Library

Non-toxic. Vining growth.

Cuscutae Semen (Tu Si Zi) [Source: *Shennong Bencao Jing*]: Mainly treats the healing of severed injuries, supplements deficiencies, benefits Qi and strength, promotes robustness and health; its juice removes facial discoloration; long-term use brightens the eyes, lightens the body, and prolongs life. (The above text in red characters is from *Shennong Bencao Jing*).

(The following text in black characters is recorded by famous physicians): Nourishes muscles, strengthens Yin, solidifies sinews and bones; mainly treats coldness in the penis, spontaneous seminal emission, dribbling after urination, bitter taste in the mouth, dryness and thirst, and accumulation of cold blood.

[Names]: Tu Lu, Tu Lü, Tu Lei, Yu Nu, Niao, Chi Wang, Tang Meng.

[Seedling] (*Tujing Bencao* records): In summer, seedlings grow like silk threads, spreading intricately over grasses and trees. Fruits are formed in the sixth and seventh lunar months, extremely fine like silkworm eggs. There are two varieties: those that are yellow and fine are named "Chi Wang"; those that are pale in color and larger are named "Tu Lei". Their functions are identical. Texts often state that Cuscuta has no roots, does not attach to the ground, and grows by borrowing Qi. Upon observation, when the seedlings first emerge, they lie like silk threads on the ground and cannot stand alone; upon encountering a grass stem, they wrap around it and grow upwards. Their roots gradually detach from the ground and parasitize in the air, confirming that the statements in texts are not incorrect.

[Origin] (*Tujing Bencao* records): Grows in the rivers, marshes, and fields of Korea; also found near the capital region. (Authentic origin): Those from Yuanju are superior.

[Season] (Growth): Seedlings grow in summer. (Harvest): Collect fruits in the eighth and ninth lunar months.

[Storage]: Sun-dry.

[Usage]: Seeds that are firm and fine are preferred.

[Texture]: Similar to silkworm eggs but finer.

[Color]: Earthy yellow.

[Taste]: Pungent, Sweet.

[Nature]: Neutral, dispersing and relaxing.

[Qi]: Thin Qi, Yin within Yang.

[Odor]: Fragrant.

[Main Actions]: Preserves complexion and enhances beauty, strengthens Yin and benefits essence.

[Adjuvants]: Works well with wine; Yam Rhizome (Shan Yao) and Pine Resin (Song Zhi) act as guides.

[Incompatibility]: Averse to fungi/mushrooms.

[Processing] (Lei Gong says): Harvest the whole plant, remove coarse and thin shells, soak in sour vinegar for two days, drain, then soak in fresh juice of Polygonatum (Huang Jing) overnight. The next morning, simmer gently until dry, place in a mortar, and pound vigorously with a hot iron pestle for over three thousand strikes to make powder. Use sour vinegar and fresh Huang Jing juice in equal proportion relative to Cuscutae Semen.

[Therapeutic Indications] (*Yaoxing Lun* states): Relieves lower back pain, cold knees, Xiao Ke (wasting-thirst syndrome), and heat in the middle jiao. (*Ri Hua Zi Bencao* states): Treats "ghost intercourse" (nocturnal emissions induced by hallucinations), seminal emission, hematuria, moistens lungs and heart. (Tonification) (*Yaoxing Lun* states): For men and women with deficiency-cold, adds essence and benefits marrow. (*Ri Hua Zi Bencao* states): Treats five labors and seven injuries. (Lei Gong states): Benefits Qi and assists sinews and vessels.

[Compound Prescription]: Combine with Achyranthis Bidentatae Radix (Niu Xi) in a silver vessel, soak in wine for five days, sun-dry, and form pills using wine paste the size of paulownia seeds. Take on an empty stomach with wine. Treats accumulation of cold pain in the waist and knees of men, or stubborn numbness and weakness.

[Counterfeits]: Seeds of Celosia argentea (Tian Bi Cao Zi) are used as counterfeits.