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(Recorded in the Superior Grade of the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)
From near, one takes reference from the human body; from far, one takes reference from all things.

[Flavor and Properties] Bitter and sour, neutral in nature, non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily tonifies Qi, fills the flesh and skin, brightens the eyes, endows wisdom and precognition. Long-term consumption prevents hunger, delays aging, and prolongs life.

[Examination] It is stated: It grows in the valleys of Mount Shaoshi and beside the White Turtle Shrine in Cai County. In spring, the perennial roots sprout again; the stems are upright, straight, and branchless, with the tip thicker than the base. One plant may have ten to twenty stems, or forty to fifty stems. For those that have endured a hundred years, there may be a hundred stems, but although numerous, they all belong to a single root system. After autumn, flowers emerge from the stem tips, appearing red-purple; the fruits are brownish, resembling those of mugwort (*Artemisia argyi*). The *Lüshi Chunqiu* states: "Wherever yarrow (*Yi Cao*) has a hundred stems, tigers and wild wolves will not exist among the beasts there, nor will venomous snakes bite among the insects. Beneath it, divine turtles guard it; above it, green clouds constantly cover it." Legends say: "When the world is peaceful and the Kingly Way prevails, yarrow stems grow to a zhang (approx. 3.3 meters) in length." It is also said: "The Son of Heaven's yarrow grows nine chi, feudal lords seven chi, high officials five chi, scholars and commoners three chi. If used improperly (beyond rank), the spiritual efficacy is lost." The *Piya* states: "This is a divine herb. It is also among the longest-lived herbs. Hence, 'yarrow' (Shi) derives from 'elderly' (Qi)."

[Interpretation] It is stated: All stems sprout from a single root, inherently possessing the numerical logic of continuous generation and transformation. The tip being thicker than the base signifies that "knowing the future involves reverse deduction." Regarding "brightening the eyes," the character for "ming" (bright) contains the radical for "eye," signifying silent memorization, sharp perception, and clear, analytical distinction. Regarding "wisdom and precognition," the character relates to "old age" (in ancient etymological contexts implying experience), signifying profound knowledge gained through long experience of worldly affairs. The bitter, sour, and neutral flavors align with the mechanism of Wood and Fire ascending and emerging. Thus, it tonifies Qi, steams the skin, and fills the muscles. With roots spreading over hundreds of units and extending boundlessly across the earth, it prevents hunger and aging.

(The *Shenwu Kao* states: "Yarrow is a divine object created by Heaven. Its divination method originated with Fuxi. Currently, it only grows in the tombs of King Wen and Confucius. Its stems reach one zhang, growing one cun per year, reaching one zhang after a hundred years, and ceasing growth thereafter. A clump consists of exactly one hundred stems, without variation in number. Covered by purple clouds and guarded by spiritual turtles, it is an auspicious object, resulting merely from the resonance of similar energies.")

(The *Erya Yi* states: "Sages assisted the mysterious workings of the Spirit and Divine, thereby generating yarrow. Yarrow is a grass; initially, it did not wait for sages to generate it. It likely embodies the Way connecting to Heaven and exhausting the nature of things...")

(The *I Ching* states: "The virtue of yarrow is round and spiritual; the virtue of hexagrams is square and wise. It further says: 'Spirituality knows the future; Wisdom stores the past. Who can match this?'" )