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Excessive consumption of salty foods leads to coagulation and stagnation of the vessels (Mai, 脉) with changes in complexion.
Excessive consumption of bitter foods leads to dryness of the skin (Pi, 皮) and loss of hair (Mao, 毛).
Excessive consumption of pungent foods leads to tension of the sinews (Jin, 筋) and withered nails.
Excessive consumption of sour foods leads to calluses on the flesh (Rou, 肉) and peeling of the lips (Chun, 唇).
Excessive consumption of sweet foods leads to bone pain (Gu Tong, 骨痛) and hair loss.

Salty flavor enters the Blood (Xue, 血); those with Blood diseases should not consume excessive salty foods.
Bitter flavor enters the Bones (Gu, 骨); those with Bone diseases should not consume excessive bitter foods.
Pungent flavor enters the Qi (Qi, 气); those with Qi diseases should not consume excessive pungent foods.
Sour flavor enters the Sinews (Jin, 筋); those with Sinew diseases should not consume excessive sour foods.
Sweet flavor enters the Flesh (Rou, 肉); those with Flesh diseases should not consume excessive sweet foods.

When the Five Flavors enter the Stomach (Wei, 胃), each tends toward its preferred organ for treatment: Sour first enters the Liver (Gan, 肝), Bitter first enters the Heart (Xin, 心), Sweet first enters the Spleen (Pi, 脾), Pungent first enters the Lung (Fei, 肺), and Salty first enters the Kidney (Shen, 肾). Long-term consumption increases the Qi of that organ, which is the normal course of transformation; however, prolonged excess of Qi is the cause of premature death.

Patients with Re Zhong (Internal Heat, 热中) and Xiao Zhong (Severe Xiao Ke/Consumption Disease, 消中) should not consume rich fatty foods (Gao Liang, 膏粱), fragrant herbs (Fang Cao, 芳草), or mineral drugs (Shi Yao, 石药). The Qi of fragrant herbs is beautiful/aromatic, and the Qi of mineral drugs is fierce/han (Han, 悍). Both have urgent, firm, and strong properties; therefore, they should not be taken by individuals who do not have a calm and gentle disposition. Internal heat is swift and fierce, and drug Qi is similar; when these two Qi meet, there is fear of internal injury to the Spleen. The Spleen belongs to Earth (Tu, 土) and dislikes Wood (Mu, 木). Patients taking these drugs should have their condition re-evaluated on Jia-Yi days (Wood-dominant days).

Haizang (Zhang Yuansu, courtesy name Haizang) said: Tang Ye (Decoctions) are the most appropriate primary medicines. The miscellaneous examples recorded in other formula theories differ slightly from decoctions. Why? Because Yi Yin and Zhang Zhongjing utilized their specific therapeutic strengths. Their strengths align with what Shennong emphasized. How do we know this? The Ben Cao (Materia Medica) states: "One substance treats ten diseases," utilizing its specific strength as the basis. Furthermore, one should take the diagnostic rules from Jiegu's Zhen Zhu Nang (Pearl Pocket) as a standard. In it, the main indications of drugs need not be elaborated upon; usually only one or two sentences, at most three or four. This is not for the sake of brevity, but to highlight the specific strength of the drug's indication, hence the lack of extensive description.

Tables 1 through 9 are omitted.

Therefore, in treating diseases, one must understand the governance of the Six Transformations (Liu Hua, 六化), the generation of Five Flavors and Five Colors, and the dietary suitability for the Five Zang Organs, so that one may discuss the threads of Qi/Blood fullness/deficiency and the origin of disease. Carefully observe the appropriateness of Qi (climate/seasonal factors) and do not miss the disease mechanism. The choice of primary medicine depends on the year of harvest. Preparing substances according to the annual Qi ensures no main efficacy is missed. Why use previous year's substances? Because they possess the exclusive essence (Zhuan Jing, 专精) of Heaven and Earth. This exclusive Qi makes drugs plump and rich. When used, they possess their purest Qi. The Five Yun (Movements) govern the years; insufficient Yun results in thin/poor quality produce, while abundant Yun results in refined/pure produce. Without exclusivity, Qi scatters; scattered Qi means impure produce. Thus, although substances may be similar in quality, their grades differ. Although shape and substance are the same, their efficacy differs. This refers to the fact that flavors have richness or thinness, natures/actions have agitation or stillness, treatments have varying degrees of transformation, and powers have shallow or deep effects.

Tables 1 through 9 are omitted.