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Heheli (i.e., Cheqizi / Terminalia chebula): Bitter, sour, and astringent in taste; warm in nature; non-toxic. Its action is descending, and it belongs to Yin.
【Indications】Mainly treats cold qi, abdominal distension and fullness, and discomfort after eating. (Kaibao Bencao) Breaks up stagnant qi in the chest and diaphragm, and promotes the flow of body fluids. (Zhen Quan) Expels accumulated matter from the intestines and stops deficiency-type abdominal pain.
【Meridian Tropism】Enters the Lung and Large Intestine meridians. It is an astringent substance. (Raw use clears Metal and protects the Lung while moving Qi; roasted use secures Qi, solidifies the Intestines, and warms the Stomach.)
【Preceding Discourse】Kou Zongshi stated: Those with Qi deficiency should use it slowly and in small amounts. Although this herb astringes the intestines, it also drains Qi. Li Gao stated: When Lung Qi is constrained, voice opens and cough ceases.
【Contraindications】Miao Xiyong stated: Contraindicated in cases of cough due to Qi deficiency and dysentery in its early stage.
【Processing】Lei Xiao stated: For processing, select those with six ridges, black color, and thick flesh as superior. Soak in wine, steam until cooked, remove the seed, and use the flesh. If using the seed, do not use the flesh.

Zonglupi (Palmae Fructus Retinervus / Sabiniae Palmae Cortex): Bitter and astringent in taste; neutral in nature; non-toxic. Born by sensing slight Yang Qi.
【Indications】Mainly treats epistaxis, hematemesis, masses and accumulations (Zheng), intestinal wind, red and white dysentery, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea. Use carbonized form (burned to retain character). (Daming Bencao) Mainly treats traumatic injuries caused by metal weapons.
【Meridian Tropism】Enters the Liver and Spleen meridians. It is a hemostatic substance.
【Preceding Discourse】Li Shizhen stated: Palm ash is astringent in nature. If there has been excessive blood loss and all stasis has been cleared, its use is appropriate. This is what is meant by "astringency can treat collapse."
【Contraindications】Miao Xiyong stated: Contraindicated in cases where blood disease is in its initial stage or where blood stasis has not yet been fully resolved.

Jinyingzi (Rosa laevigata fruit): Sour in taste; neutral in nature; non-toxic. Born by receiving Yang Qi and combining with Wood transformation. Its action is descending, and it belongs to Yang within Yin.
【Indications】Mainly treats spleen deficiency diarrhea and dysentery, stops frequent urination, astringes essence and stops emission, and long-term use makes one resistant to cold. (Shennong Benjing) [Flower] Treats cold and hot dysentery. (Daming Bencao) [Bark of eastward-growing roots] Stir-fried use stops bloody diarrhea, metrorrhagia, and leukorrhea. (Li Shizhen)
【Meridian Tropism】Enters the Kidney meridian, and additionally enters the Bladder and Large Intestine meridians. It is a substance for securing essence and preserving Qi.
【Preceding Discourse】Shen Kuo stated: Jinyingzi stops enuresis and leakage due to its warming and astringent properties. One should select fruits that are half-yellow, crush them into dry powder, and use them. If waiting until they are fully red and ripe to make paste, it is too late.
【Contraindications】Miao Xiyong stated: Contraindicated in diarrhea caused by sudden violent heat-fire, urinary incontinence, and seminal emission due to Yin deficiency with blazing fire.
【Processing】Bencao Beiyao stated: For processing, remove the seeds and hairy spines before use.