Library

Remove the woody core, soak in wine, and bake for use. *Penzi* (a plant) serves as a guiding herb; it is incompatible with *Leiyuan* (*Polyporus umbellatus*) and *Danshen* (*Salvia miltiorrhiza*).
Acrid, sweet, slightly warm, non-toxic. Enters the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It treats all kinds of wind disorders and tonifies the five types of chronic exhaustion. It strengthens the sinews and bones and alleviates impotence; eliminates hernia and stops seminal emission.
It grows in the valleys of Shuchuan and Xiapi. Harvested in the second and eighth lunar months. Currently, it is also found in Jianping, Yidu, Jianghuai, and Hedong, but those from Shuchuan are considered superior.
Practitioners nowadays often consider the purple ones to be the best. People from Shuchuan say: "There are actually no naturally purple specimens. During harvesting, some boil them with black soybeans to dye them purple, which severely alters their aroma and flavor; this must be carefully distinguished." There is another root called "Shangen," which resembles Bajitian in shape but is white in color. Locals harvest it, boil it in vinegar, and pass it off as Bajitian, making it indistinguishable. However, if broken open, the fake one has a purple center that is bright and clean; the genuine one, although having a purple hue, shows slight whiteness within, its powder contains pinkish tones, and its texture appears slightly duller.

Wash with wine to remove saltiness, steam, and sun-dry for use. *Caorongrong* (Grass Cistanche) has similar efficacy but is inferior.
Sweet, sour, salty, slightly warm. It is a herb for the Foot-Shaoyin Kidney Meridian. It strengthens and benefits the essence and marrow, moistens and nourishes the zang-fu organs. It treats male impotence, female post-menopausal yin deficiency, cold pain in the waist and knees; it cures metrorrhagia, leukorrhea, and nocturnal emission. It most effectively lubricates the large intestine. It is suitable for those with constipation.
It grows in the valleys of Hexi and Yanmen of Dai Commandery. Harvested in spring. One theory states it is generated from the semen of wild horses; another claims it has its own species. Nowadays, people often forge it by salting *Jinliangen* (Golden Lotus Root) in basins, or substitute it with *Caorongrong*. Users should examine it carefully. Recently, tender pine tips have been moistened with salt to imitate it, looking very similar. Essentially, *Roucongrong* (Cistanche) is a rare item.
For fatigue injuries leading to essence depletion and dark complexion: grind into powder, cook with mutton and five spices, and eat. (Verified Formula 1.)
For elderly or deficient individuals with constipation and sweating: take together with *Maren Wan* (Hemp Seed Pill). (Formula 2.)
For Zhongxiao (Middle Xiao/Intermediate Diabetes) characterized by excessive hunger: take together with *Shanzhuyu* (Cornus officinalis) and *Wuweizi* (Schisandra) pills. (Formula 3.)

Wash with wine for use. Its efficacy is similar to *Rouconrongs* but surpasses it in potency.
Sweet, warm, non-toxic. Moistens dryness, nourishes sinews, treats flaccidity and weakness, and benefits essence and qi. Its function is the same as *Roucongrong*. Contraindicated in cases of loose stools.
It originates from Suzhou. It is said to be generated from the semen of wild horses and dragons. When emerging, it resembles a bamboo shoot, broad at the top and narrow at the bottom, with scales arranged like roof tiles and tendons connected, resembling the male genital organ.
Promiscuous women in the countryside copulate with it; upon receiving yin energy, it grows vigorously. Another view holds that it is a self-reproducing species.