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Pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, toxic. Enters the Liver Meridian.
Excellent at expelling Liver wind, penetrating deeply into muscles and bones. It is often used to conclude treatment for stroke (Zhong Feng), and is also simple/effective for treating epilepsy (Jing Xian).
All wind diseases causing tremors and dizziness belong to Liver Wood (Liver dysfunction). The scorpion belongs to Wood, has a green color, and enters exclusively the Jueyin Liver Meridian, making it an essential herb for treating wind disorders. When used whole, it is called Quanxie (Whole Scorpion); when only the tail is used, it is called Xieshao (Scorpion Tail), which possesses even stronger potency.
For conditions resembling stroke or infantile slow spleen wind that are due to deficiency, all such treatments strictly prohibit its use.

It refers to the small fruit of the citrus tree. Stir-fried with wheat bran.
It breaks stagnant Qi; efficacy increases as dosage increases. It reduces hard accumulations; efficacy improves as downward movement occurs. It guides other herbs to the distribution areas of the Jueyin Meridian and directs food residues into the storehouse of the Taiyin Spleen Meridian.
Qingpi (Green Tangerine Peel) attacks Liver Qi and can induce sweating. Its nature is quite fierce and sharp, so it should not be used in large amounts. Just as young people are energetic and prone to irritability, as they age they become like tangerine peel; as they grow old and become aged tangerine peel (Chenpi), having endured many colds and summers, their dryness and irritability completely dissipate.

(See Ear Department section)

Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian. Incompatible with Licorice Root (Gancao). Contraindicated with mutton and various blood products; may be stir-fried with walnut kernels. Also known as Pogu Zhi.
It promotes sexual function and stops kidney-type diarrhea. It consolidates essence and Qi, and stops lower back pain. For cough due to Lung cold, there is no need for worry; for panting due to Kidney deficiency, it is suitable to use.
It is an essential herb for warming the Water Organ (Kidney) and strengthening Fire to benefit Earth (Fire generating Earth).
Bulgariae Semen (Buguzhi) is drying in nature. Those with Yin deficiency and internal heat, or constipation, should avoid it.

Sweet and salty in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian. Washed with wine, remove scales.
It benefits essence, strengthens Yang, tonifies injury, and moistens the Large Intestine. For men with hematuria and spermatorrhea, and women with vaginal pain and leukorrhea.
It is the primary herb for nourishing Kidney essence and the primary herb for moistening and warming. However, it must be used in large doses, up to one jin (approx. 500g), and those that are not rotten are preferred. It is warm but does not descend fire, moist but not dry, tonifying but not abrupt, hence the name "Cong Rong" (having the appearance of softness/flexibility). Another alias is Hei Siming (Black Commander), implying its numerous powerful effects.
Cynomorii Herba (Roucongrong) is slippery in nature. It is contraindicated for those with diarrhea, or those whose Yang qi rises easily but essence is not secure.

Sweet and salty in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Kidney Meridian.
It strengthens Yin, tonifies sinews, moistens the intestines, and strengthens bones.
The functions of Cynomorii Fructus (Suoyang) are similar to those of Cynomorii Herba (Roucongrong), and the contraindications are also the same. It is also a moistening and warming herb.