Library

(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)
Its appearance resembles a living organism; it should be classified in the same category as Rouzhi (Meat Lingzhi).

[Flavor and Properties] Sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats five exhaustions and seven injuries, cold-heat pain in the urethra, nourishes the five zang organs, strengthens yin, benefits essence and qi, promotes fertility, and treats abdominal masses (Zhengjia) in women. Long-term use makes the body light.

[Verification] It is said: Produced in the valleys of Hexi, and in Yanmen of Dai Commandery; there are many such plants in various prefectures of Shaanxi. They grow in clusters under fallen leaves and on soil trenches. In spring, shoots emerge, resembling meat in color with scales. The first grade comes from Longxi, which is flat, red-yellow, soft, moist, abundant in flowers, sweet in taste, and fleshy. The second grade comes from northern regions, which is short with few flowers. There are also some in Baidong Jianping area, but they are not of good quality. Some say they are generated from horse semen falling to the ground. Observing that they grow under fallen trees and on soil trenches, this is not where horses mate; perhaps this explanation is erroneous. Nowadays, people often use Jinlian root, processed with salt in basins, to falsely pass them off. Others use grassy Congrong to substitute; careful examination is required. For processing, first soak in clear wine for one night. At dawn, brush off sand, soil, and floating scales with a palm fiber brush. Split the center and remove a layer of white membrane, which looks like bamboo silk grass. This substance can block heart qi, causing qi to ascend improperly. Steam it in a steamer from Wu hour (11 am–1 pm) to You hour (5–7 pm), take it out, and then roast it with su (animal fat/butter) until suitable for use.

[Annotation] It is said: Soft, red, full, and plump, with oozing paste and coagulated fat, this is the form of flesh. During rest, it receives and holds; externally emitting like a lotus flower, this is the function of flesh. Possessing both form and function, it is named Roubongcongrou (Cistanche). It prefers growing in western regions, covered externally by scales, relying on the mutual generation of earth and metal. It is indeed a superior herb for cultivating form and storing essence. Therefore, it treats the collapse of the storage chambers, leading to labor and injury of the stored form. By using its power to strengthen the body's yin essence, thereby benefiting the function of yang generation, what was coagulated becomes dissolved, and what was dissolved becomes coagulated again. Why worry about zhengjia (masses) or cold-heat disorders?
The Classic states: "If muscles are harmonious, then form and spirit are together." Thus, long-term use makes the body light.

(Shennong Bencao Jing, Upper Grade)
It can also be primarily associated with the Gallbladder, entering the Shaoyang channel. The Classic states: "All eleven zang-fu organs depend on the Gallbladder." Shaoyang Gallbladder and Jueyin Liver are interior-exterior paired fu-zang organs.

[Flavor and Properties] Sour, neutral, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily calms the five zang organs, benefits essence and qi, promotes growth and firmness of the yin organ, strengthens willpower, doubles strength, and aids conception. Long-term use makes the body light and prevents aging.

[Verification] It is said: Produced in the plains and marshes of Jing Mountain, and Yuanju. Now it grows everywhere, especially in Qin and Wu regions. Li Shizhen said: There are five types in total. I have personally collected them and compared them with those listed in Erya, finally obtaining the correct identification. The explanations by various schools are unreliable. One type has vines that spread extensively, with thorns on the vines, leaves growing at each node, leaves as large as a palm, resembling small hibiscus leaves, green on the front and white on the back, thick and hairy. In June and July, they bloom with small white flowers, bearing fruit at the stem, clustering dozens of seeds together. When fresh, they are yellowish-green; when ripe, they become dark black with slight black hairs, resembling mulberries but flatter. Those whose vines and leaves do not wither in winter are commonly called Goutianlei, which is the Penglei mentioned in Bencao. Another type has vines smaller than Penglei, also with hook-like thorns, five leaves per branch, small leaves, green on both sides, glossy and hairless, blooming white flowers in April and May, bearing seeds that are smaller than Penglei, sparse rather than clustered, yellowish-green when fresh, turning dark red when ripe. Those whose seedlings wither in winter are commonly called Chatianlei, which is Fupenzi (Rubus chingii) in Bencao, and Yingyu/Quepen in Erya. Both types can be used medicinally. Another type has vines smaller than Penglei, three leaves per branch, green front and pale white back, slightly hairy, blooming small white flowers, ripening in April. The fruit is red like cherries, similar to Fupenzi but redder, sour and sweet, edible but not used medicinally; this is the type referred to in Erya. Another type grows on trees, 4-5 chi high... Chen Zangqi refers to Xuanhuzi (Rubus hirsutus) as this type. Another type grows creeping vines on the ground, several inches long, blooming yellow flowers, bearing fruit like Fupenzi, bright red, also edible; this is Shemei (Duchesnea indica) in Bencao. If these five categories are analyzed mutually, Penglei and Fupenzi can be clearly distinguished. Various theories are numerous, mostly plausible yet incorrect. Some mistake Penglei for the root and Fupenzi for the seed, or vice versa; some consider tree-grown as Fupenzi and herb-grown as Penglei; some treat Penglei and Fupenzi as one substance. These are likely subjective speculations and cannot serve as evidence. I say: As the name suggests, Penglei belongs to a diverse family. Named 'Peng' due to its rolling nature, one should distinguish between mother/son, siblings, and male/female variants; thus, Fupenzi is also a branch of this lineage. However, since the qi received varies in quality and functions differ, careful analysis is necessary. Otherwise, a tiny error leads to a thousand-mile deviation. While various schools offer subjective theories, only Qiyang (Li Shizhen) adhered to ancient texts in his statements, which I specially highlight and record here.
[Processing] It is said: When using, wash with east-flowing water to remove yellow leaves, skin, and stems. Take the fruits, mix with wine, steam overnight, wash twice more with east-flowing water. Dry and use.
Predecessors said: Also known as Fupensi. Also called Yinlei. 'Yin' implies covering; understanding this beauty allows one to activate the covering (astringent) function. It is also said: The flavor comes from juices, sour within sweet, making it a liver-targeting herb. It possesses generative powers, assisting the mechanism of 'minor fire generating yang', addressing the burdens of excessive form and qi. It is also said: With vigorous vitality, its use can preserve youth.

[Annotation] It is said: Chaotic grasses, rotating like wind wheels, are called 'Peng'; harmonious grasses in fields, amidst other plants, are called 'Lei'. Thus, Penglei includes distinctions among vines, grasses, density, and thorns. The three types of Tianlei differ in color, taste, and nature. This is likely because they grow easily and vary greatly, allowing entry into all five zang organs. Each enters according to its affinity. Although entering the five zang organs, it primarily targets the Liver, entering the Jueyin channel. Jueyin represents the end of yin and the beginning of yang. Therefore, entering the Jueyin meridian, it causes yin to grow firm, strengthens willpower, doubles strength, benefits essence and qi, and aids conception. This is the effect of manifesting both substance and function. Even the meridians of fu and zang organs end and begin here. Long-term use resulting in a light body and lack of aging is a sign of transformation. However, the Liver governs free flow and drainage; taking too much may achieve the function but damage the substance. Heavenly harmony will be impaired; caution is advised.