Library

Qichuanyuan's *Xiyu Wenjian Lu* (Records of Observations in the Western Regions) states: Palapin is a root. It resembles Sanqi (Panax notoginseng) completely in appearance, but its color is blue or black. It originates from Wendusidan, where Hui people often go to harvest it and sell it at high prices in Hui cities. It is said to be capable of treating diseases, but people from the Central Plains do not understand it and dare not try taking it.

It treats all kinds of chronic cold-deficiency diseases; upon ingestion, relief is immediate.

Li Bingwen, Assistant Prefect of Shaoxing, narrated: Those who have long resided as guests on the western frontier say that Balikun produces a medicinal herb called Yizhihao (One-branch Mugwort). It grows in deep mountains, has no branches or leaves, and only one shoot emerges from the soil, with an odor similar to Artemisia (Mugwort). In April, horse-tending soldiers drive horses into the mountains, collect this grass, bring it back, decoct it into a paste to sell to distant travelers, and some even transport it to Lanzhou for sale.

It invigorates blood, resolves toxicity, removes various accumulations, and treats chronic cold-deficiency ailments, while dispelling wind and addressing deficiency-cold.

Shi Zhenduo's *Bencao Bu* (Supplement to Materia Medica) records: The Xiangcao (Fragrant Herb) produced in the West grows abundantly in mountains and fields. The plant is about one chi tall, with twisted and gnarled stems and branches that remain evergreen through winter. Its flowers are small, purple-white in color, and when fruiting, contain tiny black seeds inside. It can be propagated by cuttings in spring, dislikes fertile soil but prefers cleanliness. In summer, small insects appear due to fly eggs, manifesting as white spots and silk-like webs, which should be removed. When touched by sleeves, it emits a fragrant aroma and can be sewn into pendants for wearing. Storing its flowers in clothing chests repels various insects. Burning its branches and leaves wards off plagues and mountain miasmas, eliminating dampness and foul odors in houses.

Its primary indication is resolving depression: For those feeling sorrowful or depressed, wrapping the herb in cloth and placing it beside the left hypochondrium can relieve chest and diaphragm stagnation.

To remove fleas, lice, and bedbugs: Dry the branches and leaves, grind them into powder, wrap in cloth, and apply to the skin; a sufficient quantity is necessary for efficacy.

For discomfort caused by wind-cold invasion: Decoct the branches and leaves for bathing; sleeping briefly after the bath leads to recovery.

For loss of taste/appetite: Decoct the leaves in wine, drink on an empty stomach, and consume with staple foods to moisten and satisfy the tongue base.

For black spots on the face: Decoct the leaves strongly in water or wine, and apply to the face every morning to fade spots and nourish the complexion.

For toothache and loose teeth: Decoct the leaves in vinegar, and use the hot liquid to rinse and wipe the teeth. It also treats halitosis caused by excessive stomach fire, and head conditions such as fengfei (wind-induced skin eruptions) emitting foul odors. This relates to the "Jishe Nao" (Memory House/Brain); since the brain is not solid, decocting the leaves in water and taking it with vinegar not only cures external head ailments but also benefits internal brain functions, as human memory resides in the brain.

Zhao Xuemin notes: The above descriptions are derived from Shi's *Bencao* from the Western Regions. Verifying their shape and function, they seem close to what is currently known as Naihaiercao (Baby Milk Child Grass). However, the correct name for Naihaiercao is Naihancacao. It withers upon seeing frost and is not evergreen. Sown in spring, its perennial roots do not sprout, and it rarely has branches one chi tall and twisted. Perhaps the warm and fertile soil in the West allows plants like eggplants in Guangdong to survive winter as trees, or it may be a different woody species. I preserve this theory for future verification.