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Apricot Kernel (Xing Ren): Sweet in taste, warm in nature. Primarily treats cough with rebellious qi, upward rushing of lung qi resembling thunderous roaring, throat obstruction (Hou Bi), and descending of rebellious qi. Treats postpartum breast disorders, golden wounds (traumatic injuries from metal weapons), cold heart pain, and Ben Tun (a condition characterized by the sensation of Qi rushing up from the lower abdomen to the chest and throat). Grows in mountains and valleys. Folklore suggests that if a wedding ceremony is held when apricot flowers bloom in spring, and fruits are harvested in late autumn, the tree will bear countless fruits the following year; its flowers cluster like golden elixirs, can be mixed with maltose and ice yogurt, or taken as melted sheep butter, or fried in oil to kill insects; consuming it enhances intelligence, soothes the spirit, nourishes hair, and aids chewing. *Wenchang Zalu* records: In the household of Member Wang, apricot flowers bore little fruit. A matchmaker said, "Marry off this apricot tree next spring." In deep winter, she brought wine to the tree, calling it "wedding house door-knocking wine," and prayed repeatedly. The following spring, it bore countless fruits. *Wenxian Tongkao* records: Apricot trees that bear much fruit without insect damage predict a good harvest for autumn crops the following year. Li Shizhen states: For the Apricot Golden Elixir recipe, collect ripe apricot kernels, grind them into juice, place in a cauldron, and boil over fire. After ten days, a white frost appears on the surface; when the frost disappears, golden flowers emerge, and the elixir is complete. *Yuzhuo Baodian* records: During the Cold Food Festival, grinding apricot kernels yields yogurt-like substance, which is then poured over with maltose. Chen Ji's poem says: "Initially bestowed ice yogurt." *Kaihe Ji* records: Ma Shumou steamed mutton with apricot yogurt, calling it "Butter-holding Man." *Fushou Fang* records: For maggots entering the ear, crush apricot kernels into paste, mix with oil, and drip into the ear. *Yeren Xianhua* records: Xin Yinsun dreamed of a deity telling him that eating apricots makes one intelligent and agile; chewing with saliva keeps the body light and healthy in old age. Guo Pu's fu says: "Chewing the nourishment."

Fubi: Pungent in taste, neutral in nature. Primarily treats malaria, pathogenic factors of alternating chills and fever, diarrhea and dysentery, impotence, alcohol intoxication, and headache. Grows in Hanzhong region.
Decays due to autumn Qi, fears the sun, and despises flowers. Can be used to harmonize soups; useful for those who drink excessively. Trees seek curved stems, kudzu vines lead slanting branches. The odors of herbs and trees mix, and many maids clamor.
Famous physicians say: This is the flower of adzuki beans. Harvested in the seventh month. Zhang Yuxi says: It is named so because of its putrid odor. *Qimin Yaoshu* records: Bean flowers dislike seeing the sun; if exposed, they turn yellow and rot, and roots scorch. The poem says: "There is also harmonizing soup." *Xinjing* records: To treat various diseases, use the flowers with fermented soybean juice, boiled with five flavors as soup. *Qianjin Fang* records: Add equal parts of kudzu flower, mix with water and take orally, effective for preventing drunkenness. Tao Hongjing says: Small trees by the sea, shaped like gardenias, with many curved stems and leaves, smelling putrid, can treat malaria; locals call it Fubi. Su Gong says: Fubi is traditionally identified as kudzu flower, which is superior to kudzu flower in resolving alcohol toxicity. *Zuo Zhuan* says: Like herbs and trees, it is the odor of the ruler. *Records of the Grand Historian: Hereditary Houses* records: Duke Huan sighed, saying, "The Master blames me because of the clashing of the maids." Yuan Haowen's poem says: "Not coming to sit firmly watching the clamor."