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Langmei (Prunus mume var. langmei)
Sour in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) states it governs descending Qi, eliminates heat, vexation, and fullness, calms the mind, stops limb pain, hemiplegia, and numbness. It cauterizes dead flesh, removes blue-black moles, and erodes foul flesh.

Invention: Plum blossoms open in winter, while the fruit ripens in summer, inheriting the complete Qi of Wood; thus, its taste is most sour. There are four orifices under the human tongue, two of which connect to gallbladder fluid; therefore, saliva is produced upon consumption, demonstrating the principle of resonance between similar entities. The diseases it treats all utilize the astringent property of sourness. There are many varieties of plum, but Langmei is the finest. Legend has it that Zhenwu Emperor broke a plum branch and inserted it into a logwood stump, swearing, "If my Dao succeeds, this tree will bloom and bear fruit." This variety originated from Taihe Mountain in Junzhou. Logwood refers to a type of elm tree; this plum resembles an apricot but is exceptionally crisp, hence known in recent times as "Xiaomei" (Melting Plum). Consuming it opens the stomach, generates fluids, clears the spirit, and promotes sleep, which is the inherent nature of Langmei. The effects mentioned in the *Bencao Jing*—descending Qi, eliminating heat, relieving vexation and fullness, calming the mind, and stopping limb pain—refer specifically to aged dried plums. Fresh green plums, however, cause stagnation and obstruction of Qi, making them unsuitable for patients with hemiplegia or numbness. This applies to grains, vegetables, and fruits in general, not just fresh plums. Wumei (Smoked Plum) is sour and astringent, generating fluids and opening the appetite. Combined with Jiancha (Jian Tea) and Ganjiang (Dried Ginger), it treats chronic dysentery (Xiuxi Li). It can astringe the Lung, bind the intestines, stop vomiting, arrest sweating, calm asthma, and pacify roundworms. Zhang Zhongjing used it in Wumei Wan (Mume Pill) to treat ascariasis convulsion (Hui Jue); insects cease movement upon encountering sourness. The use of pills rather than decoctions aims to retain solid matter within the insect's mouth. Currently, it is essential for treating bloody dysentery. For stroke-induced phlegm-convulsion, throat bi-swelling, phlegm syncope with rigid collapse, and locked jaw, rubbing Wumei on the gums can unlock the jaw. For unremitting bloody dysentery, burning Wumei until carbonized yet retaining its nature (Cunxing) and administering it with rice water gradually stops the bleeding. For foul ulcers and necrotic tissue, burning it to ash and applying it topically causes the foul flesh to dissolve naturally, verifying the efficacy of removing dead flesh and foul tissue described in the *Bencao Jing*. Additionally, *Danfang* prescribes steaming Wumei pulp over rice until soft, mixing it with rice vinegar into a paste, and applying it overnight to remove corns on women's feet. Baimei (White Plum) is salty and sour, treating locked jaw due to wind-stroke; rubbing it on the teeth induces salivation, unlocking the jaw. It is frequently used in formulas to remove polyps; for bamboo or wood splinters embedded in flesh, chewing and applying it facilitates their expulsion. Meihexing (Plum Kernel) brightens the eyes, benefits Qi, eliminates vexation and heat, and treats uterine wind-stagnation accumulation in women. It is used in Chengze Wan (Chengze Pill) from *Qianjin Fang*. Boiled juice of Meiye (Plum Leaf) effectively treats chronic dysentery and dry huoluan (acute abdominal crisis). Soaking Ge cloth (Pueraria root fiber) in this water prevents it from becoming brittle. Washing summer garments stained with mold using this water effectively removes the spots.