Library

Weimao (Euonymus alatus), also known as Guijian (Ghost Arrow). It grows in the valleys of Mount Huo, and is now found in some prefectures and commanderies of the Jianghuai region. After March, stems and seedlings emerge, growing to a length of approximately four or five chi; its branches have three feather-like protrusions, resembling arrow feathers; the leaves resemble those of Camellia, appearing green; the twigs and stems are harvested in August, November, and December, and dried in the shade. The wood is also called Gougou (Dog Bone). Cui's prescriptions treat Ezhu (Malignant Transmission) located in the heart/chest, characterized by unbearable pain, using the Guijianyu Tang (Cinnamon Twig and Euonymus Decoction). The *Jiyan Fang* (Collected Effective Prescriptions) records: treating sudden severe heart pain, or acute pain caused by evil qi toxicity, Da Huang Tang (Rhubarb Decoction) also uses Guijian, both being major formulas.

Ziwei (Bignonia capensis), also known as Lingxiao Hua (Trumpet Vine Flower). It grows in the river valleys near the western seas and on the sunny slopes of mountains; it is now ubiquitous, mostly growing in mountains, and sometimes cultivated in household gardens. Initially growing as vines, it climbs large trees, and after many years extends to the treetops to flower; the flowers are yellowish-red, blooming abundantly in summer. Tao Hongjing states: "The *Classic of Poetry* mentions 'Tiao Zhi Hua'." Guo Pu annotates: "This is Lingxiao." Additionally, Su Gong cites the *Erya · Shi Cao* saying: "Tiao is Lingtiao." Guo Pu annotates: "Also named Lingxiao." However, consulting current annotations of the *Erya*, Tiao is named Lingshi. The *Bencao* (Materia Medica) does not mention Lingxiao; could it be that ancient and modern transmitted texts differ? Furthermore, according to the commentaries of Lu Ji and Kong Yingda: "Tiao, also named Lingshi," where Lingshi is actually an alias for Salvia miltiorrhiza (Danshen/Sage). Guo further states Tiao is Lingshi, but the *Bencao* notes that current Ziwei lacks the name Lingshi, whereas Salvia miltiorrhiza has it. Thus, it is known that Tao and Su misidentified Lingshi as Lingxiao. Moreover, since Lingxiao is not a herbaceous plant, this error is further clarified. Currently, medical practitioners often harvest and dry its flowers. It is used in formulas for women's metrorrhagia due to wind-toxin, and treats young girls' blood-heat wind-toxin, causing urticaria on the skin of the four limbs, within meridians-regulating formulas. Lingxiao Hua, regardless of quantity, is crushed and sifted into powder; two qian are taken each time, mixed with warm wine, administered before meals, yielding excellent results.

Wuyi (Celtis sinensis fruit), grows in the mountain valleys of Jin. It is now also found in valleys near main roads. Generally similar to Ulmus (Elm) but smaller; its fruits mature early and are larger than elm seeds. Its odor is foul... (*Note: Original text contains missing/obscure characters here*). The *Erya · Shi Mu* states: "Wugu, its fruit is flat." Guo Pu annotates: "Wugu is Guyu, growing in mountains, with round, dense leaves; the bark is peeled and soaked." Its taste is pungent and fragrant, which is what is referred to as Wuyi. Additionally, the *Shi Cao* chapter states: "...Ti...", annotated as: "Also named Bai Kui," which is similar to one of the aliases in the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (pronounced Dian/Tang). Su Gong states: "... is a character error." However, ...Ti is a grass type, while Wu Ti is a tree. They are clearly two different substances, perhaps merely similar in odor category. The fruits are harvested in March and dried in the shade. It is frequently used in insecticidal formulas. Nowadays, people often crush it into flakes for seasoning; aged material is superior. People store it, often pickling it with salt, which causes loss of aroma. Such material is unsuitable for medicinal use and can only serve as food. It is especially suitable for consumption after autumn. The *Xu Chuanxin Fang* treats chronic spleen-stomach qi leakage/diarrhea unceasingly: using five liang of Wuyi, pounded into powder, made into pills with rice. Each day, before noon meal on an empty stomach, thirty pills are taken with aged rice water, increased to forty pills. Long-term consumption removes the Three Corpses (San Shi), benefits the spirit, and preserves youthfulness. It is said that Zhang Liao derived great benefit from this method.