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[Classified as Top Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
【Flavor and Nature】 Sour, warm, non-toxic.
【Indications】 Primarily tonifies Qi (vital energy), treats rebellious coughing and upward rushing of Qi, alleviates emaciation and weakness caused by overstrain, supplements deficiencies, strengthens Yin essence, and benefits male sperm.
【Verification】 It is stated: Wuweizi grows in the valleys of Qi Mountain, Qingzhou, Jizhou, and Daijun in Shaanxi. The variety from Goryeo (Korea) is the best; the variety from Hezhong Prefecture was offered as annual tribute; it is also found between Hangzhou and Yuezhou. However, none are as plump and moist as those from Goryeo and Hezhong. In spring, it climbs on trees, growing six or seven chi long. The leaves are pointed and round, resembling apricot leaves. In the third lunar month, it produces yellow-white flowers resembling lotus blossoms. In the seventh lunar month, fruits form, clustered at the stem tips, resembling peas. They are green when raw and purple when ripe, possessing all five flavors. For processing, they are split into two halves using a copper knife.

Ancestors said: "Xuan" refers to the initial movement of Yang, which is half of winter storage. In the human body, the stored aspect of Qi is called Jing (essence); the active aspect of Jing is called Xuan. Where Xuan does not reach, that is precisely where Jing is tightly sealed. Therefore, it is also named "Xuanji". Marrow converges to form Jing, hence it is also named "Huiji". The meaning of "Hui" is like the convergence of marrow in all bones to form Jing; a single drop of Jing generates a human, and all forms are complete.

It is further said: Supplementing the deficiency of descending Qi is exactly how it strengthens Yin. If one's constitution is deeply Yin and soft, taking it may result in a dilute Yin state, exacerbating the image of stinginess and gloom.

[Commentary] It is stated: Wuweizi possesses all five flavors, but its sour astringent property is heaviest. Heaviness is the root of lightness; making light become heavy allows it to benefit the deficient descending Qi. Rebellious coughing and upward rushing of Qi indicate insufficient Lung function, unable to direct Qi downward in compliance with the command of descent. Emaciation and weakness due to overstrain refer to the classic statement: "Vexing labor leads to the exhaustion of Jing, causing burning collapse and flesh wasting." This treatment supplements the deficiency of descending Qi caused by labor injury, which is contrary to the treatment of middle Qi deficiency that cannot ascend. The ability to descend constitutes strengthening Yin; when Yin is strong, it can enter. Entering relates to the functions of the Water Zang (Kidney), thus benefiting male Jing. Jing is merely the substance of the Water Zang. If external constraints by the Six Excesses exist, or if Lung Qi is scorched and full, taking Wuweizi would instead draw pathogenic factors into the Zang organs, with no hope of expulsion. Even if life is preserved, it must rely on Summer Fire to bring them out from within, manifesting as macules and papules, or sores and ulcers, resolving only after sweating. If one has not deeply understood the pathology, one should speak with caution and take care.