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Niu Bian (Phytolaccae Radix), originating from the valleys of Guiyang, is also found today in Luzhou and Ningzhou. Its leaves resemble those of Sanjin (Trifolium repens) and Shilongrui (Ranunculus japonicus). The root resembles Qinjiao (Gentianae Macrophyllae Radix) but is thinner, mostly growing in the damp lowlands of plains and marshes. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun. It is rarely used nowadays. According to the *Shennong Bencao Jing* (Divine Farmer's Materia Medica), it kills lice on cattle and small insects. Su Gong's annotation states: "The Taichang Temple (Institution for Ritual Music and Sacrifices) stored a name 'Biantu'." Today, Luzhou only has one variety named "Biante". It flowers in June and bears fruit in August; its roots are harvested. Crushed into powder and mixed with oil, it kills nits and lice. The therapeutic effects of the root and the seedling/leaves are largely similar. One suspects this is indeed Niu Bian. However, the characters 'Bian' and 'Bi' differ; could this be an error due to similar pronunciation? It is now appended here.

Lu Ying (Phytolaccae Herba), grows in the valleys of Xiong'er Mountain and Yuanju County. Shuo Di (Phytolaccae Radix et Caulis) does not record the specific provinces or lands where it originates, stating only that it grows in fields, and is now available everywhere. In spring, shoots emerge; the stem has nodes, with branches growing between the nodes. The leaves are large, resembling water celery (Oenanthe javanica) and Jiegucao (Sarcandra glabra). Leaves are harvested in spring and summer, while roots and stems are harvested in autumn and winter. Some claim that Shuo Di is Lu Ying. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* lists them as separate entries. Tao Hongjing also considered them to be the same substance. Su Gong stated: "Neither the *Yaodui* nor ancient prescriptions mention Shuo Di, only Lu Ying, clearly indicating they are not different substances." Current annotations, noting differences in nature and flavor, suspect they are not the same species, merely suggesting similarity, yet failing to distinguish them carefully. Re-examining the Lu Ying entry, it does not specify the parts used. The Shuo Di entry states that leaves, roots, and stems are used. Presumably, it is one substance but different parts are used, leading to different natures and flavors; how can this be clarified? Su Gong said the leaves resemble those of celery and the flowers of Jiegucao, belonging to the same category. Thus, celery is called Shui Ying (Water Ying), this plant is called Lu Ying (Land Ying), and Jiegucao is called Mu Ying (Wood Ying); the flowers and leaves of these three 'Yings' are similar. Furthermore, consulting the *Erya*, it states: "Hua" (pronounced fu) means flower; "Rong" means flourishing. Flowers on trees are called Hua, flowers on herbs are called Rong. Those that flourish but do not bear fruit are called Xiu, and those that flourish without bearing fruit are called Ying. Since this plant bears the name "Ying," it likely refers to its flower. Therefore, the *Shennong Bencao Jing* states: "Harvest Lu Ying at Start of Autumn." The Start of Autumn coincides precisely with its flowering time. Additionally, Ge Hong's prescriptions include the use of Shuo Di, Shuo Di root, and leaves separately. These three distinct usages correspond exactly with the harvesting times recorded in the classic texts, confirming beyond doubt that Lu Ying refers to the flower.