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(Song Jia's Commentary)
The Bencao (Materia Medica) states that its leaves resemble those of the Narcissus flower; this is actually an error, misidentifying *Zephyranthes rosea* (Jindenghua) and *Allium macrostemon* (Laoyasuan) as Shan Cigu. Guibai is also known as Maimu Dougong; its flowers never see the sun, hence it is called Xiushan Cigu (Shy Mountain Cigu); its leaves never see the flowers—is this not being ungrateful to one's origins? Is it root or branch? Compassion and pity, temporarily showing consideration—what deep reflection, what compassionate heart! It is like saying that peeling off a person's face turns grace into resentment, and resentment into grace; the thick becomes thin, the thin becomes thick. Indeed, such things exist. If one truly has no conscience, one will still end up in disgrace.

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet and acrid, slightly warm, slightly toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats carbuncles, sores, scrofula, and tuberculous lymphadenitis; apply by grinding with vinegar and applying externally. Peels human facial skin, removes warts.

[Verification] It is stated: It grows in damp areas of mountains; only those from Suichang County, Chuzhou, are of good quality. Sprouts emerge in winter, with leaves resembling autumn foliage but slightly smaller. In the second lunar month, a single stem emerges, about one chi tall. Flowers appear at the stem tip, coming in white, yellow, and red varieties, with black spots interspersed on the petals. Numerous sepals cluster into blooms, resembling knotted velvet, very lovely. Fruits form in the third lunar month, with three angles. Roots are harvested in the fourth lunar month; they resemble Cigu (Sagittaria trifolia) but are smaller, and resemble small garlic but have hairs. If harvested too late, the sprouts rot and become hard to find. There is a variety with leaves resembling Plantago asiatica (Cheqiancao), while the stems, flowers, and fruits are identical. The *Youyang Zazu* states: "Flowers and leaves do not appear together," hence it is called Wuyi Cao (Unrighteous Grass). Nowadays, many people counterfeit it with the roots of *Zephyranthes rosea* and *Allium macrostemon*. However, this root is hairless and smooth, whereas Shan Cigu has hairy shells, which serves as a distinction. After harvesting, it is dried in the sun; during processing, the hairy shells are removed before use.

[Annotation] It is stated: Shan Cigu can peel human facial skin and dissolve warts. Its nature is strict, life-preserving, and majestic, yet why is it called "Ci" (Compassionate)? However, altering facial appearance for those suffering from carbuncles and scrofula—who may look repulsive and whose forms seem devoid of human vitality—is because compassion is hidden within, manifesting through form and color. Shan Cigu embodies compassion and temporary consideration, nurturing all things while storing yin energy. Since it desires for all beings to achieve their proper forms, does it begrudge the labor of peeling and dissolving? Also known as Wuyi Cao (Unrighteous Grass), borrowing from its "unrighteousness" to inspire my sorrow and pity. Song Yu's *Jiu Bian* says: "Vast and desolate, I wander without friends; melancholy, I pity myself alone. The swallows flutter away returning home; the cicadas are silent in loneliness."