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Zhang Zhongjing treated the condition of empty irritability and inability to sleep following sweating, vomiting, or purging. If severe, it would inevitably involve tossing and turning with a feeling of stifling restlessness in the heart, which was treated with Zhizi Chi Tang (Gardenia and Fermented Soybean Decoction).
Because it is a deficiency pattern, Dahuang (Rhubarb) is not used, as there is cold toxicity present. Although Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) is cold in nature but non-toxic, and treats heat qi in the stomach, since blood and body fluids have been depleted, leaving the viscera without nourishment and generating internal empty heat, only this herb can eliminate it. This has already been documented in Zhang Zhongjing's Shanghan Lun (Treatise on Cold Damage). It also treats residual heat in the Heart channel, causing dark red and difficult urination. One takes Zhizi (Gardenia Fruit) with skin removed, Dahuang (Rhubarb) processed by fire, Lianqiao (Forsythia Fruit), and Gancao (Licorice Root) roasted, all in equal parts, ground into powder. Take three or two qianbi (ancient measure) boiled in water; administration is invariably effective.

These two texts describe this in great detail. Nowadays, people select the longer, pointed Zhizi for medicinal use, claiming its effects are rapid and sharp. Repeated trials confirm this assertion.

Its color resembles the halo lines used in modern rituals: white on the upper half and flesh-red on the lower half, scattering and hanging down like silk threads, making it an unusual flower. Its green leaves close at night, so it is also called Yehe Hua (Night-Closing Flower). Chen Zangqi and Ri Huazi both stated that the bark kills parasites and heals bones and tendons. However, this is not mentioned in the classic materia medica.

This species grows in the Qin region, hence referred to as Qin Jiao (Qin Pepper). Generally, pepper plants are similar; Qin Jiao merely has slightly larger leaves, and its peppercorns are larger with shallower wrinkles, unlike Shu Jiao (Sichuan Pepper) which has high wrinkles. This is the difference. Nevertheless, the Qin region also cultivates Shu-type peppers, requiring such distinction.

It is found in valleys everywhere, yet never seen on flat land. Its leaves are extremely scarce. The stem is yellowish-brown, resembling cypress bark, with three edges like blades. People often burn it to dispel evil influences. It is rarely used in medical formulas.

Currently, it spreads and grows, being called a herb. Yet it has a woody trunk, being called a tree. Furthermore, it must climb upon other objects. However, its stems do not die off in winter, possessing many characteristics of trees; thus, classifying it under the Wood category is most appropriate. Bai Juyi of the Tang Dynasty wrote in his poem: "There is a tree named Lingxiao, rising elegantly, not standing alone." From this, it is further known that it is not a herb. Ben Jing (Shennong Ben Cao Jing) also states: "The stems and leaves taste bitter." This clearly distinguishes it from Qumai (Dianthus Herb). Tang Ben Zhu (Xinxiu Bencao Commentary) states: "Moreover, Ziwei and Qumai are both recorded in Ben Jing; if one were to use Qumai root as Ziwei, why would one then use the stems and leaves?" This argument is conclusive. However, Ziwei flowers are ochre-yellow. Although the main entry does not explicitly mention its flowers, it mentions the bitterness of stems and leaves, implying that Ziwei is utilized for its flowers, which allows us to conclude this.