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[Cao Ben Cheng Ya Ban Ji - Chapter: Xuan Cao / Mu Zei]

[Xuan Cao (Hemerocallis citrina)]
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, cool, non-toxic.
[Indications] Boiled and eaten to treat red and scanty/difficult urination, restlessness and fever in the body, heat in the yin region, and wine jaundice (Jiu Ju).
[Evidence] It is said: Xuan grass thrives in low and wet areas and grows everywhere in fields. In early spring, it grows in clumps and can be used as offerings for sacrifices or banquets. Its leaves resemble those of cattail or garlic but are softer; old and new leaves replace each other, remaining green throughout the year. In May, flower stalks emerge and bloom; the flowers have six petals drooping downwards, opening in the morning and withering by evening, lasting until late autumn. The flowers come in red, yellow, and purple colors. It bears triangular fruits, and the seeds resemble those of the parasol tree, being black and glossy.
[Discussion] It is said: *Erya Yi* records: The *Book of Songs* says, "How can I obtain the Xuan grass," meaning planting it at the back (north hall). "Xuan" means forget. A gentleman of Wei served as a vanguard for the king on a campaign. When he failed to return on time, his wife missed him so much that she suffered from headaches due to longing. She wished to temporarily forget this feeling but could not, so she hoped to plant the "worry-forgetting grass" at the north hall, perhaps allowing her mind to become indifferent and cease worrying. However, does such a thing really exist in the world? This is likely just an extreme expression of emotion. Explainers, because the pronunciation of "Xuan" (萱) is the same as "Xuan" (谖, to forget), named it the worry-forgetting grass. This merely uses the homophone of Xuan and matches the meaning of forgetting. If it is called the forget-grass, where does the character "Worry" (You) come from? This is also a forced interpretation by various Confucian scholars. I believe worry originates from the Lung. It is what emotions focus on, what will mourns, and what spirit is injured by. Therefore, when one is worried and sorrowful, the Metal Qi storing the Po becomes stagnant. The Classics state: "When Metal is stagnant, it should be drained." Thus, one forgets worry by draining the Metal Qi. Furthermore, "Xuan" harmonizes with "Xuan" (宣, to disseminate/disperse). "Xuan" means to spread, disperse, penetrate, and pervade. Wind circulates and disseminates, thereby balancing Yin and Yang. Disseminating is equivalent to draining; draining is equivalent to unblocking; unblocking is equivalent to forgetting. Once forgotten, one follows the path of dissemination, and worry can be released. However, its boiled consumption primarily treats red and difficult urination and bodily restlessness/fever. As noted in commentaries: "When Metal is stagnant, it should be drained," which means releasing the exterior and promoting urination. Thus, the nature of herbs and plants is recorded in texts, only people have not pondered it.

[Mu Zei (Equisetum hiemale)]
[Flavor and Nature] Sweet, slightly bitter, non-toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats eye diseases, reduces nebulae (corneal opacities), dissipates accumulations and masses (Zheng Jia), benefits the Liver and Gallbladder, treats intestinal wind (Chang Feng), stops dysentery, and addresses continuous menstruation in women, metrorrhagia (Beng Zhong) with red and white discharge.
[Evidence] It is said: It originates from Qin, Long, Hua, and Cheng commanderies, and is also found near water sources elsewhere. The seedlings grow about one chi long, emerging in dense clusters straight upward. Each root has only one stem, without flowers or leaves. Its shape resembles the seedling of Cyperus esculentus (Cigua) or the heart-leaf of Zongzi grass. It has nodes every inch and is hollow inside. It resembles the stem of Ephedra (Mahuang) but is slightly thicker, and does not wither even in winter. It is harvested in April. The stems and trunks are rough and astringent to the touch; those treating wooden bones use it for rubbing and polishing.
[Discussion] It is said: Wood is controlled by Metal; if Metal is excessive, Wood becomes stagnant. Mu Zei grass has a single stem with nodes every inch, possessing accumulated Qi to rise and ascend. It is hollow inside and withstands winter, combining two brightnesses to form the Li trigram (Fire), symbolizing Wood marching south (Fire conquers Metal). Fire is the child of Wood; it punishes the Metal it overcomes and avenges the enemy (Metal) that overcame its mother (Wood). Thus, the function of Wood is executed: the Liver and Gallbladder are benefited, root orifices open, eye diseases are removed, the anterior orifice is unblocked, menstruation is regulated, metrorrhagia and leukorrhea stop, the posterior orifice excretes, stagnation and dysentery pass, and intestinal wind ceases. As for accumulations and masses, these are solidified entities belonging to Metal; precisely, they are driven away by Mu Zei (Wood). Then, are things like nebulae also solidified Metal?