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Non-toxic, plant origin.

Xiangyuan (Citrus medica) governs descending Qi and opening the chest and diaphragm. ○ The peel removes Qi stagnation and clears phlegm-fluid from the heart region (recorded by famous physicians). [Name] Gouyuan (Citrus medica), Xiangyuanzi. [Morphology] (According to *Tu Jing Ben Cao*) The tree resembles a citrus tree but with larger leaves; its fruit is shaped like a small melon, the skin resembles an orange with attractive luster, and the flesh is very thick. Although the flavor is short-lived, the fragrance is rich and surpasses that of citrus fruits. When placed in a clothes chest, the fragrance does not cease for several days. It is now found in the South, called Xiangyuanzi; when brought to the capital, people also value it. [Origin] (According to *Tu Jing Ben Cao*) Grows in Min (Fujian), Guang (Guangdong), and Jiangxi; now widely available in the South. [Season] (Growth) Flowers in April. (Harvest) Fruits are gathered in September and October. [Storage] Dried in shade. [Medicinal Part] Fruit. [Color] Yellow peel, white flesh. [Taste] Pungent, sour. [Nature] Warm. [Qi-Flavor Characteristic] Strong Qi, thin flavor; Yin within Yang. [Odor] Fragrant.

Non-toxic, plant origin.

Ma Binglang (Areca catechu seed / Betel nut) governs inducing labor. If difficult labor approaches death, chew the kernel finely and swallow with well-water (Jinghua water); delivery occurs shortly after. Alternatively, have the parturient hold two kernels in each hand, and foul discharge will naturally flow down (recorded by famous physicians). [Morphology] Tree one or two zhang high. Leaves resemble those of Melia azedarach, opposite each other. In March, buds appear at branch tips, opening into pale red-white flowers with five petals, subsequently bearing fruit resembling walnuts with skin but having three to five ridges. By autumn, they grow large as pears; upon ripening, the skin turns black. Splitting them reveals three to four seeds per segment, resembling longan seeds. The kernel is sweet and delicious, thus Northerners eat it as a fruit. [Origin] Grows in the North (authentic production area) Yunnan. [Season] (Growth) Leaves emerge in spring. (Harvest) Fruits are gathered in August and September. [Storage] Sun-dried. [Medicinal Part] Fruit. [Texture] Pear-shaped with ridges. [Color] Black peel, white kernel. [Taste] Bitter, sweet. [Nature] Cold, with draining properties. [Qi-Flavor Characteristic] Thin Qi, strong flavor; Yang within Yin. [Odor] Fragrant. [Processing] Remove peel and shell, use the kernel. [Therapeutic Action] (Efficacy) (According to *Bie Lu*) For smooth childbirth, use two kernels, chew finely, and swallow with well-water; the water tastes sweet as honey. Long-term consumption causes uterine coldness and natural sterility. Frequent consumption does not harm the human body.

Non-toxic, plant origin.

Pingbo (Malus asiatica / Chinese crabapple) governs quenching thirst and generating fluids (from *Yin Shan Zheng Yao*). [Morphology] Tree one or two zhang high. Leaves resemble Malus asiatica leaves but slightly rounder. In March, pale red flowers bloom; fruits form in June and July, resembling Malus asiatica but larger. Raw color is greenish-white, ripe color is pale red; taste is very sweet and pleasant. Placed in a box, the fragrance is delightful. [Origin] Produced in the North. [Season] (Growth) April. (Harvest) Fruits are gathered in June and July. [Storage] Sun-dried. [Medicinal Part] Fruit. [Color] White, red. [Taste] Sweet. [Nature] Mild/Slack. [Qi-Flavor Characteristic] Thin Qi, Yang within...