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It must be lightly stir-fried until oil sweats out from the surface, and the red and yellow membranes attached to the seeds must be removed. The method for removing the shells is: first lightly stir-fry, then while hot, place it into a bamboo tube and pound it with a wooden pestle. Winnow to collect the red seed kernels; if not completely separated, select again and pound again, until fully separated. This procedure must be followed whenever using Sichuan pepper (Zanthoxylum bungeanum). The seeds within are called *Jiaomu* (Sichuan Pepper Seed), which is especially effective in treating night sweats. Lightly stir-fry the *Jiaomu*, grind it into an extremely fine powder, take half a "qian bi" (a small measuring spoon) dose, mix it with one "ge" (approx. 20ml) of decoction prepared by boiling the upper lip of a live pig, and take it before going to bed. It is invariably effective. This is because *Jiaomu* can promote water metabolism and treat abdominal distension due to fluid retention (*Shuigu*).

Currently, people refer to it as [a type of] grass. Decoct it strongly and use the liquid to wash or wipe areas of skin numbness. *Shennong Bencao Jing* lists another name for it as *Chuncao*. Various pharmacopoeias classify it as a grass, but it is now categorized under the Wood section, as is also the case in *Tujing Bencao*. What is currently used in practice are its tree leaves. For instance, *Shinan* (Ficus tikoua), when its branches and stems are wrinkled and rubbed, emit an odor resembling Sichuan pepper. *Erya · Shi Cao* states: "[Character], is Chuncao." The commentary explains: "This is currently known as Mangcao (Illicium lanceolatum)." This aligns with *Bencao Jing*, so it should be explained in detail here. In the entry for *Shinan*, Tao Hongjing's annotation says: "Resembles [Character] grass, does not wither in winter." It is undoubtedly a tree.

Its fruit resembles a plum; when fully ripe and red, it is edible but slightly astringent. Its kernel, after peeling with water and grinding to a very smooth paste, mixed with raw borneol, can be applied to treat red eyes (conjunctivitis). It is abundant in Shaanxi; decocting the root and washing it helps relieve toothache caused by wind-toxins.

It is the same as Niuzi (Cow Plum). The tree grows seven to eight chi tall, with leaves similar to plum leaves but narrower and less glossy. The fruits grow around the four sides of the branches; they turn purple-black when ripe and green when unripe. The leaves fall in autumn, but the fruits remain on the branches. It grows everywhere, which is why *Bencao Jing* does not specify its origin. It is now very common in Guanzhong, Shaanxi, Hunan, Jiangnan, and other regions. Both the bark and the fruit are used medicinally.

It is also found in the mountains of Chang'an today. Its fruit is called *Moluanzi* (Koelreuteria paniculata fruit); people bring them to the capital to make prayer beads, but there is no record of its medicinal use.

Its trunk is straight and upright, generally resembling pine trees, remaining evergreen in winter, though its leaves are broad forming a canopy. Wanshan Temple on Mount Lu is named after this type of fir/cedar. Grinding it into chips and boiling the juice allows for soaking and washing swollen feet affected by gouty arthritis (Hongjiaojiao). It is now available everywhere.

Shipbuilding yards in the Jiangnan circuit and other regions all use this wood. Because the wood is hard and buoyant, over time it often becomes hollow inside and is burrowed by white ants.