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(Zhiyang records) Mu'er (Wood Ear Mushroom) can resolve heat toxins in the intestines and stomach that cause hemorrhoids.

Mu'er (specifically enters the Large Intestine and Small Intestine). It does not originate from a single type of tree, making it difficult to distinguish whether it grows on dead or living wood. (Zhen Quan stated: Xun'er [mushrooms/fungi] growing on ancient locust trees or mulberry trees are of good quality; those on zhe trees are inferior. Those growing on other trees tend to stir up wind-qi, aggravate chronic diseases, cause abdominal tightness, damage meridians and the back/shoulders, and induce chest stuffiness. Chen Zangqi stated: Mu'er passing through underground has toxicity; those growing on maple trees cause uncontrollable laughter; those changing color after harvesting have toxicity; those glowing at night, or rotting but free of worms, all possess toxicity. These must be detoxified with freshly crushed juice of winter melon vines.) According to recorded texts, it can treat hemorrhoid swelling and metrorrhagia/metrostaxis (uterine bleeding). (Usage: Charcoalize this herb, grind into powder, and take one cun chi [approx. 2-3 cm] dose mixed with wine.) Cold tears flowing from eyes. (Usage: Charcoalize Mu'er until carbonized but retaining nature, combine with one liang of Equisetum ramosissimum [Muzei], grind into powder. Take two qian per dose, decoct with clarified rice wash water for oral administration.) Blood-injected leg sores. (Usage: Take five qian each of Sang'er [Mulberry Fungus], Chu'er [Paper Mulberry Fungus], and Niusi Gu [Cow Dung Mushroom]; mix with three qian of fetal hair ash—male fetus ash for male patients, female fetus ash for female patients; grind into powder, apply with oil or dry application.) Bloody dysentery and hematochezia. (Usage: Stir-fry five qian of Mu'er, grind, and take with wine.) Various toothaches and other symptoms. (Usage: Use equal parts of Schizonepeta [Jingjie], decoct in water, and rinse frequently.) However, its nature is yin-damp, growing on dead wood; it only harms by depleting essence and chilling the kidneys, lacking any function of warming the spleen and benefiting the stomach. The *Shennong Bencao Jing* states it benefits qi, prevents hunger, lightens the body, and strengthens willpower; this is likely mere praise, is it truly so?

(Zhiyang records) Mogu (Agaricus bisporus/Common Mushroom) clears the diaphragm and resolves phlegm.

Mogu (specifically enters the Stomach, Intestines, and Lungs). It originates from various trees such as mulberry and paper mulberry, buried in soil, and grown by irrigating with rice wash water. Its taste is sweet, and its qi is cold. (*Zhengyao* states: Toxic. Li Shizhen states: Non-toxic.) It is white, soft, hollow inside, resembling an unopened Hosta flower. Some resemble sheep's tripe or honeycomb pores, hence another name "Yangdu Cai" (Sheep Tripe Vegetable). Its taste resembles chicken, hence another name "Jimu Gu" (Chicken Leg Mushroom). All these belong to the same category as Xiangxun (Fragrant Mushroom) and other fungi. However, while Xiangxun is white and neutral in nature, Mogu is white and cold in nature. Xiangxun benefits stomach qi, relieves hunger, and treats urinary incontinence; Mogu regulates qi, resolves phlegm, and also benefits the intestines and stomach. Nevertheless, both have moist bodies and stagnant natures; excessive consumption obstructs internal qi and may induce diseases, not just Mogu alone.