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Puzhi Zi (Premonitory Seed): Possesses the efficacy of killing parasites, treating Gu poison (Gu toxin), and various toxins. It is said that taking two seeds and attaching them to the collar allows one to hear a sound when encountering Gu poison, thereby knowing it immediately. The seed has a shell; the fruit resembles the seed of Gleditsia sinensis (Chinese Honeylocust). After removing the shell and grinding for oral administration, it is effective (recorded by famous physicians). [Names] Xianzhao Zi, Shengzhi Zi, Shengxian Zi, Shengwuyou (Holy Worry-free), Hehe Zi. [Seedling] "Tujing" states: It climbs as a vine on large trees. Leaves are green with three angles, deep green on the front and pale on the back. Fruits appear in July and August, forming pods. Initially green, turning deep red when ripe. Each pod contains five to seven seeds, resembling Gleditsia sinensis seeds, mottled brown, glossy like a moth. Taking two and attaching them to the collar produces a "ce ce" sound upon encountering Gu poison, hence the name. Currently, people in Shu highly value it and consider it rare. It is also said that seeds with two kernels are superior for carrying. The root is harvested in winter, dried in shade, tastes bitter, and is extremely cold in nature; its efficacy surpasses that of the seed. Mountain dwellers call it "Shengwuyou". [Origin] "Tujing" states: Not recorded in old texts regarding specific provinces. Now found in Huai, Shu, Han, and Qian regions. [Authentic Origin] Bizhou. [Seasonality] Sprouts in spring; fruits harvested in autumn; roots harvested in winter. [Storage] Shade-dried. [Medicinal Parts] Seeds and roots. [Texture] Resembles Gleditsia sinensis seeds. [Color] Mottled brown. [Taste] Bitter. [Nature] Cold, with draining/descending properties. [Qi/Taste] Strong aroma, Yin in nature. [Indications] Various wind pathogens, Gu poison. [Processing] Remove shell, grind into powder. [Treatment] "Tujing" states: For Gu poisoning, place the root in a stone mortar, grind to powder, decoct with water, take 3 qianbi (approx. 9-15g) warm orally, and the disease will cease immediately. "Ri Hua Zi" states: Seeds treat all wind pathogens, phlegm-stagnation masses, epidemic febrile diseases, eliminate retained food, relieve irritability, promote urination, induce labor, treat sudden loss of voice due to evil invasion, hair loss, etc.; externally applied for snake, Gu, and centipede bites. Taken alone, it treats various diseases. Daily intake of 14 kernels; patients should not exceed 3000 kernels total for permanent cure. [Tonification] "Ri Hua Zi" states: Seeds tonify Five Exhaustions and Seven Injuries. [Detoxification] Resolves drug toxicity.

Mengmu Cao (Beech Grass): Leaves curl up; blood insects exist within the fruit, which hatch into horseflies that bite humans. In northern borders, grass leaves resemble Malva verticillata (Mallow); mixed with Cinnamomi Ramulus (Guizhi) and ground to powder, applied to horses prevents fly bites. ○ Old straw raincoats burned to ash, mixed with oil, applied well for ulcers caused by earwigs. ○ The owner of a frequently used cooking broom who develops leukoderma on the face: on the night of a lunar eclipse, mix with other herbs, burn to ash, blend with vinegar to form a paste for application. ○ Tianluo Le (Luffa Fruit): Mainly treats stream toxins; crush and apply externally to sores. Tianluo Le grows in flatlands of Jiangnan. ○ Maoliao (Hairy Polygonum): Treats carbuncles, sores, and scrofula; crush and insert into sores to draw out pus and blood, promote tissue regeneration; can also be decocted to wash sores and soak feet to treat Hong Kong foot (tinea pedis). Grows in mountains; roots resemble Polygonum multiflorum (He Shou Wu); leaves have hairs; roots survive winter. ○ She Rui Cao (Snake Root Grass): Treats bites from snakes, vipers, and venomous insects; take roots and leaves, crush and apply to bite sites; yellow fluid will discharge immediately. Grows in flatlands; leaves resemble Rumex crispus but with smaller nodes, reddish, 1-2 chi high; planting repels snakes. Another variety has round stems resembling Colocasia esculenta (Taro); also applied for snake bites. ○ "Bielu" records: "In Dongguan, there is grass resembling Taro stems, square joints, reddish; applied for snake bites, seemingly removing them, also called She Rui Cao. Both grasses treat snake bites; unknown which is authentic. There is also Shurui Cao resembling Acorus tatarinowii (Changpu); growing on mountains; root kills rats instantly." ○ Wan Yi Teng (Ten Thousand Year Vine): Treats snake bites; crush, sieve, mix with water to form mud, apply to carbuncles. Vines resemble Adzuki beans; grow in Lingnan; also called Wan Ji. ○ Lu Si Cao (Snail Grass): Treats carbuncles, wind-rash, and edema of Hong Kong foot; crush and apply externally, or decoct to wash swollen areas. Vines grow on rocks, resembling snails, slightly reddish, with few hairs on the back. ○ Jimu Cao (Stepmother Grass): Treats malignant sores; crush and apply. Grows in northern river plains; has purple-green flowers with horn-like structures bearing thorns; belongs to Artemisia family. Also called Jimu Ji. ○ Jia Jian: Pungent, neutral, non-toxic. Treats onychocryptosis (ingrown toenail) sores and difficult-to-heal miscellaneous sores; pain from insect, bee, snake, and scorpion stings; pediatric head sores, angular cheilitis, postauricular eclipse sores; all treated by external application. Combined with other herbs and fragrant flower petals, burned to ash, mixed with beeswax to make lip balm. Its growth environment is similar to Jia Jian. Three-year-old material treats insect-related sores, perioral sores, onychocryptosis, etc. ○ Jin Chuang Xiao Cao (Minor Herb for Metal Wounds): Sweet, neutral, non-toxic. Treats metal wounds, stops bleeding, promotes tissue growth, stops epistaxis. Take leaves, crush, and apply externally. Also use Yuzhi Duan Shi (Calcined Alum) pounded into pills, sun-dried, scraped for topical application, or decocted orally to stop blood stasis and sudden lower gastrointestinal bleeding. Grows in low-lying wet fields in Jiangnan; 1-2 cun high; leaves resemble Shepherd's Purse; light purple flowers in spring/summer, about one grain of rice long. ○ Gui Chai Cao (Ghost Hairpin Grass): Bitter, neutral, non-toxic. Treats snake and spider bites; crush and apply externally. Can also be crushed to extract juice. Roots grow near ponds; leaves have forks; square stems; seeds shaped like hairpins, stick to clothes like needles. Northern people call it Gui Zhen (Ghost Needle).