Library

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Flavor and Property] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Calms the fetus; treats fetal heat and erysipelas (Dan Du).
[Verification] It is stated that: Ramie (*Boehmeria nivea*, Zhuma) is abundant in Fujian, Guangdong, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. The perennial roots do not die; they sprout again in spring. One clump has dozens of stems and can be propagated by division.
The plant grows seven to eight chi high. The leaves resemble those of the paper mulberry (*Broussonetia papyrifera*, Chu), without lobes, green on the upper surface and white on the lower, covered with short pubescence. In summer and autumn, it bears small spike-like flowers with blue-green petals. Its bark can be stripped and processed into cloth. In the Jing and Yang regions, it is harvested three times; the bark is taken, scraped with bamboo to remove the epidermis, and the thicker parts detach naturally.
[Interpretation] It is said: The space between the gate and the screen is called "Ning" (Pillar/Screen area). *Li Ji* (Book of Rites) states: "The Son of Heaven stands at the Ning." Large hemp is referred to as "Ma". When the Son of Heaven bestows music upon the nobles of the ranks Bo, Zi, and Nan, hemp is used to accompany it. The primary efficacy is calming the fetus; taking the name literally reveals its function. Ancestors said: Its texture is straight with fibrous strands, like warp and weft; thus, easy growth implies abundant Qi, and moist texture implies smooth blood flow. Its efficacy in calming the fetus is superior to that of Motherwort (*Leonurus japonicus*, Yimucao), a fact unrecognized by the secular world.

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Flavor and Property] Pungent, sweet, greatly warm, slightly toxic.
[Indications] Heart pain, blood bi (obstruction); various diseases of the face; promotes the circulation of medicinal properties.
[Verification] It is stated that: Originally from Goryeo, as well as the East Sea and Silla, it is now produced in Liangzhou and Liaodong. It grows in wetlands under sandy deserts, with a single stem, resembling *Salvia miltiorrhiza* (Danshen, though text says Mouse Tail Grass/Salvia type), with fine leaves surrounding the stem, growing among the spikes. Its shape resembles Tianxiong (*Aconitum brachypodum*), and its root resembles smaller Caowutou (*Aconitum carmichaelii*). It is about one cun long, dry, wrinkled, and jointed.
[Interpretation] It is said: Baifuzi (*Gastrodiae Rhizoma*, Gastrodia Rhizome - note: historically distinct from modern Aconitum but here described by shape/color), named for resembling Fuzi (*Aconiti Lateralis Radix Praeparata*, Prepared Lateral Root of Monkshood) but being white in color, shares the fierce and solitary nature of yang toxins. Its pungent and warm flavor and efficacy are equivalent to fire and heat; it is a drug used for the substance/function of the Hand-Shaoyin Heart Meridian. The Classics state: The Heart is the root of life and the change of spirit; its brilliance manifests in the face, and its filling is in the blood vessels. As the Taiyang (Greater Yang) within the Yang, it communicates with the Qi of Summer. Therefore, it primarily promotes the movement of medicinal qi, treating heart pain, blood bi, and various facial diseases.

(Recorded in the Lower Grade of *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Flavor and Property] Pungent, slightly warm, non-toxic.
[Indications] Metrorrhagia and metrostaxis (Bengzhong) in women; hematemesis; stops coughing up blood. Applied externally with vinegar for carbuncles, swellings, and toxic vapors.
[Verification] It is stated that: Zaocodi Cortex (Zaoxin Huangtu), originally named Fulonggan (Dragon Liver lying dormant). It refers to the red earth taken from the center of the stove directly beneath the pot. Earth heated by fire for ten years is considered excellent. Processing: Grind extremely finely and use the water flotation method (Shuifei).
[Interpretation] It is said: Scaled creatures and wood elements are associated with Dragon. The Liver is the organ storing Wood. Since the Liver stores Blood, it governs conditions where blood fails to be stored, manifesting as hematemesis, regurgitant blood, metrorrhagia, and hematochezia. Upon ingestion, blood returns to the Liver, allowing all blood to be stored; the Heart reclaims its mastery, and the Spleen restores its control. Thus, the power of Fulonggan is universal. However, Wood inevitably overacts on Earth; Wood attacks Fire which transmits to Earth, and Fire attacks Earth which stays. Initially destructive, eventually generating sequentially. From this perspective, it can also treat Spleen deficiency caused by Wood encroaching on Earth, and coughing/reversal due to Fire scorching the Lung lobes, treating both. Buddhist scriptures say: One leads another to arise, another leads one to arise; this is called continuous generation. Using vinegar to apply topically for carbuncles and detoxification: Vinegar is sour, made from rice fermentation, possessing both Metal and Wood virtues. Relying entirely on the Fulonggan transmitted through Fire and Earth, it follows floating and sinking in the gates of growth. From Spring to Summer, to Late Summer, to Autumn and Winter, completion occurs in Gen (Mountain). Why worry about carbuncles due to blocked flesh pores or death-yin toxic plagues not being dispelled? Moreover, all things are born of Earth and return to Earth; things have their归宿 (destination). The killing and harsh qi becomes warm and pure like the benevolence of Spring.