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Huajiao (Zanthoxylum bungeanum / Zanthoxylum simulans): Flavor is pungent. Nature is greatly warm. Non-toxic. It is born by inheriting the pure Yang Qi of Heaven and Earth. Its ascending action exceeds its descending action. It belongs to Yang within Yang. Excessive consumption damages the Lungs, causing people to vomit blood.
[Indications] Primarily directs rebellious Qi downward, warms the Middle Jiao, eliminates phlegm, and removes wind-cold from the Zang-Fu organs. (From *Kaibao Bencao*) Removes deficiency-cold Qi in the stomach/orifice, resolves retained food stagnation, treats cholera-like vomiting, and alleviates pain.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Stomach and Large Intestine meridians. It is a substance that dispels cold and relieves chest oppression.
[Prior Discourse] Li Shizhen stated: Dysphagia (Yige syndrome) may arise from alcohol consumption, Qi stagnation, or Stomach fire. Zhang Congzheng strongly warned against using temporarily opening agents like Ginger, Cinnamon Twig, and Clove for such conditions. Treatment must not be rigidly adhered to a single method.
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong stated: Contraindicated in cases of heat in the Blood aspect, Yin deficiency with fever, cough with hemoptysis, dry throat and thirst, sudden surging of hot Qi, blurred vision, bad breath, and floating teeth.

Bichengqie (Litsea cubeba / Pymenium fructus): Flavor is pungent. Nature is warm. Non-toxic. Those facing the sun are referred to as Huajiao (Black Pepper); those facing the shade are referred to as Bichengqie.
[Indications] Primarily directs Qi downward, promotes digestion, removes wind from the skin, resolves Qi distension in the heart and abdomen, enhances appetite, and treats "Ghost Qi" (sudden strange illnesses or mental anomalies). (From *Bencao Shiyi*) Treats all types of cold Qi and phlegm.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Spleen, Stomach, Kidney, and Bladder meridians. It is a substance that scatters cold and resolves knots. (Acts as a penetrating agent).
[Prior Discourse] Yu Tun stated: For conditions of regurgitation and vomiting food, even vomiting black fluid, which fail to respond to treatment, only Bi Cheng Qie Rice Paste Pills, taken with Ginger Decoction (30 pills), are effective.

Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus): Flavor is pungent. Nature is hot. Slightly toxic. It is born by inheriting Fire Qi. It can ascend and descend. It belongs to Yin within Yang. It uses Polygonum multiflorum seeds (Liaoshi) as an assistant herb. It is incompatible with Danshen, Niter (Xiaosha), and avoids Zi Yanshi.
[Indications] Primarily warms the Middle Jiao, directs Qi downward, stops pain, dispels dampness, treats blood bi (obstruction), drives out pathogenic wind, opens the interstices (Couli), and treats Qi rebellion with alternating chills and fever. (From *Shennong Bencao Jing*) Eliminates cold-phlegm, body-wide pain, strengthens the Spleen, resolves stagnation, treats acid regurgitation, and treats Qi rebellion with tenesmus.
[Meridian Tropism] Enters the Liver and Kidney meridians, and additionally enters the Spleen and Stomach meridians. It is a substance that directs Qi downward, opens depression, and dispels wind-cold-dampness. (Acts as a dispersing agent; classified as a drug for the Qi aspect of the Liver and Kidney).
[Prior Discourse] Duan Chengshi stated: The Qi of Sichuan Peppercorn (Huajiao) tends to descend, while the Qi of Wuzhuyu tends to ascend, indicating their impact on the diaphragm. Excessive consumption damages the eyes and causes hair loss. Kou Zongshi stated: ... (text fragment) ... open eyes ... its rebellion ... generally ...
[Contraindications] Miao Xiyong stated: Contraindicated in all Yin deficiency syndromes and in individuals whose Zang-Fu organs have heat but no cold.
The above are the Woody Part of the Drying Agents category.