Library

Sapodilla Fruit (Zao Jiao)

Opens blockages and unblocks orifices. Directs stagnation and disperses wind. Cleanses filth and transforms phlegm. Kills parasites and digests food. It may be insufflated into the nose to induce sneezing, or used as an emetic probe to thin saliva and phlegm. For sores and toxins, it is applied externally; for epidemics, its smoke from burning is utilized. Its nature and flavor penetrate through the fu and zang organs. Pungent and salty, it moistens and directs downward; it is toxic and warm. The thorns of the fruit are purely pungent, with force that is particularly sharp. In treating wind-searching and parasite-killing, its efficacy is similar to that of the fruit itself, but in the specialty of ulcerating abscesses and dissipating toxins, its function is uniquely superior. When the seeds are burned to ash, they can unblock constipation. They can be relied upon for conditions caused by intestinal wind due to their salty and warm nature. (Zao Jiao is pungent, salty, and warm, and is toxic. It is a harsh agent for attacking and dispersing. It enters the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. Wherever there is pathogenic factor, it scatters it; wherever there is hardness, it breaks it. Thus, it opens blockages and directs stagnation. Because of its pungency, it disperses wind and benefits orifices; because of its saltiness, it moistens downward and expels phlegm. Furthermore, when pathogens are located in the upper jiao, using it can induce vomiting, such as in cases of throat obstruction (Hou Bi) or throat wind (Hou Feng). When pathogens are in the lower jiao, using it can promote purgation, such as in cases of food accumulation or phlegm nodules. Regarding external therapeutic effects, killing parasites and treating tinea, applying to swelling and toxins, and stopping toothache are all effective and appropriate. Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsiae Sinensis Spina) is pungent but not salty; its sharp force can reach the disease site directly. For treating external conditions, its ability to ulcerate and dissipate is considerable. Zao Jiao Zi (Gleditsiae Sinensis Fructus) is salty and warm, with a descending nature. It is good at guiding wind-closure and dry constipation in the Large Intestine, and unblocking all types of stagnant qi. There are three types of Zao Jiao: those shaped like pig teeth are called Ya Zao; those long, 3-4 cun, with thick flesh and abundant oil are called Fei Zao; those long, 7-8 cun, without flesh and lean are called Zao Jia. All can be used.)

He Zi (Chebulae Fructus)

Astringes the Lung and eliminates phlegm. Descends rebellion, warms and unblocks, and can direct qi downward. Secures the intestines and treats dysentery. The astringent-receiving and bitter-draining properties vary according to the prescription. It is contraindicated for patients with damp-heat in the Large Intestine. It should not be used for patients with fire-pathogens in the Lung. (He Zi has sufficient power of bitter descent but insufficient nature of astringent sourness. Therefore, it can descend Lung qi and eliminate chest and diaphragm phlegm, food, and stagnant qi. Zhang Zhongjing used it to treat Qi-type dysentery, utilizing its qi-descending property. Later generations only used it to astringe the Lung and secure the intestines, forgetting its ability to eliminate phlegm and descend qi, which was also a negligence. In summary, when used together with Wu Mei (Mume Fructus) and Wu Wei Zi (Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus), it acts as an astringent; when used together with Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) and Hou Po (Magnoliae Officinalis Cortex), it acts as a drainer. This depends on the appropriate combination. Because its nature is warm, it is suitable for cold diseases and not suitable for heat diseases.)