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(Recorded in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* as a Lower Grade herb)
[Flavor and Property] Bitter, slightly cold, toxic.
[Indications] Primarily treats jingxian (convulsions and epilepsy), shaking of the head and protrusion/manipulation of the tongue, and heat qi accumulating in the abdomen.
[Verification] It is said: Produced in the river valleys of Shanyang, and Yuanju. Currently found in Hezhong, Heyang, Huazhou, Fengzhou, Wenzhou, and between the Jianghuai regions. Grows in deep mountains in shady and moist places; it is also known as Zihache (Purple River Cart), Chonglou Jinxiian (Polygonatum King's Line), and Qiye Yizhihua (Seven Leaves One Flower). A single stem grows upward alone, with the stem positioned at the center of the leaves. The leaf shape resembles that of Wangsun, Jiujiao, Shaoyao, and Bima. Typically, there are three layers of leaves per stem section; however, those produced in Wangwu Mountain have up to five or seven layers, with seven leaves per layer, and the leaves are dark green. In summer, flowers bloom at the stem tip; each flower has seven petals, with golden silk-like stamens hanging down, and the stamens are three to four cun long. Red berries form in autumn. The root resembles Jiujiao, Zican, Cangzhu, and Changpu, being purple on the outside and white inside, with fine texture and brittle quality, divided into two types: jing (non-glutinous) and nuo (glutinous). Processing: Wash, slice, and bake before use. Alchemists harvest it to prepare Sanhuang (Three Yellows: Coptidis Rhizoma, Scutellariae Radix, Phellodendri Cortex), Zhusha (Cinnabar), and Shuigeng (Mercurius).

[Commentary] It is said: Zaoxiu is a Yang herb. Its name is derived from its generative function. The *Book of Rites* states: "Having already performed vigorous movements, let it rest." This implies stopping and resting. A single stem grows upward, positioned at the center of the leaves; there are invariably seven leaves and seven petals. The number of overlapping layers (Chongtai) may be one, three, five, or seven, which corresponds to the generation of Yang numbers and the completion of Fire numbers. With a bitter taste and cold nature, growing in deep mountain shade and moisture, this represents Yang utilizing Yin. Relative to Yin, Yang is utilized, causing heat in the middle jiao. If wind arises from fire, it leads to tongue manipulation and head shaking; if Yang sinks into Yin, epilepsy occurs; if Yin oversteps into Yang,惊 (fright/panic) occurs. These are all due to the disorder of Yin and Yang, violating the norms of movement and stillness. Thus, "having performed vigorous movements," it is made to rest.
(The head is the summit of all Yang meridians, and the tongue is the sprout of Heart Fire. Generally, trembling is termed Wind, similar to wind arising from fire.)

(Recorded in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* as a Lower Grade herb)
[Flavor and Property] Pungent, warm, toxic.
[Indications] Primarily kills gu poison (poison caused by insects/snakes), expels Gui Zhu Jing Wu (pathogenic spirits/entities), wards off evil qi and inauspicious influences, drives out pathogenic factors, and resolves various toxins.
[Verification] It is said: Produced in Jiuzhen Valley, as well as Yuanju, Jingzhou, Xiazhou, and Xiangzhou. Currently, those from Qiantang, Yuhang, and Jingshan are considered superior. Grows in the shade of rocks in deep mountains; it is also known as Dujiolian, Tangpojing, Maimu Dougong, Xiutianhua, and Bajiaopan. In the second and third lunar months, a single hollow stem emerges vertically, positioned at the center of the leaves. The leaves sit on the stem, resembling newly emerged lotus leaves, with eight edges emerging from the margin, green on the front and purple on the back, covered with fine hairs that emit a melon-like fragrance when rubbed. In the morning, it faces east; in the evening, it tilts west, akin to sunflowers protecting their roots. Flowers bloom beneath the leaves, connected along the stem, never exposed to sunlight, hence named "Xiutian" (Shaming Heaven). It does not move when the wind blows but sways naturally when the wind ceases, demonstrating resistance to wind force. Its leaves may overlap in two or three layers, all rising straight through the stem center, or branch out laterally, always piercing the leaf center separately without connecting to the main stem. Each year produces one stem; when the stem withers, the root forms one mortar-like structure (Jiu). The new mortar forms the next year, while the old one rots. This cycle of old and new exchange results in nine mortars after nine years. Nine mortars possess spiritual significance. The root shape resembles Cangzhu and Huangjing, characterized by curved branches and connected mortar cavities. Used for Bigu (grain avoidance), Fugui (calming mercury), and fears Yuanyi (wall moss/climbing plants).

[Commentary] It is said: Single stem with eight angles, single root with nine mortars; this is Yin serving as the substance and Yang serving as the function. The stem grows at the leaf center, and flowers are hidden beneath the leaves; Yin and Yang serve as mutual roots. The flowers resemble bells; unmoved by wind but swaying after it passes, they demonstrate the ability of Yin and Yang to establish function and action. Facing east in the morning and west in the evening, they correspond to the floating and sinking of Yin and Yang during ascent and descent. Calming mercury to form elixirs and avoiding grain without hunger demonstrates mastery over the balance of Yin and Yang creation. This exhausts the transformations of Yin and Yang creation. Ghostly entities belong solely to Yin; how could they not be gathered and contained? Xu Shen states in his glossary: "Looking like something held in hands is called Jiu (mortar)." The pronunciation of Jiu is the same as Ju (to hold in both hands). Two hands holding together is called Ju, which differs from the departing tone character connected by strokes below.