Library

Shepherd's Purse (Qi), its place of origin was not recorded in ancient texts; today it grows in Sichuan, Shu, Jiangsu, and Zhejiang. It sprouts in spring; the seedlings and stems resemble those of *Ren Shen* (Ginseng), but the leaves are slightly different. The root resembles that of *Jie Geng* (Platycodon Root), except for the absence of a pith. It is particularly abundant in Runzhou. People collect it as a vegetable or fruit, or make it into dried jerky for consumption; it tastes very sweet and delicious. The roots are harvested in February and August and sun-dried. In ancient prescriptions to resolve the toxicity of Five Minerals (Wushi Du - toxicity from ingesting mineral pills), it was common to consume fresh Shepherd's Purse juice directly, which is effective. Another text, *Duan Ju Fang*, treats Gu poison (Gu syndrome - a difficult disease caused by insect toxins) by taking Shepherd's Purse root, grinding it into powder, and administering one cun bi (a measure of volume) with drink, resulting in immediate recovery.

Galangal (Gaoliangjiang), its place of origin was not recorded in ancient texts. Tao Hongjing stated: It originates from Gaoliang Commandery; today it grows in various prefectures of Lingnan as well as in Qian and Shu. Although found in inland commanderies, it is unsuitable for medicinal use. It sprouts in spring; the stems and leaves resemble ginger shoots but are larger, growing about one to two chi tall. The flowers are red-purple, resembling *Shan Jiang* (Mountain Ginger). The roots are harvested in February and March and sun-dried. Ancient prescriptions also use it singly to treat sudden discomfort in the heart accompanied by spitting clear saliva. Take a piece of root the size of a die, hold it in the mouth, swallow the saliva, and recover shortly after. If there is bad breath, hold it in the mouth and swallow; adding *Cao Dou Kou* (Cardamom Seed) ground together into powder and decocted for regular drinking is better.

Centella Asiatica (Jixuecao), grows in the rivers and valleys of Jingzhou; today it grows everywhere. The leaves are round, the size of a coin; the stems are thin, tough, and creeping, growing beside streams and ravines. People in Jingchu call it Diqian Cao (Earth Coin Grass) because the leaves resemble coins. Xu Yi's *Yao Tu* calls it Lianqian Cao (Linked Coin Grass). Duan Chengshi's *Youyang Zazu* states: Diqian has round leaves and thin stems with vines; it is also known as Jixuecao or Lianqian Cao. According to *Tianbao Danxing Fang*: Lianqian Cao tastes sweet and neutral, non-toxic. It originally grew in low, wet areas of Xianyang, and also in the ponds and marshes of Linzi Commandery and Jiyang Commandery, with a strong fragrance. Some say its round leaves resemble *Bohe* (Mint); it is extremely abundant in Jiangdong, Wuyue, and Danyang Commandery, where locals often eat it raw as a vegetable. In Liucheng Commandery, Hebei, it is entirely called Haisu (Sea Basil); it likes growing near water, survives winter, and is also found in the capitals of Xianyang and Luoyang. It is sometimes called Hu Bohe (Barbarian Mint) and exists in various places. Taken alone, it treats lower abdominal pain in women. Furthermore: When a woman suddenly suffers lower abdominal pain, just as menstruation begins, she feels severe pain in the waist radiating to the spine, as if pierced by knives or awls, unbearable. Many physicians cannot distinguish it, mistaking it for Gui Zhu (Ghost Possession/Infection), and blindly administer various medicines, yielding no benefit and worsening the condition. Upon careful examination confirming these symptoms, use this herb. Harvest the herb when it is in full bloom in May, sun-dry, grind, and sieve into a powder. For women suffering from the aforementioned condition, take two cun bi of the powder, mix with two small he of good vinegar, stir evenly, and ingest at once on an empty stomach in the morning. Take once daily until efficacy is observed. If the woman has a pre-existing cold constitution, take five liang of the aforementioned herb, add two hundred peach kernels (Tao Ren), remove the tips and skins, roast, and grind into a powder. Form into pills the size of wutong seeds using honey. Take thirty pills on an empty stomach with drink and wine, twice daily. Stop when the disease is cured. Avoid consuming hemp seeds and buckwheat.