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(Gourds are used as accompaniments to vegetables; therefore, they are listed after the vegetable section.)
[All Gourds]
Any gourd that tastes bitter, or those with double apices and double pedicels, are toxic and should not be eaten.
[Donggua (Winter Melon)]
It can only be consumed after the Frost Descent solar term. Eating it early damages the Stomach Qi and causes illness. It is also contraindicated for individuals with Yin deficiency. Donghua promotes diuresis. Excessive consumption agitates Stomach Fire, leading to gingival swelling and toothache. Furthermore, it may cause dampness in the genital area, resulting in itching and sores, yellowing of the complexion, and jaundice.
[Cai Gua (Chinese Cucumber)]
Frequent consumption agitates internal Qi and induces sores, leading to zheng jia (abdominal masses) below the umbilicus. It must not be consumed together with dairy products, cheese, or fish, as this causes epigastric pain. It also dulls vision and hearing. It should not be given to children.
[Huang Gua (Cucumber)]
Excessive consumption triggers alternating chills and fever, inducing malaria and various other diseases. It must not be eaten with vinegar, and children should strictly avoid it. It has a slippery nature that affects the intestines and generates gan worms (parasitic infections in children).
[Xiang Gua (Muskmelon)]
It damages the Stomach and harms the abdomen. Excessive consumption causes diarrhea.
[Sigua (Luffa)]
Its nature is cold and damages Yang Qi. For children suffering from smallpox, whether the lesions have just appeared or are yet to emerge, take approximately three cun near the pedicel, including the pedicel itself, burn it to ash while preserving its medicinal properties, and administer mixed with rock sugar. The dosage can be higher for severe cases and omitted for mild ones.
[Xigua (Watermelon)]
It clears summer-heat and resolves stagnation. However, excessive consumption damages the Spleen and Stomach, leading to diarrhea and dysentery.

(Fruits nourish Yin. Raw fruits promote damp-heat, and children should especially avoid eating them in excess.)
[All Fruits]
When consuming any fruit that appears abnormal, there is likely a snake beneath its roots; do not eat such fruits. If a fruit floats in water, it indicates toxicity; if it does not float, it may be fatal.
[Lian Zi (Lotus Seed)]
Raw lotus seeds agitate Qi, cause abdominal distension, and damage the Spleen and Stomach. Cooked lotus seeds are superior. The heart (embryo) should be removed. They treat seminal emission and tonify the Spleen. Long-term consumption makes the body light and delays aging. Contraindicated with Dihuang (Rehmanniae Radix) and Da Suan (Garlic). Jian Lian (lotus seeds from Fujian) has stronger efficacy.
Ou (Lotus Root)
Consumed raw, it clears heat, invigorates blood, relieves irritability and thirst, and detoxifies alcohol. Consumed cooked, it tonifies the Five Viscera and secures the Lower Jiao. Eaten with honey, it causes abdominal fullness and prevents parasitic worms. Long-term use makes the body light and delays aging. Decoction of Ou Jie (Lotus Root Node) in concentrated soup is most effective for dispersing blood stasis; patients with hematemesis and consumptive disease should consume it frequently.
Zao (Jujube)
Eaten raw, it damages the Spleen, causes diarrhea, induces chills/fever and abdominal distension, and causes loose stools that are hard to digest. Emaciated individuals should particularly avoid it. Cooked, it tonifies the Spleen and harmonizes other herbs. Individuals with middle-fullness, abdominal distension, or toothache must not eat it. Children eating too many develop gan syndrome. Contraindicated with Cong Bai (Scallion White).
Mei Zi (Plum)
Stops thirst and generates fluids. Excessive consumption damages teeth and sinews, causing chills and fever above the diaphragm. Individuals taking Dihuang must not eat it. Wu Mei (Smoked Plum) calms roundworms, stops dysentery, and reduces swelling. Do not eat in excess.
Ying Tao (Cherry)
Excessive consumption induces an-feng (latent wind disorders) and damages sinews and bones. Children eating too many generate internal heat.
Ju (Tangerine/Orange - Sweet)
Sweet varieties moisten the Lungs; sour varieties accumulate phlegm. Excessive consumption depletes Zheng Qi (Upright Qi).
