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Wumei (Mume Fructus) is sour in taste and neutral in nature, capable of ascending and descending, belonging to Yang, and non-toxic. It astringes Liver Qi, secures the Large Intestine, stops bloody dysentery, and relieves pain caused by intestinal parasites. It is an herb that prevents collapse and leakage; it is suitable for use in astringing sliding and uncontrolled discharge.

Note: Wumei (Mume Fructus) often achieves rapid results in stopping dysentery and interrupting malaria. However, herbs that act quickly tend to provide only temporary relief and may often lead to chronic conditions that are difficult to cure; therefore, one must be cautious. In summer, some people boil Wumei (Mume Fructus) into a decoction to quench thirst. For those without Summerheat pathogen in the abdomen, it can astringe the Lung and stop thirst. But if the Summerheat pathogen has not dissipated and remains closed and obstructed within the intestines and stomach, when autumn and winter arrive, it will either transform into dysentery or malaria. Wumei (Mume Fructus) treats Huì Jué (Ascendant Reversal due to Roundworms); when roundworms ascend into the diaphragm, causing restlessness and vomiting, taking this herb brings immediate relief.

Dazao (Jujube Fruit) is sweet in taste and warm in nature, non-toxic, belonging to Yang, and primarily descending. It enters the Five Zang Organs. It opens the Nine Orifices, harmonizes various medicinal substances, nourishes the Lung and Stomach, benefits Qi, moistens the Heart and Lungs, generates body fluids, assists the meridians, and tonifies the Five Zang Organs. However, it is contraindicated for those with abdominal fullness and heat diseases, and forbidden for those with toothache and wind diseases. It is a harmonizing agent, not a pure tonifying substance. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it tonifies, which is due to its harmonizing properties.

Note: Dazao (Jujube Fruit) is said to be a variety left behind by immortals, hence its unique taste compared to ordinary jujubes; it excels at harmonizing the Qi of the Five Zang Organs. Although it is not a direct tonic, it does no harm. In Zhuji, Zhejiang, we often see jujube fruits as large as chicken eggs, truly varieties from immortals. Those who understand its principles consume them, and they indeed offer benefits, but unfortunately, such fruits are rare.

Longyanrou (Longan Aril) is sweet in taste and neutral in nature, non-toxic. It enters the Spleen and Heart meridians. It resolves toxicity, expels parasites, stabilizes the Will (Zhi), calms the Spirit (Shen), nourishes muscles, beautifies complexion, eliminates forgetfulness, and dispels palpitations. Consuming more strengthens the Soul (Hun) and improves hearing and vision; long-term consumption lightens the body and delays aging. This fruit is particularly beneficial to humans. When used in medicine, it mainly acts on the Spleen and Heart. If soaked in wine, it offers significant nourishing benefits. Soaking it in wines that tonify Qi and Blood is optimal.

One might ask: When Longyanrou (Longan Aril) is boiled into a decoction, should the flesh be eaten? Is there a risk of causing loose stools? In fact, Longyanrou (Longan Aril) does not cause slippery bowels. One is merely advised not to overconsume it, lest it fail to keep the Large Intestine firm.

Another question arises: Why is Longyanrou (Longan Aril) included in Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction)? Is it because it tonifies the Spleen? What ingredients in Guipi Tang (Restore the Spleen Decoction) do not strengthen the Spleen, yet why is Longyanrou (Longan Aril) indispensable? Actually, Longyanrou (Longan Aril) truly serves to harmonize the other herbs, guiding them to distribute their effects to the Heart, Liver, Spleen, and Stomach, rather than entering only the Heart and Liver.