Library

[Chongwei Zi (Leonuri Fructus)] Grows in ponds and marshes by the sea; it is now found everywhere. According to the *Book of Songs* (*Mao Shi*), it states: "In the valley there is [Chong] (pronounced 'ta hui'). The *Erya* states: 'Huan (pronounced 'jia'), which is [Chong].' Guo Pu commented: "This is Chongwei today. Its leaves resemble Ren (a type of plant), the stem is square, flowers are white, and they grow at the nodes." Lu Ji stated: "Both the *Han Shi* and *San Cang* call it [Chong], which is Yimucao (Motherwort). Therefore, Zengzi felt grateful upon seeing it." Liu Xin also said: "[Chong] has an offensive odor. The offensive odor refers to Chongwei." It is now seen very frequently in gardens and fields, with shape and color exactly as described by Guo Pu. Flowers grow node by node on the seedlings and leaves, the fruit resembles a cockscomb, the seeds are black, and the stem has four distinct ridges. Harvested in May. It is also said to be harvested in September for its fruit, but the fruit is rarely used in medical prescriptions. The method for refining Motherwort for facial care during the reign of Empress Wu of Tang involves harvesting complete roots and seedlings on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, ensuring no soil adheres, drying them, pounding them into powder, and mixing with water until thoroughly blended. Form into pills the size of chicken eggs, dry again, and arrange in a furnace with ventilation holes on all four sides, placing fire above and below. Place the medicine in the center, burn with strong heat for the duration of one meal, then reduce to weak heat to maintain warmth without extinguishing. After one 'Fu' period (approx. two hours), remove it, grind in a porcelain vessel, sieve, grind again, and store for three days, similar to the preparation of bath beans. The *Guangji Fang* treats infants suffering from severe malnutrition dysentery nearing death by boiling and eating Motherwort; consume sufficient quantity until recovery, which is highly effective. Wei Dan treated women who died in utero due to febrile diseases by crushing the herb and its seedlings, cooking them thoroughly, mixing with a small amount of warm water, squeezing out the juice, and administering in one dose, which proved excellent. It also primarily addresses difficult labor; crush to obtain 7 he of juice, decoct to half volume, and administer in one dose, resulting in immediate delivery. If fresh material is unavailable, use a large handful of dried material, decoct with 7 he of water, and administer. Also known as Yuchou Cao (Stinking Grass) or Kudi Cao (Bitter Low Grass). It also treats horse bites by finely chopping the herb, stir-frying with vinegar, and applying externally, which is effective.

[Muxiang (Aucklandiae Radix)] Grows in the valleys of Yongchang; currently, only those arriving via ships in Guangzhou are available, as it is not produced elsewhere. Tao Hongjing stated: "It is Qingmuxiang (Green Aucklandia)." The root tuber is roughly the size of an eggplant, leaves resemble Rumex but are larger and longer, flowers resemble chrysanthemums, and fruits are yellowish-black. There are varieties with leaves resembling sweet potatoes that bear purple flowers. Roots and buds are harvested for medicinal use regardless of the season. Those resembling dry bones are considered superior. In the Jianghuai region, a similar variety exists called Tuqingmuxiang (Local Green Aucklandia), which is unsuitable for medicinal use. Wang Chang of Former Shu once cultivated it in his garden, describing seedlings three to four chi high, leaves eight to nine cun long, wrinkled, soft, hairy, bearing yellow flowers; this is likely a variety of Tumu Xiang (Wood Aucklandia). The *Xu Chuanxin Fang* records Zhang Zhongjing's Qingmuxiang Wan (Green Aucklandia Pill), indicated for various deficiencies due to Yang decline. It uses Kunlun Qingmuxiang and Heqizi Pi (Pericarpium Chebulae) from six routes, twenty liang each, sifted into powder, and mixed with rock sugar. A certain Prince Consort surnamed Zheng (name forgotten) omitted the rock sugar, added twelve liang of Lingyangjiao (Saiga Antelope Horn), formed pills with white honey the size of wu zi (chickpeas), taken thirty pills on an empty stomach with wine, twice daily, yielding rapid effects. However, the prescription does not resemble ancient formulas, yet claims to be from Zhongjing; it is unknown how it was obtained. According to the *Xiuyang Shu* (Books of Cultivation): "On the first day of the first lunar month, take five woods to boil soup for bathing, causing hair and beard to remain black until old age." Xu Kai annotated: "The Daoists refer to Qingmuxiang as Wuxiang (Five Fragrances), also called Wumu (Five Woods). Daoists often use this for bathing, which must be the meaning." Furthermore, ancient prescriptions for the Five Fragrance Decoction for carbuncles and sores also utilize Qingmuxiang. That Qingmuxiang is named Wuxiang is indeed true."