Library

Sweet, warm, non-toxic. Treats various diseases in children; cures all five types of *Gan* (pediatric disorders caused by parasitic infection or malnutrition). Resolves turbid urine and treats diarrhea and dysentery. Most effective at killing various parasites, while also benefiting the spleen and stomach.

Originally from Hainan and Jiaozhi. Now, it is sparsely cultivated in Shaowu, Fujian, and Meizhou, Sichuan. Its vines resemble those of kudzu (*Puerariae Lobatae Radix*), climbing trees. The leaves are green, resembling those of *Acanthopanacis Senticosi Radix*. Flowers bloom in May, in clusters of ten to twenty, red and light like crabapple blossoms. The fruit is about one inch long, composed of five lobes with ridges.

For abdominal parasitic infections, on the first ten days of each lunar month, eat several kernels of *Quisqualis Fructus* (Chinese Honeysuckle Fruit) on an empty stomach in the early morning. Alternatively, decoct the shells for soup administration, or consume seven raw and seven roasted. (Verified Formula 1.)

For pediatric *Pi* masses (abdominal lumps), characterized by a distended abdomen and emaciated muscles, administer together with *Mubiezi Wan* (Strychnos Pill), sized like three beans. Make a hole in one chicken egg, insert the pill inside, steam until cooked, and eat. (Formula 2.)

For toothache caused by worms, decoct and use as a mouthwash. (Formula 3.)

Remove the oil before use.

Bitter, slightly cold, slightly toxic. Treats sores, carbuncles, hemorrhoids, tumors, and scrofula (tuberculous lymphadenitis); treats *Gan* accumulation, *Pi* masses, diarrhea, and dysentery.

Grows in Langzhou and southern regions. Fruits are harvested in July and August. Now found in Hunan, Hubei, Hangzhou, Yuezhou, Quanzhou, and Yuezhou. It grows as a vine. Leaves have five lobes, resembling *Dioscoreae Rhizoma* (Yam) leaves, green and glossy. Yellow flowers appear in April. Fruits form in June, larger than *Trichosanthis Fructus* (Snakegourd Fruit), green when raw, turning reddish-yellow when ripe. Each fruit contains thirty to forty seeds, flat and shaped like a turtle.

Fan Mubiezi (Strychnos Nux-vomica).

Bitter, cold, non-toxic. Treats sore throat and bi-syndrome (obstruction/pain); dissipates hard *Pi* masses.

Grows in Huiguo (foreign lands); now also found in Qiongzhou and other western regions. Grows as a creeping vine, flowering in summer. Fruits form in July and August, resembling *Trichosanthis Fructus*, green when raw and red when ripe. Similar to *Mubiezi* but with smaller, white seeds. Locals claim it can treat one hundred and twenty types of diseases, each with specific decoction guides. Some say processing with tofu improves its efficacy. To induce abortion, pound into a paste and insert vaginally. (Verified Formula 1.)

Remove the membranous seed coat, take the kernel, and roast before use. Contraindicated in cases of lung deficiency-cold.

Bitter, cold, non-toxic. Enters the Hand-Taiyin Lung Meridian. Clears lung heat and directs qi downward; stops phlegm cough and calms wheezing. Treats bloody hemorrhoids and ulcerative diseases, as well as edema and heart pain.

Grows in mountain forests and jungles; fruits are harvested in July and August. Found in Guanzhong, Hedong, Hebei, Jianghuai, Kuizhou, and Zhejiang. Grows as a vine twining around trees.

Leaves resemble *Dioscoreae Rhizoma* leaves but are thicker, larger, and whitish underneath. Yellow-purple flowers bloom in June, resembling *Lycii Cortex* (Goji Bark) foliage. Fruits form in July, resembling large dates or bells, divided into four or five lobes.

For abdominal edema and distension with urgent wheezing, decoct in water and take orally. (Verified Formula 1.)

For urgent wheezing, decoct together with *Zhi Gancao* (Honey-fried Licorice Root). (Formula 2.)

For all types of heart pain, burn over a lamp until powdered, and take with wine for immediate relief. (Formula 3.)

For painful and swollen hemorrhoids, burn in a jar and fumigate the affected area with the smoke. (Formula 4.)