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(See the section on the Spleen)

[Harm] It has a bitter and astringent taste, is warm in nature, yet it dissipates Qi. Patients with Qi deficiency, as well as those in the early stages of cough or dysentery, should avoid taking it. It is contraindicated for: coughs caused by excess heat in the Lung meridian; diarrhea caused by damp-heat; wheezing due to rebellious Fire rushing upward; leukorrhea due to deficient heat rather than deficient cold; intestinal diseases in their initial stage when damp-heat is abundant; and urinary incontinence due to deficient fire in the Kidney. Specifically, if leukorrhea originates from damp-heat, or wheezing and coughing are truly caused by Lung Fire, using this substance can lead to immediate death; one must deeply beware of its detrimental effects.

[Benefits] With sour, astringent, and bitter tastes and a warm nature, it astringes Lung Metal to stop cough and wheezing, consolidates the Large Intestine to arrest diarrhea and dysentery, benefits the throat and promotes fluid production, eliminates food stagnation, and relieves abdominal distension.

[Processing and Origin] It is produced throughout Lingnan, with Guangzhou being the most prolific area. Seeds are harvested in the seventh and eighth lunar months; those with six ridges are considered superior. Those imported by ship from Persia have six black ridges and thick flesh, which indicates good quality. They are soaked in wine, steamed for one *fu* (a traditional time unit, approx. two hours), then the skin and flesh are peeled off with a knife, chopped, and dried over low heat. If using the pit/nut, remove the flesh. Raw use clears and moistens Lung Metal; roasted use consolidates the intestines.

(See the section on the Heart)

[Harm] Sweetness tends to cause fullness in the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach); those with Middle Jiao fullness should not take it. Excessive consumption aids internal heat, damages teeth, breeds parasites, and causes *gan* disease (pediatric malnutrition syndrome). If taken mistakenly during the eruption of macules and papules, it causes greasiness in the chest/diaphragm and Qi obstruction, preventing toxins from exiting, leading to rebellious Qi, chest oppression, and confusion/coma. Consuming brown sugar (*Hongtang*) with crucian carp creates *gan* worms; consuming it with *kuizi* (Malva verticillata seed) generates flowing abscesses (*liuzhu*); consuming it with bamboo shoots leads to indigestion and mass formation (*zheng*), causing heaviness of the body and inability to walk. It is highly inappropriate for modern physicians to use sugar as a vehicle for administering pediatric pills and powders. Brown sugar is warmer in nature than white sugar; it generates Stomach Fire, aids dampness, damages teeth, breeds parasites, and excessive intake causes heart pain.

[Benefits] White sand sugar (*Baishatang*) is sweet and warm. Sugarcane is cold, but sugar becomes warm after boiling and refining. It tonifies the Spleen, soothes the Liver, moistens the Lungs, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, resolves phlegm, and treats coughs. When condensed into cake-like blocks hard as stone, it is called *Shimi* (Stone Honey). When light and white like frost, it is called *Tangshuang* (Sugar Frost). When hard and white like ice, it is called *Bingtang* (Rock Sugar). Brown sugar paste (*Chitangsha*) has similar functions but excels particularly in harmonizing the Middle Jiao. Sugarcane juice is sweet and cold; it harmonizes the Middle Jiao, directs rebellious Qi downward, assists the Spleen, and benefits the Large Intestine. It also clears heat, relieves thirst, treats dysphagia (*yige*) and alcohol toxicity, and slightly promotes urination.