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Furthermore, among the various categories of fruits, there are distinctions in quality and inferiority.
Speaking of fruits, for instance, persimmons have several varieties: the red ones are only suitable for raw consumption; the black ones can be dried and used for medicinal purposes, possessing superior efficacy; while the white ones have weak potency and inferior effects.
When used medicinally, one must understand the principles of incompatibility (Xing), antagonism (Fan), contraindications, and suitability, and distinguish their natures regarding bitter, sweet, cold, and hot properties.
Jujube (Zao) is incompatible with raw green onion and should not be eaten together. Smoked plum (Wumei) is antagonistic to Polygonatum (Huangjing); how can they be consumed together? Regarding peach kernel (Taoren) and apricot kernel (Xingren), those with double kernels are toxic and can cause death. The sour-flavored Punica granatum (Shiliu) is suitable for medicinal use, whereas those with bitter and sweet flavors should not be consumed in excess, as they primarily damage the teeth and lungs. Similarly, tangerine peel (Ju Pi) is acrid and warm, pomelo is bitter and cold, jujube is sweet and hot, and persimmon is sweet and cold, etc.
Tangerine peel regulates Qi and expands the middle jiao, eliminates phlegm and stops cough, and further stops vomiting and retching. Jujube nourishes the Spleen and supports the Stomach, aids the efficacy of other herbs, and can tonify Qi and harmonize the pulse.
Chenpi (aged tangerine peel), acrid, warm, and non-toxic, mainly warms the Spleen; the green variety breaks up accumulations. Jujube, sweet, neutral, warm, and non-toxic.
Qianshi (Euryale seed), derived from the flesh of the chicken bean plant, lightens the body and enhances intelligence, and is good at stopping lower back pain. Fupenzi (Rubus chingii fruit), also known as Pengli, benefits Qi and strengthens Yin, and is most advantageous for nourishing Jing (Essence).
Qianshi, sweet, neutral, and non-toxic, tonifies the Middle Jiao and treats Bi syndrome; decocted with Rosa laevigata (Jinyingzi), it is most beneficial to humans. Fupenzi, sour, neutral, salty, and non-toxic, is found everywhere, tonifies the Middle Jiao and benefits the Kidney, harmonizes the Zang-Fu organs, and treats deficiency and wind disorders.
Dried persimmon stops diarrhea and astringes the intestines; fresh consumption is suitable for relieving alcohol intoxication and thirst; to stop hiccups, using the persimmon pedicel (Shidi) is best. Pear fruit removes irritability and promotes drinking; pear juice can induce vomiting of wind-phlegm; for nursing mothers and patients with open wounds, it is like an enemy.
Dried persimmon, sweet, cold, and non-toxic, moistens the throat most effectively and unblocks the nose and ears. Pear fruit, sweet, slightly sour, cold, and non-toxic, can stop cough but should not be eaten in excess. Doing so may lead to cold-type dysentery; nursing mothers and patients with open wounds especially should not consume it in excess.
Olive stops thirst and generates fluids, treating dry lips and mouth; its kernel is ground for external application. Pomegranate relaxes tendons and stops diarrhea, expels intestinal parasites, and its root bark decoction is drunk.
Olive, sour, sweet, warm, and non-toxic, resolves alcohol toxicity. Punica granatum, sweet, sour, and non-toxic; the shell is used medicinally to treat tendon spasms and foot pain, and is excellent for treating dysentery.
Lotus seed (Ou Shi), sweet, neutral, cold, and non-toxic, is found everywhere. Peach kernel, peeled and de-veined, bitter, sweet, neutral, and non-toxic; its flower unblocks urination even more swiftly.
Apricot kernel should not include double kernels; it unblocks the intestines and moistens the lungs, treats cough, and clears the voice. Smoked plum is the fruit of the plum tree, stops thirst and transforms phlegm, and is indispensable in treating dysentery.
Apricot kernel, peeled, de-veined, excluding double kernels, sour, sweet, and non-toxic, treats fright convulsions, abdominal Bi syndrome, and postpartum conditions or open wounds. Smoked plum, sour, neutral, and non-toxic, directs Qi downward, harmonizes the Middle Jiao, stops thirst, treats bone-steaming tidal fever, cough, and sputum.
Xuan Mugua (Chaenomeles speciosa) treats Huoluan with muscle cramps, regulates Hong Kong leg (foot qi), and relieves damp-Bi stiffness. Pipa Ye (Loquat leaf) stops vomiting and harmonizes the Stomach, specifically descends Lung Qi, and cures thirst.
Xuan Mugua, sour, warm, and non-toxic, reduces swelling, strengthens sinews and bones, stops thirst, and treats Hong Kong leg attacking the heart. Pipa Ye, brushed with cloth to remove hairs, and roasted before use. Bitter, neutral, and non-toxic, mainly treats Lung wind.
Hu Tao Rou (Walnut meat) fleshes muscles and moistens flesh; for bruises, it is mashed with wine and taken. Cao Guo Ren (Tsao-ko seed) benefits Qi and warms the Middle, often paired with Chanshan (Dichroa febrifuga) to attack malaria attacks.
Hu Tao Rou, sweet, neutral, and non-toxic, removes hemorrhoids and dissipates scrofula. Cao Guo Ren, acrid, warm, and non-toxic, warms the Spleen and Stomach, digests retained food, resolves alcohol toxicity, and attacks cold Qi.
If one can master these as stepping stones, one can wash away the clumsiness and inferiority of mediocre practitioners.