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Non-toxic. Grows in clusters.

Polygonati Rhizoma (Huangjing, 黄精) mainly benefits the middle jiao, tonifies qi, dispels wind-dampness, and stabilizes the five zang organs. Long-term consumption lightens the body, extends lifespan, and prevents hunger. (Recorded by Famous Physicians) [Names] Chonglou, Tuzhu, Jige, Qiugiong Lu Zhu, Weirui, Chuizhu, Majian, Baiji, Huangzhi, Xianren Yuliang, Taiyang Zhi Cao. [Sprouts] (Bencao Tujing states) The sprouts are one to two chi high; leaves resemble bamboo leaves but are shorter, growing opposite each other; stems are flexible and brittle, resembling peach branches. The base of the root is yellow, and the tip is reddish. In April, it opens small bluish-white flowers resembling soybean flowers. Seeds are white like broomcorn millet; some varieties bear no seeds. The root resembles tender ginger, yellow in color. Roots growing in fertile soil are as large as a fist; those in poor soil are the size of a thumb. Mountain people steam and dry them for food, which is very sweet. [Origin] (Bencao Tujing states) Grows in valleys; now found everywhere. (Yongjia Ji says) Produced in Songyang, Yongning County. (Authentic Origin) Mount Song, Mount Mao. [Season] (Growth) Sprouts emerge in March. (Harvest) Roots dug in February. [Storage] Sun-dried. [Selection] Roots that are plump and moist with oil are best. [Texture] Resembles tender ginger. [Color] Yellow when raw, black when cooked. [Taste] Sweet. [Nature] Mild and balanced. [Qi] Thin qi, Yin within Yang. [Odor] Fishy. [Main Action] Tonifies the middle and benefits qi. [Processing] (Ri Hua Zi says) Steamed nine times and sun-dried nine times. (Lei Gong says) Wash clean with stream water, steam from Si hour to Zi hour, slice thinly, and sun-dry. [Therapeutic Effects] (Tonification) (Ri Hua Zi says) Treats five labors and seven injuries, assists sinews and bones, stops hunger, resists cold and heat, benefits spleen and stomach, moistens heart and lungs, preserves youthfulness. [Counterfeit] Gouwen (Gelsemium elegans) is counterfeit.

Non-toxic. Grows in clusters.

Acori Tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu, 菖蒲) mainly treats wind-cold-damp bi syndrome, cough with rebellious qi, opens the orifices of the heart, tonifies the five zang organs, unblocks the nine orifices, brightens eyes and ears, restores voice. Treats deafness, carbuncles and sores, warms the stomach and intestines, controls frequent urination, treats damp-bi of the four limbs causing inability to flex and extend, pediatric warm malaria, unresolved internal accumulated heat, and can be used as a bath decoction. Long-term consumption lightens the body, sharpens hearing and vision, prevents forgetfulness, avoids confusion, extends life, enhances wisdom, strengthens will, and prevents aging. (Recorded by Famous Physicians) [Names] Changyang, Yaojiu. [Sprouts] (Bencao Tujing states) Green leaves grow in spring, one to two chi long. Leaves have a central ridge, shaped like a sword, without flowers or fruits. Roots are coiled and jointed, resembling horse whips. One main root has three or four lateral roots branching out; lateral roots have particularly dense nodes. Nine nodes per cun are excellent; twelve nodes per cun also exist. Freshly harvested roots are soft; dried roots are firm. Broken cross-sections show a slightly reddish center; chewing yields a pungent aroma with little residue. People often plant them in dry sandy soil; transplanting in the twelfth lunar month is highly successful. (Tao Hongjing says) Those growing on gravel are called "Ji"; those with good nodes are superior. Large roots growing in low, wet areas are named Changyang. (Lei Gong says) Those growing on stones with tender yellow, tight, hard roots, dense nodes, and nine nodes per cun are authentic. [Origin] (Bencao Tujing states) Produced in Shangluo, Liangzhou pools, and Shu commandery Yandao; now found everywhere. (Authentic Origin) Chizhou and Rongzhou are best. [Season] (Growth) Leaves emerge in spring. (Harvest) Roots dug on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and in the twelfth month. [Storage] Sun-dried. [Selection] Roots with nine nodes per cun that are firm are best. [Texture] Similar to Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu), thin, coiled, and jointed. [Color] Slightly reddish. [Taste] Pungent. [Nature] Warm and dispersing. [Qi] Strong qi, Yang. [Odor] Fragrant. [Main Action] Sharpens hearing and vision, unblocks heart qi. [Synergistic Partners] Qinpi (Phellodendri Cortex) and Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) act as guides. [Incompatibilities] Dislikes Didan (Scutellariae Barbatae Herba) and Mahuang (Ephedrae Herba). [Processing] (Lei Gong says) Scrape off yellow-black hard nodal skin with a copper knife; steam with tender mulberry twigs, remove twigs, sun-dry, and chop. [Therapeutic Effects] (Treatment) (Yaoxing Lun says) Wind-damp bi, tinnitus, headache, tearing, ghost qi, kills various insects, malignant sores, scabies. (Ri Hua Zi says) Dispels wind, directs qi downward, treats male water organ diseases, female blood sea cold stagnation, forgetfulness, enhances intelligence, relieves irritability, stops epigastric pain, cholera with muscle cramps, external wind sores/scabies, dysuria, kills abdominal parasites and lice, earache. [Combined Treatment] Combine Changpu (1-2 cun) with Wuzhuyu (Evodiae Fructus), decoct and drink to treat cold qi rebellion in heart and abdomen. ○ Decoct with wine to treat postpartum metrorrhagia with continuous bleeding. [Contraindications] Exposed roots should not be used. [Dietary Taboos] Yitang (Maltose), mutton, ironware. [Antidote] Resolves Daji (Euphorbiae Pekinensis Radix) and Badou (Crotonis Fructus) toxicity. [Counterfeit] Xisun (Iris pseudacorus) is counterfeit.