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(Recorded as a Lower Grade in *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Flavor and Property] Sour, warm, toxic.
[Indications] Wind-induced pruritus, urticaria (a skin disease characterized by transient red or pale wheals), generalized pruritus, damp-bi (syndrome of limb pain, heaviness, and numbness caused by dampness obstructing collaterals and joints); can be decocted for medicinal bathing.
[Evidence] Says: *Suo Die* grows in the valleys of Xiong'er Mountain and Yuanju, and is also found in fields, hills, and ruins today. In early spring, shoots emerge; each branch has five leaves. In mid-summer, white flowers bloom, large as a cup. The fruits are blue-green, resembling mung beans, turning red and ripe in October. It is also known as "Bone-Fusing" herb. It belongs to the celery family, which comprises three types: one is water celery, called "Shui Ying" (Water Hero/Flower); two is dry celery, called "Lu Ying" (Land Hero/Flower); three is *Suo Die*, called "Mu Ying" (Wood Hero/Flower). Generally, flowers of trees are called "Hua", flowers of herbs are called "Rong"; plants that bear fruit without flowering are called "Xiu"; plants that flower but do not bear fruit are called "Ying". Among Lu Ying, the essence is concentrated in its flowers, so its flowers are harvested; among *Suo Die*, the essence is concentrated in its leaves, so its leaves are harvested. Zhang Zhongjing, in his discussion of *Wangbuliuxing San* in *Jin Gui Yao Lue* for treating metal wounds, used *Suo Die* leaves, hence the name *Suo Die Xi Ye* (Fine-Leaved *Suo Die*). "Xi Ye" refers to the tender, small green leaves at initial growth. Processing: Harvest fine leaves in early spring and dry them in the shade; leaves harvested at other times grow larger and have weaker flavor and potency.

[Commentary] Says: "Die" is homophonous with "Zhai". In the plant realm, "Die" corresponds to "Zhai" in the avian realm. Just as the first recovery after the moon's darkness is called "Shuo" (New Moon), and the pheasant hiding and folding its wings is called "Zhai", this metaphor illustrates similar efficacy. Thus, it can disperse and promote Yang Qi, fumigate the skin, fill the body, and expel sores. It can also reverse Yin Qi, connect bones and muscles, and heal metal wounds. It is an excellent material for shaping form through regulating the pivot mechanism.

(Recorded as a Lower Grade in *Mingyi Bielu*)
[Flavor and Property] Sweet, cold, non-toxic.
[Indications] Guest heat in Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome, characterized by polydipsia, polyphagia, polyuria, and emaciation); stops frequent urination.
[Evidence] Says: It grows everywhere, in low, wet marshes. Its shape resembles bamboo; leaves embrace the stem, with no lateral branches. Flowers are white and spike-like, resembling foxtail grass. Roots resemble bamboo roots but have sparse nodes. Roots growing underwater are sweet in taste; roots exposed above ground are unsuitable for use.
[Commentary] Says: The commentary on the *Classic of Poetry* states: Reeds when young are called "Jia", meaning beautiful. When grown tall, they are called "Wei", meaning great. Before heading out, they are called "Lu", where Lu means black. Calling reeds "black" is because black represents the color of water. "Lu" refers to the front of the abdomen, using the metaphor of donkey strength residing in the abdomen. Its nature is cold, and its flavor is sweet. It counteracts heat accumulation in the abdomen. If bladder Qi function is impaired, causing Kidney Water to fail to circulate to the chest and epigastrium—leading to wasting-thirst—and instead sink solely into the bladder—leading to frequent urination—the use of reed restores balance to both. Therefore, "Water" implies "Standard/Balance"; weighing objects fairly ensures water flows without overflowing and maintains correctness even in dangerous situations.