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Mudanpi (Cortex Moutan), growing in the valleys of Ba Commandery and Hanzhong, is now also found in the mountains of Danzhou, Yanzhou, Qingzhou, Yuezhou, Chuzhou, and Hezhou.
The flowers come in various colors including yellow, purple, red, and white; this variety is likely wild Mudanpi.
Its stems are dry and brittle with a blackish-white color. Seedlings and leaves emerge on the stems in the second lunar month, and flowers bloom in the third lunar month. The flowers and leaves resemble those of cultivated varieties, but possess only five or six petals. Black seeds form in the fifth lunar month, roughly the size of a water caltrop nut. The roots are yellowish-white, reaching lengths of five to seven cun, and are as thick as a writing brush handle. Harvested in the second and eighth lunar months, the woody core is removed using a copper knife, and the remaining bark is dried in the shade for use.
This flower is also known as Mu Shaoyao (Tree Peony). In recent times, people have highly valued it. Gardeners transplant and graft them in autumn and winter, cultivating them in rich soil so that they bloom profusely in spring with diverse forms. Consequently, the medicinal properties of their roots deviate significantly from their true nature; such specimens should not be used in medicine as they lack efficacy.
Mudanpi primarily acts on the blood level to remove blood stasis. According to *Zhengyuan Guangli Fang*, for cases of blood stasis due to trauma, take eight fen of Mudanpi and twenty-one Mengchong (Bladdersnail), stir-fry them together, pound into powder, and sift. Take one fangcun bi (a measure equivalent to a square inch) with warm wine every morning; the blood stasis will transform into water and discharge.

Fangji (Radix Stephaniae Tetrandrae), growing in the river valleys of Hanzhong, is also produced in Qianzhong today. However, Fangji from Hanzhong, when broken, exhibits a texture resembling wheel spokes, has a solid texture and fragrant aroma, tender stems, and small leaves resembling those of Ipomoea batatas (Morning Glory). When its stem is broken and blown from one end, air passes through completely, similar to Mutong (Akebiae Caulis). Those from other regions are pale green, white, hollow, and soft, possessing a fishy odor, wrinkled skin, and nail-like protuberances on the surface; these are called Mu Fangji (Stephania tetrandra var. glauca or related species). Harvested in the second and eighth lunar months, they are dried in the shade for use.
Although Mu Fangji is no longer commonly used in modern prescriptions, it was widely used in ancient formulas. Zhang Zhongjing treated Taiyang disease (Exterior Syndrome) with modified Mu Fangji Tang, as well as Fangji Dihuang Tang, Wuwu Fangji Tang, and Huangqin Liuwu Tang. The *Shenshi Fang* treats fullness and distension in the epigastrium/chest region, wheezing, hardness and fullness below the heart, darkened complexion, and a deep, tight pulse, which persists for dozens of days and resolves after emetic or purgative therapy; Mu Fangji Tang is indicated.
Mu Fangji (two liang), Shigao (Gypsum Fibrosum, two pieces the size of chicken eggs, crushed, wrapped in silk), Guixin (Cinnamomi Cortex), and Renshen (Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, four liang). Boil these four ingredients in six sheng of water until reduced to two sheng. Divide into two doses. Patients with deficiency patterns will recover immediately. For excess patterns, if symptoms recur after three days, induce sweating again. If still unresolved after another three days, remove Shigao and add Mangxiao (Natrii Sulfas, three he). Boil the remaining three ingredients in six sheng of water until reduced to two sheng, strain, add Mangxiao, and divide into two doses. Mild diarrhea indicates recovery. Raw scallions are contraindicated.
Sun Simiao also used Sanwu Mu Fangji Tang to treat enuresis and dysuria.