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Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus)

Pungent, bitter; warm, intensely hot. The aroma and flavor are both dense; it can ascend and descend, representing Yin within Yang. It has slight toxicity. The variety produced in the Wu region is particularly excellent, hence the name "Wu" is added. It is harvested on the Double Ninth Festival and refined according to standard procedures. Soak in decoction to remove the bitter juice seven times, then dry, pound into fragments, and only then decoct. It is incompatible with Purple and White Quartz, and dislikes Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) and Nuxitrum (Niter). Use Polygonum multiflorum seed as a guiding herb; it enters the Lung, Spleen, and Kidney meridians. It primarily treats cold qi in the pharynx and throat causing obstruction and difficulty swallowing. It disperses cold qi in the chest and diaphragm causing stuffiness and discomfort. It expels retained cold in the Spleen and Stomach, relieving paroxysmal colic pain in the umbilical and abdominal regions. It drives out dampness affecting the Bladder, alleviating tearing pain in the scrotum due to hernia. It opens the interstices (Couli) and resolves Wind pathogenic factors. It stops vomiting and counterflow, and eliminates cholera-like disorders. Furthermore, it moderates the nature of Liver Wood, treating regurgitation of sour water with miraculous effect. For Jueyin headaches, it is essential as a channel-guiding herb. Its qi is potent; excessive consumption should be avoided as it causes the eyes to stare and mouth to gape. Long-term use also damages Yuan Qi (Original Qi). Those with intestinal deficiency and diarrhea should especially avoid contact with it, because it rapidly moves Qi downward. [Regarding] root, for Tapecostoma (Taenia), Ascaris, and Enterobius vermicularis (three types of intestinal parasites), decocting and taking it will cause them to pass; placing it in the mouth immediately unblocks. Selection should favor the southeast direction; only then will efficacy be obtained.

Ganqi (Processed Lacquer)

Pungent, salty; warm. It belongs to Metal, containing Water and Fire. It descends, representing Yang within Yin. It is non-toxic. It grows abundantly in Shu (Sichuan) during the Han dynasty, and Shezhou (belonging to Southern Zhili) also produces it. It is harvested only in late summer, drying naturally under humid conditions. (It is difficult to dry on hot, sunny days, but dries easily on humid, rainy days, which is also the nature of this substance.) When purchasing, one must verify its quality. For moist lacquer: dip an object into it; if it draws up fine threads without breaking, and breaks quickly when pulled, collect it urgently, smear it on dry bamboo, and let it dry quickly in the shade—this is considered excellent. For dry lacquer: inspect it visually; it should be like "Yi" (a term for glossy black), bright and black, hard and rigid like iron, resembling a honeycomb structure with distinct pores—this is beautiful. Moist lacquer can be used to decorate vessels; dry lacquer is used only in medical prescriptions. Pound it into fine sand, stir-fry over gentle heat. It is incompatible with eggs, and avoids grease/oils. It also fears crab roe; upon contact, it liquefies. (Lacquer dermatitis heals immediately upon application.) Use Banxia (Pinelliae Rhizoma) as a guiding herb; combine with decoctions or powders as appropriate. It pursues accumulation, kills three types of parasites, tonifies the Middle, and calms the Five Zang organs. It treats Wind-Cold-Damp Bi syndrome in men, characterized by intermittent itching and pain; it treats fixed masses and hardness in women's hernias, obstructing the meridians. It reconnects sinews and bones, fills marrow and brain, and specifically resolves blood stasis to treat severe trauma. It can dispel epigastric fullness and lower back pain, and stop Blood-Qi heart pain. Danxi stated: "Its nature is urgent yet capable of rapid tonification." Recently, it is used as a drug to eliminate stagnation. If used moderately, after the stagnation is removed, its tonifying nature acts internally, and people do not realize it. Raw lacquer is sucked from the tree: (insert a small bamboo tube into the bark, suck with the mouth, and take with warm wine.) It immediately expels roundworms and stops pain. Leaves combined with Qingzhan (Liquidambaris Resina) made into powder were recorded in Hua Tuo's formulas. It benefits the Five Zang organs, kills parasites, darkens beard and hair, and boosts Qi. Squeeze the juice to apply to tinea; the rash gradually recedes. (When leaves are picked and broken,)