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Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren)
Sweet and bitter in flavor, warm in nature. Capable of ascending and descending, it belongs to the category of yang within yin. It possesses slight toxicity. The apricot tree is often planted near mountains or beside gardens; those grown in home gardens are superior, whereas wild mountain apricots are unsuitable for medicinal use. The fruit is green when unripe and turns yellow when ripe. Harvested in May, it can be consumed as a fruit. For therapeutic purposes, only the kernel from the pit is used. It is incompatible with three herbs: Huangqin (Scutellariae Radix), Gan Ge (Puerariae Lobatae Radix). It can detoxify tin poisoning, and its efficacy is enhanced by heating. Single-kernel apricots should be soaked, peeled, and the tips removed, then stir-fried with wheat bran before being used in prescriptions; double-kernel apricots are only suitable for poisoning dogs, and accidental ingestion by humans can be fatal. Apricot kernel specifically enters the Taiyin Lung Meridian and serves as an agent for promoting downward movement. It eliminates qi rebellion causing asthma and shortness of breath, stops coughing and resolves phlegm; moistens the large intestine to relieve constipation due to qi stagnation, and expels Ben Tun (a condition characterized by a sensation of gas rushing upward) while dissipating nodules. When ground and applied intravaginally, it treats pruritus and insect-related sores. The root primarily induces abortion, and the flower treats Jue Ni (cold extremities/reversal cold). Consuming too many fruits causes dizziness, damaging the sinews, bones, and spirit. Leaves harvested on the Dragon Boat Festival (Duanwu) can be decocted to wash the eyes and stop tearing.
(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Dongyuan stated that Apricot Kernel is used to descend asthma, treating Qi disorders. Peach Kernel is used to treat mania, treating Blood disorders. Both treat constipation and dryness, but differ in their targeting of Qi versus Blood. Difficulty defecating during the day relates to Yang Qi dysfunction; difficulty defecating at night relates to Yin Blood dysfunction. In elderly patients with constipation, purgative methods should not be used. If the pulse is floating, indicating a Qi-level issue, Apricot Kernel and Chenpi (Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium) should be used; if the pulse is deep, indicating a Blood-level issue, Peach Kernel and Chenpi should be used. Chenpi is included in both formulas because the Hand-Yangming Large Intestine Meridian and the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian are exterior-interior paired meridians, thus Chenpi serves as a guiding herb.

Quince Fruit (Mu Gua Shi)
Sour in flavor, warm in nature. Non-toxic. Produced everywhere, but the variety from Xuanzhou is the best. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. When using it, avoid contact with iron vessels. It can consolidate Qi when there is Qi collapse and harmonize Qi when there is Qi stagnation. It calms the Stomach to nourish the Spleen, benefits the Lungs, and removes Dampness. It assists Gu Qi (Grain Qi), harmonizes Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi), treats Huo Luan (cholera-like syndrome with vomiting and diarrhea), and stops muscle cramps. (It is said that during muscle cramps, simply calling out its name or writing the character "Mu Gua" on the affected area will cure it, though the reason is unknown.) It can驱除 Hong Kong Jiao (foot disease/gout), and stop watery dysentery. Yan Yi states: Quince obtains the upright energy of Wood, thus entering the Liver to benefit sinews and blood. It is indispensable for weakness in the lower back, back, feet, and knees. If coated with Qianshuang (Lead Frost), it loses its sour taste because it is controlled by Metal (as lead belongs to Metal). Large branches can be made into walking sticks, and hard wood can be used to make buckets and basins. Decocting the roots and leaves to wash the feet and shins can treat Jue (cold limbs).