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Benefits the Spleen and Stomach, unblocks the water passages, promotes water metabolism.
Sweet and bland in taste, slightly cold in nature, and belonging to the Earth element, it is a herb of the Yangming (Stomach) channel. The sweet flavor tonifies the Stomach Qi; when Earth is strong, it controls Water. The bland flavor leaches out dampness. By draining water, it benefits Earth, thus strengthening the Spleen. It treats edema, bi-syndrome due to dampness, podagra (Hong Kong foot), hernia, diarrhea, dysentery, and hot strangury. By benefiting Earth, it generates Metal (Lung), thus tonifying the Lung and clearing heat (its white color enters the Lung, and its slight coldness clears heat). It treats lung abscess (Fei Wei) and lung carbuncle (Fei Yong), coughing up pus and blood (take Yi Yi Ren with pig lung). By supporting Earth, it suppresses Wood (Liver), thus treating wind-heat causing tendon spasm and contracture (Jueyin Liver-Wood governs tendons; however, for treating diseases of tendons and bones, regulating Yangming is paramount. Yangming moistens Zongjin [major tendons], which bind bones and facilitate joint movement. If Yangming is deficient, Zongjin become lax, hence the Classic states: "In treating flaccidity syndrome, exclusively select Yangming"; and also: "Heat in the Lung scorches the leaves, leading to flaccidity." The Lung is the official of transmission and governance, from which regulatory functions arise. If damp-heat from Yangming steams upward to the Lung, it scorches the Lung leaves, causing Qi to lose its mastery and regulatory function, resulting in flaccidity. Yi Yi Ren regulates the Spleen, while simultaneously clearing heat and tonifying the Lung. Cold causes tendons to contract, heat causes them to shrink, and dampness causes them to relax. However, long-standing cold-dampness can transform into heat. Conversely, heat steaming can obstruct fluid metabolism, leading to dampness over time. Yi Yi Ren is an essential herb for removing dampness and can be used whether the cause is cold or heat. *Bencao Yan yi* states: "It should not be used for tendon contraction caused by cold," which is likely incorrect. Its action is mild and slow, so the dosage must be doubled compared to other herbs. It kills roundworms and induces abortion; use after stir-frying until slightly browned and lightly grinding.

This refers to Poppy Shell (Ying Su Ke).
Astringes the intestines, consolidates the Lung, secures the Kidney.
Sour and astringent, slightly cold in nature. It consolidates Lung Qi, astringes the intestines, and secures the Kidney. It treats chronic cough, diarrhea, dysentery, seminal emission, rectal prolapse, and various pains in the heart, abdomen, and sinews/bones (Li Dongyuan said: Astringents consolidate Qi and enter the Kidney channel, making them particularly suitable for treating bone diseases). It is contraindicated in the early stages of cough or dysentery (Zhu Danxi said: This is a post-illness astringent herb; one must first eliminate the root cause of the disease). Also known as Li Chun Hua (Beautiful Spring Flower), with red, yellow, purple, and white colors, it is beautiful and lovely. When using the shell, wash away the stem and fascia, retaining only the thin skin. Use after stir-frying with vinegar or honey (its nature is tight and astringent; without processing, it often causes vomiting and rebellion). It works well with vinegar, Wu Mei (Mume Fructus), and Chen Pi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium). The seeds inside the capsule are extremely fine, sweet, cold, and moistening; cooked as porridge and eaten, they treat regurgitation (adding Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is especially good).