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Fengxiang (Liquidambar): Flavor is pungent and bitter, nature is neutral, non-toxic. Enters the Spleen and Liver meridians. Primarily expels evil qi, treats ulcer toxins, stops toothache, dissipates wind-qi, and cures dysentery. Most effective in stopping cholera-like symptoms and retreating urticaria (wind rash). Also known as Baijiao, also known as Yunxiang.
Commentary: The pungency of Fengxiang is suitable for dispersing into the Lung; the bitterness is suitable for drying the Spleen. If the regulation (Zhi Jie) is appropriate and the granary (Spleen/Stomach transport) functions correctly, why worry that evil qi and other syndromes will not heal?

Shujiao (Sichuan Pepper): Flavor is pungent, nature is hot and toxic. Enters the Lung and Spleen meridians. Primarily treats cold qi causing cough and rebellious qi, evil qi in the heart and abdomen, bi-syndrome due to wind-cold-dampness, zheng-jia and ji-ju (abdominal masses), cholera with muscle cramps, retained fluid and old food. Opens the cou-li (pores/skin texture), unblocks blood vessels, strengthens teeth and hair, harmonizes joints, can ward off epidemics, and can be used to wash away lac poisoning. Lightly stir-fried to induce sweating. Use after removing yellow chaff.
Commentary: The pungency of Shujiao is suitable for the Lung, and its heat is suitable for the Spleen, hence it enters these two meridians. When the syndrome belongs to cold coagulation, it is indeed a crucial agent. However, it is too dispersing; excessive use causes qi deficiency. Moreover, if the patient has fever and closed mouth, it can be fatal; caution is essential.
Lei Gong said: It is also called Nanjiao. In processing, one must remove the seed eyes (mu) and those with closed shells. The pepper seeds should first be mixed with wine until moist, steamed, and cooled from Si hour to Wu hour. Another method involves lightly stir-frying until "sweating," pounding in a vessel, taking the red skin, removing the yellow chaff, and storing tightly for use.

Shengjiang (Fresh Ginger): Flavor is pungent, nature is warm, non-toxic. Enters the Lung, Heart, Spleen, and Stomach meridians. Primarily promotes clarity of the spirit, removes foul odors, disperses wind-cold, stops vomiting, eliminates diarrhea, dissipates stagnation, unblocks the Spleen and Stomach, treats phlegm-cough, and moderates the toxicity of Banxia (Pinellia Rhizome). When combining herbs, peel it if heat is desired, keep the peel if coolness is desired; it is incompatible with Huangqin (Scutellaria Root).
Commentary: The pungency of Shengjiang enters the Lung. When the Lung receives its controlling influence, qi flows freely and smoothly, governing the spirit. Thus, it promotes clarity of the spirit. When the spirit is clear, the qi of the whole body serves the individual, gaining dominance. When the qi of the whole body dominates, the primordial qi of the Middle Jiao stabilizes, and the Spleen and Stomach's functions of reception and excretion proceed normally, leaving no room for evil qi; thus, it removes foul odors. The classics state: "Do not eat ginger in autumn," because dry metal governs the season, and the heavenly way gathers and stores. Ginger is pungent and good at dispersing Lung qi. Humans are modeled on heaven and earth; none who violate the harmony of heaven and earth still receive benefit. The proverb says, "Do not eat ginger at night," because night qi gathers while ginger's nature disperses. However, when treating disease, one should not be dogmatic; it should be used commonly but not excessively.