Gan (Mandarin Orange)
Excessive consumption makes the Spleen cold, induces chronic diseases, and causes large intestine diarrhea.
Cheng Pi (Poncirus Peel)
Excessive consumption damages the Liver. Consumed with Bing Lang (Areca Seed), it causes dizziness and nausea.
Tao (Peach)
Damages the Stomach. Excessive consumption generates internal heat. Tao Ren (Peach Kernel) invigorates blood and moistens the large intestine. Peaches with two kernels are toxic and must not be eaten together. Individuals taking Zhu Shu (Atractylodis Rhizoma) must not eat peaches.
Li (Plum)
Induces malaria. Excessive consumption causes deficient heat. Eaten with honey, it damages the Five Viscera. Do not eat by the water, nor eat Li Rou (plum flesh) with Sparrow meat, as both harm the body. Plums that do not sink in water are highly toxic and inedible.
Xing (Apricot)
Excessive consumption damages sinews and bones, leading to blindness. Xing Ren (Apricot Kernel) drains Lung Fire, resolves phlegm, directs Qi downward, and stops coughing. Long-term use damages hair and eyebrows and aggravates old diseases. Apricots with two kernels are fatal.
Pi Pa (Loquat)
Excessive consumption generates phlegm-heat. Must not be eaten with roasted meat or noodles, as this causes jaundice.
Li (Pear)
Benefits teeth but damages the Spleen. Treats Upper Jiao heat, revives consciousness from drunkenness, and resolves phlegm. Patients and weak individuals who eat too much suffer from diarrhea and edema. Pears with small cores, fine flesh, no residue when chewed, and pure sweet taste are best.
Shi Liu (Pomegranate)
Generates fluids and relieves throat heat. Excessive consumption damages the Lungs and teeth.
Li (Chestnut)
Raw chestnuts are hard to digest; cooked ones stagnate Qi. Roasting in ashes until sweating removes their damp-cold nature. Drying or frying allows for slightly larger quantities. Individuals with Qi stagnation and wind disorders, as well as children, should avoid excessive consumption.
Shi (Persimmon)
Dried persimmon cakes are cold; raw persimmons are extremely cold. They only treat Lung heat and relieve thirst. Excessive consumption causes abdominal pain; long-term consumption causes Cold in the Middle Jiao. Eating with crab immediately causes abdominal pain and diarrhea.
Bai Guo (Ginkgo Nut)
Triggers gan syndrome and detoxifies alcohol. Children under fifteen years old who consume it may experience convulsions and seizures.
He Tao Ren (Walnut Kernel)
Also known as Hu Tao. Tonifies the Kidney and promotes urination. However, it may stir Wind and generate Phlegm. Long-term consumption leads to eyebrow loss. Consumed with alcohol or meat, it causes hemoptysis. It heals cracked teeth or teeth damaged by acidic foods.
Song Zi (Pine Nut)
Moistens dryness, brightens eyes, but generates phlegm. Long-term consumption makes the body light and prevents aging.
Yuan Yan (Longan)
Calms the Spirit and tonifies Blood. Long-term consumption makes the body light and prevents aging. Soaked in wine with Dang Gui (Angelica Sinensis) to nourish Blood.
Li Zi (Lychee)
Enhances mental clarity and Qi, beautifies complexion. Excessive consumption induces deficient heat.
Fei Zi (Torreya Seed)
Promotes digestion of grains, supports sinews and bones, kills parasites, treats sores, moistens the Lungs, and stops coughing.
Zhen Zi (Hazel Nut)
Boosts physical strength, relaxes the stomach and intestines, and improves mobility.
Bi Qi (Water Chestnut)
Resolves food stagnation and distension. Made into powder for consumption, it thickens the stomach and intestines. Its nature corrodes copper; do not eat in excess.
Ling (Water Caltrop)
Excessive consumption cools the viscera and damages the Spleen.
Shan Yao (Chinese Yam)
Cool in nature and tonifies the Lungs. Long-term consumption strengthens Yin, improves hearing and vision, and prolongs life.