phlegm-saliva. Its peel is astringent and warm, capable of treating dysentery with sliding incontinence. A smaller variety is called Sour Pomegranate, which is particularly effective for treating dysentery. Formulas in *Qianjin Fang* for treating dysentery all utilize it because the sour flavor combines with astringency, thereby stopping dysentery, spermatorrhea, metrorrhagia, and lower bleeding. *Danfang* uses sour pomegranate flesh and peel crushed into juice, decocted with ginger and tea, to treat dysentery with alternating chills and fever. Furthermore, for chronic dysentery, burning the pomegranate peel to ash and administering it with Ginseng Decoction (one qian, approx. 3g) often yields verified results. Dried pomegranate flowers, ground finely and insufflated into the nose, stop epistaxis most rapidly; the thousand-petaled variety is even better, surpassing the efficacy of Camellia Flower.

Bitter, acrid, warm, non-toxic. Produced in Xinhui, Guangdong East; aged ones are superior. For Yin deficiency with dry cough, process with honey water. For women's breast congestion and masses, stir-fry with vinegar.

*Shennong Bencao Jing* states it treats Phlegm-Heat and rebellious Qi in the chest, promotes digestion of water and grain, removes bad breath with long-term use, directs Qi downward, and unblocks the spirit.

Invention: Tangerine receives the Yang Qi of the Southeast to grow, therefore those from Fujian and Guangdong are the best. When it crosses north of the Huai River, it transforms into Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange); this is due to local climate, just as human accents and customs differ. The tangerine's literary brilliance shines outwardly, so its medicinal function lies primarily in the peel, specifically moving the Qi aspect of the Spleen and Lung meridians. *Bencao Jing* indicates it treats Phlegm-Heat and rebellious Qi in the chest, making it a key herb for resolving phlegm and promoting food transport. Retaining the white pith tonifies the Spleen and Stomach; removing it regulates Lung Qi. Combined with *Renshen* (Ginseng) and *Baizhu* (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), it tonifies the Spleen and Stomach. Combined with *Renshen* and *Gancao* (Licorice Root), it tonifies the Lung. Used alone, it drains the Lung and damages the Spleen. In treating various diseases, it always utilizes its ability to regulate Qi and dry dampness. Paired with tonics, it tonifies; paired with purgatives, it purges; paired with ascending herbs, it ascends; paired with descending herbs, it descends. The Spleen is the mother of Yuan Qi, and the Lung is the bellows of Qi regulation; thus, it is a herb for the Qi aspect of these two meridians, but its effects of tonification, purgation, ascent, or descent depend on its compatibility. With *Shengjiang* (Fresh Ginger), it stops vomiting; with *Banxia* (Pinellia Tuber), it resolves phlegm; with *Xingren* (Apricot Seed), it treats large intestine Qi constipation; with *Taoren* (Peach Seed), it treats large intestine Blood constipation—all taking advantage of their ability to unblock stagnation. *Juhong* (Red Tangerine Peel) specifically treats lung-cold cough with profuse phlegm and is frequently used in deficiency formulas. However, it is unsuitable for prolonged coughs leading to Qi leakage. Note: The peel directs Qi downward and resolves phlegm, while the pulp generates phlegm and gathers fluids; the properties of this single substance are so divergent.