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(Ben Jing Shang Pin)
[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily tonifies the Middle Jiao (Middle Burner), calms the Five Zang Organs, nourishes the Spirit (Shen), and eliminates various diseases. Long-term use leads to a robust physique, lightness of body, and delayed aging.
[Verification] It is stated: Grows in the valleys of Wuling, occasionally found elsewhere. The wood is white and fine-grained; leaves are dense and soft, about four to five cun long, jade-green, with a deeper green on the upper surface and lighter on the reverse. Flowers are extremely abundant; fruits hang heavily on the tree, brownish-black in color. This is also known as the Wax Tree. Around the Start of Summer, wax insect larvae are collected, wrapped, and placed on branches. After half a month, the insects hatch, crawl along the branches, and produce white wax, bringing great profit to the common people. It is also named Dongqing (Winter Green) because it remains verdant under frost and stands firm against the wind. Although sharing the name with Winter Green (Ilex cornuta), they differ in fruit. Dongqing, also called Frozen Winter, has slightly round leaves and red fruits, and lacks insect-produced wax, which distinguishes it. Secular usage often confuses the two, employing Winter Green fruit instead of Ligustrum lucidum fruit (Nüzhenzi); their therapeutic effects are vastly different. Collectors must distinguish them carefully.
Ancestors said: Enduring winter and frost, bearing abundant fruits with fine flesh, and being consumed by insects to transform into wax—hard, white, and lipid-rich—what could be more refined? Hence, it tonifies the Middle, promotes robustness, and delays aging.
It is also said: Its ability to withstand winter makes it an elixir of longevity. For those whose physical form lacks the essence of Metal and Water, this "chaste and solid" substance helps consolidate the form. However, those who ingest it must maintain chastity and constancy like a virtuous woman over time to reap its benefits.
[Commentary] It is not called "Shizhen" (Scholar's Chastity) but "Nüzhen" (Woman's Chastity) because it primarily resides in the central Yin organs. Thus, it is suitable for cases of organ atrophy or dysfunction, and for conditions where Spirit, Essence, Soul, Will, and Intent are scattered or damaged, leading to myriad diseases. Long-term use scatters essence to the Liver and moistens the entire skeletal system, resulting in a robust physique, lightness, and delayed aging, which are external manifestations.
(The primary function of Nüzhenzi is to reside centrally and store Yin, akin to a chaste woman managing the household. Therefore, pure scholars refine their substance, and chaste women admire its name; meanings related to licentiousness or scattering do not apply. Refer to Shihu (Dendrobii Caulis) and Shizhi (Calamina) for further understanding.)

(Ben Jing Shang Pin)
[Flavor and Nature] Pungent, warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats cold-heat disorders of the Five Zang Organs and body, headache caused by Wind, and facial edema. Long-term use directs Qi downward, lightens the body, brightens the eyes, increases lifespan, and delays aging.
[Verification] It is stated: Found everywhere. Trees reach three to four zhang high with lush branches. Flowers bloom in the first and second lunar months, emerging from branch tips, appearing in purple or white. Leaves emerge after flowers fall. Between leaves, flower buds appear, growing through summer and winter until they become half a cun long and sharp. The buds are covered by bracts layered with yellowish-green down, about half a cun long, resembling hairy small peaches. Upon blooming, bracts shed, revealing lotus-like flowers the size of small cups, emitting a fragrance similar to lotus and orchid. White-flowered varieties are called Yulan (Magnolia denudata), including double-petaled forms. Purple-bracted varieties are considered superior. Young trees bear flowers but no fruit; only after thirty to forty years do they bear fruit.
Processing: Wipe clean the red hairs on the bracts. Soak overnight in Musa basjoo (Banana stem) water. Then boil in grain wash water from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Wei hour (1-3 PM). Remove and dry by baking. For treating eye disorders, peel off the skin and use only the inner substance. Xiongqiong (Ligustici Rhizoma et Radix) acts as the guiding herb. It is incompatible with Wu Se Shi Zhi (Five-colored Calamine). It fears Changpu (Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma), Puhuang (Typhae Pollen), Huanglian (Coptidis Rhizoma), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum), and Huanghuan.
Ancestors said: Planted for forty years before fruiting, nurturing bracts through three seasons before blooming, and maturing seeds over nine months for harvest, it possesses a contained, moist, and slow nature, unlike pungent-dispersing herbs, exhibiting a strong image of harmony. It is also said: While the fruit is ideal for Xin Yi (Magnoliae Flos), human impatience prevents waiting for maturity. Bracts are usable but likely lack the concentrated potency of the whole fruit. Furthermore, it traverses the Qi of all four seasons, making it suitable for all form-organs. Mentioning cold and heat encompasses the Four Qi. It reflects the imagery of Spring Qi in the head and Wood governing Wind. The phrase "increase endurance" captures its essence.
[Commentary] Flower leaves of herbs and trees generally have outer bracts, which split and unite differently. Only Xin Yi's bract-buds are exceptionally prominent. Because it contains all Four Qi, it is called "Xin" (Pungent). Xin means New. Because the Five Elements are balanced, it is called "Yi" (Level/Peaceful). Yi means Level. Thus, it assists all form-organs, and its Pungent-Nature balances Wood function, treating Wind-induced headaches and facial edema with upward-rushing Qi. Long-term use lightens the body, brightens eyes, and delays aging due to its power to stabilize form-organs and clarify orifices.
(Humans have amniotic sacs; all viviparous beings possess them. In wet generation, there may be sacs, shells, or combined/separated responses. Oviparous beings have only shells. This concept applies to the outer husks of plant fruits. People may be accustomed to hearing this, but few realize that plants nurturing bracts as leaves also possess outer coverings—a fact never previously articulated. As Mencius said, "One can see the tip of an autumn hair but not a cartload of firewood," such oversights are common.)