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Shan Huangjing (Celtis sinensis) Supplementary Notes

Also known as Zhuwo Cao (Pig-Lying Grass), Diwuzhao, Zhuzi Cao, Wushi Cao, Wushe Cao (Black Snake Grass), and Qixianqin. It is also called Qiye Huangjing Teng (Seven-Leaf Celtis Vine), growing in the shady places at the foot of earthen walls. The leaves are pointed and elongated, arranged oppositely in three or four rows to form a leaflet. The stem has ridges with a concave groove, interspersed with purple hues. After the White Dew solar term, new shoots emerge, reaching a height of three to five chi. It bears clusters of small white flowers and produces fine seeds. After frost, the fruits turn red like fine coral beads. The roots are long and white, used for medicinal purposes. *Baicao Jing* records: There is a woody variety of this plant named "Qianqian Huo". It treats contusions, traumatic injuries, and carbuncles.

The taste is sweet; ingesting it raw can induce vomiting.

It treats traumatic injuries caused by overexertion, fish-mouth sores (perianal abscesses), and lacquer poisoning. Decoct in water for washing.

For treating Biandu (inguinal buboes): Crush to extract juice, mix with one piece of soap (processed to retain its properties), take with wine, and apply the dregs to the affected area with a compress.

For treating contusions, traumatic injuries, and pain from sprains or qi stagnation due to physical strain. *Jiting* records: This is a secret recipe. Use Wushe Cao (Black Snake Grass), dry it, powder it, and take with sugar and wine. For severe cases, add [Name missing in text]. Its aliases include Wushe Cao (Black Snake Grass), Wulong Cao (Black Dragon Grass), Zhuwo Cao (Pig-Lying Grass), and Qiye Huangjin (Seven-Leaf Yellow Gold). This is because its leaves grow seven per branch, or sometimes five, with large ones having nine leaves. Its root is named Qianqiuteng (Thousand-Autumn Vine). In the ninth and tenth lunar months, red berries form at the top; dried and swallowed, it can treat hernia.

Wang Lianshi Herbal Prescription: Qiye Huangjing (Seven-Leaf Celtis), commonly called Qianqian Huo, also known as Fanggunxing and Shanhupei, is distinct from Wushe Cao (Black Snake Grass). It promotes blood circulation and eliminates toxicity.

*Yuhuan Zhi* records: The leaves resemble maple leaves but have branches; it bears black berries similar to peppercorns but sharper at the tip. These can be ground into powder and boiled for food. There is also Shuijing (Water Celtis), which resembles Chenopodium, bearing black berries that are inedible. Its branches can be grafted onto pear trees. The mountain variety (Shanjing) is used medicinally. It aids digestion and directs rebellious qi downward.

Tuiguan Formula: Take the fruits formed on Huangjing twigs, roast until dry, and powder them. Take five qian per dose, mixed with brown sugar, and swallow with aged rice wine on an empty stomach. It specifically treats fistulas resulting from hemorrhoids and leakage.

Bleeding from the Nine Orifices: *Jiusheng Kuhai* records: There are two types of Huangjing; the red one is called Ku (Bitter), and the green one is called Jing. The pith of its wood is square, and its branches grow oppositely. Each branch has five or seven leaves, resembling elm leaves—long, pointed, and serrated. In the fifth lunar month, it blooms with reddish-purple flowers in spikes. The seeds are the size of coriander seeds, wrapped in a white membranous skin. Crush the leaves to extract juice, mix with wine, and take two he. Bleeding stops immediately.

Bone-steaming consumption fever: *Yangsuyuan Yanfang* records: Use Liuyuexue (Snow in June), Huangjingzi (Celtis Seeds), [Herb name missing], Heshouwu (Polygonum multiflorum), Danggui (Angelica sinensis), Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong), Shudi (Prepared Rehmannia Root), Baifuling (Poria with Hostwood). Add two zhong of water and three slices of ginger. Decoct until eight fen remains, then take. If phlegm is present, add Banxia (Pinellia Tuber).

Lacquer Poisoning: Yao Xizhou's Empirical Formula: Whether fresh or dried, take a handful of Wushe Cao (Black Snake Grass), decoct in water, and wash once for immediate healing.

Typhoid fever accompanied by hiccups: *Huichun* records: Use any amount of Huangjingzi (Celtis Seeds), stir-fry, decoct in water, and take. Hiccups stop immediately.

Flogging wounds developing carbuncles/nails: Roast Huangjingzi (Celtis Seeds) until dry, powder them, and apply to the wound. The lesion will open/discharge without the need for surgical scraping.

Liver and stomach pain: Zhou Shanshan's Formula: Powder Huangjingzi (Celtis Seeds), mix with flour to make dough balls, and eat. One or two doses can cure it permanently.

Foot rot/gangrene: Shi Family Formula: Crush fresh young buds and leaves of Huangjing, apply as a poultice to the affected area for immediate healing.