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[Flavor and Properties]
Bitter, sour, slightly cold, non-toxic. It sinks and belongs to Yin.

[Indications]
It unblocks the joints. It dissipates phlegm stagnation retained in the chest and diaphragm. It expels water and reduces distension. It directs Qi downward and stops vomiting and rebellious Qi. It drains Lung Qi. It removes chest fullness (plugging sensation). It treats tenesmus (urgent desire to defecate with a heavy feeling in the anus but difficult passage). Some say that for treating plugging sensations (Pi syndrome), Zhike Jiegeng Decoction should be used. However, *The Book of Vitality* states that Jiegeng Zhike Decoction should be used before the plugging sensation forms. What is the explanation for this? Essentially, Zhike (Exocarpium Citri Grandis) cannot treat plugging sensations in the epigastrium. If one knows that the patient has been incorrectly treated with purgatives, causing Qi to sink and form a plugging sensation, then this formula is used first to prevent it from forming. If the plugging sensation has already formed and this herb is used, not only will it fail to resolve the plugging, but it will also damage the Qi in the chest. The word "before" must be carefully pondered. Others say that in Zhang Zhongjing's Shutai Wan (Fetus-Restraining Pill), herbs such as Zhishi (Fructus Aurantii Immaturus) and Baizhu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) are used. Upon careful consideration, if the fetus is strong, there is sufficient force for easy delivery. If pregnant women take Zhike, it will inevitably lead to weakness and lack of Qi, making delivery difficult. Generally, people from wealthy families who enjoy excessive nourishment have excess Qi. In cases of excess, using Zhike or similar herbs to drain the Qi brings it to a balanced state. This is referred to as "no stagnation during pregnancy leads to no deficiency after childbirth." Thus, Zhike is an appropriate remedy. However, for individuals with Qi deficiency and weak constitutions, even daily administration of Shenqi Siwu Decoction (Ginseng and Four Substances Decoction) to vigorously tonify Qi and Blood might not be sufficient; how could one dare to use Zhike as a miraculous agent for smooth delivery? One must seek the underlying principles beyond the explicit intentions of ancient sages when prescribing formulas to truly understand them profoundly.

[Flavor and Properties]
Bitter, cold, non-toxic. It floats and rises, with slight descending action. It is Yang within Yin. (When used, select aged specimens. Remove the pith and seeds. Stir-fry with wheat bran until scorched, then remove the bran. Contraindicated in Qi deficiency.)

[Indications]
It benefits the five Zang organs. It resolves cold-heat knotting. It breaks up distension and solidity. It resolves Jie Xiong syndrome (chest binding syndrome) caused by Cold Damage. It eliminates damp-heat in the Stomach. Since Zhishi can purge phlegm with great power, capable of breaking down walls, Zhang Zhongjing used Zhishi Baizhu Tang (Aurantium and Atractylodes Macrocephala Decoction) to treat hardness and large swelling in the epigastrium caused by fluid retention. He stated that without the severe cold nature of Zhishi, it could not lubricate the orifices and break up Qi stagnation. It is also said that if the Spleen lacks accumulated blood, the epigastrium will not feel plugged. Jiegu (Zhang Yuansu) formulated Zhizhu Wan (Aurantium and Atractylodes Macrocephala Pill) to regulate the Spleen and Stomach. This does not mean Zhishi itself regulates the Spleen; rather, by draining Qi and clearing internal heat, the plugging resolves naturally, allowing the Spleen and Stomach to regain their natural harmony and avoid obstruction.