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[Pipal Leaf]
Bitter in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung Meridian. Primarily eliminates vomiting and harmonizes the Stomach, relieves thirst and stops coughing, descends Qi and clears phlegm. Brush off the yellow hairs on the leaf surface, then honey-fry for use.
The fruit of Pipal (Loquat) primarily moistens the Five Viscera, stops vomiting and relieves thirst.

Commentary: Pipal Leaf enters the Lung Meridian because its bitter taste can drain and descend Qi. If the yellow hairs are not removed, they may irritate the Lungs and cause persistent coughing. Excessive consumption of Pipal fruit can also induce fever and generate phlegm.

Lei Gong states: When harvesting, weigh the leaves. One tael of fresh leaves or three dried leaves weighing one tael indicates sufficient medicinal Qi and is usable. Wipe off the hairs thoroughly with coarse cloth, wash once with Licorice Decoction, then dry with cotton. For every one tael of leaf, fry with one fen of butter (Su), until the butter is fully absorbed.

[Pomegranate]
Sour and astringent in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Large Intestine and Kidney meridians. Primarily treats seminal emission, dysentery, wind-pain in sinews and bones, difficulty walking in feet and knees, cold tears from eyes, intestinal wind with bloody stool. Kills dental worms, dyes beard and hair. Its seed relieves thirst. The flower with hundred petals primarily clears Heart heat and treats hematemesis. Powdered and insufflated into the nose, it stops epistaxis and bleeding from traumatic wounds.

Commentary: Intestinal slippage leads to bloody dysentery; Kidney slippage leads to seminal leakage. "Liu" (Pomegranate) implies "staying," hence it enters these two meridians. However, if dysenteric accumulation has not been cleared, do not use this astringent herb first. Overconsumption can transform stagnation into phlegm in the diaphragm. The seed should not be eaten excessively as it damages the Lungs and harms teeth. The red color of the flower belongs to Fire, making it suitable for entering the Heart to treat blood disorders.

Lei Gong states: When using the bark, leaves, or roots, avoid contact with iron. When using pomegranate peel, regardless of whether it is fresh or dried, soak in grain water overnight. By morning, strain it out; the water will be black like ink. If using branches, roots, and leaves together, soak in grain water overnight before use.

[Hawthorn]
Sweet and sour in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen meridian. Primarily strengthens the Spleen, promotes digestion, dissipates nodulated Qi, moves stagnant Blood, and manages sores and ulcers.

Commentary: The sweet flavor of Hawthorn is suitable for the Spleen viscera. It resolves food stagnation without damaging righteous Qi, and moves Qi and Blood without causing excessive dispersion. In obstetrics, it is used to treat postpartum abdominal pain due to blood stasis (Zhen Tong). It is particularly important for pediatric cases.

[Pear]
Sweet in taste, cold in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Heart and Lung meridians. Primarily clears pathogenic heat in the Heart, relieves vexing heat in the Lungs, stops coughing and reduces phlegm, clears the throat and descends fire, relieves thirst and removes vexation, dispels wind and moistens dryness.

Commentary: Pear enters the Heart meridian, illustrating the principle of "draining with sweetness." Once the fire is cleared, the Metal (Lung) is not scorched, thus it also enters the Lung meridian. Its nature is cold and purgative; excessive consumption damages the Spleen. Danxi stated: "Li" (Pear) means "benefit/movement," referring to its smooth, descending action. It is contraindicated for nursing mothers and patients with traumatic wounds.