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Rui Ren (Prunus japonica Seed): Sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Heart, Liver, and Spleen meridians. It primarily treats Qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation in the heart and abdomen, epistaxis (nosebleed), wind-induced swelling and ulceration of the upper and lower eyelids, heat obstruction and polyps on the left and right sides of the eyes. It clears fire, stops tearing, nourishes Yin to brighten the eyes. To use, break open the fruit to extract the kernel, remove the skin and tips, and grind for application.
Commentary: The Heart, Liver, and Spleen are all organs that store blood. Since Rui Ren enters these three meridians, eye diseases are often caused by blood disorders. By utilizing its sweet flavor to nourish blood and its warm nature to harmonize blood, swellings and other ailments will subside from this point onward.
Lei Gong states: When preparing Rui Ren, first soak it in hot water to remove the skin and tips, split it into two halves, and decoct it together with Mang Xiao (Mirabilite), Mutong (Akebia Caulis), and Gancao (Licorice Root) for one shi (two hours). Then strain, discard the other herbs, take the Rui Ren, grind it into a paste, and add it to prescriptions according to modifications. For every four liang of processed Rui Ren, use one liang of Mang Xiao, and seven liang each of Mutong and Gancao.

Nv Zhen Zi (Ligustrum Lucidum Fruit): Sweet and bitter in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Heart and Liver meridians. It primarily calms the five zang organs, nourishes the spirit, tonifies the Yin aspect, benefits middle Qi, darkens beard and hair, strengthens sinews and muscles, dispels wind-dampness, eliminates hundred diseases, and long-term consumption can prolong life. Harvest in winter, wash the skin and peel clean using a cloth bag, soak in wine overnight, dry in the sun, and use.
Commentary: Nv Zhen Zi's bitterness enters the Heart, and sweetness enters the Spleen. Its nature is mild and peaceful; it does not wither even after enduring winter, making it truly a superior formula for tonifying Yin. Immortal practitioners also require its consumption, yet nowadays few know how to use it properly, likely due to a lack of thorough investigation into its medicinal properties.

Wu Bei Zi (Galla Chinensis): Bitter and sour in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Large Intestine meridian. It primarily treats loose teeth, childhood malnutrition (gan syndrome), wind-pruritus, scabies, itching, intestinal wind, and five types of hemorrhoids, as well as gan sores on the face, nose, mouth, and ears of children. It brightens the eyes, generates fluids, stops diarrhea, and secures essence. Holding it in the mouth treats oral ulcers. It is good at resolving stubborn phlegm and resolving various heat toxins. Bai Yao Jian (Hundred Medicines Decoction) is made from Wu Bei Zi and primarily treats lung distension with wheezing and coughing. Holding it in the mouth to dissolve helps astringe and descend Lung Qi.
Commentary: The sour and bitter nature of Wu Bei Zi specifically astringes the Large Intestine, and its astringent action is very rapid. Therefore, it should not be included in prescriptions during the initial stage of diarrhea and dysentery.

Ya Zao (Gleditsia Sinensis Fruit): Pungent and salty in flavor, warm in nature, slightly toxic. Enters the Liver and Stomach meridians. It primarily treats wind-bi causing dead muscle tissue, head wind with tearing eyes, pathogenic factors from stroke, and parasites such as lao chong. It opens orifices, regulates carbuncles and sores, reduces distension and fullness, aids digestion of grains and food, removes cough, treats bone-steaming fever, and dispels scabies and tinea. Inserting it into the nasal cavity induces immediate sneezing; applying externally immediately relieves swelling and pain. Mixed with Sheng Fan (Raw Alum), it can induce vomiting of wind-phlegm; mixed with honey, it is named "Dao Jian". Soak in water overnight, remove the skin and strings, roast with su (rendered animal fat), then remove the core and yellow parts. Bai Shi (Platycladi Semen) serves as an assistant herb. It is incompatible with Mai Men Dong (Ophiopogon Tuber) and fears Kong Qing (Azurite), Ren Shen (Ginseng Root), Ku Shen (Sophora Root), and Zao Jiao Ci (Gleditsia Spine). It primarily treats leprosy-like conditions where the nasal bridge collapses and eyebrows/hair fall out. It also treats carbuncles and sores: when unruptured, it can disperse pathogens; when ruptured, it can guide pus-draining herbs directly to the abscess site to achieve success. Various malignant sores and tinea cannot do without it.
Commentary: The Liver is the organ of Wind-Wood, and the Stomach is the fu-organ of water and grain. Ya Zao is pungent and warm, possessing dispersing and moving properties, making it suitable for entering these two meridians. Excessive use consumes Qi and damages Blood. Its spines are sharp and hard, allowing them to penetrate anywhere in cases of sores and carbuncles. If used to treat leprosy-like conditions, nine cycles of steaming and drying are optimal.