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[Halobaa (Trigonella foenum-graecum)]
Also known as Kudou. It originates from foreign regions in Hainan and other places, where Luofuzi (Radish seeds) are also produced. Currently, it is cultivated in Guangzhou and Qianzhou, but those imported by sea are of superior quality.
Fruits form in summer, and seeds are harvested in autumn.
The taste is bitter, and the nature is greatly warm, belonging to pure Yang. It is a medicine for Mingmen (Gate of Vitality/Kidney Yang). It mainly treats insufficiency of Yuan Yang (Original Yang), cold deficiency of the Kidneys, decline and coldness of Yuan Yang, and conditions where Qi lingers and fails to return to its origin.

[Efficacy and Formulas]
(Due to textual corruption or layout errors in the original, only visible text is retained: Falling. Meat four. Cyst. Gradually clear. Weakness. Top closed. Buckwheat. Take until. Neixiao Wan [Inner Elimination Pill] is the primary formula. Chenxiang (Aquilaria Wood) and Muxiang (Aucklandia Root) each half... 50-70 pills. Taken with salted wine.)

[Discussion] Halobaa has a bitter taste and a greatly warm nature. It draws fire from water, thereby warming the water organ (Kidney). It can consolidate and harmonize the Yuan Yang of both kidneys. It treats lower back pain. (Parenthetical fragments in original: Yu Er [Two?], Pang [Bladder?], Qu [Take], Shang [Upper]).

[Processing] For medicinal use, wash thoroughly, soak in wine overnight, dry, then steam until cooked, or stir-fry before use.

[Eshi (Arctii Fructus / Burdock Fruit)]
This is Niubangzi (Burdock Fruit), also known as Shunanzhu (Mouse Sticky Seed) and Dali Zi (Great Strength Seed). It grows in various locations. Seedlings emerge in March, with stems rising three to four chi high. In April, pale purple flowers bloom in clusters. The fruit resembles a maple samara but is smaller, with fine thorns on the calyx; dozens cluster together, with dozens of seeds per fruit. The root is gray-black, with large ones being as thick as an arm. Seeds are harvested in July, and roots in October. (Li Shizhen's note)

The seed's flavor is pungent, neutral, and slightly bitter. It belongs to Yin within Yang, and its action is descending. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian and Foot-Yangming Stomach Meridian. It moistens the lungs, disperses Qi, unblocks the twelve meridians, brightens the eyes, tonifies the middle, dispels wind-induced throat obstruction (Hou Bi), treats phlegm congestion due to wind-heat, discomfort in the throat and diaphragm, edema of the head and face. It treats wind-damp hidden rashes (Yin Zhen), wind-toxin swelling, dissipates various nodules, bone-joint irritability and heat toxins, eliminates maculae and rash toxins, treats cough damaging the lungs and lung Qi stagnation. It relieves stagnation in the waist and knees. Medical texts state it treats stroke-induced headache, painful bi-syndrome with spasms and dizziness, eye pain (internal and external cataracts/blindness). It is also used for ear, nose, tongue, and hemorrhoid conditions. Burdock has a pungent flavor and transforms Metal energy, acting primarily on the Lung Meridian. Pungency disperses and also moistens, differing from other cold-natured agents that treat heat. Generally, toxins causing wind-swelling require moistening and dispersing, not merely direct application of cold agents. (Miao Xiyong's note) To dissipate swelling and toxins, use half raw and half processed to resolve exterior and interior pathogens. (Li Dongyuan's note) It clears wind-heat from the blood remarkably well. However, if mild abdominal pain occurs, take small doses combined with warm agents and fire wine to disperse. Burdock matures in autumn, inheriting the cool energy of heaven and earth. Its function is to disperse wind, eliminate heat, and detoxify. (Chen Zhongchun's note)

[Combinations and Applications]
Combined with Chixingshan (Coralplant Herb), it is a key herb for treating variola (smallpox). Combined with Fuping (Moss) in equal parts, powdered and taken with Bohe Tang (Peppermint Decoction), two qian per dose, twice daily, treats wind-heat Yin Zhen. Combined with Zicao (Arnebia Root), Xijiao (Rhinoceros Horn - *Note: Modern substitutes like Buffalo Horn are used*), and Shengdi (Rehmannia Root), it treats epidemic smallpox where blood heat causes dryness and prevents eruption, with miraculous effect. For wind-heat causing body swelling resembling cracking, use two liang of Niubangzi, stir-fried and powdered, taken with warm water, two qian per dose, three times daily. For wind-heat edema and throat closure, use one he of Niubangzi, half raw and half stir-fried, powdered, taken with hot wine, one fangcunbi per dose. For Phlegm-Jue headache, combine Niubangzi with Xuanfuhua (Inula Flower) in equal parts, powdered, taken with Laba Cha (Winter Solstice Tea) infusion, one qian per dose, twice daily. For throat/diaphragm discomfort and phlegm-saliva congestion, lightly stir-fry Niubangzi, combine with Jingjiesui (Schizonepeta Spike) one liang and Zhi Gancao (Honey-fried Licorice) half liang, powder, take two qian after meals with water, expecting gradual efficacy. For Xuan Yong (perianal abscess) and sore throat caused by wind-heat attacking upward, combine Niubangzi and Gancao in equal parts, decoct in water, hold in mouth and swallow, named Qiguan San (Open Gate Powder). For Hou Bi (throat obstruction) with swelling and pain, use six fen of Niubangzi and six fen of Malanzi (Kalimeris Indica Seed), powder, take one fangcunbi with warm water on an empty stomach, twice daily; additionally, mix three liang of Niubangzi with two liang of salt, grind evenly, stir-fry hot, wrap, and apply externally to the throat to relieve symptoms. For Bian Yong (genital/perineal abscess) with swelling and pain, use two qian of Niubangzi, stir-fried and powdered, add one spoonful of honey and one spoonful of Puxiao (Mirabilite), take with warm wine on an empty stomach. For wind-heat attacking fingers and joints (Li Jie), causing redness, swelling, numbness, potentially spreading to shoulders, back, and knees, with constipation during summer heat, use three liang of Niubangzi, combined with one liang each of Chao Xin Douchi (Stir-fried New Fermented Soybean Curds) and Qianghuo (Notopterygium Rhizome), powder, take two qian with plain water.

[Discussion] Burdock produces seedlings in spring, blooms in early summer, and yields seeds in July. It nurtures Wood and Fire energies to complete its cycle in Metal (Autumn/Lungs). Thus, its pungent flavor is strong... (Text breaks here): This is said to be... Yang not obstructed... beneficial Yang agent? ...Yin transforms... (Original text is fragmented).

[Contraindications] Miao states that its nature is cold and slippery. It is suitable for smallpox patients only if they have blood heat and constipation. Those with Qi deficiency, pale complexion, spontaneous diarrhea, or loose stools should avoid it. Patients with sand-rash (scarlet fever-like rash) do not need to avoid it.

[Processing] Wash with wine to remove sand and soil, skim off floating light particles, select heavy seeds, dry, lightly stir-fry in a clay vessel, grind finely for use. Must be soaked in wine.