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Trichosanthes Fruit (Gualou), originally growing in the valleys and north-facing slopes of Hongnong, is now available everywhere. Its fruit is commonly known as "Huanggua" (Cucumber), which refers to the fruit of "Guoluo" mentioned in the *Classic of Poetry* (Shijing). The root is also called Baiyao (White Medicine), with yellow skin and white flesh; seedlings emerge in March and April, climbing via tendrils. The leaves resemble those of the muskmelon and have fine hairs; flowers bloom in July, resembling bottle gourd flowers, light yellow in color; the fruit develops beneath the flower, about the size of a fist, green when young, turning reddish-yellow by September. Roots are harvested in February and August, peeled, sun-dried for thirty days to complete processing. The fruits vary in shape, some being perfectly round, others sharp and long, but their medicinal functions are identical. The roots are best when old and deeply embedded in the soil. Those growing in saline-alkali soil are toxic. According to records, Trichosanthes Fruit (Gualou) treats Xiao Ke (Wasting and Thirsting syndrome, often corresponding to diabetes). Ancient prescriptions also use it singly. Sun Simiao described a method for preparing Gualou powder: deeply dig large roots, peel them thickly until the white interior is exposed, cut into one-cun segments, soak in water, changing the water daily. After five days, remove, pound thoroughly, grind, place in a silk bag, filter through sedimentation until extremely fine like powder, drain the water, and take one cun-bi (a square-inch measure) per dose, three to four times daily. It can also be mixed into porridge or dairy products. It is suitable for sudden onset of Xiong Bi (Chest Bi syndrome, characterized by chest pain and oppression). Take one large mature fruit, slice it, combine with half a sheng of Scallion White (Xiebai), and seven sheng of white wine. Boil to obtain two sheng of liquid, divided into two doses. Another prescription adds four liang of Pinellia Rhizome (Banxia), washed with hot water to remove its slippery nature, and boiled together for better efficacy. Additionally, Cui Yuanliang of the Tang Dynasty treated retained arrowheads by crushing the root and applying it topically to the wound, changing it three times daily, allowing the arrowhead to exit naturally. It is also used to treat epidemic jaundice accompanied by mental restlessness, fever, and confusion where the patient does not recognize others. Take one large, yellow fruit, wash and soak in nine he of fresh well water, extract the juice, add half a large he of honey and eight fen of Mirabilite (Puxiao), mix until dissolved, and divide into two doses for cure.

Isatidis Radix (Daqing), whose origin was not recorded in older texts, is now found in various prefectures east of the Yangtze River, as well as Jingnan, Meizhou, Shuzhou, Haozhou, and Zizhou. In spring, it produces green-purple stems resembling Dianthus seedlings and leaves; flowers are red-purple, resembling Polygonum aviculare (Smartweed) or Genkwa Flos (Daphne flowers); the root is yellow. Stems and leaves are harvested in March and April, dried in the shade for use. Ancient prescriptions for Shang Han (Cold Damage) presenting with Huang Han (Yellow Sweat) or Huang Dan (Jaundice) include Daqing Tang (Isatidis Decoction). It is also used for Shang Han causing stiffness of the head and body, and pain in the waist and spine. Gegen Tang (Kudzu Root Decoction) also utilizes Isatidis Radix (Daqing). Generally, this herb is frequently used in formulas treating epidemic diseases.