味苦，寒，无毒。主消渴身热，烦满大热，补虚安中，续绝伤。除肠胃中痼热，八疸身
面黄，唇干口燥，短气，通
月水，止小便利。一名地蒌，一名果裸，一名天瓜，一名泽姑。实，名黄瓜，主胸痹，悦泽
人面。茎叶，疗中热伤暑。
生弘农川谷及山阴地。入土深者良。生卤地者有毒。二月、八月采根曝干，三十日成。
枸杞为之使，恶干姜，畏牛膝、干漆，反乌头。 出近道，藤生，状如土瓜，而叶有叉。
《毛诗》云∶果裸之实，亦
施于宇。其实今以杂作手膏，用根，入土六、七尺，大二、三围者，服食亦用之。
〔谨案〕
今用根作粉，大宜服石，
虚热人食之。作粉如作葛粉法，洁白美好。今出陕州者，白实最佳。
味苦、咸、微寒，无毒。主腹中寒热积聚，女子产乳余疾，补肾气，令人目明。疗暴中
风伤寒，身热支满，狂邪忽
忽不知人，温疟洒洒，血瘕，下寒血，除胸中气，下水，止烦渴，散
坚症，定五脏。久服补虚，
明目，强阴，益精。一名重台，一名玄台，一名鹿肠，一名正马，一名咸，一名端。生河间
川谷及宛朐。三月、四月采
根，曝干。
恶黄 、干姜、大枣、山茱萸，反藜芦。 今出近道，处处有。茎似人参而长大。根甚
黑，亦微香，道家时用，亦
以合香。
〔谨案〕玄参根苗并臭，茎亦不似人参。陶云道家亦以合香，未见其理也。
[Xuan Shen]
Taste: bitter. Nature: cold. Toxicity: non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats heat in the body caused by Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting Syndrome, characterized by polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and emaciation), irritability and fullness with severe heat, tonifies deficiency, calms the Middle Jiao, and repairs severed injuries. Clears stubborn heat in the stomach and intestines; treats the yellow discoloration of the body and face caused by the Eight Jaundices (including Huang Dan, Gu Dan, Jiu Dan, Nu Lao Dan, Hei Dan, Feng Dan, Shui Dan, and Zao Dan); dry lips and mouth, shortness of breath; regulates menstruation; stops excessive urination. Also known as Di Lou, Guo Luo, Tian Gua, and Ze Gu. When the fruit is mature, it is called Huang Gua; it mainly treats Xiong Bi (chest bi-syndrome, characterized by chest tightness, pain, and dyspnea) and enhances facial luster. The stems and leaves treat heat injury from summerheat. Habitat: Grows in valleys and shady slopes of Hongnong Commandery. Roots penetrating deep into the soil are superior. Those growing in saline-alkali land are toxic. Harvest time: Roots are collected in the second and eighth lunar months and sun-dried for thirty days to complete processing. Interactions: Gouqi acts as an assistant; incompatible with Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger); adverse reaction with Niu Xi (Achyranthes Root) and Gan Qi (Dried Lacquer); contrary to Wu Tou (Aconite Root). Description: Found near roadsides; vine-like growth; resembles Tu Gua (Trichosanthes cucumerina) but with forked leaves. "Mao Shi" states: 'The fruit of Guo Luo spreads over the eaves.' Current usage: Mixed to make hand ointment; the root is used, penetrating six or seven chi deep, with a diameter of two or three wei; also used for consumption. [Commentary]: Currently, the root is processed into powder, which is highly suitable for individuals taking mineral drugs (Shi Yao), especially those with deficiency-heat. The method of making powder is similar to that of Ge Fen (Kudzu Root Powder), resulting in a white and fine product. The best quality comes from Shan Zhou, characterized by whiteness and solidity.
[Xuan Shen]
Taste: bitter, salty. Nature: slightly cold. Toxicity: non-toxic. Indications: Mainly treats cold and heat accumulations in the abdomen; residual diseases after childbirth in women; tonifies Kidney Qi; improves vision. Treats sudden onset of Zhong Feng (Wind Stroke) and Shang Han (Cold Damage) with body heat and distending fullness; mania, confusion, and loss of consciousness; Chino Malaria (Warm Malaria) with shivering; Xue Xia (blood masses); expels lower cold blood; resolves Qi stagnation in the chest; promotes diuresis; stops irritability and thirst; dissipates hard masses; stabilizes the Five Viscera. Long-term use tonifies deficiency, brightens the eyes, strengthens Yin, and benefits Jing (Essence). Also known as Chong Tai, Xuan Tai, Lu Chang, Zheng Ma, Xian, and Duan. Habitat: Grows in valleys of Hejian Commandery and Wan Qu. Harvest time: Roots are collected in the third and fourth lunar months and sun-dried. Interactions: Incompatible with Huang Qin (Scutellaria Root), Gan Jiang (Dried Ginger), Da Zao (Jujube Fruit), and Shan Zhu Yu (Cornus Fruit); contrary to Li Lu (Veratrum Root). Description: Found near roadsides, ubiquitous. Stems resemble Ginseng but are larger and longer. Roots are very black and slightly fragrant; used by Daoists for incense blending. [Commentary]: Xuan Shen's roots and shoots have a foul odor, and its stems do not resemble Ginseng. Tao Hongjing stated that Daoists use it for incense blending, but I do not see the rationale behind this.