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Taohe Ren (Peach Seed Kernel) [as a guiding agent]
Bitter and sweet in taste, neutral in nature. The bitter flavor predominates over the sweet, indicating a nature that is yin containing yang. Non-toxic. It grows everywhere in villages and towns near and far. Those growing wild in valleys are of superior quality; those grafted onto miscellaneous trees should not be used. (For instance, when plum trees are grafted onto peach trees, although the fruit may be plump and delicious, it significantly loses its true nature.) Fruits are harvested in the seventh lunar month; kernels are extracted by cracking the pits. After soaking, remove the skin and tips, and grind into a paste. (Ancient formulas refer to this as "Tao Ren Ni" or Peach Kernel Paste.) It enters the Hand-Jueyin Pericardium Meridian and the Foot-Jueyin Liver Meridian. It moistens the large intestine to relieve difficult defecation caused by blood dryness; it resolves blood stasis forming masses in the lower abdomen. It expels blood stasis to alleviate pain and generates new blood to unblock menstruation. This is because bitterness breaks qi stagnation, while sweetness generates new blood. *Yanyi* states: Grind equal parts of Baizi Ren (Platycladi Semen), Huomaren (Hemp Seed), and Songzi Ren (Pine Nut) together, mix with melted beeswax, and form pills. This is highly effective for treating constipation due to deficiency in the elderly and produces immediate results for blood accumulation in the middle jiao. Harvesting peach blossoms enhances complexion, dispels edema and lithiasis (stone strangury); infusing them in wine and drinking can still cure myriad diseases. Boiling peach leaves for fumigation treats cephalalgia due to wind; it kills evil spirits and miasma; lying on a mat woven with them wards off misfortune. Sleeping on a pillow made of peach branches prevents forgetfulness and sharpens hearing and vision. (Recorded in *Shenghui Fang*). Harvest on a Wuzi day. Using eastward-growing peach branches or wearing them in one's sash is also effective. Consuming fruits excessively generates heat and triggers Danshi toxicity in the chest and heart. (Suitable for patients with lung disease; raw consumption harms the body; bathing in water after eating leads to strangury. If illness arises from eating peaches, consuming ash from burned Taoxiao causes temporary vomiting and subsequent recovery.) Taoxiao refers to peaches that have naturally dried and remained hanging on the tree without falling. Harvested in spring and autumn, it dispels evil and kills pathogens. For hematemesis, burn it to ash and take with rice decoction to stop bleeding immediately. Taojiao (Peach Gum) is the sap flowing from the tree, solidifying like amber, which is rare. Scrape it after autumn; it promotes urination and breaks blood stasis. For Zhong'e (sudden severe illness), refined and taken daily, it truly protects the middle jiao and prevents hunger. Taodù (long worms eating the bark) also kill evil spirits; Taomao (hairs on peaches) further breaks hard accumulations. The white inner bark is used for dental issues. Taojiseng (Peach Mistletoe) treats abdominal parasites.

(Chen Jiamo) Commentary: Peach is the essence among the five woods, thus capable of dispelling evil. For any condition involving Shizhu (corpse transmission) or Guizhu (ghost transmission), or any disease contracted through malevolent influence, striking the body with peach branches can also kill pathogens. This is analogous to the custom during early spring where every household uses wooden boards as talismans on their doors, solely to suppress and drive away evil qi, instilling fear in ghosts.