Library

[Lei Xiao said] Those with a round, short head and scars at the connection are called "Lang" (a type of Areca nut), while those with a pointed shape and purple striations are called "Bing" (Areca catechu). The medicinal power of Bing is slight, whereas that of Lang is strong. When using white Areca nuts and preserving their efficacy ("Cun Zuo Wen Zheng Xin Li"), one mouthful of red water should be removed so that it becomes smooth, pleasant, and non-astringent, thereby descending Qi and promoting digestion. These three items differ greatly and are distinct entities, yet they complement and combine in such a manner, which is indeed remarkable. This explains the common saying that "Areca nut's life depends on Fuliu (Betel leaf)." Ancient "Ben Hui" refers to the ash of oysters and clams. "Ben" is an erroneous character for "Bang" (clam). Ash from roof tiles can also be used.

[Sun Simiao said] Vulture birds often gather on Areca nut trees. Whenever Areca nut peel is used, it should first be washed with wine, then washed again with soybean juice, dried, roasted in ashes, sliced, and used.

[Su Song said] The root bark may be harvested regardless of the season and used after being roasted for medicinal purposes. Another view states that the peel of the fruit itself can also be used.

[Lei Xiao said] Whenever Southern Pepper (Nanjiao, *Zanthoxylum* species) is used, the seeds and closed fruits must be removed. It should be mixed with wine, steamed from Si hour (09:00-11:00) to Wu hour (11:00-13:00), cooled, tightly covered, and taken out only when odorless. It should then be placed in porcelain jars to prevent exposure to wind pathogens.

[Kou Zongshi said] Whenever Qin Pepper or Shu Pepper is used, it should be lightly stir-fried until moisture appears ("sweating"). While hot, place it in a bamboo tube and pound it with a wooden pestle; repeat pounding if not fully processed. Alternatively, stir-fry until hot, spread it on the ground over paper, cover with a bowl, let it cool, and then grind to obtain the red powder.

[Lei Xiao said] After harvesting, remove the stems and wrinkled peels. Soak and steam with wine from Si hour to You hour (17:00-19:00), pound finely, dry in the sun, and use for medicine.

[Lei Xiao said] Remove leaves and stems. For every ten taels of material, add two taels of salt to four dou of flowing water from the east. Wash the material in one hundred portions. Naturally, the saliva/mucus will disappear. Dry in the sun and use in pills and powders. If boiling with vinegar is required, use one yi of vinegar for every ten taels of material, boil for thirty cycles, then add Evodia fruit (*Wuzhuyu*) and dry by roasting.

[Kou Zongshi said] Whenever used... [Text incomplete]

[Lei Xiao said] After harvesting and drying in the sun, pound finely and sieve through a horsehair sieve to form powder. Wrap in three layers of paper and press to remove the oil. If the oil is not removed, the medicinal efficacy will be weak. The same method applies to Watermelon Seed Kernel.

[Lei Xiao said] Do not use white Melon Stalks (Ti). Select green melons; when the qi is sufficient, the stalk will naturally detach onto the vine. After harvesting, hang it in a windy area on the east side of the house... [Text incomplete]

[Kou Zongshi said] This is Sweet Melon Stalk (Tian Geng Di). Remove the melon skin and use only the stalk, approximately half cun long. Dry thoroughly in the sun and grind fresh when needed.

[Li Shizhen said] ...Melon, its stalk does not... [Text incomplete]