Library

Lilü (Veratrum nigrum), grows in the valleys of Mount Tai. It is now found in various prefectures of Shaanxi and Shan-nan East/West circuits. Seedlings emerge in March; leaves are green, resembling the emerging heart of a palm or Plantago asiatica (Cheqiancao); stems resemble scallion whites, are blue-purple, 5-6 cun high, covered with black skin like palm bark; flowers are fleshy red; roots resemble horse intestine roots, about 4-5 cun long, yellowish-white; roots are harvested in February-March and dried in shade. There are two types: one is Shuililu (Water Lilü), with similar stems and leaves, but grows on rocks near streams; its roots have over a hundred fibrils and are not suitable for medicinal use. The current variety used is called Congbaililu (Scallion White Lilü), having few root fibrils (only 20-30), with those from high mountains being superior; it is also locally known as Luchong in Junzhou. This herb induces strong vomiting to expel wind-phlegm from the upper jiao, treats hidden wind epilepsy and pediatric convulsions. A dose of one character measured with a coin spatula causes severe emesis. It can also be used nasally to induce sneezing. Ancient materia medica texts claim it treats retching, though efficacy is unclear. Note that Xuancao (Daylily) is also called Luchong, but belongs to a completely different category with distinct therapeutic actions.

Wutou (Aconitum carmichaelii lateral root prepared), Wuwei (Aconitum carmichaelii lateral root bud), grow in the valleys of Langling. Tianxiong (Aconitum carmichaelii lateral root dried whole), grows in the valleys of Mount Shaoshi. Fuzi (Aconitum carmichaelii lateral root prepared), Cizi (Aconitum carmichaelii lateral root bud), grow in the valleys of Jianwei and Guanghan; currently all originate from Shu region. These four varieties come from the same plant source, with seeds produced in Longzhou. Cultivation method: Before Winter Solstice, plow fertile dry land 5-7 times, apply pig manure as fertilizer, then sow seeds. Weeding and hilling are performed monthly until maturity in August of the following year. Seedlings reach 3-4 chi in height; stems are quadrangular; leaves resemble Artemisia argyi (Aiye); flowers are purple-blue and spike-like; fruits are small, purple-black, resembling mulberries. Originally only Fuzi was cultivated; upon maturity, these four forms appear. They are processed together after harvest. Processing method: In June, prepare Daqu and Xiaomaiqu (large and wheat yeast starters). Half a month before harvest, cook barley into porridge, then use the previously prepared qu to make vinegar. Filter off dregs when fermentation is complete. Vinegar should not be too sour; dilute with water if necessary. Soak harvested Fuzi (after removing rootlets) in clean earthenware jars for seven days, stirring daily. Remove, spread on fine sieves to allow growth of white mycelium ("white clothes"). Dry in gentle sun for 100+ days until thoroughly dry. Intense sun exposure causes wrinkling and separation of skin from flesh. Those 2-3 cun long are Tianxiong. Side buds cut from Fuzi are Cizi; the smallest Fuzi are also called Cizi. The original planted tuber is Wutou. Others are classified as Fuzi based on size. Octagonal ones are superior grade. For medicinal use, they must be processed (pao) until cracked, skin and umbilicus removed. Zhangming County in Mianzhou cultivates them extensively; those from Chishui are best. Harvest timing differs from Benjing due to modern cultivation practices. Indigenous varieties differ significantly and are rarely used now. According to Benjing, winter harvest yields Fuzi, spring harvest yields Wutou. Guangya states: Xidu is Fuzi. One-year-old plants yield Cizi, two-year-old yield Wuwei, three-year-old yield Fuzi, four-year-old yield Wutou, five-year-old yield Tianxiong. Modern cultivation yields all five in one year, likely due to intensified labor and methods. However, potency is generally considered higher in older specimens. Cui Shi treats cold hernia with pain radiating from heart/abdomen to hypochondrium, resistant to other herbs, using Honey-fried Wutou. Five large Wutou, de-horned and peeled, cut into quarters, fried in 1 jin white honey until moist, dried, powdered, and formed into pills with mature honey. Take 20 pills (size of wutong seeds) with cold salt water for permanent cure. Alternative method: Dissolve honey-fried Wutou juice in 5 he Gui Zhi Tang. If no effect after 3 he, increase by 5 he. Effect is indicated by a drunken sensation, signifying the medicine has reached the disease site. Xu Chuanchuan Fang treats Yin-Du Shanghan (Yin-toxin Cold Damage) with restlessness and coma. Emergency treatment: Use one large Fuzi (~half liang), split into four pieces; one large piece of ginger (approx. middle finger length), split into three pieces; a pinch of glutinous rice. Decoct in 1 sheng water to obtain 6 he. Strain, warm to body temperature, administer at once, cover with thick clothing. Sweating may or may not occur. Once spirit settles, administer Shuijie San or Taibai Tongguan San. Prohibit cold water intake. If thirsty, decoct the dregs again for drinking. This method is widely effective today, hence recorded in detail.