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Goji Berry (Lycii Fructus)
Sweet and bitter in taste, slightly cold in nature. Non-toxic. Grows abundantly by fields and roadsides; those produced in various prefectures of Gansu Province (all belonging to Shaanxi historically) are particularly excellent. In spring, tender shoots emerge, which can be eaten as vegetables for a refreshing taste. In autumn, red fruits form, beneficial for medicinal use. Harvest at the proper time and sun-dry for selection. Those that are purple-red, sweet-tasting, small in size, and moist with pulp are potent; those that are dark red, bland in taste, large in size, and dry and withered are ineffective. Currently, some market vendors deceive customers by mixing them with honey, so careful identification is essential. Remove all stems and pedicels thoroughly, then prepare as powder or pills. It brightens the eyes and ears, calms the spirit, enhances resistance to cold and heat, and prolongs life. It replenishes essence and consolidates marrow, strengthens bones and tendons. It nourishes Yin without causing Yang deficiency, and promotes Yang function to maintain erection. The proverb says, "If traveling thousands of miles from home, do not consume Goji berries," precisely because it can assist Yang. It also stops thirst (Xiao Ke), especially benefiting fatigue and injury. Juice pressed from leaves applied to the eyes removes wind-induced itching and epiretinal membranes. If brewed as tea and consumed, it also resolves thirst and strengthens Yin. It effectively dispels distress and stuffiness caused by various toxins, and immediately clears facial toxicity and fever. Collect insect nests found on the leaves, sun-dry them, and combine with dried Rehmannia root (Shu Di Huang) to make pills. Swallowed with wine without aversion, it greatly benefits sexual function. The stem is known as "Immortal's Cane" (Xian Ren Zhang); this must be recognized, as it expels wind pathogens from skin and joints. It dissipates heat toxins and disperses carbuncles and swellings. Cortex Lycii (Di Gu Pi) has a very cold nature. It is derived from the root of this plant, using only the bark. It enters the Shaoyin Kidney meridian and the Hand-Shaoyang Sanjiao meridian. It resolves sweating associated with consumption diseases (Chuan Shi), removes internal heat from the five viscera, and promotes urination and defecation. It strengthens Yin and tendons, cools blood and bones.
(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: In materia medica entries, bamboo shoots that cause immediate death upon ingestion are named "Immortal's Cane." The shoots and stems of Goji are also named "Immortal's Cane." In Zang Qi's *Supplement to Materia Medica* (*Shi Yi*), a certain vegetable is also named "Immortal's Cane." Why are these three distinct substances given the same name? Ancient and modern prescription books may have used them in treatments, but often recorded only the name without specifying the substance. One should investigate carefully and precisely, ensuring that diagnosis and treatment correspond, thereby avoiding negligence.

Xinyi (Magnolia Flower)
Pungent in taste, warm in nature. Non-toxic. Originally produced in the valleys of Hanzhong; now available everywhere. Often planted in household gardens. The tree grows several zhang high and blooms twice. In the twelfth lunar month, buds form resembling fuzzy small peaches; in spring, flowers bloom on leafless branches. People in the North call it "Wooden Brush" (Mu Bi), while people in the South call it "Welcome Spring" (Ying Chun). Leaves sprout after flowers fade, adorning branches; when leaves flourish, flowers bloom again in clusters. There are two varieties, red and purple, both emitting strong fragrance. For collection and medicinal decoction, select unopened purple buds. Brush off hairs to prevent irritation to the lungs; remove the pistil to avoid causing irritability. It is incompatible with Acorus tatarinowii Rhizome (Chang Pu), Polygonum catenatum Spore (Pu Huang), Coptis Chinensis Rhizome (Huang Lian), and Gypsum Fibrosum (Shi Gao). It is antagonistic to Kaolin (Shi Zhi) and compatible with Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizome (Xiong Qiao). It stops wind-pain in the head and brain, facial swelling leading to toothache and dizziness; removes alternating chills and fever of the body, nasal congestion with loss of smell. It promotes hair growth, kills parasites, stops clear rhinorrhea, and opens orifices. Long-term use brightens the eyes, directs Qi downward, and lightens the body.