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(Bottom Grade in the *Shennong Bencao Jing*)

If the divined direction is incorrect, one might fear that the wild wolf would break its intestines [from frustration]. Those who use toxic substances to attack diseases must be extremely cautious. If one does not cling to "existence" (pathogenic excess), the cause will be eliminated; if one does not harm "non-existence" (healthy qi), no injury will occur.

[Flavor and Properties] Acrid, Neutral, Highly Toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats cough with rebellious Qi, breaks up accumulations and masses, regulates discomfort caused by cold and heat from diet, eliminates fluid retention, treats malignant sores, scrofula, and ulcerative lesions, expels demonic essences and gu poison, and kills flying birds and running beasts.

[Verification] It is stated: Produced in the valleys of Qinting, as well as Fenggao, Dangchang, Jianping, and other places. Currently found in various prefectures and commanderies of Shaanxi, as well as Liao Prefecture and Shizhou. The stems and leaves resemble those of Phytolacca acinosa (Shanglu) and Rheum palmatum (Dahuang), covered with white hairs. The root bark is yellow, the flesh is white, and the shape resembles Conium maculatum (Fangkui). Those that are heavy in weight are considered superior, though they resemble ginger in form. It is incompatible with Zhan Si and Litharge (Miduoseng).

[Name Explanation] It is said: Named "Wild Wolf Poison" because the wild wolf is adept at chasing prey. *Erya Yi* records: When a wild wolf prepares to chase food over a long distance, it first lies down to divine the direction. Therefore, hunters are always pleased when they encounter wild wolves, for where the wolf points is where the beast resides. Thus, this herb can kill flying birds and running beasts, and also primarily treats water and grain accumulations causing cough with rebellious Qi, as well as cold-heat gu poison. It addresses conditions where water and grain cannot be transported to the skin and hair, leading to the generation of malignant sores, scrofula, and ulcerative lesions. Wild Wolf Poison drives out these pathogens and facilitates their transport and discharge. This merely resembles the gluttonous nature of the wild wolf, rather than the direct exposure of its intestines. Ancestors said: Those not of our kin are rarely left uneliminated; do not cling to "existence," do not harm "non-existence."

(Bottom Grade in the *Shennung Bencao Jing*)

Standing tall and distinct, it implies more than just stillness.

[Flavor and Properties] Acrid, Cold, Non-toxic.

[Indications] Primarily treats masses and accumulations with stagnant Qi, discomfort from cold and heat due to diet, breaks hardness, expels pathogenic factors, and promotes the free flow of the Water passages.

[Verification] It is stated: Grows in flatlands, marshes, and fields near cities. Also found in the regions east of Bian, Shaanxi, and Hebei. Currently, those from Pengcheng and Caozhou are considered superior, while those from other places are unsuitable for use. In spring, seedlings and leaves emerge, growing six or seven cun high. The roots resemble Shepherd's Purse (*Capsella bursa-pastoris*) but are white in color, and the branches and stems are green. Flowers bloom in the third lunar month, pale yellow, subsequently forming pods. The seeds stand upright, small and flat like millet grains, slightly elongated and yellow. With a bitter taste reaching the crown, those with a slightly sweet taste are Dog Shepherd's Purse (*Gouji*). The *Yueling* states that delicate herbs die in early summer. The commentary notes: Dog Shepherd's Purse belongs to the Thladiantha/Descurainia group. One variety has a single stem growing upward with pods emerging from the leaf tips, bearing large and short fruits; another variety has leaves growing near the base in an alternate pattern, resembling mustard leaves, with slender and long pods. These are different species and must be distinguished. Processing method: Mix with glutinous rice and lightly roast on a warm surface until the rice is cooked, remove the rice, and crush the herb. Periploca sepium (Yupi) serves as a guiding drug; combining with wine enhances efficacy. It is incompatible with Bombyx batryticatus (Baijiangcan) and Pseudoscleroderma porphyra (Shilongrui).

[Name Explanation] It is said: Water stopping is called "Ting"; flow ceasing is called "Li". The *Records of the Grand Historian* mentions: "Diverting the river to stop the water before pouring it into the sea," likely naming the herb after its function. Therefore, dredging the Water passages makes it indeed a purgative agent for urgent conditions. If Qi stagnation forms masses, accumulations, or dietary cold-heat disorders, these are all stagnant and fixed without movement. By diverting and draining them, we treat them. The *Ten Categories* states: Purging can remove obstruction; Thladiantiae Semen (Tingli) belongs to this category.