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[Shangpin Category of the Classic of Materia Medica]
[Flavor and Property] Bitter, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats lower back pain, stiffness of the infant's back, carbuncles and sores, fills the skin and flesh, strengthens teeth and hair, promotes the growth of beard and eyebrows, and calms the fetus. Its fruits primarily brighten the eyes, lighten the body, and facilitate spiritual connection.
[Analysis] It is said: In coastal prefectures and overseas regions, where the climate is warm and humid, silkworms are not raised, and mulberry trees suffer no hardship from picking or pruning; thus, their Qi (vital energy) and intent are rich. Furthermore, birds consume banyan fruits, and their droppings fall on mulberry trees, allowing Taxus chinensis var. media (Sangsheng Jisheng, Mistletoe growing on Mulberry) to grow by riding this Qi. Its leaves are soft and dense like orange leaves, and its stems are thick and brittle like locust tree stems. In the third and fourth lunar months, it produces yellowish-white flowers; in the sixth and seventh lunar months, it bears yellow-green fruits. The fruits are as large as small beans, with thick, sticky juice. If the stem is broken for inspection, those with a deep yellow color are considered superior. Common people often substitute it with similar parasites growing on other trees, which not only differs in Qi and property but also causes harm. Processing method: The roots, stems, leaves, and branches are all finely chopped with a copper knife and dried in the shade; fire must be avoided. Mr. Miu Zhongchun stated: Since Sangsheng Jisheng grows parasitically by absorbing the essence and Qi of the mulberry tree, its therapeutic indications are fundamentally based on the mulberry, yet it extracts the finest essence, making its efficacy even greater than that of the mulberry itself.
[Commentary] Among trees, the banyan and mulberry are noted for their ease of growth. Even if the mulberry tree is bent, fallen, or hunched, it grows vigorously; the banyan tree sprouts robustly whether attached to soil, water, sand, or wood. More remarkably, birds eat banyan fruits and excrete them onto mulberry trees, leading to parasitic growth. Therefore, it treats things parasitic to the physical form, such as teeth, hair, beard, and eyebrows, as well as the fetus and carbuncles. By strengthening, promoting growth, stabilizing, and treating these, its unique efficacy stands out. As for treating lower back pain, relieving back stiffness, filling the skin and flesh, and brightening the eyes, lightening the body, and facilitating spiritual connection, these pertain to the separation within the physical form, which is relatively easy to address. My predecessor said: Since Sangsheng Jisheng grows halfway up the mulberry tree, resembling the image of the lumbar region, it is suitable for diseases of the lumbar organs. Also known as "Yumu" (Parasitic Wood), Yuwu implies that just as the Gallbladder (Dan) resides in the Liver (Gan), it should treat Gallbladder diseases. The fetus is also parasitic, as are hair, teeth, beard, and eyebrows. The fruit's ability to facilitate spiritual connection relates to the Hun (Ethereal Soul); regarding issues of decision-making, doubts are thereby resolved. It is also said: Human life is like a sojourn; here, there is a sojourn within a sojourn, taking that which sojourns to benefit this sojourning existence.
(These are categories of rapid and easy growth, finding a foothold and adapting accordingly. However, among trees, the banyan and mulberry are most notable for their ease of growth, truly achieving both aspects of this strategy.)