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[Odor and Flavor]
Sour, salty, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It is formed by the condensation of fluids secreted after insects bite trees. Its taste is sour and salty.

[Indications]
It can astringe the Lung Qi, stop bleeding, resolve phlegm, relieve thirst, and stop sweating. Its qi is cold, capable of dissipating heat toxins causing sores and swellings. Its nature is astringent, capable of eliminating damp rot caused by diarrhea and dysentery. Cough occurring at dusk is due to floating fire entering the Lung; cool agents are not suitable. Only Wuweizi (Schisandra Chinensis Fruit) and Wubeizi (Gallnut) can astringe and descend the Lung Qi. Baiyaojian (Fermented Gallnut) has efficacy identical to Wubeizi, but after fermentation, its texture is light and void, its nature is floating and astringent, and it carries a lingering sweet taste. It treats various diseases of the Upper Jiao involving the Heart and Lung, such as cough, phlegm-fluid retention, heat, and thirst.

(Vedic name: Haritaki. When used, soak in wine, then steam for one fu period (approx. 2 hours). Scrape off the skin with a knife, take the flesh, cut into pieces, and bake. If using the seed, remove the flesh.)

[Odor and Flavor]
Bitter, warm in nature, non-toxic. Also characterized by heavy bitter and light sour tastes, rich flavor, belonging to Yin, possessing descending properties.

[Indications]
Treats abdominal distension and fullness caused by cold qi, promotes digestion, breaks up stagnant qi in the chest and diaphragm, unblocks and moistens body fluids, secures the water passages, darkens beard and hair, expels accumulated matter, stops chronic intestinal diarrhea, treats red and white dysentery, resolves phlegm, directs Qi downward, transforms food, opens the stomach, eliminates irritability, regulates water metabolism and the Middle Jiao, stops vomiting and cholera-like symptoms, treats deficiency-cold pain in the heart and abdomen, Ben Tun (rushing pig) syndrome and rebellious Kidney Qi, pulmonary asthma and急促 breathing, Five Obstructions Qi, Intestinal Wind with bloody stool, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea, fetal leakage during pregnancy, threatened abortion, distension and stifling sensation with asthma. For urgent anal pain in dysentery patients or vulvar pain in postpartum women, burn wax mixed with the herb to smoke, or decoct for fumigation and washing. Treats cough with phlegm and throat obstruction; holding several pieces in the mouth yields excellent results. It solidifies the Large Intestine, astringes the Lung, and descends Fire. When Hezi (Chebula Terminalia Fruit) is used with Wumei (Mume Fruit) and Wubeizi, it exerts an astringent effect; when used with Chuanpi (Citrus Reticulata Peel) and Houpo (Magnolia Officinalis Bark), it directs Qi downward; when used with Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma), it tonifies the Lung and treats cough. Li Dongyuan stated, "It is wrong not to use Hezi in cough medicines." However, it should not be used abruptly in cases of recent onset cough.

[Odor and Flavor]
Bitter, warm in nature, highly toxic.

[Indications]
Generally, there are five types of fluid retention syndromes in humans. The etiology involves internal consumption of cold fluids and external exposure to dampness, leading to stagnation. Flowing into the Lung constitutes Zhi Yin (Branch Fluid Retention), causing asthma, cough, alternating chills and fever, salivation, and coldness in the back. Flowing into the Liver constitutes Xuan Yin (Hanging Fluid Retention), causing pain in coughing and expectoration radiating to the clavicular fossa and hypochondrium. Flowing below the heart constitutes Fu Yin (Hidden Fluid Retention), causing chest fullness, vomiting, alternating chills and fever, and vertigo. Flowing into the Stomach and Intestines constitutes Tan Yin (Phlegm-Fluid Retention), causing borborygmus, vomiting of water, hypochondriac fullness, or diarrhea, with fluctuating weight. Flowing into the meridians constitutes Yi Yin (Overflowing Fluid Retention), causing heaviness, fixed pain, or edema. The nature of Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos) drives out water and drains dampness, reaching the hidden locations where fluid accumulates. This corresponds to the method described in the Classics: "Open the ghost gate (induce sweating) and purify the clean mansion (promote urination)." However, its action is extremely fierce and rapid; it must not be used lightly lest it damage the body's True Yuan Qi.