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Vinegar: Sour in taste, warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Liver Meridian. It primarily treats epigastric qi stagnation and phlegm accumulation, zheng jia ji ju (masses and accumulations in the abdomen), postpartum blood fainting. It removes blood stasis and generates new blood. Combined with Hu Fen (Lead Carbonate), it stops epistaxis. Combined with Xiong Huang (Realgar), it treats bites from bees, scorpions, and snakes. Soaked in water, it can treat mouth ulcers. Ground with Nan Xing (Arisaema Cum Bile), it can be applied externally to tumors. Mixed with Fei Mian (Refined Flour), it is suitable for applying to carbuncles and swelling. Combined with Duan Shi (Calamine), it eliminates axillary odor. It is incompatible with Ge Rou (Clam Meat).
Commentary: The *Classic of Internal Medicine* states, "The East corresponds to Wood, and its taste is sour." Thus, vinegar correctly enters the Liver Meridian. It can damage tendons and teeth, so it should not be consumed in excess.

Malt Sugar: Sweet in taste, slightly warm in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Spleen Meridians. It primarily harmonizes the Spleen and moistens the Lungs, tonifies deficiency, relieves thirst, resolves phlegm, regulates cough, establishes the Middle Jiao, and consolidates sweat.
Commentary: The Lung prefers moisture, and the Spleen prefers sweetness; therefore, Malt Sugar is suitable for entering these two meridians. It is used in Jian Zhong Tang (Middle-Jiao Establishing Decoction) for its sweet and緩 (moderating/relaxing) properties. Zhu Danxi believed it could generate Stomach fire, which is the cause of dental damage. This mechanism is not "Earth controlling Water," but rather "Damp Earth generating Fire." It is not suitable for patients with middle-jiao fullness, vomiting, or damp-heat syndromes.

Sesame Seed: Sweet in taste, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Enters the Lung and Spleen Meridians. It primarily treats internal injury leading to emaciation, tonifies the five Zang organs, boosts qi and strength, moistens skin and flesh, fills the brain marrow, strengthens sinews and bones, treats metal wounds, alleviates pain, and eliminates sores. It also treats Shang Han (Cold Damage), Wen Nue (Warm Malaria), and the weakness and fatigue with deficient heat following severe vomiting. It promotes bowel movements and urination, facilitates childbirth, and expels the placenta. Long-term consumption clarifies hearing and vision, aids in Bigu (grain avoidance) for longevity. Preparation: Wash with water to remove floating impurities, steam with wine, sun-dry, remove the coarse outer husk, and retain the thin inner skin.
Commentary: Sesame seeds are moistening and sweet, making them attractive to the Spleen and Lung meridians. Immortal classics list it as an essential herb due to its superior ability to tonify deficiency. It is only suitable when there is fire in the Spleen or dry constipation in the Large Intestine; otherwise, there is a risk of diarrhea and dysentery.
Lei Gong said: Regarding the preparation of Sesame Seeds, those with four items, eight edges, pointed ends, and purple-black color, often called "Hu Ma," are mistaken. The true Ju Sheng (Sesame) has seven edges, is reddish in color, and tastes astringent and sour. Calling it "Wu You Ma" (Black Oil Sesame) and treating it as Ju Sheng is also a mistake. To process one jin (approx. 500g): First wash with water, discard floating parts, and retrieve sinking parts. Dry them. Mix with wine and steam from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Hai hour (9-11 PM). Take out, spread, and sun-dry. Pound in a mortar to remove one layer of coarse husk. Stir-fry together with Adzuki beans until the beans are cooked. Remove the beans. Use the sesame seeds, retaining the thin skin, as the efficacy lies in the shell.