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(Song Dynasty *Kaibao Bencao*)

[Correction] Transferred from the Herbal Section to this section.

[Names] Piling Eggplant.

Li Shizhen stated: These are all transliterations from foreign languages.

[Collection and Explanation] Su Song citing Zang Qi said: Bichengqie (Long Pepper Fruit) grows in Fo Shi Guo (Bodh Gaya/India). Its shape resembles Wutongzi (Albizia julibrissin seed) and Manjingzi (Vitex rotundifolia fruit), but is slightly larger.

Kou Zongshi said: Hu Jiao (Black Pepper) grows in various countries of the South Sea. Those growing in shady places are called Chengqie, while those growing in sunny places are called Hu Jiao. According to Gu Wei's *Guangzhou Zhi*: Chengqie grows in various overseas countries; it is actually young Hu Jiao. It is picked from the tree while green, with a thick stalk and a round calyx.

Su Song said: It is now also produced in Guangzhou. Leaves grow in spring and summer, green and smooth, quite lovely. The fruits resemble Wutongzi, slightly larger. They are harvested in August and September.

Li Shizhen said: It is produced in various foreign regions of Hainan. It grows as a vine, blooms white flowers in spring, and bears black fruits in summer. It belongs to the same category but different species as Hu Jiao, just as Dafupi (Areca Peel) is similar to Binglang (Betel Nut).

[Processing] Kou Zongshi said: Upon harvesting, remove the stalks and wrinkled skin. Soak in wine and steam from Si hour (9-11 AM) to You hour (5-7 PM). Pound into a fine powder, dry in the sun, and use for medicinal purposes.

[Flavor and Nature] Acrid, Warm, Non-toxic.

Kou Zongshi said: Acrid, Bitter, Slightly Warm.

[Indications] Directs Qi downward, aids digestion, expels Wind from the skin, treats Qi distension in the heart and abdomen, promotes appetite, and treats "Ghost Qi" (referring to mental abnormalities or strange diseases). Can dye hair and fragrance the body (Zang Qi).

Treats all types of Cold Qi and Phlegm-fluid retention, as well as Cholera with vomiting and diarrhea, abdominal pain, and Coldness of Kidney Qi and Bladder.

[Attached Prescriptions] One old prescription, five new prescriptions.

Spleen and Stomach deficiency with weakness, discomfort in the chest and diaphragm, loss of appetite: Use Bichengqie ground into powder. Mix with Ginger Juice and Shenqu paste to make pills the size of Wutongzi seeds. Take 70 pills each time with Ginger Decoction, twice daily. (*Jisheng Fang*)

Dysphagia (food sticking): Bichengqie and Bai Doukou (White Cardamom) in equal proportions. Grind into powder. Lick dry. (*Shouyu Shenfang*)

Regurgitation and vomiting food, vomiting black fluid, cases not cured by previous treatments: Use Bichengqie ground into powder. Make pills the size of Wutongzi seeds with Rice Paste. Take 30-40 pills each time with Ginger Decoction, once daily. After recovery, take Pingwei San (Regulate the Stomach Powder) for three hundred doses. (*Yonglei Qianfang*)

Cold Damage causing coughing, air rushing upward, and hiccups, occurring irregularly day and night: Use Bichengqie and Gaoliangjiang (Galangal) in equal proportions. Grind into powder. Take two qian each time. Add six parts water, boil ten times, add a little Vinegar, and drink. (Su Song, *Tujing*)

Pox entering the eyes, photophobia, and formation of corneal opacity: Blow a small amount of Bichengqie powder into the nose. Effective after three to five applications. (*Feihong Ji*)

Nasal congestion due to Lung Qi attacking upward: Bichengqie Wan: Use half liang of Bichengqie, three qian of Bohe Ye (Mint Leaf), and one and a half qian of Jingjie Sui (Schizonepeta Flower Spike). Grind into powder, make pills the size of Erythrina seeds with Honey. Hold in mouth and swallow frequently. (*Yuyao Yuanfang*)

[Appendix] Shan Hujiao (Mountain Pepper) (*Tang Bencao*)

Meng Gong said: It is found everywhere. It resembles Hu Jiao, is black in color, moves stagnant Qi, and is effective when used by common people.