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Bichengqie (Cryptocarya chinensis fruit)

Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily descends Qi and aids digestion, treats wind pathogens on the skin, and Qi stagnation with distension in the heart and abdomen, promoting appetite, and treats "Gui Qi" (ghostly Qi, referring to sudden mental abnormalities or strange diseases). It can also dye hair and fragrance the body. Grows in Foshi Country. It resembles the seeds of Firmiana simplex (Wutong) and Vitex trifolia (Manjingzi), slightly larger, and is also known as Bilin Qiezi. (Modern addition)

Minister Yuxi et al., according to Rihua Zi: Treats all types of Qi disorders, cholera-like diarrhea, abdominal pain, and coldness of Kidney Qi and Bladder.

Tu Jing states: Bichengqie grows in Foshi Country, and is now also produced in Guangzhou. Leaves grow in spring and summer, green and smooth, pleasant to look at; fruits are formed resembling those of Firmiana simplex and Vitex trifolia, slightly larger. Harvested in August and September. It is frequently used in modern medical prescriptions for Spleen and Stomach conditions. It is also used to treat cough caused by Shanghan (Cold Damage) that fluctuates day and night. The prescription uses 3 fen of Bichengqie and 3 fen of Galangal Rhizome (Gaoliangjiang), pounded and sifted into a powder. Take 2 qian per dose, decoct with 6 parts water for about ten boils, add a small amount of vinegar, stir well, and drink hot with the dregs, like drinking tea.

Hai Yao Yun: According to Guang Zhi: Grows by various seas. It is young pepper. Picked from the tree while green. Those with thick stalks and round bases are identified as such. Its flavor is pungent and bitter, slightly warm, non-toxic. Primarily treats sudden pain in the heart and abdomen, cholera vomiting and diarrhea, phlegm retention and cold Qi. Ancient formulas favored it for dyeing hair rather than treating disease. Leigong states: When using, after harvesting, remove the stalks and wrinkled skin, soak in wine and steam from Si hour to You hour, then pound finely for use.

Huhuanglian (Picrorhiza rhizome)

Bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily treats chronic dysentery leading to Gan syndrome (malnutrition syndrome in children), Shanghan cough, Wen Nao (warm malaria) with bone heat, regulates Waist and Kidneys, removes Yin sweat, pediatric convulsions and epilepsy, alternating cold and heat with inability to eat, and cholera dysentery. Grows in Hu Country. Resembles dried willow branches, black inside and yellow outside. Also known as Gegu Luzhe. (Modern addition)

Tu Jing states: Huhuanglian grows in Hu Country, and is now also found in Nanhai and between Qin and Long regions. Initially sprouts resemble reeds, dry stems resemble withered willow branches, black inside and yellow outside. Harvested without specific seasonal restrictions. It is frequently used in pediatric medicines today. It is also used to treat relapse due to overexertion after Shanghan, with body heat and red urine/feces resembling blood color. Use 1 liang of Huhuanglian, 2 liang of Gardenia Fruit (Shanzhizi) peeled, mix with half a liang of honey, stir and stir-fry until slightly scorched, pound both ingredients into powder, bind with pig bile into pills the size of Firmiana simplex seeds. For each dose, take 2 slices of fresh ginger, 1 dark plum (Wumei), and 3 he of child's urine, soak for half a day, strain. After meals, warm the urine and swallow 10 pills. Take again before bed; very effective.

Tang Ben states: Greatly cold. Treats steaming bone consumption fever, tonifies Liver and Gallbladder, brightens eyes, treats cold-heat dysentery, improves complexion, thickens intestines and stomach, treats postpartum steaming deficiency and fright, treats San Xiao (Three Wastes) and Wu Zhi (Five Hemorrhoids), and five-heart heat in adults. Originates from Persia Country, grows on land near the sea, harvested in early August. Adverse reaction with Chrysanthemum Flower (Juhua), Scrophularia Root (Xuanshen), and Dictamnus Root Bark (Baixianpi); resolves Radix Codonopsis (Badou) toxicity. Avoid pork during use, as it causes spermatorrhea. Soaking in human milk for eye drops is very good. The herb resembles Prunella vulgaris (Xiakucao) in foliage, root head resembles bird beak, and flesh resembling Grebe eye when broken indicates superior quality. Sun Shangyao treats pediatric nocturnal sweating and alternating tidal fever. Equal parts Southern Fan Huhuanglian and Bupleurum Root (Chaihu), ground extremely fine, bound with refined honey into pills the size of a cockle seed. Take 2 to 3 pills per dose, dissolve in a silver vessel with a little wine, add 5 parts water, boil in a double boiler for 20-30 boils, let cool to warm, take with dregs after meals. Bieshuo Yun: According to inspection, Huhuanglian where breaking it produces dust like smoke is authentic.