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Taste is sweet and bitter, nature is slightly cold, non-toxic. Enters the Heart and Lung meridians. Dreads *Wanglingxian* (Clematis Root), abhors *Tufuling* (Smilax Glabra Rhizome).

Eliminates food stagnation, directs phlegm-qi downward. Relieves thirst, promotes wakefulness. Resolves toxicity from roasted/grilled foods, eliminates hemorrhoidal sores. Excellent at promoting urination, notably effective for treating headaches.

It inherits the pure qi of Earth, combined with the generative intent of early spring; therefore, its primary functions are all characterized by clearing and purifying. However, because its taste is sweet without astringency and its aroma is fragrant like an orchid, it is considered superior. Tea inherits the most pure qi of Heaven and Earth, grows among barren sands, specifically absorbs the nourishment of clouds and dew, and is not contaminated by dust or filth; thus, it can clear the Heart and wash the intestines and stomach, serving as a stimulant. Ancients often claimed it was bitter and cold, detrimental to the Spleen and Stomach, and that excessive consumption leads to yellowing hair and emaciation; these remarks refer only to coarse, harsh, and bitter teas. Therefore, when used medicinally, one must select top-grade tea to obtain benefits. Tea seeds: ground into powder and insufflated into the nose, treat tinnitus/head ringing.

Taste is bitter, sweet, and acrid, nature is hot, toxic. Enters the Lung and Stomach meridians.

Unblocks blood vessels and breaks up accumulations, thickens the intestines and stomach and moistens the skin. Promotes Heart-qi to alleviate sorrow, assists the Gallbladder meridian to inspire courage (decisiveness). Good at driving the momentum of other herbs, can ward off wind-cold.

Drinking in moderation harmonizes blood and moves qi, strengthens spirit, and eliminates worry; drinking excessively damages the Stomach, depletes blood, generates phlegm, and stirs up fire. Therefore, those who indulge without limit and make drunkenness a habit will, in mild cases, contract diseases, and in severe cases, lose their lives. This is why Yu the Great distanced himself from Yidi (the inventor of wine) and why the Duke of Zhou wrote the "Admonition on Wine." Distilled liquor (Baijiu) disperses cold and breaks up accumulations, harming people even more severely.

Also known as Chinese Yam (*Shanyao*). Taste is sweet, nature is neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Heart, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. Use after steaming thoroughly.

Augments qi, promotes muscle growth, calms the spirit, and reduces fever. Tonifies the Spleen to stop diarrhea and dysentery, tonifies the Kidney to arrest seminal emission.

Chinese Yam obtains the balanced qi of Earth and inherits the harmonious qi of Spring; hence its uses are as described above. However, its action is slow, and it requires large doses to be effective.

Chinese Yam eaten with flour does not benefit humans. There is also the bulbil on the vine, named *Lingyuzi*, which has a separate entry.

Taste is sweet, nature is neutral (leaning towards warm), non-toxic. Enters the Liver and Kidney meridians. These are the bulbils on the Chinese Yam vine, commonly known as Yam fruits. Sun-dried raw, chopped, and used in medicine. If used for dietary therapy, cook until soft, peel, and eat with sugar.

Tonifies the Spleen and benefits the Kidney, with a focus on the Kidney. Clarifies hearing and vision, possesses anti-aging capabilities. Strengthens the waist, supports the weak, and stabilizes the precarious. Rescues deficiency and depletion, transforming emaciation into robustness. When hungry persons eat it, they do not feel hunger; when elderly persons eat it, it preserves their youthful appearance.

Chen Cangqi said: "The efficacy of *Lingyuzi* is stronger than that of *Shuyu* (Dioscorea)." Li Shizhen said: "It surpasses Chinese Yam and is more delicious than taro."