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Peanut, also known as Changsheng Guo (Longevity Nut).
Sweet in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic.
[Invention] Changsheng Guo is produced in Fujian and other regions; after the flowers fall into the soil, they sprout roots. This plant did not exist in ancient times and only appeared in recent history. Its taste is sweet and its aroma is fragrant; it can strengthen the Spleen and Stomach, making it suitable for those with difficulty digesting food or impaired transportation and transformation of dietary nutrients. Some claim it is incompatible with cucumber. I have consumed both together without adverse effects, thus stating this to clarify the matter.

Grape (Suosuo Grape), sweet and slightly salty in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic.
[Invention] Suosuo Grape resembles the common grape but has smaller berries, hence the name "Suosuo" (Tiny/Small). It grows in the northern deserts, and occasionally in the southern regions. Its stem resembles wood, yet it is a vine. The fruit is green when unripe, red when ripe, and turns purple-black when dried. It can consolidate essence and Qi, directing them to return to the Kidney; its function is not significantly different from that of Wuweizi (Schisandra Chinensis Fruit, a herb for astringency). Generally, plants of the vine family belong to the Sinews; fruits of herbs and trees can reach the Zang organs, and this substance is no exception. Historically, this item was used mainly as food and not in decoctions, so it was not recorded in the *Bencao* (Materia Medica) texts. In recent times, people in the North use it to strengthen the Kidneys, while people in the South use it to prevent smallpox (Douzhen); each has its appropriate application. For strengthening the Kidneys: use one qian of Suosuo Grape and one qian of Renshen (Ginseng Root), soak them in strong wine overnight, apply to the palms in the early morning, and rub the lower back and spine; this can assist in enhancing physical strength and robustness. If rubbed on the lower back and spine before sleep, it assists Yang functions to become firm and strong, making this method particularly effective. For preventing smallpox: use one qian of Suosuo Grape per year of age, and one Shenhuangdou (Divine Soybean) per year of age, grind into fine powder, take with honey water at midnight, and simultaneously rub the epigastrium and lumbar region; this assists the Kidney to expel pathogenic factors. This utilizes northern local products specifically to supplement the deficiency of Sheng Qi (Vital Energy) in the Southeast. However, it is beneficial only for those with constitutionally weak constitutions. Those with robust Qi and Blood or a Yang-excess constitution should not use it, lest it aggravate the toxicity of excessive Fire.

Acorn (Xiangshi), bitter in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic.
[Invention] Xiangshi aids digestion, stops dysentery, thickens the intestines and stomach, makes the person robust, and can treat hemorrhoids, fistulas, and rectal prolapse. The *Qianjin Fang* (Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) treats Shi Yong (Stone Abscess, an abscess hard as stone that does not suppurate) by taking one acorn, dipping it in vinegar, grinding it on a stone to extract juice, and applying it to the lesion; replace when dry, and within ten applications, it will subside. Grinding the shell into a powder or boiling the juice for oral administration can stop diarrhea/dysentery and is also used for dyeing hair and beard.