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Non-toxic.

The leaves and flowers of *Hibiscus mutabilis* (Fusang) are indicated for carbuncles, sores, and mumps. The leaves or flowers are taken together with the leaves of *Hibiscus mutabilis* (Bai Furong), *Arctii Fructus* (Niubang Ye), and white honey, ground into a paste, and applied externally to dissipate swelling and pain. (Cited from *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Names] Fosu, Zhujin, Chijin, Rijí. (Li Shizhen stated: In the east where the sun rises, there is the Fusang tree. This flower is brilliant and illuminates the sun; its leaves resemble those of the mulberry, hence the comparison. Later generations erroneously called it "Fosu"; it is actually a distinct variety of *Hibiscus syriacus* (Mujin). Therefore, names such as "Riji" are shared with it.)

[Origin] (Li Shizhen stated: Fusang grows in the southern regions.)

[Physical Characteristics] Fusang is a distinct variety of *Hibiscus syriacus*. Its branches and stems are soft; its leaves are dark green, slightly astringent, and resemble mulberry leaves. Its flowers come in red, yellow, and white colors. The red variety is particularly precious and is called Zhujin. (Ji Han's *Caomu Zhuang* records: Zhujin is also known as Chijin or Rijí, originating from Nanliang Commandery. Its flowers, stems, and leaves resemble those of the mulberry. Its leaves are glossy and dense. The tree is four to five chi tall with graceful branches and leaves. The flowers are deep red, with five petals, as large as *Althaea rosea* (Shukui), double-layered, soft and smooth, with a single long stamen resembling gold dust on the petals. Under sunlight, it appears as if flames are generated. A single cluster blooms hundreds of flowers daily, opening in the morning and falling in the evening. It survives when inserted into the soil.)

[Seasonality] Flowering begins in May and ceases in mid-winter.

[Color] Red, white, and yellow.

[Taste] Sweet.

[Nature] Neutral.

Non-toxic.

The leaves and flowers of *Hibiscus mutabilis* (Mufurong) clear the lungs, cool the blood, dissipate heat, and detoxify. They treat all types of carbuncles, sores, swellings, toxic masses, and malignant ulcers, reducing swelling, draining pus, and relieving pain. (Cited from *Bencao Gangmu*)

[Names] Difurong, Mulián, Huamu, Mufurong, Jushuang. (Li Shizhen stated: This flower is as beautiful as the lotus, hence the names Furong and Mulián; it is also named Jushuang [Frost-Resisting]. Commonly called "Pishu". Sima Xiangru's fu refers to it as "Huamu," with annotations stating its bark can be made into ropes. Su Dongpo wrote: "Calling it Frost-Resisting is not quite right; it seems most suitable for frost." Su Song's *Tujing Bencao* mentions "Difurong," stating it comes from Dingzhou, with leaves harvested in September to treat swellings; this is likely this plant.)

[Origin] (Li Shizhen stated: Mufurong grows everywhere.)

[Physical Characteristics] It propagates easily by cuttings and is a small shrub. Its main stems grow in clusters like brambles, reaching up to one zhang in height. The leaves are as large as plane tree leaves, with five or seven lobes. The flowers resemble peonies and herbaceous peonies, with some varieties having thousands of petals. It is highly cold-resistant, does not drop leaves in winter, and does not produce fruit. Mountain people use its bark to make ropes. In the Sichuan and Guang regions, there is a variety called "Tianse Jushuang Hua" (Color-Changing Frost-Resisting Flower). When it first opens, it is white; the next day it turns slightly red; the third day it becomes deep red. The colors appear sequentially, presenting multiple hues.

[Seasonality] Flowers are harvested at the time of frost; leaves are harvested after the frost.

[Collection and Processing] Dried in the shade for medicinal use.

[Color] Red, white, and yellow.

[Applications] (Li Shizhen stated: The qi of Mufurong flowers and leaves is neutral, neither cold nor hot. The taste is slightly pungent, and the nature is slippery and sticky. Its efficacy in treating swellings and carbuncles is miraculous. Recent surgeons secretly named preparations derived from it Qingliang Gao, Qinglu San, and Tiegu San. These formulas treat all carbuncles, back abscesses, mastitis, and malignant ulcers, regardless of whether they have formed pus or ruptured. The leaves, root bark, or flowers are used, either fresh or dried, ground into powder, and mixed with honey. Applied around the periphery of the swelling, leaving the center open. If dry, change frequently. For early-stage lesions, cooling is felt immediately, pain stops, and swelling subsides. For established abscesses, pus gathers and toxins are expelled. For ruptured lesions, pus drains easily, and healing occurs rapidly, which is wonderful. Adding powdered fresh *Phaseolus vulgaris* (Chixiaodou) is especially effective.)

[Taste] Slightly pungent.

[Nature] Neutral.