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[Da Fu Zi]
It is a variety of Areca Nut (Binglang) characterized by a large, flat abdomen and an astringent taste. It differs from the pointed, long-shaped Areca Nut which has a better flavor.
The flavor is pungent and astringent; the nature is warm. Its therapeutic indications are the same as those of Areca Nut (Binglang).

[Da Fu Pi]
The flavor is pungent. The qi is slightly warm. It enters the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian and the Foot Taiyin Spleen Meridian. It primarily treats cold and hot qi attacking the heart and abdomen, intestinal parasites/toxins, phlegm obstruction with acid regurgitation (along with medicines for counterflow swelling, similar to Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma).

[Discussion]
Areca Nut (Binglang) possesses a strong metal flavor; how could its peel be different? However, while the fruit's flavor and qi are condensed and rich, the peel is light and ascending. Therefore, its property of dispersing stagnant qi is equivalent to strengthening [the spleen].

[Preparation]
Vulture birds often perch on this tree. One must first wash it clean with wine to remove turbidity, then wash it again with soybean juice, and dry it in the sun for use.

[Ji Ju Zi]
The fruit of this tree resembles that of Chaenomelis Fructus (Zhi Zao). It flowers in summer, bears fruit on branch tips, shaped like chicken claws. When tender, it is green; after frost, it turns yellow. Chewing it tastes sweet like honey.
The flavor is sweet and neutral. It quenches thirst, removes irritability, clears heat above the diaphragm, moistens the five zang organs, promotes urination and defecation, stops vomiting and regurgitation, resolves alcohol toxicity, and repels insect toxins. Its functions are similar to those of Honeycomb (Fengfang). If excessive drinking leads to accumulated heat in the spleen, with increased food intake and water consumption, one can swallow decoctions made from Ji Ju Zi (Chaenomelis Fructus). For damp-heat jaundice, combine with Agastache Herba (Huoxiang), Loquat Leaf (Pipaye), Mulberry Root Bark (Sangbaipi), Tangerine Peel (Chenpi), Kudzu Root (Gegen), and Poria (Fuling).

[Shu Jiao]
Currently, it is widely cultivated in Guixia, Shuchuan, Shaanxi, and Luoyang areas. It fruits in April; the fruits between branches and leaves are round like small beans, without flowers, with purple-red skin.
Harvest the fruits in August. They are also found in lands north of the Jianghuai region, but not as good as those from Shu. Shu peppers have thick skins, white interiors, and potent flavors. (Song says)
The flavor is pungent and numbing; the temperature is warm and hot. It inherits the yang of the south and receives the yin of the west. (Therefore, Shu origin is valued.) It is extremely hot and toxic, with both flavor and qi being concentrated, belonging to yang.
Warms the middle... enters the right... counterflow. To benefit the Mingmen Gate... twenty grains... there must be... used in Ascaris pills, thereby benefiting fire... fifty pills... stop. This removes... taking pepper red to tonify the lower... one jin stir-fried to remove sweat. Treats undigested stool and chronic mild diarrhea, children... store in porcelain vessels, each...

[Discussion]
Shu Jiao fruits during the time when the Fire element commands, hence its qi is hot. However, harvesting must occur in August, and its flavor has no bitterness at all, only pungency and numbing sensation.
Mentioned regarding... Mingmen Gate... into yin... why... from below... middle and spleen... belongs to qi deficiency... qi descends... said... generates Bing... until fire... has water... heart conducts respiration... like Aconite Root (Fuzi)... to achieve its metal... must reach water and fire... thus not harsh.

[Qin Jiao]
Also known commonly as Huajiao (Sichuan Pepper). Its therapeutic indications are not very different from Shu Jiao. However, its color is yellow and flavor is short-lived, inferior to Shu Jiao.
Those with pre-existing heat-fire in the lungs and stomach should avoid it. All conditions of yin deficiency and yang hyperactivity are contraindicated according to method. (Zhong Chun says)

[Preparation]
To collect pepper, wrap it in paper, place it in a porcelain vessel, seal it again, and do not let it see the wind. This is specifically to extract its qi to benefit the Mingmen Gate. When using, remove the seeds (Jiao Mu).
Shu Jiao flesh is thick and skin wrinkled; its seeds are smooth and black, like human pupils, hence called "eyes." Other pepper seeds, though smooth and black, do not resemble this. Otherwise, the seeds lose their luster.
The flavor is bitter and pungent; slightly toxic. Treats water retention, sudden tinnitus and deafness due to kidney deficiency, and stops asthma. For tinnitus due to kidney deficiency, grind Semen Crotonis (Badou) and Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu) finely together, use for... deaf persons... afterwards follow... Lake) According to... with pepper likely...

[Preparation]
Stir-fry slightly before medicinal use.