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Zhu Ling (Polyporus), growing in the valleys of Mount Heng and Yuanju County, Ji Yin Commandery; it is also found now in Shu Zhou and Mei Zhou. It was formerly believed to be Polyporus under maple trees, but now it is not necessarily found under maple roots; rather, it grows at the bottom of the soil, with a black skin forming lumps resembling pig dung, hence its name. It is also called Di Wu Tao (Earth Black Peach). Collected in February and August and dried in the shade, those with white flesh and solid texture are superior. The *Zhuangzi* refers to it as Shi Tuo (Pig Bladder). Sima Bao’s annotation states: "Also known as Ling, the root resembles pig feces and treats thirst." Zhang Zhongjing used Zhu Ling Tang (Polyporus Decoction) as the primary treatment for various cold damage diseases where pathogenic factors entered the Zang organs accompanied by thirst. Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Fu Ling (Poria), Ze Xie (Alisma), Hua Shi (Talcum), and E Jiao (Donkey-hide Gelatin) are each used in amounts of one liang. Boil the first four ingredients in four sheng of water until two sheng remain, then dissolve the gelatin. Take seven he per dose, three times daily. It is also indicated for patients who vomit and desire water. Furthermore, it treats Xiao Ke (Wasting-Thirst syndrome) presenting with floating pulse, difficulty in urination, and slight fever; Zhu Ling San (Polyporus Powder) induces sweating to release the exterior. When a patient desires water but vomits immediately after drinking, this is termed Shui Ni (Water Reversal); during winter, when chills are severe resembling malaria, Zhu Ling San is also administered. This formula is actually Wu Ling San (Five-Ingredient Powder with Poria). Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome), and Fu Ling (Poria) are each used in proportions of three fen, Ze Xie (Alisma) five fen, and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig) two fen. These are finely ground and sifted. Administer one fang cun bi (a square-inch measure) with water, three times daily. Drink plenty of warm water after administration; recovery occurs upon sweating. Among all decoctions that promote water metabolism, none acts more rapidly than this; it is currently widely used. Additionally, Huang Dan (Jaundice) and Hu Huo Bing (Fox-like Disease, referring to oral/genital ulcers) are both treated with Zhu Ling San (Polyporus Powder). Zhu Ling (Polyporus), Fu Ling (Poria), and Bai Zhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome) are used in equal parts, pounded into powder. Take one fang cun bi per dose, mixed with water. In Shi Zhou, there is a variety called Ci Zhu Ling (Spiny Polyporus), which grows as a vine. Its roots are collected in spring and summer, peeled, and baked dry. Local people use it externally for sores and toxins with remarkable effect. It is said to have a sweet taste, cool nature, and no toxicity.

Ci Zhu Ling (Spiny Polyporus): Textual description is provided under the entry for Zhu Ling.

Zhu (Bamboo), Dan Zhu (Light Bamboo), Ku Zhu (Bitter Bamboo): The *Shennong Bencao Jing* does not record their specific origins. They are found everywhere. There are many varieties of bamboo, but only these three types are used in medicine, yet most people cannot distinguish them completely. According to the *Zhu Pu* (Record of Bamboo): [Character pronounced 'jin'], this bamboo is hard with dense nodes, round in shape and tough in texture, with bark white as frost. Large stems are suitable for boat-building or punting, while thin ones can be made into flutes. Ku Zhu (Bitter Bamboo) comes in white and purple varieties. Gan Zhu (Sweet Bamboo) resembles Huang Zhu (Huang Bamboo) and is lush; it is also known as Dan Zhu (Light Bamboo). However, nowadays, Gui Zhu (Cassia Bamboo) is mostly used for boat-building. There is another type used for making flutes, which is not named [Character pronounced 'jin']. Ku Zhu (Bitter Bamboo) has two varieties: one originates from Jiangxi and Minzhong, with very thick stems and shoots that are extremely bitter and inedible; the other originates from Jiangsu and Zhejiang, occasionally found nearby, with thick flesh and broad leaves. The shoots have a slight bitterness, commonly called Tian Ku Sun (Sweet-Bitter Shoots), highly prized as food, but rarely recorded for medicinal use. Dan Zhu (Light Bamboo) has thin flesh and powder between the nodes. Southerners use it to produce Zhu Li (Bamboo Sap). Physicians use only this single variety, which largely corresponds to the description in the *Zhu Pu*, with minor differences. Zhu Shi (Bamboo Seeds) are no longer used and are rare.