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According to Xu Biao's *Nanzhou Ji* (Records of the Southern Provinces), Bi Bo (Long Pepper, Piper longum) originally comes from the South Sea region. It is about one finger's width in length, with those that are reddish-brown being of the highest quality. There is also a variety called "Bi Bo" (likely referring to a different species or grade), which is short and black, and has an inferior taste. The Bi Bo transported by sea ships is pungent in flavor and warm in nature. Furthermore, it treats heart pain caused by old-age coldness, watery diarrhea, deficiency-type dysentery, vomiting and rebellious qi, acid regurgitation, postpartum diarrhea and dysentery; it works well when combined with Asafoetida (Asafetida). It can also enhance the flavor of food. When used together with Terminalia chebula (Chezi), Ginseng (Renshen), Cinnamon Twig (Guixin), and Dried Ginger (Ganjiang), it is remarkably effective in treating deficiency-cold of the zang-fu organs, intestinal murmurs, and diarrhea/dysentery. (From *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9, p. 31; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 229; *Bencao Gangmu*, p. 814)

According to *Guangzhou Ji*, Nutmeg (Rou Dou Kou, Myristica fragrans) originates from Persia. Its fruit resembles a mulberry berry; those that are purple-brown are of the highest quality, while black ones indicate they are old and of poor quality. It is also produced in the Qianzhong region, where the shape is similar and the taste is the same. It primarily treats coughing with rebellious qi, abdominal pain due to parasites, weak spleen/stomach leading to deficiency diarrhea, cholera-like vomiting and rebellious qi, and helps resolve alcohol toxicity and aid digestion. Currently, black ones are common, while brown ones are rare. (From *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9, p. 32; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 229; *Bencao Gangmu*, p. 815)

It grows in the State of Xi and enters via the Andong route. Its flavor is bitter and sweet, and it is non-toxic. It tonifies Kidney Qi, treats postpartum lochia retention and postpartum abdominal mass (Erzhen), and when processed into a powder with Sparganii Rhizoma (Sanleng), Trionycis Carapax (Biejia), and Rheum Palmatum (Dahuang), it can dissipate qi stagnation and unblock meridians and collaterals. Using it after grinding into powder yields the best results, particularly for treating postpartum diseases. (From *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9, p. 35; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 230; *Bencao Gangmu*, p. 779)

It is said that this is the seed of Galangal (Gaoliang Jiang), whose shoots resemble reeds, leaves resemble ginger, and flowers form spikes. The tender leaves grow curled and are slightly red. Select the tender parts, mix with salt, roll them into clusters that do not scatter, and dye them with Hibiscus rosa-sinensis (Zhu Jin) to deepen the color, which is considered superior. It awakens one from drunkenness and resolves alcohol toxicity. Aside from these, there are no other significant medicinal uses. It grows in the valleys of various regions in the South Sea. (From *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9, p. 51; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 236; *Bencao Gangmu*, p. 810)

According to *Guangzhi*, Pepper (Hu Jiao, Piper nigrum) grows in Qin Country and Kunlun. It is pungent in flavor, warm in nature, and non-toxic. It primarily treats abdominal pain due to parasites, deficiency-cold qi stagnation of the Spleen and Stomach, as well as deficiency diarrhea of both cold and hot types, and red/white dysentery. For all cases of dysentery, taking the medicine with white rice gruel is preferable. For cholera-like qi rebellion, taking it with Ginger Decoction is excellent. (From *Daguan Bencao*, Vol. 9, p. 36; *Zhenghe Bencao*, p. 231; *Bencao Gangmu*, p. 816)