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(Jishexiang [Caryophylli Flos, also known as Mother Clove] and Dingxiang [Clove] are from the same species. The flowers and fruits grow in clusters. The largest part in the center is called Jishexiang. When broken open, the texture follows a straight pattern and splits into two parts resembling a chicken's tongue, hence the name. This is the female clove.)

[Properties and Flavor]
Pungent, warm, non-toxic. It belongs to Pure Yang. It enters the Hand Taiyin Lung Meridian and the Foot Shaoyin Kidney Meridian and Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. (In prescriptions, the female cloves are mostly used because their efficacy is stronger. In the preparation of plasters/pastes, if male cloves are used, the "Ding" shaped buds must be removed. This is because exposure to male cloves can induce carbuncles on the back of nursing women. Furthermore, cloves should not be exposed to fire.)

[Indications]
Warms the Spleen and Stomach. Stops Huoluan (cholera-like syndrome) with stagnation and distension. Treats various swellings caused by Wind-Toxin. Treats Chi Gan (gingival decay). It can activate the aroma of other spices. Treats halitosis and foul odor associated with Gu Cao Lao (osteomyelitis of the jaw). Kills parasites. Expels evil pathogens. Treats Naitou Hua (ulceration of the nipple). Stops Wuse Du Li (dysentery of five colors) and Wu Zhi (five types of hemorrhoids). Treats Cold Qi and Cold Lao (deficiency-wasting syndrome). Treats Fanwei (regurgitation/vomiting), Guizhu (chronic wasting disease attributed to ghosts), and Guduo (poisoning/parasitic infection). Relieves Jiudu (alcohol toxicity). Dissolves accumulations and masses. Treats Ben Tun Qi (rushing qi sensation originating from the lower abdomen), Yin pain, and abdominal pain. Strengthens Yang, warms the waist and knees. Treats Ouni (vomiting and regurgitation) with significant efficacy. Removes Stomach cold. Regulates Yuan Qi (Original Qi). Those with abundant Qi and Blood should not take it. Treats Xu Yue (deficiency-type hiccups). Treats pediatric vomiting and diarrhea. Treats conditions such as smallpox where the rash fails to erupt or appears grayish-white due to Stomach deficiency. These conditions occur specifically when the Cold Water governs the Heavenly Qi cycle, and coincides with severe winter where Yang Qi is suppressed. Therefore, large pungent and hot agents are used to disperse the Yang Qi. If one does not differentiate between the deficiency/excess of Qi and Blood, and the cold/heat nature of the meridians and syndromes, and uses them abruptly indiscriminately, death is inevitable.

[Jishexiang]

[Properties and Flavor]
Pungent, slightly warm, non-toxic.

[Indications]
Treats Feng Shui Du Zhong (toxic swelling due to wind-water). Treats Huoluan Xin Tong (heart pain due to cholera-like syndrome). Removes evil heat. Blown into the nasal cavity to treat Nao Gan (nasal polyps or nasal lesions). When added to various incenses, it makes the body fragrant. Mixed with ginger juice and applied topically, it can pull out white beard hairs; black hairs will subsequently grow in the follicles, showing exceptional results.

Shi Liuhuang (Mineral Sulfur)

(Sulfur forms by condensing the essence of pure Yang fire-stone. Its nature is permeable like sulfur, and its color is assigned the central yellow, hence the name Shi Liuhuang. It contains fierce toxicity and acts as the general among the seventy-two minerals, thus referred to as "General" in medicinal texts. Laypeople call it Yang Hou, also Huang Ya, or Huang Sha.)

[Properties and Flavor]
Acid, warm, toxic.

[Indications]
Treats alopecia/crown baldness. Can melt gold, silver, copper, iron, and other strange substances. Treats Xia Bu Chuang (sores in the lower body/genital area). Kills scabies mites. Ancient formulas did not record the internal administration of sulfur. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* only used sulfur for treating ulcerative sores, attacking accumulations, cold qi, and leg weakness. However, in recent times, people have used fire-refining methods to process sulfur into pills and powders for regular consumption. Observing their methods of refining and ingesting, there is no fundamental basis, unlike Rushi (milk stone/mineral drugs) which has theoretical discussions. Therefore, although its effects are rapid, the resulting harm is even faster. How can one not be vigilant? Earth-born sulfur has pungent, hot, fishy, and foul odors. It can only be used to treat scabies and kill parasites; it must not be taken internally.