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(Recorded in the Middle Category of the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, warm, slightly toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats headache caused by wind-cold in the head, bi-syndrome (painful obstruction syndrome) affecting the whole body due to wind-dampness, spasmodic pain and contracture of the four limbs, foul flesh and necrotic muscle tissue, and knee pain. Long-term consumption benefits Qi, clarifies the ears and eyes, and strengthens the body.

[Analysis] It states: Cang'er (Xanthium fruit) is found everywhere. It serves as a phenological indicator for wheat; when wheat turns yellow, it is time to sow [Cang'er], and when Cang'er turns yellow, it is time to sow wheat. The stem is four or five chi high, with black spots. The leaves resemble those of mallow (*Malva verticillata*), broad at the edges and curling inward. In the seventh and eighth months, it produces small white flowers. The fruit resembles an earring worn by women; the outer shell is tough and densely covered with prickles, containing two seeds inside.

It states: "Er" refers to plants in the hemp family. The *Erya* calls it "Juan'er" (Curled Ear) because its fruit resembles a mouse's ear and has a grayish-green color, hence also named "Cang'er". In the Luoyang area, it is called "Husu"; in the Jiangdong region, it is called "Chang [missing character]" (likely referring to a wild vegetable name). This is because its leaves are green and white, resembling coriander (*Coriandrum sativum*), and its white flowers and thin stems can be eaten as vegetables. Coarse people eat them; they are slippery and tasteless. Therefore, in Youzhou and Jizhou, it is called "[missing character] Ru Cai" (a type of vegetable), and also "Chang Si Cai". The *Li Sao* refers to it simply as "[missing character]", using it to metaphorically represent petty people, as in the phrase "wearing [missing character] green fills the room." The *Bowu Zhi* calls it "Yang Fu Lai" (Carried by Sheep), stating that when people from Luoyang entered Shu, Xanthium burrs attached to sheep wool, and the Shu people cultivated it, naming it "Carried by Sheep." Hence, Xanthium has many clustered prickles and easily attaches to people's clothes. The *Tujing* calls it "Daoren Tou" (Daoist's Head). The *Bencao Gangmu* calls it "Zhu Er" (Pig's Ear), also known as "Heqicao". The *Jishi Zhu* calls it "Dikui", also known as "Jinxian Cai". Although there are many names, they all derive from shape and meaning. Following the *Bencao Jing*, "Er Shi" (Fruit of Xanthium) is the correct name. Generally, the ear is the organ of hearing, the opening of the Kidney, and governed by the Lung. Thus, the shape of Xanthium resembles an ear; the two seeds inside resemble the Kidneys; the tough shell and stiff prickles reflect the metallic quality of the Lung ("transformation and movement producing Metal"). Therefore, it enters the Lung and Kidney meridians, primarily acting on the Kidney. The Kidney stores Zhi (Will), which is the spirit of the Kidney. When Zhi is strong, the orifices open; when orifices open, hearing occurs; when hearing occurs, sounds enter. If acting primarily through the Lung, assuming the Kidney does not govern the orifices, even if sound exists, it cannot connect with the ear. It is not that the sound is not outside, but that it has nowhere to go. Benefiting Qi occurs because when orifices open, Qi increases. If there is Qi but no open orifice, it will be blocked and unable to circulate, how then can it be distributed? It can also enter the Liver meridian because of its grayish-green color. Entering the Liver allows the Liver to fulfill its function, utilizing Metal (Lung Qi). The Liver opens into the Eyes, but vision is governed by the Kidney. Even turning the pupil requires the clearing action of Metal. It can also enter the Spleen because of its sweet flavor. If Earth Qi is excessive and unresponsive, leading to necrotic muscle and limb contracture, strengthening the virtue of Earth naturally restores vitality. It can also enter the Heart because of its warm nature. The Heart's function relates to Water; Water governs fluids, and the Heart governs blood. When blood is abundant, tendons turn and pulses sway. Thus, it not only enters the Five Zang organs but also reaches bones, sinews, muscles, head, eyes, brain, and marrow comprehensively. However, the cause of disease is wind-dampness. Wind pathogen dominates excessively, and this acrid/warm nature counteracts it. If bi-syndrome affects the head, it causes cold headache; if it affects the whole body, it causes generalized bi-syndrome; if it affects the four limbs, it causes spasmodic pain; if it affects muscles, it causes necrotic muscle; if it affects the knees, it causes knee pain; if it affects Qi, it damages Qi; if it affects the ears, it causes deafness; if it affects the eyes, it causes blindness; if it affects Zhi, it leads to mental collapse; if it affects the body, it causes heaviness and numbness, insensitivity to touch. All these varied pathological changes are treated by Xanthium to moisten, diffuse, and achieve mutual restraint. The world only knows it for treating sores and ulcers, missing its spiritual efficacy. Detailed records of its names and characteristics are provided to broaden knowledge.