味甘，温。主养精保血。大蓟主女子赤白沃，安胎，止吐血、衄鼻，令人肥健。五月采。
大蓟是虎蓟，小蓟得猫蓟，叶并多刺，相似。田野甚多，方药不复用，是贱之故。大蓟根甚
疗血，亦有毒。
〔谨案〕大、小蓟，叶欲相似，功力有殊，并无毒，亦非虎、猫蓟也。大蓟
生山谷，根疗痈肿；小蓟生平泽。俱能破血，小蓟不能消肿也。
味酸，无毒。主黄胆，心烦，咳逆，血气，暴热在肠胃，金疮内塞。久服补中益气，长
肌，好颜色。一名昔邪，一
名乌韭，一名垣嬴，一名天韭，一名鼠韭。生古垣墙阴或屋上。三月三日采，阴干。
方药不甚用，俗中少见有者。《离骚》亦有昔邪，或云即是天蒜尔。
〔谨案〕此即古
墙北阴青苔衣也，其生石上者
名昔邪，一名乌韭。江南少墙，陶故云少见。《本经》载之∶屋上者名屋游，在下品，形并
相似，为疗略同。《别录》云∶
主暴风口噤，金疮，酒渍服之效。
味苦，微温，无毒。主灸百病，可作煎，止下痢，吐血，下部KT 疮，妇人漏血，利
阴气，生
一名冰台，一名医草。生田野。三月三日采，曝干。作煎勿令见风。
捣叶以灸百病，亦止伤血。汁，又杀蛔虫。苦酒煎叶，疗癣甚良。
〔谨案〕《别录》云∶
艾
脓血痢，水煮及丸散任用。
Sweet in taste, warm in nature. Primarily nourishes essence (Jing) and preserves blood. Da Ji (Cirsium japonicum) is mainly used to treat leukorrhea (red and white vaginal discharge) in women, calms the fetus, stops hematemesis (vomiting blood) and epistaxis (nosebleed), and makes the person robust and healthy. Harvested in May.
Da Ji is Hu Ji (Tiger Thistle), Xiao Ji is Mao Ji (Cat Thistle); their leaves are both thorny and similar in appearance. They are abundant in fields, but no longer used in medical prescriptions due to their perceived low status. The root of Da Ji has significant effects on treating blood disorders but is also toxic.
[Verification] Da Ji and Xiao Ji have similar leaves but distinct efficacies; neither is toxic, nor are they Tiger or Cat Thistles. Da Ji grows in mountain valleys, and its root treats carbuncles and swellings; Xiao Ji grows in plains and marshes. Both can break up blood stasis, but Xiao Ji cannot reduce swelling.
Sour in taste, non-toxic. Primarily treats jaundice, restlessness, cough with qi rebellion, blood and qi disorders, sudden high heat in the stomach and intestines, and internal blockage from metal wounds. Long-term consumption tonifies the middle jiao and qi, promotes muscle growth, and improves complexion. Also known as Xi Xie, Wu Jiu, Yuan Lei, Tian Jiu, and Shu Jiu. Grows in the shade of ancient walls or on roofs. Harvested on the third day of the third lunar month, dried in the shade.
Not commonly used in prescriptions, and rarely seen among the common people. "Li Sao" also mentions Xi Xie, some say it is Tian Suan.
[Verification] This refers to the green moss growing on the north side of old walls; those growing on stones are named Xi Xie, also known as Wu Jiu. There are few walls in Jiangnan, so Tao Hongjing stated they were rarely seen. "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing" records: those growing on roofs are named Wu You, listed in the Lower Class; their shapes are similar, and their therapeutic effects are roughly the same. "Ming Yi Bie Lu" states: it treats sudden facial paralysis or lockjaw, metal wounds, and is effective when taken after soaking in wine.
Bitter in taste, slightly warm, non-toxic. Primarily used for moxibustion to treat various diseases, can be made into a decoction, stops dysentery, hematemesis, sores in the lower region (genital/anal area), uterine bleeding, benefits the yin qi, and is used raw. Also known as Bing Tai and Yi Cao. Grows in fields. Harvested on the third day of the third lunar month, sun-dried. When making decoctions, do not let the liquid be exposed to wind.
Crushed leaves are used for moxibustion to treat various diseases and can also stop traumatic bleeding. The juice kills roundworms. Leaves boiled in vinegar are very effective for treating tinea.
[Verification] "Ming Yi Bie Lu" states: Ai Ye (Artemisia argyi) treats purulent bloody dysentery; it can be used by boiling in water or making into pills and powders.