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The thermal nature is warm, the flavor is bitter, and it is non-toxic. Both its qi (vital energy) and flavor are thin; its action can ascend or descend, representing yang within yin. It treats wind-stroke-like convulsions in cholera (Huo Luan), stops vomiting and acid regurgitation. When used together with Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange Fruit) and Dahuang (Rhubarb Root), it purges excess fullness. When used together with Chenpi (Aged Tangerine Peel) and Cangzhu (Atractylodes Rhizome), it resolves dampness-induced fullness. Combined with exterior-resolving and beneficial herbs, it concurrently addresses headache. Combined with anti-diarrheal herbs, it thickens the intestines and stomach. The bitterness of Houpo (Magnolia Bark) allows it to direct qi downward, remove excess fullness, and dissipate abdominal distension. Its warm nature enables it to benefit qi, resolve dampness-fullness, and scatter stagnation. Why? Because Houpo belongs to Earth and possesses the warmth of Fire, thus enabling it to disperse and purge excess in the Stomach. In Pingwei San (Calm the Stomach Powder), the addition of Cangzhu aims to drain dampness from the Upper Jiao, harmonize the Earth of the Middle Jiao, prevent excessive action, restore balance, and achieve harmony. This does not refer to warming and tonifying the Spleen and Stomach; later practitioners mistakenly regarded it as a tonic formula, which is incorrect. It is suitable for excess qi patterns but should be used sparingly in deficiency qi patterns to avoid generating distension. It is incompatible with Liuhuang (Sulfur).

The thermal nature is cold, the flavor is bitter and sour, and it is non-toxic. Its qi is dense while its flavor is thin; it sinks and represents yin. It eliminates phlegm causing epigastric stuffiness, drains stagnant cold qi in the abdomen, pushes out overnight food retention in the Stomach, and dissipates chronic accumulations in the abdomen. Combined with Gancao (Licorice Root), it thins the fetus (facilitates delivery); combined with Huanglian (Coptis Rhizome), it reduces hemorrhoids. It widens qi stagnation in the Large Intestine and drains empty distension in the hypochondrium. However, its bitter flavor accompanied by acridity also treats generalized urticaria. It originates from the same plant as Zhishi (Immature Bitter Orange Fruit), differing only in size: Zhishi is smaller, possessing a fierce and rapid nature; Zhike (Mature Bitter Orange Pericarp) is larger, possessing a broad and slow nature. Generally, excess patterns are suitable for use, while deficiency patterns are contraindicated. In cases of Spleen-Stomach damp-heat generating phlegm and food retention, adding one-quarter Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) makes the Spleen use Zhishi, while the Stomach uses Zhike. Zhang Zhongjing used Zhishi in Chengqi Tang (Gut-Purging Decoction) to treat acute Shaoyang/Taiyang diseases, precisely to utilize its properties of unblocking, draining, and breaking up solid accumulation. I observe that Zhike is a qi-regulating herb, specifically draining qi in the highest part of the chest; this is an excellent method for descending fire. Without processing, it treats various diseases. For those with qi deficiency or advanced age, it must be stir-fried with wheat bran after being mixed with vinegar, because vinegar can astringe the exterior, and wheat bran can consolidate the pores. Herbs that are dark green-black, cold-resistant, and heat-intolerant serve as the Sovereign herb, with Bai Fu Ling (Poria) as the Minister herb, assisted by Banxia (Pinellia Tuber) and Fangfeng (Saposhnikovia Root) as the Assistant/Envoy herbs, treating urgent phlegm obstruction; adding Zijie (Perilla Seed) further treats sudden bleeding such as epistaxis most rapidly. If phlegm resides in the four limbs, forming nodules or masses, qi-regulating herbs should be added to assist.