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To drain lung heat and descend rebellious Qi.
The substance is light and void. When cooked, it splits into four parts resembling the lungs; thus, it enters the Lung channel. Its cold nature clears Lung heat, while its bitter and acrid flavors descend Lung Qi. (Li Shizhen said: Qian Yi used it in Bufe Ejiao San [Tonifying Lung Donkey-hide Gelatin Decoction], not to tonify the Lung, but to clear heat and descend Qi, so that the Lung becomes tranquil naturally. The Ejiao [Donkey-hide Gelatin] and glutinous rice therein are the true herbs for tonifying the Lung.] It treats cough with phlegm, wheezing, and shortness of breath. Blood hemorrhoids, sores, and heat in the Lung and Large Intestine channels. (Hemorrhoids belong to the Large Intestine; the Large Intestine and Lung are exterior-interior partners. When Lung heat transfers to the Large Intestine, wind-intestinal hemorrhoids occur. Clearing the Zang organ heat also clears the Fu organ heat. In *Qianjin Fang*, taking it alone treats edema because it can drain the Lung and promote water metabolism.) It can also induce vomiting to expel gu poison. (When used in decoctions, it often acts as an emetic.) The root is named Tushengmuxiang [Radix Aristolochiae]. Applied externally to treat various toxic heat swellings. Those with Lung deficiency accompanied by cold fear this herb like being stung. The fruit is solid and bell-shaped. Remove the fibrous membrane. Use only the seeds.

Commonly known as Gualou [Trichosanthis Fructus]. Drains fire, moistens the Lung, lubricates the intestines, stops bleeding, and treats hot phlegm.
Sweet flavor tonifies the Lung. Bitter and cold nature moistens and purges downward. It can clear fire in the Upper Jiao, causing phlegm-Qi to descend. It is a key herb for treating cough. (When the Lung is forced by fire, losing its descending command, phlegm is generated and cough arises.) It can also cleanse turbid heat and greasy stagnation in the chest. Generates fluids and relieves thirst. (Zhu Danxi said: It is a divine medicine for Xiao Ke [Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome].) Clears the throat and benefits the intestines. (Promotes bowel movement. In *Wang Yisai Zhimi Fang*, roasted and powdered, taken with wine or rice water, it treats inability to urinate.) Promotes lactation and reduces swelling. Treats Jie Xiong [Chest Binding] and Xiong Bi [Chest Bi]. Jiu Huang Re Li [Heat Dysentery from Wine/Yellowing]. Obstruction of both urine and stool. Taken fried until fragrant with wine. Stops all types of bleeding. However, it is cold and damages the Stomach, lubricates the intestines. Do not use for those with Stomach deficiency and poor appetite, or Spleen deficiency with diarrhea. The fruit is solid, round, and long like a ripe persimmon. The seeds are flat and oily. Remove the oil. Goji berry [Lycii Fructus] serves as the guiding herb. It is incompatible with Niuxi [Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix] and Ganqi [Drynariae Rhizoma / Pteridis Massae]. It opposes Ganjiang [Zingiberis Rhizoma]. It is contrary to Wutou [Aconiti Lateralis Radix Preparata]. (For rectal prolapse, take fresh Gualou juice warm, wash hands with pork broth, and massage to return it manually.)

Drains fire, moistens dryness, treats hot phlegm.
Acid flavor generates fluids. Sweet flavor does not damage the Stomach. Slightly bitter and slightly cold. Descends fire and moistens dryness. Slides phlegm and relieves thirst. Generates flesh, discharges pus, reduces swelling. Moves water, unblocks menstruation. Stops frequent urination. (When bladder heat resolves, water moves freely and urination is no longer frequent.) Treats manic delirium and epidemic febrile diseases. Stomach heat jaundice. Dry mouth and lips. Toxic sores on the back. Breast abscesses, sores, and hemorrhoids. Those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold should strictly avoid it. This is the root of Gualou. Clarified starch can be eaten. Highly suitable for those with deficiency-heat. Its incompatibilities are the same as Gualou [Fructus Trichosanthis].