味辛、甘,无毒。主温中下气,令妇人子藏热,男子阴强。久服好颜色,令人有子
名虺床,一名思益,一名绳毒,一名枣棘,一名墙蘼。生临淄。五月采实,阴干。(恶
巴豆、贝母。)
《本经》原文∶蛇床子,味苦,平。主妇人阴中肿痛,男子阴痿湿痒,除痹气,利关节,
癫痫恶疮。久服轻
味甘,无毒。主养肌,强阴,坚筋骨,主治茎中寒,精自出,溺有余沥,口苦,燥
寒血为积。一名菟缕,一名 蒙,一名玉女,一名赤网,一名菟累。生朝鲜田野,蔓延
之上。色黄而细为赤网,色浅而大为菟累。九月采实,曝干。(宜丸不宜煮,得酒良,
松脂为之使,恶 菌。)
《本经》原文∶菟丝子,味辛,平。主续绝伤,补不足,益气力,肥健。汁,去面 。
久服,明目轻身延年
无毒。主治心腹腰痛。一名大荠。生咸阳。四月、五月采,曝干。(得荆实、细
恶干姜、苦参。)
《本经》原文∶析 子,味辛,微温。主明目,目痛泪出,除痹,补五脏,益精光。久
服轻身不老。一名
味甘,微寒,无毒,主治血逆大热,头痛,心烦。一名贞蔚。生海滨。五月采。
《本经》原文∶充蔚子,味辛,微温。主明目,益精,除水气。久服轻身。茎,主瘾疹
痒,
无毒。主去皮肤中热气,散恶疮疝瘕,强阴。久服使人润泽。一名地麦。生荆州及田
八月、十月采实,阴干。
又,地肤子,捣绞取汁,主赤白痢;洗目去热暗,雀盲、涩痛。苗灰,主痢亦善。
[Shechuangzi (Cnidii Fructus)]
Taste: Acrid, Sweet. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Main actions: Warms the middle jiao and directs rebellious qi downward; induces warmth in the uterus of women and promotes erectile strength in men. Long-term use improves complexion and facilitates conception.
Synonyms: Hui Chuang, Si Yi, Sheng Du, Zao Ji, Qiang Mi. Habitat: Linzi. Harvest: Fruits collected in May, dried in shade. Contraindications: Avoid using with Badou (Crotonis Fructus) and Beimu (Fritillariae Bulbus).
*Shennong Bencao Jing* Original Text: Shechuangzi, Taste: Bitter, Nature: Neutral. Indications: Swelling and pain in the female genitalia, impotence and damp-itching in males; dispels Bi syndrome qi, benefits joints, treats epilepsy and malignant sores. Long-term use makes the body light...
[Tusizi (Cuscutae Semen)]
Taste: Sweet. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Main actions: Nourishes muscles, strengthens Yin, consolidates sinews and bones. Indications: Cold in the penis, spontaneous seminal emission, dribbling urine after micturition, bitter taste in the mouth, dryness, cold blood stasis forming masses. Synonyms: Tu Lv, [Missing Character] Meng, Yu Nu, Chi Wang, Tu Lei. Habitat: Fields in Korea, climbing vines. Varieties: Yellow and fine are called Chi Wang; pale and large are called Tu Lei. Harvest: Fruits collected in September, sun-dried. Preparation/Contraindications: Suitable for pills, not decoction; works well with wine; Pine resin (Songzhi) is its guiding herb; avoid with [Missing Character] Jun.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* Original Text: Tusizi, Taste: Acrid, Nature: Neutral. Indications: Repairs severe injuries, tonifies deficiency, boosts Qi and strength, promotes robustness. Juice removes facial spots. Long-term use brightens eyes, lightens the body, and prolongs life.
[Daqi / Xiluizi (Lepidii Semen / Descurainiae Semen)]
Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Pain in the heart, abdomen, and lower back. Synonym: Daqi. Habitat: Xianyang. Harvest: April and May, sun-dried. Interactions: Works well with Jingshi (Schizonepetae Spica) and Xixin (Asari Radix); avoid with Ganjiang (Zingiberis Rhizoma) and Kushen (Sophorae Flavescentis Radix).
*Shennong Bencao Jing* Original Text: Xiluizi, Taste: Acrid, Nature: Slightly Warm. Indications: Brightens eyes, relieves eye pain and tearing, dispels Bi syndrome, tonifies the Five Zang organs, enhances essence and vision. Long-term use makes the body light and prevents aging. Synonym...
[Chongweizi (Leonuri Fructus)]
Taste: Sweet, Slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Rebellious blood with excessive heat, headache, vexation. Synonym: Zhen Wei. Habitat: Seaside. Harvest: May.
*Shennong Bencao Jing* Original Text: Chongweizi, Taste: Acrid, Nature: Slightly Warm. Indications: Brightens eyes, benefits essence, dispels water retention. Long-term use makes the body light. The stem treats urticaria and itching.
[Difuzi (Kochiae Herba)]
Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Clears hot qi from the skin, dissipates malignant sores, hernia, and abdominal masses, strengthens Yin. Long-term use moisturizes the skin. Synonym: Dimai. Habitat: Jingzhou and fields. Harvest: Fruits collected in August and October, dried in shade.
Additional notes: Difuzi juice (extracted by crushing and squeezing) treats bloody and non-bloody dysentery; washing eyes with it clears heat-induced opacity, treats night blindness, and relieves astringency and pain. Ash from the herb is also effective for treating dysentery.