味苦，寒，无毒。主寒湿风痹，黄胆，补中。止血，内崩，下血，膀胱不足， 跌，蛊
毒。久服益精气轻身。可以
染绛。一名地血，一名茹 ，一名茅搜，一名 。生乔山川谷。二
畏鼠姑。 此则今染绛茜草也。东间诸处乃有而少，不如西多。今俗道经方不甚服用。
此当以其为疗少而丰贱故也。
《诗》云∶茹 在 者是。
味苦，平，无毒。主骨节热，胫重酸疼。头眩顶重，皮间邪风如蜂螫针刺，鱼子细起，
热疮
咳嗽，下乳汁。久服令人身轻，益气明目不老。可煮可干。一名漏芦，一名天荠，一名伏猪，
一
名飞轻，一名伏兔，一名飞雉，一名木禾。生河内川泽。正月采根，七月、八月采花，阴干。
得乌头良，恶麻黄。 处处有。极似苦 ，惟叶下附茎，轻有皮起似箭羽，叶又多刻缺，
花紫色。俗方殆无用，而
道家服其枝茎，可得长生，又入神枕方。今既
别有漏芦，则非此别名尔。
〔谨案〕此有两种∶一是陶证生平泽中者；其生山
岗上者，叶颇相似，而无疏缺，且多毛，茎亦无羽，根直下，更无旁枝。生则肉白皮黑，中
有黑脉；晒干则黑如玄参。用叶、茎及根，疗疳蚀杀虫，与平泽者俱有验。今俗以马蓟似苦
为漏芦，并非是也。
味酸，温、微寒，无毒。主痈疽，恶疮，结肉，跌筋，败疮，热气，阴蚀不瘳，利关节。
久服轻身益气。根，止泄利腹痛，五脏客热，除邪逆气，疽癞，诸恶疮，金疮伤挞，生肉复
肌。一名蔷薇，一名蔷麻，一名牛棘，一名牛勒，一名蔷蘼，一名山棘。生零陵川谷及蜀郡
。八月、九月采，阴干。
营实即是蔷薇子，以白花者为良。根亦可煮酿酒，茎、叶亦可煮作饮。
[Qian Gen (Rubia Root)]
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Primarily treats wind-bi syndrome caused by cold-dampness, jaundice, and tonifies the Middle Jiao (Spleen and Stomach). It stops bleeding and is used for internal hemorrhage, lower body bleeding, insufficiency of the Bladder (referring to impaired bladder qi transformation or incontinence), traumatic injuries, and gu poison. Long-term consumption benefits essence and qi, making the body light. It can be used to dye fabric red. Also known as Di Xue (Earth Blood), Ru Qian (Ru Qian), Mao Sou (Mao Sou), and [missing character]. Grows in valleys of Qiao Mountain. Antagonistic with Shu Gu (Paeonia lactiflora). This is the Rubia cordifolia currently used for red dyeing. It is present but scarce in eastern regions, unlike the abundance in western regions. Currently, secular physicians rarely use it in canonical formulas. This is likely because its therapeutic value is underappreciated and it is abundant and cheap. The Book of Songs states: "Ru Qian in the stream," referring to this plant.
[Fei Lian (Carduus crispus)]
Taste: Bitter. Nature: Neutral. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Primarily treats heat in bone joints, heaviness and soreness in the shins. Dizziness, heaviness at the vertex, pathogenic wind in the skin feeling like bee stings or needle pricks, fine bumps on the skin like fish roe, hot sores, cough, and promotes lactation. Long-term consumption makes the body light, benefits qi, brightens the eyes, and prevents aging. Can be boiled or dried. Also known as Lou Lu (Cirsium japonicum), Tian Qi (Heavenly Radish), Fu Zhu (Hidden Pig), Fei Qing (Flying Light), Fu Tu (Hidden Rabbit), Fei Zhi (Flying Pheasant), and Mu He (Wood Grain). Grows in rivers and marshes of Henei. Roots are harvested in the first lunar month; flowers in the seventh and eighth months; dried in shade. Compatible with Wu Tou (Aconitum carmichaelii); incompatible with Ma Huang (Ephedrae Herba). Found everywhere. Resembles Ku Cai (Sonchus oleraceus) closely, but leaves attach to the stem underside, surface slightly raised like arrow feathers, leaves have serrated edges, flowers are purple. Secular prescriptions rarely use it, while Daoists consume its branches and stems for longevity, and it is included in Shen Zhen Fang (Divine Pillow Formula). Since there is now a distinct herb named Lou Lu, this is not that alias.
[Note]: There are two types: one described by Tao Hongjing growing in flat marshes; the other grows on hills, leaves are somewhat similar but lack serrations, are hairy, stems lack feather-like projections, roots grow straight down without lateral branches. Fresh flesh is white with black skin and black veins inside; when dried, it turns black like Xu Shen (Scrophulariae Radix). Leaves, stems, and roots are used to treat gan erosion and kill parasites, showing efficacy comparable to those from flat marshes. Currently, people mistakenly identify Ma Ji (Cirsium setosum) resembling Ku Cai as Lou Lu, which is incorrect.
[Ying Shi (Rosa laevigata fruit)]
Taste: Sour. Nature: Warm, slightly Cold. Toxicity: Non-toxic. Indications: Primarily treats carbuncles, malignant sores, nodules, tendon injuries, necrotic sores, excess heat, chronic genital ulcers, and facilitates joint movement. Long-term consumption lightens the body and benefits qi. Roots stop diarrhea and abdominal pain, clear latent heat in the five zang organs, eliminate rebellious pathogenic qi, treat gangrenous leprosy and various malignant sores, heal metal wounds and beatings, and regenerate muscle tissue. Also known as Qiang Wei (Rose), Qiang Ma (Thorny Hemp), Niu Ji (Ox Thorn), Niu Le (Ox Restraint), Qiang Mi (Thorny Mist), and Shan Ji (Mountain Thistle). Grows in valleys of Lingling and Shu Commandery. Harvested in the eighth and ninth lunar months; dried in shade.
Ying Shi refers to the seeds/fruits of Rosa laevigata, with white-flowered varieties being superior. Roots can also be used to brew wine; stems and leaves can be boiled for tea.