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(Shennong Bencao Jing classifies it as a Superior Grade herb)
The manner of its generation is extremely peculiar; the Heaven and Earth's production of living things is indeed not easy. In my hometown, Song Dama (Grand Marshal) was managing affairs in Korea when there was a shortage of provisions. In a dream, a deity instructed him with an object and pointed out the location for digging. Upon waking, he dug the earth and obtained an object resembling a taro or an egg. After boiling and eating it, his strength doubled. For a long time, I failed to identify it. Only after examining the generation of Chijian (Atractylodes lancea rhizome/Tianma source) did I realize this was Tianma (Gastrodia Rhizome).

[Flavor and Nature] Pungent, Warm, Non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily used to eliminate demonic spirits and evil qi, as well as gu poison. Long-term consumption tonifies Qi and strength, promotes growth of the yin regions, increases bodily robustness, lightens the body, and extends lifespan.

[Examination] It is said: Chijian is also known as Shencao (Divine Grass), Chizhi (Red Lingzhi), Guidu You (Ghost Supervisor), Dingfeng Cao (Wind-Calming Grass), Duyao Cao (Solely Swaying Grass), and Helí Cao (Union-Separation Grass). The root is named Tianma, also called Limu. It grows in Chuancang valleys, Yongzhou, and Mount Tai/Shao Shi areas. Sprouts emerge in spring, initially resembling Shaoyao (Paeonia Root), drawing up a single stem that stands erect, three to four chi high. The stem is hollow, bright red in color. Halfway down from the tip, there are small, sharp, reddish leaves. By the fourth month, the tip forms a spike with gray-white flowers, resembling an arrow shaft with feathers. It does not move when there is wind but sways spontaneously when there is none. It bears fruit like a Chinaberry seed; the nut has six edges, the kernel inside resembles flour. In autumn, it does not fall off but penetrates back into the stem, travels down through the hollow tube, and secretly regenerates underground. The root resembles a taro. About three to five cun below the root, there are twelve lateral buds (youzi), arranged in a ring like guards. Each has fine roots like white hair. Although they lean on each other, they are not physically connected, but linked by Qi. Large ones weigh half a jin or five to six liang. The skin is yellowish-white, called Longpi (Dragon Skin); the flesh is Tianma. The *Benjing* name covered both root and sprout. Later generations distinguished the sprout as Chijian and the root as Tianma, due to slight differences in efficacy. It is similar to the Six Zhi (Lingzhi species), with potency double that of Renshen (Ginseng Root), thus being used by immortals for ingestion, belonging to the superior grade of superior herbs. However, it is hard to obtain. What people use today is usually the root of Yufenggen (Acanthopanacis Senticosi Caulis/Rhizome), not Chijian. The stems and leaves of Yufeng are similar to Chijian, but the stem has green spots, the leaf back is yellowish-white with green dots, and it sways with the wind. Its seeds do not return to the tube. Its therapeutic effects are somewhat similar, but its tonic properties are vastly different. Processing method: Crush and place in a jar. For every ten liang, add one yi of Jilizi (Tribulus Fruit), stir-fry over slow fire until scorched, cover the top with three layers of cotton paper, seal the mouth, from Si hour to Wei hour. Remove Tribulus, stir-fry and cover again. Repeat seven times. After cooling, wipe off moisture with clean cloth, split with bamboo knife, dry-roast, and crush for use.

[Commentary] It is said: Chiyang Jian Gang (Red Yang Arrow Firmness) represents upright Yang firmness. Its power operates independently, unmoved by external objects, hence "no movement in wind, spontaneous sway without wind," demonstrating the establishment of firm physical nature and the functioning of application. Its sprout grows from the root to the stem, hollow and direct, conforming to Shaoyang (Lesser Yang) ascending from below and moving outward from within, thus increasing Qi and strength. Its fruit enters the stem tube, arranged in a circle symbolizing the year cycle, conforming to Taiyin (Greater Yin) descending from above and moving inward from outside, thus nourishing Yin and promoting robustness. Since it resembles Lingzhi (Reishi Mushroom), it can also eliminate demonic essences and evil toxins. Conditions such as convulsions and spasms caused by wind shaking all belong to Yin pathogenic syndromes; only firmness can overcome them. It is regrettable that locals confuse it with Yufeng, causing the true herb to hide from the world. How sad! I have never seen truly firm matter.