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[Prunus japonica Seed (Yuli Ren)]
Taste: Sour. Nature: Neutral. Non-toxic. Meridian Tropism: Large Intestine Channel. Indications: Mainly treats edema of the four limbs, stagnation of Qi in the intestines, Guan Ge syndrome (a critical condition characterized by obstruction of both urination and defecation), urgency and pain in the bladder. It moistens the intestines to promote bowel movement, breaks up blood stasis, promotes diuresis to direct water downward, directs rebellious Qi downward, aids digestion, relieves fullness, and harmonizes the middle Jiao. Contraindications: Avoid consuming with wheat products and meat from cattle, horses, or donkeys.
Commentary: Prunus japonica Seed is Yin in nature and its action is primarily descending; therefore, it enters the Large Intestine channel exclusively. However, its purgative and draining action is too strong and can disperse the True Qi of the five Zang organs; thus, it should not be used in excess by patients with deficiency.

[Archidendron Biglandulosum Fruit (Wuyi)]
Taste: Pungent. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Meridian Tropism: Lung and Spleen Channels. Indications: Mainly treats pathogenic factors within the five Zang organs, intestinal wind with hemorrhoids and fistulas, scabies, tinea, and wind-heat conditions, wind-dampness bi-syndrome between the skin and bone joints. It dispels cold qi, transforms retained food, eliminates childhood malnutrition syndromes (Gan accumulation), and kills various parasites. Preparation: Remove the husk, stir-fry with flour until yellow before use.
Commentary: The pungency of Archidendron Biglandulosum Fruit suits the Lung, and its warmth suits the Spleen; hence, it enters both channels. For cases where wind-cold-dampness encumbers the Spleen or there is cold slipperiness of the Large Intestine, this herb is a crucial agent. Since both Qi stagnation and food retention are caused by cold leading to stagnation, and all parasites are generated by dampness, obtaining Archidendron Biglandulosum Fruit to warm and dry the pathogen ensures that if the condition still does not resolve, such a case has never existed.

[Acanthopanax Senticosus Bark (Wujia Pi)]
Taste: Pungent and Bitter. Nature: Warm. Non-toxic. Meridian Tropism: Lung and Kidney Channels. Indications: Mainly treats pain in the heart, abdomen, waist, and knees; hernia; chronic joint stiffness and spasms; blood stasis under the skin; impotence and dampness of the scrotum; weakness of the lower limbs in children; itching and erosion of the female external genitalia; tonifies labor injuries; strengthens joints and bones; benefits willpower and Qi; replenishes essence and marrow; long-term use extends longevity. Herb Compatibility: Use Polygala Root (Yuanzhi) as a guiding herb; adverse reaction with Snake Skin and Scrophularia Root (Xuanshen).
Commentary: Acanthopanax Senticosus Bark's pungency can drain Lung Qi, and its bitterness can strengthen Kidney Qi; it is suitable for inclusion in treatments targeting these two channels. How could conditions such as those in the heart and abdomen, which are manifestations of these two channels, remain untreatable? The ancients' claims regarding life extension are evidenced by this.
Lei Gong stated: Regarding current Acanthopanax Senticosus Bark, the tree trunk is originally white. In autumn, the leaves resemble cattail leaves. Flowers with three leaflets are male, and flowers with five leaflets are female. Peel the bark... [Text cuts off here]

[Celtis Sinensis Fruit (Chushi)]
Taste: Sweet. Nature: Neutral. Non-toxic. Meridian Tropism: Kidney Channel. Indications: Mainly tonifies deficiency and fatigue, strengthens yang and treats impotence, assists the waist and knees, reduces edema, strengthens sinews and bones, boosts Qi and strength, plumps the skin, beautifies complexion, and clarifies the eyes and ears. Long-term use promotes longevity. Preparation: Soak in wine overnight, then steam. Tree sap: Apply topically for tinea and scorpion stings. Bark: Promotes diuresis and water metabolism. Leaves: Treat fever in children; decoct for washing severe sores to promote muscle growth. Stem: Treats urticaria with itching; boil alone for bathing.
Commentary: Celtis Sinensis Fruit has a turbid Yin nature that descends, making it suitable for entering the Shaoyin (Kidney) channel. Its tonifying effects are recorded in various texts. However, *Xiuzhen Mizhi* states that those who consume Celtis Sinensis Fruit often develop soft-bone disease; this is not an unfounded claim, but it is difficult to explain. It is recorded here for future scholars to investigate.
Lei Gong stated: When using Celtis Sinensis Fruit, after harvesting, soak it in water for three days. Stir vigorously; discard any material floating on the surface. Then sun-dry it. Subsequently, soak it in wine for one shichen (12 hours), steam it from Si hour (09:00-11:00) to Hai hour (21:00-23:00), and bake until dry before use.