Library

[Fennel]
Taste: Acrid, Sweet. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Meridians Entered: Heart, Spleen, Bladder. Indications: All kinds of foul odors (e.g., halitosis), Kidney Deficiency Cold, elephantiasis and hernia with swelling and pain, and snake bites. Actions: Harmonizes the Stomach to stop vomiting, directs rebellious Qi downward to broaden the chest. Additionally, there is a variety called Small Fennel, which has a slightly thinner aroma, but is particularly effective in treating Cold Pain of the Bladder and Hernia Qi.
Commentary: Fennel has a rich aroma and belongs to Yang within Yang; therefore, it enters the Shaoyin and Taiyin meridians to regulate various deficiency-cold syndromes. Although its acrid-warm nature benefits the Spleen, it can also consume Qi. Nowadays, high-ranking officials often stir-fry or explode greasy foods with it, which is no different from fire; long-term consumption leads to disease, so this should be strictly avoided.

[Amomum Fruit / Sha Ren]
Taste: Acrid. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Meridians Entered: Spleen, Stomach, Lung, Large Intestine, Small Intestine, Bladder, Kidney. Indications: Deficiency-Cold diarrhea and dysentery, retention of undigested food, abdominal pain and heart pain, cough, abdominal fullness, Ben Tun Qi (running piglet qi), cholera with muscle cramps, dispels cold and drives out phlegm, calms the fetus and stops vomiting, directs Qi downward to resolve alcohol and food stagnation. Preparation: Stir-fry, remove husk, and grind for use.
Commentary: Amomum Fruit is an agent that promotes circulation and disperses stagnation; thus, it enters the meridians of the Spleen and Stomach. Its nature is warm without injuring heat, and it moves Qi without being overly harsh, making it a crucial herb for the Taiyin meridian.

[White Cardamom / Bai Dou Kou]
Taste: Acrid. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Meridians Entered: Lung, Spleen, Stomach. Indications: Resolves cold phlegm, directs stagnant Qi downward, reduces corneal opacity (cataracts/macular degeneration symptoms), stops vomiting, opens the appetite and promotes digestion, eliminates cold-type diarrhea and dysentery, and treats abdominal pain and heart pain. Preparation: Stir-fry, remove husk, and grind for use; those that are white and round are preferred.
Commentary: The acrid nature of White Cardamom suits the Lung, and its warm nature is favored by the Spleen and Stomach, hence it enters these meridians. Generally, acrid-dispersing agents cannot tonify; the claim that it tonifies the Yuan Qi of the Upper Jiao is likely unfounded. It is merely not overly harsh or draining. The common people, failing to investigate, believe in it, causing significant harm. It is highly effective for cold pathogens, but contraindicated for those with Fire in the Lung and Kidney or those who are deficient.

[Nutmeg / Rou Dou Kou]
Taste: Bitter, Acrid. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Meridians Entered: Lung, Stomach. Indications: Treats epigastric and abdominal distension and pain, sudden onset of cholera, weak and cold Spleen and Stomach, retention of undigested food, deficiency-cold diarrhea and dysentery, and infant regurgitation and diarrhea due to milk injury; it is a particularly important herb. Preparation: Roast while wrapped in glutinous rice flour; avoid contact with iron vessels.
Commentary: Nutmeg, also known as Rou Guo, has an acrid-warm nature. It is suitable for entering the Spleen and Stomach; however, if there is retained accumulation, it should not be used first.
Lei Gong stated: When using it, one must make glutinous rice into powder, mix with hot water to form a paste, wrap the Nutmeg in it, and roast it in sugar ash. Wait until the rice ball is scorched yellow and cooked through, then remove the rice. Use the seed inside, ensuring it does not touch iron.