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[Acrid and Pungent] Unblocks the Heart, resolves phlegm, promotes urination

Tonghao (Chrysanthemum coronarium L., specifically enters the Heart, Spleen, Stomach, Intestines, and Kidney meridians). Also known as Penghao. Its taste is acrid and sweet, its nature is warm, and its qi is turbid. For those with flourishing ministerial fire (Xianghuo) internally, manifesting as various dryness symptoms, taking it will cause qi to rise, leading to head distension and dizziness, vertigo, irritability, and a stiff tongue. This is a verification of how its warm nature aids fire. If one has a constitution deficient in fire (Yang deficiency), consuming it can resolve phlegm, promote water metabolism, calm the Spleen, harmonize the Stomach, and nourish the Heart. This aligns with the statement in *Qianjin Fang* that it can calm the Heart Qi. In summary, for all things that are acrid and warm, they are suitable when applied to Yin organs without fire; however, they are strictly contraindicated when applied to Yang organs with fire!

[Soft and Slippery] Unblocks and lubricates the Intestines

Wengcai (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk., specifically enters the Stomach and Intestines). According to texts, there is little else discussed, only stating that its taste and nature are sweet and neutral. It is soft and tender like vines, hollow inside like scallions, grows roots at every node when laid horizontally on the ground, and is hailed as a rare vegetable of the South. It is also said to specifically detoxify wild gecko poison (Yege du); crushing it raw and taking the juice is particularly effective. Dripping its juice onto wild gecko seedlings causes them to die immediately. Mixing its juice with wine can treat difficult labor. Thus, its nature and qi are known to be unblocking and slippery. Therefore, it is deeply contraindicated for those with Spleen and Stomach deficiency-cold and loose stools. However, its qi is relatively neutral, superior to spinach (Bo) and amaranth (Xian). It is most suitable for individuals with balanced organs (Ping Zang).

[Acrid and Pungent] Promotes blood circulation, breaks Qi

Youcai (Brassica napus var. oleifera, specifically enters the Lung meridian, concurrently enters the Liver and Spleen meridians). Also known as Yuntai. Texts generally record its taste and nature as acrid and warm, but *Da Ming Bencao* alone specifies its nature as cool. What is the reasoning? Since the five flavors and five qi do not severely damage human Qi and Blood, if acrid dispersing agents are administered, true Qi remains intact, so it cannot be named cool. But if acrid substances are used to break blood, considering that true Qi might be hindered, once the acrid qi is introduced, cool qi naturally follows. How then could the acrid nature manifest as warm, and its qi not be called cool? Although Youcai's taste and nature are acrid (Youcai is considered one of the "Five Pungent Vegetables" by Daoists), its primary utility lies in promoting blood circulation and breaking Qi. It is commonly used for postpartum Qi pain and blood pain, as well as various wandering wind, erysipelas, heat swelling, sores, and hemorrhoids. After menstruation, adding it to Siwu Tang (Four Substances Decoction) is said to prevent conception and treat infantile convulsions; applying it to the fontanelle guides Qi upward. Difficult labor in women is treated similarly. (A song states: When golden flowers set millet-like seeds, finely ground and taken with wine, fifteen pills. The spiritual elixir works miraculously, saving emergencies during difficult labor.) Ultimately, since Qi moves and depletes without regeneration, and Blood is broken without replenishment, calling it cool is indeed appropriate. Therefore, texts record that for inducing childbirth, aged storage is preferred; otherwise, there is a risk of diarrhea. It is also stated that those with chronic tinea pedis (Hong Kong foot/jiaoxi) should not eat it, nor should those with body odor; consumption exacerbates these conditions or triggers diseases and sores. If it were truly warm rather than cool, why would such symptoms occur after consumption? Zida You (Rapeseed oil) effectively treats carbuncles and ulcers, and can be applied to worms in fistulas (worms generated in smoked meat are eliminated by applying this oil).