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The *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica) and the *Mingyi Bielu* (Record of Famous Physicians) do not distinguish between the bark, shoots, and leaves of Gouqi (Lycium chinense). However, by analyzing the context, the treatments for "five internal organs' pathogenic qi" (wǔ nèi xié qì), "heat in the middle with thirst" (rè zhōng xiāo kě), and "generalized bi syndrome due to wind-dampness" (zhōu bì fēng shī) mentioned in the *Bencao Jing* refer to the efficacy of the bark and shoots/leaves. The treatments for "chest and hypochondriac qi stagnation" (xiōng xié qì) and "external heat headache" (kè rè tóu tòng) mentioned in the *Bielu* also refer to the bark and shoots/leaves. Conversely, the benefits of long-term consumption to "strengthen sinews and bones" (jiān jīn gǔ) and "resist cold and heat" (hán shǔ) from the *Bencao Jing*, and "tonify severe internal injury from overwork" (bǔ nèi shāng dà láo), "regulate breathing" (xū xī), "strengthen Yin" (qiáng yīn), and "promote bowel and bladder function" (lì dà xiǎo cháng) from the *Bielu* refer to the efficacy of the fruit (Gouqi Zi). This distinction made by Shen Qianlü is quite appropriate.

According to Tao Hongjing's preface to the *Bencao Jing*, the term "heat in the middle with thirst" appears under the entry for Digupi (Cortex Lycii). In the *Qianjin Fang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold), Digupi is used to treat deficiency-heat from exogenous pathogens in consumptive disease and excessive thirst due to deficiency. Earth represents Yin, bone represents the interior, and bark represents the exterior. Digupi has a sweet, bland, and cold nature; therefore, it treats deficiency-heat affecting the Lung, Liver, and Kidney organs. When organ Yin is deficient, heat accumulates in the middle causing thirst, Qi rebels in the chest and hypochondrium, and headaches occur. Generalized bi syndrome involves wind-cold-dampness lodging between the muscle layers. The mention of "generalized bi due to wind-dampness" implies that the bi syndrome has transformed from cold into heat, as described in the *Lingshu* (Spiritual Pivot): "When Shen returns, heat arises." Beyond the *Qianjin Fang*, later practitioners used Digupi to reduce tidal fevers (internal and external), treat bone-steaming fever (gǔ zhēng), alveolar abscess (gǔ cáo fēng), hematemesis, hematochezia, red eyes, oral ulcers, pediatric aural carbuncle (ěr gān), and chancre (xià gān). These applications rely on nourishing Yin to clear heat, possessing the power to stabilize the interior but lacking the strength to expel exterior pathogens. Although it treats both interior and exterior aspects, it cannot resolve exterior heat caused by wind-cold.

Gouqi Zi is purely red inside and out, rich in fluids. Since seeds enter the Kidney, this presents an image of both Water and Fire coexisting within the Kidney. Its strong and sweet flavor allows it to tonify both Yin and Yang, rapidly increasing Qi and fluids so that one is unafraid of cold or heat. Furthermore, when Kidney Qi is substantial, Yin becomes strong naturally, sinews and bones become firm, and respiration (inhalation and exhalation) returns to balance. In bodies with fluid depletion, the Large and Small Intestines are inevitably dry; Gouqi Zi moistens them, promoting smooth passage. However, excessive use may cause loose stools, and its pure red color may potentially increase fire. Later formulas such as Jinmei Jian (Golden Marrow Decoction), Sishen Wan (Four Spirits Pill), and Gouqi Wine have fully utilized the potential of Gouqi. I suspect that the *Bencao Jing*'s indication for generalized bi due to wind-dampness and resistance to cold and heat requires the combined use of both bark and fruit to achieve such effects. I leave this for experts to correct.