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Feilian (Cirsium japonicum), see the entry under "Lulu" (Euphorbia fischeriana).

Qian Gen (Rubia cordifolia root), also written as "Zhe", grows in Qiao Mountain, river valleys, and mountainous areas; it is now commonly found in nearby regions. It is a plant used for dyeing crimson red. Xu Shen in *Shuowen Jiezi* (Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters) believed it was generated from human blood. Its leaves resemble those of the jujube tree but are pointed at the tip and broader at the base, with three to five pairs of opposite leaves growing at the nodes. The stems creep over other plants and trees, and the roots are purple-colored. Lu Ji in *Caomu Shu* (Treatise on Plants and Trees) stated: "Ru, Mao, is a type of grass." People in Qi call it Qian, while people in Xuzhou call it Niman. The roots are harvested in the second and third lunar months and sun-dried. Nowadays, some gardeners cultivate it in raised beds. Thus, the *Huozhi Zhuan* (Biographies of Money-makers) states: "Possessing a thousand stones of Qian is comparable to having a state of a thousand chariots." This refers to the richness of the land's fertility. In medicine, Qian Gen is particularly effective in treating Gu poison (parasitic disease caused by toxins). In the *Rites of Zhou* (Zhou Li), the official Shushi was responsible for eliminating Gu poison by attacking it with Jia Cao (beneficial herbs). Gan Bao interpreted Jia Cao as He. Chen Cangqi believed that He and Qian are the best herbs for treating Gu poison.

Wuweizi (Schisandra chinensis fruit), grows in the valleys of Qi Mountain and Dai Commandery. It is now especially abundant in Hedong and various prefectures in Shaanxi, and also found in Hangzhou and Yuezhou. In early spring, shoots emerge, sending out red vines that climb high trees, reaching lengths of six or seven chi. The leaves are pointed and round, resembling apricot leaves. Yellowish-white flowers bloom in the third and fourth lunar months, resembling small lotus flowers. Fruits mature in the seventh lunar month, about the size of a pea, initially green and turning reddish-purple when ripe. The *Erya* states: "[Character], [Character]." The commentary notes: This is Wuweizi. It is a climbing plant, with fruits clustered at the stem tips. The sub-commentary states: Also known as [Name 1], also known as [Name 2]. There are several varieties currently, which are generally similar, but those with a sweet taste are considered superior. Harvested in the eighth lunar month and dried in the shade. Another view holds that small grains with wrinkled, blistered skin, covered with a layer of white salt-like frost, possess all five flavors—sour, salty, bitter, pungent, and sweet—and those with complete flavors are authentic. The *Qianjin Yifang* (Essential Prescriptions Worth a Thousand Gold) *Yueling* (Monthly Ordinances) chapter states: In the fifth month, it is advisable to consume Wuwei Tang (Five-Flavor Decoction). Take one da he of Wuweizi, grind it finely using a wooden mortar and pestle. Place it in a small porcelain jar, pour boiling water into it, add a little honey, seal the lid tightly, and leave it near a fire for a long time. Once the decoction is ready, it can be drunk.