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[Mountain Fruit] Moistens the Lungs, directs Qi downward, and strengthens the Spleen

Loquat (Enters primarily the Spleen and Lung meridians, and secondarily the Liver meridian). This is a fruit associated with the Spleen. Its taste is sweet and sour, and its color is yellow. According to texts, when fully ripe, it has the function of relieving thirst, directing Qi downward, and moistening the five Zang organs. Eating it raw aids the Liver while suppressing the Spleen. Consumption leads to abdominal fullness and diarrhea. Furthermore, texts describe its nature variously as "neutral," "warm," and "cold," which appears intentional. This is because although its inherent Qi is warm, its substance contains much dampness. When consumed at full ripeness, internal dampness gradually dissipates, and heat becomes balanced, thereby exerting the effect of directing Qi downward and moistening the organs. If consumed unripe, the dampness within the fruit has not transformed, posing a risk of cold injuring the middle Jiao, leading to fullness and diarrhea; simultaneously, the unabsorbed sour Qi may support the Liver and suppress the Spleen. This explains why texts state it is both warm and neutral/cold. However, among banquet fruits, using fully ripe Loquat to counteract alcohol-heat is most appropriate. In cases of cold qi stagnation in the middle Jiao, although it can be used to assist in resolving alcohol toxicity, one must be aware of the contraindications! The leaves are detailed separately in the first volume.

[Vining Herb] Relaxes the Spleen Qi and moistens the Lungs

Peanut (Enters primarily the Spleen and Lung meridians). Its taste is sweet and pungent, its texture is moist, and its aroma is fragrant. Its nature is neutral and non-toxic. Texts state that its fragrance relaxes the Spleen Qi, and its pungency moistens the Lungs. It is an excellent fruit, truly a fine product. However, the claim that roasted consumption is harmless is not comprehensive. Although its flavor profile is pure, it is neither hot like Walnut meat nor cool like Water Chestnut or Water Caltrop. It is pleasantly fragrant and suitable for snacking or accompanying tea. However, due to its moist and slippery nature, it is suitable for those with dry and solid constitutions. For those with cold-damp stagnation and impaired Middle Qi, consuming it excessively without restraint risks damaging Spleen Qi and causing loose bowels. One must distinguish based on the individual's constitution to apply it correctly.

[Fruit] Breaks down hard accumulations in the Liver and Kidneys and dissolves copper

Water Chestnut (i.e., Eleocharis dulcis; enters primarily the Liver, Kidney, and Large Intestine meridians). It is merely a fruit. All texts state it has the power to dissolve copper (chewing a copper coin with Water Chestnut causes the coin to dissolve). It breaks down accumulations and attacks hardness (Black Burreed Rhizome used in Jin Suo Wan to treat Five Obstructions refers to this plant). It stops bleeding (For hematochezia, crush Water Chestnut to extract juice: half a cup of juice mixed with half a cup of good wine, taken warm on an empty stomach; effective within three days). Treats dysentery (For bloody and purulent dysentery, on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, select intact Water Chestnuts, wash them, soak them in good distilled liquor in a bottle, seal tightly, and take one or two pieces chewed finely with wine on an empty stomach when suffering from the condition). Treats metrorrhagia (One Water Chestnut grows per year; calcined until carbonized, powdered, and taken with wine). Applies to sores (For pediatric oral thrush, burn to ash, powder, and sprinkle). Detoxifies and promotes eruption of smallpox (For dry, purple smallpox lesions that fail to erupt, crush together with Earthworm, add white wine fermentation liquid, and consume to promote eruption). Clears the voice and resolves alcohol intoxication. Its efficacy is so extensive because its sweet and cold nature clears excess heat in the chest and eliminates various excess-type distensions. Its black color indicates a forceful descending action, thereby dispelling blood dysentery and blood toxins. Therefore, those with cold qi should avoid eating it, as it may induce tinea pedis (Hong Kong foot); those with heat coughs should avoid using it, as it may accumulate fire qi and cause harm.