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Bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Sanjiao (Triple Burner) meridians. Stir-fried until thoroughly cooked.
Treats chest fullness with vexation and restlessness, leading to disturbed sleep. Unblocks blood stasis below the umbilicus, facilitating urination. Clears heat from the Taiyin Lung meridian, its action is light and ascending; drains fire from the Sanjiao, its action descends through the curves.
Gardenia (Zhizi) is not originally an emetic. Zhang Zhongjing stated that when pathogenic factors are located superiorly, vomiting expels them, which is referred to as "treating superior conditions by inducing upward expulsion." It is also not merely a diuretic. Generally, when Lung Qi is clear, fluid metabolism proceeds normally, and the Bladder, as the organ of fluids, excretes urine through Qi transformation.
Its extreme bitterness and coldness can damage Stomach Qi and deplete healthy Qi; thus, it is contraindicated for those with deficiency. For abdominal pain not caused by fire, it is strictly forbidden. People often use it to treat bleeding disorders, unaware that cold congeals blood, potentially leading to severe complications. For hematemesis due to excess fire, regulating Qi is paramount; once Qi flows smoothly, blood returns to its vessels. For hematemesis due to deficient fire, nourishing righteousness (healthy Qi/Yin) is paramount; when Qi is strong, it can contain blood. These are fundamental treatment principles that must not be violated.
Gardenia flower: See separate entry under medications for throat conditions.

Bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Liver and Kidney meridians. Soaked overnight in child's urine, then dried in the sun.
Clears heat, cools blood. Resolves summerheat, reduces tidal fever, clears deficient heat, treats consumptive fever. For warm malaria and dan malaria (a type of malaria), characterized by coolness in the morning and fever in the evening, with heat originating from the Yin level, this herb acts rapidly.
Most bitter-cold herbs are detrimental to the Stomach. However, Qinghao (Artemisia annua) has a fragrant aroma that awakens the Spleen, making it suitable for individuals with blood deficiency and heat, as it does not violate the harmonious Qi of the Middle Jiao.
If cold-type diarrhea occurs after ingestion, it should still be avoided.

Bitter in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Kidney meridians. Avoid iron utensils. Those that are plump and white are preferred. Remove hairs, stir-fry thoroughly with salt and wine.
Clears Lung heat and eliminates phlegm to stop coughing; drains Kidney fire, promotes urination, and moistens the intestines. It is the premier remedy for limb edema and swelling, and is hailed as a miraculous cure for vexation and heat in Shanghan (Cold Damage). It supplements insufficient Cold Water (Kidney Yin) and benefits the Yin Qi of the Five Zang organs.
Draining the excess fire of the Kidneys is its primary function. The various effects such as clearing Metal (Lung) and treating swelling are indeed because when Ministerial Fire does not flare up improperly, these results naturally follow.
Zhimu (Anemarrhena Rhizome) is yin-cold in nature and should not be taken in large amounts or for long periods. In recent times, it has been revered as a top-grade herb for treating consumptive diseases (such as tuberculosis), often leading to fatal diarrhea. Therefore, it is contraindicated for those with Kidney deficiency and impotence, Spleen deficiency with loose stools, lack of appetite, and food stagnation.