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Slightly toxic.
Xiangsi Zi (Abrus precatorius Seed) primarily unblocks the nine orifices, expels pathogenic factors from the heart and abdomen, stops headache caused by heat oppression, wind-phlegm, and malarial fevers, kills all parasites within the abdominal viscera and skin, and eliminates gu poison. Take fourteen seeds, grind them, and administer orally; vomiting should occur immediately. (From *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Names] Hong Dou (Red Bean) (Li Shizhen states: According to *Gujin Shihua*, Xiangsi Zi is round and red. Hence, elders say that in the past, a person died at the border, and his wife, missing him, wept until she died under a tree, thus giving it this name. This differs from the Xiangsi Tree on Han Ping's tomb, which was a grafted catalpa wood. Some claim it is a type of Hai Hong Dou [Sea Red Bean], but it is uncertain.)

[Habitat] (Li Shizhen states: Xiangsi Zi grows in the Lingnan region.)

[Physical Characteristics] The tree is over one zhang high, with white bark. Its leaves resemble those of the locust tree, its flowers resemble those of the soap pod, and its pods resemble those of the broad bean. The seeds are as large as small beans. Locals use them for inlaying jewelry. *Duan Gonglu Buhu Lu* states that there is a creeping variety; using its seeds to store borneol is suitable as it prevents the loss of fragrance.

[Color] Half red, half black.

[Taste] Bitter.

[Nature] Neutral.

[Indications] Malarial fevers with chills and heat. Take fourteen seeds of Xiangsi Zi, grind them with water, and administer to induce vomiting; recovery will be immediate. ○ Efficacious Formula for Resolving Gu Poison: Use fourteen unperforated seeds of Xiangsi Zi, crush into powder, mix with half a cup of warm water, and administer. Suppress the urge to vomit initially; after a short while, profuse vomiting should occur. For mild cases, taking seven seeds alone yields miraculous effects.

[Combined Treatment] Cat Ghost and Wild Pathogens: If one sees cat ghosts or hears them in the ears, take one seed each of Xiangsi Zi, Bi Ma Zi (Ricinus Communis Seed), and Ba Dou (Croton Tiglium Seed), along with four zhu of Cinnabar powder and wax. Pound together and form pills the size of Bi Ma Zi. Administer orally. Immediately surround the patient's front with ash and light a fire with one dou of ash. Throw the emetic pill into the fire; when it boils, draw a cross on the fire, and the cat ghost will die.

Non-toxic.
Hu Tui Zi (Paliurus Ramosissimus Fruit) (From *Bencao Shiyi*) primarily stops diarrhea and promotes urination (Chen Cangqi). ○ The root decocted as a wash treats malignant sores, scabies, and dog/horse sores (Chen Cangqi). For incessant hemoptysis, drink the decoction; for throat obstruction and pain, administer wine decoction; both are effective (*Bencao Gangmu*). ○ The leaves primarily treat lung deficiency with shortness of breath, wheezing, and severe coughing. For severe cases, bake the leaves, grind into powder, and take two qian with rice water (*Bencao Gangmu*).

[Names] Pu Tui Zi, Lu Du Zi, Que Er Su, Ban Han Chun, Huang Po Nai (Li Shizhen states: Tao Hongjing noted that Cornus officinalis and cherries are said to resemble Hu Tui Zi, not shedding leaves in winter, and should also benefit humans (Chen Cangqi). It was detailed under Cornus officinalis, but no others recognized it. Current investigation confirms it is the Que Er Su mentioned in *Leigong Paozhi Lun*. Sparrows like to eat it. People in Yue call it Pu Tui Zi, people in the South call it Lu Du Zi, people in Wu call it Ban Han Chun, meaning early ripening. People in Xianghan call it Huang Po Nai, resembling a nipple. (Liu Ji's *Feixue Lu*) mentions a small red fruit in Annan named Lu Du Zi, implying Lu Du is a barbarian term.)

[Habitat] (Chen Cangqi states: Hu Tui Zi grows in forests.)

[Seedling] (Chen Cangqi states: The tree is over one zhang high, does not shed leaves in winter. Children eating the frozen white flesh treat it as fruit. There is another larger similar variety that sheds leaves in winter and fruits in spring/summer, locally called Mu Ban Xia, with no other efficacy.)

[Season] Flowers in winter, ripens in spring; it is the earliest to ripen.

[Physical Characteristics] (Li Shizhen states: Hu Tui Zi is Lu Du Zi. The tree is six to seven chi high, branches are soft like vines. Leaves slightly resemble pear leaves, long and narrow with pointed tips, green on the front and white on the back, dotted with fine spots like stars. In old age, the spots rise like bran. It does not shed leaves in winter. Flowers appear before Spring Festival, buds resembling clove calices, thin and drooping. White flowers bloom in the first lunar month, bearing fruit small and elongated, exactly like Cornus officinalis, with fine star-like spots. Harvest before Start of Summer for consumption; taste is sour and astringent. The pit resembles Cornus officinalis but has eight ridges, soft and not hard. Inside the pit, white fibers resemble silk, containing a small kernel. The Mu Ban Xia leaf, flower, fruit, and spot patterns/smells are identical to Lu Du Zi, except its branches are stiff, leaves slightly rounder with points, and fruit round like cherries but not elongated. It ripens after Start of Summer, hence called Si Yue Zi or Ye Ying in Wu and Chu regions. Its pit also has eight ridges. Generally, they are one genus, two species.)

[Color] Green when raw, red when ripe.

[Taste] Sour.

[Nature] Neutral.

[Contraindications] (Tao Hongjing states: Do not use for cold-heat diseases.)

[Indications] (Li Shizhen states: The method of using Pu Tui leaves to treat wheezing comes from *Zhong Zang Jing*; it is effective even in severe cases, as miraculous as divine. It is said that someone suffering from wheezing for thirty years recovered instantly after taking it. In severe cases, after taking the medicine, small itchy rashes appear on the chest, indicating recovery. For extreme deficiency, add Ginseng in equal parts, named Qing Fei San. Essentially, these utilize its sour and astringent properties to consolidate Lung Qi and prevent dispersion.)