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(Taste and Nature: Pungent and Spicy) Treats pathogenic factors in the intestines and stomach.
Daucus carota (Carrot) (Primarily enters the Lung Meridian, concurrently enters the Spleen Meridian). Originated during the Yuan Dynasty from Hu lands. Its shape resembles that of a radish, hence the name. According to the indications listed in books, its therapeutic effects are precisely to broaden the middle and direct Qi downward, as well as to dissipate pathogenic factors in the intestines and stomach. No other effects are discussed. This is likely because pungency disperses, sweetness harmonizes, and heavy texture descends. Radish is sweet and pungent, slightly warm in nature, and possesses a heavy texture; thus, it can broaden the middle and direct Qi downward, causing pathogenic factors in the intestines and stomach to depart together with it. However, books mention "tonifying the middle and strengthening digestion." This does not mean that those with deficiency of the middle jiao receive direct tonification from it, nor that those with poor appetite due to middle jiao deficiency receive direct strengthening. Rather, it implies that after pathogenic factors are eliminated, the middle jiao benefits indirectly! Mugwort should not be eaten, but its seeds can be used as food seasoning.

(Taste and Nature: Pungent and Spicy) Opens blockage of phlegm-Qi in the Lungs and Stomach.
Brassica juncea (Chinese Mustard) (Primarily enters the Lung and Stomach meridians, concurrently enters the Kidney meridian). It is merely a food item. Why do some books record that it can unblock Lung Qi, open the stomach, move Qi, and resolve phlegm? And why do they also state that long-term consumption leads to depletion of true Qi, dimness of vision, and sometimes induces sores and hemorrhoids? This clearly points to its harm to the eyes, yet other texts claim it can brighten vision. What is the reason for this? It is likely because mustard has a pungent and hot nature. For cases where Yin-dampness internally obstructs, leading to blockage of phlegm and Qi, taking this vegetable ensures that phlegm is eliminated and Qi flows freely. Thus, it can make hearing more acute and vision clearer! If the viscera are not inherently cold, but only temporarily affected by cold-dampness, preventing the free circulation of Qi, initial consumption may bring slight relief. However, prolonged use accumulates warmth into heat, making vision increasingly unclear, and various hemorrhoids and sores inevitably arise. The *Suwen* states: "Pungency moves Qi; in Qi disorders, one should not consume much pungent food. Doing so results in thickened skin like calluses and retracted lips." Is this what is meant? If one normally suffers from excess heat, without symptoms of damp-blockage or cold-blockage, this vegetable should not be consumed in large amounts. Once ingested, any dry-heat conditions will inevitably manifest immediately. How could it be limited to just hematochezia, hemorrhoids, and eye damage? (Meng Shen said: Boiled consumption moves Qi and generates wind; raw consumption triggers Dan-stone toxicity. Ning Yuan said: Those with sores, ulcers, hemorrhoids, or blood in stool should avoid it. Sun Simiao said: Consuming with rabbit meat creates malignant pathogens; consuming with crucian carp induces edema.) As for tears flowing upon eating mustard, this is because tears are the fluid of the Liver; Wood is controlled by Pungency, and the fluid cannot withstand this control. (Lu Tian said: Gazing at plums generates saliva; eating mustard causes tears to fall. These are the five fluids arising from external stimuli. Longing causes salivation; shame causes sweating. These are the five fluids generated internally.) There is no other profound meaning. One must carefully examine before using this. Therefore, it is advisable to warn against excessive consumption. The detailed discussion on mustard seeds is found in the section on Warming and Dispersing methods, which should be consulted jointly.