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[Zhongpin of the *Shennong Bencao Jing*]
【Flavor and Nature】Bitter, neutral in nature, non-toxic.
【Indications】Sudden high fever (*baore*), redness and heat from fire sores (*huochuang chiqi*), scabies with itching (*jesao*), carbuncles and hemorrhoids (*juzhi*), and "saddle-heat" (*ma'an reqi*, referring to local heat-toxin swelling caused by friction from riding).
【Examination】It is stated: *Baijiang* (Patrinia Herba), also known as *Kucail* (Bitter Vegetable), is also called *Kuji*. The names *Kuji* and *Suanjiang* are similar; however, the leaves of *Suanjiang* are large and thick. It shares names with *Kujia* and *Longkui* (Black Nightshade), but their species are completely different. It grows in the valleys of Jiangxia, and is also found near streams and water sources everywhere. In early spring, tender seedlings lie flat on the ground; the leaves resemble those of Songcai, slightly narrow and long, dark green on the surface and pale on the back, with serrated edges. When harvested as a vegetable, it must be soaked to remove bitterness, possessing the odor of aged sauce. By March, the stems gradually grow taller, several inches per node, with leaves growing between nodes, each producing small branches spreading out like an umbrella, reaching a height of three to four chi. In summer, white flowers bloom in clusters; the roots are white with purple hues. It is harvested in August and used after sun-drying.
【Commentary】It is stated: The name *Baijiang* is explained because its color and odor resemble those of spoiled sauce when cooked, and its form relates to the needs of internal organs. Its nature is neutral and flavor bitter. Since fire flares upward manifesting as bitterness, the bitter nature tends downward,肃清 (clearing/purifying) the skin and interstices (*futou*), and its strong action affects the intestines and stomach. Being neutral implies neither excess nor deficiency. Hence it is named *Kucail*. According to the *Yueling* (Monthly Ordinances), at *Xiaoman* (Grain Buds), *Kucail* flourishes, with white flowers neatly and densely distributed like a canopy. The three months of summer are called *Fanxiu* (Luxuriant Growth); if what is loved is external, it is like summer sun on the skin, floating and abundant, as if all things have surplus vitality. Since summer fire governs the season, metal encounters Geng-Fu (hidden/stagnant metal), yet produces white flowers, indicating metal dispersing. This relies on restriction for function; restriction leads to transformation and generation. Therefore, it treats sudden high fever, fire sores with redness, and the scorching of lung-metal affecting skin and form-organs, leading to conditions such as scabies, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, and saddle-heat. Once heat is resolved, clarity returns and healing occurs; this is akin to "igniting fire to forge metal," eliminating the need to seek other seeds. Master Zhang Zhongjing used this herb to treat intestinal abscess (*changyong*). Symptoms include body skin dry and rough like fish scales (*shen jiacuo*), abdominal wall tension (*fupi ji*), soft upon pressure (*an zhi ru*), resembling swelling but without abdominal masses (*fu wu jiju*), no significant body heat (*shen wu da re*), and a rapid pulse (*mai shu*), indicating pus within the abdomen. It not only scorches the form-organs governed by lung-metal but also damages the paired fu-organ, the large intestine. Metal becomes hard at this stage; what follows advances, what has succeeded retreats; this is the natural principle and trend.