（本经上品）
【气味】苦，微温，无毒。
【主治】主伤寒，补不足，金疮痈伤，折跌，续筋骨，妇人乳难。久服益气力。
【核】曰∶川蜀江南皆有，出川蜀者最良。苏恭曰∶所在山谷有之，俗用方茎，叶似苎，
根似大蓟，色黄白者。苏颂曰∶三月生苗，干有四棱，叶似苎，两两对生；四月开花，红白
色，似益母花；根如大蓟，赤黄色。范汪方云∶即是马蓟，与小蓟叶相似，但小于小蓟；叶
又似旁翁菜而小浓，两边有刺，刺人，花紫色。时珍曰∶续断其说不一，别录复出大小蓟，
但自汉以来，皆以大蓟为续断，相承久矣；二苏与梧君相符，当以为正；今人以紫色而瘦，
折之有烟尘起者为良；无者即南续断，有者即川续断也。药录云∶乐延蔓，叶细，茎如荏，
根本黄白有汁，今用茎叶节节断，皮黄皱，如鸡脚者。 曰∶采得其根，横切锉之，去向里
硬筋，酒浸一伏时，焙干用；又云∶草茆根，真似续断，误服令人筋软。
先人云∶继绝开心，维荣是赖，虽鲜干少异，而根华实同。
【 】曰∶断者续之，因名续断。故枝茎根节，宛如经脉骨节也。是主续筋骨，连肉理，
贯经脉，利乳难，补不足，益气力，续之功用大矣哉。
（此以功用诠名，合大小蓟，红兰花，洎夫蓝，义意始备。）
[Classified as Top Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
【Flavor and Nature】Bitter, slightly warm, non-toxic.
【Indications】Primarily treats Shanghan (Cold Damage disease), tonifies deficiencies, treats Jinchuang (traumatic injuries caused by metal weapons) and abscess wounds, fractures and dislocations, reconnects tendons and bones, and alleviates difficult lactation in women. Long-term consumption boosts Qi and strength.
【Verification】It is stated that: It grows in Chuan-Shu and Jiangnan regions; those from Chuan-Shu are of the best quality. Su Gong says: It is found in valleys everywhere; commonly used varieties have square stems, leaves resembling Boehmeria nivea (ramie), roots resembling Cirsium japonicum (Large Thistle), with a yellowish-white color. Su Song says: Sprouts emerge in March; the stem has four edges, leaves resemble ramie, growing opposite each other; flowers bloom in April, red or white, resembling the flowers of Leonurus japonicus (Motherwort); roots resemble Large Thistle, reddish-yellow. The Fang Wang Formula states: This is indeed Ma Ji (Horse Thistle), similar to Xiao Ji (Small Thistle) in leaf shape but smaller than Small Thistle; leaves also resemble Pang Weng Cai (a type of wild vegetable) but are smaller and denser, with thorns on both sides that prick people; flowers are purple. Li Shizhen says: There are various theories regarding Xuduan; the *Mingyi Bielu* separately lists Large Thistle and Small Thistle, but since the Han Dynasty, people have generally treated Large Thistle as Xuduan, a practice long inherited; the views of Su Gong and Su Song align with Wu Jun's, so they should be considered correct; currently, people consider those that are purple and slender, producing dust-like powder when broken, to be superior; those lacking these characteristics are Nan Xuduan (Southern Xuduan), while those possessing them are Chuan Xuduan (Sichuan Xuduan). The *Yaolu* records: Leyanman has fine leaves, stems like Perilla frutescens seeds (Ren), roots that are yellowish-white and juicy; currently used varieties have segmented stems and leaves, yellowish wrinkled skin, and resemble chicken feet. It is stated: After harvesting the root, slice it horizontally and file it, remove the hard internal fibers, soak in wine for one Fushi (approx. two hours), then dry by baking before use; it is also said that Caomao Gen (root of Miscanthus sinensis) truly resembles Xuduan, and accidental ingestion causes tendons to become soft.
My late father said: Continuing what is severed requires opening the heart orifices, relying on the nourishment of Ying and Wei (Nutritive and Defensive Qi); although fresh and dried forms differ slightly, the root, flower, and fruit are identical.
【Name Explanation】It is stated: Because it reconnects what is severed, it is named Xuduan. Thus, its branches, stems, roots, and nodes resemble human meridians and bone joints. It primarily serves to reconnect tendons and bones, connect muscle textures, penetrate meridians, facilitate lactation, tonify deficiencies, and boost Qi; its function of "reconnecting" is indeed great.
(This explains the name based on its efficacy; combined with Large Thistle, Small Thistle, Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower), and Isatis indigotica (Isatis Root/Leaf), the meaning becomes complete.)