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Shi Zhuyu (Edible Cornus Fruit)

Pungent, bitter, very hot in nature, non-toxic. Its functions are the same as those of Wuzhuyu (Euodiae Fructus), though slightly inferior. It is excellent for treating Shuiqi (Water Qi disorder).
The commentary of *Tang Bencao* states: Those with thin skin and open capsules are Shi Zhuyu. Although named Shi Zhuyu, it should not be consumed in large quantities. Upon current examination, those with large granules that turn yellowish-black after long storage are indeed Shi Zhuyu. Those with tight, small granules that remain greenish after long storage are Wuzhuyu. Current examination of Chen Cangqi's *Bencao* states: Shi Zhuyu kills ghosts, evil spirits, and venomous insect toxins, promotes Yang, and relieves toothache caused by dental worms. (This entry was attached earlier in *Tang Bencao*). Ministers Yuxi et al. carefully note according to *Yaoxing Lun*: Shi Zhuyu fears Zhiyanshi (Fluorite). It treats Lengbi (Cold Bi syndrome), weakness of the waist and feet, stabbing pain throughout the body, Changfeng (Wind affecting the intestines), hemorrhoids, kills three types of intestinal parasites, and dispels deficiency-cold. Chen Cangqi states: The bark kills dental worms and stops pain. *Shennong Benjing* already records Wuzhuyu, describing it as having split capsules. Moreover, Zhuyu grows in both north and south, but the produce from Wu region is considered best, hence the name "Wu". Both can be used for food; if used for medicine, one should select the Wu variety. One could speak of the difference between Han and Wu regions, but how could one distinguish between edible and non-edible? Those with split capsules are sun-dried, while those without splits are shade-dried. *Shennong Benjing* states: Wuzhuyu is said to originate from Wanqu. Since Wanqu is not in the Wu region, people there simply use it as food. Su Gong repeated an entry.
*Tujing Bencao* states: Shi Zhuyu, previously unrecorded regarding its place of origin, is said to have functions identical to Wuzhuyu. Some say it is the type of Zhuyu with large granules that turn yellowish-black after long storage and is edible; it is now found in both north and south. The tree is very tall and robust, sometimes reaching a hundred chi. Branches and stems are yellowish-green with small white spots on them. Leaves resemble Sesamum indicum (Sesame); flowers are yellow. People in Shu call its fruit Aizi, likely referring to the character "Ju" mentioned in *Liji*. This is due to the phonetic corruption of "Ju" and "Ai". It is suitable for adding to soups and stews to impart a pungent aroma, but excessive consumption irritates the eyes and causes hair loss. It can be harvested at any time.
Dietary therapy: Warm in nature. Mainly treats cold qi pain in the heart and abdomen, Zhong'e (sudden illness due to evil miasma), eliminates cough and counterflow qi, removes cold from the zang-fu organs, warms the middle jiao, which is very effective. Also treats toothache; decoct with wine and hold in the mouth. Also treats killing ghost toxins, Zeifeng (thief wind/sudden wind strike), facial paralysis with inability to speak. Take one sheng of fruits, three sheng of high-quality Douchi (fermented soybeans), and five sheng of good wine, boil together four or five times. Cool and take half sheng, three to four times daily. Recovery occurs upon sweating. Also treats itching and pain of skin and flesh. Use two sheng of wine and one sheng of water, add half sheng of Zhuyu fruits, decoct to obtain three sheng, remove dregs, warm slightly, and wash the affected area; pain stops immediately. Also treats fish bones stuck in the abdomen causing stabbing pain. Decoct juice, take one cup; the bone will soften and pass. Also treats Hongjiaochongxin (Hongjiao/foot qi attacking the heart). Decoct with fresh ginger and drink. Also treats fish bones刺入 flesh that cannot be removed. Mash and apply externally; the bone will rot and come out. There is also a closed-type fruit named Ju Zi, which is inedible.
Powder, mixed with cold water. Divide into three doses. Recovery is immediate.