Library

Ma Tang (Setaria viridis): Sweet in flavor, cold in nature. Primarily regulates the middle jiao (digestive system) and clarifies the eyes and ears. Also known as Yang Ma, also known as Yang Su. Grows in damp, low-lying areas; the stem has nodes, from which roots emerge, displaying five colors.

Di Huang (Rehmannia glutinosa): Sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Mainly treats dizziness and headache, tonifies qi, and promotes muscle growth. Also known as Di Huang. Harvested in March; the plant dies after Start of Summer.

Xing Luo / Ni Luo: Sweet in flavor, non-toxic. Mainly treats strangury (difficulty in urination). Also known as Xing Luo, also known as Ni Luo.

Qu Mu / Geng Sheng: Salty in flavor. Primarily tonifies qi and brightens the eyes. Also known as Qu Mu, also known as Geng Sheng. Grows among indigo plants; leaves are slender and yellow, stems are red with thorns. Bears fruit in April, yellow with black centers; harvested in May, dried in shade.

Yin Luo: Sweet in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Primarily brightens the eyes, treats wind-cold affecting the eyes, addresses various deficiencies, resolves abdominal fluid retention and pathogenic factors, tonifies the middle jiao, stops diarrhea and dysentery, and treats leukorrhea in women. Also known as Yin Luo. Grows on Ji Mountain; harvest time is unrestricted.

Wu Kui: Bitter in flavor. Mainly treats impotence. Also known as Wu Kui, smells like orchid, stems are red. Grows on the sunny side of mountains; harvested on the 15th day of the fifth lunar month, dried in shade.

Du Shou: Can stand guard alone; by shouting and cursing, it prevents thieves from entering. Grows north of Changshan; harvested in August.

Longxi Variety: Non-toxic. Mainly treats bi syndrome (painful obstruction), tonifies qi, and increases appetite. Grows in Longxi.

Shan Ze Variety: Sweet in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Primarily tonifies qi and treats impotence. Grows in mountainous and marshy areas; resembles an orchid in shape, fruits resemble soybeans, reddish in color.

Shan Yin Variety: Pungent in flavor, warm in nature, non-toxic. Mainly treats cough with rebellious qi and lung injury. Grows on the shady side of mountains; roots resemble Xin Xin (Asari Radix et Rhizoma).

Li Mu Variety: Sweet in flavor, non-toxic. Mainly treats flaccidity and bi syndrome, alternating chills and fever, and removes black spots. Grows on fence trees; leaves resemble Kai Cai (Chinese Cabbage), stems have angular edges, juice is white.

Hei Cao: Sweet in flavor, non-toxic. Mainly treats blood stasis, secures essence, and dissipates excessive qi. Also known as Hei Cao. Grows in valleys; resembles Gua Lou (Trichosanthes Fruit).

Lu Ying: Pungent in flavor, neutral in nature, non-toxic. Mainly treats bi qi (pathogenic qi causing obstruction), strengthens yin, treats facial sores due to overwork, relieves vexation, strengthens bones and tendons, and treats head wind. Can be used as a hair-washing medicine, growing on climbing vines. Also known as Lu Ying. Harvested in September, dried in shade.

Heart Qi Deficiency Variety: Salty in flavor, non-toxic. Primarily regulates insufficient heart qi.

[Appendix]

Qin Hua: Bitter in flavor, non-toxic. Mainly treats overflowing qi and vessels. Some say it refers to Celery flowers.

Jian Gu Jin Variety: Sweet in flavor, non-toxic. Mainly treats rebellious qi, relieves vexation, and strengthens bones and tendons.