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Jujube (Da Zao)
The flavor is sweet, and the nature is neutral and warm. The qi is dense, belonging to Earth with Fire, which is Yang in nature and descending in action. It is non-toxic. It grows in all northern commanderies, but the produce from Qingshan (in Shandong) is superior. It is harvested in late autumn and dried over a mild fire. It has abundant pulp and is very sweet, with large fruit and small seeds. Seeking this herb for medicinal use lives up to its name "Great Jujube". (Other fruits are only listed by name, but only the jujube is prefixed with "Great", hence this statement.) It is contraindicated with raw green onions and can counteract the poison of Aconitum carmichaelii (Wutou). Splitting it open and removing the inner core prevents causing irritability when taken. Its ability to unblock the nine orifices is slightly inferior to that of Acorus tatarinowii (Changpu), but its ability to harmonize hundred herbs is not surpassed by Glycyrrhiza uralensis (Gancao). It nourishes the Spleen and Stomach, benefits Qi, moistens the Heart and Lungs, and generates fluids. It assists the meridians and tonifies the Five Zang organs. It is contraindicated for those with abdominal fullness and heat diseases, and forbidden for those with toothache and wind diseases. Eating too many raw jujubes causes umbilical and abdominal distension and dysentery; eating steamed jujubes immediately benefits the intestines and stomach and enriches the Middle Jiao. Bitter jujubes have a cold nature; they refer to the bitter-tasting variety of jujube and can treat conditions where external cold pathogens cause heat to be trapped within the Zang-Fu organs. They promote urination and defecation, and remove mania and fullness. Boiled and ground, they serve as a better substitute for honey in making pills. Constantly holding jujube pits in the mouth allows natural Qi to generate fluids. The kernels inside old jujube pits, when burnt, taste bitter (three-year-old ones are best). For sudden evil pathogens causing abdominal pain, taking them brings immediate efficacy. Covering Ephedrae Herba (Mahuang) with jujube leaves induces sweating. Other producing areas vary due to different soils and waters, resulting in varied shapes. Ya jujubes and Persian jujubes are slightly pointed and long (produced in Guangzhou). Imperial jujubes and water-lingonberry jujubes are extremely sweet and delicious (produced in Anyi). Tian steamed jujubes have thin, wrinkled skin (produced in Jiangnan prefectures, steamed ripe and then fire-dried). Yangshi jujubes have small fruits, Bianyao jujubes... Donghai jujubes have round heads and large shapes, but are not used for decoction.

Persimmon (Shi)
The flavor is sweet, and the nature is cold. It belongs to Metal with Earth, which is Yin in nature. It is non-toxic. It is produced everywhere, but the produce from Qingzhou is the best. Although there are many varieties, they all moisten the Heart and Lungs, stop coughing, open the appetite, resolve phlegm, eliminate old blood in the abdomen, and easily stop hematemesis. They relieve thirst, tonify deficiency and exhaustion, astringe the intestines, and prevent frequent hot dysentery. They can unblock the Qi of the nose and ears, but are contraindicated with crab consumption. Violating this禁忌 causes painful diarrhea, which is serious. Red persimmons are contraindicated... Deer persimmons are slightly larger and mildly cold. Milk persimmons are very small and extremely cold. None should be eaten in excess, as it may cause cold injury to the Middle Jiao leading to abdominal pain. Dried persimmons have a neutral nature and are beneficial with long-term use. Astringent persimmons also eliminate old blood, strengthen the Spleen, and astringe the Lower Jiao. Persimmon calyx treats hiccups effectively, and persimmon frost treats consumptive coughs effectively. Withered leaves are smooth and glossy, historically used for calligraphy practice. Water peel can treat subcutaneous bleeding; grind finely and take with rice decoction. Folklore states that persimmon trees have "Six No's": no bird nests, no insect erosion, no..., five have frost-covered leaves suitable for viewing, six have good fruits, and seven have large fallen leaves.