Library

Zhu (Atractylodes), originally growing in the valleys of Zheng Mountain, Hanzhong, and Nanzheng, is now found everywhere, with those from Songshan and Maoshan being considered the best. In spring, it sprouts seedlings that are green and branchless. It is also known as Shanji (Mountain Thistle) because its leaves resemble those of Ji (Thistle). The stem resembles that of Artemisia absinthium, appearing greenish-red, and grows to a height of two or three chi; in summer, it flowers with purple-blue blossoms, similar to the flowers of Cirsium japonicum, though some may be yellow or white; after the beginning of Fu days, it produces seeds, and by autumn, the seedlings wither. The root resembles ginger but has fine lateral roots; the skin is black, the interior is yellowish-white, and it contains purple viscous fluid. It is harvested in February, March, August, and September, then dried. Both fresh and dried forms are usable; currently, harvesting is mostly done in August, and practitioners of dietary therapy often consume it alone. Alternatively, it can be combined with Baifuling (Poria) or Shichangpu (Acorus tatarinowii), ground into powder, taken with water in the morning, and repeated in the evening, yielding better results over time. Another method involves taking fresh Zhu, removing soil, soaking in water, and boiling repeatedly until it reaches the consistency of maltose syrup, which is then taken with wine for superior efficacy. The Zhu prepared in Maoshan today follows this decoction method. Tao Hongjing stated: "In the past, Liu Juanzi extracted its essence to make pills named Shouzhongjin Wan (Golden Pill Guarding the Center)." The method currently transmitted involves making a paste, which is likely not authentic. According to careful examination, there are two types of Zhu: "Erya" states, "Zhu is Shanji." Yang Bao (pronounced 'fu') explained it as "Ji." This distinguishes the names for thistles growing in mountains versus flatlands. Those growing in flatlands are called Ji, while those in mountains are called Zhu. Tao's commentary on Bencao states: "Baizhu (White Atractylodes) has large, hairy leaves, is sweet, and has little viscous fluid; Chizhu (Red Atractylodes) is small, bitter, and has much viscous fluid." Those growing in flatlands that are plump and larger than others are named Yangbao Ji, now called Maji (Horse Thistle). Thus, Yangbao refers to Baizhu. Currently, Baizhu grows on high ridges in Hangzhou, Yuezhou, Shuzhou, and Xuanzhou. Its leaves grow opposite each other, covered with hairs, on square stems. Flowers bloom at the stem tips in pale purple, blue, red, and other colors. The roots grow in forked shapes and are harvested in February, March, August, and September, then dried. Large pieces with purple flowers are superior and are also known as Qilijia. In ancient prescriptions, the term "Zhu" referred to Baizhu, not the Zhu known today.