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Amber: Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. It primarily nourishes the five Zang organs (Heart, Liver, Spleen, Lung, Kidney), stabilizes the Hun and Po spirits (ethereal and corporeal souls), eliminates demonic influences and evil ghosts, resolves blood stasis, and unblocks the five types of Lin syndrome (Stone, Blood, Paste, Labor, and Qi Lin). Produced in Yongchang.

Old theories state that it is pine resin that has sunk into the ground and transformed over a thousand years; burning it today also produces a pine scent. There are instances where amber contains a bee encased within, appearing alive in form and color. The *Bowuzhi* (Records of Various Things) claims it is made from burned beehives, which is likely incorrect. It is more probable that bees were stuck by pine resin and subsequently fell to the ground and submerged. Some counterfeit versions are made from boiled chicken eggs or green fish pillows, which are not genuine; authenticity is verified using mustard seeds. People often wear it to ward off evil. Scraping the powder for oral administration is highly effective for treating blood stasis. The *Xianjing* (Immortal Classics) does not specify its primary use, except that it is required for Qu Chen Dan (Cur Morning Pill), with red varieties being superior. Currently, most are imported from foreign lands, and none are found in areas where Poria (Fuling) grows. It is unknown whether Poria exists in regions where Amber is produced. (Referenced from *Xinxiu Bencao*, p. 88; *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 12; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 297)

Pine Resin: Bitter and sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. It treats carbuncles and sores, malignant ulcers, scalp lesions, alopecia capitis (white baldness), scabies and itching, wind-pathogens, nourishes the five Zang organs, and clears heat. It addresses latent heat in the Stomach, dry throat, Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst), and Bi syndrome causing muscle atrophy/necrosis. Refining it makes it white. The red variety specifically treats severe Wind-Bi. Long-term consumption lightens the body, prevents aging, and prolongs life. Also known as Song Gao (Pine Ointment) or Song Fang (Pine Fat). It grows in deep mountain valleys and is harvested in the sixth lunar month.

Pine Nuts: Bitter in flavor, non-toxic, warm in nature. They treat Wind-Bi, cold pathogens, emaciation due to deficiency, shortness of breath, and tonify insufficiency. Harvested in the ninth lunar month and dried in the shade.

Pine Needles: Bitter in flavor, warm in nature. They treat rheumatic Bi sores and Qi stagnation, promote hair growth, nourish the five Zang organs, maintain central Qi, prevent hunger, and prolong life.

Pine Joints: Warm in nature. They treat chronic wind affecting all joints, wind-deficiency, leg Bi pain, and general pain.

White Bark of Pine Roots: Prevents hunger during Bigu (grain avoidance).

The methods for harvesting and refining pine resin are detailed in dietary therapy formulas: boil with ash lye from mulberry branches or wine, then immerse in cold water dozens of times until it becomes white and smooth, indicating it is ready for use. Naturally exuded resin is superior to resin obtained by drilling trees or boiling. Pine nuts are rare; only pine needles are suitable for Bigu. Cut finely like millet grains and take with water or flour broth. Alternatively, they can be shade-dried, pounded into powder, and taken as pills. Patients suffering from malignant diseases recover without exception after taking this. Recently, individuals suffering from lower limb weakness have brewed wine from pine joints and recovered completely. Both pine and cypress possess resinous moisture and do not shed leaves in winter, making them theoretically excellent substances; however, people tend to neglect them because they are easily accessible. (Referenced from *Xinxiu Bencao*, p. 90; *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 12; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 291)