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Reed and Rush are originally the same plant. Those growing on dry land near water, which are smaller in size, are called "Lu" (Rush); those growing in deep water, which are larger in size, are called "Wei" (Reed). Because Lu grows on dry land, its color is dark green approaching black, hence the character "Lu" derives from "Lu" (meaning black); because Wei grows in water, its form is long and large with a majestic implication, hence the character "Wei" derives from "Wei". The *Weijing Decoction* from *Qianjin Fang*: Coicis Semen (Yiyiren) and Cucumis Melon Seeds (Gua Ban, i.e., sweet melon seeds) each half sheng, Persicae Semen (Taoren) fifty pieces, Weijeng (Reed Stem) cut into segments two sheng, boiled in two dou of water until five sheng remain, filter out the dregs and add the previous three medicines, boil until two sheng remain, take one sheng per dose; pus and blood should be expectorated. Commentators state that for this decoction, the stem is used rather than the root, but I disagree. The root lies at the bottom of the water, therefore its nature is cool and good at ascending. For treating Datushen (Big Head Plague, an acute infectious disease characterized by swelling and pain of the head and face), I often use it as a guiding herb (if Weigen is unavailable, He Ye/Lotus Leaf can substitute); if its ascending power can reach the brain, how much more so the lungs? Moreover, its cool nature clears Lung Heat, its hollow structure regulates Lung Qi, and its sweet taste with abundant juice nourishes Yin and moistens the Lung. Thus, using the root is clearly superior to using the stem. What is sold in pharmacies today as Lugen (Reed Root) is actually Weigen (Reed Root). Its ability to erupt measles and smallpox stems from its stimulating and dispersing nature; its ability to promote urination stems from its hollow structure and aquatic origin, allowing it to move water naturally; its ability to stop hematemesis (vomiting blood) and epistaxis (nosebleed) stems from its cool nature treating reckless bleeding due to Blood Heat, and since Blood belongs to Water (with most water content in blood), its ability to guide water downward naturally guides blood downward. Its nature is quite similar to Baomao Gen (Imperatae Rhizoma); whenever Baomao Gen is indicated but fresh material is unavailable, fresh Lugen can serve as a substitute.

Fresh Xiaojigen (Cirsii Japonici Radix): Taste slightly pungent, odor slightly fishy, nature cool and moistening. Because its fishy odor matches that of blood, and its nature is cool and moistening, it enters the Blood level effectively, excelling at clearing Heat in the Blood level. It is effective for hemoptysis, hematemesis, epistaxis, and lower orifice bleeding due to Heat, bringing immediate relief upon ingestion. It also treats Fei Lao (Pulmonary Tuberculosis); suitable for any stage, even when used alone. It treats all types of sores, ulcers, swelling, and pain, Hualiu Dulin (Venereal Disease-induced Urethritis), and painful bleeding from the lower orifices. This is because its nature not only cools the Blood and stops bleeding but also invigorates Blood and resolves toxicity, yielding these various effects. Its cool and moistening nature also nourishes Yin and Blood, treating Fever due to Blood Deficiency. For women with Chong Beng (Metrorrhagia/Menorrhagia) and red leukorrhea caused by Heat, it is also effective.

Note: Xiaoji grows everywhere. Common names include Ci'er Cai (Thistle Vegetable, original name Ciji/Qingqing Cai), Qiqi Cai in Shandong, and Qiandaocai (Spear-Knife Vegetable) in Fengtian (Liaoning), due to its many thorns resembling spears and knives. Leaves are about two cun long, less than one cun wide, with thorny edges and slight fuzz on the surface. Leaves grow on the stem. Stems are purple, about one chi high, bearing purple flowers at the tips. Petals resemble silk threads; flowers are coin-sized, round, like small pom-poms. Flowers and leaves resemble Honghua (Carthami Flos); tender shoots can be made into soup. Roots, stems, and leaves are all usable, but roots are particularly potent. Freshly harvested roots should be crushed to extract natural juice, taken with boiled water. If decocted, do not boil for too long to preserve freshness; boil for four or five boils, then strain and drink. Additionally, insects developing in the stem form galls resembling small dates; these have superior cooling-blood power. Taking ten to twenty fresh galls, crushing them, and taking with boiled water is especially effective for hematemesis and epistaxis due to Heat. Pharmacies sometimes mistake this for Daji (Cirsii Rhizoma et Radix), which is a significant error. When using, select tender, white ones growing in farmlands.

[Attached Case 1] A young man had previously contracted Hualiu Du (Venereal Toxin), cured by medication, but suffered from frequent coughing. All antitussive medications failed. Western medical examination of his blood revealed residual toxin invading the lungs, causing the cough. Consulting me, he was prescribed fresh Xiaojigen (approx. 1 liang), decocted in water. After twenty days of consumption, the cough resolved.

[Attached Case 2] Another young man experienced hematemesis annually, recurring three or four times, persisting for years without cure. Pulse diagnosis indicated Exuberant Blood Fire. He was instructed to consume fresh Xiaojigen (2 liang daily), decocted into several bowls, taken as tea. After continuous consumption for over twenty days, the condition was eradicated.