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Cha (Crataegus pinnatifida): Non-toxic. Note: Cha refers to Hawthorn. Growth habit: Plant-based.

[Indications] The fruit of Mu Gua (Chaenomelis Fructus) primarily treats damp-bi (painful obstruction due to dampness), pathogenic factors, Huo Luan (cholera-like syndrome with severe vomiting and diarrhea), and continuous muscle spasms (Zhuan Jin). Its branches can also be boiled for use. (Recorded by Famous Physicians)

[Names and Morphology] (According to *Tu Jing Ben Cao*): The tree resembles Nai Hua (Nashi flower), blooms in late spring with deep red flowers. The fruits are large like melons or small like fists, sour in taste, and edible. *Erya* calls it "Xuan". People in Xuanzhou cultivate it carefully, covering the valleys. When the fruits first form, thin paper is pasted over them; exposed to night dew and day sun, they gradually turn red with patterns resembling natural growth. This region offers them as tribute. Another variety is called "Zha" or "Man Zha"; its leaves, flowers, and fruits closely resemble Mu Gua. Tao Hongjing stated: To distinguish them, check the calyx area for a double calyx like a nipple; if present, it is Mu Gua; if absent, it is Zha. Large branches of Mu Gua can serve as walking sticks, benefiting meridians and vessels; trunks cut into buckets for washing feet are particularly beneficial. (Tao Yinju said) Locals treat it as fruit, most effective for treating spasms. During spasms, silently invoking its name or writing "Mu Gua" on the affected area leads to recovery.

[Origin] (According to *Tu Jing Ben Cao*): Ancient texts did not specify origin provinces; currently, Shanyin Lanting has abundant supplies, found everywhere. (Authentic source) Xuancheng is best.

[Harvesting Time] (Growth): Blooms in late spring. (Collection): Harvest fruits in autumn. (Processing): Sun-dry.

[Medicinal Part] Fruit.

[Characteristics] Similar to Zha seeds, but leaves differ.

[Color] Reddish-yellow.

[Taste] Sour.

[Nature] Warm.

[Aroma and Flavor Thickness] Aroma is stronger than flavor; belongs to Yin within Yang.

[Odor] Fragrant.

[Actions] Removes Hong Kong Foot (podagra/tinea pedis), dispels damp-bi.

[Meridian Tropism] Hand and Foot Taiyin Meridians.

[Preparation] (Lei Gong said): Avoid iron contact; use a copper knife to peel off hard skin and remove seeds. Slice thinly and sun-dry. Then mix with milk from yellow cattle, steam from Si hour to Wei hour (approx. 09:00-15:00). When the fruit becomes paste-like, spread it out and sun-dry thoroughly.

[Therapeutic Applications] (According to *Tu Jing Ben Cao*): Taken with wine, the fruit resolves phlegm. ○ Decoction of roots and leaves washed over lower legs stops foot drop (Jue). (Tao Yinju said) For spasms, calling out "Mu Gua" and writing these two characters on the lesion cures it. (Ri Hua Zi said) Mu Gua stops vomiting/diarrhea, Ben Tun (running piglet qi), edema, cold/heat dysentery, heart/abdominal pain, Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst), regurgitation, and phlegm-saliva in the chest/diaphragm. ○ Roots and fruits treat Hong Kong Foot. ○ Zha resolves phlegm, detoxifies alcohol, relieves sour throat, oil-infused combing treats red hair and white hair. (Chen Cangqi said) Mu Gua descends cold qi, strengthens sinews and bones, aids digestion, stops thirst after dysentery. ○ Zha removes nausea, stops acid water in the heart, treats watery dysentery, stops alcoholic phlegm-water. (*Yan Yi* said) Mu Gua enters the Liver, thus benefiting sinews and blood; indispensable for weakness in waist, kidneys, and knees.

[Combined Treatment] Boil Mu Gua in wine, mash, and apply as a compress to the knee for tendon stiffness and pain.

[Contraindications] Do not consume Zha excessively; it damages teeth and bones.

[Detoxification] Zha detoxifies alcohol.

[Adulterants] He Yuan Zi, Man Zi, Tu Fu Zi are adulterants.