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Nanzhu (Cornus officinalis branch/leaf), also known as the Wumi rice tree. It has a bitter taste, a neutral nature, and is non-toxic. It enters the Kidney meridian. It treats all kinds of wind-phlegm, enhances complexion and delays aging, strengthens sinews and bones for robust movement, and with long-term use, makes the body feel light and suppresses hunger. With excessive use, it can turn white hair black. This substance is the king among herbs, specifically benefiting essence and turning hair white; it is especially suitable for the elderly. Although its taste is bitter, it is not cold in nature, and its qi is very neutral and beneficial; it is the fluid that prolongs life and the liquid that extends longevity. People nowadays do not know how to use it, which is truly a pity. In spring, collect about twenty jin (approx. 10 kg) of tender leaves, steam them in a steamer over a rice pot. Even if iron vessels are used, there is no harm. Otherwise, they must be steamed in a clay pot until cooked, dried, and then ground into powder. If the rice pot cannot be used for steaming, steaming them over porridge made from rice is also excellent. Those that are not steamed but dried in the shade are useless. Take approximately one jin of Nanzhu leaf powder, add one jin of Sangye (Mulberry Leaf), two jin of Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), one jin of Shanzhuyu (Cornus Officinalis Fruit), one jin of Baiguo (Ginkgo Seed), three liang (approx. 150 g) of Huajiao (Zanthoxylum Bungeanum), and two jin of Baizhu (Atractylodes Macrocephala Rhizome). Grind into powder, form pills with honey, and take one liang with plain boiled water every morning. Not only does it turn white hair black rapidly, but it also supports yang and nourishes yin, extending lifespan and increasing longevity. My suggestion is to add two liang of Renshen (Ginseng), which would make the effect even more miraculous. For those with Mingmen fire deficiency (Kidney Yang deficiency), adding one jin of Bajitian (Morinda Officinalis Root) is particularly effective.

Nanzhu leaves are indeed good, but Nanzhu fruits are even better. They bear fruit in late autumn, changing from red to purple, with a sweet and sour taste. They enter the Kidney and Liver meridians and are superior to the leaves of Nanzhu. They enrich essence and marrow, relax sinews, improve vision, and with long-term use, extend life. I have another prescription using two jin of Nanzhu fruits. Mash them thoroughly, add four liang of peeled Baiguo (Ginkgo Seeds), and mash together. Add one jin of Shanyao (Dioscorea Opposite-leaf Rhizome) powder, four liang of Fuling (Poria), and half a jin of Qianshi (Euryale Seed), mash together into cakes, bake dry over fire, and grind into powder. Add one jin of Gouqizi (Lycium Barbarum Fruit), one jin of Shudihuang (Prepared Rehmannia Root), one jin of Shanzhuyu (Cornus Officinalis Fruit), one jin of Sangye powder (tender leaves are best), and half a jin of Jushengzi (Sesamum Indicum Seed). Grind all into powder, form pills with honey. Every morning, take five qian (approx. 25 g) delivered with aged wine. Within one month, white hair will turn black, and the complexion will become like that of a child. This formula is neither cold nor hot; it is naturally a sacred method for generating essence. Consistent use will surely bring benefits.

Someone asked: There are many medicines for turning hair white/black, why do you exclusively praise the fruit of Nanzhu? Generally, hair-darkening herbs tend to have bitter and cold properties, which may hinder the Spleen and Stomach. Only Nanzhu has a neutral and harmonious nature, and its fruit is even more sweet and warm. Besides benefiting the Kidney, it can further stimulate appetite and strengthen the Spleen and Stomach. It is truly a divine product for darkening hair and a wonderful medicine for nourishing the face. Shepherds pick and eat it to relieve hunger; is this not clear evidence?

Someone asked: You greatly extol the hair-darkening effects of Nanzhu, yet I have not seen your own verification. I replied: I am commenting on the Bencao (Materia Medica) to elucidate the subtleties of various herbs. The fact that Nanzhu darkens hair has been verified by ancient practitioners who used it; it is not necessary for me, Chen Shiduo, to personally verify it. People in Jiangnan often collect it to cook rice, turning white rice black, hence the common name "Wumi Rice" (Black Rice). Is this not a well-founded discussion?