Library

Toxic.
The flowers and seeds treat various wind pathogens and Hong Kong foot (swelling and pain in the feet) caused by cold-dampness; decocted as a wash for external application. They also treat epilepsy (pediatric convulsions) and rectal prolapse, and can be administered internally with anesthetic herbs. (*Compendium of Materia Medica*)

[Names] Fengqie'er (Wind Eggplant), Shan Qiezi (Mountain Eggplant). (Li Shizhen states: The *Lotus Sutra* records that when the Buddha preached the Dharma, Mandala flowers rained from heaven. In Daoism, the Tuo Luo Star Messenger of the Big Dipper holds this flower, hence the name "Mandala" for the flower. "Mandala" is Sanskrit for "mixed colors"; "Qie" (eggplant) refers to the leaf shape. Yao Bosheng calls it "Evil Guest" in his *Flower Catalogue*.)

[Origin] (Li Shizhen states: Mandala grows in northern regions, and common people also cultivate it.)

[Seasonality] Grows in spring, flourishes in summer.

[Morphology] A single stem grows straight upward, four or five chi high, without lateral branching. Leaves resemble eggplant leaves. White flowers bloom in August, with six petals, larger than morning glory flowers. Flowers cluster together, petals folded inward, leaves wrapping around, opening in the morning and closing at night. It bears round fruits containing seeds, with smaller seeds inside the main seeds.

[Collection] Collect flowers in August, fruits in September.

[Medicinal Parts] Flowers, seeds.

[Color] Green stems, dark green leaves, white flowers.

[Taste] Acrid.

[Nature] Warm.

[Qi Property] Thin Qi, Yin within Yang.

[Indications] Collect these flowers in August, collect Hemp Seed flowers in July, dry them in the shade, grind into powder in equal parts, and take three qian mixed with hot wine. Soon one feels dizzy as if intoxicated. Before performing incision or moxibustion, it is advisable to take this medicine first so that no pain is felt.

[Contraindications] (Li Shizhen states: It is said that if this flower is picked while laughing and brewed into wine, drinking it causes laughter and dancing. I have tested this: after drinking until half-drunk, having another person laugh or dance to guide the drinker indeed produces the effect. This shows it is toxic.)

[Treatment] Sores on the face (*Wei Sheng Yi Jian Fang*): Dry Mandala flowers, grind into fine powder, apply a small amount to the affected area.

[Compound Treatment] Pediatric slow convulsion (*Yu Yao Yuan Fang*): Seven Mandala flowers (weighing approximately one qian), two qian and a half Tianma (Gastrodia Rhizome), ten fried Quanxie (Scorpio), processed Tannanxing (Arisaema Rhizome), two qian and a half each of Dansha (Cinnabar) and Ruxiang (Frankincense), ground into powder. Take half a qian per dose, mixed with Bohe Tang (Mint Decoction). ○ Rectal prolapse: One pair of Mandala seeds with shells, sixteen Xiangdou (Oak Galls), chopped together, decocted in water for three to five boils, add a little Poxiao (Mirabilite), and wash the affected area.

Slightly toxic.
The flowers and leaves treat Phlegm-Fluid retention, which flares up upon exposure to cold. Grind the flowers into powder, mix with rice flour to make baked food, which is effective immediately. It also treats poisoning from accidentally eating Grouper roe causing incessant vomiting, and fish bones stuck in the throat. Crush to extract juice, mix with a little cold water, and swallow; vomiting stops immediately, and the bone dissolves. For chronic malaria forming masses (abdominal accumulations), fill the belly of a crucian carp with the flowers, wrap in wet paper, bake until cooked, and eat on an empty stomach. Apply crushed flowers and Hai Fen (Sea Flour/Starch) externally to eliminate the mass. (*Compendium of Materia Medica*)

[Names] Naoyu Hua (Fish-Disturbing Flower), Yuwei Cao (Fish-Tail Grass), Du Mu.

[Origin] (Li Shizhen states: Zuiyucao grows everywhere in the south, mostly in small bushes along ditches and banks.)

[Morphology] (Li Shizhen states: Plants are three or four chi high. Roots resemble Gouqi (Goji berries). Stems resemble Huangjing (Vitex), with slight ridges and thin yellow bark; they propagate easily. Leaves resemble Shuiyang (Poplar), growing opposite each other on nodes, remaining evergreen through winter.)

[Seasonality] Blooms in July and August, forming spikes.

[Texture] Resembles Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos), bearing fine seeds.

[Color] Red-purple.

[Indications] Fishermen collect the flowers and leaves to poison fish, causing all fish to die, hence the name Zuiyuer Cao (Fish-Intoxicating Grass).

[Medicinal Parts] Flowers, leaves.

[Taste] Acrid, Bitter.

[Nature] Warm.

[Qi Property] Thin Qi, Yin within Yang.

[Contraindications] Do not plant near ponds. The color, shape, and odor of this flower resemble Yuanhua (Genkwa Flos), and its toxicity to fish is similar, differing only in the blooming time. According to the *Zhongshan Jing*: "There is a grass in Xiong'er Mountain resembling Su (Perilla) with red flowers, named Tingli, which can be used to poison fish." This is likely such a type of grass.