味苦寒，无毒。主五内邪气、热中、消渴、周痹风湿。久服坚筋骨，轻身不老，耐寒
暑。
（枸杞始出常山平泽及丘陵阪岸，今处处有之，以陕西甘州者为胜。春生，苗叶如石榴，
叶软嫩可食，七月开小紫花，随结实，园红如樱桃，凌冬不落。李时珍曰∶枸杞二树名，此
木棘如枸刺，茎若杞条，故兼而名之。《本经》气味主治概根苗花实而言，补未分别，后人
以实为枸杞子，根名地骨皮，主治稍不同矣。）
枸杞根苗苦寒，花实紫赤，至严冬霜雪之中，其实红润可爱，是禀少阴水阴之气，兼少
阴君火之化者也。主治五内邪气、热中、消渴。谓五脏正气不足，邪气内生，而为热中、消
渴之病。枸杞得少阴水阴之气，故可治也。主治周痹风湿者，兼得少阴君火之化也。岐伯曰∶
周痹者，在于血脉之中，随脉以上，随脉以下，不能左右，各当其所。枸杞能助君火之神，
出于血脉之中，故去周痹而除风湿。久服坚筋骨，轻身不老，耐寒暑。亦得少阴水火之气，
而精神充足，阴阳交会也。
Bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. It primarily treats pathogenic factors within the five zang organs (Five Zang Organs), heat accumulation in the middle jiao (Middle Burner), xiaoke disease (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome), generalized bi syndrome (Generalized Bi-Syndrome), and wind-dampness. Long-term consumption strengthens the sinews and bones, lightens the body, delays aging, and enhances tolerance to cold and heat.
(Gouqi originally grew in the flat marshes and hilly banks of Changshan; it is now found everywhere, with those from Ganzhou in Shaanxi being considered superior. It sprouts in spring; the seedlings and leaves resemble those of the pomegranate tree, are soft and tender, and edible. In July, it bears small purple flowers and subsequently fruits that are red like cherries, remaining on the branches through winter without falling. Li Shizhen stated: "Gouqi" combines two names; this shrub has thorns like the "Gou" plant and stems resembling the "Qi" plant, hence the combined name. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* described the properties and indications covering roots, shoots, flowers, and fruits without distinction. Later generations distinguished the fruit as Gouqizi (Goji Berry) and the root as Digupi (Cortex Lycii), noting slight differences in their therapeutic actions.)
The roots and shoots of Gouqi are bitter and cold, while its flowers and fruits are purple-red. Even amidst severe winter frost and snow, its fruits remain red and appealing. This indicates it inherits the yin qi of Shaoyin Water (Kidney Water) and simultaneously embodies the transformational influence of Shaoyin Ministerial Fire (Ministerial Fire). Its primary indications for pathogenic factors within the five zang organs, heat accumulation in the middle jiao, and xiaoke disease refer to conditions where deficiency of righteous qi in the five zang organs leads to internal generation of pathogenic factors, resulting in middle-jiao heat and wasting-thirst. Because Gouqi possesses the yin qi of Shaoyin Water, it can treat these conditions. Its efficacy in treating generalized bi syndrome and wind-dampness stems from its incorporation of the transformational influence of Shaoyin Ministerial Fire. Qibo stated: "Generalized bi resides within the blood vessels, moving up and down along the meridians, unable to spread left or right, staying precisely where it travels." Gouqi assists the divine function of Ministerial Fire, allowing it to emerge from the blood vessels, thereby eliminating generalized bi and dispelling wind-dampness. Long-term use strengthens sinews and bones, lightens the body, delays aging, and improves cold/heat tolerance. This is due to receiving the qi of Shaoyin Water and Fire, leading to abundant spirit and the intersection of yin and yang.
(Attached from *Ri Hua Bencao*):
Bitter and cold in nature. Primarily clears irritability, benefits willpower, tonifies the five excesses and seven injuries, strengthens heart qi, expels wind from the skin and interosseous spaces, eliminates heat toxins, and dissipates carbuncles and swellings.
(Another record):
Bitter and cold in nature. Primarily removes bone-steaming heat and treats xiaoke disease.
(Attached from *Shiliao Bencao*):
Sweet and cold in nature. Primarily strengthens sinews and bones, promotes longevity, expels wind, alleviates deficiency-fatigue, and tonifies essence and qi.