Library

Weirui (Ophiopogonis Radix), grows in the valleys and hills of Mount Tai. Currently, it is also found in Chuzhou, Shuzhou, and Hanzhong. The leaves are narrow and long, white on the underside and green on the upper side, resembling Huangjing (Rhizoma Polygonati). The stems are strong and straight, similar to bamboo arrows, with nodes; the roots are yellow with many fibrous roots, as thick as a finger, one or two chi in length, and some say they are edible. In March, it opens blue flowers and bears round fruits. The roots are harvested after the Beginning of Spring and dried in the shade for use. *Shennong Bencao Jing* lists Nuwei and Weirui in the same entry, stating that it is one substance with two names, while others claim they are two different substances with entirely different seedling vines and functions. *Erya* states: "It is called Ying, i.e., Weiwei." (The character 'Shang' is pronounced 'yu wei', and 'Xia' is pronounced 'ren chui'). Guo Pu's annotation says: "It is a medicinal herb." There is no alternative name for Nuwei here, leading to suspicion that it might be a different substance. Moreover, in the Middle Category of *Shennong Bencao Jing*, there is another separate entry for Nuwei. Su Gong claims: "It is this Nuwei." In current editions of *Shennong Bencao Jing*, the efficacy of Nuwei is written in vermilion ink, while the efficacy of Weirui is written in black ink. Observing the usage in ancient prescription books, there seems to be a difference. Hu Qia used Nuwei Wan to treat seasonal febrile diseases, severe diarrhea, and dysentery. Nuwei was used in Chengjie Wan to treat cold diarrhea caused by typhoid fever. In the prescription for Xu Lao Xiao Huang Jiu, it is stated: "Add Nuwei for dysentery." A detailed examination of these prescriptions suggests the use of the Middle Category Nuwei, likely because its nature is warm and it primarily treats cholera-like diarrhea and dysentery. It also treats numbness and paralysis of hands and feet caused by thief-wind, and spasticity of the four limbs; Nuwei is used in Yinyu Jiu. Additionally, Nuwei Gao from *Gujin Luyian* treats skin ulcers and peeling; this resembles the Nuwei written in vermilion, likely because it treats inability to move due to wind-stroke and improves complexion. Conversely, Xuming Biejia Tang for treating typhoid fever unresolved after seven or eight days, and Biejia Tang for treating weak legs, both use Weirui. Furthermore, Yan Nian Fang uses Weirui Yin to treat neck stiffness and pain due to wind-heat, and irritability and heat in the bones and muscles of the four limbs; it also uses Weirui Wan to treat sudden onset of heat due to deficient wind, specifically head heat. This resembles the Weirui written in black ink, likely because it treats deficient heat, damp-toxin, and lower back pain. Since the therapeutic indications for these three differ, it is clear they are not the same substance. However, Chen Cangqi believed they were not two different substances at all, which is incorrect. This Nuwei has a neutral nature and sweet taste. The Nuwei in the Middle Category has a pungent taste and warm nature. Given their distinct natures and tastes, how can they be considered the same substance? It is also said that Weirui is alternatively named Dijie, which closely resembles Pianjing, suspected to be Qingnian. The Qiyе Qingnian San taken by Hua Tuo refers to this. However, no one in the world can distinguish them anymore, so I dare not assert this as absolute truth.