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[Shangpin (Superior Class) of the Benjing]
The drooping branches and leaves resemble the image of a hook. This corresponds to the Fire of the Right Kidney and Mingmen (Gate of Life), thus one should use the fruit of an old locust tree. Then, is the fire nature of the locust tree similar to Dragon Fire? During the day, the leaves spread open (kang); at night, they close up (nie). They mutually present the pivot mechanism of opening and closing.

[Flavor and Nature] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] It treats pathogenic heat in the five zang organs, stops excessive saliva and phlegm, repairs severe injuries, treats five types of hemorrhoids and fire sores, women's breast masses (rujia), and acute pain of the uterus (zizang).

[Analysis] It is said: Locust trees grow in the plains and marshes of Henan, and are also found in nearby regions. The small branches intertwine, and the foliage hangs down like a canopy. Its leaves are green and fine; those with large, dark leaves are called Beihuai (Cup Locust); those whose leaves close during the day and open at night are called Shougonghuai (Gecko Locust). When the leaves first emerge, on the fifth day of the third lunar month (Jichun), they resemble rabbit eyes; after ten days, they resemble mouse ears; after another ten days, they begin to become round; after twenty more days, the leaves are fully formed. In the fourth and fifth months, they bear ochre-yellow flowers; in the sixth and seventh months, they bear black-brown fruits. Those forming pods like linked pearls with odd numbers are considered superior. Before blooming, the buds resemble millet grains; when collected and boiled for juice, they can dye yellow, producing a very fresh and beautiful color. Processing: Crush with a copper hammer, soak overnight in milk from a black ox, steam for one fushi (a two-hour period), dry in the sun, and store for use. Ancestors said: Huaisi is also known as Shougonong. Closing by day and opening by night indicates it draws qi from yin. The character "Huai" contains the radical "Gui" (ghost), which is the spirit of yin. Drilling wood for fire in winter utilizes the yin of the season. Therefore, it enters the five zang organs, the blood level, and hidden or obscure areas. Some select branches that face north and never see the sun, or chew them while lying supine at the third watch (midnight), truly grasping its secret key. If qi can exit but not enter, or if yin can close but not open, there is no other way than this method.

[Commentary] It is said: Taking the fire from Huatan wood in winter suggests that Huai enters the Kidney and is appropriately biased towards the right side, as the right side is the storage of Mingmen Fire. The *Huainanzi* states: "Old locust trees generate fire," which is indeed an image of extreme yin generating yang. Huai can also enter the Liver. Its nature is vigorous and lush; its leaves are particularly delightful, often carrying a fragrance akin to wind through pines. This obtains the softness of the Wood element, truly reflecting the function of the Kidney and Liver. The *Zhuangzi* states: "Fire within water burns the great locust tree." Thus, by treating according to its nature, one can address the invasion of vigorous fire into skin and flesh, allowing the true fire of the five zang organs to subside while extinguishing pathogenic fire. The *Shimu* states: "Locust leaves close by day and open by night." Thus, by treating according to its nature, one can address the failure of Taiyin to close due to disordered opening/closing, leading to wild discharge of saliva; and the failure of Jueyin to open due to disordered closure/rotation, leading to acute pain from breast masses; as well as wind stagnation in the middle jiao causing hemorrhoids from insect erosion. Therefore, any condition characterized by being able to open but not close, or able to close but not open, will be resolved easily. However, if mishandled, there will inevitably be cases where excess becomes more excess and deficiency becomes more deficient.