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[Harm] Excessive consumption leads to Qi stagnation. It is contraindicated for those suffering from alternating chills and fever, because when the pathogenic factor of malaria has not yet been fully eliminated, or when the external pathogen of Cold Damage (Shanghan) is vigorous, one should not take this tonifying substance.
However, it is not contraindicated for those with Spleen-Stomach deficiency, or those developing chills and fever due to food retention or fatigue.

[Benefits] Sweet and warm in nature, it tonifies the Spleen and Stomach, descends turbidity and ascends clarity, dissipates summerheat and dampness, stops thirst and diarrhea, and specifically treats diseases of the Middle Jiao (Central Palace). The husk clears damp-heat from the skin. The leaves promote the discharge of summerheat-dampness.

[Processing] Stir-fry and grind, or use raw, or remove the skin and stir-fry. Li Shizhen stated: For medicinal use, select hard-shelled white hyacinth beans, stir-fry until cooked with the skin intact, and then use.

Coix Seed (also known as Mi Ren)
[Harm] This is a herb that drains dampness and dries the Spleen. It is contraindicated for patients with dry and constipated stools, scanty urine, muscle cramps caused by cold, and Spleen deficiency without dampness. It is strictly prohibited for pregnant women.

[Benefits] Sweet, bland, and slightly cold in nature, it enters the Stomach Earth to overcome Water. Its bland flavor promotes diuresis and drains water, thereby strengthening the Spleen. It treats podagra (Hongjiaojing), hernia, dysentery, and hot strangury. By benefiting Earth (Spleen) to generate Metal (Lung), it tonifies the Lung and clears heat, treating lung abscess, lung flaccidity, coughing up pus and blood, etc.

[Processing] When using one tael of the herb, stir-fry it together with one tael of glutinous rice until cooked, then discard the glutinous rice and use only the Coix seed. Some are boiled in salt water, or stir-fried, or used raw.

Jujube (Da Zao)
[Harm] Although it can tonify the Middle and benefit Qi, its taste is overly sweet. Sweetness causes fullness, which inevitably harms the Spleen. Therefore, it should not be taken by those with Middle Jiao fullness. It is unsuitable for wind-phlegm, phlegm-heat, and toothache. It is also forbidden for children with infantile malnutrition (Gan disease). Raw jujubes are particularly detrimental; excessive consumption leads to chills and fever. It causes heat-thirst, abdominal distension, disturbs the Zang-Fu organs, damages Spleen Yuan Qi, and aids damp-heat. It is inadvisable for emaciated individuals. It can neutralize the toxicity of Aconitum carmichaelii (Wutou) and Aconitum kusnezoffii (Fuzi). It is contraindicated to consume with green onions and fish.

[Benefits] Sweet and neutral in nature, it harmonizes the Middle and benefits Qi, moistens Spleen Earth, nourishes the Heart and Lungs, harmonizes Ying and Wei, moderates Yin Blood, generates body fluids, enhances complexion, and harmonizes various medicines. Red jujubes have similar functions but are slightly inferior.

[Processing] Split open and remove the pit. Qingzhou jujubes have small pits, large shape, thick flesh, and are extremely sweet, making them excellent. Sun-dry them. Jinzhou jujubes are plump, sweet, and delicious, ranking second. Frequent consumption of raw jujubes causes worms and dental damage, bringing much harm. Red jujubes benefit the Spleen and Stomach; others are merely suitable for food. For harmonizing formulas, stir-fry with ginger juice until fragrant. For stomach-arousing formulas, simply remove the pit, stir-fry until fragrant, make into pills with paste, steam the medicine thoroughly, peel and remove the pit while hot, and mash.