Library

Tu Dahuang (Rhubarb of the Earth), its content is detailed under the entry for Dahuang (Rhubarb).

Jiegeng (Platycodon Root) grows in the valleys of Mount Song and Yuanju, and is now available everywhere. The root is as thick as a little finger, yellowish-white; seedlings emerge in spring, with stems over a chi (approx. 33 cm) high; leaves resemble apricot leaves but are longer and oval, growing four opposite each other, and tender leaves can also be boiled for food; purple-blue flowers bloom in summer, resembling those of Convolvulus (Morning Glory), and seeds form after autumn. Roots are harvested in August, finely sliced, dried in the sun, and used. The leaves are named Yinren (Hidden Endurance). Its roots have a pith; those without pith are Shepherd's Purse (Shepherdia/Shepherd's purse, *Capsella bursa-pastoris*). Shepherd's Purse can also detoxify, and the two plants are often confused. The difference lies in the fact that the underside of Shepherd's Purse leaves is smooth and hairless. Jiegeng from Guanzhong has yellow roots, resembling Hollyhock (*Althaea rosea*) roots; stems are thin and green; leaves are small, green, and resemble Chrysanthemum leaves. Ancient prescriptions also use Jiegeng alone. *Gujin Luyan* records treating sudden poisoning by gu (venomous insects/magic) causing bloody stools like chicken liver, bleeding day and night amounting to several shi (volume unit), damaging the four viscera, while the heart remains intact, or when the nose is broken and death seems imminent. Take Jiegeng, crush it into powder, and administer one fangcun bi (approx. 2-3 grams) with wine, three times daily. If unable to swallow, pry open the mouth with an object and pour it in. The patient should feel irritability in the chest, which will settle spontaneously after a moment. Continue for seven days. At this time, consume Pig Liver to tonify the body, which is highly effective. *Jiyan Fang* records: Treating fullness in the chest accompanied by chills, rapid pulse, dry throat without thirst, frequent expectoration of turbid, foul-smelling saliva, and long-term expectoration of pus resembling rice porridge, this is Fei Yong (Lung Abscess). Treat with Jiugeng (Platycodon Root) and Gancao (Licorice Root), both roasted, two liang each, boiled in three sheng (approx. 600 ml) of water until one sheng remains, divided into two doses. Expectoration of pus and blood in the morning and evening indicates recovery.

Gansui (Kansui Root) grows in the valleys of Zhongshan; it is now also found in Shaanxi and Jiangdong. Some say the best quality comes from Jingxi, followed by those from Bian, Cang, and Wu. The sprout resembles Zeqi (Spurge), with short stems and sap-containing leaves; the root bark is red, the flesh white, forming a bead-like structure, resembling Licorice with skin. Roots are harvested in February, cut into sections, dried in the shade, and those that are solid and heavy are superior. There is another type called Cao Gansui (Herbal Gansui), with a single stem and six or seven leaves at the tip, resembling Castor Bean or Typhonium leaves; this is inferior for use. Eating one sheng raw does not induce bowel movement. Tang commentary states: Cao Gansui is Zaoxiu (Paris polyphylla). Zaoxiu has its own entry; ancient formulas also use it alone to promote urination and defecation. *Duanju* records: Treating lower abdominal fullness during pregnancy, difficulty in urination and defecation, and shortness of breath, where previous treatment with Zhuling San (Polyporus Powder) failed. Use Gansui San formula. Take Erliang (approx. 90g) of Chipi Gansui (Red-barked Kansui) from Mount Tai, crush and sieve, mix with Erliang (approx. 90g) of White Honey, and form pills the size of soybeans. If the patient feels irritability below the heart or slight diarrhea, administer once daily. After evacuation, resume Zhuling San. If no evacuation occurs, administer twice daily, gradually increasing the dose up to half a qianbi (approx. 1-2 grams), stopping when mild diarrhea is achieved. Intermittently use the powder. See Zhuling San under the entry for Zhuling (Polyporus).