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*Benjing* (Shennong's Classic of Materia Medica) names it "Baizhi".
Bitter, neutral in nature with slight warmth, non-toxic. Soak in wine, stir-fry, and remove the hairs before use.
*Benjing* states it mainly treats stiffness of the waist and back, laxity and tension of the joints (Guanji), generalized Bi syndrome (pain and numbness caused by cold-dampness blocking collaterals), knee pain, and is particularly beneficial for the elderly.

[Invention] Gouji (Cibotii Rhizoma) is an essential herb for strengthening sinews and bones; hence *Benjing* records its treatment of stiffness of the waist and back, generalized Bi syndrome, and cold-dampness. Saying it is "particularly beneficial for the elderly" refers to its ability to tonify Kidney Qi thereby strengthening sinews and bones. Its nature, flavor, and morphology are similar to Bibi (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), and its functions are not far apart. Sibao Dan uses Jinmao Gouji (Cibotii Rhizoma with hairs removed), sealed with salt mud, calcined until red-hot, combined with Sumu (Sappan Lignum), Bibi (Dioscoreae Hypoglaucae Rhizoma), and Chuan Wutou (Aconiti Radix lateralis preparata used raw). These are ground into powder in equal parts, mixed with vinegar to form pills. Take 20 pills with warm wine or salted water to treat toxic wind causing softness of the legs and Kidney Qi deficiency in men and women. Additionally, decocting it as a wash is effective for post-illness foot swelling.

*Bielu* (Recorded Names of Famous Physicians) names it "Caochitou".
Bitter, slightly cold, toxic.
*Benjing* states it mainly treats evil heat and various toxins in the abdomen, and kills three types of parasites (San Chong).

[Invention] Guanzhong (Cyrtomii Rhizoma) is bitter and cold with a descending property, capable of repelling the abnormal qi of seasonal epidemics. During an epidemic outbreak, placing this herb in water and consuming it prevents infection. It can also detoxify and soften hardness, treating gynecological blood disorders. *Benjing* treats evil heat and various toxins in the abdomen because its nature specializes in dissipating accumulated nodules and toxins. Parasitic accumulation arises from damp-heat; since bitter-cold herbs can drain damp-heat, it also treats parasitic accumulation. Wang Haizang treated slow eruption of smallpox in summer using Kuai Ban San (Fast Rash Powder) combined with this herb. He stated that although Guanzhong is toxic, it can resolve abdominal evil heat and kill parasites, proving effective for diseases originating internally. Wang Qiu's *Baiyi Xuanfang* (Selected Prescriptions for One Hundred Concerns) records that someone choked on a fish bone while eating carp soup, and all medicines failed. Someone suggested drinking concentrated decoction of Guanzhong continuously, resulting in immediate expulsion after one cough. This shows its softening power applies not only to sores and blood disorders. Patients with deficiency-cold and no excess heat should not take it.

Pungent, sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic. Soak in wine, remove the heart, and bake before use. Those produced in Sichuan are superior.
*Benjing* states it mainly treats severe wind-pathogen (Da Feng Xieqi), impotence, strengthens sinews and bones, calms the five Zang organs, tonifies the Middle Jiao, enhances willpower, and benefits Qi.

[Invention] Bajitian (Morindae Officinalis Radix) does not wither in severe winter; it enters the Blood aspect of the Kidney meridian and the Chong Mai (Penetrating Vessel). Therefore, Zhu Shouzhen used it in Dihuang Yinzi (Rehmannia Decoction), which corresponds to *Benjing*'s statement on treating severe wind-pathogen. Because its nature tonifies Primordial Yang while dispersing pathogens, once the True Yuan is replenished, where can the pathogen remain? Thus, severe wind-pathogen can be cured. Treating impotence, strengthening sinews and bones, calming the five Zang organs, tonifying the Middle, enhancing willpower, and benefiting Qi works because the Spleen and Stomach meridians receive nourishment, and all deficiencies naturally heal. It also treats Hongxiangjiao (Hong Kong Foot / Tinea Pedis), nourishes the Blood Sea, and can be added for patients with deficiency-cold. A person suffering severely from Hongxiangjiao due to alcoholism was taught to stir-fry half liang of Bajitian with glutinous rice, remove the rice, mix with one liang of stir-fried Dahuang (Rhei Radix et Rhizoma) powder, form pills with mature honey, and take 70 pills with warm water. Abstinence from alcohol led to recovery. It is contraindicated for those with Yin deficiency and blazing Minister Fire.