Library

Da Fu (Arecae Pericarpium)
Bitter, acrid, slightly warm in nature. Descending in action. Non-toxic. The tree differs slightly from Areca nut (Areca catechu), both originating from various countries in the South Sea. It is said that those growing in the shade are called Da Fu, while those growing in the sun are called Areca nut. Areca nuts are pointed and long, whereas Da Fu is round and short. Another view holds that genuine Areca nuts are hard to obtain, and what is currently sold in the market is mostly substituted with this one. Decocted together with ginger and salt, it works excellently when combined with Qi-regulating herbs. It primarily treats various Qi stagnations of cold and heat, unblocks the large and small intestines, stops Huoluan (a disease characterized by severe vomiting and diarrhea), phlegm obstruction, and acid reflux, and attacks toxins accumulated in the heart, abdomen, and large intestine. The coarse shell wrapped around it is named Dafupi (Pericarpium Arecae). This tree is often inhabited by Zhen birds (legendary poisonous birds), and their feces contain toxins that cause the most harm. Soak first in strong wine, then wash with bean soup. It is also excellent for descending obstructed Qi and particularly effective in reducing edema.

Mi Meng Hua (Flos Buddlejae Officinalis)
Sweet in taste, neutral and slightly cold in nature. Non-toxic. Produced in Sichuan and Shu regions; the tree grows over three meters high. Leaves are green and do not wither in winter; flowers are purple with many fine, fragmented petals. Ten chambers gather into one flower, hence the name Mi Meng. Harvest the flowers, soak them in wine overnight, dry them, mix with honey, and steam. Then expose to sunlight to dry. It specializes in treating ophthalmic diseases. It removes Qingmang (blindness or dim vision) and Fuyi (corneal opacity), stops excessive discharge, tearing, redness, and astringency. It clears red vessels penetrating the eye and obscuring vision, and eliminates external obstructions caused by Gan toxicity invading the eyelids.

Zong Lu Zi (Fructus Trachycarpi)
Bitter, astringent, neutral in nature. Non-toxic. Trees grow one to two zhang high, mostly planted in Lingnan and Jiangnan regions. Leaves are round and large like chariot wheels, gathered at the top of the trunk, forming a node with each circle, layered like mulberry leaves wrapping around. Fruits are black and chambered, harvested in the ninth month. Dried in the shade for medicinal use; suitable for blood disorders. Astringes the intestines to stop dysentery and Changfeng (hematochezia), nourishes blood to treat Benglou (metrorrhagia) and Dai Xia (leukorrhea). The bark is peeled every twenty days and regenerates upwards; it can be used as sleeping mats and raincoats for household use. Medicinally, aged material is preferred, burned and ground into powder.

Wubeizi (Galla Chinensis)
(Also known as Wen Ge) Bitter, sour, neutral in nature. Belongs to Metal and Water. Non-toxic. Grows everywhere, harvested in late autumn. Shape resembles a fist, color mixed with green and yellow. Contains many small insects inside, commonly also called Chongcang. Treats loose teeth and Gan accumulation, as well as Gan sores on the face and nose of children; treats wind-xian (pruritic skin conditions) and itching, and lower bleeding from the five types of hemorrhoids in adults. Decocted as a wash for eyes, reduces redness and swelling, relieves pain. Ground into powder to dye whiskers, turning white hair black. Specifically serves as an astringent agent, and prohibits dysentery due to intestinal deficiency. Resolves Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome) and generates fluids, dispels stubborn phlegm, and clears heat. Baiyaojian is also manufactured from this. (Ten jin of fresh Wubeizi, pounded finely, placed in a porcelain jar, covered with straw, left for seven days and nights, taken out and pounded again, add two liang each of Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) and Gancao (Licorice Root) powder, mix again for seventeen days, pound and cover repeatedly, ensuring this process occurs seven times, shape into cake tablets, dry in the sun for use. If fresh ones are unavailable, soak dried Wubeizi in water to prepare.) For Feizhang (lung distension) with incessant wheezing and coughing, holding several tablets in the mouth until dissolved will stop symptoms immediately.