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**Anemarrhenae Rhizoma (Zhimu, 知母)**
Anemarrhenae Rhizoma grows in the river valleys of Henei. Currently, it is also found in various counties along the river, as well as in Jiezhou and Chuzhou. The rhizome is yellowish in color, resembling Acorus tatarinowii Rhizoma (Changpu, 菖蒲) but with a soft and moist texture; its leaves are extremely difficult to kill—after excavation, they sprout anew until they dry out. In April, it produces blue flowers resembling Allium tuberosum Flowers (Jiucai Hua, 韭菜花); in August, it bears fruit. The roots are harvested in February and August and dried in the sun for use. *Erya* refers to it as "Tunánqiè" (徒南切), and also as "Zhílínqiè" (直林切). *Zhouhou Fang* uses this single herb to treat "stream poison" (Xidu, 溪毒) with great efficacy. The method involves crushing the whole plant, including roots and leaves, into a powder for oral administration. Alternatively, it can be crushed in water, squeezed to extract juice, and one to two sheng consumed. During summer travels, people often carry this powdered form with them. When intending to enter water, taking a small amount and throwing it upstream renders one fearless. It also repels the "shegong" (a mythical venomous creature). It can also be used to make a decoction for bathing, which is very effective.

**Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus (Beimu, 贝母)**
Beimu grows in the region of Jin. Currently, it is found in Hezhong Prefecture, Jiangling Prefecture, Yngzhou, Shouzhou, Suizhou, Zhengzhou, Caizhou, Runzhou, and Chuzhou. The bulb consists of distinct scales, yellowish-white in color, resembling clustered shells, hence the name Beimu. Seedlings emerge in February; the stem is slender and green. The leaves are also green, resembling Fagopyrum esculentum Leaves (Qiaomai Ye, 荞麦叶), emerging with the stem. It flowers in July with dark green blossoms shaped like Calystegia hederacea Flowers (Guzi Hua, 鼓子花). The roots are harvested in August and dried. Another account states that harvesting when garlic ripens in April is superior. There are several varieties. The *Classic of Poetry* mentions: "Gathering its [herb]." Lu Ji's commentary clarifies: This is Beimu. Its leaves resemble Trichosanthes Kirilowii Root (Gualou, 栝蒌) but are smaller. The bulbs grow beneath the root, resembling taro, pure white, connected in four directions, with a tendency to separate. Current local produce closely resembles this description. Guo Pu's annotation of *Erya* states: White flowers with leaves resembling Allium tuberosum; this variety is rarely seen today. This herb also treats malignant sores. *Records of Tang People* recounts: A merchant in Jiangzuo once had a sore on his left upper arm that resembled a human face, causing no other discomfort. The merchant jokingly dripped wine into the "mouth" of the sore, and the face turned red. Feeding it food allowed it to eat; excessive consumption caused swelling in the arm flesh. If not fed, the entire arm became numb. A skilled physician advised him to test various herbs, minerals, and plants, all of which caused no adverse reactions. Upon administering Fritillariae Thunbergii Bulbus, the sore furrowed its brows and closed its mouth. The merchant rejoiced, saying, "This herb can cure it." He then used a small reed tube to pry open the mouth and administer the drug. After several days, a scab formed, and it healed, though the nature of the disease remained unknown. According to the *Shennong Bencao Jing*, this herb primarily treats metallic wounds (Jinchuang, 金疮). Could this be a type of metallic wound?