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[Adverse Effects] For diseases that require the release of the exterior (releasing the exterior), sour astringents are strictly contraindicated; mistaken consumption will inevitably cause significant harm. Consuming plums causes the leakage of Body Fluids, due to the generation of Wood by Water (Kidney Water nourishing Liver Wood). Leakage of Body Fluids damages the Kidneys; since the Kidneys belong to Water and manifest externally in the teeth, excessive consumption damages the teeth and sinews, corrodes the Spleen and Stomach, and induces Phlegm-Heat in the diaphragm region.

[Efficacy] Sour, astringent, and slightly warm, it tonifies the Liver and Gallbladder, enters the Blood aspect of the Lungs and Spleen, arrests chronic cough, relieves thirst, possesses the merit of astringing the Lungs, stops bloody dysentery, and exerts the power of astringing the intestines. It clears hoarseness, removes salivary secretions, calms roundworms, regulates Phlegm-Heat, eliminates alcohol toxicity, and cauterizes necrotic flesh. After the healing of carbuncles, if there is protruding granulation tissue, applying burnt Wu Mei (Dark Plum) externally reduces the swelling by half on the first day and flattens it completely on the second day; this is truly a miraculous prescription. The Liver uses sourness for purging, yet also uses its own flavor as a fierce general for tonifying the Liver and Gallbladder.

[Processing] Remove the pits, stir-fry lightly, or steam until cooked.

[Adverse Effects Supplement] According to *Su Wen* (Basic Questions): "Excessive sour taste leads to an overflow of Liver Qi." It also states: "Sourness travels to the sinews; those with sinew diseases should not eat much sour food." Although sourness can generate fluids but may disperse Liver Qi, its astringent nature contradicts the Liver's preference for free flow, so it should not be consumed in excess. It is strictly contraindicated for toothache and conditions requiring dispersal/release.

[Efficacy Supplement] Both Wu Mei (Dark Plum) and Bai Mei (White Plum) treat various diseases based on their sour astringent properties, and their functions are roughly similar. Rubbing the gums with them to relieve trismus (lockjaw); once saliva flows out, the mouth opens. For knife wounds with bleeding, applying powdered plum stops the bleeding immediately.

[Processing Supplement] Green plums smoked until black become Wu Mei (Dark Plum); boiled in salt water become Bai Mei (White Plum), also known as Shuang Mei (Frost Plum). Those from Anji, with thick flesh and rich oil, are of the best quality. Harvest fruits in May, dry over fire. If excessive consumption causes tooth soreness, chewing walnut meat resolves it.

Cooked plums are pressed for juice and sun-dried to make plum sauce; in summer, when thirsty, mix with water and drink.

[Adverse Effects] Contraindicated for those with blazing Fire of the Gate of Vitality (Mingmen) and robust Yang without flaccidity. For those with Heat accumulation in the Bladder causing difficult urination, the treatment method should be clearing and promoting urination; since this herb is sour and primarily astringent, it is unsuitable. Unsuitable for Yin deficiency with Damp-Heat. If used, it should be combined with Huang Bo (Phellodendron Bark); it is antagonistic to Jie Geng (Platycodon Root), Fang Feng (Saposhnikovia Root), and Fang Ji (Stephania Root).

[Efficacy] Sour, astringent, and slightly warm, it consolidates Essence and secures Qi, tonifies the Liver, Gallbladder, and Kidneys, strengthens Yin and assists sexual function, warms the waist and knees, reduces urination frequency, and prevents seminal emission and leakage. It restores hearing acuity and eliminates tinnitus. It regulates menstruation and controls excessive flow. Use Liao Shi (Polygonum Bistorta Fruit) as an assistant herb.

[Processing] Harvest fruits in May, dry in the shade. Moisten with wine, remove pits, and simmer slowly until dry before use. The pits can cause seminal emission and must not be taken.