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[Shangpin (Superior Grade) of the Benjing]
[Taste and Nature] Sweet, neutral, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats headache, dizziness, swelling, and pain caused by head wind; sensation of eyes protruding; tearing; necrosis of skin and muscle; aversion to wind; and bi-syndrome due to wind-dampness. Long-term consumption promotes the flow of blood and qi, lightens the body, delays aging, and prolongs life. The stems, leaves, roots, and fruits have the same effects.
[Verification] It is said: Chrysanthemum grows in riverbanks, marshes, and fields; those from the valleys of Nanyang in Yongzhou are the finest. The perennial roots can sprout again, and it can also be propagated by seeds. The stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits vary greatly in type. Even the varieties recorded in *Ju Pu* (Record of Chrysanthemums), such as Longnao, Xinluo, Dusheng, Yu'ai, Yuball, Yuling, Jinwanling, Yintai, Didang, Fengling, Ehong, Taohua Shunsheng, two shades of pale purple-red, Dengzhou Huang, and Dengzhou Bai, cannot be fully collected. Stems may be bushy or vine-like, varying in color among purple, red, green, and blue-green. Leaves differ in size, density, thickness, shape (pointed or blunt). Flowers vary between double-petaled and single-petaled, with or without centers, with or without seeds, in colors of yellow, white, red, and purple, including light and mixed shades, and sizes. Tastes range from sweet, bitter, sour, to pungent. There are also distinctions between summer chrysanthemum and autumn chrysanthemum. Only those with single leaves and a sweet taste are used medicinally, specifically the Dengzhou Huang and Dengzhou Bai mentioned in *Ju Pu*. Its flowers are small and fragmented, not of high quality; the florets resemble bee hives, containing fine seeds. Roots are harvested in the first lunar month, leaves in the third, stems in the fifth, flowers in the ninth, and fruits in the eleventh. Processing involves only drying in the shade. Baizhu (Atractylodis Macrocephalae Rhizoma), Gouqi (Lycii Fructus), and Sangbaipipi (Mori Cortex) serve as guiding herbs or compatibility references. Those without seeds are called "Male Chrysanthemum" (Mu Ju); when burned to ash and scattered on the ground, they can kill turtles and frogs, a claim found in the *Zhou Li* (Rites of Zhou). *Fengsu Tong* states: In Li County, there is a Chrysanthemum Pool; those who drink its water attain longevity. Additionally, during the late Wu period, Zhu Ruzi entered Yusi Mountain, consumed chrysanthemum petals, and ascended to heaven on clouds. Kang Sheng also attained immortality by consuming sweet chrysanthemum. The stele at Wulaodong in Zhongnan Mountain records that in the Yongshou era of Han, black chrysanthemum appeared, colored like ink, and its juice was used for writing. In Beimeng State, there is purple chrysanthemum called "Sun Essence," with one stem and vine spreading over several mu; it tastes sweet, and consumers never feel hunger or thirst. Another variety named "Yi" has green, thick stems, resembling Artemisia and Mugwort, with an extremely bitter and astringent taste; accidental ingestion dissipates human qi, so this must be clearly distinguished.
[Elucidation] It is said: Chrysanthemum withstands frost and snow without falling, being the pine and cypress among herbs. Sprouting in spring and flowering in autumn, with yellow color and potent aroma, it embodies the controlling nature of Autumn Metal. Using "control" as its function, the character derives from "ju" (to hold in hands), indicating it is within grasp. Head wind, dizziness, sensation of eye protrusion, and tearing are pathologies of Liver Wood transforming into disaster, causing collapse and fall; Chrysanthemum can control them, thus preventing these three diseases. Necrosis of skin and muscle, and aversion to wind with damp-bi syndrome, result from Wind-Loss losing control, becoming hyperactive and harmful; Chrysanthemum possesses the softness of Wood body but submits to Metal's control, naturally pacifying Wood and extinguishing Wind. Its aromatic and unblocking properties promote Qi flow. Its soft, moist, and yin-natured qualities promote Blood flow. Whatever maintains its force becomes light; whatever does not flatter endures long. Promoting regeneration and longevity, the name matches reality, leaving no room for doubt.
(When there is succession and control, there is no hyperactivity. Hyperactivity leads to harm; without succession and control... Historically, using cases where extreme heat resembles water to prove "hyperactivity leads to harm, succession brings control" is self-contradictory and ignorant. Maintaining substance while being light, not flattering yet enduring, truly serves as a warning to the world.)