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Sour flavor originates from the Wood element, its nature is warm, possessing astringent and consolidating properties, benefiting the Liver meridian; Bitter flavor originates from the Fire element, its nature is ultimately hot, possessing drying and firming properties, acting on the Heart and the area below the heart; Sweet flavor begins with Earth Qi, its transformation involves dampness, possessing opening, relaxing, and渗 (percolating) properties, moving along the Spleen meridian; Pungent flavor arises from Metal Qi, its transformation involves stagnation and dryness, possessing dispersing and moistening properties, unblocking the Lung orifices; Salty flavor transforms from Water Qi, generating cold energy, descending to soften hardness, entering the Kidney pathway; The Light flavor is the root of the Five Elements, one must understand the essentials of creation in its application.

Genkwa Flos (Yuanhua) naturally promotes water metabolism, but cannot penetrate without vinegar processing. Mung Bean Seed (Lüdou) naturally detoxifies, but shows no effect if used with the shell. Tsaoko Fructus (Caoguo) effectively reduces distension, but using it with the shell causes chest fullness. Black Morning Glory Seed (Heiqiu, i.e., Pharbitidis Semen) promotes urination when raw; Zhiyao seedling is toxic and should be avoided. Polygonum Multiflorum Rootlet (Puhuang) promotes blood circulation when raw, and nourishes blood and promotes smooth flow when cooked. Sanguisorba Radix (Diyu) treats blood disorders; retaining the tips leads to uncontrolled bleeding. Citrus Reticulata Pericarpium (Chenpi) specifically regulates Qi; retaining the white mesocarp tonifies the Stomach. Aconitum Lateralis Radix Preparata (Fuzi) rescues Yin-cold syndromes; when raw, it expels wind from the skin. Aconitum Carmichaelii Radix (Caowu) resolves wind-bi pain; when raw, it causes mental confusion. Realgar (Renyan, often referring to Arsenic compounds like Realgar or Orpiment in ancient contexts, here likely Realgar/Orpiment mix or specific arsenic preparation) should be calcined before use; various mineral drugs should be calcined until red-hot. Adding vinegar allows grinding into powder; processing methods must be meticulous. Ligusticum Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong) should be stir-fried to remove oil; when raw, it attacks bi-pain. Processing must follow regulations to achieve specialized efficacy. Anemarrhena Rhizoma (Zhimu), Mulberry Cortex (Sangbai), Asparagus Fern Root (Tianmen Dong), Ophiopogon Tuber (Maimendong), and Polygonum Multiflorum Caulis (Shouwu) have distinct raw and prepared uses; Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang) also distinguishes raw and prepared forms. It is best to slice them with bamboo or copper knives; contact with iron tools makes the medicinal nature unruly. Lindera Root (Wuyao), Asparagus Fern Root (Men Dong), Morinda Officinalis Root (Bajitian), Nelumbo Nucifera Plumule (Lianxin), and Polygala Root (Yuanzhi) — these five are all best when the core is removed; otherwise, they increase irritability. Magnolia Bark (Nanhou), Alisma Rhizoma (Zhuling), Poria (Fuling), and Mulberry Cortex (Sangpi, specifically the outer bark) — these four strongly avoid using the skin; removing it completely prevents depletion of Shen (Spirit). Alpinia Oxyphylla Fruit (Yizhi), Hemp Seed (Maren), Biota Seed (Baiziren), plus Tsaoko Fructus (Caoguo) — these four are effective only when shelled; not shelling causes mental palpitations and increased fullness. What substances require soaking in decoction? Atractylodes Rhizoma (Cangzhu), Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), and Citrus Reticulata Pericarpium (Chenpi). These three are also suitable for wine-washing: Cistanche Deserticola (Rongrong), Rehmanniae Radix (Dihuang), and Angelica Sinensis Radix (Danggui).

Mylabris (Ban), Leech (Shuizhi), and Horsefly (Mengchong); Aconitum Root (Wutou), Prepared Aconite Lateralis Root (Fuzi), and Prepared Aconitum Lateralis Root (Tianxiong); Gelsemium (Yege, i.e., Gelsemium elegans or similar toxic vine), Mercury (Shuiyin), and Croton Seed (Badou); Achyranthes Bidentata Root (Niuxi), Coix Seed (Yiyi), and Scolopendra (Wugong); Curcuma Zedoaria Rhizoma (Sanleng), Genkwa Flos (Yuanhua), Haematitum (Daizhe), and Moschus (She); Euphorbia Pekinensis (Daji), Cicada Slough (Chantui), and Realgar-Orpiment mix (Huang Cixiong); Natrii Sulfas (Yaniao), Natrii Sulfas Crystallizatus (Mangxiao), Moutan Cortex (Mudan), and Cinnamon Twig (Gui); Sophora Flower (Huaihua), Pharbitidis Semen (Qianniu), and Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit (Zaojiao) are the same; Pinellia Tuber (Banxia), Arisaema Rhizoma (Nanxing), and Tinospora Sinensis Stem (Tongcao); Speranskia Tuberculata Seed (Qumai), Dried Ginger (Ganjiang), and Peach Kernel (Taoren) are compatible; Natrii Chloratum Calcitum (Naosha), Dry Lacquer (Ganqi), Crab Claw Shell (Xiezhujia), Galega Root (Dichan), and Glycyrrhiza uralensis Root (Maogen) are all contraindicated (or "lost their proper place" / unsuitable).