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Vining plants that climb and attach to trees. Their leaves are round, thick, and astringent in texture. In summer, they produce pale green and white flowers. The fruits resemble peaches or plums but are longer. When frost descends, the leaves fall off, and the hanging fruits split into four segments. The seeds inside resemble elm samaras. "Madouling" refers to the fruit shell, while the medicinal part used is the seed contained within the leathery membrane.

[Properties and Actions]
Taste: Bitter with a slight acridity. Nature: Cold. The flavor is strong while the aroma is light. It enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. It primarily treats coughs and phlegm accumulation caused by Lung Heat (Excess Syndrome), characterized by urgent upward rushing of Lung Qi, panting and shortness of breath, inability to sit or lie comfortably, and continuous coughing and counterflow qi. [For Deficiency Syndromes] It clears Lung Qi, removes damp-heat from the Lungs, and treats bloody hemorrhoids and anal sores. Madouling grows by absorbing winter cold energy. Its bitter taste with acrid notes combines the nature of Metal. Therefore, it can clear Lung Heat and descend Lung Qi. Zang and Fu organs are exterior-interior counterparts; clearing the Zang naturally affects the Fu. This herb has the function of descending Qi and dissipating nodules. Its efficacy indeed belongs to the generation of Metal and Water. Since the pathways of urination and defecation are governed by the Kidney (Water Organ), it can treat bloody hemorrhoids. The substance is light and void; when ripe, it hangs and opens into four parts, possessing the image of the Lung, thus entering the Lung. (Li Shizhen) It disperses pathogenic factors but cannot tonify healthy Qi; this can be understood from its use in expelling parasites. (Furthermore) Used together with Sangbai Pi (Morus Alba Root Bark), Jiegeng (Platycodon Root), and Baibu (Stemona Root).

[Discussion]
The conditions treated by Madouling specifically focus on coughs due to Lung Heat resulting in phlegm accumulation, panting, and urgency. Its flowers bloom in June, and fruits mature in July. Regarding the arrival of dry air, expectoration of phlegm and nodules, and heat causing counterflow within, the situation is understandable. Miao Xiyong stated that those with deficiency-cold coughs or asthma caused by cold-phlegm should not take it.

[Processing]
Split open, take the inner seeds, remove the leathery membrane, stir-fry slightly until done, then use in prescriptions.

[Root]
Also known as Tu Qingmuxiang (Earth Green Woody Fragrance). Color is yellowish-red, resembling Fangji (Aristolochia debilis). Smells like Gegen (Pueraria Root) and Mu Xiang (Aucklandia Root).
Taste: Acrid and bitter. Nature: Cold. Toxic. Overconsumption causes incessant vomiting and diarrhea. Treats Qi stagnation in the diaphragm, stops stabbing pain. Crush into powder and apply externally for dingzhong (carbuncles and furuncles).

There are black and white varieties. Black ones grow wild everywhere; white ones are widely cultivated by people. Because their calyx resembles an eggplant, they are called Tianqie (Heavenly Eggplant).
Black ones taste sweet and bitter; white ones taste sweet and acrid. Nature is hot, vigorous, and fierce, with slight toxicity. They drain Healthy Qi, move through the Qi level, and unblock the Triple Burner. They primarily purge damp-heat from the Qi level, open Qi masses, and drive out phlegm stasis. Guided by Qi-moving herbs, they enter the Qi level; guided by Dahuang (Rhubarb), they enter the Blood level. White ones purge damp-heat from the Qi level attacking upwards, causing panting and fullness, and break Qi stagnation within the blood. (Li Haogu) Whenever using Qianniu (Pharbitis Seed), a small dose moves the bowels, while a large dose causes watery diarrhea; it is a drug that drains Qi. Dampness is another name for water... [Text fragmentary] If women are normally healthy, or if one indulges in alcohol and sex, even if pathogens are inside, do not use lightly. If early spring internal heat is exhausted and bowels are unblocked, continued use leads to dizziness and blurred vision. Make into powder, take with fresh ginger juice, consume on an empty stomach.

[Discussion]
Qianniu Zi is born from the transformation of fire-heat energy, possessing a vigorous and fierce nature. Black ones are sweet first then bitter, with less sweetness and more bitterness, acting rapidly; white ones... regarding panting and fullness, breaking through barriers, obstructing pathogenic factors... taking taste-damp obstruction originally... Qianniu belongs to Fire and moves well; black ones belong to Water, white ones belong to Metal. Unless the disease form and syndrome are both Excess, without distension and constipation, it must not be used lightly.

[Processing]
Grind to obtain the finest first-grade powder, discard bran and husks. Some are used half-raw and half-roasted.