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(Song Kai Bao Ben Cao)
[Flavor and Properties] Acrid, warm, toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats cold qi in the heart and abdomen, wind-cold-induced spasms and bi-syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome) in the waist and legs resulting in inability to walk, deficiency exhaustion in men, urinary incontinence and infertility in the elderly, and benefits the Dao of Yang. Long-term consumption enhances spiritual clarity and memory, assists the sinews and bones, nourishes the skin and flesh, increases spirit, and makes the ears and eyes acute.
[Verification] It is stated: Xianmao grows in the Western Regions, as well as in Dayu Ridge, Sichuan-Shu, and Liangzhe regions. The leaves are green like those of Imperata cylindrica (Mao grass) but softer, slightly wider than Mao grass, with longitudinal veins on the surface, resembling young palm shoots. In summer, it sends up stiff stems; by autumn, it grows about one chi tall; it withers completely by Winter Solstice and sprouts anew in early spring. It flowers in the third and fourth lunar months with deep yellow petals similar to Gardenia jasminoides (Zhizi), but does not produce fruit. The root stands alone, straight, and is as thick as a little finger, with short, fine fleshy roots attached below. The outer bark is slightly coarse and brownish, while the inner flesh is only yellowish-white. Roots are harvested in the second and eighth lunar months and dried in the sun. Xianmao from Hengshan has emerald-green flowers and produces black seeds; there are also varieties with white flowers resembling Zhizi. Processing method: Wash and scrape off the skin using water flowing from east to west. Cut into bean-sized pieces using a copper knife on a locust wood (Huai) cutting board. Soak overnight in water infused with black soybeans (Wu Da Dou). Mix with pure wine, steam from Si hour (9-11 AM) to Hai hour (9-11 PM), then dry in the sun. Do not come into contact with iron or cow's milk, as this may cause skin spots or induce illness.
[Commentary] It is stated: Xianmao is a Yang herb, primarily governing the Foot Jueyin Liver Meridian, and is a Qi-transforming agent for the Foot Yangming Stomach Meridian. Above the Yangming, Dryness Qi governs; within the Jueyin, Ministerial Fire manages. If the exterior aspect of the Yangming is deficient, and the interior aspect of the Jueyin is lost/disordered, then the Zongjin (tendons gathering at the genitals) will become flaccid, leading to spasms, bi-syndrome, inability to walk, cold qi in the heart and abdomen, wind-cold in the waist and legs, deficiency exhaustion in men, and urinary incontinence with infertility in the elderly. Xianmao mainly benefits the Dao of Yang, moistens the Zongjin, penetrates the bones, and facilitates joint movement, exerting its force easily. For individuals with balanced Yin and stable Yang, long-term consumption assists the sinews and bones, nourishes the skin and flesh, increases spirit, makes the ears and eyes acute, enhances spiritual clarity and memory. It is indeed an essential item for preserving the form and prolonging vision/lifespan. However, for those with blazing vigorous fire (Zhuang Huo) consuming healthy Qi, it is unsuitable. Its efficacy is comparable to Xionghuang (Realgar) and Fuzi (Prepared Aconite Root), but while Realgar and Aconite only revive the primal Qi from the depths of Yin, this herb tends more towards promoting excessive indulgence/dissipation.