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The primary action of *Genkwa Flos* (Yuanhua, 芫花) is to expel water retention. It also treats cough with pulling pain in the hypochondrium.

Evidence:
In the syndrome of *Shizao Tang* (Ten Jujube Decoction), it states: "pulling pain under the ribs." It also states: "cough."
Zhang Zhongjing's use of *Genkwa Flos* does not exceed that in *Shizao Tang*. If one attempts to take *Genkwa Flos* alone, it will inevitably cause severe purgation of water. Thus, its action of expelling water is clear.

Correction of Errors:
In the entry for *Genkwa Flos* in the Materia Medica, Shen Wei states: "According to *Records of the Three Kingdoms*, during the early Ping era of Wei, there was a Master Green Ox who frequently took *Genkwa Flos*, lived over a hundred years old, yet appeared as if he were only fifty or sixty." Li Shizhen states: "*Genkwa Flos* is a lower-grade toxic substance; how can it be taken for a long time? This is a bizarre and eccentric statement from outside the medical field, unworthy of belief." Weize (the author, Yoshimasa Dodo) states: "Eccentric statements from outside the medical field are indeed irrelevant to the principles of clinical medicine. Lower-grade toxic substances—how can they not be taken for a long time? Li Shizhen is wrong! Li Shizhen is wrong! If there is pathogenic accumulation, using toxic drugs to attack it—is it not suitable for long-term use? Students should not be confused."

Product Examination:
*Genkwa Flos*: Those produced in the Han region are superior. They are also produced in our country (Japan). The ones sold in the market today from our country are often counterfeit and must be corrected. The local common name is "Shikibushi," which is the true *Genkwa Flos*.

The primary action of *Schisandrae Fructus* (Wuweizi, 五味子) is to treat cough accompanied by dizziness/vertigo.

Evidence:
In the syndrome of *Xiao Qinglong Tang* (Minor Blue Dragon Decoction), it states: "cough."
In the syndrome of *Linggui Wuzhi Gancao Tang* (Poria, Cinnamon, Schisandra, and Licorice Decoction), it states: "frequently experiencing dizziness/vertigo."
In the above two formulas, the dosage of *Schisandrae Fructus* is both half sheng.
Observing these two formulas, it is clear that *Schisandrae Fructus* primarily treats cough accompanied by dizziness/vertigo.

Mutual Examination:
*Schisandrae Fructus* and *Alismatis Rhizoma* (Zexie, 泽泻) both treat dizziness/vertigo, but there are distinctions. *Schisandrae Fructus* treats cough accompanied by dizziness/vertigo, while *Alismatis Rhizoma* treats vertigo accompanied by dizziness/vertigo.

Correction of Errors:
I once read in the Materia Medica that *Schisandrae Fructus* can astringe the Lung and tonify the Kidney. This is not the language of clinical physicians. Tracing the origin of this theory, it stems from the generation and restriction cycles of the Five Zang Organs.

Product Examination:
*Schisandrae Fructus*: Those produced in Korea are of the highest grade, followed by those from the Han region. Those produced in our country are of slightly inferior quality and should be sliced before use.

The primary action of *Trichosanthis Fructus* (Gualou Shi, 栝蒌实) is to treat Chest Bi (obstruction), and secondarily to treat Phlegm-Fluid retention.

Evidence:
In the syndrome of *Xiao Xianxiong Tang* (Minor Sinking into the Chest Decoction), it states: "Chest Binding" (Jie Xiong).
In the syndrome of *Gualou Xiebai Baijiu Tang* (Trichosanthes, Macrostemon, and White Wine Decoction), it states: "Chest Bi, wheezing, coughing, and spitting."
In the syndrome of *Gualou Xiebai Banxia Tang* (Trichosanthes, Macrostemon, and Pinellia Decoction), it states: "Chest Bi, inability to lie flat."
In the syndrome of *Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang* (Aurantium, Macrostemon, and Cinnamon Twig Decoction), it states: "Chest Bi."
In the above four formulas, the dosage of *Trichosanthis Fructus* is all one fruit.
Reviewing these formulas, it is clear that it treats Chest Bi and Phlegm-Fluid retention; what is referred to as Chest Bi is a sensation of fullness and obstruction in the chest and diaphragm.

Mutual Examination:
The entry for *Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang* states: "Chest Bi... treated by *Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang*; *Renshen Tang* (Ginseng Decoction) also treats it." In *Jin Gui Yao Lue*...
When there is wheezing, coughing, and spitting, *Zhishi Xiebai Guizhi Tang* is indicated. When there is Chest Bi accompanied by hardness and fullness below the heart, *Renshen Tang* is indicated. This is why they cannot be substituted for each other; students should ponder this.

Product Examination:
*Trichosanthis Fructus*: Song states: "Its shape is either perfectly round or sharp and elongated; their functions are identical." What is currently used in the world as "Yuzhang" refers to the Trichosanthes fruit. Li Shizhen states: "Trichosanthes..."