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(Song Kaibao Materia Medica)

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats the five types of childhood *Gan* syndrome (a chronic wasting disease in children characterized by malnutrition and abdominal distension), cloudy white urine, expels parasites, and treats diarrhea and dysentery.

[Verification] It is stated: Originating from the Lingnan region, it is now also produced in Shaowu, Fujian, and Meizhou, Sichuan. It grows in mountains, wilds, and along water banks; its vines resemble those of kudzu (*Puerariae Lobatae Radix*), climbing up trees. The leaves are greenish-blue, about the size of two fingers, approximately two cun long. Flowers bloom in April and May, in clusters of ten to twenty, pale red petals, light and graceful like crabapple blossoms. The fruit turns yellow first, becoming purple-black when mature, resembling Gardenia jasminoides fruits (*Zhizi*), with a shell having five ridges. The kernel inside resembles that of the Chinese chestnut or Torreya seed (*Feizi*), with color and taste similar to chestnuts. Harvested in July. If stored for too long, it becomes oily and black, rendering it unusable.

[Commentary] It is said: The flower has five petals extending outward, the fruit possesses five ridges, and the inner kernel is soft and delicious, sweet, moist, and warm. It is indeed entrusted to the Spleen organ, embodying the substance and function of the Spleen-Fu. Therefore, it primarily treats the five types of childhood *Gan* syndrome caused by the Spleen failing in its entrusted duties, cloudy urine resulting from Water failing to be controlled, and parasitic infestations as well as diarrhea and dysentery arising from the Stomach's failure in its substance and function. *Qianli guang* (Make Junzi / *Quisqualis Indica*) personally practices restraint and perfection, upholding the principles of bitterness and desire, soothing and softening the Zang-Fu organs, hence its name. It is not comparable to those herbs with pungent and fierce flavors that rely on severe punishment (to dispel pathogens).

(Song Kaibao Materia Medica)

[Flavor and Properties] Pungent, warm, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats sudden evil qi (*Zhong'e*),蛊毒 (*Gu* poison) in the heart and abdomen, *Zhuwu* ghost qi (spiritual afflictions), undigested food retention, epidemic miasma (*Tianxingyizhang*), cold qi between the Bladder and Kidneys attacking the back and spine, women's blood and qi disorders, and various intestinal parasites in children.

[Verification] It is stated: Grows in Yongzhou and Rongzhou in Lingnan; currently produced in Tiantai, Leizhou, and Hengzhou, with those from Tiantai being superior. The plant resembles tea but is taller, and resembles camphor tree but is shorter; the bark and wood also emit a camphor aroma. Leaves are slightly round and pointed, green on the upper surface and white underneath, resembling [missing character/plant]. Small flowers bloom in April and May, pale yellow-grayish white. Fruits appear in June and July, resembling winterberry seeds (*Ilex cornuta*), green when raw and purple when ripe. The nut shell is extremely thin, the kernel fragrant and slightly bitter. Roots resemble wild peony (*Shaoyao*) and *Wuti* root, dark brown in color. The center exhibits wheel-hub-like grain patterns; those shaped like linked pearls are considered best.

[Commentary] It is said: *Yuliao* (Lindera aggregata) inherits warm yang properties, its internal grain resembles a wheel hub, and "Wu" (black/dark) symbolizes the sun's soul, capable of addressing epidemic diseases and carrying earthy virtues. It is truly an excellent herb supporting the rotation of vital qi. Therefore, it primarily treats conditions within the human body—whether involving Qi or Blood, whether due to internal causes, external pathogens, dietary evils, or lethal toxins—wherever Yin stagnation and obstruction hinder the generation of life force. It relies on this warm Yang nature to provide medicinal rescue.